In an exclusive tête-à-tête, Carmen Chow gets up close and personal with the down-to-earth Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir about what’s on her mind – and why retirement is not on it.
I first met Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir about a year ago at Her World 's 55th Anniversary Gala. She was one of the five women presented with our annual Her World Women Award for contributions to society. It was a glamorous night of celebration with chandeliers, crystal ornaments and the iridescent chatter of guests.
Today, a year later, I’m sitting in Marina’s meeting room at her office. A complete opposite of the glitzy ballroom where we first met, it’s a simple space – just a long timber table in the centre and two colourful paintings hanging on the white walls. Just outside it, magazine covers, artwork and black-and-white photographs of her with friends and the people she’s worked with line the wall, offering visitors a peek into the life of this extraordinary woman. “It’s Azliza Ayob,” a voice says behind me as I take a closer look at the intricate details on one of the paintings titled Battling Demons. I turn around and a fresh-faced Marina greets me. “Both are from Azliza Ayob, actually. I collect Malaysian women artists as much as possible because a lot of them need the support. Although, occasionally, I will get a guy’s piece if I really like it,” she quips. Her voice is soft, but there is a certain calmness in it that draws you in.
This story is from the August 2016 edition of Her World Malaysia.
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This story is from the August 2016 edition of Her World Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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