30 September 2010
From Russia With Love
There was a call on my h/p. I picked it up, looked sat its face, and wondered at the number, 0127966xxx1127, an unusually long one.
Before I could open my mouth the voice from the other end came through loud and clear, “Pkcik, kenal sapa ni ?”. And as I was just about to pick out his name from my memory bank the very familiar voice continued excitedly, “ Hairi ni . Dari Moscow,Russia Pakcik. Saya dah sampai …..” (“ This is Hairi from Moscow, Russia. I have just arrived ….”
Yes indeed it was a very pleasant ‘From RussiaWith Love’. It made my
day At the end of the brief conversation he promised to send an e-mail the moment he got his computer and things sorted out.
Hairi, who will feature in my ‘End of the tunnel’ series, was a star performer in last year’s SPM exam, obtaining straight 10A’s. He is today in Moscow, having lost his mother not very long ago, leaving behind a sick father who had just gone through an emergency operation of a burst appendix; and he is determined to be a doctor.
-------------------
That was two days ago. When I opened my laptop this morning I noticed a short message from Hairi, just as he promised.
Salam,,,pak cik,,,
I miss u a lot,,,mak cik also,,,
How are u now???
Now,I am in Moscow, Russia,,,,studying medicine at the First Moscow State Medical University,,,
It is really cold here and I can say that I trembeled like a leaf,,,
the class will start on 15th oct,,,and now,all of us spend our time shopping and visiting somewhere,,,,
Moscow is a beautiful city i....now it is auturm season...so beautiful,,,
Hairie, Moscow..
-----------------
Pakcik’s note to Hairi:
How I appreciate your communicating with me so soon.
I know, because you have told me, that in your heart you have a place for Makcik and Pakcik.
Whatever we have done for you is never as important as the value we hope you have learnt of being compassionate and caring for others. You will need this when you have a career of your own one day, insya Allah.
We will always pray for your success, Hairi.
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan.
28 September 2010
Hold on - Is this a hoax?
A regular visitor to this blog kindly forwarded to Pakcik from USA,certain views found in a website called ‘hoax-slayer’. In particular, the circulated message contained in Pakcik’s post under ‘Medical Advice – Pending a heart attack’ was commented upon by a couple of parties, namely the American Heart Association and the Resuscitation Council of UK.
I am duty-bound to mention, even in not so many words, the gist of what the two parties said. Firstly,reference was made to the American Heart Association that "the usefulness of 'cough CPR' is generally limited to monitored patients with a witnessed arrest in the hospital setting".
Secondly, the Resuscitation Council in UK "knows of no evidence that, even if a lone patient knew that cardiac arrest had occurred, he or she would be able to maintain sufficient circulation to allow activity, let alone driving to the hospital".
--------------------
I am somewhat relieved that no party implied that the simple method prescribed was wrong or dangerous. The stress was on getting professional help. Yes indeed, we all want professional help. But do we all have access to medical help that readily as in those developed countries?
A doctor I consulted felt that one should not stop trying something after initiating 999, while being driven to hospital or while waiting for the ambulance. “What else is there to do apart from ‘mengucap’ – especially when we still a little bit more time on God’s earth?”
Hasma, a visitor to Pakcik's posting (also a doctor) stressed in her comment the importance of knowing how to dial 999 in emergency situation.
Pill Pusher ( I suspect he is in medical line as well) left the following comment at the end of Pakcik’s posting:
“jgn lupa kunyah dan telan 1 biji aspirin 300mg jugak mase tu (kalau ade kat situ)
Insya-Allah.”
Indeed why shouldn’t we do something recommended by certain people, something not known to be harmful, rather than ‘mengucap’? I am of this view and now I will make sure some aspirin is kept readily available at home as suggested by Pill Pusher. Then, after ‘berikhtiar’ we sit ‘mengucap dan berdoa’.( try all what we can do and rest to say our prayers.)
----------------------------
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
I am duty-bound to mention, even in not so many words, the gist of what the two parties said. Firstly,reference was made to the American Heart Association that "the usefulness of 'cough CPR' is generally limited to monitored patients with a witnessed arrest in the hospital setting".
Secondly, the Resuscitation Council in UK "knows of no evidence that, even if a lone patient knew that cardiac arrest had occurred, he or she would be able to maintain sufficient circulation to allow activity, let alone driving to the hospital".
--------------------
I am somewhat relieved that no party implied that the simple method prescribed was wrong or dangerous. The stress was on getting professional help. Yes indeed, we all want professional help. But do we all have access to medical help that readily as in those developed countries?
A doctor I consulted felt that one should not stop trying something after initiating 999, while being driven to hospital or while waiting for the ambulance. “What else is there to do apart from ‘mengucap’ – especially when we still a little bit more time on God’s earth?”
Hasma, a visitor to Pakcik's posting (also a doctor) stressed in her comment the importance of knowing how to dial 999 in emergency situation.
Pill Pusher ( I suspect he is in medical line as well) left the following comment at the end of Pakcik’s posting:
“jgn lupa kunyah dan telan 1 biji aspirin 300mg jugak mase tu (kalau ade kat situ)
Insya-Allah.”
Indeed why shouldn’t we do something recommended by certain people, something not known to be harmful, rather than ‘mengucap’? I am of this view and now I will make sure some aspirin is kept readily available at home as suggested by Pill Pusher. Then, after ‘berikhtiar’ we sit ‘mengucap dan berdoa’.( try all what we can do and rest to say our prayers.)
----------------------------
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
25 September 2010
MEDICAL ADVICE - Pending a heart attack
A friend sent Pakcik a circular the content of which I feel should be shared. It is a simple advice on what can be done in the event of a heart attack, something dreaded by many. It may help if one can sense its coming and is able to do something himself/herself while waiting for help to arrive. For this reason I am posting the following information.
---------------------
A Valuable Piece of information
Let's say it's 6.15pm and you're going home (alone of course), after an unusually hard day on the job.
You're really tired, upset and frustrated.
Suddenly you start experiencing severe pain in your chest that starts to drag out into your arm and up into your jaw. You are only about five miles from the hospital nearest your home. Unfortunately you don't know if you'll be able to make it that far. You have been trained in CPR, but the guy that taught the course did not tell you how to perform it on yourself.
HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE
Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help,the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness.
However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest.
A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again.
Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital. Tell as many
Other people as possible about this. It could save their lives!!
A cardiologist says If everyone who gets this mail sends it to 10 people, you can bet that we'll save at least one life.
Rather than sending jokes please.. Contribute by forwarding this mail which can save a person's life....If this message comes around you ......more than once.....please don't get irritated......U need to be happy that you are being reminded of how to tackle....Heart attacks....AGAIN...
Annie,
Haz xxx
----------------------
Needless to say one must initiate 999, not just simply depending on the above emergency attempt.
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan.
---------------------
A Valuable Piece of information
Let's say it's 6.15pm and you're going home (alone of course), after an unusually hard day on the job.
You're really tired, upset and frustrated.
Suddenly you start experiencing severe pain in your chest that starts to drag out into your arm and up into your jaw. You are only about five miles from the hospital nearest your home. Unfortunately you don't know if you'll be able to make it that far. You have been trained in CPR, but the guy that taught the course did not tell you how to perform it on yourself.
HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE
Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help,the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness.
However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest.
A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again.
Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital. Tell as many
Other people as possible about this. It could save their lives!!
A cardiologist says If everyone who gets this mail sends it to 10 people, you can bet that we'll save at least one life.
Rather than sending jokes please.. Contribute by forwarding this mail which can save a person's life....If this message comes around you ......more than once.....please don't get irritated......U need to be happy that you are being reminded of how to tackle....Heart attacks....AGAIN...
Annie,
Haz xxx
----------------------
Needless to say one must initiate 999, not just simply depending on the above emergency attempt.
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan.
18 September 2010
End of the tunnel ( Pt. 9 ) – from burger stall to MRI T.0 Tesla
Din, the name I prefer to use at times, is today a young man of twenty three.
Nine years ago Din joined our tuition class at Al-Manar after getting 2A’s, 2B’s and 1C for his UPSR. That was not much of a result to boast about. Under better circumstances, if life had not been rather hard on him, I am quite certain he would have done better. His father, now in his mid fifty and like many man folks in the area, has been depending on the generosity of the rough South China Sea for livelihood. According to Din his father began his ‘apprenticeship’ at sea as young as eight. This, too, is nothing new in this part of the world. And Din’s mother helps to supplement the family’s earning, working for keropok makers and operating a burger stall in front of their house. Din himself helped out at the stall, making it hard on him to attend Al-Manar classes regularly.
So if we talk about making burgers, Din knows all the tricks.
From the UPSR results of 2A’s,2B’s and 1C, Din improved his academic performance three years later to gain 5A’s and 3B’s for his PMR. He went on to do it even better two years later to score 7A’s and 2B’s in his SPM examination. Seeing how hard he worked, not forgetting his commitment to the burger stall, Pakcik knew that I had not yet seen Din at his best.
“Pakcik apa patut saya buat? ( What should I do ?)” was his question when his SPM results were known. Now he wanted to map out his future. Whatever it might be, he wanted to start something that he could realistically expect success. He did not want any uncertainty.
