Cat's matter .

Recently our cat ' Sihitam ' ( a name given by our grand daughter Alisya ) gave birth to 4 cute little kittens .Hence there are are now 5 cats in our house . This is too many . What matters most to me is that the stench smell of cat's faeces has become unbearable . The moment one step into the kitchen where the cats normally hang around , one would feel the terrible smell . Obviously my wife was already tired of cleaning the cat's faeces and unable to clean all .

Sihitam the mother cat kept on going looking after her husband at our neighbours house ,opposite ours . One morning I saw her went over twice looking for her husband .I got fed up with her because I knew in no time she would get pregnant again . I do not want our house to be a factory producing cats . Without telling anybody I caught hold of Sihitam and locked her in my car's rear boothe. Then I drove the car to the public play ground not far from our house with the idea of abandoning her there . On reaching the place , I changed my mind because I pitied her - she would not be able to find food there . I then drove the car to Taman Sri Andalas old town and at the back of a row of food stalls , I abandoned her there . As soon as I opened the car boothe ,out jump Sihitam .I was sure that there would be ample food supply for her there .I then left and went home .

I was determined not to tell any one especially Alisya . She would become hysterical if she found out about that .Noticing that Sihitam was not around my wife asked me , but I pretended as if I do not know about it. Finally after being interrogated by her like a police woman did, I admitted I had abandoned the cat somewhere . She was not angry over the missing cat because she was also fed up with having to clean the cat's faeces every day .

However in the evening my son Azman noticed the the mother cat was not around and asked my wife about it .At first my wife refused to tell him but after a while she had to give in . But she did not tell him the exact spot where it was abandoned .The same evening Azman and his wife went out on a frantic search for the mother cat . Of course their effort were all in vain .

The next day Azman asked my wife again for the exact spot where the cat was abandoned . After much pestering she finally revealed the place . In the evening Azman and his wife went out again on the look out for the mother cat .At about 9.00 pm they spotted the mother cat in the padang not far from the food stall . After a short chase ,they finally managed to catch the mother cat and brough her home . The mother cat was kept in their bedroom for two days without our knowledge .In the mean time Azman complained to my wife over my action in abandoning the mother cat and my wfe told him that I would not mind keeping the cat if she is castrated .

So on the second day Azman and his wife brought the mother cat to a private veterinary clinic in Petaling Jaya to have her castrated . After the castration she had to be admitted in the clinic for a night for observation . The next evening Azman brought the mother cat home .

On seeing the weak mother cat ,I regretted my action although I did it with good intention .Now that she is castrated I do not have to worry about her getting pregnant again .

This year's Chinese New Year - modest one .

As expected this year's Chinese New Year is a quiet one .This is probably due to the slow in the economy in the country. Contratry to the government's claim that the economy is vibrant, most of the people thinks otherwise . Perhaps it it true that the country's export has reached a RM trillion , but it is only the exporters who are getting the benefits . Ordinary people such as the domestic traders , farmers , factory workers , government servants and pensioners like me have nothing to benefit at all . The government is using that figure to appease the people so that they would not pressure them to demand anything that is hard for them to fulfill .It is also to sustain the ' feel good ' situation , perhaps in preparation for the next General Election. These are positive signs of an impending General Election . They have to hold the election before April 2008 in order to deny Anwar Ibrahim taking part in the election . ( He would then be eligible to do so ) . Most Malaysian Chinese are celeberating the New Year in a modest way . This could be felt by the less in the burning of fire crackers .I had the opportunity to visit an old friend ,Mr. Tan Poh Sim of Kg.Batu Belah ,Klang on Chinese New Year with my wife and Farin . He too shared the same sentiment as mine .

In the afternoon we went to Kajang to attend the engagement ceremony of Encik Agus's second daughter .There I met a few old acquaintances , relatives of Encik Agus . Some of them were surprised why I have not taken up any employment . They even suggested that I get myself involved into business or agriculture. I told them at this age I could not afford to take any risk .I rather keep whatever I have saved than take an uncalculated risk .

On Monday we sent Farin to the Bus Station . She went back to her college at UTM Skudai earlier in order for her to prepare for her exams . It has been her practice to go back to campus earlier than others . I am quite pleased with her performance in her studies . I monitor her performance via the UTM's website and so far she has been maintaining her CGPA at above the 3.00 point . Although she is a MARA express programme student and being one of the youngest student of her class , she is able to be among the top student . This proves that hard work would bring success to anyone .

Today was a very lonely affair for us. Only the two us were left in the house . Azman and his wife had gone to Malacca and Port Dickson for a holiday and Alisya had gone back to Shah Alam.I told my wife not to cook anything . We had our meals in town .

My good neighbour owned a Merse much earlier than me.

Yesterday (5th.Feb.2007) morning, I went to Maybank Shah Alam to deposit a cheque into my Credit Card account .After that I went to Naza Motors showroom in Petaling Jaya. My intention was to see the carnival sales of Mercedes Benz cars .I had been longing to own a C 200K Mercedes Benz . When approached by one of the sales personnel , I requested to see the said car .Unfortunately there weren't many cars of that model around . I just manage to see one such vehicle - an unregistered 2002 model which was priced at RM 208,000/- . It was slightly expensive when compared to the market value . A C180K 2006 model cost RM.190,000/- at Cycle and Carriage .However it's already registered and used as a demo car . After spending about an hour there I decided to come home and would go to the Klang showroom later .

On my way home ,I received a call from my wife informing me that she saw a Police vehicle at our neighbours house ( opposite our house ) . She suspected something had happened there .On reaching home I noticed that the Police vehicle had left and I called Capt.(R) Muhammad to inquire what had happened in his house . He told me me that between 9.00 am and 11.00 am. while he was out in town ,some one ( one or more persons ) had broken into his house through the back window and ransacked the house . He has yet to know what was missing because his son had not returned home . According Capt.(R) Mat , this was the 5th. time that his house was broken into . He thought when he retired from his job it would be safer since he would spend most of his time at home and could look after his house while his wife and son were out working .

In his case probably the suspect had observed his routine .He has a bad habit of leaving the house at about 9.00 am to have breakfast in town .He would normally comes back at about 11.00 am. The suspect took this opportunity to break into his house .

While at his house I saw a brand new C 200K Mercedes Benz ,a 2002 model parked in his driveway . I asked him whose car was that and he told me that he had just bought the car the day before from Pantai Bharu Holdings , Jalan Kapar , Klang for RM.170,000/- . I told myself obviously he had beaten me .I thought I would be owning the car earlier than anybody else in our area . I am not trying to compete with anybody but it just shows that I am not the only one who would be eyeing to own the prestigious car . There is nothing wrong for a retired person like us to enjoy the comfort of the so called prestigious car at the end of our life time . After all we have been slogging for almost 30 years to earn that . Definitely we deserve that .Wouldn't anybody agree with me ?

Any way last night I had to remain awake to look after the security of our house . I went to sleep at about 2.00 am and even that I woke up 3-4 times .Each time I would come out to the balcony to observe anything suspicious .

Obviously ,I am a bit worried .

Hj.Amunuddin and Hajjah Suraya's son got married today.

This afternoon I and wife attended a wedding reception of my old friend's son at Dewan Komuniti Taman Tun Dr.Ismail,Kuala Lumpur. Haji Aminuddin and wife Hjjah Suraya are old friends whom we have known each other since the early 1970s when we were then residing in Segamat ,Johor. Aminuddin was then working as an Assist Manager of an estate in Segamat .Infact then they were not yet married .They were in love and had difficulties in getting married because of opposition from both families . Suraya was hiding in our house for some time before they finally got married . We are glad ,although Suraya was a Chinese convert ,their marriage remained till today and they have a son and a daughter .The son got married today .Infact the son was Azman's year mate at the Universiti Utara Malaysia .

Haji Aminuddin worked in the plantation sector and was transfered to Kluang and later to Sabah where they remained a good number of years until he retired about 2 years ago .Our relationship remained cordial and we kept in touch from time to time . They now settled down in Taman Tun Dr.Ismail,Kuala Lumpur . I am glad to have a family friend like Aminuddin and Suraya .

Good health is a priority to me .

My grand daughter Siti Nuralisya has been sick for the past one week .Her cough is not receding and at night her body teperature is high .Despite of that she goes to school except for today's 'Agama School' where she is a school prefect . She told us she couldn't go because she was not feeling well . I did not mind becasue I thought I wanted to bring her to the clinic again this afternoon .I brought her to the clinic for the first time last Thursday. At about 4.00 pm I told my wife to get ready to go to the clinic. However she told me that Alisya was getting better and thus not necessary for us to bring her there . I was still not happy with her assumption because Alisya might be okay in the afternoon and could be having fever in the evening . I had a tough time arguing with my wife over this .In the end I had to give in and wait for another day .

I am quite particular about my children and grand children's health , especially Alisya . She is our only grand daughter .She is everything to us . Her welfare is my priority . I hope she would be better by tomorrow .

Tomorrow I would be sending my wife to Kuala Lumpur to see our family doctor for her routine health examination .We are now approaching 60 and I insist that both of us have a regular medical check up . Although it is a bit far away from Klang , we have been comfortable with our family doctor . They know our health history well because they have monitoring our health for some time .

