MAY ALLAH BLESS YOUR SAFE RETURN HOME

Dear Dr.Sheikh Mudzaphar.

As an ordinary citizen and a fellow Muslim, I could only offer my prayer for your safe journey from space to earth. According to report your space capsule wold be entering earth and estimited touchdown today (21st Oct 07 - 6.30pm Malaysia Times.) I did my Sembahyang Hajat, pray to Allah for your safe return.
To most of us your achievement as being the first Malaysian Malay Astronaut would inspire young Malaysian on space science. Your landmark achievement is a national pride. It happen so sudden. Suddenly we are proud being the first Asean country sending an Astronaut to space.

Alhamdullillah.

'Tis Raya

'Selamat Hari Raya' from Space
13th September 07 – 1st Shawwal 1428, the 50th Raya after Merdeka. Truly 'Tis Raya is different from other Raya for most of us, Malaysian.

The months of Ramadhan & Shawwal significant to all Malaysian Muslims as well as our Muslim Brothers world over. Ramadhan: a month of soul searching and ‘guts testing’ for the less religious, and a very holy month for the devout Muslims. So the sighting of the first lunar of Shawwal signifies a month of rejoice and renewal of Muslim Brotherhood. Hence the yearly exodus of “Balik Kampung” by most Malaysian to to celebrate the auspicious occasion with their parents and family members. Together they offer prayers and submission to the Almighty Allah.

So like their Muslim brothers world over the beginning of Shawwal starts with a mass Prayer at Mosques and Suraus. “Allahu Akbar…Allahu Akbar..Wallillahilham….”

The celebration of triumph and joy, also signifies as one's personal accomplishment, a ‘tower of strength, soul searching to the Right Path, fulfilling the Five Pillars of Islam.

And an accolade for all Malaysia and the Muslim World over - the achievement of Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor our very own astronaut orbiting in space right at this very moment. Last night he boarded the International Space Station, signaling Malaysia’s membership in the space community. As was reported Soyuz TMA-11 carrying Dr Muszaphar and 2 others (an American Peggy Whitson and a Russian Malechencko) docked on schedule with ISS at 6.52pm Moscow Time (10.52pm Malaysian Time). The spacecraft Soyuz TMA11 was launched from the Balkonurcosmodium in Kazakhstan on Wednesday 28th Ramadhan at 9.21pm commandeered by an American astronaut Peggy Whitson. “Selamat Hari Raya to all Malaysian on this historic occasion,’ greeted Dr Sheikh Muszaphar from space. He also greeted his proud parents. He is schedule to return to earth on October 21st. “A Standing Ovation’ to those responsible make it happens. World count he is the 8th Muslim astronaut travelling in space. The “Malaysia Boleh” spirit has taken us this far. A quantum leap for a nation with a mere 25 millions populations. I am proud it happen during my life time.

A Nostalgic Feelings:
Come Eid Fitri, I find it difficult to dismiss my nostalgic feeling on how we fare during those hard times. Till tis very day, some of my past years Raya feelings still vivid on my mind. Some 50 years ago in 1957 for example, my Raya was a bleak occasion at my rustic Kampong Tanjung Bayan with my family and kampong folks. We were hardcore poor then. I was 16 years old sitting for my Lower School Certificate Examination. My father’s illness has degraded from bad to worse. We don’t really know what he was suffering from, because he never had a proper medical examination. What we know of was that he was suffering from a terminal illness. His frequent coughs, vomit lots of blood. Some said he was suffering from Tuberculoses while others agreed that he was suffering from Cancer. However, the local Bomoh had a different opinion. He firmly believed that my father’s illness was the work of Witchcraft by a very close relative.

We grief in pain on our family misfortune. My father was the sole breadwinner. With his regular confinment on his sickbed, life was depressing for most of us. Earlier that year, it was decided that I drop from school as my family has no means to support me. (Those days we need to pay monthly School Fees to be in English School). My family has runout of 'means' to fund me. Later (after his short meeting with the Headmaster) my father changed his mind and fledged to support me through school. He was adamant. At time he would force himself fishing in Sungai Bernam for an extra Ringgit to support my schooling. Most of the time me or my mother accompanied him.

Come Raya, as most of his children were grown up, we dismiss the notion of having new dress like any other kids for the auspicious celebration. Discreetly I engaged myself on some odd labour job, moving loads of sand into barges at Hutan Melintang dockyard or cutting grass at Jandarata Estate. My father was devastated and scolded me for my effort. I was baffled by my father sudden outburst. I told him that I merely wanted to help. He did not talk to me for some days after that. Only later I came to know that someone visiting him on his sickbed, told him in jest that “his son an English School dropout now working as odd labourer moving loads of sand into barges at Hutan Melintang dockyard, an employment that need no proper Education.”

He died ( 2 years later ) a few months after my Cambridge School Certificate Examination result in 1960. Our family Raya after that was never the same, as we were brought up by a single parent – our mother.

