VISITING A FOREIGN COUNTRY IS NO PIECE OF CAKE ''' STILL IT'S WORTHWHILE

A 'ryokan' named " KIKOKUSO" at Kyoto was our home for a night. Here we experienced Japanese traditional home stay on its tatami mat floor with sliding doors etc. Not to mention dressed in 'Yukata' before going to the family hot bath

At Nara forty minutes by train from Osaka, we caught this scene of family resting by the scenic landscaped pool with early autumn cool pleasant weather in the air.Thousand of visitors were here on Saturday as Nara is one historic city with legends of its own



Inside our room at Ryokan Kikokuso with the 'futon' laid out for the guests comfort. The beds are folded away and stored during day time. I guess we were used to this in James Bond film before and it becomes a reality now.



It was an appreciation indeed. I have longed instructed my children and grand children to arrange their shoes in order before entering the home. Here the emphasis is more. For shoes meant for use inside the home they are placed pointed in. For those used outside they are placed facing out. We should adopt this. Take a warning!


A toilet in a public garden designed alongside the landscaped compound



They care. Even the tree trunk deserved such treatment allowing it to grow on.

The train station at Kyoto. For JY 540 it takes you from here to Osaka within 50 minutes. It is a hive of activity and you have to learn how to buy tickets from the vending machine besides looking for the platform etc. All notices in Japanese though you hear announcement in English



Another great care for vegetation as well as the hard rock too


The picture taken in early morning. Ryokan charges per person for accommodation and not room and includes breakfast. Generally it's a little higher than hotel rate. This is truly home- stay, cared and entertained by the family. According to the owner there is heavy demand by foreigners making 70% of clients. A reverse of what it was before, This ryokan has been functioning as far back as 180 years ago. It is run by the son and his family members who took over from his father almost forty years ago.


At Nara the extensive park sees hundreds of deer roaming freely.


Need to explain? We are at fish- market of course.

'Jeruk berbagai jenis'. Pickled vegetables of all types for your choice.

Fresh vegetables for sale.

Crabs, giant size too plus all manner of fish you want to pick for the kitchen.

I thought of bringing a bicycle home especially to use as shown here

At the Osaka Castle, you will notice elderly ladies enjoying the pleasures of sketching and painting scenes of the castle, a much enjoyable past time. They have taken a shaded corner to labour their hobby.


Believe me this is the apartment that sheltered us for the days we were at Osaka. It had almost everything for comfort

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Visiting another country outside yours is looked forward to by many. H1N1 situation and the current economic world standing are two valid reasons that may put off excursions of such nature for the present. Putting those aside we somehow managed to do so, specifically since we secured two free return seating from Malaysian Airline System sufficient to take us to India, China, Japan etc. We chose to head for the 'Land of the Rising Sun'. This of course came through the 'Enrich Program' by virtue of points accumulated. Not using them would mean they would be forfeited. Then again, we never like to travel on a conducted tour always preferable to be on our own with our programs and schedules. That mean as a start to make sure you have a valid passport and to obtain a visa from the Japanese Embassy or its Consulate at Penang. The Embassy secures your visa within two working days if you satisfy all requests including an indicator that you have sufficient fund. No doubt, Japan is also unduly worried over visitors who entered but remained in the country; failing to make their exits for reasons of their own. Other planning has to be executed before you depart. Only you have to become your own tourism planner.

Japan is the choice but then where to stay, what to see and visit? JAPAN, a publication by Lonely Planet became an introductory choice while information from the world-wide net added a wealth of information before we departed. Choice of accommodation is freely available from hotels, 'ryokan' of varied categories what more with advices or comments from guests who had stayed there before. Pictures and maps helped to make your choice easier and of course the price offered with the various services available. Of course a free Internet service would be a great factor. Availability and reservation is immediate too. Even directions and choice of transportation's are available. Indeed when you arrived, you are already prepared to expect convenience, hopefully.

Osaka and specifically Kansai Airport is six hours away eastward from KLIA. Departing at 11.45 pm meant that we arrived at 7.00 am Japan time: a pleasant and untiring journey that put you at ease to face a new experience.

We made a satisfactory choice by registering at Weekly Mansion Osaka at Otemae for the duration of our six day/5 night stay. It's a new concept stay in an apartment type home with all the facilities of your home: spacious living room, bedroom and all conveniences. Kitchen facilities, free internet, TV and video on hire plus bicycles for rent are all available. Above all at JY52, 600 for the stay, an average of RM 390.00 per night for two persons is a hard price to beat. English speaking desk personnel were of great help when you could only come forth with " ohayo gozaimas", "damo arigato gazaimas" and "konnichiwa" amongst the phrases. Still we found everyone we met helpful.

