A letter to Eileen.

( This letter was meant for our daughter Eileen before her departure back to Dublin .It was handed to her before she boarded the plane .)

24th.August 2007.

Eileen,

Assalamualaikum.......................................and I wish you a safe journey back to Dublin. I hope you are happy and eager to begin the new semester of your studies . I have always reminded you that your main task now is to complete your medical studies more than anything else .It would be a sad thing if you have any other priority other than why in the first place you were sent to Dublin .

Ever since I came to know of your relationship with that Kelantan man I was so stressed, worried and sad as to why ,you were so stupid as to allow yourself to get involved into a relationship which could interfere or may even disrupt your studies ? Why allow yourself into a situation that would only complicate your life ? I reckon you were worried that you would not be able to find a husband if you wait till you graduate. Don't you know of a ' hadith' that says , God decides for us on 3 matters ie. our bounties ( rezeki ) , life and death ( ajal & maut ) and marriages ( jodoh pertemuan ) . God already decide for us on these 3 matters , thus we should not worry too much over it because that is not our work/job . That is God's job . Just because you are so worried about the matter , you simply catches anyone that passes by , without realizing that you could be making a big mistake and that you would regret it later on . Now , one of the criteria that our Prophet Muhammad ( pbh.) have laid down in choosing a life partner is what we termed it as ' kufu ' or sekufu which literally means status or suitability either in terms of disparity of income , education , intellectuality and social standings . How can there be a sekufu if for example he only attain a SPM qualification ? You would then be thinking on different wave-lengths which could lead to a conflict . This may sounds trivial but it would really have a big impact on your relationship later on , otherwise our Prophet Muhammad ( pbh.) would not have listed that as a criteria . So , before committing yourself further into the matter , you should really-really think hard and wisely so that you would not regret later on .

You must ask yourself would your parents want to see you lead a unhappy life ? No normal parents would want to see their children unhappy. They would want the best for their children .So, please be reasonable and heed their advice .For the moment you should not think of anything else except your studies . Why should you be unduly worried over something which is not within your domain/power ? After all most of your colleagues are still not yet married ? Why should you want to follow in the footsteps of those few who are married , which does not necessarily mean that they have made the wise decision ? Now a days , ladies should not put too much faith in marriages . We can see around us of so many failed marriages .Therefore you must equip yourself with a good education which would guarantee you of a good , stable income and a bright future. Unlike those men of yester years, most men today are lacking in responsility qualities and they only look for shortcuts in order to have a good life .

For heaven's sake please do not make a decision which does not have the blessings of your parents . It would hurt us hard and would not be easily forgiven if that happens .Rather then being proud of your achievement , it would however bring us shame . Remember the sacrifices of your parents to see you through in getting the scholarship to be where you are. Do not think it is easy for a retired man like me setting aside a few thousand ringgits every year so as to enable you to fly home to be with us . We have to dig down deep into our pockets from the little savings that we have , just for your convenience . Don't you feel guilty that you could have deprived your younger sibling of that covenience too . Therefore please remember the sacrifices of your parents and that of your siblings too . So do you still want to break their hearts .

As parents we do not want anything in return from our children .We would just want to see them lead happy lives . That is sufficient to make us happy . I have always reminded your mother that we should not expect anything from our children . We should be able to sustain our lives from our own resources till the end of day .Our only request now is for you to concentrate on your studies so as to enable you to bring home the scroll ( degree ) that would ensure you of a good future . Without that , that man of yours would probably abandon you too .

I have said long enough and I hope you would understand what I have been trying to put across . I have been saying from my heart and it was done with sincerity . I hope you will accept this positively .

May Allah bless and protect you . Amin .

Dad.

p/s. Enclosed EU 500/- to start with your new semester .

The passing away of a fighter for the downthrodden.

