09 September 2010

Pakcik reminisces ( Part 11 ) – Hari Raya

LETTS DESK DIARY 1956



--- 54 YEARS AGO ---


Indeed I am fortunate to have kept a diary and today I look back literally with tears in my eyes. As I read the pages, my mind's eye races back in time bringing back vivid pictures of yester years.


As I look back with nostalgia and feel how pleasant things were then I cannot deny that, after certain changes, there are better things today. I take as an example the events which I had jotted down in my 1956 diary of what I had to go through on 27th and 28th January of that year.

-----------------


In the morning of the 27th January, 1956, seven of us were heading for Kuala Lumpur eagerly to join HSC, the Cambridge Higher School Certificate class (STPM of today) at two old schools in KL, the Victoria and St. John's. A smaller group was heading for Anderson School in Ipoh. As the Cambridge School Certificate (SPM of today) results for 1955 were not yet known our admission into HSC was based on a special qualifying test. I firmly believed I failed miserably. I had cried and prayed hard for this. So the offer to join HSC was heaven-sent as far as I was concerned.


Accordingly, the seven musketeers, three Malays, three Indians and one Chinese, all boys except for one Indian, merrily boarded the so called 'bas express', the first stage being KT-Kemaman, then Kemaman-Kuantan and the last 'bas express' Kuantan-KL. Now allow me to pick out a few parts of what I had jotted down on the pages of that diary.

-----------------

Friday 27th January(1956)
7.30 am left KT by Kemaman Express. (fare $5.30)
……..
1.35 pm reached Kemaman 2.40 pm left Kemaman for Kuantan
………
4.35 pm reached Kuantan

Saturday 28th
Woke up and had bath at 4.15 am (mistaken time for 5.15!)
……….
8.00 am left Kuantan by express bus for KL (fare $ 8.50)
……..
11.00 am reached Temerloh 12.05 am left Temerloh after being delayed by ferry.
4.30 pm reached KL
-------------------------------


One certainly finds it hard to believe that travel time was 9hrs 5 min on the first day and 8 hrs 30 min on the following day, making a total travelling time of 17 hrs 35 min in two days.

--------------------


That was 54 (FIFTY FOUR) years ago. Pakcik must have been so excited that on the second morning, as noted in my diary, I had a bath at 4.30 am!


That was Pakcik's historical first trip to KL with six very close class-mates. Before we left KT, we went to a photo studio to take a group photo for memory. I cannot remember seeing anyone with camera those days. One would have to go to a photo studio or call the studio to send a cameraman.



Standing L to R :Ravindran (deceased) , Arifin Yasin (deceased), Prasad (deceased) and Dato’ Wan Hussein.
Sitting L to R : Yours truly, Sarada Devi (deceased) and Dato’ Dr Wee Lian Hong (deceased)



Notice the seven names above. FIVE of the musketeers are marked (deceased) leaving just two of us, Dato' Wan Hussein and Pakcik. Yes, the picture was taken perhaps to remind me today that I have a lot to thank for.


It is interesting to note here that the three Indians in our group were in fact two brothers and one sister. They were clever children of a school principal. The two younger ones were accelerated to join the eldest (the only girl in the group) and be in the same class, sitting for the Form 5 exam in the same year, 1955. That was possible during our colonial era when Malaya was just a small colony. Can we now have this in our independent Malaysia, I wonder. Have we, in this case, really changed for the better?


So all the three siblings are gone with two others in the picture, leaving that photo for me to reminisce. No, that is not quite all. One of the three, Prasad, the last to depart left me something else, something that has prompted me to retrieve my diary of 1956 and urged me to write this posting.

--------------------------


In 1956, Hari Raya fell on Saturday 12th May. There was no way for us to return home (balik kampong). As we see above one needed four days of traveling time to make a return trip in 1956.


Obviously it was a lonely Hari Raya for me, being away for the first time. I cannot believe that one from K Terengganu can really be lonely on a Hari Raya in KL today. We can now communicate and watch each other's face across the world. But we did not have as much as a crude telephone to hear the voice of the loved ones.

My diary tells me today how I spent my lonely Hari Raya's eve in 1956.


