MARA offers Ezreen Farina to continue her studies via the fast track programme .

I am alone at home today because my wife,Fareen,Alisya and Azman have gone to Johor Bahru to visit my mother in-law. I do not know how long they would be there, perhaps for 3-4 days . They took the opportunity of the fact that Azman is on leave for 10 days (He is finishing his annual leave ) .So, Azman became their driver . I refused to follow them because we just went there last September and I have to oversee the progress of the building of our new house in Klang.

I am not new to being alone because I have been living on my own when I was posted to Port Dickson in year 2000 .For almost 2 years I was living alone there.Of course I felt a bit lonely .

At this age normally ,men feel neglected by their partners .Their wives think that their children have grown up and they have enough property/cash on their possession . They do not have to worry of their security . Subsequently they feel they do not have to take care of their husbands any more . They become egoistic and rude to their husbands.They do not seems to care the feelings of their husbands and forgetting that at senior ages their husbands becomes sensitive .That is why there are marriages that breaks up among senior citizens ,some even grand fathers and grand mothers . Men have to be really passion facing wives of that character in order to ensure their marriages remains intact .

While at home I received a telephone call from MARA informing me that our daughter Ezreen Farina who is waiting for her SPM results has been selected by MARA to continue her studies in information systems via the fast track programme , at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia , Johor Bahru .The course starts on 8th.January 2005 .I do not know whether she is interested in information systems because I once read her notes which she handed over to her school that she wanted to do medicine/dentistry . Any way , immediately I phoned her in JB and informed her about the offer by MARA .I leave it to her to decide .I do not want to make the decision on her behalf.

Earth quake in the Indian Ocean.

On Christmas Day ,25th.Dec.2004 we went to USJ Subang Jaya, Asrina's (our niece's )house where a small feast was held on the occassion of her husband's departure to Mecca to perform the Haj pilgrimage .There we met a number of relatives whom we have not met for some time.

In the evening we left for Port Dickson with two of my brother's ( Mawan's ) children, Nadirah and Safuan. I have always wanted to bring them to Port Dickson for some time because I knew that they have not spent a holiday for some time especially since their mother's death. We just wanted to be nice to them . We spent the night at our apartment ,The Sunshine Bay Resort, P.Dickson.

However after being there I do not know whether the children enjoyed themselves .They just stayed at the apartment without even going to the seaside or the poolside .They only watched the seas from the balcony of the aprtment .They were very passive and did not seem interested at the opportunity of being there .Sometimes I pity them because they do not enjoy life as other ordinary kids .They are very close among themselves ( brothers and sisters )but very cautious and suspicious of others . As such they become very passive and suffer from inferiority complex .The tragic death of their mother could have affected them very much . Any way we tried to encourage them to come out from that situation so that they can feel confident of themselves. After being more than 30 years of working life, I know very well that to be successful in life one has to have good leadership qualities apart from having good education . One with good education alone without having good leadership qualities would not be successful as a leader .

While we were in Port Dickson we heard over the radio that there was an earthquake (Tsunami )in the Indian Ocean which affected 9 countries including our country.So far it is believed more than 150,000 people perished in the disaster. Among the countries worst hit is Indonesia with more than 100,000 deaths .In Malaysia although there were no buildings that collapse , 72 people was reported dead after being drowned by the tidal waves in Penang ,Langkawi ,Kedah and Perlis .But the tremors of the earth quake were felt by many people including people in Shah Alam . Some of the buildings even suffered cracks .

I hope and pray to Allah so that there would not be any more disaster of that nature .However as human beings we must believe that it could be a reminder to mankind .What reminder , I do not know ,only He knows ?( Refer: Surah Al-An'aam :65 ) So being Muslims , we must not forget our obligation to Him. If we have departed from the true path, please come back to the right path. Insyallah , He will guide and protect us .

Our new bungalo under construction at Taman Sri Andalas,Klang.

The Muslims South of Thailand are neglected.

