MARI MENGESAN PERKATAAN DULU DULU

Kebetulan beberapa bulan yang lalu kita didedahkan kepada dua perkataan ‘ lok lak’ dan ‘kelolo’. Banyak kawan-kawan di selatan Kedah tercenggang juga dengan istillah itu. Seperti negeri lain di Malaysia tentu sekali ada perkataan yang kusus difahami oleh orang tempatan sahaja.

Hari ini saya ke Arkib Negara cawangan Kedah khusus mendapatkan bahan mengenai ‘Istana Kampong Baru’ atau lebih terkenal lagi dengan ‘Istana Che Sepachendera’, kediaman Almarhum Sultan Abdul Hamid dan isterinya yang pertama. Apa yang dicari tidak terjumpa dan sebaliknya lain pula yang menarik perhatian. Oleh itu lain kalilah kita cerita mengenai ‘Che Sepachendera’ dan ‘Arkib Negara’. Kedua-duanya menarik juga.

Setelah mendaftar pihak Arkib Negara memberikan satu kad lengkap dengan nama, nombor pendaftaran dan sah laku bagi tempoh satu tahun. Pada kad itu ternyata perkataan dalam huruf besar ‘PENYELIDIK’. Sesuai dengan pengiystiharaan itu saya pun mengambil tempat dan mendapatkan beberapa bahan rujukan. Antaranya Jurnal MBRAS (Malayan Branch of Royal Asiatic Society) terbitan Oktober 1939. Tajuk tulisan “Notes on the meaning of some Malay Words Part 111 ( Kedah Words) by J.A.Baker mendapat tumpuan. Adoi! Sudah ada Mat Salleh di Kedah yang mengambil berat atau ‘initiative’ pada awal kurun duapuluhan melakukan kajian dan jesteru tahu menahu banyak mengenai kita dan negeri ini khususnya.

Disini marilah kita sama-sama tinjau beberapa perkataan yang menarik seperti tercatat dalam artikel tersebut dan beberapa lagi yang ditambah. Mungkin terlintas untuk kita menambahkan lagi perkataan lain yang tidak tersenarai. Saya percaya saudara saya dari Banggol Derdap dan Putrajaya tidak keberatan memberi ‘contribution’ masing-masing.

Ayoh ‘ …………..

‘balan’ ‘bang’ ‘boroi’ ‘bok’

‘chekang’ ‘cham’ ‘chenge’ ‘chengeh’ cheruak’

‘damuh’ ‘gebang’ ‘ genuak’ ‘gerek’ ‘gue’ ‘gelut’

‘hebiar’ ‘himbau’ ‘jerit’ ‘ jingkek’

‘kejap’ ‘kelek’ ‘kelepir’ ‘kedekut’ ‘kenchit’ ‘kokong’

‘kurai’ ‘kut’ ‘ ‘lau’ ‘lena’ ‘ligan’ ‘lit-lit’

‘locheh’ ‘lok lak’ ‘lulur’

‘makar’ ‘mandok’ ‘meneru’ ‘menguet’ ‘meriteh’ ‘merlit’

‘ngok-ngek’ ‘nahi-nahi’ ‘panggong’

‘repet’ ‘segok’ ‘semawa’ ‘senerih’ ‘senggiang’ ‘sergum’

‘sut’ ‘seloro’

‘tabuh’ ‘telondeh’ ‘temuak’ ‘telagah’

Saya yakin banyak lagi perkataan yang menarik dan sebati dengan jiwa orang-orang kita tapi malangnya hilang atau tidak biasa digunakan lagi. Insya’Allah kita boleh sama-sama menentukannya agar semua itu tidak hilang begitu saja. Benar kita bukan ‘linguist’ yang kerjanya tertumpu kepada usaha tertentu. Tetapi mengapa tidak kita membantu dengar kadar sewajanya. Harap mendapat reaksi dari kawan-kawan.

Kesempatan di Arkib saya juga terbaca dua artikel lain. Tajuknya:

1. “The Three Million Dollar Wedding” Syed Mohd b Syed Hassan Shahabuddin and M.G.Knowles.
2. “Memories of The First British Adviser, Kedah” by Sir George Maxwell.

Dua artikel tersebut mengesahkan negeri Kedah menjelang 1909 sempena perkahwinan lima putera-puteri Sultan Abdul Hamid dan ketibaan penasihat British pertama ke Kedah apabila Anglo British Treaty 1909 diterimapakai. Maka wujudlah the' Unfederated Malay States'.