"At 9.05 saw Mega Mandong at Coliseum". Today it seems unbelievable. But that diary was not meant to tell a lie.


On Hari Raya day I went visiting a few houses with Malay friends. In our class we were fortunate to have Malays from around KL, one was Tan Sri Zaleha Ismail, the ex National Unity and Development Minister.

--------------------


In brief that was how I spent my Hari Raya’s eve, in a cinema watching a Malay film, and the day itself visiting friends' houses.

This brings me to the present, 2010, 54 years later.


Last week I decided to send a few cards in response to those who took the trouble to send me greeting cards last year. Fortunately I had their cards safely stored away. So I retrieved them and started to I leaf through. Then among them, staring into my eyes was a card signed by MK Prasad, one member of the group of seven (in the picture on top) who made the maiden trip to KL with me in January 1956. Here is another reminder of my past. Prasad passed away last July and in his memory I wrote my posting on 19th July ‘Bila Musim Durian Tiba – berguguran


2009 Hari Raya card from Prasad



Prasad was such a jovial person, never stopped pulling our legs in his suppressed humour as we enjoyed our monthly lunches. He had the following foot-note written at the bottom of his card :

P.S.
Food for thought.
They say that money does not grow on trees, but the banks have many branches !

--------------------

That is Prasad's last note to me, just two months ago. He, his two siblings in the picture, and two other dear friends have left this world - leaving just two out of seven. Isn’t this a sobering thought?

It was finding that old Hari Raya card from Prasad that prompted me to say farewell to this Ramadhan and welcome the coming Hari Raya in a reflective note - as I did on welcoming this holy month. I would like to feel that Ramadhan has left a more lasting effect on us all, and the joy of Hari Raya would equally do - that there are out there people who are not as lucky as we are, and the need to forgive and forget in the spirit of Hari Raya.

I would like keep reminding myself of the stark reality of the Quranic ayat 26-27 of Surah 55 , translated by Muhammad Asad as “All that lives on earth or in the heavens is bound to pass away: but forever will abide thy Sustainer’s Self, full of majesty and glory.” - Nothing, absolutely nothing is permanent

--------------------

Pakcik and Makcik wish all our visitors and ex Almanar pupils Selamat Hari Raya. Semoga masih ada lagi Ramadhan dan Hari Raya di tahun-tahun hadapan.


51 comments:

Cat-from-Sydney said...

Dear Pakcik,
1956? Even Mama and Dad were not born yet.... It was that long from KT to KL then? And ferry in Temerloh? Wow! Present day generation shouldn't take things for granted... purrr....meow!

No3 said...

Even with all the technology in the world, it cannot replace kissing the hands of your loved ones in the morning of Raya. Selamat Hari Raya to all and have a safe journey home.

GUiKP said...

Salam Ramadan Pakcik,

Who says you don't keep excellent archives? Thank you for ferreting this out, and sharing the sacrifices one made in the pursuit of knowledge during the pre-Merdeka days.

First time I heard of the movie Mega Mandong (was it a Malay movie made in Malaya?). It seems Amir Muhammad's 120 Malay Movies does not include it as it focuses more on Penarik Beca, Ribut and Hang Tuah.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a joyous and meaningful Eid Day with loved ones and the impressionable young minds. Maaf Zahir dan Batin.

KotaStar said...

Sdr Pak Cik,

Sekali lagi kita nampaknya berkenalan dg orang yang sama. If he is the Ravindran then I too knew him as the Exam Secretary for Kelantan when he was with Lembaga Peperiksaan Malaysia.A lively person. I am sadto know that he has passed away. Re yr photo with 2 friend only alive. Then we are on the same stand too. I have a similar photo and with the same consequences. Syukur kita masih dicintai dan terus berkhidmat dg tujuan yang sama. Yr story is identical though you are in the east and I am in the north. We attended HSC on similar circumstances. I had to go to Penang. Salam AidilFitri

abdulhalimshah said...

Dear Pak Cik,
Absolutely wonderful, I just wonder how you could the diary intact. I could not do so because of many spring cleanings leading to throwing away 'treasures' as such. Happy Selamat Hari Raya and Maaf Zahir Batin.

Anonymous said...

