....THE AFFLUENT ME?

Sometime I wonder what Merdeka*really mean to me. I remember, we were once a poor nation. I remember we were once under the direct rule of The British Empire in the Commonwealth Of Nations. I remember I grew up in a not so remote village with bare minimum infrastructure during the era of British Malaya. Even so we were so proud of our village, the Malay Reserve Land with gravel road, structured irrigation system, and piped water supply, which were regularly maintained by the DID & PWD ( Drainage & Irrigation and Public Works Departments) of The British Administration then.

My village was situated on a Malay Reserved agricultural land on the left bank of Sungai Bernam, stretching out along the shore of Selat Melaka to the estuary of Sungai Perak. It was a small Malay Settlement in The Lower Perak District; in contrast to the vast Estate owned by British Plantation Companies mostly along the banks of Sungai Perak, and the tributary of Sungai Bernam.

As the saying goes; "The Colonial Masters have them all." Coconut and Rubber Plantations managed by British Companies each employing hundreds of imported Indian labors has turned the once futile mangrove lands into a leading producer of copra and rubber to the world. I also remember that my country was also known worldwide as an important producer and exporter of tin ores. In short The Malay Peninsula (as it was known then) though to the world standard was an under developed country, it actually was a rich British Colony.

Like all other independent nations of the world, we are very grateful to the contributions, sacrifices and the struggles of our Freedom Fighters. After almost 500 years under the rules of European Colonial masters, we achieved our independent (to this date) 50 years ago.

Since then we are proud to be an independent nation, respected by the world. We brag about our socio-economic successes, that our government advocate good governance, and that our doors are open to the world. We assured Malaysian and the rest, the full achievement of the country’s national goal by year 2020 as a fully developed nation. Collectively we fully fledged our trust and confidence to our leaders, as well proud and lucky to be Malaysian.

I remember when I first visited Kuala Lumpur late 1957; although the country has achieved its Independence the present of the Colonial Masters still prevailed. The luxurious cars on the streets then were still chauffeured by Amat or Omar the Malay drivers for their Tuans & Mems, giving me the notion that Mat Salleh still runs the country. Merdeka did not go well with the Malay city dwellers. They were still congregating in their rustic Kampong Baru, Dato’Keramat, Kampung Pandan, Setapak & Gombak as compared to The Colonials Masters living in Big Bungalows alongside their rich Chinese Tawkey neighbors, mostly in the neighborhood of Jalan Ampang, Jalan Gurney, Jalan Duta and other posh areas of Kuala Lumpur. These foreigners were mostly advisers, senior managers, managers and executives of foreign banks, foreign companies and some in the Malayan Civil Service, Government departments. I observed that their style of administrations and their way of social cultures and etiquettes were still foreign, although The Malaysian Legislative of an Independence Nation is being fully in force. In the Public Service most senior and managerial positions were filled by expatriates while Malaysian largely satisfied themselves as peons, junior clerks, and other lower rank positions.

Lucky though, The National Policy of the Government was well implemented. It was a big a paradigm shift to the style we run the country. What was once the domain of the foreigners are now Malaysia forte to success, as we are the right beneficiary of most things. As a result we changed from a humble and depressed lot to an affluent nation.

I was a kampong lad preparing for my Lower Certificate Examination in a Government English School when the country achieved its independent. I had my early education in a ( pra-independent ) Malay School before being enrolled into a Government English School, against all odds. The Pra-independent Malay Education System provide year 1 to year six of Primary Education. The syllabus provide basic Primary Education: reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, arts & craft, and gardening. On the other hand, The English Education System however, enabled students to proceed to Secondary and higher Secondary levels, with ( for a very few selected 'cream') an opportunity for Graduate Studies.

Enrolling me into an English School System my father was accused of exposing me to Christianity: that on The Day of Judgment, I would be thrown to hell, for being a ‘murtad.’ But my father was adamant. And there was me in 1952, an 11 year old village lad, as being the only one from Kampong Tanjung Bayan (the size of app: 8 sq km with the population exceeding 1000 people) embarking for an English Education. A decision not going well amongst the kampong Malays.

Looking back it was the thoughtfulness of my parents. They believed a sound English Education for their son was a worthy decision. They said that English is spoken by the colonial masters. It’s the worldwide lingua franca of the British Colonies. Furthermore my parents passionately subscribed to the notion that English is the language of knowledge. Ardently they hold to their decision and dispel all criticism of English Scholars becoming a ‘murtad’.

Growing up during the economic depression era caused by the two World Wars, was full of ups and downs for the hardcore poor like us. For most us life was not a bunch of roses then. We came from a humble, and foor family circle – our father and fore fathers were the simple peasant living by the day as fisherman, farmers or labourer. Our family sweats themselves toiling the small plot of land that we owned. Pre and early post independent periods were periods of hard times for my family scampering enough food for the family as well saving money for my schooling.

But being poor, and living below poverty line make one more resourceful, and developed strong resilient to strive for the best. All things were scares those days. Money was hard to find. Diligently ones managed their humble beginnings, struggling on paving our way for a better future.