Our Mr. Ohta the volunteer guide whom we met gave us an excellent introduction to Osaka and especially its train networks. Paying for only JY 200 by train you would be paying JY750 instead by taxi. Still as an old departed friend once said "Your arithmetic is wrong, when you grapple over price etc when you choose to have the best". Indeed he said if you want to have a car then don't ruffle about the mileage and the liter price of petrol'.

Why Osaka? Why not Tokyo? Osaka in the Kansai Prefecture gives you two other cities worthy of visiting: Kyoto and Nara. In fact you have Kobe, Hiroshima and Nagasaki all nearby if your itinerary favors: all familiar names dating back to the Second World War period. Then again autumn would be finer here. Should you wish to see bustling Tokyo, it is only a sixty minutes trip by plane from Osaka Itami at JY22,600 or by the 'Shinkansen' the bullet train from Kyoto at JY13,200 and taking 2 hours 42 minutes. Rail passes available are helpful in many ways.

At the point of writing we have just returned from visiting Nara and Kyoto; two ancient cities with treasures of Japan and more interestingly with a new experience. We chose to spend a night at Kyoto after visiting Nara earlier and significantly stayed in an old Japanese Inn or 'Ryokan'. It's an experience not to be forgotten and more so unbelievably make you wonder or regret to say the least why we do not promote a proper stay in a Malay kampong house? Visiting foreign places are great assets as it opened a new avenue, clicking the mind of new ideas and helping to widen our world view.

View some of the photos taken at Nara, Kyoto and Osaka. You will agree with me the three cities on our eastward fringe are worthy of visiting. We have always looked at cities in the western region, a fallacy built over many decades. Good that convenience traveling allows us to see others, all helping to make our very own a better one if we so desire to do so and innovate for change where possible.

One exceptional mention would be a big 'take off my hat' to the taxi drivers of Osaka, Nara and Kyoto with whom we had the chance to meet and become passengers in their vehicles. They were polished, dedicated and helpful without any qualm of complaining or sounding disappointing. The taxi would halt, the side door opened by itself and we jumped in on white cloth covered seats into a spacious cabin space. The driver mostly senior person in his smart dress and white gloves greets you. You indicate where you would like to go and almost always not understood. You showed a paper or a map with the address. He would consult his map book or even switched on his GPS to find the where about of your intended address. No he would not stop at that, if unable to find the address. He would get on his hand phone with the number given by you to enquire. All inclusive of the service you would get with humility and kindness. Yes I have yet to experience such service even in a country where you could speak and explain quite clearly where you intended to go. Alas never the same. It was exceptional where we are today. "Sayonara" is another word that saying so also put you wanting to discover the beauty of this great island again while suggesting that many of our youth should face eastward and grasped the 'eastward policy' as practiced by the Malaysian Government.

I would like my children to do so. Fortunately one is coming this way next month as he is in the motor industry and hopefully gained from his visit as we did even for a very brief one.

26 October 2009

MEETING A JAPANESE VOLUNTEER

The welcome digital screen at Kansai Airport greets you on arrival

It seems to be an outing day for schools as elementary and secondary children

made their educational visits to Osaka Castle and its sites.

Not to miss the colorful crysthemum flowers on display at Osaka Castle we had this photo of my wife with Mr.Ohta our volunteer guide.

Autumn is late in arriving at Kansai but the leaves are already changing their hues.

A scene to savour

Mr.Ohta and me at one of the shopping arcades in the city. Bicycles and cycling are popular here as they were in Malaysia fifty years ago.

IT WAS MANY DECADES AGO, that I first saw a Japanese. Of course he and his colleagues were in Malaya during the Second World War. They were soldiers and certainly brought into the country to launch the Japanese Prosperity Plan of conquering Asia, which they did but lasted for a short span. Of course the child's view was clouded by many factors. Today at Osaka in the Kansai prefecture, I met another, several years older than me but in a more congenial atmosphere. No he is not one of the soldiers that cycled the route north from the Kedah – Thai border to the Island of Singapore, but is a Volunteer Tourist Guide who offered his service to visitors to the Japanese cities and in this case being Osaka.