12th. August 2007 was a date to be remembered not only by our family but also by many Malaysians who cares for the downthroddens . The late Abdul Razak Ahmad ( my wife's half brother ) who dedicated most of his life for the cause of the downthroddens passed away peacefully at about 1.20 am. at the Tuanku Aminah Hospital,Johor Bahru. In actual fact ,I have heard of his name long before I got married to my wife and I have been admiring him since then . It has been my passion to read and reasearch on personalities who sacrifices for a noble cause . That is why personalities like the late Ibrahim Yaakub , Pak Sako , Ahmad Boestamam ,Dr.Burhanuddin Al-Hilmi ,Prof.Zulkifli Mohamad and even so-called Communists like Rashid Maidin, Shamsiah Fakeh ,Musa Ahmad and many more who were the pioneers of freedom fighters of this country .They were responsible for fanning the spirit of patriotism/nationalism in this country .For obvious political reasons their names were almost obliterated from our history books . In actual fact they were the unsung heroes for independence of this country . In the case of the late Abdul Razak Ahmad , he was fighting for the rights of those people from the low class of society who have no way to go to , to seek for redress . Abdul Razak found it incumbent upon him to lend his hand to help .Since he was a lawyer , he would provide them to have access to justice in a Court of Law .

Although I was not close to the late Abdul Razak Ahmad I could feel how his perceptions about life and what he fought for . Due to my profession as a Police officer people might think that we were in the opposite camps . But they did not know that deep inside my heart I feel I belong to that camp too . Only fate that made us land into the opposite camps .

Now that he had gone , not only that I have lost a person whom I had admired so much but also a senior member of the family . I hope and pray that his souls would rest in peace . Amin .

Ladies ,beware of opportunists .

What has been boggling my mind of late is why the present generation do not seem to understand the predicaments of their parents . They seem to forget that their parents are now retired and earning only a 1/3 of what they used to earn . Despite our explainations to them ,they refuse to understand the situation . They seem to think that we are as wealthy as before . They expect the same amount of pocket money for them to spend . We do not mind much too if they spend on useful things but they like to waste unnecessarily . They go shopping as if they are already working and earning .They frequent the mega supermarkets which are away from their houses .They fail to understand how hard it is to earn . Much more now that we do not earn any more except depending on our meagre pensions .With the rate of inflation in this country now ,most of us are badly hit by it . Since then we have tightened our belts to make ends meet .

Their attitude is perhaps due to their social activities .They use to mix with children of well to do families and they would feel out of place if they do not retain the same status . They fail to understand and accept the fact that they no more belong to that category or class of people .They look at material wealth as something the most to look for in this world .They are quick to form an opinion of someone who throw them with presents as someone who is good and generous and someone to look for .Their eyes are easily blinded by that so called generosity.They do not realize that , that person could be laying a trap on them . They forget that what makes a person successful in life is not the money or the wealth . What matters most is his/her attitude and character . No matter how rich and wealthy one is , if his/her character is down in the drain ,people would not look upon him /her . Even a multi millionaire could become bankrupt if he or she does not know how to take care of his/her property properly . As the Malay proverb says ,' Even a mountain load of wealth would be finished if it is plundered daily without consideration for the future ' .