Although my left knee has not fully recovered , I am able to walk without feeling pain any more .However I still could not walk for long distance and for a long time . The x-ray report on my knee showed that I am at an early stage of osteoporasis , the degeneration of the bone .It is a process of ageing and I have to bear with it . Ageing cannot be avoided . To avoid getting worst I have to be very careful not to injure my bone especially my knee . I must also continue taking health supplement. Fortunately , recently my sister in-law in Los Angeles sent me a very good 'joint supplement' -( Kirkland -extra strength Glucosamine HCL 1500 mg/Chondroitin Sulfate 1200 mg manufactured in California ) which is better than the one I took earlier which was manufactured in Dublin .My weight is also one of the reasons for my bone problem .According to my doctor I must reduce my weight . I am now more determined to do so.

I need a grand son to continue my offspring.

I woke up early this morning to perform my subuh prayer.As I was walking from my bed to the toilet I thought it would be a lonely day for us in this house today because our grand daughter Alisya had gone to her parent's place in Shah Alam to spend her week end.I had invited her earlier to go to Port Dickson with us today to attend a wedding of my former officer's daughter .She refused. I could understand her because she wanted to spend the week end with her parents .Alisya is now 8 years old and she is still the only child of my eldest son, Aizad.Poor Aizad .Indeed I am poor too because I still do not have a grand son who would continue my offspring on this earth and the here after. Who would be my 'makmum' ( followers ) to lead in my prayers .It had never occured to my mind to ask from Allah to be bestowed with grand sons .Normally after prayers I would ask from Him for successes for my children in their studies , our prosperity and good health forgetting to ask to have grand sons .What an oversight or I was taken for granted ? I have to come back to God for His help .He is our savior and He is merciful . And so after my subuh prayer,for the first time I prayed to Him so that my daughter-in-law ( Alisya's mother ) would soon bear us a grand son ,who would continue my off spring on this earth and the here after.

Islam under attack again.

Today is Idil Adha. After the Id prayers straight away we ( me and my son Azman )went home .We are celeberating this years Idil Adha with our family in our home in Klang.It is a quiet one without any visitors .
This year's Id is a sad one for all Muslims .Islam is under attack again by the West .The execution of Saddam Hussein in a way is a great blow to Islam too. I don't deny the fact that Saddam was a dictator. It is a fact also that he did some good thngs for the people of Iraq. He managed to unite the forever feuding Shiites and the Sunnis. After Prophet Muhammad died the Arabs had never been united. Leadership such as Saddam was imperative for the unifications of Iraq .Without him Iraq would have fallen apart into states for the Kurds ,Shiites,Sunnis and others. Iraq need a strong personality like Saddam Hussein . Look what is happening to the present administration (puppet government of the American and it's allies ) in Iraq today .Killing and anarchy is the order of the day.
Recalling the trial of Saddam Hussien ,he was obviously not given a fair trial .He was tried by the Kangaroo Court of the puppet government of Iraq . In between trials one of Saddam's lawyers was killed by armed men belived to be the government of Iraq's secret Police .What was worst still, in the middle of the trial the presiding Judge was removed because he appeared to the prosecutuion that he was for the defence. The West has always maintained that the Syariah Laws are barbaric and cruel and yet they allowed Saddam Hussein to be tried by that Law . Why ? This is just to demonstrate to the world the bad side of Syariah Laws and Islam -Syariah court is a kangaroo court. How many Muslims realized this fact ? Surprisingly ,some men and women together were seen jumping and singing in the streets ,so happy over the latest debacle without realizing that they had fallen into the American and the West's trap.Looking at the present trend ,Iraq can never be united .
Mr.Bush was so keen to introduce the West's style of democracy as if it is the only form of government suited to all countries . Why was Iraq was not given the freedom to choose its form of administration ?When Hammas won the election (West's style of democracy)in Palestine , why punish the Palestinians by imposing certain restrictions on the Hammas government until it was almost on the verge of collapse ? This only shows that Mr.Bush and the West were not sincere in introducing democracy to these countries .Obviously they have certain agendas - to stop any emerging powerful leadership that could be a rival to them and to weaken Islam .
I wonder why the Arabs do not realize this ? Some Arab governments such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan are willing to be stooges of the Americans and the West.They allowed themselves to be used by the Amrericans and the West to go against fellow Arabs and Muslim brothers .During the Iraq War ,Saudi Arabia allowed it's soil to be used by the allied forces to attack a fellow Muslim country . A fellow Arab couild never lead them because they are always envying each other . Perhaps Malaysia couild .Why not give it a try ?

Watching BBC News I was sad at the behavior of the Shiites singing and dancing (men and women who were in their purdahs ) in the streets of Baghdad rejoicing over the execution of Saddam Hussein .True Islam , do not teach it's followers to brood vengeance on their perpetrators .Passion and respect for others even to the enemies should always be maintained . Only God should punish .Not for mankind to decide .

Getting worried on the arrival of the new year .

It's year ending soon . Christmas was yesterday and soon it would be new year ( 2007 ) .Normally people are getting excited and looking forward for the occassion . Oddly I am the opposite .There is nothing to look forward .Infact I am worried ,not because I am getting older but because of the uncertainty of the future .Prices of goods are getting dearer.Toll fees had just been increased effective January 1, and it would definitely snowballed to more increases of the price of goods .The stupid Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs said it would not affect any increase in the price of goods .So far what has he done to curb the price increases ? Being a pensioner I have a fixed income and my buying power is getting less . Working government servants would probably get a pay increase soon to offset the rising in inflation . Who would come to our rescue ?We would normally be neglected by the government .Who would care to the senior citizen's plight who has always been regarded as a burden to society ? Who says a pensioners life is a blistfull one ? Yes ,people like former Prime Ministers or Ministers would probably enjoy because they get 4 or 5 pensions .Besides they would probably have accumulated a sizeable amount of property .

When I come to think of the future I would probably end up being not able to sleep, worrying over it .Infact I tried to shift my mind to something else , but I just can't .Some how it keeps on coming to my mind . And I sympathise with those pensioners who gets lesser pension than mine and with children still in colleges and universities .I wonder how they cope with the situation . I know quite a handfull of them seeking employment .After over 30 years of struggling working to feed a family and when the time to retire one has to find another job .I wonder when is he going to rest .He would probably be working until he dies .Now, is it fair to him ? I would like all young people to ponder over this .

Lifelong education should be practiced by all.

Year 2006 is ending soon .Most people are looking forward for the new year .But not me merely because my final exams is getting near. I have to pass ,otherwise I would not be getting my scroll. Although it would not matter much to my furutre because I am not getting a job after this, it would be a document that I could be proud of. It would prove to my children and grand children that an old man like me could still study and perform . I am also proving to the Malaysian public that a lifelong education is practicable .Islam too professes that one should seek knowledge till death .On this context knowledge does not mean only religious knowledge.It includes any knowledge that is beneficial to mankind. According to the Hadith if one dies whilst seeking knowledge , he or she would die a martyr.

I am planning to continue with my lifelong education by taking a course - Executive Diploma in Syariah Laws after this . I hope I could be an expert on Syariah Laws.To some I may sound crazy .They could be asking ,' What the heck this old man is trying to prove ? '. I am not trying to prove anything , I am just seeking knowledge which I did not have the opportunity when I was young .I enjoy attending classes ,learning new things and reading is a past time hobby for me .Rather than sit at home wasting my time I might as well do something useful like this .After all I do not hurt or annoy people .

I am handicapped without a computer .

I am alone at home today .The others has gone to Kajang to attend Shidah's cousin sister's wedding. I am taking this opportunity to borrow Farin's laptop to update my blog .I have been without a computer for almost a year ( since my laptop broke down last year ) . Any way I have just bought a new PC last Friday from Pikom at PWTC which should be ready for delivery in a week's time .I was not keen buying another laptop after realising it's difficulty in repair and updating it .

Well , computer is already a necessity , without which I feel a bit handicapped .Normally I surf the internet to get the latest news and to read from independent media which have got nothing to hide .I also do it to update my blog which I have been having since 2004. I hope one day I could publish the blog into a book for my children and grandchildren to read and to understand my feelings .

My shop in Pandan Indah and my apartment in USJ Court 10 Subang Jaya has been vacant since 1st December 2006 .This means I am short of cash by RM 2500/- every month . The shop's tenant decided to move to Damansara Mutiara,PJ after having rented my shop for more than 10 years while the tenant ( an Indonesian woman ) at the apartment has not been paying rentals for 3 months and we have got no choice but to evict her .I hope I'll get new tennants for the shop and the apartment as soon as possible .Otherwise we would have to tighten our belts for the next few months until new tenants move in .

My knee problem is getting better ever since I took Viartril-S pills .I could now walk properly without feeling pain any more .However I still could not bent my knee especially during prayers.I perform my obligations by sitting on a stool .I should be able to bent it in a few weeks time .I feel so sad because I have not been able to perform the subuh the prayers at the nearby mosque for almost 3 months .