It looks as if diplomatic relations between Malaysia and it's northern neighbour Thailand is suffering a slight hitch as a results of Mr.Thaksin ,Thailand's Prime Minister's recent statement that the Southern Thailand Muslims separatist fighters were trained at the Kelantan Islamic Religious Schools in the jugles of Kelantan .The preposterous statement by the Thai Prime Minister has not been substantiated . It is clear that the Thai government is trying to shift the blame of it's failure to settle it's southern ethnic long outstanding problems . The most recent statement by the Thai Prime Minister which he made yesterday has also included Indonesia which has provided training grounds for the separatist fighters . The Kelantan Menteri Besar-Nik Aziz said , " The Thai Prime Minister has suddenly turn mad as to accuse Malaysia and Indonesia as the provider of training grounds for it's separatist fighters ." The Malaysian and Indonesian government has arrested hundreds of suspected JI ( Jemaah Islamiah ) members and detained under the ISA ( Internal Security Act 1960 ) - detention without trial .It is rather ridiculous for the Malaysian government and for that matter also the Indonesian government not to take action against those involved in the so called training the Thai separatist fighters which could also endanger the country's security .

The long outstanding problem with the Muslims south of Thailand was the lack of development in that region .The Thai government has been neglecting the region for decades . Poverty is the rule of the day and there isn't much opportunity for employment . The young people of the region prefer to find employment in Malaysia rather than go up north to Bangkok .Most of the population have family ties with the people of Kelantan and are being exposed to the development in Malaysia .Hence they began to question their own goverenment's failure to develop their region .

To solve the problem is for the Thai government to introduce development in the region so that the people do not feel neglected.

Alisya with Farin at home.

Alisya posing for Christmas.

Alisya at home

Alisya in Christmas attire

Farin & Alisya infront of our home.

A days hard work - waking up feeling very tired.

This morning I woke up feeling very tired because of yesterday's hard work cleaning our apartment in Subang Jaya which is to be rented out.All the work including the plumbing work were done by us ourselves .Thanks to the little knowledge that I have as a result of practical work( Agriculture Engineering ) when I was a student at UPM Serdang years ago .The work is still not completed because we still have to do some painting on the grills and on the windows and doors frames.I must admit that I have to be thankful to my wife for she has always been by my side to help me doing the work . Without her support and assistance I do not think I would have been successful in completing the work successfully .As a mark of gratitude, that evening we dined out at our club - the Shah Alam Club to a sumptuous dinner.

We are supposed to continue with the work today but my partner ( wife ) suggested that we do it tomorrow .Actually I am the type who do not like to delay my work.I normally complete my work on the same day itself because as long as the work is not completed it will keep on boggling my mind and will affect my sleep .When I was working with the government I used to tell my staffs to complete their work on the same day so that the next day they can start a fresh with new assignments .That was perhaps made me a successful person in my career.

Recently we brought our daughter Farin to an optomologist to have her eyes checked because of her frequent complaints for being unable to see clearly .We were surprised that her shortsightedness was quite bad .So, from that day onwards she became a bespectacled person -the first person in my family to be so at a young age.Any way she looked stunningly a mature person with her spectacles.

Holiday in Penang

Before proceeding to Kangar, I tried to make reservation at some of the popular hotels in the Batu Feringgi area , Penang so that we would not find any difficulty getting a room when we reached Penang .Unfortunately all the hotels in the Batu Feringgi I contacted were fully booked. It was not surprising because it was school holidays and year ending period when normally Malaysians go for holidays.Any way we decided to try our luck just by by walk in booking .

We reached Kangar around 12.30 pm and straight away came to our daughter's hostel to pick her up.The car boothe were almost packed with all our daughter's belongings. We then had lunch at quite a popular restaurant along the Beseri - Padang Besar highway .We decided not to put up a night in Kangar but straight away to proceed to Penang hoping that there would be a room for us at the Batu Feringgi area.( I insisted to stay in the Batu Freinggi area because it has one of the best beaches in the country ).

We reached Penang around 5.30 pm and straight way came to the Casuarina Beach Hotel .We were lucky as there was one room left ;even that it was not facing the sea. Any way we had to be satified with it although it was a bit expensive.I think now a days it is cheaper to go for a holiday overseas than in our own country .(Last December the whole family went for a holiday in Phuket,Thailand and comparatively it was not as expensive as in Penang ).

We had a nice time lazing ourselves on the beaches . Alisya was especially excited for having fun playing with the sand with her auntie ,Farin . In the evening we went to Gurney Drive to have a taste of favourite local food . I was surprised , the good old days of Gurney Drive was gone .The number of Malay/Mamak stalls which sells halal food (without any doubt) were significantly reduced .There was not much choice .As you might guess the crowd were mainly of one particular race only .The environment is no more conducive especially on the cleanliness aspect .It's a sad , sad thing to witness .