Juga daripada jilid JBRAS yang sama.

Isnin 28 April 2008.

BERITA YANG MENARIK UNTUK KITA

BERITA YANG MEMBANGGAKAN. SUDAHKAH ANDA MENGETAHUINYA?

Saya merasa amat gembira membaca berita ini dalam surat khabar.

STAR Sabtu 25 April 2008 mk surat N24 dipetik

“ Kedah Bans Change of Padi Field Status”
The state government has banned the conversion of padi land to other status to protect the country’s rice bowl.

Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak said the conversion of padi fields into Housing and Industrial lots would no longer be allowed. …………… and “ the State government planned to open 1,500ha of new padi fields at the fringe of existing MADA areas in Yan and Pendang…”

A forthcoming announcement very long overdue and every living farmer atau pesawah will breath relief and offer kesyukuran indeed for such action. Thank you Sheikh Azizan.

Saya rasa sudah lama kita menunggu untuk mendengar / membaca berita seperti ini. Mengapa tidak. Kita amat menyesal melihat khazanah alam seperti sawah padi hilang sedikit demi sedikit hingga Kedah sebagai ‘jelapang padi’ negara hilang keistimewaannya. Tanah sawah dimanipulasi, dijual dan dipindahmilik khusus untuk menjadi tapak-tapak perumahan dan lain-lain kegunaan. Kini kisah itu dihentikan dengan satu undang-undang dari kerajaan yang perihatin dengan masalah pokok.

Semoga diharap mana-mana pihak yang ingin membangunkan tapak-tapak perumahan carilah kawasan lain jauh dari sawah padi agar tidak ada pencemaran dan sekaligus membawa berbagai masalah.

Juga kita harap Kerajaan Kedah juga akan berusaha supaya tanah simpanan Melayu tidak juga ditukarganti semata-mata supaya ada pihak boleh bertapak ditempat-tempat yang menarik dan indah. Janganlah tanah simpanan kita di Langkawi contohnya ditukar dengan tanah di Pedu atau Sik walaupun ini bererti ada ganti. Tapi macam mana nilainya? Lagi tentukan tidak ada tanah-tanah simpanan kita menjadi hak orang asing khusus wujudnya program ‘Malaysia my second home’. Dalam hal ini sama-samalah menyedari hakikat sebenar dan jangan gelojoh semata-mata untuk mendapat habuan.

Satu perkara yang terus menghantui kita ialah melihat betapa bukit-bukit digondolkan dengan kebenaran pihak yang bertanggungjawab khusus oleh syarikat-syarikat yang kerjanya menambun tanah-tanah sawah untuk pembangunan. Lambat laun bukit-bukit pun lenyap begitu saja dengan pandangan yang gondol tanpa kehijauan. Elok juga ini ditamatkan.

Terimakasih Pak Sheikh juga kerana akan menambah 1500 hektar tanah sawah satu keluasan yang besar dan kemungkinan ditambahkan lagi pada masa depan. Usaha seperti ini tentu merapatkan rakyat dengan pemerintah. Kini bolehlah kita berbangga dengan jolokan KEDAH JELAPANG PADI NEGARA . Tanah sawahnya luas dan penduduk hidup riang dan aman disamping kehijauan dan kekuningan sawah padinya mengikut musim.

THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD

With the controversies continuing rife in the country since the 8th of March debacle, I cannot help putting down a few words less I failed to leave some traces of participation. Right from the hour on that Saturday morning 8th of March I was a spectator at the polling station together with the presiding officer and the other agents at Sekolah Kebangsaan Titi Gajah Alor Star. As a 'wakil' for the party I was one of the polling agent seeing to the voting 'procedures' and later at the end of the show the counting of ballot papers thrown into the transparent 'peti undi' ballot box. This was the breaking point since the first such box was used for the first time. What a break through. Though it did not make any ripple at all. Only where have all the thousands of the old iron boxes gone?

The wind of change was discerning even at the counting of papers in the respective polling stations and only to be confirmed later by the respective regional officers. Perhaps a historical point of note is that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and wife was at the very polling channel where I was on duty. It no less attracted the media to record his presence there. Characteristically many of the senior citizens of Titi Gajah and the polling zone came out to vote. Even those post ninety years, came forward supported by their relatives to do their duties of choosing the next government. This is a tendency to be admired and no less studied by all political parties in future elections. After all ALL votes count.