God’s willing we scraped through.

I passed my Lower School Certificate the year our country proclaimed its independence - a ticket for a Malay kampong boy to prolong his quest for a lifelong education.

Lucky for me: I was able to acquire a sound education to serve my country as public servant for more than 35 years, as well nurtures my lifelong skill on creative endeavors.

Comparatively my present day living surrounded by comfortable and modern living environment with the state-of-the art technology of the 21 Millennium, makes me understand fully what Merdeka really is to me.

My love for you - Malaysia.

“Dirgahyu Ibu Pertiwi .”

MERDEKA - Independent

Much Ado About Nothing?

The National Heritage List

On the 6th July 2007 The Minister Of Culture, Arts & Heritage Malaysia announced The National Heritage List consisting of BUILDINGS, OBJECTS & INTANGIBLE HERITAGE. According to the minister Dato’Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim the list of the first 50 items chosen based on each significant in line with the nation’s 50th year of independence on the 31st August this year.

The Parliament Building, The National Flag and National Anthems head the list. respectively. Others include Sejarah Melayu & Sejarah Hang Tuah manuscripts, Bangsawan, Dondang Sayang, Wayang Kulit, Joget Melayu, Carcosa Seri Negara, National Mosque, Mulu National Park and the Open House Concept which is unique to Malaysia. 50 items in all. According to NST report “any item on the list will be protected by law and efforts will be made to preserve it.” Meaning, buildings and other tangible item cannot be demolished. Neither can they be altered, changed or developed without the consent of the minister. Intangibles such as Sewang or Bangsawan, will continue to enjoy favored status.

Hoi …do I hear someone complaining the oversight on the significant of The Stadium Merdeka.

If - as announced - that items chosen ‘based on each significant in line with the Nation’s 50th Anniversary’ what significant has Batu Caves, Mulu National Park, Ngajat, Sumazau to do with Merdeka. Why omit Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Ampang, or Dataran Pahlawan, Bandar Hilir Melaka (and other historical buildings and places).

We all remember that on February 20,1956 Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra and his entourage were welcome by about 50,000 people from all over Persekutuan Tanah Melayu at Dataran Pahlawan, Bandar Hilir Melaka, on their return from England after successfully negotiating for independence from the British. According to the historical record Tunku and his Merdeka entourage touch down at Batu Berendam Airport, Melaka from Singapore. Escorted motorcade drove them to Dataran Pahlawan, Melaka where thousands of rakyat waited impationly.

We remember that it was at the Stadium Merdeka, our Bapa Kemerdekaan Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj read the proclamation on the morning of the 31st August 1957.

Every Malaysian of all ethnic remember these dates. Those events etched on everyone’s mind. For the past 49 years come August historical proclamation pictorial events among others are being repeatedly aired and printed by the local media in their original forms.

I say...I say...I say... Your best is still not good enough.

This year Merdeka Day Celebration is The Golden Anniversary. ‘Believe you me’ this year’s Golden Merdeka Celebration ia a long awaited occasion by all Malaysian. For the last 49 years, come 31 August, Malaysian from all walks of life had diligently renewed their pledged of allegiance towards their mother land. They fly the national flag at home, as well as at most public buildings. Their streets are adorned with buntings amidst multicolored lights. It’s their shared yearly occasion to rejoice. They turn out in full force to celebrate the event. The local National Media are also in arm to herald the day. The gatherings also held in most villages, town and cities resonate the uniquely harmonious multi-ethnic, multi cultural and multi religious nation that we are proud to be in and like to continuously advocate.

Hoii…. “Do I hear that they are going to re-enact the Proclamation Scene as it happened 50 years ago at the Stadium Merdeka? Will someone out there take note and say yes. Please do it for posterity sake.

No ‘tidak apa’ attitude or ‘kerja ibarat melepaskan batuk ditangga sahaja’ for this golden opportunity, please!! Do something that the ‘rakyat’ can relate themselves to, on Merdeka historical struggles and achievements .., otherwise. …..its Much Ado About Nothing.

The next big celebration would be the centennial, which is 50 years away. But by then most of us won’t be around anymore.

Syyyyy......it's TokBabah & TokMama's special day

On this coming weekend, Sunday the 8th will be our grandpa and grandma's special day. Its their wedding anniversary.

Ohh dear.....they've been married some 42 years now. According to our Tok Babah, he first met Tok Mama a teacher in 1964 in Kuala Trengganu, while serving as a teacher in the east-coast state of Trengganu.

In 1963, just out of college he was posted by The Ministry Of Education to served in the interior of Ulu Trengganu. According to Tok Babah he was not happy with his posting, as he felt that he was being punish for being a radical student leader while in college. According to Tok Babah, the school building itself was no bigger than a tennis court and no better than a 'cow shed' ( kandang lembu). He felt being neglected and down trodden. The school main building, was a small wooden structure that house the HM's office and a Standard 6 Classroom. There was no teacher's quarters or canteen. The school was on an open and unfenced area as big as a football field. At any time some water buffaloes could be seen basking in the sun, in a muddy pools nearby, while shabilly dressed women (berketang dada) some younger than him drying padi on spread 'tikar mengkuang' less than 10 meters away from the 'cow shed' where he was teaching. Their sleepy eyes gazing and seizing him, as if he was an alien from the another planets. Later he was informed most of them are widows. They also warned him to ingore them, unless he planned to settle down in Kampung Tanggul for good.