There wasn't much thing to see in Penang now a days .We have been to almost all the places and so we decided to cut short our holiday in Penang .

The next morning after about 2 hours visit to Taman Bunga , we left Penang via the ferry .I chose to go by the ferry in order to reminisce the good old days of Penang .We reached home safe at about 8.30 pm.

Relaxing under a coconut tree by the sea-side.

Alisya having a dip at the pool.

Alisya having a drink.

At the pool before dinner

Farin with Alisya at the Casuarina Hotel pool

Alisya waiting at the MRSM Hostel

Alisya at Farin's Hostel

Alisya in Penang...

The spirit of Idilfitri is almost gone .

We had our Idilfitri open house last Sunday 28th.November 2004.It was just a modest one , attended by family members,neighbours and a few close friends.Any way all the food were devoured within a few hours hardly anything left for the late comers. They had to be satisfied with just the biscuits and some left-overs .

Malaysians are lucky for we have ample food to eat .During the Syawal month there are so many open houses so much so we do not have the time to attend to all . Food are lavishly prepared as if they are competing among each other . It is not something cheap because to hold an ordinary open house (by city standard )one have to spend several hundred ringgits and can even reach to several thousands of ringgit depending on the menu and number of invitees .The spirit of visiting friends to renew friendship are almost gone .Now a days people are waiting for open houses invitations before they can make visits .What about those who can't afford to have the open houses ? Does that means that no one would visit their houses ; except perhaps only for close relatives .

I am not against open houses but we should not be too carried away with it as if there is a competition for doing it . Do it in a modest way and must not waste. According to Islam wastage is a friend of the satan .The most important thing is to have a good intention or 'niat' so that whatever we do is in the name of 'ibadah' .

I was in my class last Saturday and the Prof. lectured us on the true meaning of 'ibadah' . I am glad that my perception on ibadah is the same as that of his .Whatever we do in this world with a good intention( niat ) and for the good of mankind are all 'ibadah' . It is not just limited to praying ,fasting , reciting the Quran ,giving of alms etc. And so is my attending the university to learn knowledge which is useful to mankind is also an 'ibadah' and if I die while pursuing that knowledge ,I'll die a 'syahid'. It's a hadith sahih by alBukhary .

We will be going to Kangar again on 3rd.December 2004 to fetch our daughter Ezrin Farina from her hostel . Since she is finishing her school she has a lot of things to bring home . We will be staying in Kangar for 1 night and then proceed to Penang for a short holiday .

The return of a long lost uncle.

21st.November 2004 was a significant day for me because it is today that my long lost uncle appreared at my house. I was very happy for if it had not been for his reappearance today , I would have lost contact with him. Apparently he is the only uncle on my mother's side .I was quite close to him because during my early childhood I was staying with my maternal grandmother where he was the only son .I knew he was a good footballer and was playing for the district team .I remember , I used to pillion ride on his bicycle to the district football field where I watch him play .Our relationship was abruptly shortened when he left for Kuala Lumpur to work .

Although almost 70 I found out that he is still as strong as a horse .He jogs every morning and lead a happy life .Though not rich , he leads a comfortable life .Now, that is the beauty of God's gift . One may not be rich but he is bestowed with good health and thus happiness .Happiness is something that you cannot quantify and it is very subjective .What is the point of having lots and lots of money and property but you are not healthy and cannot enjoy whatever you have ? The farmers and the fishermen may look poor and earn a meagre income but still can put up decent smiles on their faces ,unlike people in the cities who are proud of their status but rarely smiles. What is always in their mind is how to outwit each other and what they can get out of the other .Everything that is put up is superficial and mostly not true .What a mad ,mad world ?

It all depends on hardwork,determination and the will to change.

My youngest daughter Ezrin Farina is back for the Hari Raya Holiday.She came home on 10th.Nov.04 by bus all the way from Kangar where she is attending boarding school at MRSM Beseri.She is infact in the midst of her SPM exams this year.

In two days time we will be celeberating Idilfitri after one month of fasting.This year we are not going any where, not even to my own home town. We want to show our concern and support for our daughter Farin that she is not alone in her quest for success .The whole family are with her as we were with Eileen Farhana when she was sitting for her A-Level Exams.The Id festive can be celeberated any time but her SPM is only this time .Her future depends on this exams.