Viewing the internet I came across an Osaka Tenma Yomiuri SGG Club at Osaka that offered guide service to visitors to Japan and especially Osaka in this case. Correspondence through email, guaranteed that we had the service of a guide. Especially in Japan where you hardly know a word of Japanese or able to converse in either Malay or English with the populace, it would be a great asset to meet someone who could help. In this case Mr. Hideaki Ohta had assured that he would meet us at the hotel where we stayed. This morning prompt at 9.30 am, the telephone in the room rang and he was already at the foyer to meet us and take us on a familiarization tour of Osaka City and taking us especially through myriad networks of the underground trains of the city. That by itself would be the last thing any tourist would like to confront with on the first day.

Mr. Ohta belonged to a group of volunteers in Japan who gave their time and service to serve the tourist industries. They are not money oriented but offered their services literally free of charge. I suppose they gain from the interactions with people from all over the world and proud that they have contributed to the community and to the tourism industry and Japan specifically. That they could converse in the language indicated by the visitors is a true virtue of their assistance; that they are as knowledgeable as the professional tourist guides go a long way. Mr. Ohta was with us for the whole day till we parted with good feelings and friendship late in the evening. I must say this is the first tourist volunteer guide I have come across and had the services offered gratis. Yes free of charge excepting that we pay for our tickets as well as his when we travelled on the train or 'undergrounds' . You have to pay for entries of visitation when required. He entered free being an established and recognized Club member. I would not hesitate to use their services whenever I return to Japan again. I would encourage others to contact them. It is a two way winner: the visitor as well as the volunteer guide. Perhaps Malaysia too has to look at this prospect in wanting to improve its tourism potentials.

YANG BARU BALIK DAN YANG AKAN BERANGKAT

Begitulah penghijrahan yang terus berlaku setiap bulan sepanjang tahun. Tanahnya kering kentang, berbukit gondol tanpa tumbuh-tumbuhan. Suhunya tinggi. Jauh sekali dari segala keindahan dan kemashyuran tempat yang digemari oleh pelancong. Tapi kita mahu berulang ke sana. Kawan yang baru balik bermimpi sepanjang hari, ingin terus ke sana lagi. Menikmati segalanya yang tak dimimpi ditempat lain. Mekkah dan Medinah menggamit kita. Tanah suci. Tanah haram. Mulai bulan depan ramai lagi akan menuju ke sana bukan dari negara kita saja tapi dari perusuk dunia. Musim haji tiba lagi dan ramai yang telah bersedia bertahun-tahun kini sudah terbayang kehadiran mereka di-sana.

Keistimewaannya banyak. Lautan rahmat menunggu.Sudah ke-sana masing-masing tahulah segala yang ada. Kepada jumaah haji kita mendoakan kesejahteraan. Antara persedian katanya hendaklah 'mengharuskan' hati. Khutbah Jumaat hari ini menjurus kepada tanah haram Mekkah dan Medinah. Agaknya bulan depan kita mula ke rumah kawan-kawan dan keluarga yang akan berangkat ke sana.





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‘400 DITELAN BUMI’ / 400 ENGULPED BY THE EARTH – 30 SEPT 2009 5.16 PM

IN ANY LANGUAGE it is devastating and unbelievable. Yet it happened at Padang a seaside town on the western shores of Sumatra Indonesia. Four hundred persons: adults, men and women, children too from a village near the city were totally obliterated when the earth shook, split and pulled all those attending a wedding ceremony at the village into its abyss. Besides, the village mosque's minaret the highest point in the village too disappeared indicating a depth of no less than thirty meters. Not counting hundreds others all over the area and in the town itself.

I have not visited Padang but I have touched down at its airport while on a trip to Bukit Tinggi, a touristic center up on the highlands, famed for its Minangkabau inheritance and culture. Still Padang has its attractions and particularly for Malaysians families. A university at the town is home to many students from Malaysia undergoing medical studies. When the earthquake struck the area with a score of 7.6 on the Richter scale it was enough to wrought worries of their families at home. The immediate evacuation of three hundred or more Malaysian students from Andalas University by RMAF planes helped. In the wake of such disaster help poured in from all corners of the earth. How fast and how ready they are to dig into the rubbles to save those still buried amongst twisted iron and concrete are the hopes of all. Fresh food, water, medicines, clothing and roofing all become necessary at this juncture. Malaysia like other countries offered immediate aid sending in our rescue team ( SMART) and medical personnel.

The severity and intensity of the disaster at Padang did not end there. Other calamities wrecked cities and places in the Philippines with 'Parma' and 'Ketsana' devastating the islands and continuing into Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. The Pacific island of Samoa was crippled by a tsunami that hit the island.