We discussed at length various possible courses for someone like him who did not make all A’s at SPM. Personally he would like to see himself doing a hospital-related job. That being the case, and having excellent results particularly in science subjects and mathematics, backed by reasonably good English, he should go for a diploma in radiography. The odds would be against him to compete for a place to do medicine. For Din there was no room to gamble. Ukur baju dibadan sendiri. With a good diploma in radiography he would be able to find a job and would still have the opportunity to continue for a degree in due course.
It had already been decided between us that joining Kelas Metrikulasi should be avoided. Accordingly, Din sent his applications and a month later he received three offers one of which came from a university hospital for a diploma course in radiography. This was one which he wanted most; but he needed to get through an interview.
Din had no idea what an interview was like and how he should conduct himself. To give him all the confidence he needed Pakcik lent him a book on radiography and pointed out parts he should try to familiarise himself. A few days later we sat rehearsing mock interviews. It amazed me to see how much of the subject he had digested from the book. So, reasonably assured of himself he left for KL.
When Din returned to brief Pakcik how his interview was conducted, I was reasonably certain he would make it. I had my doubt any normal candidates could engage on a discussion on radiography as he could. Indeed, a couple of weeks later he turned up with a broad smile. He did it.
-----------------------
Din spent the next three years shuttling between KL and KT, never failed to brief Pakcik of his progress each time he returned home.
-------------------
It was not all in vain. Din did it in style. At the end of the course he topped the group, emerging the only one in the Dean’s list. He was particularly happy realising that his brilliant achievement was his greatest reward to Pakcik. For that performance he was given a choice to start his contractual service at the university hospital or continue on a course leading to a degree in radiography. Following a brief discussion Din expressed what he personally preferred, “Pakcik, I would like to work for a couple of years to save some money. Then I will join the degree course.” I supported the idea. A couple of years’ experience would stand him in good stead to perform well for his first degree course and beyond. However, deep in my heart I knew the true reason for his preference to work first before continuing for a degree - to earn some money so that his family would see the first ringgit from him.
------------------------
Early next month Din will start working at the unversity hospital, and have the satisfaction of seeing the fruit of his patience and sweat over the years.
I have a vision that Din will ultimately be at university lecturing in radiography.
I have a vision, too, that many years into the distant future, his children will sit around him listening how their father once operated a burger stall, and how their grandfather rode the rough sea, all for them to emerge from the long dark tunnel. The children will realise how far his father has travelled from frying burgers to operating a sophisticated MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) T.O Tesla machine. I wish him all the best.
Nine years ago Din joined our tuition class at Al-Manar after getting 2A’s, 2B’s and 1C for his UPSR. That was not much of a result to boast about. Under better circumstances, if life had not been rather hard on him, I am quite certain he would have done better. His father, now in his mid fifty and like many man folks in the area, has been depending on the generosity of the rough South China Sea for livelihood. According to Din his father began his ‘apprenticeship’ at sea as young as eight. This, too, is nothing new in this part of the world. And Din’s mother helps to supplement the family’s earning, working for keropok makers and operating a burger stall in front of their house. Din himself helped out at the stall, making it hard on him to attend Al-Manar classes regularly.
So if we talk about making burgers, Din knows all the tricks.
From the UPSR results of 2A’s,2B’s and 1C, Din improved his academic performance three years later to gain 5A’s and 3B’s for his PMR. He went on to do it even better two years later to score 7A’s and 2B’s in his SPM examination. Seeing how hard he worked, not forgetting his commitment to the burger stall, Pakcik knew that I had not yet seen Din at his best.
“Pakcik apa patut saya buat? ( What should I do ?)” was his question when his SPM results were known. Now he wanted to map out his future. Whatever it might be, he wanted to start something that he could realistically expect success. He did not want any uncertainty.
We discussed at length various possible courses for someone like him who did not make all A’s at SPM. Personally he would like to see himself doing a hospital-related job. That being the case, and having excellent results particularly in science subjects and mathematics, backed by reasonably good English, he should go for a diploma in radiography. The odds would be against him to compete for a place to do medicine. For Din there was no room to gamble. Ukur baju dibadan sendiri. With a good diploma in radiography he would be able to find a job and would still have the opportunity to continue for a degree in due course.
It had already been decided between us that joining Kelas Metrikulasi should be avoided. Accordingly, Din sent his applications and a month later he received three offers one of which came from a university hospital for a diploma course in radiography. This was one which he wanted most; but he needed to get through an interview.
Din had no idea what an interview was like and how he should conduct himself. To give him all the confidence he needed Pakcik lent him a book on radiography and pointed out parts he should try to familiarise himself. A few days later we sat rehearsing mock interviews. It amazed me to see how much of the subject he had digested from the book. So, reasonably assured of himself he left for KL.
When Din returned to brief Pakcik how his interview was conducted, I was reasonably certain he would make it. I had my doubt any normal candidates could engage on a discussion on radiography as he could. Indeed, a couple of weeks later he turned up with a broad smile. He did it.
-----------------------
Din spent the next three years shuttling between KL and KT, never failed to brief Pakcik of his progress each time he returned home.
-------------------
It was not all in vain. Din did it in style. At the end of the course he topped the group, emerging the only one in the Dean’s list. He was particularly happy realising that his brilliant achievement was his greatest reward to Pakcik. For that performance he was given a choice to start his contractual service at the university hospital or continue on a course leading to a degree in radiography. Following a brief discussion Din expressed what he personally preferred, “Pakcik, I would like to work for a couple of years to save some money. Then I will join the degree course.” I supported the idea. A couple of years’ experience would stand him in good stead to perform well for his first degree course and beyond. However, deep in my heart I knew the true reason for his preference to work first before continuing for a degree - to earn some money so that his family would see the first ringgit from him.
------------------------
Early next month Din will start working at the unversity hospital, and have the satisfaction of seeing the fruit of his patience and sweat over the years.
I have a vision that Din will ultimately be at university lecturing in radiography.
I have a vision, too, that many years into the distant future, his children will sit around him listening how their father once operated a burger stall, and how their grandfather rode the rough sea, all for them to emerge from the long dark tunnel. The children will realise how far his father has travelled from frying burgers to operating a sophisticated MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) T.O Tesla machine. I wish him all the best.
----------------------
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan.
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan.
-------------------------------
09 September 2010
Pakcik reminisces ( Part 11 ) – Hari Raya
LETTS DESK DIARY 1956
-----------------
-----------------
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
-------------------------------
--------------------
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)
--------------------------
My diary tells me today how I spent my lonely Hari Raya's eve in 1956.
--------------------
This brings me to the present, 2010, 54 years later.
2009 Hari Raya card from PrasadPrasad 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.
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.
07 September 2010
Follow-up on Jane’s Ground Zero - Manhattan
I am pleased to post another comment to Almanar. This time it is from Mekyam.
“As someone for whom this town is home and the horror that was 911 was a reality personally felt [5 days to the date, 9 years ago, on a gorgeous day not unlike the ones we're having now] and not just something read in the news…” Mekyam went on to comment.
---------------------
From Mekyam:
Salam idilfitri pakcik, makcik & family, termasuk keluarga almanar and readers of this blog!
first, thank you jane and pakcik for sharing the link to that heart-warming article.
now, let me share here the writings of rabbi bruce warshal. it pretty much sums up the feelings of most nuyorkers, including our mayor, on the cordoba house/park 51 issue.
http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/shame_on_america_jews_and_the_adl/0018207
as kaykuala pointed out, the issue has been conveniently politicized by vested interests. it is actually a non-issue, not only because it is nowhere near ground zero and the existing bldg has been a muslim prayer place for years with nary a squeak from anyone, but also because the site is a privately owned property and the permit to build has already been given by the city. the concerns left is that donations for the actual bldg should not come from organizations connected to terrorists.
as someone for whom this town is home and the horror that was 911 was a reality personally felt [5 days to the date, 9 years ago, on a gorgeous day not unlike the ones we're having now] and not just something read in the news, i have to say that most of the fuss about park51 have also come from people who don't live in this town. they probably would not know Ground Zero if they fell in it, much less care what sort of establishments share its neighbourhood. truth be known, nuyorkers in general are pretty much waiting for all the fuss to die down already. there are more pressing matters to think about.
just like right after 911, when nuyorkers themselves were too busy huddling together trying to help and comfort one another in their shared shock and grief, quite oblivious of race or creed per usual, it's always those outside who don't realize how much the people of this town embrace their differences and diversity who overreacted and blew things out of proportion. those are usually people who see the world through their own prejudices and are thus easily manipulated by vested interests and manipulative media.
in fact, this excerpt from the NY Daily News of a few days ago...
BY Samuel Goldsmith
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
September 2nd 2010, 8:10 PM
HEADLINE: Muslim-bashing televangelist Bill Keller to bring inflammatory brand of worship to Ground Zero
A Muslim-bashing evangelical preacher is bringing his inflammatory brand of worship to Ground Zero - and even the anti-mosque crowd doesn't want him.
...
... shows that even nuyorkers who are against the idea of a mosque in the vicinity of GZ have no time for bigots.
--------------------------------
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
“As someone for whom this town is home and the horror that was 911 was a reality personally felt [5 days to the date, 9 years ago, on a gorgeous day not unlike the ones we're having now] and not just something read in the news…” Mekyam went on to comment.