Now I truely realized the importance of good health .There is no use having alot of money to spend if one is not healthy .You cannot really enjoy life . I pray to Allah that I and my family members would be bestowed with good health as well as other bounties . Amin.

Holiday at Port Dickson for my grand daughter.

It's school holidays .I feel duty bound to bring some joy to my family especially to my grandchild Siti Nuralisya .So I decided to to go to Port Dickson .After all it's a long time since our last visit to our family apartment in PD. This could also be a present for my grand daughter for achieving second place in her class in the Year One Final Exams this year .So on 25th November 2006 after my class at Akedemi Pengajian Islam,Universiti Malaya , my wife , daughter Fareen , grand daughter Siri Nualisya and myself left home for PD . On reaching our apartment at Sunsine Bay Resort , we noticed there were already many visitors . The swimming pool was almost filled with people and there was hardly any space to squeeze in my grand daughter . I then told my grand daughter to be there early the next morning to get a space for her to swim .

In the evening as usual we felt as if being in a Chinese New Village . The techno-music was played full blast without due consideration for others.

The next morning my grand daughter cancelled her plan to be at the swimming pool as she wanted to follow me to the sea side .We went for a dip and swim by the sea side for a couple of hours until my grand daughter got tired . We came back to our apartment to have a second breakfast. We then just watched people at the seaside from the apartment balcony .

In the afternoon we came to town to have lunch at the KFC .As I was still full and skipped the lunch , I decided to go shopping at the local supermarket .

The second evening at the apartment was a bit quiter because most of the holiday makers had left .We could sleep peacefully .

The next morning I brought Alisya to the swimming pool . There wasn't many people and she could swim as much as she could .However she was not satisfied and forced me to bring her to the sea side for a further swim there .After a couple of hours we came back to the apartment feeling hungry .

We left PD for home around noon .After a brief stop over at the TNB office to pay the electricity bill we proceeded for home .

I felt releived and peaceful while at PD . Away from the hustle and bustle of city life brought peace and tranquility to me . Infact I do not mind to make PD as my permanent home later on when I am slightly older .

I sent Azman to the airport this early morning . He is now in Alor Star for some business deal.I hope he is successful in his venture .

A short holiday in Padang and Bt.Tinggi,Sumatera.

We left home at about 5.00 am on 6th.November 2006 in order to be on time for a flight to Padang, Sumatera,Indonesia .The Air Asia flight was supposed to take off at about 7.55 am but was delayed for about an hour due to technical problem .We found out later that it was because the door to the cockpit could not be opened .I was a bit worried because anything could happened to the second hand cheap air carrier during our flight. However , I felt relieved when we landed safely at Padang airport after about an hour's journey .

At the airport we were received by a getleman called Oyong . Apparently ,my son's ( Aizad )father in law contacted him to wait for us . Oyong was the guide and driver for Aizad's father in law when he visited Padang earlier and he recommended this person to be our guide and driver throughout our stay in West Sumatera. He drove a 4 wheel drive Toyota vehicle .He took us to a restaurant and had an early lunch .Wow , the food at the Nasi Padang Restaurant was superb and never had I tasted such a tasty food .

After lunch we were taken to our hotel - the Pangeran Hotel or Prince Hotel .They said it's the best hotel in Padang but according to Malaysian standard it's only an 2 or 3 star . Worst still it was under renovation and it looked a bit messy . The whole evening we did not go anywhere but stayed in our room as we were tired and sleepy . We had our dinner in the hotel but the food was horrible .

The next morning after breakfast we began our trip visiting places of interests .We went to Pagarruyung and visited the old palace of the Minangkabau king .It was quite a distance from Padang Town .On the way we could see padifields and lakes which were very scenic . We also went to the place where the legendry story of Malim Kundang ( equivalent to our Si Tanggang ) took place . It was near the seaside and we saw stone figures which looked like that of a ship and the man called Malim Kundang begging forgiveness from his mother .

We had lunch at a restaurant on the highway to Bukit Tinggi .The food was also good and cheap . We reached Bukit Tinggi at about noon and did some shopping at the bazar. The weather was slightly cool due to it's location on top of a hill .My wife was busy looking for 'telekung' because that was the only thing that was cheap there . She also bought cloth for making dress for her favourite daughter in law -Azman's wife .Alisya got a nice tudung while I just bought a sarong .

We were about to go back to Padang when our vehicle could not be started. The Indonesians were in the habit of mixing their petrol with diesel in order to save on petrol. This time the percentage was too much .My driver suggested we put up a night in Bukit Tinggi but I insist to go back to Padang because the hotel bill there was already paid .In the end he gave in and the car was sent to the workshop to have the infiltrated petrol removed .After filling with a new petrol we started our journey back to Padang . Before reaching our hotel we stopped to have dinner at an ikan bakar restaurant . The food was not that good except for the ikan bakar .We reached our hotel at about 8.00 pm .

On 8th,November morning after breakfast , the driver picked us up to go a round town because my wife wanted to buy keropok buah malinjau . We had lunch at a stall by the sea where the fish was very fresh - only one dish that was the fish .It was superb and satisfying .It was also very cheap.

In the evening we rested in our hotel room watching TV.

The next morning at about 6.00 am we checked out from our room to go back to Malaysia .Before reaching the airport we stopped for breakfast -lontong Sumatera ( comprise of ketupat and sayur pucuk paku ) .What a weird 'lontong' ?

We left Padang airport at about 8.00 am. and reached KLCT at about 10.30 am .Azman picked us for home.

On the whole it was a not so enjoyable holiday .Nothing that fascinate us there . It was just like our country .The thing that is a bit peculiar is that all the busineses were controlled by the local Minangkabaus .The Chinese were not seen doing reputable businesses .

Any way I think ,I should have gone to a place foreign to us ,like China or Australia . That should be our next destination .

Hari Raya Idilfitri in Klang .

Although we are now staying in Klang we did not go to the mosque nearby our house to pray Sunnat Idilfitri this year . Instead I and my son Azman decided to pray at the Grand Mosque in Shah Alam .I decided to do so because after the prayers we wanted to pay our respect to my late father at his grave in Seksyen 21 Shah Alam .At the mosque the situation was almost like the previous years . There were quite a conspicously large number of Indonesian and Bangladeshi workers . The locals who were present were those who came back from other places .This I could notice from their car number plates and their unfamiliar faces .

Surprisingly at the grave there was not as many crowd as the previous years . This could be due to the fact that the people knew of the situation like last year where there was a massive jam. To avoid the jam they could have stagger the time to visit the graves or they could have gone a day earlier .

Immediately after reciting surah Yassin at my late father's grave , we came home . Not long later some non Muslim friends came to the house . There were quite a number of them and we were busy entertaining them till about 5.00 pm. I was quite happy because there are people who still care for me .

On the morning of second day of Hari Raya , Azman and his wife left for Penang . Before leaving Azman's wife surprisingly gave me and my wife angpows containing RM.100 each . I refused to accept but she insisted .So ,I and my wife had no choice but to accept . Ever since staying with us she gives my wife RM.200 each month and she also sometimes spend buying the kitchen requirements . A real big contrast to Aizad's wife .

After that we were quite busy because quite a number of children on bicycle came to our house to collect angpows.

In the evening my sister in law ( Samson's wife ) and her children came to the house . According to her ,my brother Samson had gone back to the kampong .Earlier they visited my father's grave in Shah Alam . I noticed that they are not in good terms with my brother . For some unknown reason their houe in Taman Bukit Teratai, Ampang was auctioned and they are now staying in her late mother's house in Kg.Pandan .I do not know where my brother is staying.

Later my brother in law Mahadi his wife, daughter Asrina, husband and children, Roha , husband and son came . The house was a bit rowdy for some time . They left at about 11.00 pm .

On the third day of Hari Raya we were quite free because no one came .So we could sleep . Although we heard our gate bell rang ( the children came to collect angpows ) we did not open it because we were so tired .

Today is Friday .I am fasting today -Puasa Enam . Till now no one comes . Tomorrow morning we would be going to Johor Bahru to send Farin back to her university . Although her leave is till next week , she decides to go back earlier to study for her exams which is scheduled to be on 6th Nov.2006 . I pray to Allah so that she would be successfull with flying colours in her exams and achieve her ambition to do her Masters in the UK .

On 6th November 2006 I and wife would be flying to Padang Indonesia for a short holiday .

Do not dream like Mr.Mat Jenin .

Today is Deepavalee. I just stay at home .I am now all alone by myself because the rest ( wife, Alisya, Azman and his wife ) has gone to Shah Alam to do some shopping .I told them not to buy unnecessary things because this year's Hari Raya would be a quiet one , unlike when I was still working when I still have many friends .Now that I am retired , who would want to be a friend to a retired person ? A retired person is of little use to most people .( Not all of course ).That is a fact which I have for long accepted . Soon perhaps a retired person like me would be of little use to his family too . I am ready to anticipate the unexpected . I am not surprise too when I am too old and be a burden to the family I would perhaps opt to stay in an Old Folks Home .Not the government one of course , may be the private one where one has to pay . Or may be I may choose to stay alone in my seaside apartment in Port Dickson . Any way I hope I do not have to be into that predicament because I still love my family .

