KANGAR: Two friends cast aside age and cultural differences to forge a strong friendship, all thanks to the James Bond blockbuster movies.
Buddies Wong Kooi Kam, 61, and Mushtari Mohamad, 49, are friends who have been collecting James Bond 007 memorabilia for the past 40 years.
Wong, a retired architect, said he and Mushtari grew up like brothers.
“His sister was also my classmate in Kangar and both our mothers were good friends,” he said.
Wong said he and Mushtari often tagged along with their fathers to catch James Bond movies at the nearby Capitol theatre in Kangar.
“I think I began liking 007 movies since the age of five but it is Mushtari who owns the most 007 memorabilia, about 200 to 300 items that are worth some RM25,000,” he said.
Wong said while Mushtari collects 007 memorabilia, he focuses on collecting miniature Bond cars, especially the Aston Martin.
“I prefer getting miniature Bond car replicas, such as the Aston Martin, which I can assemble. I enjoy putting them together,” he said.
Wong said both he and Mushtari hoped to own a 007 memorabilia museum or gallery in Kangar someday.
“Both our children used to complain that we are crazy.
“Since they grew up in a different era, they don’t even like the 007 movies, now a franchise of 25 movies,” he said, adding that he and Mushtari often watch Bond movies together.
Mushtari, an insurance agent, said his first Bond movie was in 1981.
“If I am right, it was the 12th film For Your Eyes Only starring Roger Moore. My father brought me to watch the movie then.
“From then, I started collecting 007 memorabilia beginning with a vinyl album of a movie soundtrack and then miniature car models.
“Watching 007 movies intrigued me and I wanted to know about the character more and that is how my interest grew stronger day by day,” he said.
Mushtari said he kept his 007 memorabilia in a private gallery that he named Galeri Seni Piring Hitam near his office here.