SYAWAL 1433

This the the fourth day of Syawal, meaning we are on the fourth day of welcoming the the special month after Ramadan when Muslims throughout the world observed the fasting month. Ramadan has left us, many wondering if we will see it again the coming year and years after. It has been observed with full attentions and devotions. Thus it leaves a strong binding effect with all its religious obligations.

I woke up to the warmth of the morning and exercising in the  garden with tidying and raking the fallen leaves left after three days of disregards. Most invigorating and warmth to the heart was to observe the freshness and blooms of several flowers as though saying 'welcome' to a beautiful day. Indeed it is because it is a day earlier to a date one greets oneself every new year of your being on this earth. I share with friends who often comes across 'kotastar' the blooms of the morning. Realizing your earnest labour of watering especially has given the gifts that greets you in the morning. This morning especially.

                                                                                A.                                          

                                                                     ' Iron Cross'
                                                               

                                                                    'Kerak Nasi'

 Seven photos taken just now. Surely you would recognize all of them and possibly there are in your own garden too But I am not sure you would give a thought to where you have seen beauty A. It is a creeper that you would have seen growing by the waysides in your early days almost sixty plus years ago and sad to say it is hardly found now. We have managed to pluck it from some hedges and it is growing slowly. The pink colour is its characteristics.

Last night there were two invitations to a reunion of alma mater. Two schools where I was a teacher and thoughtful of the ex students and the alumni to invite us to be together with them as they welcome Syawal. I gave one a miss and chose to attend one at SMD ( Sekolah Menengah Darulaman in Alor Setar) where I was a teacher and Headmaster ( Pengetua now) from 1974 to 1979. We have always attended their gathering and 2012 or 1433 would not be missed. It is great to see young men and women in their 30th and 40th year again. Many reaching their apex of their careers too. It was pleasant  to meet Hj Othman Don a teacher who was also at the school before. Career in the teaching field continues to congratulate you every year when you meet your students and be reminded of your service when you yourself was at a youthful age. Thank you SMD and these following photos show the strong linkage of the students with one another and their alma mater.

               Che Gu Othman Don in the black robe

    Hi Everybody We are the Darulaman boys!

Me and wife with the boys

                                            

  A TV and movie personality amongst them

     SELAMAT HARI RAYA MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN

THE INDULGENCE OF TIME AND SIGHT

This could be a photo album documentation of sight and sound that saw us indulging ourselves in. It had been a full week of sheer moving from north to south since we covered several states having to drive southwards in the peninsular. Only a week back it was in Kota Bharu and now on to Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johore and the Federal territory of Putrajaya. Our country does offer sights and sounds that would delight us while leaving many questions as to their contributions and significance in a larger sense.

Driving in the rain in Kuala Lumpur one evening, I caught the view of the city through the windscreen. It was possible since the car was above the street level and moving on the raised

'sky' highway. However it struck a sad recollection, leaving a definition of the future 'Malaysia' with people living in concrete homes of a structured order divorce of the old Malay kampong kind. Will it be as below?

Our next move was to proceed to Port Dickson to attend a reunion of Kirkby College graduates of the 1952 to 1962. A two day event organized by a working committee residing in Negeri Sembilan managed to bring about a grand attendance of 200 plus former students of Kirkby College. That the College existed for only 10 years and closed permanently in 1962 never stopped its former students from giving its due importance in their lives. Naturally their youthful experience and exuberance were colored by the early decades of the 1950's. Meeting old friends again was the recipe for the 'diamond jubilee' success at the holiday resort and army town of Port Dickson. To find members of the first group ( 1952 - 1953) at the gathering, all aged 80+ was a significant observation, with spirits stronger than physics. Even those residing outside the country never failed to attend.       

A former class member even brought sets of photographs to share with friends. I grasped two from him. No I did not take away his precious copy but photographed them on the spot. Here you see us in the 'prime of our youth' challenging Britain's nature at Scarfell in the Lake District the highest mountain in England and on a yacht in Norfolk Broads at Norwich, a program we had to accomplish as part of the course structure. So we were sailors as well as mountain climbers while absorbed in the theories of Plato, Rousseau etc. Do they insist on current teacher trainees to undertake such activities? Imagine what our students would have to perform realizing our ability to accomplish things ourselves.

School mates who spent five years in their secondary school appreciate the friendship linked. But living together in an educational institution for two years in a foreign land, more so accommodated in a former British army barracks steeled the spirit to challenge the impossibles.  

Keeping our eyes open wide, we continue to marvel at many things around us. As much as greenery decorates our homes and public places, we are never short of seeing innovations in many forms. Here we see potted plants arranged on stacks thus filling the space horizontally and vertically and become a welcoming centre piece at the entrance of a new hotel. 