---------------------
From Mekyam:
Salam idilfitri pakcik, makcik & family, termasuk keluarga almanar and readers of this blog!
first, thank you jane and pakcik for sharing the link to that heart-warming article.
now, let me share here the writings of rabbi bruce warshal. it pretty much sums up the feelings of most nuyorkers, including our mayor, on the cordoba house/park 51 issue.
http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/shame_on_america_jews_and_the_adl/0018207
as kaykuala pointed out, the issue has been conveniently politicized by vested interests. it is actually a non-issue, not only because it is nowhere near ground zero and the existing bldg has been a muslim prayer place for years with nary a squeak from anyone, but also because the site is a privately owned property and the permit to build has already been given by the city. the concerns left is that donations for the actual bldg should not come from organizations connected to terrorists.
as someone for whom this town is home and the horror that was 911 was a reality personally felt [5 days to the date, 9 years ago, on a gorgeous day not unlike the ones we're having now] and not just something read in the news, i have to say that most of the fuss about park51 have also come from people who don't live in this town. they probably would not know Ground Zero if they fell in it, much less care what sort of establishments share its neighbourhood. truth be known, nuyorkers in general are pretty much waiting for all the fuss to die down already. there are more pressing matters to think about.
just like right after 911, when nuyorkers themselves were too busy huddling together trying to help and comfort one another in their shared shock and grief, quite oblivious of race or creed per usual, it's always those outside who don't realize how much the people of this town embrace their differences and diversity who overreacted and blew things out of proportion. those are usually people who see the world through their own prejudices and are thus easily manipulated by vested interests and manipulative media.
in fact, this excerpt from the NY Daily News of a few days ago...
BY Samuel Goldsmith
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
September 2nd 2010, 8:10 PM
HEADLINE: Muslim-bashing televangelist Bill Keller to bring inflammatory brand of worship to Ground Zero
A Muslim-bashing evangelical preacher is bringing his inflammatory brand of worship to Ground Zero - and even the anti-mosque crowd doesn't want him.
...
... shows that even nuyorkers who are against the idea of a mosque in the vicinity of GZ have no time for bigots.
--------------------------------
Mekyam, we are privileged to get this from someone close to ZERO when most of us are on the other side of the world shouting our heads off. Thank you
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
05 September 2010
Ground Zero - Manhattan
Pakcik received the following comment from a daughter of a very dear late friend of mine. She is in the States. Let us share what she has sent. To her and family ,Pakcik and Makcik wish all the best and expect to see them in Terengganu one of these days.
------------------
Jane said...
Dear Pakcik and everyone in Al-Manar's blog community:No doubt you have heard of the great controversy happening at Ground Zero in Manhattan regarding the building of the mosque. My heart saddens. I share with you this: http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2015518_2185139,00.htmlHow do we get the 'hand' poems out there for America to read?
Sun Sep 05, 09:38:00 PM
-----------------------
Thank you Jane with love from us in KT.
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
------------------
Jane said...
Dear Pakcik and everyone in Al-Manar's blog community:No doubt you have heard of the great controversy happening at Ground Zero in Manhattan regarding the building of the mosque. My heart saddens. I share with you this: http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2015518_2185139,00.htmlHow do we get the 'hand' poems out there for America to read?
Sun Sep 05, 09:38:00 PM
-----------------------
Thank you Jane with love from us in KT.
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
29 August 2010
What’s in a name -Part 2
Concluding Part 2
UMT
-------------------------------------------------------
When I began to drive along this road in 1994, UMT was then the Terengganu campus of Universiti Pertanian (UPMT). However, in 1997 the PERTANIAN matured to become Universiti Putra (still UPMT).
IPGM Kampus Dato’ Razali Ismail
Pakcik must not be seen to sideline another establishment known as Kolej Perguruan Batu Rakit, just about 3 kilometers away from my home. Because changes in a name was becoming quite common, I hardly realised that this very important centre of learning for teachers was upgraded from a college image to Institut Pendidikan Guru Malaysia (IPGM)- Batu Rakit.Then last year this IPGM was declared assuming a new name Institut Pendidikan Guru Malaysia Kampus Dato’ Razali Ismail (IPGM Dato’ Razali Ismail).
----------------------------------------------------------
Not Bothered To Change
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Founded in 1861.
2. London School of Economics (LSE). Founded in 1895
3. Imperial College London (IC London). Founded 1907
-------------------------------------------------------------
While we continue making changes to reflect advancement and achievement, I am reminded of 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
----------------------------------------------------------
Special note for dear ex-Almanar pupils.
UMT
The campus of the second centre of learning on my drive home, UMT (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu), approaches soon after we pass the University mosque (my Kusza mosque). UMT is across the road on the right. So if I were to salute the two universities I would have my left hand up for UniSZA and my right for UMT until I part with them both at a mini roundabout. Now let us see how this second great university developed itself since 1994.
-------------------------------------------------------
When I began to drive along this road in 1994, UMT was then the Terengganu campus of Universiti Pertanian (UPMT). However, in 1997 the PERTANIAN matured to become Universiti Putra (still UPMT).
In 1999 UMPT took a new name, KUT (Kolej Universiti Terengganu). Then in 2001, KUT transformed itself into KUSTEM (Kolej Universiti Sains dan Teknologi). I can only presume that Terengganu would not want to be seen lacking in the in-thing, science and technology.
That was not the end of it. In 2007 KUSTEM had to undergo further development. That K for Kolej had to make way for a proper U (sudah jadi universiti lah). After all, its neighbour across the road had shed off the college image. KUSTEM now became University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).
-------------------------------------------------------------- IPGM Kampus Dato’ Razali Ismail
Pakcik must not be seen to sideline another establishment known as Kolej Perguruan Batu Rakit, just about 3 kilometers away from my home. Because changes in a name was becoming quite common, I hardly realised that this very important centre of learning for teachers was upgraded from a college image to Institut Pendidikan Guru Malaysia (IPGM)- Batu Rakit.
----------------------------------------------------------
Not Bothered To Change
Seeing what I have seen, I wonder whether I want to feel sorry for those who refuse to change with time. Since I have picked three centres of learning close to me, a matter of six kilometer radius away, let me, likewise, take three centres which are far away, three that do not seem to have advanced with time. They have been there for more than 100 years, a whole CENTURY without a change. The following centres of excellence have remained an institute, a school and a college respectively.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Founded in 1861.
2. London School of Economics (LSE). Founded in 1895
3. Imperial College London (IC London). Founded 1907
-------------------------------------------------------------
While we continue making changes to reflect advancement and achievement, I am reminded of 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
----------------------------------------------------------
Special note for dear ex-Almanar pupils.
Do not be surprised next time you call on us you will see a more glamorous (canggeh lah) name than Nuri and Al-Manar. But I will still be Pakcik to you, and a Datuk to ten individuals who shortened it to a simple ‘Ki’ to reflect endearment and respect to a real datuk. You, too, may consider changing as you move through life, but be mindful that you and I can never dream of making anything permanent - like the above Quranic verse itself, immortal.
Berkhidmat Kerana Tuhan Untuk Kemanusiaan
28 August 2010
What’s in a name -Part 1
This is part 1 of 2
Is a name not important?
--------------------------------------------------------------
Trengganu
---------------------------------------------------------------
A short digression!
---------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------
UniSZA
Second digression!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Third digression !
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Is a name not important?
But of course it is. Take such terms as ‘orang-orang ternama’, ‘jenama’, ‘nama baik’ and so on. They all give the sense of importance, top quality and all which should be accorded admiration and respect.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Trengganu
To illustrate this point let us look at how two important centres of higher learning in Terengganu got their names changed since 1994, in a period of 17 years. There is nothing magical about the choice of 1994 other than that being the year I was drawn back with Makcik to Terengganu a state I had been away from for about 40 years – since before Merdeka of 1957. So in 1994 we moved into our retirement home which we had it named ‘Nuri’ giving that sense of aristocracy, especially if the owner does not belong to one.
---------------------------------------------------------------
A short digression!
Giving the house a name gave that significance, didn’t it? That return to ‘negeri tumpah darah’ (I wonder what the English translation is – ‘land where blood is shed’ sounds like a second world war story!) coincided with my plan to establish a small tuition centre. Again it was given a name, ‘Al-Manar’ – signifying something, surely.
---------------------------------------------------------------
It should be noted here that the name Terengganu is also known by its Arabic honorific Darul Iman (abode of faith). As a child in my primary school I was given to understand that the state I was born in drew its origin, rightly or wrongly, from Taring Anu (fang of something). From that it became Trengganu which subsequently progressed to acquire an E to become TErengganu.
Now I hope the readers are beginning to see the significance of a NAME.
--------------------------------------------------------------
UniSZA
Now we go back to those two centres of learning I was about to describe. Coincidentally they form two important landmarks for visitors who intend to drive to our home (that Nuri) from Bandaraya Kuala Terengganu (upgraded from a simple ‘Bandar Kuala Terengganu’).
-------------------------------------------------------------Second digression!
What used to be MPKT (Majlis Perbandaran) is now MBKT (Majlis Bandaraya) – giving Pakcik and Makcik the uplifting feeling that we are now living in a city, not just a town when we first returned here in 1994. We returned to a place somewhat rural and now a city dweller – thanks to the NAME.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The first landmark, about six kilometers to our house, is a beautiful mosque which has been popularly and passionately known as Masjid Kusza. Sited close to the main road it is the prominent symbol of this old religious college known as KUSZA (Kolej Agama Sultan Zainal Abidin) which opened its door in 1983.