Age has turned me into a wiser person .I am not like the old days when I was so looking forward to Hari Raya. I feel Hari Raya is just like any other days .Nothing special .I am also not looking forward to going back to my home town.This is especially so, ever since I decided that I no more have a home town . Morover my children are grown up and where I am residing is their home town .I have to be home during Hari Raya because my children need a place to come back to .

Oh, I have to stop for a while because the gate bell is ringing . An old friend , Mr. Tan Poh Sim is coming to visit me and wish me Hari Raya .They would not be able to come for Hari Raya because they are going to visit a relative in Singapore .

Mr.Tan Poh Sim and his wife who came to the house just now kept on praising about our house .They were impressed with the plan and told me that I had built a nice comfortable home . Of course it is so because I took pains to see other houses and incorporate all those elements into mine .And the cost too was not cheap because I had to spend almost my entire life's savings on it .Any way it was money well spent and I do not regret it because it is something like my dream come true achievement . It was my dream that I would one day reside in a bungalow house of some standing . Any way I still have other dreams which I must achieve before I die - ie to own a Mercedes car , to see the world and plus other upgraded dreams .

I would advise my children that they should have dreams like mine . They should have a target or vision which they must achieve within a stipulated time .By that way ,they would steer their vision to a direction and would not go astray .This is important, so that they would always work hard to achieve their vision .It also work as a catalyst for motivation .Otherwise one would not know what he is working for . Once you have achieved a certain drean try to upgrade your dream so that there is always a dream . But do not dream like Mr.Mat Jenin .( dream of fantasies ).

The medicine for my knee is very expensive .

After taking a bottle of ' Viartril-S - Glucosamine Sulphate ' which was recommended by my doctor , I feel a bit better on my left knee.At least I could walk though slowly .Actually the recomended dosage was 2 capsules each time and 3 times a day .But because of the Fasting month I had to limit it to 2 times a day only ie.once after ' sahur 'and once after iftar .According to the recomendations I should take the medicine for 3 months and after an interval of 2 months, I should continue taking if there is a need to as recomended by the doctor. A bottle contains 80 pills and if I take in 3 times a day it would only last only 13 days . A bottle costs RM.119.00 .What an expensive medicine ? ( I guess I have got no choice if I want to walk as before ) . This could be due to the fact that it is manufactured by ' Rottapharm Limited ,Dublin ,Ireland . Perhaps it could be cheaper in Dublin . ( If my daughter Eileen who is studying Medicine in Dublin happens to read this blog ,perhaps she could inquire how much it cost in Dublin ).

For this year I had not performed a single tarawikh prayers in the mosque . Unlike the previous years I hardly missed a single tarawikh prayers . All because of my knee problem.I feel a bit hopeless having missed the tranquility of the prayers in the mosque . Due to that also my wife had only gone once to the mosque because she felt lost without me .Any way despite of that I had not missed my tarawikh prayers . Because I perform it after isyak prayers in my room and of course while seated on a chair .Well, as Prophet Muhammad said , if you cannot do it standing, you can sit and if you cannot sit you can do it while lying down and if you still cannot do it , do it with your eyes and even if you cannot do it , do it in your heart .This shows how important is prayers to Muslims .Normally I do not perform the witir prayers after that because I normally wake up around 3.00 am or 4.00 am to perform the Tahajjud and Hajjat prayers. After that , then only I perform the Witir prayers .

Is Doom's Day really approaching near ?

Without realising it ,today it has been 17 days now that we have been fasting during this year's Ramadhan .It also means that I have been fasting 4 times ever since I retired from my job. Wow , time runs very fast without us really realising it . This also means that age is also cathching up with me . I cannot rest on my laurels any more . I have to do whatever I am suppose to do before I could never do it .

The other day I watched a Religious ( Islam ) programme on TV whch reminded us to prepare ourselves for Doom's Day which is approaching near . Scientists have also predicted the comet is on it's way towards Earth and would collide with Earth somewhere in 2009 .The exact date ? I do not know and I do not want to know .According to the Quran Doom's Day would happen on a Firday .( Even if the prediction by the scientist is not true ,we as Muslims should be ready to face any eventualities ) .It really worries me . If this happens , it would be the end of the World . All of us would perished .According to the speaker minor Doom's Day ( Kiamat Kecil ) had actually taken place on this Earth. An example was the Tsunami which hit various parts of the world. Now, are we prepared to face God when all human beings would be awaken from death and then judged for all the wrong doings and good deeds that we have done while we were alive ? Oh , I am not . I have to fulfill my obligations to God and do good deeds to mankind as much as I can before I am ready to be judged . Oh , God please protect me from evils and guide me to the right path so that I would not only enjoy good life on this Earth but also in the life after . Please give me good health so that I could perform all my obligations fully . Please cure my knee so that I could go to the mosque to perform my obligations .

This Ramadhan we feel a bit lively especially during iftar because of the presence of my new daughter in law . Being a lady she is quite helpfull to my wife in the kitchen . She would wake up at about 4.30 am to help cook the food . At times even my wife had forgotten to wake up . Luckily my daughter in law had already prepared the food for the sahur .Otherwise we would miss the sahur and went hungry the whole day.

As for Hari Raya , we would be celebertaing it in Klang only . Perhaps we would go to JB later because on the 10th of Hari Raya we would be flying to Padang/Bukit Tinggi ,Indonesia .

We deserve a good holiday.

My left knee is getting better now ,although I am still unable to pray at the mosque because I cannot sit properly in the ' tahyat ' situation . Any way I still perform my obligations including the 'tarawikh' prayers at home . I hope I will recover completely soon . After having going through this ordeal now I realised how important is our leg , without which we would not be able to enjoy life fully. This too brings back my memory to that of a cousin of mine who is of the same age as mine and who is now bound to a wheel chair . He has been in the predicament for more than 5 years . He was a graduate teacher and has been an active person .For no obvious reasons he has to suffer that way . Well that is God's will . I invited this cousin of mine to my son's wedding recently and a few days before the wedding day he called me and told of his situation. I have not seen him for more than 20 years although we were quite close when we were young. I hope to visit him in his house in Teluk Intan one day.

Yesterday I received a call from a tennant who is renting my shop in Ampang .He told me his business was badly hurt and thus could not afford to continue renting the shop .He would be moving out at the end of December . This means I will have to find a new tennant , otherwise I would be loosing more than RM 2,000 per month . I think I will not be finding it difficult to find a new tennant as it is in a hot spot area . The only difficulty would be to find a good tennant who would be a good paymaster .The present tennant has been renting the shop from the beginning the shop was bought , that was about 15 years ago and he has been a good paymaster . According to him the building industry is badly hit by the inflation situation in this country and he has no other choice but to close shop .

From 6th.November till 9th November 2006 I and wife would be going to Bukit Tinggi, Padang,Indonesia for a short holiday. I have booked the tickets today and it has been confirmed .I think we deserve a good rest after all the hard work playing host to our son's wedding .We are not bringing anybody this time because we do not want to be disturbed .

My plan is to go to China after Hari Raya.

On 18th.September 2006 I sent my wife's car ,the Proton Kembara to my favourite workshop in Shah Alam to have the engine repaired .There was leakage either the engine oil or the gear oil. The car had to be kept overnight at the workshop for the mechanic to identify the leakage .Finally ,it was confirmed that the leakage was from the gearbox .No wonder the gear oil was almost empty. For the repair it cost me RM 768.00 . Then the mechanic pointed to me that the tyres were almost bald and told me it was dangerous especially during the rainy season . The 4 tyres cost me another RM.680.00 .All in all I had to spend RM. 1448.00 on the Kembara . What to do ? The car is a necessity and I've got no choice.It looks like I cannot keep money any more because there is always something to spend . Time is not like those days when I was still working , I always have at least RM. 10,000.00 in my current account. Luckily I have some income from rentals of my property . If I were just to depend on my pension alone I would not survive during this difficult time of inflation .

In a few days time on 24th.September 2006 we would be starting our fasting month ,Ramadhan . It would be for the first time that we are are going to fast in our new home in Klang .I hope we would fulfill our obligation to God with sincerety and with His blessings .

I am planning to go to China with my wife after the Hari Raya .The plan was postponed a number of times . I hope this time it would go through .

I am not suffering from ghout.

On 14th.September 2006 I went for my appointment with my doctor at Tanglin Clinic,Kuala Lumpur. I was surprised when the doctor told me that the pain on my left knee was not due to ' ghout ' . He told me that it could be due to the ' liquid ' in between the two knee bones was getting dry and that they were hurting each other . Any way to confirm his opnion I was sent to the X-ray Department to have my leg x-rayed . I will get to see the report only after a week.In the mean time I still feel pain on my left knee and could not walk and stand for a long time .How could this happen to me while I was such an active person before . I reckon my weight has got a part for the predicament which I am in today .I am determined to reduce my weight as advised by the doctor .It was not that I did not make any attempt to reduce my weight. Infact I tried very hard but I could not overcome my desire for food . Any way after this I should be able to overcome it .