For us that devour the news with much tribulation, its sadness personified thankful that such calamities do not hover over our country. Still our hearts go out to the victims and whatever small contributions we can give will be much appreciated. Already NGO's and newspapers have started collections for assistance. Will you share in giving your contribtion?

An intention to halt the students from returning to their studies at Padang is certainly not a wise decision at this juncture. Don't add insults to injuries. The University has to rebuild itself fast and the loss of its students from withdrawal is the last thing it would like to hear.

Malaysian however has its own terminal disaster. The 'balik kampong' syndrome never failed to strike its ugly head and this year Hari Raya break topped the mark.

IN PRAISE OF SHAWAL AND ALL THAT COMES WITH IT

Toddlers and young children especially in all their innocence have a grand time during festive seasons. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is no exception. More so it must be the most celebrated occasion in the Muslim year. Even adults may look back and fondly remember the youthful exuberance of welcoming the evening of Shawal with the dins of crackers and bamboo-cannons, intermixing with verses of the 'takbir' from the mosque and the radio/TV schedules in the background. Mothers, sisters or the women folks in the family busied themselves in the kitchen racing to finish the varied dishes and savouries which would grace the dining tables early on the first day of Aidilfitri. Earlier the 'jemaah' at the mosque after the Isyak prayer had melancholy said good bye to Ramadan after devoting themselves throughout the holy month . Suddenly the evenings took a change from the previous month's nights of Ramadan. It was not a release from having to fast in the day time, because everyone adhered to the rule but it was obligatory that we celebrate the first of Shawal. The day after and the subsequent five days Muslims may fast as continuance and celebrating 'Raya' puasa enam' on the seventh day of Shawal.

Celebrations follow in many forms. The exodus of 'balik kampong' capped it all. Sons and daughters make a point to return home to the family roots. Those with wives and husbands naturally have to transport their retinues. Airline, railway and express bus tickets were grabbed month ahead. Extra leaves were requested beside the extensive four or five days closure of offices and establishments. It was returning home of a special kind: to enjoy the special atmosphere and exuberance that comes once a year, to be in contact with all relatives near and far, friends and classmates and admittedly to touch ground and taste home cooking. Wedding celebrations are held during the week with the expectation of a larger attendance especially of relatives. Attendance at functions during the festive week took a grandeur scenario when all came in their finer attires, typically in traditional dresses in hues of colors. The quiet home at all time, inhibited by two loving couples suddenly awoke to laughter, merriment and joyfulness as all shared the treasures it held all the while. All rooms and spaces were occupied: sleeping on the floor and hitting the hay stack hours after midnight chatting over old tales came naturally as that was how it began earlier. Pillows and mattresses suddenly came out of no where to cater to the needs. It was a sin and uncalled for should family members resorted to check into hotel rooms in town. In reference to the many foreign workers in the country, they too made the annual home visit in preference to this auspicious day. The Indonesian being closer made a beeline to their nearest ports of call.

The Aidilfitri prayer at the local mosques attended by all: men, women, boys, girls, parents and their siblings turned to be a large gathering after it was over. Everyone met each other offering greetings, affections and forgiveness. Many then walked beyond the gates of the mosque to visit and offer prayers at the graves of their love ones, rekindling loves and affections to the departed. Alfatihah.

Back at homes, sons and daughters kissed their parents, asking forgiveness and likewise parents too. Son and daughters- in- laws followed with grand-children each and every one in that brief moment realizing filial piety . Soon it became a never - ending queue as others visited the home and meeting in like manner too. Children received 'raya' envelopes containing 'ringgit' as token of goodwill on this occasion. The more adventurous of them made a beeline to the neighbors' homes collecting their dues and planning to purchase the best of gifts with their new found wealth. Some among them would intimate to proceed to the nearest cinema hall and of course to view the latest of the shows aptly put up for the day.

For this auspicious day, we had all our five siblings ( sons and daughters) at home on the first three days. With their spouses and children it grew to two dozen and expectancy grew with the arrival of three sisters and a brother along with spouses and their own productions. Not counting the home crowd and relatives, it was a feast to cater to all. Preparations had been made to provide for eventualities such as this and the self -service counter at the corner of the house helped greatly. No doubt 'ketupat', 'rendang', 'nasi Mansor' ( from a local restauranteur) with the inevitable 'dalca' and 'ayam masak rose' were pullers. Added to that a fresh addition of 'laksa siam' with its aromatic 'curry or 'kuah' kept all in good mood.