The college was beginning to gain prominence when in 2007 it was restructured to signify its maturity to become a university, a full blown university named University Darul Iman (UDM). Pakcik can distinctly recall the event when it was declared that this university would be modeled after the renown Cambridge University which was described as being made up of different colleges. What was rather odd to me was when the spokesman clarified that the constituent colleges of this university would be established in various towns of Terengganu. The logic seemed to suggest that if Cambridge University has colleges throughout Cambridge , this university of Darul Iman would have colleges through out Darul Iman. Professors in Cambridge cycle round from one college to another whilst those of Darul Iman being chauffer-driven from one town to another! That sounds logical enough as a model.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Third digression !
When I mentioned ‘modeled after the renown Cambridge’ I was reminded to say something. One should appreciate that Terengganu is unique in her ability to reproduce models of world famous structures such as the famous mosques of the world. World travelers can visit the beautiful miniaturised buildings all on one island.
---------------------------------------------------------------
That change from KUSZA to UDM took place just under three years ago. I was greatly puzzled a couple of months ago, when driving home from bandaraya I saw workmen busy hacking away at the UDM sign board at the main entrance of the university. But I left it at that. Surprise, surprise, a few days later the sign board read Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). Quite used to name changes I have not bothered to enquire the reasons for the change – presumably it is stilled modeled after Cambridge.
So when I went for my tarawih at my favourite KUSZA mosque a few evenings ago I could not miss seeing the new name ‘Masjid Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin’ on the mosque. But I do not imagine that I would bother to learn to call this mosque by another name. Let me risk being branded non-progressive. I am not about to fool around with the name of one of HIS houses, as much as Masjidul Haram, Masjidul Nabawi and Masjidul Aqsa. After all, who knows it would not assume another name some time in distance future? Nothing is permanent.
Berkhidmat Kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
(To be concluded tomorrow, insya Allah)
11 August 2010
Welcoming Ramadhan
Muslims in Malaysia will start fasting tomorrow. Allow Pakcik to take a slightly different route to welcome this very special month with two short poems. One is written by the blogger Ninotaziz www.poemsbyninotaziz.blogspot.com Having read her work, The Hand , Pakcik was inspired to leave a poem in Malay as my comment to her posting. Ninotaziz later had my untitled attempt translated into English for the benefit of her overseas visitors.
The hand - (by Ninotaziz)
They say
The hand that rocks the cradle
Rules the world...
I say
The hand that tills the land
Feeds the world
The hand that guides the chalk
Teaches the young
The hand that shapes the heart
Calms the soul
The hand that carves the art
Broadens the mind
The hand that reaches out
Creates the strongest of bonds
-------------------------------
The hand of the scribe
Yours and mine...
-------------------------------------------
Against the above entry in Ninotaziz’s aforesaid blog, www.poemsbyninotaziz.blogspot.com I ended my comment with the following short poem:
Menitisnya air
kesawah
Awan hitam
Diperah
Menitisnya air
Kepipi
Jarijari kecil
kasihani
Kerdilnya aku
Dikaki Mu
--------------------------------
And here is Ninotaziz’s translation of Pakcik’s poetry attempt:
The gentle drizzle
falls upon the paddy fields
Clouds grey and heavy
Wrung tightly
The gentle tear falls
Upon the cheek
Overcame by pity
For the young and the weak
How insignificant - me
Lying at your feet
---------------------------
Since Ninotaziz chose The hand as the title for her poem I would use ‘Menadah Tangan’ for mine. I shall have to request her to help in translating that.
It is hoped that whatever message one understands from the above two poems would mean something befitting with the holy month of Ramadhan.
Selamat menyambut Ramadhan diucapkan kepada pelawat-pelawat yang berugama Islam.
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
The hand - (by Ninotaziz)
They say
The hand that rocks the cradle
Rules the world...
I say
The hand that tills the land
Feeds the world
The hand that guides the chalk
Teaches the young
The hand that shapes the heart
Calms the soul
The hand that carves the art
Broadens the mind
The hand that reaches out
Creates the strongest of bonds
-------------------------------
The hand of the scribe
Yours and mine...
-------------------------------------------
Against the above entry in Ninotaziz’s aforesaid blog, www.poemsbyninotaziz.blogspot.com I ended my comment with the following short poem:
Menitisnya air
kesawah
Awan hitam
Diperah
Menitisnya air
Kepipi
Jarijari kecil
kasihani
Kerdilnya aku
Dikaki Mu
--------------------------------
And here is Ninotaziz’s translation of Pakcik’s poetry attempt:
The gentle drizzle
falls upon the paddy fields
Clouds grey and heavy
Wrung tightly
The gentle tear falls
Upon the cheek
Overcame by pity
For the young and the weak
How insignificant - me
Lying at your feet
---------------------------
Since Ninotaziz chose The hand as the title for her poem I would use ‘Menadah Tangan’ for mine. I shall have to request her to help in translating that.
It is hoped that whatever message one understands from the above two poems would mean something befitting with the holy month of Ramadhan.
Selamat menyambut Ramadhan diucapkan kepada pelawat-pelawat yang berugama Islam.
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
29 July 2010
With a sigh ( Pt 3 ) - good news ?
Two news items left me heaving sighs of different kinds.
-----------------
A) ‘Sekolah pelajar hamil tetap ditubuh’ ran the head-line in a local daily.
--------------
----------------------
And here I heave a sigh of relief.
-----------------
A) ‘Sekolah pelajar hamil tetap ditubuh’ ran the head-line in a local daily.
That is truly fantastic. This will help girls who have prematurely ventured into marital activities. The presence of this ‘special’ school will offer these young mothers a chance to continue their studies - especially in Biology, I suppose!
Thinking aloud, if such a school proves successful, with many of them churned out as experienced gynecologists by our universities of ‘ bertaraf antara bangsa’, many more girls may see this as an incentive to ‘qualify’ joining this very exclusive school – (nauzu billah)
--------------
At the end of our class one day last week a Form 1 girl whispered gleefully to Pakcik that a Form 3 girl she knew had given birth prematurely and was now out of school; and she is from a poor family. So would the ‘dream’ school solve such a family’s problem?
Shouldn’t I draw a sigh of relief that someone has found a brilliant answer to one of our increasingly serious social ailments?
----------------------
(B) ‘Kekalkan UPSR, PMR’ runs the front-page head-line of another daily.
Malay Consultative Council (Majlis Perundingan Melayu) which represents 126 Malay NGO’s wants that the two current examinations be retained.
The final decision has not been made but I hope the power that be will hear the voice of this large group. Thus far I have refrained myself from making any comments on the current hotly debated issue.
We have been having enough issues with our current education system to delve into more. To me our efforts ought, in the first place, to be coordinated to improve the quality and competency of present and future teachers to enable them to be truly qualified to teach effectively the subjects they are assigned to. Secondly, the principles and heads of schools must have the skill in managing an organisation. We can win half the battle by improving weaknesses in these two areas. Improving salary scales and more opportunities for promotion may not help much. It is worse if promotions are politically influenced and nepotism is allowed to flourish. How often do we hear that ‘so-and-so should have never been there’?
Teachers introduced into schools around 1950's and 1960’s were a class of their own. They were trained at various centres in Malaya (then) including the two very famous training colleges in Tanjong Malim and Malacca, and the two premier colleges in Kirkby and Wolverhampton. At the end of their training they were credited with just diplomas, not the glorified degrees of today. But they were excellent and dedicated educationists.
What did the authority in those years do right? Do we have to reinvent the wheel? Kereta lembu used to have hard wooden wheels. If there is one today it would have tyres and tubes, or tubeless for that matter!
Many would not agree with my comments. Of course we are all entitled to make. After all I was never trained to be an educationist. But I am sure many would join me in giving a salute to MCC or MPM for their stance.
And here I heave a sigh of relief.
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk Kemanusiaan
19 July 2010
Moment to Reflect (Pt 1) - Bila Musim Durian Tiba - berguguranlah
When autumn leaves begin to fall
Bila buah durian mula luruh kebumi
Sepuluh budak hitam
----------------
This morning a phone call from an old classmate brought the sad news that one of our normal biweekly lunch group of four passed away in KL following a heart operation... Ten days ago I called him up for our lunch, my turn to host, but he declined, not feeling too well. That was the last time I heard his voice.
So an Indian member of my lunch group has left us. In our group were one Indian, one Chnese and two Malays, a true Malaysian community, closely knit without false and pretension.
So I have lost another of my group of ’55. He is the 14th to leave us of the original group of 42. Yes, out of forty two fourteen, ONE THIRD, have gone. Who will be No. 15th ?
Two days ago I bought four very good local durians from a roadside seller. He had only about twenty fruit, all from his trees. “I know my durians, pakcik. They are good. Musim tahun ini tak panjang.” I paid the price he asked for and left to enjoy the fruit with my family.
It is just like “Musim durian dah tiba dan akan berakhir when the last has fallen”, a reminder.
--------------------
And this afternoon I received the following e-mail from my daughter:
‘Just to inform babah that my ex-school mate, a cancer patient, died this morning’
Dalilah Tamrin has departed. I often visited her blog to read and to admire the thoughts of an exceptional hamba Allah. She was one of those whose attitude towards life inspired me in my work. I listened to her words in the song composed, and I felt the way she felt of the unavoidable truth.
It is just like “When autumn leaves begin to fall”, a reminder
May Allah reward her with mercy
----------------------------
Biarlah kita
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
Bila buah durian mula luruh kebumi
Sepuluh budak hitam
----------------
This morning a phone call from an old classmate brought the sad news that one of our normal biweekly lunch group of four passed away in KL following a heart operation... Ten days ago I called him up for our lunch, my turn to host, but he declined, not feeling too well. That was the last time I heard his voice.