On 16th.September 2006 although I had to walk slowly and slightly limping ,I brave myself to drive to Akademi Islam, University Malaya to attend my weekly class .I just could not afford to miss my classes .I need the knowledge and that's the place where I could get them .That day I also got my semester results . I was so happy because I passed all my papers and more so I manage to score 2 As . I am now in my final semeseter and hope I would do well in the final exams which is due to be in December .

Today is Sunday .No one is in the house except me and my wife .Feel so lonely .

Eileen is back to her campus in Dublin.

My daughter Eileen left KLIA for Dublin,Ireland at 2330 hrs 4th August 2006 .For three long months she had been relaxing too much in Malaysia .I was a bit worried because she is a Medical student overseas and yet ignored her books during that long ' hibernating period ' , a habit she could not leave . She seems to be obsessed with fun forgetting that real life is not actually like that .Friends would be around only when we are bouncing up with success and they would shun us away if we are otherwise .Therefore in order to have a sustainable long and real friendship we must first of all , ensure ourselves of a position where we would sit and stand on par with that of our friends .In other words we must first of all be a successful person so that no one would look down upon us .Although it sounds silly , but believe me that is a fact of life . Being an elder and have undergone the tribulations of this worldly life ,I can safely vouch that this fact is undeniable . Ask any man/woman of my age and who has undergone 'real' life , I can bet they would be of the same opinion as mine .

Well , now that my daughter has gone back to campus , I hope she would no more rest on her laurels but instead start cracking to regain back the lost 3 months of precious time. She must remember that she is just entering the doors to a challeging future and she should not loose her way to find the exit to success .As the old saying says ' Success does not come easy and one has to really strive to achieve it ' .

As parents I want the best for my children and I would sacrifice everything for their success .Even if God suggest that ,I would not be so successful in life ,if I want my children to be successful people , I would heed to the suggestion . All I have worked for in my life , are all for my children and I do not know what more they would ask from me.

There were times I was really hurt ( feelings ) by my children's behavior . No one knows that I was crying in my heart . I felt I had failed as a parent to educate them to be good human beings , God fearing boys and girls and children who are thankfu to their parents sacrifices .Only God knows how I felt - so hopeless . I console myslef by forgiving them and telling myself that they were still young and immature .

I love all my children. God knows that .

My son's wedding at our house in Klang - a success.

My son's wedding ceremony at our place was on 26th.August 2006 .Planning a wedding was a very hectic and worrisome one .I was worried there would be not enough guests to fill the seats ,I was also worried whether the food would be enough or not and I was worried whether the guests would be satisfied or not with our treatments and all sort of worries .

Any way on D-day ,when guests started rollng in , I began to feel confident that everything would run smoothly . The majority of my relatives I invited came. They came as far as Jerantut ,Ipoh and Teluk Intan . I was happy that they came . Friends too came as far as Kota Bahru, Muar ,Melaka and Ipoh .I was also happy and appreciated their presence .

The neighbours too including our Chinese neighbours came . Infact my immediate neighbour , a Chinese gave me a big angpow ( RM.550/- ) , the biggest given by an individual on that day.

My brother Muttakin and my wife's relatives played the major role in making the wedding a success . I am thankful to them .

But as expected , my mother , my two sisters and a brother ( Samson ) who belonged to their camp were not present . My relatives present , kept on asking me about their abscence and I tried to defend them giving excuses that they would arrive a bit late although I knew I was not telling the truth . Finally ,when I could not avoid it anymore when asked by my uncle ( my mother's brother ) I told him that my mother could not leave her cats hungry . Infact that was the reason given by her when she told me that she would not be attending the wedding when I came to see her on the 9th.August 2006 . I knew he was a bit unhappy . I was also sad and full of remorse . I did not quarrel with them and had not had a misunderstanding with them. Deep inside my heart I knew they were abscent (despite of being officially invited) because they listen to the advise of my mother who told them not to go . Believe it or not that was the situation in our family . We are now divided . We are not as before .

The wedding went well . Even one of the members of the Penang entourage commented to me that it was well organised .

I am grateful to Allah.

The wedding at the bride's place in Penang

On 19th.August 2006 we left Klang for Penang to attend my son's wedding at th bride's place. We came in 5 cars comprising of 1) me and wife and bruther in law Mahadi and wife 2) Brother in law Hassan ,wife, Pak Mail and his wife 3) En.Agos and his family 4) Brother Muttakin and his family 5) My son Azman and daughter Eileen . We reached Penang at about 3.00 pm. and checked in at the Crystal Suite ,Bayan Lepas . A long lost friend ( my former detective in Segamat ) Jamaluddin Ismail joined us .He came along with his wife ,son and daughter in law . have not met him for almost 20 years . I am thankful to my my former officer in the Narcotics Dept. in Bukit Aman ,DSP Zainal Abd.Aziz the OCPD of Serdang for helping me to trace the whereabout of this long lost friend . I am glad I could renew this frienship.

At about 5.00 pm we came to a mosque in Gelugor where the 'akad nikat' ( the solemnising of the marriage ) was to take place . There was a slight delay due to some unforeseen reasons .Any way everything went on smoothly after that .

We were then treated to a brought forward dinner at the bride's house . According to most of our entourage the curry was superb . The smell of the curry remained on our hands all day long even after it has been washed .

In the evening except for a few females who went to the bride's house to attend the ' majlis berinai' ceremony most of us did not go anywhere as we were then tired .

On 20 th.August 2006 at about 1.00 pm we checked from our rooms . We then proceeded to the bride's house for the 'majlis bersanding' . We were welcome by almost the 'mamak community' ( Indian Muslim ). Even the kompang group comprised of mamak children and the kompang songs too were very peculiar , perhaps the kompang beat were also of mamak songs. My daughter in law is not 'anak mami' . Her father and mother are Malays originally from Ulu Langat,Selangor . Her father was adopted by a mamak family from Penang . That was how she became integrated into the mamak family . Sometimes I could not believe it that I would have an extended family of mamaks . It was God's fate . We could only plan , He disposes .

The feast was a very modest one and I could understand it.They are not so well-off and I am glad that my son chose a wife not based on wealth but perhaps for true love . I know where I came from ( my parents too were not well off ) and I am glad to Allah for bestowing upon me a little bit of wealth and happiness . My religious education have always reminded me not to look down upon people who are so lucky as we are .But I hate people who are lazy and do not make any effort to help themselves .

After lunch, at about 4.30 pm we left Penang and reached home at about 8.00 pm.

On 21st.August 2006 while I was at the TESCO Klang to buy some groceries my wife called me.She was crying over the phone telling me that my brother in law Hassan had been admitted in the CCU ward at the University Hospital,P.Jaya after a heart attack while sudying at the Shah Alam Library . Immediately we drove to P.Jaya to see him at the Hospital . My sister in law Rozie ( his wife ) was not around as she was in Trengganu . We waited at the hospital for a few hours before being told by the doctor his condition was stable .We then relived and left the hospital .

For the next few days we would be very busy making preparations for my son's wedding .

My nephews and nieces ,unfairly treated.

On 9th.August 2006 we went to Sabak Bernam to visit my mother and invite her to attend my son's wedding due to be held on 26th.Augsut 2006 although I was a bit pessimistic she would attend. Lately our relationships was a bit strain due to differences of opinion . Any way as a mark of respect we came back for courtsy's sake. We stopped at Haji Latiff's house to invite him and his family too.She told us she would not be attending as she could not leave her cats hungry. (As if the cats were more important than the wedding of her grandson.)

My intention of going back was for the sole purpose of inviting my mother and nothing else. As usual she tried to take the opportunity to force me into agreeing to her ideas which I see as unfair to my brothers ( minus my sisters ) . As a mother she is not a fair mother . She has always been favouring her daughrters only. Even some of her grand children ( my brother's children ) are being deprived of her love and attention. I felt something was not right . I voiced out my feelings and she did not like it . From that time on our relationships became strain .Any way despite of that, I still came back to visit her although not as often as before .

What I did was not for my advantage .It was for the sake of my brothers and their children whom I felt have been unfairly treated . To her, her grandchildren are those only from her daughters and not from her sons . It hurt my feelings whenever she talk bad of my nephews and nieces .( My brothers children ) My brothers have been complaining to me about this and their children are not too happy to go back to our kampong .Once I told her that my daugher Eileen Farhana was going to Dublin study Medicine, she remarked " Oh , she would be touching all the dirty things of patients ". Instead of feeling proud that a member of her family for the first time was going to be a doctor ,she had that remarked. I had a shock of my life when I heard that coming from her mouth .Sometimes, I just could not believe that my mother would harbour such an attitude .Believe it or not that is the fact . Even her relationship with her only brother has also turned sour since the death of my grandmother .I do not know for what reasons . I pray to Allah that she would realised her mistakes and would turn over a new leaf .

I think I am suffering from 'ghout' .