The attitude of these children towards their parents is worrying .They do not heed the advice of their parents . They think that just because they are educated ,more so having an overseas education , they think all their decisions are right and do not need their parent's advice any more . They seem to forget that their parents had already tasted and undergone trials and tribulations of life much earlier . Due to their experience in life they could almost sense whether some one is sincere or not .They seem to forget that in this world there are opportunists out there looking for some one to prey on . Present day men has been noted as those who would look for someone whom thay could depend on .Men of today are different from those men of yester years . My generation of men( except for the few ) were those who were very responsible towards their families .They were the bread winners and the providers of their families . But today most of them are lazy and looking for shortcuts for an easy life by looking for wives whom they could depend on for survival .Thus they prefer marrying career ladies .That is why most of the housewives today are working . As such the ladies of today should be wary of them so that they would not regret later on . With due respect to the Kelantanese , the ladies are the bread winners of their families . This can be seen at the Kota Baru Central Market .The majority of the businesses are run by the ladies . This can also be seen at the shops in towns and villages most of the businesses whether big or small , are handled by the women /housewives . Their ladies had to slog from dawn till dusk and sometimes even longer but they waste their time at the coffee shops talking ' politics( nuts ) '. How do you expect the state of Kelantan to develop if they do not change their attitude ? Strangely , that attitude persists till today .It is hard to change them because it is already instill into their thick brain - to refuse changes .I am not against all Kelantanese but that is the fact of the the majority of them . Having been in the force for a number of years and having ample opportunity mixing with them till some of whom are even my good friends too , I know their characters pretty well . Under the pretext of following the footsteps of the holy Prophet Muhammad( pbh.) , they like to marry more than once or easily get divorce and marry another . It would be a bit odd for a Kelantanese man to marry an outsider because their ladies are much more cute and beautiful than from anywhere else . If they still do they must be up to something .

Recent price increases of essentials has been bothering most Malaysians.

Lately rising cost of living has been bothering most Malaysians . Price of things especially essential food items has been spiralling on the upword trend . Today over the TV3 Prime News was announced the price increse of batteries for vehicles .Reason for the price increase was because of the increase in price of plumbums in the world market .Obviously this price increase would snowballed into price increases of other related goods and services. The Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumers Affairs has failed the Malaysian public . Cries for affirmative actions on the part of the Enforcement Division of the Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumers Affairs has turned into deaf ears . The Ministry which is headed by a Sabahan has been ineffective . He only talks big but no action . It is high time for the Prime Minister to remove him and ship him back to where he comes from . The rakyat is suffering . The recent salary increments ( more appropriately called salary adjustments ) of government servants has failed to lessen any burden . Before they could enjoy the benefits ,retailers had already impose price increases of essential food items .

Over the same TV news today we were informed of the death of 5 in a family as a result of a fire in Kluang ,Johor. Electricity supply to the family's house was cut off by Tenaga Nasional for failure to pay the bills.The family had deferred payment of the bills because of the need of their 3 children who were studying in universities and college .The eldest at UPM , the second one at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn ,Batu Pahat and another at a Matriculation College . The husband was just a factory worker while the wife was a helper at a food stall .As a result they had to resort to using candles . Unfortunately this incident happened , when their house caught fire killing husband and wife and 3 of their children .This was a very pathetic incident which should not have happened in the so called rich and prosperous Malaysia . I wonder whether the TNB has any inkling of guilt feeling at all beacuse of their action , which had cost the lives of 5 innocent people .I almost cried learning of the poor parents who had sacrificed their lives for their children's education . Now that those remaining children are now left helpless as their only breadwinner ,their parents had gone .I wonder what would happen to them . I hope and pray that any good samaritan would come forward to assist them to continue with their education .

I know and understand well how it is to be poor because I was once also very poor . Only determination and our good education had lifted us from that pathetic situation .

This fateful incident should be an eye-opener for the government ,how serious the situation is that the rakyat has to live with .Many more incidents of similar nature would happen again in the future if the government fails to curtail the inflation rate of this country .

The passing away of a good uncle .

On 8th.Aug.2007 at about 5.00 pm. I received a call from my brother Muttakin informing me that our uncle Hj.Hussein was critically ill at the Ampang ,Hospital . A few minutes later I was informed by my cousin Yassin that our uncle had passed away . I was stunned for a moment and felt very sad upon hearing of his death because he was my last late father's surviving brother .