Salam Pakcik,

Selamat Hari Raya buat Pakcik sekeluarga. Semoga kita masih berkesempatan menyambut Ramadhan
dan Syawal di tahun-tahun yang datang.

Ruzita.

kaykuala said...

Dear Pak Cik,
My oh my! This is great! How’d I wish I had kept a diary too! Kept, meaning, still having them now, to pick out at will, for the specific date and occasion and to ponder at leisure. It would be a breeze then to blog and share. I for one would imagine lots more would be forthcoming of such reminiscences from Pak Cik. I would certainly be looking forward to seeing more . I’ll be reading them through with watery eyes, I know.
The wonderful thing about reading Pak Cik’s reminiscences is that I can relate the time and space of the happenings to myself, of events narrated . I can easily relate to some of Pak Cik’s:
1)Being a Victorian ( I was in the Victoria Institution in 58/59, Form 1 and 2 )
2)Getting onto the ferries at ?Kemaman, Muar and ?Batu Pahat in the 60’s( sweating it out just being in the queue) Also in Temerloh and Jerantut in the 70’s
3)Coliseum KL in the 60’s ( where mostly Malay films were shown) The Westerns and others were at Rex, Capitol and Federal . Tickets at RM2.30 (Reserved) RM1.40 (First Class ),RM1.00 and 65sen ( for the front seats – where you would have to strain your neck and do a panorama, switching your eyes from side to side to be able to see the whole, big Cinemascope screen, phew! )
4)Remembering the good times with a teenage ‘crush’ sipping milkshakes coupled with ice creams and sandwiches at the ‘Green Groove’ ( Even though you didn’t say it but it brought fond memories just the same)
It is nothing like having close buddies as you have described it, a source of inspiration and solace. More so when one is away from home. To think that the great friendships ( we were not even made aware of differences in race ) sustained and lingered on for many years until just some months ago.
We need not even have to shout hoarse like politicians do now in trying to convince others on 1Malaysia and stuff when we in our own ways had done much, much more before!

Wan Sharif said...

Salam Pakcik ,
I remembered that in the late 60's.. travel from Kuantan to KL still includes a ferry trip across Pahang river at Temerloh...
I have about 12 schoolmates (out of original 120) who have gone to see the Almighty.. Many of us alive have to add few "stents to the heart' etc.. reminding me that I, like Pak Chik, have a lot to thank for.
Thank you so much for the reminders..
Saya dan family turut mengucapkan Eid Mubarak kepada Pakcik dan family dan mendoakan supaya Allah merahmati kita dengan banyak lagi Ramadhan Ramadhan akan datang..

Zendra-Maria said...

On this last day of Ramadhan 1431 I'm here to pay my respects to a man I have long admired but can never emulate, who once in a while deemed it worth his time to stop by my blog and drop a gem or two in it's comment box, for which act I am most thankful. As they say nowadays Pakcik "You're da man". Please accept my good wishes to you and your blessed family, May Allah always keep you in His Rahmah.
Eid Mubarak...

Mamaboyz said...

Dear Pakcik, selamat hari raya to you and family, keep on writing and reflect, we have a lot to learn from you..may you always be in Allah's love and grants you Jannah.

Al-Manar said...

CiS
I am my father's son, my son's father and my son's son's grandfather. Is there any wonder why it was 1956? It was great fun ferrying across seven rivers ,in two days - not for cats, mind you.

Al-Manar said...

Ckutu
That is as long as you believe love is something precious and dear to you. How thrilled we are to see loved ones around.

Al-Manar said...

GUiKP
I have just a few odd ones.

The song 'Mendong si mega mendong - Mendong dah datang dari utara ....and so on' was the theme song if I am not mistaken. I think it was filmed in Singapore. But then, pre Merdeka, it was not today's Singapore.

Selamat Hari Raya sekeluarga dan pohon maaf atas apa apa kesilapan.

Al-Manar said...

KotaStar,
Indeed Ravindran was a lively, and a witty person. He passed away a couple of years ago. We miss him at our lunch gatherings.
Yes we so much in common, as I suspected so.
Selamat Aidil Fitri to you and family.

Al-Manar said...

