KEISTIMEWAAN TINGGAL DI LUAR BANDAR/ THE SPLENDOUR OF BEING FAR FROM THE MADDENING CROWD

Semasa orang atasan sibuk mencari pendamaian atau tapak yang lebih meyakinkan diri masing-masing atas alasan pengkukuhan bangsa dan agama, kita di pendalaman jauh dari kota, jauh dari hingar-bingar, terus menikmati hasil bumi khusus pada musim buah-buahan ini. Kami tidak memiliki kebun atau tapak tanah yang luas yang boleh di-banggakan dengan hasil buah-buah setiap musim. Tetapi, dalam kesempatan masa yang ada, lebih-lebih lagi pada hari cuti ini sempena Israk dan Mikraj, dapatlah ke kampong keluarga terdekat. Bukan berpuluh kilometer sangat jaraknya. Sekadar dua puluh atau kurang tiga puluh minit sahaja dari rumah dengan kereta.

Hari ini di Kampong Malau dekat pekan Jitra, dalam sausana kehijauan dan tenteram kami berkesempatan merakamkan gambar-gambar berikut ini sambil menikmati buah-buahan tempatan. Baik rasanya kalau di- 'upload' dalam 'blog' agar ada orang yang teringin kembali ke alam nyata atau mengerti keistimewaan kampongnya agar kita tidak terus berbangga dengan pembinaan bandar-raya, pencakar langit atau perumahan moden, yang terus memiliki tanah hingga gondol dibuatnya.

Orang muda ini, sedia memotong beberapa sikat pisang-awak yang tentu sekali akan menjadi hidangan kami petang ini. Siapa tak suka pisang goreng? Teringat pula kepada Sanusi Junid yang mengilhamkan 'gorpis' .

Buah rambutan sedang digunting dengan menggunakan galah buluh dan gunting khas. Pantang sekali tuan empunya kebun kalau buahnya direntap dan ditarik begitu sahaja tanpa mengguna kaedah yang betul

Satu-satunya gunting khas untuk memotong ranting rambutan. Kaedah ini tak perlu kita memanjat pokok dan mungkin bertepih dengan kerengga dan semut.

Saudara kita pula sedang mengambil buah 'dukong'. Enak sekali. Manis pula.Kalau tak panjat pokok pun boleh dipetik dari bawah. Sekali lagi silalah guna gunting jangan rentap sesuka hati..

Buah 'dukong' diatas dahan, menunggu pelanggan untuk dibawa balik. Segar , sedap dan menjadi igaun orang kota. Di sini kita dapatnya terus dari dusun.

Dukong kering kegemaran ramai. Tanpanya dukong basah, duku dan langsat pun bolehlah.

Buah 'Cempedak' untuk dibawa pulang. Dua biji masih dengan 'gerok'nya. Petang ini 'cucur cempedak' pula menjadi hidangan istimewa. Yang mana satu? Cempedak atau Pisang.

Usaha mewujudkan pasaran untuk buah-buahan tempatan amat diperlukan sekali agar pekebun dapat mengedar hasil dengan memperolehi hasil sewajarnya.

Today, being Israk and Mikraj and a public holiday in Kedah, we took off and just about half an hour from home came to Kampong Malau just outside Jitra. It was a casual visit to a relative's home and being the current fruit season, thrown in was of course tracking to their fruit orchard. Now this would not be possible if we were in a city like Kuala Lumpur or Penang. We would have to take a day off to come close to a fruit orchard which would be many kilometers away besides off the main road too. It was of course not the first time we have come to an orchard, but it was good to be close to nature and to notice the small things again. I have posted several photos which may kindle interest in venturing to fruit orchards and enjoy the small pleasure of tasting our local fruits. Cempedak, Pisang, Rambutan and Dukong all local fruits besides the Durian are all in season now. Those who have orchards are blessed to see the fruits in season year after year. Abundant fruits also give the people subsistence and that too if they can market their fruits and get a good price... In time of emerging difficulties, the soil appears to be the best alternative.

THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF KEDAH OLDEST SCHOOL

MENU CARD OF THE CENTENNIAL DINNER AT DEWAN SERI NEGERI WISMA DARUL AMAN FRIDAY 25 JULY 2008

TUANKU ABDUL HALIM MUADZAM SHAH CELEBRATING HIS GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY AS SULTAN OF KEDAH OFFICIATING THE CAKE CUTTING CEREMONY OF 100 YEARS SULTAN ABDUL HAMID COLLEGE WHICH IS ALSO HIS ALMA MATER

IN conjunction with Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah's , Sultan of Kedah golden anniversary currently celebrated in the State, our Alma Mater SAHC ( Sultan Abdul Hamid College) has also reached a CENTURY since its infancy. Kedahan including His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kedah, his brother Tunku Abdul Malik, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, plus countless others who have made their marks in society and the country have passed through the portals of this re known school since it first opened in December 1908. Truly the youthful baby to many of us schooled in the 1950's has grown into a full blown senior adult. Exceptionally an ex-student aged 89 years old now residing in Singapore, perhaps the oldest living SAHC alumni, came back and on the night of the 'Centennial Banquet' held at Dewan Seri Negeri on Friday 25 July 2008 was introduced to His Highness and awarded specifically.

True to sportsmanship and a Collegian by heart, Tuanku Sultan prompted to ask the visitor several questions and then introduced him to Tunku Abdul Malik , Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad , Tun Siti Hasmah and other VVIP, a scene observed by the audience through the courtesy of CCTV. That was truly an act of benevolence I believe unexpected by the organisers.

A Collegian congratulating His Highness Sultan Abdul HalimMuadzam Shah for achieving the Golden Anniversary of his reign in Kedah Darul Aman

Later the the Sultan walked around the hall, calling on each table to say 'hello' and to receive congratulatory wishes. A gesture much admired by the audience and the Collegians especially.

The night at Dewan Seri Negeri was interspersed with music, speeches, book launching and sketches by Yusoff Chong. The eager and searching fraternity perhaps eclipsed the tremor as friends searched for their former classmates. Several of my earlier classmates of 1948 when we first entered the school gate were there as if to greet the lost years.

We met again the next day when a century celebration was celebrated at the school padang. Unfortunately the morning shower cooled everyone especially the students who had lined the route to welcome the Sultan and his retinues who arrived at the College in vintage and sports cars.

With my wife, BoonLert Somechit and Khalid Yahya, both my early classmates at the College

With Ong Poh Kee, Tan Boon Lin two former Principal of SAHC and Md Noor.

The speeches, presentation of honor to the 'Centurion of the Year' were held at the Padang, thankfully under the canopy and tents erected. We took the opportunity to meet other Collegians especially those of our years and to visit the classroom where we had our lessons. A 'pulut kunyit' with other dishes were served for lunch and enjoyed by the tired group who had endured the rain earlier.

Some of the senior Collegian touching on warmth and comradeship when they met at the school Centenary Celebration.

We had another program to attend just after departing the College gate. We proceeded to Sekolah Menengah Syed Mohd AlBukhary for a lunch session with no less than eighty loud-noised Collegians of the 50's. This was the real do rubbing with the die-hards of the good old days. Everyone crying out in the din of meeting after almost four decades for the first time. Besides the 'ikan bakar', 'tomyam' and other dishes served, some of the members took to the durian feast and other local fruits served as well.

After a group photo session, we parted with memory of a good get-to gather and promising one another to keep in contact. Of course many requested for photos to be forwarded to them realising that one member of my staff was busy taking photos of the occasion. Here are some photos highlighting the Century Celebration of Sultan Abdul Hamid College, the first English School to be opened in Kedah on 8 December 1908. The school of course has turned out illustrious students who have brought honor the the Alma Mater. With TWO past PRIME MINISTERS from the same school, it is a record none has managed to overcome and possible not at all.

The group of 1950's at a special gathering on Saturday 26 July 2008. They met at Sekolah Menengah Syed Mohd Bukhary Alor Malai. The likes of Mat Botol, Azizan Pagoda, Rahim Susu, Mat Syarikat, Hashim Mara,Lah Abass etc were there for lasting companionship

Five-some colleagues namely Noor Aman, Harun Hashim, Abu Bakar Rautin,Ahmad Ismail and Mohd Noor Tahir seen at the SM Syed Mohd AlBukhary gathering.

A nostalgic visit to the school hostel where we had our Std VI classroom. The hostel block has a fresh coat of painting to usher in the centenary celebration.