My late father used to remind me that education was more important than anything else.A poverty stricken family can change for the better if the children of this family obtain good education . I know of a family in my old home town who was worth nothing .They were staying in a hut with very little food to eat .When their father passed away at a very young age, life was much worst. Luckily perhaps with Allah's blessings one by one the children were admitted into boarding school. To cut it short today they are successful happy families and a few of them were even conferred Datukships.

Those days we had to work hard because we had no godfather to help us.There was no relatives in high position who could help because we were just of the same standard then .If you want a scholarship you have to perform extremely well in your studies .Otherwise you don't hope and dream .

In my case for example I was from an 'ulu' place with very little facilities and utilities .There was no electricity and piped water .The roads were made of red earth and each time a heavy vehicle passed through our hair turned 'mat salleh' look and during the rainy season we had to carry our bicycles to school instead of us riding on them .The schools had very little facilities and the teachers were often less qualified,even that they come and go .Some went for further studies or sought other jobs.The turning over was quite high .The qualified one refused to teach there .Most of us too had to work during week ends,to make ends meet .We worked as ice cream sellers, helpers in the coconut plantation ,grass cutters,shop assistants and etc . With that condition ,I managed to get grade 2 for my MCE (Malaysia Certificate of Education )and also a grade 2 for the ( Cambridge School Certificate ) .Those days we sat for double exams at one sitting . I was also among the 3 who passed the Sixth Form Entrance Exams from my school .

I had no body to help me .My parents were not educated.They did not dare face proud government officers for help or assistance .Those days the government officers were not like today .Most of them were proud like the British colonialists . My children today can depend on me .Being educated and a former senior government officer I'll go to any length to seek justice for my children . Any way I don't simply ask for help/assistance if my children don't qualify . It hurts me to see some one who is more qualified being deprived by some one who is less qualified .

Who said that the poor remains poor while the rich becomes richer ? It can be either way too . It all depends on hardwork , determination and the will to change .

Lastly but no least I wish a Happy Idilfitri to my daughter Eileen Farhana who is now in Dublin .I hope and pray that she will be successful in her medical studies and come back ready to be of service to the poor, the down-throdden and the less fortunate in the name of fullfilling our obligation to God .

I hope Bush would change his policy .

The verdict on Mr.Bush has been passed.Unfortunately he won the Presidency for another term - 4 years. Nothing more that can be done .Bush is going to stay put at the White House .A black day for peace loving people of this planet .I do not know which country would be his next target for this war crazy President. It looks it's either Syria , Iran or North Korea or even any other country that tries to be funny with Bush .He is the most powerful man in the world today .51% or so of the American electorate is responsible for any action Bush is going to make .The American electorate is also going to be responsible for the tears shed and blood splurred by victims of war under the pretext of fighting terrorists .Do not talk about peace for no one would believe Mr. Bush .As Mr.Kelly said , he is a liar .To him any country that go against him are harbouring terrorists. Mr.Bush is not interested to find out the root cause why one becomes a terrorist .

His unfair policy on the Palestinians are the actual cause of this phenomena.Other Muslim brothers would be willing to take arms to fight the enemies of Islam .After all what more can they do . Do you just expect them to watch the atrocities done to their Muslim brothers .They have been pushed to the wall until there is no more breathing space .They are deprived of any decent arms to fight back .Either way they are going to die .What other choice they have ?

Any way I hope and pray by the grace of God almighty ,Bush would change his policy ( although that may seems unlikely ) in order to have an equitable and fair solution to the Palestinians .

Peace in Palestine will be peace for the world .

Let the Americans punish Bush for his sins.

To morrow the citizens of the United States will be casting their votes for the Presedential Election.Although ,US is thousands of miles away from Malaysia ,we as educated Malaysians who keeps abreast with the development in other countries especially the US , should be interested to know the outcome of the Presedential Election. A simple minded person may think that whoever is to be the President would not have any bearing to our country Malaysia.To those who thinks so I am very sorry for you, because you are certainly wrong. Directly or indirectly it would have some bearings to other countries especially to the Middle Eastern countries and Muslims as a whole .Mr.Bush was responsible for the unncecessary war in Iraq and his unfair policy towards the Palestinian issue has caused dissatisfactions among Palestinians and the Muslims which then led them resorting to terrorist acts .The Palestinians were denied of their honour as human beings and a country of their own. ( Before 1947, there was no country by the name of Israel. It was created by the British as a gratitude to the Jews for supporting them during World War II ). This resulted in the Palestinians being pushed out of their country and homes to accomodate the Jews .Since then war was part of the daily life of the Palestinians in order to defend their honour and to get back their land .