Ahki AHS
Witing diary was a habit I started during secondary shool days. I suspect I feared forgetting things, names and events. Unfortunately I have lost quite a few over the years as a result of moving from place to another.
Harap maaf apa apa kesilapan kata dll. Selamat Hari Raya

Al-Manar said...

Ruzita,

Sama sama lah kita bermaafan. Selamat Aidil Fitri
Pakcik

Al-Manar said...

Sdr Hank,
I am pleased that you can share some of my experience during our younger days.
I dare not reveal events under your no. (4)catagory. I am determined to destroy those pages one day. Yet I value the nice time the as well. Such is life.
Thank your encouraging comment.
Let us enjoy the Aidil Fitri. Maaf atas semua kata kata yang tersilap

Al-Manar said...

Wan,
You remember one or two of those ferries only. Don't you realise how young you are ?
Your record is 12 of 120. Mine is 13 of 42 - scary isn't it?

Let's enjoy the Hari Raya Wan. Maaf lah salah silap ya?

Al-Manar said...

Zendra,

I do not miss your postings but choose not to comment unnecessarily - just being a busy body. Nanti orang jemu tengok muka tua yang sama.
Our good wishes and selamat hari raya to you and family

Al-Manar said...

drwati

Hantarlah email cerita macam mana raya disana.
You will have a lot of today to remiminsce 40 years ahead.
Salam hormat dan selamat hari raya

Sir Pök Déng said...

My Mother told me we once celebrated Raya the next morning after the declaration of Raya date. So everybody was tergopoh gapah memasak because it was really unexpected. Is that true?

Memorable trails... said...

Salam Aidil Fitri n Maaf Zahir Batin buat Pak Chik Hassan sekeluarga.

Anonymous said...

Dear Pakcik,


Dihari yang mulia ini, saya berdoa agar Pakcik, Makcik dan keluarga dipanjangkan umur, dimurahkan rezeki, sihat dan senantiasa dibawah lindunganNya...Ameen.

Although I have been following your blog for quite sometime, this is the first time I leave a comment. I must say that I really admire your noble contributions to the society. I hope I could do similar in the near future.

Selamat Hari Raya IdulFitri. Saya sudah lama tidak berkesempatan beraya di Malaya.

Salaam and best regards,
AJ,
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, Ynys Môn
Cymru

Al-Manar said...

Sir Pak Deng

I really cannot recall the occasion. Your mother has a better memory. I cannot do without the help of a diary!
Hope you will continue spinning tales as soon as hari raya is over.
Selamat Hari Raya

Al-Manar said...

Madam Gold
I was kind of worried to see your blog not being updated. Hope things are back to normal and you will have your hari raya with Angah and all.
Salaam from Pakcik

Al-Manar said...

AJ
I welcome readers from overseas. As you see I have occasionally given prominence to their comments. Please share with us your thought and information that you pick up where you are.

If you allow me to pull your leg I guess you are the station master of that railway station with the longest name in the world! Right ? Had I known you I would have called on you on the number of occasions I passed your way.
Kalau dah lama tak raya di Malaysia pulanglah sekali jumpa saudara mara. E-mail me if you need to say things in private. You are welcome.
Selamat hari raya dirantau.

Awang Goneng said...

Abang Ngah,

Wishing you and Kak Mah a blessed Eid. We miss our loved ones on Hari Raya and think how fortunate we are to have them. God bless you both!

Looking at the group photo above, I have this to say: Mr Ravindran Nair (and Mr Lau Kong Eng, also now deceased) gave me something very valuable when I was in Sultan Sulaiman Primary School. They presented me with a Kodak 127 camera for being a valuable (their over-estimation, not mine) member of the school's Debating Society. I was shocked, stunned and cock-a-hoop with joy. And I love them both for giving me, a lonely kid from Tanjong, such bold recognition above all those posh kids in the Government Quarters. I was then into photography, but what they gave me was even more valuable. It was recognition, and I valued that very much.

Later, Miss Devi was my English teacher in the Sultan Sulaiman Secondary (she is also now, alas, deceased). I remember her with her big red High School English Grammar, teaching us things that went above my head mostly.

They were all good people, good teachers. Let us now salute their memory.