My leg is still in pain. I still can't bent my left leg and feel pain when walking around. I begin to suspect that it is not due to the sprain . From the symptoms noticeable it could be due to 'ghout' .It was due to over consumpton of sea food . And I now remember it began from the dinner treat that my son Azman gave me on Father's Day. I ate quite a large sum of prawns on that evening . I should be careful about what I eat especially at this age . They say there is no cure to 'ghout' except to control my food . Oh what a disgusting life if I don't enjoy my food .

A sprained leg restricted my movement.

I have been having a sprained leg at the knee for the past three weeks . It all started after a morning walk at the Taman Rakyat near my home . At first I thought it was because of the seafood that I took ( because I have been suffering from a slight ghout too ) .Normally it would last about 3-5 days for it to heal after the seafood or internal organ intake . Now it is almost 3 weeks my leg does'nt seem to get better . Now I begin to suspect , it could be a sprain muscle as a result of a hard walk . I have missed by daily subuh prayers at the local mosque and I have missed my morning walk too . I begin to wonder too whether I could continue with my morning walk after this - when my sprained leg is healed .

What more in a few days I would have to drive down to Johor Bahru to send my youngest daughter Fareen to start her 2nd year University at UTM . I do know whether I could make it . I hope and pray my leg would be healed then . Any where I could take turn to drive with my wife and my other daughter Eileen who is back from Dublin for a long holiday .She came back on 6th.June 2006 and would be flying back to Dublin in early September .

After having into this predicament now I realised how important is our health ,especially the use of our leg . Without the legs our movement obviously would be restricted and would not be free to move around as we used to be . Worst still we would not be able to perfecly perform our daily obligation ( prayers ) to God .

Father's Day brings old memories of my dear father.

Father's Day 18th.June 2006 brought old memories of my dear father .Although he passed away about 6 years ago the memory seems very recent .An old fashioned ,strict father but that never meant that he loved us less . I guest I have some of his traits in me . Too careful in his spending so as to have some property left to us when he he died . I often advised him that he should not do that because we did not need that . I want him to enjoy the remnants of his life , to buy anything he liked , to dress decently and to go anywhere he loved to . But he did not heed to my advice . He did not want to depend on his children to take care of him if he would be bedridden .When he passed away he had more than RM.100,000 in Amanah Saham Bumiputra and about RM.60,000 in Tabung Haji . Besides that he left us about 20 acres of coconut plantation .He never enjoy the fruits of his labour .

I guess I have some traits of of my late father . I do not expect anything from my children .I want to have some property to back up my pension allowance . If any untoward incident happens I would be able to stand on my own feet to face it .As such like my father, I am also quite careful in my spending .

Today's Father's Day I got a treat of pizza from my son Syazirul Azman . He is the only one who seems to care and remember this old man , his father .

Thank you Azman .

Wedding feast at Kg.Perak,Jerantut .

On 2nd.June 2006 (Friday) we left home and proceeded to Jerantut, Pahang to attend my cousin's daughter's wedding . The wedding was not so much in my mind but the opportunity to meet my cousin sister whom I have not seen for almost 50 years was the real agenda. I have not been to Jerantut either and so the trip was treated like a holiday for the 3 of us ( my wife and daughter Farin and myself ) .We took the highway road KL-Kuantan and exit at Chenor to proceed via Pusat Bandar Jengka . Jengka is synonimous with Felda and so the oil palm plantations . All along the road from Chenor to Jerantut were full of oil palm trees .There was hardly any village seen . Pusat Bandar Jengka was a small sleepy new township . Nothing much to be seen in this town except that there was a UiTM branch campus . My wife quipped that if any of our chidren were offered a place at the UiTM campus in Jengka she would have rejected the offer . It is too far away and so secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city . When we reached Jerantut it was about 2.30 pm .We stopped to inquire where was Kg.Perak , the village where my cousin sister lived .We wanted to recky the place so that it would be easier for us to locate the house when we go there the next day for the wedding .Surprisingly no body seems to know where Kg.Perak was . Obviously it was quite far away from Jerantut town . We then took the Jerantut-Maran road to search for Kg.Perak . It was a lonely winding road . I wonder why my cousin sister and her husband could have gone to such a place to live , a very backward place while their former place was already developed . Just imagine 50 years ago it was very much backward than today . It then struck my mind that they could be looking for some land for farming . The mentality of the Banjarees people then was, if you have more farm land , it would guarantee your family of prosperity .( Since they did not inherit much from their parents ,they decided to open up new land in the jungles of central Pahang) . After stopping a number of times to make inquiries finally we reached the destination , Kg.Perak . As the name denotes almost all the people who lived there were orginally from Perak . There were only about 10-15 houses in the village and not much people living there .We saw some people doing the ' gotong royong' preparing for the feast . We did not stop and we turned back towards Jerantut to search for a place to stay for the night .We came to Tekam Village Resort not far away but unluckily the place was fully booked . We were recommended the Mercu View Resort at Bandar Pusat Jengkas , about 17 KM away .This means we had to turn back to Jengka . We reached the resort at about 4.30 pm . The hotel rooms were fully booked and we had no choice but to be satisfied with the chalet . Wasn't it amazing to find out that at such an 'ulu' place like this , all the hotel rooms were fully booked ? I was told by the receptionist that most of the people who stayed there that day were attending a wedding in the Jengka area .

The next day at about 11.30 am we checked out from the resort and proceeded to my cousin sister's house . There were about 50-60 people in attendance . Might be that was the standard of people who normally attend the wedding feast there. On reaching the house I met a cousin brother from Shah Alam who was also to attend the wedding. After that I was ushered to have my lunch inside a dining hall . The ladies were separated from the men . While having lunch I spoke to some people there and from our conversation I knew that the majority of the people living in the village were Banjarees and were originally from Perak . They came there to open up new land for farming. While having lunch I saw a medium sized lady whom I suspect to be my cousin sister . Before approaching her I asked from some people around if she was the host . After having confirmed of her identity ,I approached her and introduced myself . Obviously she could not recognised me . Once she recognised me, she began to tell of our past history to the ladies nearby . She had lost her youthfullness and were already ageing . Any way I am satisfied that I have met her . I then introduced her to my wife and my daughter ,Farin . Then I went to seen my cousin sister's husband in his room as he was already unable to walk . From far I could recognise his face. He has put up some weight .We chatted for some time of our past history .The house in which they were living was also a Madrasah( school /surau ) where my cousin's husband taught the Quran and matters on religion to the people living there , since he was also an Ustaz ,Ustaz Abas.There I also met my cousins Hasan and Kamal both of them from the Kuala Lumpur and Klang respectively . I also met some people who came from as far as Batu Pahat . They were close relatives of Ustaz Abas .

At about 1.30 pm I bid farewell and goodbye to them while wondering when we could meet again . The journey home was without any hitch and reached home safely at about 5.00 pm . In the evening the three of us suffered purging / stomach poisoning and were almost bound to our toilets till morning with little sleep . What a pity ?

Tragedy strike Indoneasia again .

Just a couple of months ago tsunami rampaged North Sumatra killing more than 100,000 lives .Tragedy struck Indonesia again . This time the earth quake which till now had taken away more than 3,000 lives . It was earlier forcasted that the Merapi Volcano in Central Java would erupt , but who knows instead , the earthquake that struck first. It is all the work of God and nobody could stop that. It is not that God like to punish but it is all 'qadak and qadhar ' There could be a 'hikmah' out of that tragedy .

Coming to think of it how lucky we are that we do not have to bear with any disaster in this country . Ours is also a problem that is , facing with rising cost of living . I guess Indonesians too are also having the same problem . Theirs is worst still with the disaster . They have been having constant threats of the disaster so much so that they couldn't care less about it any more .They just leave everything to God -' whatever will be ,the future not for us to see keseirra-serra . ' as one of the favourite songs of the 70s says .

' Alfatehah ' to the dead and hope they would rest in peace and be among the faithfuls who are blessed by Allah . Amin .

Today we attended two weddings at a stretch . One was just a few houses away from us while the other about a kilometer from our house . At the second house I met a number of old colleagues while we were in the Royal Malaysia Police . Thus we renewed our friendships whom would have been lost forever . It brought back old memories of yester years . How grateful I am to meet them ,otherwise I would have been very lonely . All of us are ageing now and the reunion was such a thing that we need so much . I am compiling the list of old collegues and planning for a reunion at my house .

Next week we are going to Jerantut , Pahang to attend the wedding of my cousin sister's daughter . I have not met this cousin sister for almost 50 years . I am looking forward to see this cousin sister because she was the one who tended to my needs when I was in Primary School .She was just about 3 years my senior . When I was in primary school she was the one who bought food and drinks for me during recess time . She was also some sort of a protector for me from the school bullies . We used to play hide and seek and other games and after a tiring game she would pluck young coconuts to refresh ourselves . Thus I am grateful to her .She migrated to Jerantut Pahang after her marriage and after falling out of favour from her mother ( her mother remarried her own uncle ) , although her husband was also from Perak . Any way her mother had passed away .

TNB electricity price hike , a heavy burden to fixed income people.