So an Indian member of my lunch group has left us. In our group were one Indian, one Chnese and two Malays, a true Malaysian community, closely knit without false and pretension.
So I have lost another of my group of ’55. He is the 14th to leave us of the original group of 42. Yes, out of forty two fourteen, ONE THIRD, have gone. Who will be No. 15th ?
Two days ago I bought four very good local durians from a roadside seller. He had only about twenty fruit, all from his trees. “I know my durians, pakcik. They are good. Musim tahun ini tak panjang.” I paid the price he asked for and left to enjoy the fruit with my family.
It is just like “Musim durian dah tiba dan akan berakhir when the last has fallen”, a reminder.
--------------------
And this afternoon I received the following e-mail from my daughter:
‘Just to inform babah that my ex-school mate, a cancer patient, died this morning’
Dalilah Tamrin has departed. I often visited her blog to read and to admire the thoughts of an exceptional hamba Allah. She was one of those whose attitude towards life inspired me in my work. I listened to her words in the song composed, and I felt the way she felt of the unavoidable truth.
It is just like “When autumn leaves begin to fall”, a reminder
May Allah reward her with mercy
----------------------------
Biarlah kita
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
09 July 2010
With a sigh (Pt 2) -Tak adakah siapa yang nampak?
Muqaddimah
-----------------
Pakcik’s June 8th posting carried the following news items:
“MB instructed for a thorough investigation into the alleged case of sixteen girls in a secondary school in this city being found pregnant.” ran a line in a local newspaper.
Isn't this a 'good' and early start ?
Now Pakcik will add recent news of this famous city of ‘persisiran pantai’.
‘As many as 10 couples are caught daily by anti-vice volunteers along the Tok Jembal and Teluk Ketapang beaches, which are increasingly becoming favourite haunts for sexual trysts………Many of them are said to be students from institutes of higher learning.’
So, at last, it has progressed to the institute of higher learning of ‘taraf antara-bangsa’ no less!
A state executive councilor was reported to say that ‘These activities could lead to moral decay among our youths if we keep mum on the matter ……’ and he planned ‘to suggest to the state government to light up both beaches and intensify patrols at the areas’.
------------
Pakcik’s June 8th posting carried the following news items:
“MB instructed for a thorough investigation into the alleged case of sixteen girls in a secondary school in this city being found pregnant.” ran a line in a local newspaper.
Isn't this a 'good' and early start ?
Now Pakcik will add recent news of this famous city of ‘persisiran pantai’.
‘As many as 10 couples are caught daily by anti-vice volunteers along the Tok Jembal and Teluk Ketapang beaches, which are increasingly becoming favourite haunts for sexual trysts………Many of them are said to be students from institutes of higher learning.’
So, at last, it has progressed to the institute of higher learning of ‘taraf antara-bangsa’ no less!
A state executive councilor was reported to say that ‘These activities could lead to moral decay among our youths if we keep mum on the matter ……’ and he planned ‘to suggest to the state government to light up both beaches and intensify patrols at the areas’.
------------
? ? ? ?
So, what do we do Mr Holmes?
Elementary, my dear, Watson, elementary
This definitely has to do with the beautiful beaches. If it is hard enough as it is to maintain the city street lights can you do it for hundreds of kilometers of beaches? So remove the sand,Watson. Be a sand exporter of taraf antara-bangsa. Of course you will destroy the beaches. After all you ‘bakar kelambu kerana nyamok seekor,’ right?
---------------------------------
The Message
----------
Tak adakah yang nampak ?
The following minor incident took place at an Al-Manar class early this year.
Aliya (not her real name), a frail looking girl of thirteen, had joined our class of Form One about one month earlier. Whenever Pakcik talked she listened and stared at Pakcik attentively from her seat in the second row. But when everyone else was busy copying what was written on the white board, Aliya bent her head over her friend’s book, copying from it and never bothered to look up like others. Obviously she had problem with her eyesight. “Aliya, why don’t you use your glasses on the table?” I questioned her.
It turned out that the pair of glasses in front of her belonged to her elder sister. She borrowed it to come to Almanar. It helped her along the road somewhat but not good enough to read the board.
Hearing the explanation I asked her to move to the front row. But it was still not good enough. The best I could do for her was to make her sit right across my table, with the white board barely two meters away from her. Lo and behold, it was still not good enough.
Where did she sit in her class at school? Well, the answer was in the second row.
I questioned myself, ‘tak adakah seorang guru yang nampak? If there was one did he/she really care to do something?”
To borrow Quranic ayat in Al A’raf : 179- (in different context) :” ……they have hearts with which they fail to grasp the truth, and eyes with which they fail to see, and ears with which they fail to hear. They are like cattle …..”
--------------------------------
Footnote
Aliya was not the first case. We had another early this month. Both could not be more deserving to get the glasses for free. I can understand how their humble parents feel to walk up to the majestic building called school in their slippers to seek help.
With the help of Al-Manar’s well wishers both children can now see the light; more motivated knowing that there are people who care. After all each pair cost RM 89/= , insignificant to many but meaningful to a few.
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
Tak adakah yang nampak ?
The following minor incident took place at an Al-Manar class early this year.
Aliya (not her real name), a frail looking girl of thirteen, had joined our class of Form One about one month earlier. Whenever Pakcik talked she listened and stared at Pakcik attentively from her seat in the second row. But when everyone else was busy copying what was written on the white board, Aliya bent her head over her friend’s book, copying from it and never bothered to look up like others. Obviously she had problem with her eyesight. “Aliya, why don’t you use your glasses on the table?” I questioned her.
It turned out that the pair of glasses in front of her belonged to her elder sister. She borrowed it to come to Almanar. It helped her along the road somewhat but not good enough to read the board.
Hearing the explanation I asked her to move to the front row. But it was still not good enough. The best I could do for her was to make her sit right across my table, with the white board barely two meters away from her. Lo and behold, it was still not good enough.
Where did she sit in her class at school? Well, the answer was in the second row.
I questioned myself, ‘tak adakah seorang guru yang nampak? If there was one did he/she really care to do something?”
To borrow Quranic ayat in Al A’raf : 179- (in different context) :” ……they have hearts with which they fail to grasp the truth, and eyes with which they fail to see, and ears with which they fail to hear. They are like cattle …..”
--------------------------------
Footnote
Aliya was not the first case. We had another early this month. Both could not be more deserving to get the glasses for free. I can understand how their humble parents feel to walk up to the majestic building called school in their slippers to seek help.
With the help of Al-Manar’s well wishers both children can now see the light; more motivated knowing that there are people who care. After all each pair cost RM 89/= , insignificant to many but meaningful to a few.
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
30 June 2010
Injection ini hadiah saya
We passed that clinic almost every other day on our way to town and never thought much of it; It was just like any other clinics, at least six of them, along the 25 kilometer route.
But one morning last week we just felt like having a change from visiting our usual doctor friend in town. For one thing this clinic is just half way to town. Secondly we both had very minor complaints, Makcik and her minor stomach upset and me with some skin rashes, all were the likely results of attending so many weddings in the recent weeks. But above all, for some unknown reasons, we were both attracted to it, a clinic which bore a woman’s name.
The doctor was a lady in her mid forty. After a twenty minutes’ wait we were both ushered into her room. She greeted us with a broad smile and passed a friendly comment, “ Jauh datang, ya?” Obviously she had studied the information copied by her nurse from out Identity Cards. Indeed, twelve kilometers could be considered far when there were other clinics on the way.
I enquired in a nice way as to why the name of the clinic did not bear her name. She explained briefly by saying that it was in memory of her grandmother she loved.
I volunteered to surrender myself first. After a close look at my complained areas she gave her considered opinion that there was nothing serious at all. Some medication should do the job. It would take some time to cure unless I preferred an injection. Injection it must be because I could not stand the constant irritation. While she was getting her syringe ready she gave another smile. “ Di lengan kah atau dibawah?” she asked me as a matter of fact. No, I was not about to bare my beautiful bottom to a lady right in front of my good wife!
Just as she was about to hold my arm (my eyes were beginning to shut then) she murmured,” Injection ini hadiah saya.”
And before we left her room she thanked us for coming so far to her clinic.
I thought nothing of her remark until I was paying for the pills, soap, lotions, powder and what not for the two of us. As the total was far below my estimated figure I asked for the injection charge. “ Oh, itu doktor hadiah,” was her simple reply.
I left the place wondering and speechless - why for free ?
------------------------
Two days later Makcik related the free injection episode to the mother of one of Almanar’s ex-pupils. It turned out that she had been going to this doctor. She is unlike many other doctors. Sometimes she treats a senior citizen for free. Perhaps it was her way of returning her old grandmother’s love. May Allah bless her soul.
That is what I call:
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan.
But one morning last week we just felt like having a change from visiting our usual doctor friend in town. For one thing this clinic is just half way to town. Secondly we both had very minor complaints, Makcik and her minor stomach upset and me with some skin rashes, all were the likely results of attending so many weddings in the recent weeks. But above all, for some unknown reasons, we were both attracted to it, a clinic which bore a woman’s name.
The doctor was a lady in her mid forty. After a twenty minutes’ wait we were both ushered into her room. She greeted us with a broad smile and passed a friendly comment, “ Jauh datang, ya?” Obviously she had studied the information copied by her nurse from out Identity Cards. Indeed, twelve kilometers could be considered far when there were other clinics on the way.