It must be recorded too that this General Election saw for the first time ballot papers being counted at the very polling booth or 'tempat mengundi' by the respective presiding officers and witnessed by the polling agents of the political parties concerned. It was to assure a faster declaration of result as there is no more counting of votes later at the regional station where all the 'ballot boxes' would be returned. Was that to happen?

Now rest assured that we in Kedah are under the allure of the full moon i.e the symbolic crest of the ruling PAS party and yet to see its strategies and approaches for the coming five years or so. Still even the tested BN coalition government at the federal government has yet to spring out from the starting point. Maybe it is waiting for Parliament to convene and with broadsides all the way then perhaps it will get cracking. What's happening has been lukewarm and certainly not encouraging.

So it seems the idiomatic saying still holds its application and authority. This time however the written words come not on papers but on screens as you are focusing your eyes right on. In Malaysia its resounding success came quite succinctly in the 8th of March 2008 General Election result. Now how could the media different from the printing, radio and TV screen manage to secure a divisive pull?

In the running for the electorates' attention and securement of their votes, political parties and their candidates in particular shifted to the computer screens, pulling in unexpected spectators or guests. While the government machinery's stuck to the old tested media: radio, televisions and the print media truly believing these are tested networks much sought by the populace. The government control radio, TV and newspapers are resources that have for decades won the hearts and souls of the electorates and so it was impossible for not chalking the same result. Caution was however in the air but it only fell on deaf ears.

The Internet, blogs, blogs and blogs of various names with all the stories, comments , news , rumours, pictures. caricatures came out in force to assault our senses. Not to be outdone, the mobile telephones registered many messages too circulated throughout the country and even to the rural areas where TV networks and newspapers never reached their intended group.

The damages have been done. It is too late to learn the consequences. Still the diehards realize the weaknesses and refuse to be outcome and now we have more blogger in outer space including those in the ruling federal government political parties who at one time rue the Internet and spoke lowly of its influences. Yes the written words conquer all yet again recording this time the winning and losing streaks that Malaysian have come to fathom and bear for the next five years at the most. Will the Internet or its accessories with all its facilities and advantages continue to hold strength in the future or do we see another feature forthcoming?

OFFICE DELICACIES

Office staff will ask their bosses for privileges or what ever benefits due to them. Just so, their tenure gets recognition and there is care and attention from the management. Yet this does not happen often. Still they give their best and never shirk their responsibilities.

But then do you ever notice how the office staff appreciate and value their being as members of the group and the service they are in? It may not be too glaring or noticeable in a large department or organization but at smaller unit it exposes itself quite clearly.

Likelihood many would show respect and decorum to their immediate boss and especially the manager or the head of department. They may give their hands at all ventures personal or official; they visit each other’s home. Still that does not amplify their unity and cohesiveness to one another and gratefulness for being in that position. What comes out from their innate desire to share some pleasures with the office staff is a hallmark of their true feelings for the company and the colleagues.

Have you ever observed how members of the staff at odd times, without prior notice or request would come to the office with containers of prepared dishes or servings to be enjoyed by all at tea break or lunch time?

What brings the person to take that initiative, spent time at home to prepare for his/her colleagues’ taste buds and sharing-ness? Time and sacrifice naturally have added extra load. “Still, never mind. I am so much happier that I can share what I have with my members” seems the likely feeling.

‘Pulut and durian’ would find itself in the pantry one morning. Another day it would be ‘laksa’ or ‘ nasi lemak’. Even ‘harum manis’ that most delicious of mango especially from the Perlis plantation would filled its aroma in the confined office space and to the delights of many. ‘Sambal belacan and assam garam with the right combination added to the taste buds too. On a very lucky day even 'Nasi Beraini' may appear. In fact even trainees, on temporary posting at the office joined in supporting this tendency. Come the fruit seasons you will find all manner of local fruits brought to the office too.

I find it extraordinary that members of the staff found this likeable attitude a practiced characteristic at our office especially. It smacks of their appreciation for one another and thoughtfulness or gratefulness and perhaps in Malay term wanting to express their ‘kesyukuran’ for all that they have received.

Directly or indirectly it helped to foster close bond between members, appreciating each others contribution and bringing about the ‘unexpected’ at the office each day when they turned up. Only this time it is to the delights of all.