Beginning 1st.June ,Malaysians would have to fork in more from their pockets to pay for the increasing electricity bills . Another burden the people to shoulder not long after the recent fuel price hike .Yesterday the government announced a whorping price hike of almost 12% of electricity tarrifs . It was only a few days after the Sarawak Election where the BN government was returned with a comfortable more than 2/3 majority , although it loss 9 seats to the opposition . It has been anticipated that the government would announce the price hike after the Sarawak Election . This is the price the people of Sarawak and Malaysians have to pay for allowing the BN to return to power . The electricity price hikes would definitely lead to another inflation to the economy and would affect consumers . The government was naive when it stated that the price hike would not affect the lower income people . As a result of the price hike the price consumer goods would increase and and the entire population would have to bear with it .Analyst said that al least a 10% increase in consumer goods and services is expected . Stop treating the people as if they are so stupid as not to know simple economics .

What I cannot understand is that TNB has been making profits year after year .As a result of the fuel price hike it had only reduce it's profits by an insignificant margin . What is TNB trying to proof ? After all it is a government company and so it belongs to the people too .

Fixed income people like me would have to tighten the already tightened belts .Life is no easier as I had earlier expected . Datuk Sri Najib , the DPM told us to change our life style . What life style he expect us to lead when we are already living without a style ? It is easy said than done especially when he is earning 10-20 times more than us .

I thought I could enjoy my retirement for the rest of my remaining years . Now it looks like that I am not enjoying al all , except worries over how to cope up wih tomorrow .

Today I had the opportunity to watch the much publicised film entitled ' The Devinci Code' at one of the cineplex at Bukit Raja shopping complex . It was a very enlightening film especially to us non Christians . The film obviously denigrate the Christian religion . Whether we like it or not it also affect us Muslims because Jesus or Isa is one of the Prophets that we Muslims respect very much .The film showed us that Jesus Christ was just an ordinary human being and thus it is impossible that he is the son of God as claimed by the Christians . It was a good film and I do not mind going for a second show .

Is the Law only applicable to the lower echolon of the society ?

What happened in the Malayasian Parliament recently was something we Malaysians should be ashamed of. This so called MP for Jasin lately had been vocal on government servants actions especially of the Royal Customs and Excise Department .We all thought he was sincere in his comments .It came out to be that he had a hidden agenda against the Department . We also thought he was a sincere hardworking MP but far from that he is a person who should not be trusted . It seems that apart from being an MP he was also doing business as a forwarding agent for the import of smuggled timber logs from indonesia .( Indonesia bans the export of timber ) .When the Customs took action against his company for contravening the Customs Act , he approached the Customs officers and told them to close one eye on the case . When the Customs Department refused to kowtow to his request he lambasted the Customs Department in Parliment for being ineffective and etc. ( It is now revealed that his company ,Binyu Sof Enterprise was caught 14 times for the same offence and each time was compounded by the Customs ) .It so happened , his episodes with the Customs came to the knowledge of reporters from the the New Straits Times and it was published as a hot topic of news . When asked to comment on the matter Dato Mohd.Said b. Mohd.Yusof ,the Jasin MP explained that he was merely bringing the grouses of a bumiputra importer whose timber was seized by the Customs Department . Later it was revealed that he was not telling the truth . Infact he admitted at a press conference held outside Parliment that the so called bumiputra importer was he himself .The opposition leader in Parliment Mr.Lim Kit Siang took the opportunity to table a motion to bring the Jasin MP to face a Parlimentary Disciplinary commitee for misleading the public and bringing disrepute to Parliment. His motion was however supported by Dato Shahrir Abdl Samad MP for Johor Baru and also the Back Becnchers Club Chairman who through his conscience felt that it was the right thing to do but unfortunately without the support of his members .Feeling agitated and ashamed for the members of BBC , Dato Shahrir left the House and tendered his resignation as Chairman of the Back Benchers Club .
When asked during his arrival at KLIA from Jamaica PM Abdullah Badawi supported the action of Dato Shahrir . Surprisingly the next day there was a twist of the turn when the PM announced that Dato Shahrir was wrong . Obviously he made the decision after hearing the briefing from his Deputy ,Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak .Worst still no action was to be taken against Dato Mohd Said due to the fact that the motion was rejected by Parliment and instead Dato Shahrir would have to face an UMNO/BN Disciplinary Committee for supporting an oppostion motion . He also revealed that that the BN had made the decision that it's MPs should not support any motion of the opposition .
What sort of leadership our country is having ? What sort of transparency that he was bragging about ? No wonder Dr.Mahathir was not very happy with what is going on in the country . BN leaders used to say that the opposition would oppose everything the government does even if it is good for the people and yet when Dato Shahrir supported a good motion of the opposition ,he was penalised .The government is obviously not doing according to what it is preaching.
In the first place the Jasin MP had obviously committed an offence under the Corruption Act for interfering with the Customs Department's work , the same so called offence commtted by the former Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Anwar Ibrahim for interfering with the Police work . If Anwar Ibrahim was charged for the offence ,why is the Jasin MP being spared ? Where is the talk about transparency and eradicating corruption in this country ? Or is the law only applicable to the lower echolon of the society while those in the upper echolon could do whatever they want ?

Quick JB trip.

On Friday 27thApril 2006 we went to JB to pick up our daughter Fareen from UTM .She would be starting her semester holidays for more than 2 months . On 29th April 2006 she would be sitting for her MUET exams at the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seksyen 9,Shah Alam . Our grand daughter Alisya followed us to JB. We reached JB at about 7.20 pm and put up a night at my mother in laws place .

We did not have enough time visiting relatives as we had to come back to Klang before 29th.April .

We left JB at about 2.00 pm .After picking up Fareen at UTM we proceeded to come back to Klang .We reached home at about 7.30 pm .

The next morning we sent Fareen to her MUET centre at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan,Seksyen 9,Shah Alam .She was there from 7.30 am till 1.00pm .

A wedding reception fit for the very rich.

Last night we attended a wedding reception at the Concorde Hotel, Shah Alam. It was hosted by my wife's distant relative who happens to be staying in Taman Sri Andalas ,Klang .Well since it was held at the hotel ,it was quite a lively one . The place was superb but the food was not as good and abundant as if we are to have it at our own home .I feel it is not worth it for the price of RM.68.00 per head .If it is for 500 people ( 50 tables x 10 for a table )it would cost RM.34,000/-. If one is very rich then it should be alright , but what if it is a hard-earned money , would you simply want to throw it away within a few hours ? Or if it is borrowed money wouldn't you find it difficult later to repay back the loan ? Just for the sake of glamour and praises from some , you would put yourself in an embarrasing situation after that .Is it worth it ? Worst still if the marriage does not last long .According to Syariah the purpose of the wedding reception is to announce to the public that our daughter is married and one should not make any more proposal to her . A modest feast can be made for friends and neighbours to mark the occassion . It is also an occassion for us to renew our friendships. There should not be any extravagent spending for the purpose .Having said that , does not mean I am totally against the idea of having a wedding reception in a hotel . If I have the extra bounty which I want to share with other people , I would also have it there . Why not ? It all depends on our own situation .Any way that would be my last choice because I would prefer to have more people to have a share of it .

At the end of the reception I met two friends , former sub-ordinate officers with whom I had worked with once , in Klang .One of them is now retired while the other is doing his Masters at UKM . They are staying in the same Taman not far away from our house in Klang .There you are , I have just renewed my friendships with two of my old colleagues .

We came back home at about 11.20 pm .

We do not know what is in store for us in the future. Only God decides .

It has been more than 3 months ( to be exact 105 days from 2nd.January 2006 ) now that we are living in Klang.We are adapting ourselves to this place and I feel not much different from that of Shah Alam.Life as a retiree is still lonely , without much contact with the outside world. Even friends are shying away from us except for the very few special ones .But because most of them are also old and getting worn out ,they too are less to be seen .I guess that is what life is all about .Once you are old and cosidered less useful to society you are slowly discarded from them .But I am determined that I do not belong to that category . I believe I still can be useful although perhaps to a different set of the society .I hope I can be of use to the spiritually minded society .I am working towards that . Once I complete my Pengajian al Quran at the University of Malaya I hope I would be able to teach the young kids around the neighbourhood to read the Quran . May be this is the last I could do to serve society . I may even volunteer myself to teach in the third world countries such as Cambodia and Vietnam etc . Infact I have registered myself with the United Nations via the internet to be a prospective volunteer worker .

Yesterday we went to Yassin's ( my cousin ) house in Sec.23 Shah Alam for a normal visit since he has been inviting us many times to see his new house .When we arrived he was not in .His daughter told us that Yassin's mother ( my auntie ) from Sungai Besar was in.She was there for a day's visit . So I decided to come in and saw my auntie .She was lying in bed because she had a stroke about 3 years ago and ever since has been confined to her bed .Oh God , please don't let that happen to me or to any member of my family . It must have been hell for her to be confined in bed as a result of the stroke . It must have been hell too for the person who is taking care of her daily needs .Even during that short visit, she was complaining about the ill-treatment that she received from her daughter with whom she is living in Sungai Besar and who is taking care of her .Her other children refuse to take care of her giving excuses that they are working and having no time to tend to her needs .What a lame excuse ! As I said earlier once you are old and more so become a burden to others , no one would want to be associated with you .Even your children would refuse to take care of you .I do not want to be a burden to my children either and would rather die than suffer like my auntie .Well as the Quran says only God decides on ' qadak ' and ' qadar ' .We do not know what is in store for us in the future .We , His servants could only pray for his blessings .