LET'S FORGET THE FIGURE ERROR

Just less than a week after the disclosure of the RM 235,123.08 repair bill for the Proton V6 of the former Menteri Besar of Trengganu a correction is made. The actual amount reads now as RM131,449.83 The State Secretary on Thursday 24 July 2008 apologized for the error made by a clerk in his office who miscalculated because ' he was under pressure to finish the analysis of the servicing costs..'

A mistake by a State Secretary several decades ago saw the loss of 'Pulau Batu Putih'. Can we afford to make similar mistakes or error in managing our destiny? The Proton case may not rest so easily. All of us are under presure now. So ...

BELIEVE IT OR NOT RM 235,123.08 FOR SERVICING A CAR?

ANY one who has an automobile ( for a better word than a car) drives and manages it himself, would be astounded to hear that it cost that much to service and upkeep a brand new vehicle specially a V6 Perdana within a FOUR year period. Averaging 30,000 kilometres per year at the most, the vehicle would have clocked 120,000 on the speedometer. Even if it has been driven over 200,000 kilometres it would not have required an engine overhaul. Necessary of course new tires and battery. Unless of course gadgets and extras are added. Then it is not service in the strict sense of it. It certainly open a PANDORA BOX with the ACA breathing in. Sadly what about nationalistic acumen and sense of belonging and commitment. Is our Malaysian car that deplorable, unfit that it requires a Mercedes for exchange? What about the official driver- trained and auto savvy? What about the service centre? What about the spare parts - genuine?

Yes a hordes of reasons to come by rather than blame our automobile. Isn't the pride of the country? The faster this issue is trashed the better it will be. It can blow to proportions in the present context of things. Enough is enough.

PISS OFF ....

This is not asking you take off.

Depending where you are, the above words may give different shades of meaning. Right now, everyone is pissed off with political debacle in the country. Among friends you may piss off laughing, uncontrolled for reasons known to yourself while others piss around not knowing what to do and wasting their time. When it rains heavily, you can exclaim that it’s pissing down outside.

But when you actually want to do the very thing with the call of nature, you are taken aback by the deplorable condition of public toilets a subject much bandied around in the media but till now unresolved. Now with a minimal sum charged for entrance, you may expect some decency and respectability. Of course at some high end establishment e.g. the KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, patrons are happy to pay even more than the nominal sum to get VIPs facilities. Passing off excess liquid has its price too.

This topic actually narrows down to the substance that all medical facilities require when checking our health. A small plastic cup would reveal the state of our well-being. Now even at the highways and at amusement places, you can be subjected to your urine test less you are a danger to others on the road and affected or high while entertaining yourself.

Now there is another story to that indomitable liquid. A recent report by CWI (Care for the Wild International) highlighted the case of the Temple Tigers. Less you have not heard about it, there is a monastery in Kanchanaburi, near Bangkok Thailand, where the carnivores’ tigers are kept in captivity under the guise of care, treatment and domestication. The monastery has captured the tourist trade and daily there are 300 – 400 visitors mainly foreigners who pay to get access to the place and closest to the beast. Visitors can cuddle and be photographed with the big cats as they would the domestic cats. This of course excites most people and more so for the monastery members as they collect a sizable sum every year.

The CWI report uncovers the unsavory side to the business. Tigers as extinct creatures are subject of concern and all attempts are made to conserve them as other wild animals of the world. The Temple Tigers are initially thought to be approaching that course. But no says the report. Tiger trade takes precedence. It is disheartening to learn that the tigers there are subject to abuse and mistreatment.

Those of us who are men about the house and care to walk around the home may notice pungent smell of cats’ urine here and there. This is disconcerting but it has been done for a purpose. The cat has claimed and notified its territory. In the wild tigers too use urine as a territorial or aggressive signal. Sprayed at close quarters it would represent an extremely aggressive gesture from a dominant animal.

Now, the question comes around how do the monastery monks at the point of religious piety domesticated the animals? Such that the big cats submit to their needs glorifying in loads of cash flowing in.

Contributions that came in according to the report go a little way toward the comfort and nourishment of the ‘pets’. More so, the tigers too got into the disappearance act. What hit me most is reading about the use of tiger’s urine by the monks and workers at the temple. The urine becomes a potent contributor for docility. The tiger’s urine is squirted on the cat’s face and any sign of resentment, aggressiveness or wildness is reduced to timidity and quiet submission.