Tok Babah took the posting as a challenge and quickly adjusted himself to working in Kampung Tanggul in the 'wildness of Ulu Trengganu' where at times the sightings of sumatran tigers and wild bears become the daily ongoing 'Breaking News Report' by the school children as well the locals.

Tok Babah stayed with his bachelor collegues in Kuala Trengganu, and commuted daily to Kampung Tanggul a distant of almost 30 miles deep in the Ulu.

He soon found his niche in Kuala Trengganu involving himself in NGO activities. He became popular with the locals, thanks to the support of some of his college seniors hailed from the East Coast. Collectively they became his ardent supproters. They campaign for him and voted him as The Chairman of The Trengganu Branch Unified Teaching Profession Union Malaysia, subsequently elected him as a founding Chairman of its Cooperative Society, besides being an honorary member of Kelab Darul Ihsan, founding member of PELITA (Persatuan Penulis Terengganu). He was also popular among the local literary figures, novelist Rashid Ngah, Moriffin SN, Yusoff Albakri, Shariff Putra, A.Rahman CM and others. He himself was a prolific creative writer, and a regular contributer to Radio Singapore, Utusan Melayu, Berita Harian & DBP.

It was then that he met Tok Mama.

Our Tok Babah and Tok Mama was initially introduced by a mutual friend while Tok Babah was auditioning for his stage production in 1964 entitled Memburu Bulan Sabit. The script was penned by him while a student in college. It won The Malaysian Drama Writing Competition Award organised by The Ministry Of Culture Singapore. The play was recorded and broadcast by Radio Singapore in 1962. Later it was published by Pustaka Pendidikan Kluang, Johore.

Love blossomed between Tok Babah and Tok Mama.

A year later in 1965 they tied the knot.

And the rest was an ever ending tales yet to be told.

That's all from me, Folks.

THIS BLOG posted by blogger Naeem on behaf of Aizad, Aifa, Nureen, Erfan, Ayshea, Nazeem and Aida for the attention of our Dads & Mamas.

Takde makan ke?

SYUKUR ALHAMDULLILLAH

‘Syukur Alhamdullillah,’I’ve been blessed by Allah with a good family and quality life. And, I am proud of that.

At this age (66yrs old) what more can I say, except ‘syukur alhamdullillah’ for a good life granted by Allah the Almighty, and that my daily ‘doa’ (prayer) answered.

With all the 8 grandchildren hugging you, kissing your cheeks or fore head, or bowing low with their head down while shaking your hands and kissing them, is a moment of life fulfillment: self contentment, satisfaction, happiness and joy any granddad or a grandma would long for. In short it is an accomplishment, of one’s lifelong dream of a perfect family.

We all have diligently prayed to Allah for contentment and good essence of life: healthy and quality siblings, affectionate family circles and also a good and prosperous living…haven’t we?

Of course we all have.

The morning on the first day, July 2007: THE KENDURI KESYUKURAN event at my daughter’s Hazleen & hubby Nizam’s place aptly befitting a worthy cause. As usual I am always thrilled for such an occasion, for I always believe that KENDURI KESYUKURAN as a day of restitution; a renewal of esprit de core among family members and friends. A social event blended with a religious tidings as this, has always been a statement of good fate, as well a social and spiritual obligation for truthful Muslim.

The morning was cheerful. The ambience cordial. I could see my 8 grandchildren full of enthusiasm and good spirit. Some had moved into Hazleen’s house as of yesterday. This morning more cousins and friends are on the way. There are spread of good food for everyone on the table. Together we then read Yassin and later the Ustaz recites the doa. The spirit of worthiness, the feeling of being blessed prevails.

In such a gathering as this, I always behold my pride and self esteem. I cherish the presence of my entire loved one around me. More so when I found out on the very morning that my ‘besan’ Haji Rahmat & wife, with his siblings (plus menantus) and their grand children arrived for the occasion, on the wee hour of the morning all the way from Johore Bahru. My other 2 ‘besan’ Haji Ismett & wife and Haji Jamaluddin & wife are other early arrivals.

We acknowledged each other's present. We exchanged greetings. We joked, and teased at each other. We had a good laugh. That’s the way it was and that the way it should be. The aura aptly befitting a worthy family reunion.

The occasion was also blessed by the present of Dato’Nik Farid & Tok Puan Faridah; also members of “Keluarga 7” and their children & grandchildren.

It was a good turnout from Hazleen’s family members too. Her brother Mohd Nazli & wife, her sister Hazlina & husband, also their children, aunties, uncles and cousins from around Lembah Klang came in full force.

Kudos. A very good hand, to the organizer please!!??

My doa for Hazleen & Nizam.