No! Children don't play around here as much they would love to jump into the heap of sand by the beach. Yet this is no ordinary mound but one that is organized by the participants that took part in a 'sand sculpturing' competition at a Port Dickson beach front. How much more complimentary if other department or agencies take to arrange such competition at places where the sea frontages permit such skilled activities.Thankful that our visit to Port Dickson took us to this site and knowing why the town has a large invasion of holiday makers and families at the weekends.       

Now what would turn on most Malayians ? FOOD - seafood at that plus all the concoctions that come with it. Besides        ' Ikan Jenahak bakar', 'Seafood tomyam', 'Masak Udang' and of course a plate of 'Petai Bakar' would bring about the proverbial saying ' tak sedar pun kalau Mak Mentua lalu'.  It's so delicious and good that even if the mother - in -law passes by you would not even notice her'. Yes Malaysian would go afar where fine dishes await.Now why the mother in -law?

That would also include venues that offer the best of things in terms of presentation, service, qualities you would like to look for. We came upon two locations. One was at Cyberjaya and the other at Petaling Jaya. I walked into the Cyberview Lodge and Spa much too early before lunch time and had the chance to see the chef and staff arranging the display of dishes on the tables. Thus void of customers. It was my first visit to the Lodge and understood now why at one time world leaders conference was held here. It was marvelous to see old oil palm trees dominating the site, sculptured and co-existing in the natural order.

Now at one corner of Petaling Jaya, once the most thriving suburb outside Kuala Lumpur and where properties have multiplied leaps and bounds in terms of price, we came about a 'bistro' type restaurant courtesy  of our daughter who invited us for lunch here. Meaning we had to travel from Putrajaya. It was well worth the time to discover how a Malay couple has managed to give definition to their business while attracting large customers. Both being serious photographers had their works adorned the walls. Their black and white pieces stood out on the white washed walls of the quint single storey bungalow.

It puts on place that Malays have the capacity to do things successfully and the food service has to take a different route from the 'warong' that clusters the roadsides every where you go in the country. Authorities must give encouragement and motivation to entrepreneurs who offer clean and delightful surroundings while serving the customers meals of their choice. Roadsides stalls especially must be discouraged on account of hygiene and good health. Streets cafes along streets in the city and towns in the country seems a far cry from those we see at Champ Elysee in Paris. A copycat but never in earnest. 

Back to base at Putrajaya, a morning walk at Presinct 8, brought me to the back of this modern row of houses. Few are lived in for the moment. But it is not the houses that fetched the 'good' price, the views from the windows and verandas would add all the spices one would require. Especially as it overlooked the scenes below of the Putra Mosque and the lakes. You would have the 'azan' calls as companion everyday of the week.

 

Our stay at Putrajaya coincided with the 'International Flower Show' which was a great show piece. As much as being able to view the displays and arrangements, you would have the opportunity to cart back plants of all nature and colors for your own garden. All brought to you by entrepreneurs  of the flower and gardening industries. A flower arrangement display allowed those interested to learn the basics as well as participate in a competition to test their skills after the brief course. My life partner did not miss the opportunity while bringing our visit to the southern states a grand finish. What more for being able to pay back to her mother times the lady has spent when she was young showing her round. She was with us to the places mentioned including a drive to Segamat for a 'khenduri' and touching the fringe of 'Gunong Ledang' and passing the town of 'Labis' one would remember as being often in the news during the emergency years.     

Bees naturally love flowers as well as other insects that formed part of the decorative items at the International Flower Show

When we were young our parents gave their time to care for us, taking us where ever they go. The least we could do now is to show the same cordiality especially when they now walk with support etc. The wheel chairs could come for assistance and you are required to push only. Taking them away from home for a fresh of new experiences and meeting people would be a fitting reward and rejuvenation.

The fireworks and the colorful floats at the Putra Lakes put a final closing to this indulgence of the mind and sight. Much as it colored our experiences it places a strong impact on things we care for and love .  

A BARBER AND BABBLING AWAY AT KOTA BHARU

 We were at Kota Bharu for thirty six hours having arrived past midnight on Thursday morning and returning at noon on Friday. The drive from Alor Setar to Kota Bharu via the East West Highway is not one you would like to repeat immediately. Nevertheless you would not decline to drive on the North South Highway if ever invited at any time.  For one it takes no less than six hours and driving at night especially would not be a pleasant venture. Mind you we also came across an elephant that was retrieving some shoots by the sides of the road.Thankfully it was not misty as well as there was less heavy traffic. If you would like to test the idiom 'sleep like a log' then the drive would give a good answer especially after the arrival.