This discovery challenges the rights of the Temple Tigers’ monks and workers to operate the ‘rehabilitation’ and called upon the Thai authorities and other related bodies to act.

In an earlier publication I talked about an elephant sanctuary in Chengmai Thailand where the creatures roam freely while also entertaining tourist everyday of the week. One can only marvelled at the antics and performances of the giant beast of burden. Hopefully they are kept in good order with no mismanaged enforcement.

For reference to CWI report please see http://www.careforthewild.org/default.asp and related articles.

An alert on 'urine' at Goggle may also disclose other interesting issues. It seems that scientists at NASA are also requesting for lots of urine to be delivered at its station. "The No.1 need right now for some of the builders of the nation's next spaceship: Lots of urine. The need is voluminous. 3o liters a day, which translates into nearly 8 gallons. Even on weekends. Designers of the Orion which will park unoccupied in space for up to 6 months while astronauts work on the moon have to solve a pressing issue of getting rid of stored urine ... " For reading http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TECH/space/07/16/nasa.urine.ap/index.html

There is therefore a reason to realise that the watery substance that human and animals release is not just waste but in essence a force by itself. You can now piss away ...

FRIENDSHIP FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT

We met Hj Ismail and family quite by accident when we stopped at a wooden chalet overlooking the Malay Kampong in one corner of Cameron Highlands several months back.

We were there in the cool highlands with members of the office staff for a break and a study visit. While walking along the road meandering through a Malay Kampong straddling the valley, we noticed someone waving and inviting us to climb the steps curved out of the small hillock and come up to the hut above. It was an invitation we could not refuse as the view from the hut in the late evening before sunset would be worthwhile. The casual visit ended with us getting to know each other and realising that our host was from Singapore himself and he was on a visit to his sister-in-law's house and was there appreciating and loving the passing of time for the last few days. Really who wouldn't when we sat with him admiring the valley below, having our faces brushed by the cool mountain breeze. The quiet solitude must surely be heaven sent for someone from the bustling city life especially like Singapore. Even for us from rural Kedah, the Cameron Highlands with its greenery, vegetable plots and tea-plantation was a restful place for tired feet and mind. The cool refreshing mountain breeze tops it all. We had tea plus some cookies served by the ladies of the house. With 'azan' calling the faithful to prayer, we took leave and climbed down the winding steps rather timidly this time as it was getting darker, but not after thanking Hj Ismail for having invited us to climb up to his home up the hillock.

In early June, I received a phone call with a number quite foreign appearing on the screen. I would have known if it had been from any part of Malaysia. With the customary 'salam' he introduced himself and I realised it was my friend from Singapore. They were in Langkawi and would be coming to Alor Star, The next day we met at Kuala Kedah jetty and invited them to our home. It was good to meet Hj Ismail and wife again. They were accompanied by Hj Ibrahim and wife. They were our guests this time and it was a friendship rekindled. The next day they were joined by Hj Johan and wife arriving from Haadyai having been on a motorcar expedition from Singapore to southern Thailand.

What could we show them at Alor Star given only less than a day to see the city? We guessed they enjoyed the short tour, discovering the unique 'Museum Padi' at Gunong Keriamg, the simple and traditional 'Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir' and a brief sighting of the city center. The vast expanse of the green rice field plus the idyllic kampong scenery must have also captivated them. More so the camaraderie of getting together.

Now there is a reason for us to travel down south and cross the Strait to enter the Lion City again which has been for quite a while. Getting to know friends can manifest in many ways. Even strangers can become good friends.

Our visitors from Singapore posed for a photo shoot at the back of the house.

Our guest Hj Ismail enjoying the morning coolness at Titi Gajah before getting behind the steering wheel for the journey back.

Junior Abu Bakar Sidqi admiring the expedition car of Hj Johan." When can I participate in such an expedition?" would be his burning question

FOR LIVERPOOLTIMES (KIRKBY-IN-MALAYSIA)

Dear Editor,

Liverpool Times (Kirkby - In - Malaysia)

Greetings. I refer to my earlier letter to you regarding further info re Kirkby College.