The festive atmosphere however had to bow down to reopening of work schedules and schooling. Slowly but definitely the visitors had to start packing, loading their unwashed clothing, piling one another into the Nissan, Proton, Isuzu, Honda vehicles that carted all of them here, contented and happy for a break that promised goodwill and family indulgences. Never mind the long queue of vehicles on the return journey. The children would for sure be quieter on the return leg, having frolicked all the days. Goodbyes with kisses and and deep embraces accompanied all that had come home to root. Next year's Aidilfitri would see them again. 'Balik Kampong ' will be a sure fire anecdotes to home grown family gathering solemnized by the ending of Ramadan and the resonance of 'takbir' that play on your deeper emotions.

Yes he is just as happy as the rest discovering new avenues and learning experiences. He will continue to appreciate the 'balik kampong' scenario and will insist for a return sooner than you think.

The lights of 'Shawal' , the characteristic homely atmosphere helped to pull the family home. The frolics of youth haunt many to feel the atmosphere again however distance they may be,

Shoes off. Left at the foot of the staircase. Their owners in the house sobering the early delights of Shawal and conscious that the children awaited for them for fireworks and crackers to din the nights at least

Casual and relax maybe after the day's meeting with members of the family. Now a time to sit down and give thoughts to family identity and future well being.

A family photo at the 'rumah kayu' / 'rumah seni Melayu' that welcome all and look forward to see many more occasions like this

NO LET TO SURPRISES

FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER / 6 SYAWAL 1430 – ON THE SIXTH DAY OF SHAWAL, you are still numbed by the number of fatal victims on the road. Despite all attempts to halt where possible road accidents during festive seasons, there appear to be no go at saving the lives of Malaysians. Imagine - despite reminders, road and highway surveillance etc the death now totaled 192. Code named 'Ops Sikap 20' seemed to be heading to the previous year figure of 208 dead persons due to fatal road accidents. Maimed bodies of children, youth, adults, men and women were witnessed by relatives, parents and families as they laid their loved ones to rest yet the gruesome avoidable happenings continue on. Attitudes, road manners, speed, road worthiness of vehicles, dangerous corners and sections of the highway and federal roads are offered as reasons or excuses. In totality Malaysian road manners or adventurism need drastic changes. Strict and no excuse execution of checks and summons must take precedence for all road users. Camera as promised at strategic places to record road code breakers must be installed immediately. Too long we have heard of the planning but nothing come of it. Driving schools and acquiring driving licenses must be geared towards road safety as priority. Or do we wish to see multiplication of death tolls on our roads continuing due to careless and unconcerned attitudes?

2. At the United Nation New York, Muammar Gaddafi of Libya turned up at the august house to deliver a scanting rebuke at the World's body slamming the veto rights of United States, Russia, China, Britain and France and reacted by tearing the front cover of UN Charter. He spoke for 1 hour and 36 minutes although only 15 minutes are allowed for all speakers. Earlier President Obama crossed the fifteen minute line by being at the mike for 38 minutes.

3. At the annual gathering of former students of Sekolah Menengah Darulaman in Alor Star on the third day of Aidilfitri which I attended in my capacity as a former principal of the school and meeting again some of my former students and teachers there was the usual camaraderie. Stories and recollections of the students in their teen years, thirty to thirty-six years ago where they received their education under strict but friendly principal- ship and guidance of dedicated teachers echoed year after year. This year was no exception. A record number of former students (140) attended the gathering at the school hall smacking their love and adoration for their alma mater. They returned to their homes for the Aidilfitri during the holiday break to be with their families but never dismiss the invitation to be with their school buddies. Not surprisingly, all in varied fields of business and career have grown in girth and size. Noticeably students of the later years especially of the 1980's, seemed to be over-sized than their elder brothers. The photo attached concur this foresight.

Some of the later students of SMD who sat for their SPM in the early 1980's. Fast food as favorite may have been indulged and saw size a factor. True or false? Lan Pat Pat in baju Melayu a huge puller that night.