I enquired in a nice way as to why the name of the clinic did not bear her name. She explained briefly by saying that it was in memory of her grandmother she loved.
I volunteered to surrender myself first. After a close look at my complained areas she gave her considered opinion that there was nothing serious at all. Some medication should do the job. It would take some time to cure unless I preferred an injection. Injection it must be because I could not stand the constant irritation. While she was getting her syringe ready she gave another smile. “ Di lengan kah atau dibawah?” she asked me as a matter of fact. No, I was not about to bare my beautiful bottom to a lady right in front of my good wife!
Just as she was about to hold my arm (my eyes were beginning to shut then) she murmured,” Injection ini hadiah saya.”
And before we left her room she thanked us for coming so far to her clinic.
I thought nothing of her remark until I was paying for the pills, soap, lotions, powder and what not for the two of us. As the total was far below my estimated figure I asked for the injection charge. “ Oh, itu doktor hadiah,” was her simple reply.
I left the place wondering and speechless - why for free ?
------------------------
Two days later Makcik related the free injection episode to the mother of one of Almanar’s ex-pupils. It turned out that she had been going to this doctor. She is unlike many other doctors. Sometimes she treats a senior citizen for free. Perhaps it was her way of returning her old grandmother’s love. May Allah bless her soul.
That is what I call:
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan.
14 June 2010
Comment by Stranger in USA - With a sigh - (pt1)
A reader has broken his ( just my assumption - could equally be a she ) silence, remaining anonymous and calling himself ‘Stranger in USA’. He appears to be attending a university but I have a gut feeling that he is a matured student. He has nicely summarised two views on promiscuity and freedom of speech at a university. Here is what he had to comment on my last entry:
----------------
Salam Pakick & Makcik,If I can share my observation so far from the other side of the world.1. Teen pregnancy is also a major problem in this part of the world. However, there are many NGO programmes promoting either abstinence and safe sex. Even in university we are taught safe sex. This does not translate into promiscuity. This is only as way for making informed choices and knowing the consequences of teenage pregnancy. Those with strong religious belief and faith will stick with abstinence. 2. Our uni here requires the first year students to continue their studies with English regardless of the fact that your mother tongue is English unless one is excused from taking one. Here we are taught to write analytically. For students, who need help in their writing, there is a writing centre that offers this service on campus. What I like over here is the fact that lecturers are open to our views even if they can be quite controversial. We are encouraged to further substantiate our finding with concrete evidence. Weaker students will not be left behind. They are given constant motivation and every single work that they do will contribute to final results. Seek help, open one's mouth to speak up and one will enjoy your study here.Apologies for the long winded explanation here Pakcik.Stranger in USA
-----------------------
Dear ‘Stranger in USA’.
You are no longer a silent reader. Like the lecturers mentioned above we, too, are open to your 'views even if they can be quite controversial', as you said. Thank you.
Pakcik and Makcik wish you success and all the best in your endeavours.
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
----------------
Salam Pakick & Makcik,If I can share my observation so far from the other side of the world.1. Teen pregnancy is also a major problem in this part of the world. However, there are many NGO programmes promoting either abstinence and safe sex. Even in university we are taught safe sex. This does not translate into promiscuity. This is only as way for making informed choices and knowing the consequences of teenage pregnancy. Those with strong religious belief and faith will stick with abstinence. 2. Our uni here requires the first year students to continue their studies with English regardless of the fact that your mother tongue is English unless one is excused from taking one. Here we are taught to write analytically. For students, who need help in their writing, there is a writing centre that offers this service on campus. What I like over here is the fact that lecturers are open to our views even if they can be quite controversial. We are encouraged to further substantiate our finding with concrete evidence. Weaker students will not be left behind. They are given constant motivation and every single work that they do will contribute to final results. Seek help, open one's mouth to speak up and one will enjoy your study here.Apologies for the long winded explanation here Pakcik.Stranger in USA
-----------------------
Dear ‘Stranger in USA’.
You are no longer a silent reader. Like the lecturers mentioned above we, too, are open to your 'views even if they can be quite controversial', as you said. Thank you.
Pakcik and Makcik wish you success and all the best in your endeavours.
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
08 June 2010
With a sigh (Pt 1) – KELUHANKU - Apa nak jadi?
“MB instructed for a thorough investigation into the alleged case of sixteen girls in a secondary school in this city found pregnant.” ran a line in a local newspaper.
“This state recorded the highest number of drug addiction” ran another bit of news.
“This state continues to top UPSR results”, was another sensational news.
“Two pupils beat and robbed another near a 24-hr outlet”, yet said another.
Bolehkah ini berlaku disebuah negeri yang berbangga dengan keputusan UPSR tahun demi tahun dan mempunyai ramai U l u l - A l b a b ??
------------
Last week a lady rang up to ask if she could come over to talk about his son. He needed help badly. Of course she could.
Accordingly, just before noon on the following day a lady of about forty turned pillion riding behind a pleasant young boy, neither wearing a helmet and I can bet my bottom ringgit the boy had no license. She was holding a small plastic bag which she handed to Pakcik.
“Sedikit ketupat baru masak,’ she murmured on seeing the inquisitive look o my face. I learned later from her son that her mother and grand-mother cook ‘ketupat pulut’ for sale to supplement the earning brought home by the family bread winner, a gardener of18 years - beginning a year before the boy was born.
Ali (not his real name) is a Form Five pupil of a quite well known secondary school in the state. In his PMR exam he obtained a creditable number of 5 A’s , one B and 2C’s, the last two being in English and Maths. “His English is very poor and we have done everything, including attending ‘expensive’ tuition classes in the evening,” the mother lamented. SPM exam is less than six months away. Something drastic has to be done.
“Tolonglah Pakcik!” she practically begged, understandably of course. Ali is the eldest of her three children. She dreams of seeing him enjoying a better future than just being another school gardener in the family.
--------------------
The mother's mention of 'tukang kebun' brought to mind the picture a man of about thirty who came to help mow the grounds surrounding Al-Manar, about an acre in all, . He was a bachelor, a pleasant one at that. Somehow one particular habit rather baffled me. Each time prior to begin his work he would ask some cash and disappeared for about thirty minutes. That went on for about two months until another youth I know well whispered, “Pakcik, be careful with him. He is one of ‘them’, requiring ‘that something’ to have energy to work.” – not unlike my lawn mower needing petrol before running!
----------------------
What of the evening tuition classes attended by Ali? The mother quickly volunteered a simple answer. She could ill afford the twenty five ringgits per month when the boy benefited nothing from it. “It was all noise, in a class of about forty.” The boy added. (We were conversing in Malay all the while.)
I did not want brush off the request there and then as I was beginning to get curious how bad the boy's English really was. After all Ali attends a fairly respectable school whose principle has just been promoted to manage a prestigious boarding school, presumable after a series of proven good records. Having spent four-and-a-half years in a school run by such a capable principle Ali could not possibly be that bad; I was fairly sure. But I still wanted to know. So I asked him to return the following day.
At the appointed time Ali arrived at Al-Manar bringing along a close friend, the son of a fish-monger. The boy's PMR results were almost similar to his. These two boys could not be possibly be short of intelligence having obtained 5 A grades. When the initial getting-to-know-you conversation ended and they were fairly at ease, I gave them a list of about 150 Basic English words and asked them to identify those they did not know.
The outcome horrified me. I found it hard to believe my ears when both of them, two Form Five pupils, did not know the meaning of a large number of words such as :
Beginning
Sentence
Front
Human being
Desk
Floor , etc. etc.
Following that I picked up two words, accident and pen, from the list, and made them translate into English these two Malay sentences :
a ) Kelmarin ada satu kemalangan
b) Dua pen ini saya punya.
It took them a while to produce:
a) Yesterday have accident .
b) Two pen is my.
Speechless, stunned, was I? No, I would only breathe a big sigh; What has the school done to these boys these boys? What has the alleged school not done to the girls bulging to the seam one after another? What is PENDIDIKAN? Where does the buck stop
--------------------
I do not mind doing what I have been doing for sixteen years without a cent, but I would not want to be a gardener for eighteen years even for a living. No, if I have it my way, Ali will not be one like his father, insya Allah. This is one challnge which I relish.
` Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
P/S
A class of 40 pupils X RM 25 per pupil per month = RM 1,000 per month
2 hours per evening X 4 evening per month = 8 working hours per month
That works out to RM 125 per hour.
If I work just for five evenings each week I would make RM 5,000 every month
If I were a teacher of such calibre I would work for 5 evenings each week, earn RM 5000 per months and sleep all day long. – just a hard day’s night!
Or if I still want be a teacher I will 'think smart', play the right game and get my promotion.
I Salute:
But I know many, many heroes, teachers who work their guts out, under unfavourable conditions and away from home and family, educating the young – many of whom go without so much as being noticed or appreciated by their superiors, let alone rewarded; and yet loving and enjoying in what they are doing for a mission they believe in.
To ex Al-Manar pupils who are serving as teachers away from, Sibu, Bintulu, Kapit, Tawau, Sandakan, Semporna and so on; to my engineer -cum-teacher at a school with 85 pupils in Kg Parit Makuangseng ( many would ask "Where on earth that is?" ), Pakcik would hope and pray that you all live up to the spirit of Almanar (the guiding light that comes from Him).
