POSTINGS PRE AND POST 23 AUGUST 2014

The time line as given marked a significant date in my life hitting a two digit number in the progressive years of my life and remembering that would be best to recapitulate the activities or programs that passed by within that vicinity. Firstly Ramadan and Syawal would definitely take preference and therefore activities if any were related to that special months.  Nonetheless these photos accompanying best tell it all. 

The house where it stands has been there for many years but never had this perspective before. While in the compound of the neighbor's home, only then I saw its new angle and beauty and so it is seen framed by the leaves and branches of our neighbor's home.

This is 'Pondok Maharizan' , home of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at Titi Gajah Alor Setar Whenever he and Tun Siti Hasmah are back in Alor Setar they would be staying here. During Ramadan he came home for several visits and I had this golden opportunity to take a picture of him with one of my grandson. A picture the young man would treasure many years later. He may not realize its significance just now. I only realized that Tun Dr Mahathir had put his arm on Danish's shoulder after viewing the photograph later. Truly a father's touch. Be it as it is I would believe that I have several good photos of this 'Negarawan', maybe able to compare with some of the press photographer's collections. 

The first day of Syawal would of course see all of us at the local mosque closes to you. Dressed in the best and not necessarily in new attire Muslims , men and women plus the children too attended the morning AidilFitri Prayer. At our kampong, it was a pleasant surprise for many, especially for those that returned home for the occasion to see Masjid Tuan Hussein in its new face lift brought about by the mosque's Committee. 

The morning and afternoon session must have passed with full of enjoyment and refreshment to have caused the young persons as depicted in the photograph below. Only three hours after noon and ALL of them are in deep slumber. Surely affected by walking, visiting and consuming all the delicacies laid on the tables at places visited and at home. That would not be an unfamiliar situation for many of us too many years ago.

  

This was one happy moment when all the children and grand children were at home and a golden opportunity to have recorded this photograph.

The Old Collegian Association had a Hari Raya Gathering at Putrajaya on 15 August 2014. Place: Office of Tun Dr Mahathir It was an opportunity to meet old friends again and signifying that the SAHC Old Boys Association is still functioning. It was here that with all the laughter and happy mood that prevailed Tun Dr Mahathir on asked to give a speech began by saying that he wished to be serious and delivered his speech amongst other things requesting all present to be aware of ENGLISH as an important language for MATHS and SCIENCE implying that to continue and expand in the two subjects one would need to know the media of English as daily hundreds of research papers are published or issued and one would be left behind if unable to keep in steps with them. That is if you would want to progress.

That done and the program ended with a group photo taken with Tun and Dr Siti Hasmah. As much as the group came for the friendship and celebration of AidilFitri they were left to take home a message that they should elaborate to their children and grand children for their future career and expansion.

Yes it was also an occasion  for the gathering to wish Tun Dr Mahathir and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah a great Happy Birthday belated wishes. 


As usual, when away from home you would plan where possible to include other programs in the schedules especially when we receive invitations from friends. Post Hari Raya would of course see invitations to attend wedding functions. One was at Putrajaya too and it was from one of our neighbours of Presinct 16. I choose to highlight the theme of the function and direction taken by the host and hostess to make the event a memorable one.

A garden scene was chosen as the theme and as the bride and bridegroom sat on the stage a group performed the 'Zapin' to an accompanying music much to the surprise of the guests. Necessarily our attendance at such get-together allowed us to meet friends whom we have not met regularly since they live away from our normal circle. More so a golden opportunity to know new friends as well.

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