Spontaneously, I told my wife I wanted to visit his remains at his house in Kg.baru Ampang,Kuala Lumpur to show our last respect for him and that she should follow me . I was sad whe she told me that we should not go that day but to wait till the next day for his burial .I told her I might not be able to sleep that night if did not go because that uncle meant so much to me .Finally , after much argument and a small quarrel she agreed to go with me after our Maghrib prayers .We reached Kg.Baru ,Ampang just in time for me to perform mass Isyak prayers at the mosque just opposite my late uncle's house . After the prayer we went to the house . I then recited the verse 'Yassin' for my late uncle and pray to Allah that he would be accepted among the good faithfulls . We went back home at about midnight .We decided not to attend the burial .

The last time I saw my late uncle was about a year ago when he came to our house during my son's wedding . He was around 80 years old . He was the owner of a tailoring shop in Jalan Raja Muda , in Kuala Lumpur . My late uncle stayed almost 15 years in Mecca and Cairo where he had a tailoring shop there too .When he returned to Malaysia in the 1960s he continued his tailoring business in Kuala Lumpur .He got married a bit late and he is survived by his wife and five children . His only son is now following his footsteps to continue the family business .

What makes me feel indebted to him was whenever I came to Kuala Lumpur for my interview either to continue my studies or for a job , I would stay in his house ,then at Kg.Baru . This was because his house was the nearest to the venue of my interview . I still remember his house at that time which was just a wooden squatter house . When his house was demolished to let go for development he was allocated a piece of land at Kg.Baru ,Ampang ,where his house is today .

Like my late father , my uncle did not talk much . A very soft spoken person but very kind at heart . One thing good about him was I could see him at almost every weddings of our relatives .

Now ,I have lost a good uncle whom we would look for , either for advice or blessings . Perhaps it is my turn to be the old man in the family ,whom they ( the younger generation ) would look for .

Well , that is life . May Allah accept him among the good faithfulls . Amin .

Quick updates .

I have not been updating my blog for some time due to my busy schedule . Nothing much significant happened .Our daughter Eileen Farhana is back from Dublin for her long holidays . She would be going back to Dublin in early September 2007 to continue her 4th Year medical studies .

Our daughter Farin has reported back to her university at UTM Skudai after her 2 months holiday, to continue her 3rd.Year Electrical Engineering course . This time we allowed her to bring her Perodua Kembara which I officially gave her , to her campus to facilitate easy access to her classes . Any way I drove the car all the way down to Johor Bahru . I came back to Klang by express bus the next day .

On 21st July 2007 we went to Seremban to attend my old colleague ,Dato Kamarulzaman's son wedding . He married the NTV7 news reader Normanizam Dali . I had the opportunity to meet some of my old friends and subordinates who also attended the reception . As we were in Seremban we also took the opportunity to go to my wife's half sister Faridah's house . She was obviously surprised to see us at her house without prior notice . Unfortunately her husband Zaki was not at home . Any way it was a nice gesture on our part trying to unite the family .

On 28th July 2007 we ( my wife and Shidah ,Azman's wife )went to Serdang, Kedah to attend my former police detective Jamaluddin's daughter's wedding .Azman could not follow us as he he was having classes at UiTM ,Shah Alam where he is doing his MBA . For long I have been longing to see Jamaluddin in his house in Kedah . He is now retired and settled in his own village . Although we worked together only for a number years that was when I was posted to Segamat, Johor in the 1970s , the short stint had a great impact on me .It was from him that I learned the tricks of the trade of Police work . Day and night we were either on crime prevention rounds or laying in ambush for the criminal suspects .Then we would have our meals together . He is so dear to me and I regard him as a brother ( abang angkat ) .Jamaluddin retired much earlier than me and we were out of touch for a good number of years after that.He kept away from me because I was unable to fulfill his requests for a transfer and promotion .When I left Segamat he was also left in a corner by the officers there so much so that he was reverted into the uniform branch . I managed to trace him back in Serdang last year through the good office of DSP Zainal ,the OCPD of Serdang who happened to be my former subordinate officer in Bukit Aman .Last year when my son Azman got married he and his family came to see us in Penang and became part of our entourage to the bride's house . Now we are in constant in touch via the phone.