Pl find with this several photos taken when we were there 1956-1958. Thanks to photography which was one of our hobby and interest we managed to treasure photos such as these. In fact we had a Photography Club at the College and we had the film and photos developed and printed ourselves. I was the secretary of the Club then. You may know that it would cost a bomb to get the photos printed in town then esp when we had many photos taken. That early interest remained fifty plus years later.

Kirkby Countryside was one particular attraction. During weekend we would walk around and discover some of the nooks and corners. This is one location, taken in late autumn, perhaps near Kirkby Wood which was liked by young couples and esp for photography work. I remember the old stone works Church near the College which registered for us perhaps for the first time the architectural masterpiece of British buildings. The larger 'dark' buildings in Liverpool later impressed us much more. I understand they have been given a face redo and helped to make Liverpool a cultural city now.

It must be God send if any of these young boys and girls at Ormskirk school could see this photo. It was taken on my first school teaching practice in 1957 and it was an experience both for me as well as for the students and teachers at the school. We managed to discuss and explain many issues especially about one small peninsular then in the east. Then not many realised where Malaya ( Malaysia) was. Their mischievousness and candid nature initially put us wondering if we made the right choice to be at Kirkby. It was an initial setback cause everything turned for the best.f

We had the luxury of a laundry book when we sent our clothing for cleaning. All pieces sent were noted in the book and not on pieces of paper as practised now. I wonder if the Company still exists or it has the 'book' as a historical piece.

That's me on the right. We were fortunate to be invited out for dinner or lunch and as such got to know the larger society. Alfred Holt Shipping was one major company which invited the students and on one occasion we had an evening cruise and dinner on the Mersey, with 'rock and roll' thrown in.

This one is at an Alfred Holt Shipping Dinner. The first two groups of Kirkby students came by Alfred Holt Ships anchoring off Merseyside. Later BOAC flew the group to Heathrow and from Euston to Liverpool Station by train..

Just four months after arriving at Kirkby I had the great opportunity to attend a British Council Course at Aberdeen during New Year 1956/1957. It was a gathering of foreign students from the Commonwealth and was certainly a great course. Besides knowing about Britain, I had the great opportunity to stay in a family home during the week program. Home stay and British hospitality brought us closer to the people. That's me third from right standing. As a result of this course I got together with the guy next to me ( on my right) then studying at the University of Leicester to travel on the Continent during summer 1957 on a Vespa scooter. That's another story.



My class of Primary Students at Wigan Primary School with their class-teacher. The cheerfulness of the children registered their happiness and perhaps adventure at having a foreigner in their school and teaching in English too. Then Wigan was known for its Rubgy team.Though football has taken its place now.

A grand Reunion was held in Kuala Lumpur a few years back attended by the alumni and friends, where the group sang the College Song with full gusto and spirit. Our guest of honor was none other than the Sultanah of Perak and the former Raja Permaisuri Agong ( Queen in Malaysia) also a former Kirkby graduate. .

Mr Editor, Hopefully the above photos help to bring the past and the close links between Kirkby and Malaysia reminding others that there was history once at Kirkby Village.

All the best.

Zainal Abidin

AZAM AND ANIS

A young couple now residing in Mekkah constitutes the new brand of Malaysian youth who dares to take the challenge and be away from home irrespective of the new countries or territories they are in. Working in Saudi Arabia is not any body's piece of cake what with the hot climate and the imposing traditions. Yet Azam and Anis graduates of our Malaysian Universities, dare to venture forth and set sail in a foreign land. Azam has been in Saudi Arabia much longer and Anis has joined him only after their marriage.

We have known the couple since their university days at UUM and attended their wedding ceremonies. Both are like our own sons and daughters. So it was a homecoming of a sort when we were invited to lunch at their new home in one suburb of Mekkah. Though we have been to Mekkah for the umrah several times, this was our first opportunity to be outside the city and it was certainly an opportune one, able to see the city outside the normal Al Haram sector and to have a personal rundown of the city and its new development from a kinsman himself. I had a marvelous view of Mekkah city when Azam drove up a hill to present the panoramic view of Mekkah city.

We learn a few things, one especially about house-renting in Mekkah. You don't find advertisement in the local paper. So you have to scout around the new housing areas and look for houses that are fully lighted at night. These would be for rent. In the daytime houses without air-conditioning units would be a sure guess too. A two-bedroom house with family rooms etc would go for RM 18,000-RM 20,000 a year. All of course depended on the choice of locality.