Such is life – what we make of it.
“This state recorded the highest number of drug addiction” ran another bit of news.
“This state continues to top UPSR results”, was another sensational news.
“Two pupils beat and robbed another near a 24-hr outlet”, yet said another.
Bolehkah ini berlaku disebuah negeri yang berbangga dengan keputusan UPSR tahun demi tahun dan mempunyai ramai U l u l - A l b a b ??
------------
Last week a lady rang up to ask if she could come over to talk about his son. He needed help badly. Of course she could.
Accordingly, just before noon on the following day a lady of about forty turned pillion riding behind a pleasant young boy, neither wearing a helmet and I can bet my bottom ringgit the boy had no license. She was holding a small plastic bag which she handed to Pakcik.
“Sedikit ketupat baru masak,’ she murmured on seeing the inquisitive look o my face. I learned later from her son that her mother and grand-mother cook ‘ketupat pulut’ for sale to supplement the earning brought home by the family bread winner, a gardener of18 years - beginning a year before the boy was born.
Ali (not his real name) is a Form Five pupil of a quite well known secondary school in the state. In his PMR exam he obtained a creditable number of 5 A’s , one B and 2C’s, the last two being in English and Maths. “His English is very poor and we have done everything, including attending ‘expensive’ tuition classes in the evening,” the mother lamented. SPM exam is less than six months away. Something drastic has to be done.
“Tolonglah Pakcik!” she practically begged, understandably of course. Ali is the eldest of her three children. She dreams of seeing him enjoying a better future than just being another school gardener in the family.
--------------------
The mother's mention of 'tukang kebun' brought to mind the picture a man of about thirty who came to help mow the grounds surrounding Al-Manar, about an acre in all, . He was a bachelor, a pleasant one at that. Somehow one particular habit rather baffled me. Each time prior to begin his work he would ask some cash and disappeared for about thirty minutes. That went on for about two months until another youth I know well whispered, “Pakcik, be careful with him. He is one of ‘them’, requiring ‘that something’ to have energy to work.” – not unlike my lawn mower needing petrol before running!
----------------------
What of the evening tuition classes attended by Ali? The mother quickly volunteered a simple answer. She could ill afford the twenty five ringgits per month when the boy benefited nothing from it. “It was all noise, in a class of about forty.” The boy added. (We were conversing in Malay all the while.)
I did not want brush off the request there and then as I was beginning to get curious how bad the boy's English really was. After all Ali attends a fairly respectable school whose principle has just been promoted to manage a prestigious boarding school, presumable after a series of proven good records. Having spent four-and-a-half years in a school run by such a capable principle Ali could not possibly be that bad; I was fairly sure. But I still wanted to know. So I asked him to return the following day.
At the appointed time Ali arrived at Al-Manar bringing along a close friend, the son of a fish-monger. The boy's PMR results were almost similar to his. These two boys could not be possibly be short of intelligence having obtained 5 A grades. When the initial getting-to-know-you conversation ended and they were fairly at ease, I gave them a list of about 150 Basic English words and asked them to identify those they did not know.
The outcome horrified me. I found it hard to believe my ears when both of them, two Form Five pupils, did not know the meaning of a large number of words such as :
Beginning
Sentence
Front
Human being
Desk
Floor , etc. etc.
Following that I picked up two words, accident and pen, from the list, and made them translate into English these two Malay sentences :
a ) Kelmarin ada satu kemalangan
b) Dua pen ini saya punya.
It took them a while to produce:
a) Yesterday have accident .
b) Two pen is my.
Speechless, stunned, was I? No, I would only breathe a big sigh; What has the school done to these boys these boys? What has the alleged school not done to the girls bulging to the seam one after another? What is PENDIDIKAN? Where does the buck stop
--------------------
I do not mind doing what I have been doing for sixteen years without a cent, but I would not want to be a gardener for eighteen years even for a living. No, if I have it my way, Ali will not be one like his father, insya Allah. This is one challnge which I relish.
` Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
P/S
A class of 40 pupils X RM 25 per pupil per month = RM 1,000 per month
2 hours per evening X 4 evening per month = 8 working hours per month
That works out to RM 125 per hour.
If I work just for five evenings each week I would make RM 5,000 every month
If I were a teacher of such calibre I would work for 5 evenings each week, earn RM 5000 per months and sleep all day long. – just a hard day’s night!
Or if I still want be a teacher I will 'think smart', play the right game and get my promotion.
I Salute:
But I know many, many heroes, teachers who work their guts out, under unfavourable conditions and away from home and family, educating the young – many of whom go without so much as being noticed or appreciated by their superiors, let alone rewarded; and yet loving and enjoying in what they are doing for a mission they believe in.
To ex Al-Manar pupils who are serving as teachers away from, Sibu, Bintulu, Kapit, Tawau, Sandakan, Semporna and so on; to my engineer -cum-teacher at a school with 85 pupils in Kg Parit Makuangseng ( many would ask "Where on earth that is?" ), Pakcik would hope and pray that you all live up to the spirit of Almanar (the guiding light that comes from Him).
Such is life – what we make of it.
28 May 2010
End of the tunnel (Part 8) -Al-manar : Kenangan Terindah
One of the readers of Pakcik’s last posting, named Mohammad Khazaidi bin Kamaruddin, left a brief comment, almost subtly inviting me to visit his blog. Yes indeed, I did so out of curiosity. And what a surprise it was! Heading his most recent posting was :
So that was it, a posting that he began with “I would like to dedicate this entry special to Tuan Haji Hassan bin Abd Karim and all the family of Al-Manar “.
To be able to write what he did he must have done bit of research not to mention reading through my early postings and one in When Less Is More where he picked up a couple of photographs.
I could not recall anyone named Khazaidi, a rather uncommon name in this part of the world. I gave a hard knock on my memory bank. The best it could produce was that of a popular boy in my class. ‘Edy’ was what everyone called him. But of course, trust Terengganu people to butcher a name; the ‘aidi’ of khazaidi can be ‘Edy’, giving a bit of Englishness. To be sure I asked the person himself who confessed he was the boy I knew as Edy during the three years he was in my class. That was good 13 years ago.
In 1997, Edy ( let me go on using that name) came to Almanar with a group of about 30 pupils of Standard 4 from a local Primary. It was part of an experiment I agreed to do with a young teacher in English, Cikgu Azmi about whom I wrote in February 2009 ( see To Sir With Love ). I gave my help in English and Maths. At the end of the three years ‘Sir Azmi’, as he is fondly remembered today, declared that his school had never achieved as well as it did in the UPSR exam of 2000. Having performed well Edy was admitted into Sekolah Menegah Integrasi, one of the prestigious boarding schools in this locality. He performed equally well in his SPM that he was selected by Petronas into its university even before SPM results were known.
Today, Edy, the son of an Imam, is reading Petroleum Geosciences at the university. And, adding to my pleasure, he still remembers Al-Manar with tenderness.
Such gratitude as expressed by this young man may not make Pakcik’s day any less tiring but it does give a sense of joy and an added reason to keep on despite occasional frustrations.
To be able to write what he did he must have done bit of research not to mention reading through my early postings and one in When Less Is More where he picked up a couple of photographs.
I could not recall anyone named Khazaidi, a rather uncommon name in this part of the world. I gave a hard knock on my memory bank. The best it could produce was that of a popular boy in my class. ‘Edy’ was what everyone called him. But of course, trust Terengganu people to butcher a name; the ‘aidi’ of khazaidi can be ‘Edy’, giving a bit of Englishness. To be sure I asked the person himself who confessed he was the boy I knew as Edy during the three years he was in my class. That was good 13 years ago.
In 1997, Edy ( let me go on using that name) came to Almanar with a group of about 30 pupils of Standard 4 from a local Primary. It was part of an experiment I agreed to do with a young teacher in English, Cikgu Azmi about whom I wrote in February 2009 ( see To Sir With Love ). I gave my help in English and Maths. At the end of the three years ‘Sir Azmi’, as he is fondly remembered today, declared that his school had never achieved as well as it did in the UPSR exam of 2000. Having performed well Edy was admitted into Sekolah Menegah Integrasi, one of the prestigious boarding schools in this locality. He performed equally well in his SPM that he was selected by Petronas into its university even before SPM results were known.
Today, Edy, the son of an Imam, is reading Petroleum Geosciences at the university. And, adding to my pleasure, he still remembers Al-Manar with tenderness.
Such gratitude as expressed by this young man may not make Pakcik’s day any less tiring but it does give a sense of joy and an added reason to keep on despite occasional frustrations.
My response:
Dear Edy, you have done yourself and family proud to have come this far. Keep it up to the end. Today it pleases us that you still remember Al-Manar, Makcik and that old man,Pakcik, but when it is all long gone, do remember that he expects you to give back something in return to your community. We pray and wish you success, and hope we have not heard the last of you.
Dear Edy, you have done yourself and family proud to have come this far. Keep it up to the end. Today it pleases us that you still remember Al-Manar, Makcik and that old man,Pakcik, but when it is all long gone, do remember that he expects you to give back something in return to your community. We pray and wish you success, and hope we have not heard the last of you.
Berkhidmat Kerana Tuhan untuk Kemanusiaan
13 May 2010
Pakcik reminisces (Part 10) - 13th May
13th May
It is a date, just like any other dates.
To all pupils of Almanar, past and present, the date means nothing. Perhaps when it is connected to the specific year of 1969 it may sound vaguely familiar, of something read from buku sejarah, perhaps?