Although, Senator Kerry may not be any better than Bush , however we as Muslims would like to see Bush being punished for the sins he has committed on us .As the sole super power in the world today the Americans feel that they should not be sujected to any international regulations .They do not have any respect for others and they think they are above the Law and above the United Nations .As long as there is no other super power the status quo remains . That was why the Bush administration was all out for the war in Iraq because President Saddam was growing stronger and could be a challenge to him .The Muslims countries who are rich with oil reserves are potential up and coming super power that could be a threat to the US. However as a result of their master mind of divide and rule the Muslim countries have never been united .Any strong personalities like Muammar Gaddafi of Libya,Saddam Hussein of Iraq and even Dr.Mahathir of Malaysia who could become potential leaders of the Muslim countries were not liked and they try to find ways and means to isolate them . In the end Muammar Gaddafi was turned over because of pressures to the economy of his country , Saddam Hussein was eliminated and Dr.Mahathir resigned .

May Allah protect us. Amin.

I miss my dad .

It is already 15 days that we have been fasting this years Ramadhan and within 15 days we will be celeberating the Idilfitri .Unlike the previous years ,this Ramadhan I had not gone to any Pasar Ramadhan ( Ramadhan Market ), I also had not gone shopping for the Idilfitri celeberation.I do not feel the joy of going to such markets and do not feel like celeberating the Id.Most of the time there are only two of us ( or 3 if it includes our grand daughter Alisya ) in the house. The breaking of fast in our house is not as lively and cheerful as when all our children were at home .Saiful Aizad and his wife and Syazirul Azman our working sons normally reach home after the breaking of fast because more often than not they were caught in traffic jams on their way home.

Although I am not working , I feel time runs so fast that I hardly had enough time to go out window shopping or do other activities . Mind you , I also have to attend classes at the University of Malaya during week ends .Then during week days I have to do some revisions and read reference books.

I remember when I was a kid I never had the feeling of the festive celeberations.The festive days were similar as any other days .No new clothes or shoes .The only 'nice' clothes we had were just the school uniforms. The only difference was perhaps we had chicken or beef for our meals on Idilfitri's day .

We were not sad because we knew our parents could not afford to have more than that .Infact we were thankful to Allah because there were others who were worst than us .To console myself I used to tell myself that my festival would only be when I am successfull in my exams and be able to continue my studies .Luckily for me I won a scholarship (Federal Minor Scholarship ) when I was still in Form 1 .The RM 30.00 per month was enough for expenses for me to continue schooling .Otherwise I might have to quit before reaching Form 3 . After Form 5, I was again lucky to be offered a place at the College of Agriculture ( today known as Universiti Pertanian( Putra ) Malaysia),Serdang with a scholarship from the Ministry of Agriculture .

I did not depend on my old man to finance almost my entire education and that perhaps enable him to support my brothers and sisters for their education .I am not saying that I am not grateful to my old man .He had guided me on the right path , given me sound advices and a good parent .He passed away on 8th. March 2000 .I miss him . May Allah bless him and place him in Heaven . Amin .

The Carnage of Muslims by enemies of Islam.

Watched the BBC news via Astro today 26th.Oct.2004 at 2200 hrs.which showed 78 Muslims in Southern Thailand were killed by the Thai authorities after a peaceful demonstration over the arrests of 6 Muslims on suspicion of involvement with terrorist actvities .Most of them died after being arrested due to suffocation after being thrown into fully packed police / army trucks to be sent to the army camps for interrogation . Ironically it was reported earlier that only 6 people died after clashes with the security forces .

The carnage by the Thai army on Muslims especially during the fasting month of Ramadhan is too much and cannot be accepted especially by all Muslims. The Thai govt. is not sensitive to the plight of Thai Muslims of South Thailand who have been neglected for a long time .There is not much development there and the Muslims are living in poverty.