Anonymous said...

Salam Pakcik sakeluarga and selamat hari raya maaf zahir batin

Your posting reminds me of challenges we faced then for education.

I started in malay school and at standard 3 the school inspector told my father to let me sit for a qualifying test to go to english school (special malay class). He was persuaded by some relatives not to let me as it was no use sending a girl to an english school, a waste of money and time and I would die not able to utter dua kalimah shahadah.

At std 4 he was again asked to do so this time he relented and off I went for the test riding pillion the 10 km to town and back on a borrrowed "tayar mati" bicycle. Miraculously I passed and at the age of 11 had my first taste of the english language and with zero basic english knowledge it was difficult but somehow I managed. Some of the teachers were from India and all lessons taught 100% in English.

Another obstacle came, as there was no secondary school in Pontian then I had to go to another town, Batu Pahat. In 1957 it was the start of SPM and I got 2 certificates Cambridge O level and SPM.

I wanted to sit for the qualifying test for HSC and paid the $4 fee. But I was stunned when Miss Sundram my Kirkby trained teacher returned the money to me in front of the class declaring DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY YOU ARE GOING TO FAIL. That was the end of my ambition as in those days I think the teacher must estimate that one would get a grade 2 to be able to take HSC.

When the results were out I did get a grade 2 and went to see her and asked why she did not allow me the chance to take the test and all she said "O YOU WERE A DARK HORSE", no apology or any expression of regret whatsoever.

In the entrim I applied for a job down south and was successful on my first attempt, worked diligently and attended night commercial classes.

Two children later, after some job hopping and armed with a commerical qualification I upgraded to a srenographer, then a personal assistant then ended my working life as an admin manager in a MNC. No big deal one might say it was hardly a professorship or CEO position but I am thankful for small mercies and life was good but just to get there then for me was a real struggle.

However, until my dying day I can never forget and shall always ponder what if ... what if Miss Sundran had allowed me to sit for that exam instead of being so cruel and humiliating. I am no possessor of Stephen Hawking IQ but was a hardworker and would commit lessons to memory just to pass exams.

Sorry for being longwinded/panjang angin ...

amimy01@littlereddot

Al-Manar said...

AG

Deep in the heart of almost every one of us there is a small corner that stores a picture of people who played a role in developing us, our teachers. Many of them deserve a special place, no doubt, a few may cause pain. I am not surprised if you offer ‘to sir with love’ to my old friend Ravi, and, may not be quite ‘sir’, to his sister Sarada. To you the gift of a Kodak was more than just a gift, a recognition. They were able to identify talent that augured well for your career. My lunch group has lost the MIC component. Abang Ngah lives to remember good times with them.

Al-Manar said...

Amimy,
Miss Sundram might have indeed been the reason for you having to go through a struggle in life. I do not think you really regret it. You are what you are, with a lot to thak Allah for, because of her too. The other unknown path you had not takem might have been a desaster. HE knows what is best for us and we do not.

I like such a comment as yours, a sincere true life story that you are willing to share. I want my blog to carry this sepcial feature - a reader's contribution for us to reflect upon and learn something. I thank you for what you have written. Come back again, please.
Salaam from Us

norzah said...

Dear Akhi Pakcik,
The many responses and well wishers stand testimony to the endearment you've forged while the clarity of your writing brings forth a warm glow to whatever you chose to write about. Since you did your HSC in 56/57 and I did it in
58/59, dear Akhi, we must be of azboutnthe same age.

It's really most sobering to realize that a number of our buddies have passed away. Only Allah knows when Is our turn. when I caught the flu four days before Hariraya I thought my turn had come but, syukur alhamdulillah, I'm still around. So, selamat hariraya, Akhi. allah bless you and family.

Al-Manar said...

Akhi Norzah,
I noted from a short comment you ended your blog recently that you were not well. I was somewhat concerned that this should happen about Hari Raya period. Syukur, you are back to your cheerful self.
You are somewhat over-generous in your compliments. Many thanks.

Indeed we must be about the same age. I suspected this all along.I thought the same of KotaStar and am proud I have the honour of being the 'abang' in stature! I shall drop you an e-mail shortly.

