Suleman is married with 3 children and 7 grandchildren. He was born in Africa and arrived in the UK aged 19. He worked in the textiles Industry. Suleman is semi-retired and volunteers as a Community Consultant working on matters that have significance on communities. He is non-sectarian in approach and is sensitive to the rules of natural justice. Suleman is a pioneer and his style has galvanized unity and togetherness in individuals and communities.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
Leicester is a city I have adopted as home. I have lived and worked in Leicester for 45 years, my children and grandchildren are born in Leicester this city has given me a great opportunity both to be a volunteer and be part of the civic life of this city.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
My personal relates to my family and seeing that my children have made their way in this world and have families of their own. The arrival of my grandchildren has added great joy in my life. On a professional base, I am very proud of my charitable work, in particular the setting up of (MBCOL), a bereavement charity.
3) What inspires you?
The courage, sympathy and resilience that I see in my friends and those that support my struggles, include my family. My strong faith and the humanity that I see on others around me. One of the core values is that we work collectively to create positive change for all of society.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
One of the biggest obstacles was the disruption to my educational achievements by reason of external pressures. I had the ambition to study Law and to work in the legal profession. The lack of academic credentials was always an obstacle.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
The love and support from my wife, children, siblings and close friends. Relocation as an immigrant and basic survival influenced my career path; I had seen poverty as a child, which impacted me so I always wanted to serve humanity in every capacity I could.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
To be available for those that need help and to share my humanity with others. Particularly those who are grieving, to articulate their needs especially when they were faced with the death of loved ones and to help support them during their hour of need.
7) And the worst?
I do not think I have managed to convince more people to share my passion for voluntary work.
8) What are your long-term goals?
To go aboard and help those who do not have access to education, is preferable in a country that is warmer.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I believe that there is a great need for equity in our policies, we all need to be treated regardless of our status and wealth. It is only through fairness and the rules of natural justice that I mentioned earlier that we can deliver our national interest.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand, I find her to be a unique leader who has integrity, humility and empathy this was demonstrated by her during the horrific terror attack in New Zealand. Can learn a lot from her.