Having a car is a must of course to get you from place to place, but as traffic is heavy in the Mekkah city area most residents would leave their vehicles just outside the city and take taxis into the city and especially into the Al Haram zone. Like most cosmopolitan cities, parking area is hard to find but parking offences is easier to acquire, so avoiding driving into the city is about the best alternative.

Anis the young wife has for the moment to play the full housewife role, unable to take any job but is opened to attend classes and what more especially to learn Arabic. She has of course the recourse to get to know many Malaysian; students who are studying in the country and Mekkah being the centre point, many visitors who come to the Holy City. This especially open a wide door to meeting and knowing people.

Our visit to their home remind us of our student days decades ago, when family homes gave us respite to home-sickness and Malaysian cooking. It is now obvious that their home is now a pull to the Malaysian students in Mekkah. Obviously too Anis has graduated her culinary skills proven by the curry and other dishes she served including petai sambal and 'pudding' during lunch. Though they have not been blessed by a 'cenderamata' yet other bigger foot seemed to walk the floor of their home craving for home cooking. Insya Allah not too long soon they will be meet their fervent hopes.

Having entertained our group of fifteen for lunch and an opportunity for an Asar jemaah prayer we took leave, though without Azam and a friend having to cart us back to our hotel in the city. At their home, we realised they are not distanced away as the TV programs from Malaysia are on their tv screens too.

Azam a graduate in information technology, epitomised the strength of new faculties and the venture-some of our youth to get out , accepting new offers beyond our shores. Our telecommunication infra-structures have set the course for persons like Azam to occupy positions in Saudi Arabia as an example. We understand that he has been offered a new position in New Zealand but wishes to remain in the Holy Land for the moment. We pray and wish all the best to them and hopefully we will meet them when they return for the Raya holidays late this year. Being where they are now opportunities are opened for them to visit the nearby countries or even venture to Europe when opportunities come by. Nearby Africa is also a choice not to be missed. Earnestly the great opportunity to be at Mekkah and Madinah Islam two great cities is a wish millions would envy. Both of them are blessed by being there 'menerima rezeki' sebaik-baiknya, receiving all the goodness of life.

Strangely or by calculated optimism, we met another Malaysian on the flight home. Being perhaps a few years older than Azam, Rizal was on the way home after successfully completing his assignment at Jeddah. He was in automation and commute to Saudi Arabia and the African countries to attend to motor vehicle services especially for Toyota group. We never thought to see Malays or Malaysian in this sector before, moving around as if you would between Kuala Lumpur and Seremban, Penang or Johor Baharu for a similar job specification. Job done, then back home for another assignment again. It seems not only James Bond has such assignment.

To Azam , Rizal and many such like personalities we wish them all the best in their career.Only hoping our generation had such opportunities before. Still we had our days.

Azam in red and next to his wife Anis at their home offering hospitality to our group of fifteen. Rice with the favorite curry, prawn dishes, ulam and sambal were the menu for the day. Though some of the ladies offered to help, Anis managed everything on her own. Obviously graduating with high honors.

We drove up a hill, overlooking the City of Mekkah and had a grand view. Here in the distance could be seen 'Gua Thur' and the outer distict of Mekkah.

A GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION IN KEDAH 15 th July 2008

It is only SEVEN days to an auspicious and historic occasion when the state celebrates fifty years of Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah ibni Al Marhum Sultan Badishah’s position as ruler of the state of Kedah. Born November, 28 , 1927 he was called to take his position as Sultan with the deceased of his father Sultan Badlishah ibni Al Marhum Sultan Abdul Hamid. The youthful Abdul Halim succeeded as the 28th Sultan of the State on July, 13, 1956 and was installed on February 2, 1959 at Balai Besar Alor Star Kedah. He had his early education at Titi Gajah and Alor Merah primary schools before continuing at Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid in Alor Star. He graduated from Wadham College Oxford and upon his return joined the State Administrative Civil Service.