The sudden visit was for a 'ziarah' to my sister's home for the bereavement of her husband's sister. In moments of loss such as the departure of a loved one, a visit would no doubt be a consolation. 

However my visit for all its timing, insists that I paid a visit to the barber as some grooming does call for it. Wow. How could you look for a barber shop in the town unfamiliar to you? Leaving it to my son to find his way, we came upon one, however not in the centre of the town. Now I have had hair cuts in several places before and especially preferring to choose one you are familiar with.  

I would place this experience on Thursday evening at Wan Shukri's barber shop an extraordinary encounter. I had noticed the name 'Wan' on a mirror and asked for his full name.Thus his other name.

Upon entry into the small yet comfortable room, I found myself in the queue with four others waiting for their turns. Only after serving five customers, it was my turn as the barber ushered me to take a seat on the barber's chair. I had casually observed how he had performed his service, fast and speedy, quite professionally. Neither would he lose time talking to his customer. I did not tell him my liking for the hair cut, allowing him to do the necessary believing that he would know the correct style and necessities. Indeed he did what was best. Thus this special write-up for an unexpected discovery.

Wan Shukri's attire struck me as here was a professional yet he told me that he never attended any courses but picked up the knowledge of hair-cutting and grooming from observations and experiencing from cutting and trimming hairs of his friends initially. Yet here was a young man with a gauge over his mouth and nose and a jacket as his attire. He projected a clean image himself. Particularly he held a blower rather than a brush to clear the hairs off , an approach I have never seen used by other barbers excepting lady barbers in the hair dressing saloons.    

 The barber in action. I was told that he works from 2.00 pm till midnight, clearly showing that he has a full number of customers.

           Realizing a good story to be told I asked my son to snap the photos.

Satisfied to see a young man at work and an entrepreneur at heart, it was a hair cut I would gladly come for a repeat if ever I am at Kota Bharu again. Anyway I mentioned  about this discovery to Hj Omar Ismail, a friend from our Kirkby days who lived a stone's throw from the barber shop. He was not aware of this special service near his home. Hopefully Hj Omar and other friends at Kota Bharu will find their ways to this barber shop.

B.   Breakfast ala Nasi Bungkus Daun Pisang

Two old friends were notified of our arrival and early Thursday morning they were at the hotel we were staying inviting us to have breakfast. Away from the normal breakfast served at the hotel, an invitation in Kota Bharu would surely promised a delicious change.  It was indeed one. We were at an establishment called " Selera Daun Pisang'.We sat down for a delicious 'nasi dagang' , a breakfast dish served in the eastern states of Kelantan and Trengganu specially. The dish at 'Selesa Daun Pisang' was special because it was served wrapped with banana leaves. The aroma and the rice with the 'gulai' and 'acar' made me wonder why 'nasi dagang' never gets to replace 'nasi lemak' another popular breakfast dish on the west coast. Chefs and restaurants all over the country go all out to serve ' tongyam' and other Thai styled dishes. Now why does 'nasi dagang' remained put in  the east coast. If any it would be sold only by Kelantan women folks who moved outside the state.  

The friends all enjoying breakfast at 'Selera Daun Pisang' and of course the babbling took its precedence when old friends met and continuing later in the hotel lounge..

MARVELOUS GRANDPARENTS

EVER wonder why we never celebrate 'Glorious Grand Parent's Day? Yet we hear of Happy Mother's Day or Wonderful Father's Day? Why do we stop at that level? Yes there are multiple celebrations of all shades but alas none reserved for the grand dad or mum. No doubt as sons or daughters and now as fathers and mothers we would recall our 'ayah' and 'ibu' but why halt the grand sons and daughters from appreciating and honouring them? Among us ( I mean you and I who have passed the half century or coming to the platinum decade) we would be lucky to know or have met our grand mum and dad. We are the grand dad and mum now. Without doubt we would have a strong following by now. Some certainly would have more than enough to form a rugby team at least if they allow a mixed number of players. Not surprisingly some would be available to provide even an opposition team.

A friend in the east coast recently related a good account of his grand dad. Amongst the richness and highlights of his life we saw a picture of the old home. That would be a lasting reminder as it stood the test of time. Now what else could we salvaged to keep our memory of them? Photos? Documents? Heirlooms? All would have been lost or ravaged by inclement weather and the disaster of the Second World War when fear or timidity forced much to be demolished.

I consider myself lucky to have known my grand mother on the paternal side because she lived until I reached my teen years. Alas no reminder or memory of my grand parents on the maternal side. Providence works in mysterious ways and nothing could be more blissful than to be able to see their images in a photograph that survived.  More so to see the image of my mother when she was a very young girl. I am sharing the photograph below with hopes that we should try to keep intact our memories of them in whatever ways. 