Any one that failed to subscribe to this goodly practice left us wondering why he is unable to come to terms with it. Is he unprepared or still overcome with other issues that failed to bring him within the ambits of his other colleagues in the same office? He is distance from the rest of the members? Or is he refrained from contributing by other constraints. Truly it cannot be non contagious to him when all have been inflicted.

We would of course compliment feelings of camaraderie such as this in any situation. Wouldn’t you? It has brought good relationship. For the case of the exceptional member there is a need for a chat. It would help him and the management too. Delicacies and delicateness in whatever formats and forms have ways to be resolved.

WHO WORRIES ABOUT RICE SHORTAGE?

The two pictures of a small rice granary found just outside Alor Star city, remind us of those days when rice grains are stored for the household. The head of the family would store portions of the rice harvested during the padi season in the 'jelapang' a name given for the granary. Built on stilts and properly enclosed it was secure from encroachment either by pests or thieves. Moreover it is located yards away from the house. Such buildings are steady and solid and this particular one standing as it is for more than seventy plus years, vouched for the construction and skill of its carpenters or kampong folks. On closer look you will find the wood and planks used of top quality hard wood not easily ravaged by years of exposure to rain and shine. The walls are made from bamboo and weaved to last till now.

We happened to visit the owner last Friday for a 'khenduri kesyukuran' do, recognizing all the blessings he and his family have received through the year. The dishes served would of course be typical kampong menu with 'ulam and sambal belacan' a must. 'Gulai keladi' was included too.

You can notice a smaller 'jelapang' by its side. The 'jelapang' continues to be useful and advantages to the family. It serves other purposes now not for the family alone but for the community. On closer look you may see a large iron cooking vessel by its side. This 'periok besi' had been used just now by the family to cook the dishes for the 'khenduri'. When you invited hundreds or even thousand of guest to the home you certainly need large cooking containers. In fact the 'jelapang' now served as a store for the complete cooking utensils needed for the kampong community for any 'khenduri' sessions. Most village communities through a 'pakatan' or association have 'Pakatan Pinggan Mangkok' which helped in organizing functions and particularly in cooking and serving the necessary dishes for the invited guests plus of course the cleaning up at the end of the day. This spirit of 'gotong royong' in the community happily continues to prosper thankfully to close affinity and kinship. It is a sight to behold when the members of the 'pakatan' ( association ) turn up to organise the cooking session, plus the whole rigmarole of the festivity on behalf of its member.

It was no wonder that in those years gone by the village community had no recourse to complain about food shortage especially rice the staple food since they have their granaries within sight.

I am still looking for an old 'jelapang' not for its particular function but more specifically as a historical identity to be built on site less it disappears totally. It may turn to be a wonderful playhouse for children too.

NATIONAL CRAFT EXHIBITION

Batik comes in all hues and colors. Batik apparels and batik prints as above for decorative purposes take a major portion of the exhibitions display area. As always products from the east coast states are in the larger proportion though new works from Langkawi get the pull too.

It was another grand open house for visitors to the National Craft Show at Kompleks Kraft Kuala Lumpur situated at Jalan Conlay from 27 March till 7 April 2008. Visitors and tourists alike have a field day admiring the local artworks exhibited and crafted at site. It seems every state in Malaysia has its representation with of course the eastern states of Trengganu and Kelantan as always occupy more booths and have greater presentation and works on display. Almost all the exhibits are for sale and you will need a large car boots if you wish to cart home some of the exciting and ethnic displays. Of course after signing a few credit card receipts. This time around the organisers had credit card corners ready to take payment.

Sabah and Sarawak appear to come back with greater artworks and their works are distinctive of the two states. Collectors or buyers are fortunate in not having to cross the South China Sea to purchase such items. They are now at the door- steps to speak literally.

Whenever we are in the city and this being an opportune time, we would not miss the opportunity. At previous visits I had looked for 'kris' makers and naturally came to know a few who worked deftly with their hands and produced exquisite works. A few of their works have become my collection pieces. Not this time around.

We spent time looking and admiring the displays. The pieces that attracted our attention are many but the few that got caught on the lenses are here to be shared together. Maybe you will try to keep the date with Kraft Malaysia when it has its open day the next time around. We need to support our crafts and its continuance.