After about 3 hours in Jamaluddin's house , we then left for Penang . In Penang ,I had difficulty getting a hotel room as most of them were fully booked . It seemed that there was a Christian's holy celeberation ( St.Anne's ) and worshippers came all over the country . Luckily we managed to get the last room at Naza Hotel in Tg.To' Kong . After a refreshing bath and prayer , we sent Shidah to her house at Baya Baru which was in the vicinity of USM . It was a 5 storey flat and her family was on the 4th floor . I met her father downstairs for a while . As he was quite busy with his work , I left him and went up to his house . After being served with coffee and fried cempedak we left to go back to our hotel . On the way we stopped at a Nasi Kandar restaurant to have our dinner . We noticed that the price of food in Penang was still cheaper than anywhere else .

The next morning Shidah came to our hotel room with her father . Shidah's father apologised to us because he was unable to be with us in his house the previous day as he was busy with his work , selling durians .

We left Penang at about 12.00 noon . On our journey home we stopped at Kuala Kangsar town to buy some handcrafts and ' labu Sayong ' -drinking water container . We reached home at about 8.30 pm .

Grand daughter Alisya posing in her Chinese outfit.

Taking a rest infront of a shopping complex in Beijing.

At the Panda Zoo.

Infront of the 2008 Olympic Stadium.

The Ladies in our group.

At the Great Wall of China

At the Great Wall of China

At the Forbidden City

Holiday in China .

8th.June2007

At the KLIA

On 8th.June at about 8.30 pm. we were already at the KLIA . We were among the earliest to arrive at the airport as we wanted to avoid being caught in traffic jams.I had to perform my isyak prayer at the airport prayer room . We waited for our group to arrive for some time . I was getting worried because before this there were cases of some holiday makers who were abandoned by their tour agents at the airport just before their departure . I did not want to be in the same boat as they were . Finally ,I decided to call the handphone number given to me who was supposed to be our tour guide .A lady voice answered and she told me that she was on her way and would reached the airport in a few minutes. I was a little bit relieved . However I was still not totally satisfied until I saw her at the airport .

A few minutes later a Malay lady approached me and asked me whether my name was so and so and I replied in the affirmative . She introduced herself as Puan Salasiah as our tour guide . I thanked God for we were not like those holiday makers who were cheated . She then cleared our baggage and handed over our flight tickets .

At the airport I met one Ustaz Abd.Rahim Raffiee whom I met at the PWTC a few months before where we went to the same boothe to make our bookings for our trip to China . He was of the same age as mine and so we got along well . He was a lecturer at the Faculty of Education at the Universiti Pertanian Serdang but retired a few years ago . Aafter his retirement he became an Ustaz teaching at various suraus and mosques around the Klang Valley . He was also accompanied by his wife . I did not talk to the rest of our group members until we reached Beijing .

The plane- Air China

Our plane - Air China was full . The seats rows were too closed to each other making it difficult for obese people like me to be comfortable when seated. I could not put on my seat belts because it was not long enough . I was also unable to draw out my meal bracket because it touched my belly . As a result I had to place my meal plate on my wifes meal bracket .Luckily they only serve us one meal through out the journey , even that we did not eat the whole thing that was given to us because we were not sure that they were halal .We only ate the fruits and the vegetables .

9th.June 2007

Beijing Airport

We reached Beijing airport at about 6.30 am. local time ( Malaysian time and local time were the same and so we did not have to adjust our watches ) . It was a very busy airport with many tourists from all corners of the world . I was wondering what they were looking for in China .The weather was hot and dry , at about 32 degrees celcius . We were greeted by our local tour guide ,Mr. Hassan ( a nickname he used ,although he was not a Muslim ) .Mr Hassan was a graduate in Bahasa dan Kesusasteraan Indonesia from the Peking University and that resulted in his Indonesian slang . First we were taken to a Chinese Muslim restaurant to have our breakfast . Only then that I had the chance to meet the rest of our group members . There were 17 of us in the group consisting of 9 males and 8 females one of which was a Datin . 5 of the females and 2 of the males were elderlies while the rest were youngsters .Ustaz Abd.Rahim and I were the oldest in the group .Being an Ustaz he normally was our Imam during our prayers .We had a sumptious breakfast .