Hope you have had a pleasant Hari Raya with family, relatives and friends.

Anonymous said...

Dear Pakcik

Thank you for your kind and comforting words. Guess I must try my best to forgive Miss Sundram.

How else could I have met my late husband a golf crazy guy whose hobby rubbed on me and I became a golf nut myself swinging my way to a 6 handicap by the time I hung my golf set in 1994.

I travelled the world playing in famous courses like St Andrews and Gleneagles in Scotland and the Sun City in South Africa etc, travelling like a CEO, first class no less (coutesy my generous daughter who worked in an airlines at a mere 10%fare !!!).

I had golf contacts all over the place and all I did was write to them and they obliged (those days no email or sms), golfers fratinity is really closely knit.

At mixed events in state opens I was often partnered with VVIPs until I had to tell the lady captains please not to pair me with them anymore, but apparently they were given several draws and they chose who to partner.

Imagine a shy, crude ex kampong girl golfing with these VVIPs but I learned and observed proper golf etiquette and they were real gentlemen. No buggies then except the VVIPs and I felt privileged to be given a ride and well treated.

Sorry Pakcik for sounding like I am bragging but the stark contrast between Miss Sundram's and VVIPs' treatment was like heaven and earth ...

Salam and kullu am wa antum be hkair

amimy01@littlereddot

ninotaziz said...

Ahhh, Pakcik. Time for me to open Arwah Tok's diaries in his clear handwriting, just as if he wrote it all yesterday.

Grandma is not too well but has come home from the hospital and my comfort to her? Telling her Hikayat stories just like she used to tell me. I am glad she loved it.

ninotaziz d/o abdul aziz s/o tok muda salehuddin s/o awang pekan s/o to imam perang hussin s/o tok tunggal

ninotaziz d/o abang tik d/o chu rahmah d/o bebunga d/o yang chik

(just saw your comment on us being our father's and grandfather's children etc)

ninotaziz said...

Ahhh, Pakcik. Time for me to open Arwah Tok's diaries in his clear handwriting, just as if he wrote it all yesterday.

Grandma is not too well but has come home from the hospital and my comfort to her? Telling her Hikayat stories just like she used to tell me. I am glad she loved it.

ninotaziz d/o abdul aziz s/o tok muda salehuddin s/o awang pekan s/o to imam perang hussin s/o tok tunggal

ninotaziz d/o abang tik d/o chu rahmah d/o bebunga d/o yang chik

(just saw your comment on us being our father's and grandfather's children etc)

Al-Manar said...

AMIMY,
Indeed, your Miss Sundram was just one part of HIS grand plan for you. You enjoyed in life privileges which many would not even dare to dream of. As you said there was a “stark contrast between Miss Sundram’s and VVIPS’s treatment” which you enjoyed. Miss Sundram did what she did so that you would enjoy what you subsequently enjoyed. Such is life. Allow me to quote the second part of verse 216 of Surah Albaqarah (2) as translated by Abdallah Yousuf Ali “ ……… But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But God knoweth and ye know not.” Success in HSC, your regret today, may not be all that good after all.
I look back with gratitude to HIM for shaping my life the way it has been.
Salaam from Pakcik.

Al-Manar said...

Ninotaziz

Did your Arwah Tok really left you diaries to read? I dare not do that lest my cucu cicik would discover all the skeletons! I will have them all burnt with tahi lembu and petrol ( the proper way I discovered from the recent case), and the ashes scattered from a bridge over Terengganu River.
And your Granma is lucky to have you. Indeed you are a daughter of so-and-so ( I mean all the good ones )
Salaam from Pakcik

mekyam said...

dear pakcik, life being transient, it is memories that save all the meaningful moments and reminiscences like this that animate those mental snapshots.

thank you so much for sharing those precious times captured in your mind. i find this one of the loveliest reads ever.

Al-Manar said...

Mekyam,
Many thanks for your compliments.At a certain age, believe me, one begins to live on reminisces, more often than not with poignancy.

Anonymous said...

Salam dear Pakcik

Your wise and insightful counsel helps to exorcise the bitterness towards Miss Sundram that had been haunting me for more than half a century. Thank you and let us hope that teachers like Miss Sundram are few and far between.