It looks like that there is a concerted effort by enemies of Islam around the world led by the Bush administration of USA , masterminded by the Jews to punish and humiliate Muslims .The Muslims are suffering in Palestine,Iraq,Afghanistan Chechnya,Kashmir,Bosnia and most recently in Southern Thailand. The excuse for their action is always - the Muslims are terrorists .Of course ,they become terrorists to defend themselves. What else can they do without any reliable arms to fight back .You don't expect them to just remain quiet, do you ?

I would like to remind all Muslims to be wary of the enemies of Islam.They may smile at us but be careful because at any time they may turn around and stab us on the backs. If you are planning for a holiday avoid Thailand ,USA ,Australia ,Singapore and of course Israel, because these countries have been known to support the US.

Let us pray to Allah for His protection from the enemies of Islam.

I pray to God for my 2 daughters.

Sunway College , Subang Jaya always remain in my memory as the place where my daughter Eileen had to slog for her A-Level Exams in order to gain a place in a medical school in UK/Ireland .Each time I pass-by I would always remember the place where every week I would pick her up or send her back to her hostel .It is a posh college which is affordable only for the elites or the rich . Admittedly ,I would not have afford to send my daughter there if it had not been for the schoolarship awarded by the Public Service Department of Malaysia .Although it is a good college ,nevertheless I was always worried during the two years she was there - worried over her studies whether she could make it with straight As in her A-Levels ( because with that result only would guarentee her a place in a medical school in the UK/Ireland ). But this daughter of mine never seems to worry at all . She kept on doing her 'routines' - visiting her friends , window shopping at Mid- Valley , chit-chatting for hours over the phone ( her own calls came up to almost RM.200.00 the last month before she left for Ireland ) . She was too close and more attched to her friends than to her own family without realizing the fact that friends are only around when we are well off and successfull ,while family/parents are always around irrespective in what situation we are in .

However I must commend her because she is an intelligent girl although a bit 'malas' . I know she is intellgent because she scored A for her Mathematics . My girl , in medical school you can't afford to be lazy any more because there are so many things to learn and to remember .You have to study hard .

( By the way Sunway College Subang Jaya is also known for the many suicidal deaths. On 18th Oct.2004 another student by the name of Khairi Nawawi , 22 years the son of a doctor from Johor Bahru was found dead at 7.15 pm after falling from the 19th floor of the hostel apartment .)

Now that she is finally in a medical school in Ireland , most of the worries are off my shoulder . However , I would be lying if I am no more worried about her . It will only be completely off my shoulder once she qualifies or graduates as a doctor. Although she is a smart lady but smartness alone cannot guarantee success . I pray to God that He will always protect her and guide her on the right path.

My youngest daughter Ezreen is following behind her sister's footsteps in the postive way . Unlike her sister she is very hard working , homely type and has few friends . Her trial SPM exams showed a remarkable improvement .She has just attended an interview for an overseas MARA scholarship . Discreetly, she also wants to be a doctor specialising in pathology . I hope and pray that she would be successful in her interview and her SPM exams and her ambition .

Our pet cat Brunny is missing from home .One morning(3 days ago) after 'sahur' (last meal before fast ) my wife let him out of the house to ease himself . From that moment onwards he was not seen.We searched everywhere but was never to be seen .He could have lost his way or eaten by the python .

My only wish - to see my chidlren achieve success.

Today is the 3rd. day of fasting this year . As a veteran I do not find any difficulty in fulfilling this obligation . Infact beasides fasting I also perform the ' tarawikh ' prayers at the mosque and followed by the ' tahajjud ' and ' hajjat ' prayers at night . I hope God will always protect us and bestow upon us wealth and happiness in this world and the world hereafter .

As a human being on this earth I am satisfied with what I have been bestowed with by God for I have almost got what I have hoped for . As a career person I got the rank that I had wanted to retire with , having a good pension , possess some property to sustain with life after my retirement so as not to lower my standard of living .I do not want to look so hopeless after retirement when I am no more earning a good salary . I planned my life when I was still young and due to my diligence , prudence and hardwork , I managed to make some profitable investments . Naturally ,I do not worry too much reaching the retirement age .

My only wish is to see my children growing up and achieving success in their pursuits for good education and to be successfull in their life . To me ,their success is very important - more than anything else .Infact , if I am given a choice, I am willing to sacrifice my career for the sake of my children's . I have reached my optimum in my life while they are just beginning and have many more long years ahead of them .