Rattan crafts from Pahang such as this would add to your home decor. At this stall you will see the craftsman making it right in front of your eyes. You could sit alongside him and get all the info regarding its production.

Quail Traps (Jebak Puyuh).

In time when quail trapping was a pastime, quail traps took exquisite features with great emphasis on choice of quality wood and items used. Woodcarvers then were encouraged by the needs and desire of the royal courts to possess works of art. They therefore explore possibilities of rare materials and accomplished designs. Thus artifacts of beauty and artistry were produced and became collectors' pieces. It is comforting that such items continue to emerge as luxury now. Bird cages, bird traps, hand weapons ( kris), musical instruments, basket works and intricate wood carvings take precedent amongst the exhibits. Their prices are still within the realm of many and it would be regrettable if you miss bringing home a piece or two.

This is a musical instrument 'gambus' by name.

It is a string instrument and producing sound and music typical of the middle east. The 'gambus' and the 'kompang' appear to have strong roots in Johore and we hope to see more of these in the coming exhibits. I would love to get one not for wanting to strum its cords but for its extraordinary shape.

Due to its popularity and touristic attraction, it has been suggested that the annual exhibit will now coincide with the tourists visitation time to Malaysia and not in the early part of the year coinciding with the school term break. It will certainly be bargaining time and a sure push to all the craftsmen to produce their best in terms of quality and quantity too next year.

UP UP AND AWAY

A view of the smaller islands near to Kuah Town. You can see the ferries entering and leaving with their load of visitors and tourists plus the yachts that anchor for safety and provisions

The City and the Jetty Point is clearly viewed from here. Imagine the night view. The fame 'Pulau Dayang Bunting' is just across inviting you to its fresh water lake with the magic properties.

The coast is seen here stretching as far as the eyes can see. Come evening you are served by beautiful sun set right from your own balcony never even leaving your steps

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Certainly not a cry from superman but an exclamation that we are reaching the clouds in terms of designing a home up a hill. Many years ago we looked with desperation or indignation that many homes were built atop hills in Bukit Bendera Penang, Bukit Larut Taiping, Fraser's Hill Pahang and of course Cameron Highlands Pahang. Currently many homes have taken roots up Penarak in Langkawi thanks perhaps to facilities available for residents to acquire and purchase lots there.

People go all the way to get a sanctuary of their own. This would mean building a home to meet their dream. Comfort, serenity and safety being some of the desirable objectives of course. Its size and cost depends on the flexibility of the owner. More especially the location will play a crucial if not the most important part. Where would you locate your dream home?

In an orchard? A rubber plantation? or amidst padi field? All that gives a bewilderingimagination of the splendour and beauty of the landscape. Perhaps another person would go for the seaside location with waves washing the shore and swaying palm trees an added attraction. The more the person has travelled widely, the greater will be his scope and imagination for the features and design of his home. The limitless scope is guided by his expanses and the design of his architect.

This first day of April, we had an opportunity to meet with a dreamer and in reality a builder by profession who wanted to build his home in a most extraordinary location. We visited the site. It offers the most splendid view anyone would wish for. Rightly so it is almost at the summit of a hill and overlooking the harbor, the bays, islands and Langkawi town. It is a most challenging site. Thankfully it was not an April's fool venture or invitation. It would be easy to accept that visitation as one. It being so extraordinary. This owner, a foreigner who has been in Langkawi for more than five years invited us to see his plot of land and indicated his wish to construct a home. He briefed his wants and setbacks and hopefully the architect could come up with a design complimenting what he has imagined and dreamed of. It was a straight forward encounter with both parties agreeable to work out initially the preliminary.

The challenge starts. Like any other appointment or briefs given, it is a golden opportunity especially it is closer to home and more so for the location with its stupendous view of Langkawi and its islands. It is a simple enough objective i.e to get a unique shape and maximise the most exclusive character of his property i.e the view. It is rare that one would get such a splendid view and he must consider himself blessed with one. Next is to fulfill the owner's dream of his sanctuary and satisfied with the accomplishment. Hopefully the landmark would attract others to contact us for design of exclusive private homes with unique character, less financial constraints for the 'rich' and the 'famous'. Anak Arshad Architect would be too happy to oblige.

Have a look at what the site offers. Wouldn't you like to have such view everyday of the week? In my earlier writings I have already indicated the pull to Langkawi, our holiday island and now a recognised 'GE0-PARK enclave.'