This discourse to liken grand children to appreciate and love their grand mothers and grand fathers in more ways than one i.e other than meeting them during first of Shawal must be put into practice. Much so living grand parents must likewise embrace them in stronger terms, loving and living with them, sharing their lives to the full. Thankfully Malaysian life expectancy has extended with healthy living. We are given the opportunity to know our heritage and what better ways than to come together and be delighted by the presence of grand parents, parents, sons and daughters plus the  grand children .Certainly the life stories of the patriarchs must be made known less we continue to miss the links that has been on the trails for a long time. No we must let the children appreciate their grand parents in no uncertain terms leaving therefore a time line of successful men and women of the family.

             
Much to be derived from such a picture. Terima kasih tidak terhingga kepada jurugambar yang mengambil foto ini. Pada jangkaan dirakamkan pada 1916 - 1918. My mother and her parents in their 'Sunday best' as you would likely expressed. 

written while at Renaissance in Kota Bharu Friday 22 June 2012
 

THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES

 

Sdr Hj Yusof Darus welcoming all for the 'Sepetang dengan Guru-Guru Kita'

he is one of the 1959 students of Sekolah Keb Tunku Bendahara Kodiang. A TV3 newsreader before retired.

It has been a fleeting week but coloured with satisfaction and good reminder of the past. Looking back we share with friends the memories of the past. In this case, the friends are my former students of my first school attachment in 1959 upon my initial reporting after completing my teacher training at Kirkby. I record this in recognition of their close attachment with me since then. The relationship that has developed in the past 53 years speak aloud of their respect and affection. How could you explain when I was their teacher for a year only since I moved to Brunei the following year.

They were students of the Special Malay 1 of Sekolah Tunku Bendahara, an English medium school, the first and only one at Kodiang, a suburb at the border of Kedah and Perlis. Much later I learned from them how grateful and thankful that as 'kampong' boys and girls that they were selected among the cream for the English medium school. They lived with memories of my rapport with them and my 'jungle jim' practices. Being a rugby player I remember passing some of the techniques of the game even though we did not have a 'padang' . A small grass patch was sufficient. Yes they learned to tackle. Maybe that's when they picked the right approach of getting their partners too.  They moved from primary to secondary and later colleges and universities,held posts and vocations throughout the country.

We met again later and continue to do so. They would remember to invite us for Hari Raya get together and other functions. Likewise they are welcomed at our home. Such intimation and friendship is hard to find. At one Hari Raya gathering an envelope was handed to me after one of the students seek permission from my wife. We received with thanks and upon reaching home found RM1000.00 with a thank you for 'knowledge' rendered. The teaching profession sees its rewards in many forms. This continued friendship is one great feeling.

A recent 'Sepetang dengan Guru-Guru' saw three teachers of the time with  dozen of them and their spouses. My salute to them and recognizing their teachers and teacher's day. Already 29th August 2012 has been slotted for our next meeting meaning a week past the coming Aidilfitri. 

                                           
                          The gathering at Dewan and Surau Hijrah in Jitra

                           
               'Thank you Che Gu' and terima kasih kembali for the thoughts

two teachers and two 'students' sitting together

Four photographs of the 'Sepetang dengan Guru-Guru' All acknowledged 'warga emas' but young at hearts for the affection and friendship.

This story continues. Two days ago we visited the 'Butterfly Farm ' in Penang. It is naturally a must visit feature of the island and it has been there for the past 16 years. We managed to speak to the managing director who happened to be on site. Soon we received a call from his father Mr G.T.Poh who founded the farm and developed it to its present standing. It was our visit since more than a decade ago. There has been many additions to the old farm and therefore such strong attractions from locals and foreign tourists. 

It was another case of close attachment since Mr Goh was a teacher at Sekolah Menengah Darulaman in Alor Setar when I was the Principal. I recollected that he presented me a 'Raja Brooke' back in 1974 when he roamed the countryside for his butterfly collections during the weekends. Here was a man who ventured forth from the school room into a business venture that began as a hobby and expanded into a million dollar business.

We talked on the phone and vowed to meet again and so too perhaps with a few other teachers from Penang who were at Sekolah Menengah Darulaman in 1973 -1979.  The school had its success due to the teachers who gave their best at the time. Meeting them again help to rekindle the old experience and keep the friendship alive. 

A visit to the farm would allow you to see the following beauties as we have managed to photographed.Mind you many of the plants you would instantly recognized and they are favourites of the butterflies too. The visit is a learning process by all means. 

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A scene from the Penang Club where the waves beat into the shore as the beaches were lashed with strong waves in the last two days, characteristic of the time at this part every two years, So says the local. June 6 2012.