From Shah Alam we proceeded to Sungai Buloh to buy some grass to be planted on the coumpound of our house .We decided to do it ourselves instead of asking somebody else .It is much much cheaper to do it ourselves .The 'snake' Indians would charge us a few thousand ringgits when in actual fact it would only cost a few hundreds .( We were once cheated by these snakes ) .I still remember when I was in secondary school ,we were told of an English proverb that says ,' If you see an Indian and a snake , you must kill the Indian first before you kill the snake ' , which only shows that the Indian is more dangerous than the snake . In other words never trust an Indian .Well , I hope not all Indians are like that .

We came back with our ' kembara ' laden with grass , soil and fertilizers .I had to be extra careful driving home because the ' kembara ' was almost overloaded . Any way we reached home safe and sound although I almost had a bad cram in my right leg .

We could only plan but He ( Allah ) disposes .

Yesterday 29th.of March 2006 I attended an appointment with my personal doctor at the Tanglin Clinic , an outpatient division of the General Hopital ,Kuala Lumpur.I was surprised when told that apart from suffering hypertension I also have a slight diabetis. The doctor asked me to reduce my weight as a preventive measure .I am really worried because I have tried all means to reduce my weight and all failed . No wonder of late I always feel tired and having pains in my joints . Any way the doctor told me that since my last appointment with him 3 months ago , my weight had reduced by 2 kgs. Now , that news was a bit comforting .That was perhaps because lately I have been jogging at the Taman Rakyat Sri Andalas ever since we moved in to this new place .Nonetheless ,he still referred me to a dietician for councelling . My appointment date would be on 4th April 2006 .

The people of Klang especially the Chinese are very health concious . I could see hundreds of cars parked around Taman Rakyat every morning .They jog almost every morning and it looks as if they are having a fiesta in that area .They are in groups some doing aerobic , some dancing ,some doing the taichee and etc. Do not want to be left behind , I ( tumpang semangkok ) join them .Our new house is very convenient for that purpose because I just could walk from our house without having to drive to the place . I hope I would continue jogging until I could really reduce my weight .

Since moving to Klang ,I have been making habits to pray every subuh prayers at the mosque nearby .I have found solace and could put my total concentration in my prayers .After my prayers I normally come home for a small breakfast before sending our grand daughter Alisya to school. It was agreed upon between me and my wife that I would send and pick Alisya to the morning school and she would send and pick her to the afternoon school .( Alisya is also attending Sekolah Agama situated not far from the mosque in the afternoon ).Only after sending Alisya to school that I could go for my jogging which normally would last for about an hour .I would sweat heavily after that .

My life now is very routine . Sometimes I get bored too and wanted a break from home . But situations do not permit me to go because there are still unfinish businesses to settle . Soon Azman our second son would be getting married .It is not an easy task .The preparation has to start from now . The schedule is August 2006 and it is not a long way to go .It is not fare for me to leave everything to my wife to handle.

It looks like I have to postpone again my intention of going to the exotic places .Well, that is life . We could only plan but He ( Allah )disposes .

The internet is accessible from our new house today

At last today the 23rd.of March 2006 , the internet access is made possible from our new house in Klang .For the past 3 months or so each time I wanted to surf the internet I had to go to our old house in Shah Alam.It took almost a month for the Telecoms to make the internet accessable from our new house .Even that I myself had to make complaints to the Telecomes head office in Kuala Lumpur .It took me only 2 days to make that possible .The application was actually made by our son Syazirul Azman .Being an ex Telecomes subsidiary staff I thought he could handle everyhthing . Being an ex Police officer ,I hate to delay things .I want fast action and do not want to cause inconvenience to the public .To hasten actions I had to be blunt to them . That was my style and it remains so .Any way everything is okay and I am back to my computer to fill my past time as a retiree .

For the past 3 months I felt handicapped being denied the use of the computer .From now on I can get back to read the latest news from Independent news medias throught out the world.I also can access to knowledge and informations .

8th.of March will always be in my mind .

8th.March is a date that I will never forget till the end of my life .Do you know why ? That was the day when my beloved father passed away. He died after a long illness suffering from the slow killer - deadly disease called ' Parkinson ' . He was suffering from that desease for a number of years without knowing it . He went to the local clinic and the stupid doctor there simply gave him a different medicine or perhaps just a pain killer instead of referring him to a specialist . It was only when I brought him to a specialist in Kuala Lumpur that I knew he was suffering from ' Parkinson ' . He was diagnosed with it and given medicine and periodically had to go for medical check up in Kuala Lumpur. Unfortunately my mother perhaps after listening to some stupid advice from her sister-in law ( my father's sister ), persuaded my father not to take the medicine so as not to be ( so called ) dependent on them .Infact at times she even hid his medicine away from him . Because of the irregular medicine intake , my father 's condition worsen .He was admitted to the Universiti Kebangsaan Hospital in Cheras, but it was then already too late . I was then working as the OCPD of Port Dickson and had to rush up and down between KL - PD . Before his death he was brought to my sister's house Fadzilah in Sunway Garden,Petaling Jaya . I could still remember before his last breath he asked for me as if he wanted to tell me something . I came nearer and told him that I was near him .But he was unable to say anything . Till today I am still wondering what he was trying to tell me .Perhaps he just wanted to tell me to take charge of the family . However , if that was what he meant, " I am sorry dad , I have failed you . I just could not control the ship if it has two captains . Each time I try to steer the ship to it's course , the other captain would do the other way . If that is the situation how am I going to take charge of the ship ( family ). Rather than commiting further sins I might as well give up .I am sorry dad .It is not within my means ." You all might wonder who is the other captain ? I am not going to reveal this .God knows most .

If only I could be with him again , I would give him the best that I could afford .My regret is only that he was unable to witness the succeses of my children . I knew he wanted so much that one of his children would become a doctor .He did mention to me that my cousin's daughter was a dentist and indirectly he wished that his offsprings too could be one . I hope my daughter Eileen would not fail his wishes .

Although my dad was a stern man , but I knew he loved us all .I really respect his grit , hard work and dedication to bring us up . As a mark of respect to my late father , I built my new house with dedication to my late father . I pray to Allah that he would rest in peace and be amongst the faithfuls in Heaven .Amin .

A hefty price hike of petrol drives fixed income people crazy .

I have not been writing in this column for quite some time because I was then busy after we moved in to our new house. So many things to be done and the internet is still not made available there yet. Each time I want to read my e-mail ,I have to come to our old home in Shah Alam .As such I hardly have enough time to think and to write. Today , immediately after my classes at University Malaya , I drop over in Shah Alam to find time to write .

Last week on the 25th.February 2006 we had our joint house warming / Alisya's Birthday party at our new house . It was attended by about 100 people comprising of our old neighbours in Shah Alam , new neighbours , friends and relatives and also Alisya's friends . There were sumptious food like satay , mee curry ,ketupat ,roti jala and the kuehs wich we ordered from the local supplier . Alisya collected a large collection of presents including a bicycle which I bought for her .She was so happy .Unfortunately I had forgotten to take pictures of her cutting the cake .

That night we had a great shock because some parts Shah Alam was badly flooded. Worst hit were places like Taman TTDI , Seksyen 13 including Giant ,Makro ,stadium icluding Alisya's apartment . Aizad's new car - Proton Gen 2 was half submerged and had to be towed to the workshop for repairs .( Till date his car is still not ready ).About 2,000 people had to be evacuated . The Menteri Besar of Selangor dared not show his face for fear of being booeed by the angry residents . He was so anxious to declare Selangor as a ' Negeri Maju ' , but it's residendents still have to face with the floods - what a shame .

On 1st.Match 2006 the so called people friendly government announced a hefty price hike of petrol ,diesel and gas . Petrol was increased 30 sens per litre and this would really burden the people .Not only that , because as usual the increase in price of petrol would be followed by the increase in price of food items . Economists predicted that the inflation rate in this country this year would go up as high as 30% . Fixed income people especially pensioners like me would be worst hit . We would have to tighten our belts or else we would end up diluting our savings or worst still we would be at the mercy of the loan sharks . What most Malaysians do not understand is that Malaysia is an exporter of oil and yet we have to pay very high for it. To pacify the people the governemnt would always compare the price of oil in Singapore and Thailand whose per capita income is much higher than us. What a stupid comparison .The fact is the government has been wasting alot of money unnecesarily . New roads and bridges has been found to be cracking and had to be repaired using the rakyat's coffers . Government's agencies like MAS, Bank Islam and many more are suffering a deficit and and is on the verge of bankruptcy. They are being rescued using the rakyat's coffers . Where are all the money has gone to ? Definitely into some one's pocket . Now is it fair for the rakyat to bear it too ??? I am fed up talking about this because it will never end even till the cows come home .

I thouight I could retire in peace and to enjoy my pensions .But it looks like I would have to find employment to suppliment my income .