You are spot on and in spite of the ups and downs I have much to thank HIM in life and that HE is the best Planner.

Looking back certain things seemed to drop on my lap so easily and unexpectedly. Like Julie Andrews sang in Sound of Music (my favourite musical ever) ... somewhere in my youth or childhood I must have done something good ...

Inshaallah will visit you and Salmah again in the near future and bring those old books to add to your amazingly extensive collection and for your students to read.

Salam to you both.

amimy01@littlereddot

Temuk said...

Salam bahagia Sdr Al-Manar

Bagi saya, amat benarlah apa yg sdr nukilkan. Di peringkat umur kita ini, keceriaan hidup juga kita gantungkan kpd pelbagai kenangan silam. Mengingati persekitaran, kejadian & rakan taulan lama, pun ditangisi, memang menghiburkan! Aneh, zaman yg sarat dgn keperitan & kekangan, bilamana kita jauh tersisih drpd segala kemewahan, amat kita hargai nilainya. Pastilah kerana pengajarannya. Tidak sedikit pun, sehinggalah hari ini, kita merasakan itu zaman yg menyiksa. Mungkin kerana itulah, rasa syukur kita, hatta rasa syukur yg kita ucapkan hari ini, penuh dgn keikhlasan, sarat dgn keinsafan.

Terima kasih di atas bingkaian ceritera yg amat indah dari buku catatan harian yg keramat itu!

Al-Manar said...

AMIMY,
I am pleased that you have reconciled to the fact that Miss Sundram's has paved the way for the subsequent goodness in your life - and she herself never knew it, even if she did it out of spite.

Al-Manar said...

Temuk,
Kata kata Cikgu mencerminkan pandangan yang masak, menguatkan pendapat saya.
Saya amat kagum dengan penulisan dan bahasa Melayu yang Cikgu guna. Saya berkemunkinan besar menulis blog dalam bahasa Melayu kalau lah saya berkebolehan yang walaupun tidak setaraf itu.
Salaam saya kepada Cikgu.

Anonymous said...

We are safely home and like all of our previous "balik kampung" trips to Nuri, we left with a heavy heart. Time is always too short.

The latest blog entry is indeed an emotional read. Like the rest of the 'Reminisces' series, never fails to give that reality check, HIS blessings in abundance.

love,nuar

Al-Manar said...

Nuar,
Time is always too short for something we love doing and enjoy, as we sail along making today our tomorrow’s yesterday. And we go on looking at all our yesterdays with nostalgia, often forgetting that one day tomorrow ceases to come.
Love, babah.

Wan Salwa Wan Hassan said...

WE are now back in the city after a joyful Raya bonding with family members.

Enjoyed reading your latest posting that described what happened 56 years ago with clarity evoking a myriad of emotions.

It's amazing how the mind can hold so much details......but I wonder why it is the heart that is filled with feelings.....

Salam to you and Cik Ngah.

Al-Manar said...

Salwa
I wonder where your flare for gardening cames from to write about in your blog, the days of your childhood or the wonder of Engish gardens, or perhaps the blend of both.
We all have a heart. It is a matter of selecting what we want it filled with.
Love, Wah

Anonymous said...

Dear pak cik...
salam...

i still remember your story although it has been five years since you told us about your life-how you studied without electric lamp, about the graveyard near your house, and so on.. Wow! it seems like only yesterday you told us the story. . Till today, I am still hoping to read your real story~ as you promised five years ago. Now, I realise that our lives are beautiful with you,leading us our way without a sigh*

almanar student batch 2005

Al-Manar said...

Batch of 2005

Did I really promise to tell you my life story? Well, I will do that if one of these days you call over and we have a chit chat. Pakcik cannot go public on this, not being a 'public figure'.

Please e-mail me your identity if you may.I like to know where you are and what you are doing.
Pakcik

Anonymous said...

Pak Cik,where is my comment?I commented on your post lately.
Azmiera

Al-Manar said...

Azmiera

It was posted aginst my entry of 18/9, the posting after this, and my response is there as well. It is not lost but it easy to click on another button by mistake.
Hope you are well.
Pakcik