To my children I may appear too fussy because I pay too much attention and worry too much about their exams results . They should understand that what I am doing is for the good of their future .I want them to have the best in their life . They must be better off than me , then only there is success .Otherwise there is none and nothing to be proud of . Children now a days undergo such an easy life , unlike ours those days . They do not have to face hardships and poverty and as such they think everything that comes are easy and claim they have their rights to have them .They do not want to find out how their parents had to struggle from scratches till they reach their present status .I do not know whether they are thankfull to us or not .

Although I am 57 , I am not outdated . I equipt my self with knowlege especially the latest technology in the use of computers and the internets . I am not old fashioned . I keep abreast with time . I surf the internet daily and read almost all the international news online . I know what is happening not only in Malaysia but also around the world .

Besides I am also a part time Syariah Law student at the University of Malaya .

So , who dare call me an oudated person just because I am retired .

Bad week

A few days ago I received an e-mail from our daughter Eileen who is studying medicine in Ireland. The message sounds a bit nasty and being an old man of course I feel a bit hurt .It was due to my comments before she decided to move house from the UCD campus residence to a residence outside . ( Infact she had earlier requested for my comments /blessings ) . I merely asked her to consider certain things before making decision to move out . Any way I told her the final decision was hers . She is a bit hot tempered . I feel she should change her approach towards others especially if she is to become a doctor .

I do not know why this week has been a bad week for me .I also had a misunderstanding with my wife .She wanted my help but at the same time she tried to be a bit bossy .I could not accept that and we had a quarrel .Till today we have not spoken to each other .

Kangar Trip

We left Shah Alam after ' Subuh ' prayer at about 6.20 am. We stopped at Sungai Perak to refuel and to have breakfast .We continued our journey and reached Kangar at about 12.30 pm. and straight away checked in at the Putra Palace Hotel . At about 6.30 pm we left Kangar for Beseri to attend a ' hajat ' prayer organized by MRSM Beseri and the Parent Teachers Association for the success of our children in their SPM forthcoming SPM exams . We performed the ' Maghrib ' prayer , ' Hajat ' prayer , recitation of ' Yasin ' and 'doa' and finally the ' Isyak ' prayer. After that a packet of rice a piece of chicken were each given to those who attended .At about 11.00 pm we came back to our hotel followed by our daughter Ezreen Farina who is a student at MRSM Beseri . She will be sitting for her SPM in 3 weeks time.

On 9th.Oct.2004 , after breakfast at about 7.40 am we came to the State Muzium ,Kangar to attend the Convocation Ceremony of our daughter at MRSM Beseri . It was raining heavily .The convocation was officiated by the Acting Raja of Perlis and the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis .After the ceremony we were treated to a lunch .

In the evening we had our dinner at a favourite restaurant in Kangar .

On 10th.Oct.2004 at about 11.30 am we checked out from the hotel and sent our daughter back to her College .We left Kangar abt about 1.20 am. on our journey back to Shah Alam . We stopped in Sungai Petani to refuel and reached Shah Alam at about 8.40 pm .feeling exhausted .

Visiting Klang

I and wife went to Klang to inspect our new home which is being built on a piece of land which was bought from PKNS in 1998.It had been postponed many times due to administrative problems . This year ( early August ), I really made up my mind that the project has to start by hook or by crook .God willing the project is well in progress and hope it can be occupied by June or July 2005 .

While in KLang we went to the shop in town to buy a few things .As expected the prices of most things had been increased.Some of the things were not directly connected to the petrol increased price and yet the shopkeepers took the opportunity to increase the price .When confronted and asked why , they replied that all things are connected to the petrol increased price .So it is true that most people said the government is not able to control price increase spree.

We will be going to Perlis early tomorrow morning to visit our daughter who is studying at MRSM Beseri .Parents were invited to attend a 'hajat' prayer for our children's success in their SPM . It would be performed at the Beseri Mosque. We are expected to be there till Monday .

My Jottings today

I created history today because I set up my own blog today . I hope it will provide me an opportunity to express myself where so far I have been finding it difficult to do so .Sometimes I do feel very lonely now adays and I hope this blog would keep me occupied . I have been trying to write before but all failed .From today onwards there is an avenue for me to do so .I hope it would also be a source of reference for members of my family to know and understand me further.