Beijing City

Beijing city , a very big city with a population of about 25 million people and it is still growing. I could see more buildings most of them skyscrapers were being built . It is a very modern city with many up-todate facilities . I think it is comparable to that of New York and other big cities in the world . Although many bicycles could be seen plying the roads motor cars of the latest models were also seen on the roads proving that the people of Beijing are now rich and affordable .

Forbidden City

After breakfast we were taken to the Forbidden City. It was a city where the Emperor lived with his 3000 wives .Any males living in the city were castrated so that they would not be able to make love to any of his 3000 wives .They were cooks and helpers .The city was surrounded by walls and trenches to avoid intruders .It was a large city and we had to walk for miles .Those with knee problems would find it difficult to catch up with the others who walked very fast . Fortunately my knee problem was almost completely cured and I could still walk with the rest of the group members .The only setback was my wife who could not walk as fast as the others .I managed to take some pictures through the video camera which I borrowed from my son Aizad . I could not bring along my own video camera as the batteries were faulty and a replacement could not be made in time . It was very tiring here as we did not have enough sleep and the weather was hot . After that we had our lunch at another Chinese Muslim restaurant. After lunch we performed our prayers (qasar and jama' - as we were musafirs )at an old mosque .

Tiananmen Square

After that we were taken to Tiananmen Square . This is the place where normally official functions took place .It also became famous where radical students some years ago held demonstrations to voice out their feelings against the Chinese government . A few hundreds of them were then shot dead by the millitary while the rest were arrested . It was a huge area and we had to walk for miles .There were many tourists both local and overseas . Although they might be Chinese looking but actually most of them were either overseas Chinese or Koreans and Japanese . Although it was a huge area there were people almost every where . I wonder how much the Chinese government earned from it's tourist industries . The amount must be huge .

Golden Oasis Hotel

After lunch we were taken to our hotel - Golden Oasis Hotel. It was situated on the outskirts of the city . My family was given a room with an extra bed for our daughter Farin on the 9th floor . For our convenience we prefered to stay in one room .

Acrobatic Show

After a refreshing bath and a short nap we left our hotel rooms at about 3.00 pm.to see an acrobatic show .The show started at about 5.00 pm and lasted for 1 1/2 hours The show was at a a cinema hall which was converted into a stage show .We were then entertained to a world class acrobatic show . It was a very interesting show performed by young kids .We were fascinated with the skills of the kids . Unfortunately we were not allowed to record or took photographs of the performances .Before going back to our hotel we had dinner at a Uyghur (Muslim) restaurant .

10th.June 2007

In summer the Subuh prayer in Beijing begins at about 2.30 am. till 4.30 am. We woke up at about 3.00 am to perform our Subuh prayers after which we continued with our sleep . After morning bath we went for breakfast at the Hotel's 3rd Floor . As we were not sure of it's 'halality ' we took only bread , jam , eggs ,fruits and tea/coffee . I took 3 pieces of bread and 3 eggs for my daughter Farin who did not came along because she was still sleeping . At the door I was stopped by one of the hostesses and told me not to bring back the bread . I had to explain that it was for my daughter who was sick in the room .After some persuasions she relented and allowed me to go with the bread and eggs .