Yet more exciting is to learn an interesting tale from one of the students. Che Ani, a grade 1 student, a school prefect and a scholarship student of the school and today an officer in the maritime service having served in TLDM that one day more than three decades ago he delivered a packet at my home. On the assistance of his father he went to my home at Jalan Sekerat Alor Star to deliver a 'buah chempedak' as a token of appreciation. Timidity caught him off guard and he left the fruit at the gate never telling me till tonight. Still it is a great appreciation I accept with honor. Sadly too Che Ani's father has passed away. The tale also marked the close rapport I had with parents when holding the helm of the school making it one the exciting and competitive schools in Kedah during 1974 – 1980. The ex-students gathering also congratulated former students who have made their way in industries, corporations and public sectors; namely Dato Farizuan Darus who is Penang State Financial Officer, Dato Zaharudin Zainol Abidin of LX-Mode and AzamHais Sdn Bhd, En Ibrahim Manager of Regency Hotel Alor Star, Lan Pat Pat an up and coming film and television personality and many others who have distinguished themselves making SMD a continuing bye word. I promised I would attend their future gatherings as long as their invitation comes in the wake of AidilFitri celebration giving support to their alma mater. Echoing their thanks ' for making them men and women' is a reward that touched all the teachers' hearts. Those years at Darulaman capped my career years.

4. No sad or unworthy story can equal that of a young husband in his 30's to discover in stark reality that his equally young wife has been playing fiddle. Expecting to celebrate her birthday he had bought a cake as required and yet to catch her on the eve of the day in close proximity with another man in a hotel room when a religious party knocked on a hotel door early in the morning. Shouldn't she be at home?

5. Grateful that on the occasion of this Eid Celebration, all our children and their families made their way home as first priority. They would otherwise in consideration of their partners (those married) choose to visit first their in-laws. Added more sweetening was the visit and stay of my three sisters and their families too, coming from Kota Bharu, Klang and Kulim respectively. This homage home to meet the father/brother and mother/sister is a tradition to be cherished and exemplified.

The school air-conditioned hall saw SMD former classmates coming together and reliving their nostalgic moments in the classroom and the fields.

Surprises of the sweet things are most welcome making highlights of our days. Aidilfitri 1430 sets a precedence.

The patriarch with his family , brother, nephews and nieces, grand -sons and daughters

RAMADAN OH RAMADAN

The beautiful interior of Masjid Zahir Alor Setar with its ornate 'mimbar' will be thronged with the 'balik kampong' exodus early on Hari Raya Day when Aidilfitri prayer is performed here. His Highness the Sultan of Kedah has always attended the Eid prayer here and consented to 'berhari raya' or meet the jumaah after the prayer. InsyaAllah it will take place.

THE RAMADAN OF 1430/ 2009 IS COMING TO A CLOSE. IT then heralds the the 1st of Shawal , the first day of the month when Muslims celebrated with mixed feeling but with gestures of happiness, success, recollections and trepidations of the past, present and future. Every night during Ramadan as he joined the large congregation, standing in rows in the open hall of the mosque or surau with his fellowmen behind the Imam, completing the 'terawith' prayer he is encapsulated with the holy verses from the Koran and at times bringing tears streaming along his cheeks over many recollections and rewards bestowed upon his life while flashing too sadness , turmoils befallen others. He is grateful to be there, accomplishing the twenty plus 'rakaat' special prayer every evenings during the month after breaking fast upon 'iftar', more so on occasions when he breaks his fast with fellow community friends over simple dishes prepared by the mosque or surau committee, following with the 'maghrib' prayer. Truly Muslims in the country are blessed because during Ramadan 'bubur lambuk' are served at most mosques, surau, community halls and even at hotel's premises. They are so many givers; people who are open-hearted and recognizing the wants of their fellow beings willing to assist and donate. Ramadan is truly great. It is recorded that three months consecutively in the Muslim calendar have special distinctions. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. enjoined "Sesungguhnya bulan Rejab adalah bulan Allah s.w.t., bulan Syaaban adalah bulanku dan Ramadan adalah bulan umatku."

Over the years I have had occasions to witness and participate Ramadan at varied places. Wherever it maybe either far away from home or in the comfort of your own house alongside your families, Ramadan never failed to lent its distinguished characteristics while leaving also at its tail-end a saddening reminder 'Will you be around the next it comes around'.

We are most grateful that we have seen through Ramadan AL-Mubarak 1430. The family gatherings during the first week of Shawal approaching possibly this Sunday 21 September 2009 always grant a strong camaraderie of family unity and friendships while keeping the traditions and cultures alive.

SELAMAT MENYAMBUT AIDIL FITRI TO ALL MUSLIM FRIENDS

This AidilFitri we will have an opportunity to welcome friends to the wooden home as seen in the picture, having salvaged one and restoring to its present condition.