And A True Sense Of Fullfilment
Come ‘tis Raya Alhamdullillah I am blessed with a healthy family. The first day of Raya was celebrated in Kelana Jaya with my siblings, friends and neighbours. A big turnout. Lots of food on the table. And “Duit Raya" for all children accompanying their parents, also for some single parents and ‘warga emas.’ My sister from Batang Kali and her sibling plus almost a dozen grand children was the last visitor on the first day Raya.
I was lost for words. The Almighty Allah has blessed our family. Alhamdullillah.

How long time has passed since our family struggles to make ends meet. How we missed our long departed parents. I longed wished we are together again as a big family spending the months of Ramadhan & the beginning of Shawwal at our family home in Tanjung Bayan. A worthy efford.......only if, it could be done!!!

Finally I persuaded them to joint me for The Kenduri Aruah & Korban at our Kampung Tanjung Bayan this coming Eidil Adha. Hopefully they would honoured my invitation.

THE FRIDAY NIGHT OF 16TH RAMADHAN 1428

The night was blessed by the attendance of families, colleagues and business associates. It was a historical happening for us in AD.verse. The Majlis Berbuka Puasa on the 28thSeptember 2007 (16th Ramadhan 1428) by the pollside at The Penthouse Metropolitan Square, Damansara Perdana was

a

auspiciouslly a religious affair. The embience was right, full of colour and splendure, as Ustaz Lt Col Kamaruddin sound the Azan for the Berbuka Puasa. The western sky was reddish as the evening sun set into the yonder horizon. I could feel a bit of mystically dramatic feeling as I ushered the guest to their tables, that on this very vicinity, once known as 'the domain of Orang Asli Temuan' tugged in a remote hills of Bukit Lanjan and Sungai Pencala, on the fringe of the business hub of Lembah Kelang, has developed into one of the newest upmarket business centre of Petaling Jaya. We're proud and honoured to be part of it.

Earlier Ustaz Lt Col Kamaruddin led the Baca Yassin and Doa Kesyukuran Sessions at AD.verse new office premise @ Suite C703, Centre Wing on the 7th floor right below us. .

Ku panjatkan Syukur kehadrath Allah atas kurnia Nya ini. Kami bersyukur pada segala anugerah Mu.
Ya-Allah jadikan bisnis keluarga ini terus maju.

'Sasungguhnya Allah tidak akan merobah keadaan sesuatu kaum sahingga mereka merobah keadaan yang ada dalam diri mereka sendiri.' (surah Ar-Ra'd:11)

Ya-Allah bimbinglah kami kejalan itu.

NEW AGE GLOBAL MEDIA

AD.verse fact finding tour to the NEW AGE GLOBAL MEDIA complex in Jakarta on the morning of the 3rd September 07 was a worthy assignment to deserving advertising media practitioners. I hope the trip was an 'eye opener' for most of us.
Personally speaking, I was taken by the size of the complex, totally different from what I earlier perceived as an ordinary & normal 'run of the mill' sort of outfit - a medium size office with an adjacent space stack with post production equipments. It was not so. The complex itself is huge - a 2 story building with a Bali Traditional Penthouse built using used wooden structures
and 'grass roofing'. The washroom annex itself is also of Bali style.
Mr Hoo Eek Kee, The Executive Producer a tall and slender Malaysian Chinese from Kuala Lumpur was kind enough to receive us. He personally conducted us around the building complex explaining the various functions of each editing suites or client projection theater, even the pantry/restaurant; as we all trot along behind him, like school children on their first outing.

I was surprised though that this KL bred Tawkey is so inclined to the local traditional designs - that most available space of the wall are adorned with display of contemporary work of art by local artists.Another interesting feature is the office layout and design itself. The corridors to all the editing suites and studios some are narrow mostly painted in vivid colours, with minimum lighting, 'entrusting' visitors to a new dimensions.

The restaurant for staff and guests opens to a landscaped pool, with chefs in their white attire. A nice place to have coffee and creative discussions with your clients.

The complex could be a complete one stop media agency, only that it need an upmarket sound stage and a few state-of-the-art studios for film/television productions.

For a Malaysian businessman finding a 'niche' in video productions business abroad is something to loud about. With 50 years Merdeka and lots of 'Hoo..Haas' in our Film and video industry we have yet to see a Malay production house established abroad, even in the neighbouring country, more so in Indonesia. Ironically most television organisation in Malaysia (private or public) are presently importing lots of Indonesia Film, Teleplays and Drama Series filling in their prime time slots, although no Malaysian tv dramas given an airing in the Indonesian television media in exchange.

"It's need guts and iron nerves for a businessman finding a 'niche' in foreign land," I quipped.

"We can built the same if not better if we have the fund," they responded.

I beg to differ.

I believe, ppioneering any new business venture needs solid vision and mission back by enterprising undertakings and entrepreneurial wisdom. More so if it is beyond our territorial borders.

We lack those. That makes us the Malays fall far behind.

Ohh what a shame.

....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?