This time last year Pakcik wrote about 13th May in my Pakcik reminisces ( Part 7).
I was there in the city where the curfew was imposed. Something happened in Kampong Baru. Blood had been shed.
As I mentioned in my earlier posting I had to play a small part during the curfew days. It was scary.
Allow me to repeat the incident I wrote in May last year involving a member of my staff.
I remember how badly shaken this Chinese-looking Malay clerk when he related to me how close he was to be butchered when an angry mob, with parang and all, stopped his car and dragged him out on the Federal Highway. His life was spared only by his utterance of ‘syahadah’ that convinced the blood thirsty group of his true identity.
In a way I was lucky to have a special pass to drive around in the city during the curfew. I was able to ferry to my house two families who were living in a somewhat ‘unsafe area’.
My house was a kind of temporary refuge for them.
We were in a state of war just because a group won an election and were over-zealous with victory,
A group was defeated and felt humiliated.
A time for revenge that was – 13th May 1969
And there was blood.
I do not fancy my children, their children and their children’s children to experience the fear that Pakcik felt then.
It is a date, just like any other dates.
To all pupils of Almanar, past and present, the date means nothing. Perhaps when it is connected to the specific year of 1969 it may sound vaguely familiar, of something read from buku sejarah, perhaps?
This time last year Pakcik wrote about 13th May in my Pakcik reminisces ( Part 7).
I was there in the city where the curfew was imposed. Something happened in Kampong Baru. Blood had been shed.
As I mentioned in my earlier posting I had to play a small part during the curfew days. It was scary.
Allow me to repeat the incident I wrote in May last year involving a member of my staff.
I remember how badly shaken this Chinese-looking Malay clerk when he related to me how close he was to be butchered when an angry mob, with parang and all, stopped his car and dragged him out on the Federal Highway. His life was spared only by his utterance of ‘syahadah’ that convinced the blood thirsty group of his true identity.
In a way I was lucky to have a special pass to drive around in the city during the curfew. I was able to ferry to my house two families who were living in a somewhat ‘unsafe area’.
My house was a kind of temporary refuge for them.
We were in a state of war just because a group won an election and were over-zealous with victory,
A group was defeated and felt humiliated.
A time for revenge that was – 13th May 1969
And there was blood.
I do not fancy my children, their children and their children’s children to experience the fear that Pakcik felt then.
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
---------------------
P/S:
A ‘Melayu Bangkit’ gathering was planned to be held in the new indoor stadium of K Terengganu. YAB Tun Dr Mahathir was to give the opening speech. Coincidentally, I had a morning off from Almanar, and this maybe the only occasion Dr Mahathir would ever come so close to my home. Without further ado I took an easy drive there, just about 8 km away. Whatever one may think of him, I enjoy Dr Mahathir’s talk, his cynicism and all. Alas, a small notice said that the gathering had been postponed. Disappointed I drove home, in the morning of May 13th
A ‘Melayu Bangkit’ gathering was planned to be held in the new indoor stadium of K Terengganu. YAB Tun Dr Mahathir was to give the opening speech. Coincidentally, I had a morning off from Almanar, and this maybe the only occasion Dr Mahathir would ever come so close to my home. Without further ado I took an easy drive there, just about 8 km away. Whatever one may think of him, I enjoy Dr Mahathir’s talk, his cynicism and all. Alas, a small notice said that the gathering had been postponed. Disappointed I drove home, in the morning of May 13th
04 May 2010
What an honour
It was a rather unusual occasion at Nuri. The two of us played host to a group of bankers - the chairman and his wife, a director, the CEO, the branch manager and a number of officials of a bank.
It began with a phone call from the chairman himself, an old friend of Pakcik.
“Hassan, I am coming to KT with a few colleagues. We are having a meeting at our branch office there. Will you be free …….. ?” Of course, not engaged in any gainful employment, Pakcik could easily make time to receive visitors, an old friend and wife of all people.
So makcik had some tea ready and I personally had a few young coconut fruit brought down from our home grown trees, my pride, for some fresh juice.
Soon after lunch they descended in five cars! With them were two large boxes containing books and dictionaries.
“A gift for Almanar from our bank,” said the branch manager.
Simply, that was that, a pleasant break from otherwise our quiet life. And I cannot but feel honoured by the visit and the gift gesture.
It began with a phone call from the chairman himself, an old friend of Pakcik.
“Hassan, I am coming to KT with a few colleagues. We are having a meeting at our branch office there. Will you be free …….. ?” Of course, not engaged in any gainful employment, Pakcik could easily make time to receive visitors, an old friend and wife of all people.
So makcik had some tea ready and I personally had a few young coconut fruit brought down from our home grown trees, my pride, for some fresh juice.
Soon after lunch they descended in five cars! With them were two large boxes containing books and dictionaries.
“A gift for Almanar from our bank,” said the branch manager.
Simply, that was that, a pleasant break from otherwise our quiet life. And I cannot but feel honoured by the visit and the gift gesture.
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
17 April 2010
End of the Tunnel ( Part 7 ) - Will there be ‘satar’ no more?
Tini was what we all called her at Almanar thirteen years ago.
And Tini has not changed in name and personality.
Her parents sell satar.
Her parents’s parents sold satar.
Perhaps even before that her folks prepared and sold satar ,too.
No wonder theirs is probably the best known satar in this locality.
And Tini has not changed in name and personality.
Her parents sell satar.
Her parents’s parents sold satar.
Perhaps even before that her folks prepared and sold satar ,too.
No wonder theirs is probably the best known satar in this locality.
--------------
Satar is an age old favourite delicacy in Terengganu. Like keropk lekor, budu and so on Its main gradient is fish which is ground and mixed with fresh coconut and what not, and dexterously wrapped in banana leaf in the shape of small cones, then skewered on sharpened bamboo sticks and put on the barbecue, emanating an inviting aroma only typical of satar.
---------------
Tini, being a member of an old satar family, does her share in this small traditional family business, if you can call selling at a road-side stall a business. Her father, who works as a general worker, does not really need to sell satar to feed his family. But he does need the extra ringgits from satar to keep his six children through school uninterrupted. He is determined to see that they all have a better lot in life. So in the afternoon Tini’s father and family are busy at his small stall by the main road in front of his house.
And today Tini continues to do her share, giving a helping at the road-side stall, but only whenever she is home on leave from her work in KL. She has a full time job like her two sisters.
Tini attended tuition classes at Almanar for the whole three years, immediately after copleting her her UPSR exam until she sat for her PMR exam. Unlike her a younger brother, like many boys in this area, attended Almanar just for ONE day. Nevertheless he is pursuing a diploma course which hopefully will also enable him to get a job. That leaves number five and six in the family, a pair of non-identical twins of a boy and a girl, who have just completed their UPSR and are now among those starting to receive tuition at Almanar, like Tini thirteen years ago.
It was in 1997 when Tini and a dozen other children joined Almanar, which was then in its infancy years. Of Tini there was nothing outstanding to talk about except for her determination to fulfill her parents’ dream. she was a late developer who needed that extra chance and help to prove her worth. After her secondary school she went to do a diploma course in civil engineering at UTM at the end of which she continued to do her degree. Pakcik was pleasantly surprised when one day Tini came to tell Pakcik that she had earned herself a FIRST-CLASS honours degree in civil engineering.
--------------
Tini now works for a consulting firm. But she can still be seen helping her family whenever she is home on leave. Her father still has an unfinished job, to see his last two children through. Hopefully Almanar will be of help to the twins as well.
Tini was engaged last December. Two months later she turned up at Pakcik’s house to personally deliver an invitation card for her wedding last March.
And today Tini continues to do her share, giving a helping at the road-side stall, but only whenever she is home on leave from her work in KL. She has a full time job like her two sisters.
Tini attended tuition classes at Almanar for the whole three years, immediately after copleting her her UPSR exam until she sat for her PMR exam. Unlike her a younger brother, like many boys in this area, attended Almanar just for ONE day. Nevertheless he is pursuing a diploma course which hopefully will also enable him to get a job. That leaves number five and six in the family, a pair of non-identical twins of a boy and a girl, who have just completed their UPSR and are now among those starting to receive tuition at Almanar, like Tini thirteen years ago.
It was in 1997 when Tini and a dozen other children joined Almanar, which was then in its infancy years. Of Tini there was nothing outstanding to talk about except for her determination to fulfill her parents’ dream. she was a late developer who needed that extra chance and help to prove her worth. After her secondary school she went to do a diploma course in civil engineering at UTM at the end of which she continued to do her degree. Pakcik was pleasantly surprised when one day Tini came to tell Pakcik that she had earned herself a FIRST-CLASS honours degree in civil engineering.
--------------
Tini now works for a consulting firm. But she can still be seen helping her family whenever she is home on leave. Her father still has an unfinished job, to see his last two children through. Hopefully Almanar will be of help to the twins as well.
Tini was engaged last December. Two months later she turned up at Pakcik’s house to personally deliver an invitation card for her wedding last March.
Today Tini is someone’s wife, a lucky man indeed he is. It is Makcik’s and Pakcik’s prayers that Tini will have her own family one day.
But Pak Cik will not cease to wonder whether the satar saga ends when the twin have succeeded like Tini – when their parents’ dream and prayers have been answered. Will Tini’s children ever know how to prepare satar? Will they ever know what satar meant for their mother’s family?
Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusiaan
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