84 at The Top
THIS IS A STORY OF THAT CLIMB AND A MAN WHO NEVER GIVES UP!
Tan Sri Azman Hashim
Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain between Myanmar and Papua New Guinea stands majestically at 4,095 meters or 13,435 feet and it rises high above all other mountains in the vicinity. Many, even young climbers who climbed this great mountain swore that they will not do it a second time.
Tan Sri Azman Hashim climbed Mt Kinabalu for the first time in 2010 at the ripe old age of 71. Who could have thought that he would go on to do it a second time 13 years later at the amazing age of 84 and still successfully reached the summit of this great massif. His is a story of guts, bravado, determination and unbridled commitment. Even at 84, he never contemplated failure and unwavering focus on success made it a reality.
Overview
The book '84 at The Top'
The book ’84 at The Top’ recounts the extraordinary journey of Tan Sri Azman Hashim, embarking on his second ascent of Mt. Kinabalu at the age of 84. Penned by Ong Hock Siew, it narrates the compelling story of two individuals refusing to yield to age constraints. It vividly portrays Tan Sri’s remarkable determination during his second climb and Ong Hock Siew’s impressive 70th ascent. Noteworthy is Tan Sri’s initial triumph over Mt. Kinabalu at the age of 71, thirteen years earlier, under Hock Siew’s leadership alongside 46 other climbers. This inspiring account captures their unwavering resolve, camaraderie, and enduring pursuit of adventure, showcasing their exceptional accomplishment against formidable odds.
Thoughts from
Tan Sri Azman Hashim
Why Risk So Much to Climb at 84?
People always ask me the same question when they find out that I am climbing Mt Kinabalu again “Why are you doing it only now at the age of 84?”
Of course I know these friends are all well-meaning. I am the adventurous and entrepreneur type for example I like speed which I have done on sports cars, jet skis, power boats and I also do scuba diving and horse riding. I guess these type of risks including climbing Mount Kinabalu is already part of my life.
I did my first climb 13 years ago when I was 71 years old and that time I told myself I will try to do a repeat at 80 years. When I was 80 years, I had a minor medical operation and had to wait. This year at 84 years old when I felt normal and healthy and really had no excuse not to attempt the second climb which I had promised myself when I was 71. I guess my main purpose is to prove to myself that I am still healthy to do it.
Teaming with the Right Person
Then I decided to get the one person who knows Mt Kinabalu intimately and whom I have seen in action before. His planning is excellent and his leadership on the mountain immaculate. His patience and belief in others make most people who climb with him reach the top.
With the confidence in Hock Siew knowing he will do the right things and choose the right guides and right arrangements, I started the climb on 30 October 2023.
A Personal Tribute
from the Writer
A Mountain of Moods
Climbing this great mountain is never just a climb. There are so many variables you can never foretell what challenges will come. In the past 69 climbs, I have seen drought, mist that allowed 2 feet visibility, storms where 80 kph winds blew and you could hardly stand upright, beautiful bright sunny weather and the coldest of days where there were snow flakes and iced-up ponds. It is certainly a mountain of moods.
Unpredictable Weather Patterns
No one can ever predict the weather conditions and we can only pray for the Almighty’s favour in taking on this adventure. End October is obviously not a great time to climb as it marks the changing of the monsoon winds so rain was the expectation.
Rain always makes climbing much tougher so Tan Sri and I knew that we have to be prepared for the worst. Thankfully the weather was really excellent and that helped to make a successful climb likely.
"When You Focus on Being a Blessing, the Almighty Makes Sure You Are Always Blessed with Abundance."
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