Fifty years as the the Sultan of Kedah and five years as the Yang DiPertuan Agong of Malaysia (1970 -1975) has truly put His Royal Highness as the most experienced ruler in the country. Added to that Tunku Abdul Halim has served as Timbalan Yang DiPertuan Agong of Malaysia and currently is in the same position again for the second time. With Allah’s Will he could be the first Sultan to be appointed the Yang DiPertuan Agong for the second time come 2011.

Tunku Abdul Halim has been a popular and most-respected figure in the State, appearing at most official functions throughout the State, meeting the people with grace and warmth. His ever smiling stature, freely greeting people whom he met endures him with the populace and Kedahan in particular. He is perhaps one of the few Sultan or Head of State in Malaysia that regularly goes to office. He had a modest office at the old Secretariat Building in Alor Star before moving into the present office at Wisma DarulAman. His sleek Rolls Royce and Mercedes with the police motorcycle escort is a regular feature traveling to and fro Anak Bukit Palace daily to his office.

Celebrating a Golden Jubilee for being the Ruler and Sultan of the state of Kedah with its traditions is certainly not a regular event but an exceptional happening that epitomize all the good and gracious characteristics of the person and the land that he looks over and preside.

Much as the State Government and officials have put up a program to celebrate and honor the event, recognizing the patron’s contribution to the State and people throughout a half century of development and progress nothing could put on display the people’s admiration and love for the ruler and his consort who have graced functions at schools, sports event, seminars, institutions of higher learning, mosques, religious institutions and all manner of activities to chalk the diary of days and nights all these years. A lesser person would have taken a less tenacious activities but His Highness Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah marches on in the light of his octogenarian stature.

Seven days to go and yet the count-down for the celebration seems to start only quite recently with typical ALL EARNEST. Obviously the officials have been prompted to plan and execute projects honoring the jubilee celebration years ahead but a check in town today reveals finishing work at the last resort. Must we continue to prepare things at the last moment?

In all its pomp and glory the Jubilee Celebration beginning 15th July 2008 in the State like other ceremonies will be recognized as successful and excellent and the last minute rushes with all its economic and financial constraints swept away to oblivion. All praises sky high for works well done. Quality wise? Cost wise? Satisfaction wise? No we continue to act on similar wavelength time and time again. Can there be a change?

Features for the Jubilee Celebration

(Scenes in town as photographed Monday 7 July 2008 17.51hrs)

Posters and Banners along the main roads honoring Royal Jubilee Celebration

The new gate and walls at istana Anak Bukit

Landscaping and Features at Padang Court or the Golden Square Alor Star

Images of Mekkah

We were at Mekkah in mid June and as always there are changes in the Holy City. Only this time, the number of tower cranes in the vicinity of Al Haram seems to mark a large redevelopment and planning for the city. In fact Al Haram itself is not left without renovation works going on inside it for the benefits of the Jemaah. Works at the 'sae' area look like there is to be an extension or enlargement of the zone perhaps allowing for more than two lanes. Areas near the 'Marwah' section including the row of barber shops and the market-place have been cleared and hotel rooms near Al Haram are now hard to find. Mekkah Hilton, Tawhid and the new Zam-Zam Towers may be beyond the provisions of many visitors to the city. Anyhow when the redevelopment of the city is completed in the next five years or so, Mekkah will take a new character. Sadly though, many of the old characters of Mekkah have disappeared when modernization creeps by. Those of us who have photos of the city and its characteristics ten or more years ago would be best advised to keep them in rememberance of old Mekkah. The slides you see, characterised Mekkah as it is now.

FOR THE GOOD OF OUR COUNTRY MALAYSIA

MY thoughts and reflections have strayed away from the happenings and going-on in the country for the last short three weeks. It cannot stay away longer realising what's happening and developing. Since the 8th of March 2008, we have been inundated with all manner of things but nothing concrete and constructive to please or even breathe a sigh of relieve. WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MALAYSIA? WHAT AILS THE POLITICAL PARTIES? WHERE ARE OUR 'WAKIL RAKYAT' DIRECTIONS? AND WHERE ARE THE RAKYAT IN THIS PRESENT SITUATION?

KEMUDAHAN KEPADA ORANG KURANG UPAYA , TUA ATAU MUDA

Mekkah dan Madinah sentiasa menggamit pengunjung dari perusuk dunia. Muda, tua, kurang upaya, berbagai bangsa semuanya berada disini. Mereka datang dengan panggilan Illahi. Jesteru tidak perlu merasa bimbang. Kiblatnya 'Baitullahil Haram' dan mereka semua bertalbiah

" Hambamu mu datang menyambut panggilan Mu. Ya Tuhan hamba Mu datang menyambut panggilan Mu. Sesunggugnya segala puji-pujian dan nikmat dan kerajaan adalah kepunyaan Mu..."

Semuanya dengan harapan mengerjakan umrah atau menunaikan Haji. Khusus kepada mereka yang tua dan kurang upaya tidak perlu khuatir, kerana segala kemudahan disediakan asalkan kita berwaspada dan mendapat maklumat awal. Siri gambar yang disertakan bersama ini jelas menunjukkan sepanjang tempoh kami berkunjung ke Tanah Suci baik dari awal perjalanan hingga pulang ke Tanah Air dua orang tua kami mendapat kemudahan perkhidmatan kerusi roda yang disediakan. Syarikat Penerbangan akan menyediakan khidmat kerusi roda dilapangan terbang hingga penumpang dibawa masuk ke pesawat dan seterusnya dibawa keluar sebaik sampai di destinasi. Tidak perlu naik turun tangga yang tinggi dan sebagainya. Hotel pula turut memberi perkhidmatan kerusi roda asalkan kita menolaknya sendiri diluar kawasan tempat penginapan. Malah kerusi roda boleh dibawa masuk ke bilik penginapan untuk kegunaan khas jemaah sepanjang tempoh pengguna menginap di tempat itu.

Pihak Masjid baik di Madinah atau Mekkah juga menyediakan kerusi roda bagi mereka yang memerlukannya. Ada kaunter khas dimana perkhidmatan ini diperolehi tanpa apa-apa bayaran. Hanya pengguna perlu berhati-hati agar kerusi roda tidak disalah ambil seperti yang kerap berlaku kepada kasut-kasut yang terletak dimerata tempat. Kalau itu berlaku kenalah ganti. Sebuah bernilai SR 280 - SR340.( RM300.00).

Orang tua dan kurang upaya benar-benar memerlukan perkhidmatan kerusi roda untuk 'tawaf' dan 'sae'. Syukur sekiranya anak-anak atau keluarga terdekat mampu menolaknya sendiri. Sebaliknya ada pihak yang memberi perkhidmatan itu dengan kadar bayaran tertentu ( SR 100 -250). Apa pun orang ramai khusus di Masjid Nabawi dan Al Haram sentiasa memberi keutamaan kepada pengguna-pengguna kerusi roda dan menghulurkan pertolongan tanpa segan-segan. Asalkan orang tua atau kurang upaya kita sihat, tidak ada kerumitan untuk mereka ke tanah suci khusus untuk menunaikan Umrah atau Haji. Kita bersyukur keatas segala kemudahan termasuk lorong-lorong khas yang disediakan, bantuan dan keperihatinan yang diberi oleh semua pihak.

Kemudahannya ada. Asalkan rajin bertanya. Anak-anak yang berhajat bersama orang tua masing-masing atau mereka yang sanggup bersendirian ta'usah khuatir. Segalanya dimudahkan.

Belum matahari terbenam kami sudah sampai di Jeddah. Berlepas dari KLIA jam 3.50 petang kami disini 7.00 petang ( waktu tempatan)

Boleh bawa dan simpan dalam bilik jika perlu.Lagi pun perkhidmatan menolak bermula dari bilik lagi

Semasa di Madinah ayahnda bersama cucu,menantu dan anak-saudara.

Jemaah berihram menunggu pesawat di Lapangan Terbang Madinah.Perkhidmatan kerusi roda disediakan

Satu-satu khidmat yang mampu diberi oleh seorang anak.

Kini kurang halangan dari pihak berkuasa bagi kita mengambil gambar di dalam masjid. Dapat dilihat sebuah kerusi roda yang diguna oleh jemaah.

Berdekatan perhentian bas, ada juga kerusi roda menunggu yang memerlukannya. Tapi kena beri upah.

Kumpulan kami bergambar di Lapangan Terbang Jeddah sebelum menaiki pesawat Mas ke KLIA Kuala Lumpur. Dari awal hingga akhir kemudahan sedia ada. Syukur diatas nikmat yang diberi.