Chinese Medicine Research Centre

At about 8.00 am we left our hotel . We were taken to a so called Chinese Medicine Research Centre where we had our feet massaged .After the massage each of us were interviewed by a so called 'doctor' and told of our ailments . In my case I was told to buy 4 medicine ie;- for my blood pressure , high sugar content in my blood , weak kidney and pills to strengthen my antibodies . All in all I was supposed to buy RM.2000/- of medicine . I did not believe in the so called Chinese medicine and I refused to buy . But the so called Professor was pestering very hard for me to buy . My wife who could be to be so easily influenced pestered me to buy for her her medicine which cost almost RM300/- .I finally relented and bought a medicine each for her and myself which cost almost RM 500/- . That was a daylight robbery . All the group members were also in the same predicament - cheated . I must complain to the Malaysian Tour Company-Mays Travels and Tours when I return home about this, so that others would not have to part with their hard earned money to the unscruplous medicine men .

Chinese Tea House

We were brought to a Tea House where we were explained how the tea was produced and the various types of teas and it's usefulness . We were allowed to taste the teas .Finally ,we were offered to buy some of the tea .We bought some tea to be brought home .

Emperor's Summer Place

We were then brought to the Emperor's Summer Palace .It was near a man made lake . The lake was huge and visitors could go on a boat trip on the lake .The weather was supposed to be a bit cool from other parts of Beijing . There was nothing spectacular about the place .

We left the place at about 12.00 noon to have our lunch at a Chinese Muslim restaurant.

Silk Making Factory

After lunch we were taken to a silk making factory . There we were explained how silk were produced . Then we were offered to buy silk . My wife bought 3 pairs of cloth for our daughter in-law and herself . They were 100% pure silk . Comparatively they were quite cheap .

11th.June 2007

Jade Factory

Then we were taken to a Jade Factory . Coincidentally the factory belongs to a Malaysian from Klang . The factory was headed by one Mr.Ling ,the son of the owner who is now living in Jalan Silang,Kuala Lumpur .Because of that we were each presented with a token jade pendant .Mr.Ling told us that he was giving us a special discount due to the fact that some of us were from Klang.However ,later after meeting other holiday makers from another tour group who were also presented with the token jade pendents because a few of them were from Cheras and that Mr.Ling claimed that he was also from Cheras ,I began to suspect his truthfulness . He could be telling us so, so as to convince that his jades were cheap . Infact they were all businessmen's tactics .

Crystal Making Factory

After that we were taken to a Crystal making Factory .Crystal were manufactured from stones and turned into rings, pendants other ladies accessories . They were beautiful and cheap when compared if we were to buy in Malaysia . My wife bought some for her daughters Farin , Eileen
and our grand daughter Alisya .

Pottery making Factory

Before going to the Great Wall we stopped over at a ceramic pottery making factory . There we were briefed how the ceramic were made and later turned into pots . Nothing interesting here because this could be seen in our own country .We had lunch at a Muslim restaurant . The restaurant had a prayer room and so we performed our qasar/jama' zohor/asar prayers there.

Great Wall of China

At about 1.30 pm.we reached the foot of The Great Wall of China . There were many tourists there making attempts to climb the steps of the Great Wall . Some managed while some had to turn back . My wife and I decided not to make the climb . The condition of our knees would not permit us to climb further than the first 'rest house' .' However we took some photographs and recorded some nice scneries on the video camera . We were told thousands of lives were lost during the construction of the Great Wall . The notorious Emperors of that time forced the people to build the wall so as to protect his empire from the Manchurian attackers . Stories told of the Forbidden City , Summer palaces and the Great Wall , assumptions can be made of the Chinese people -they are suspicious of others , they fear deaths , they want the best for themselves and they are very selfish people . It is not difficult to see these qualities from the Chinese Malaysians .

In our group there was one young boy who managed to climb to the top of the Great Wall and he nearly loss his way .An announcement had to be made through the loudspeaker to call him back.

My family and I had reached the site of the much talked Great Wall of China . At least we can boast to who had not gone to China that we had been to the Great Wall of China - another dream fulfilled .

We left the Great Wall of China at about 5.00 pm and proceeded to Beijing .Before going back to our hotel rooms we were taken to an Uyghur Muslim restaurant to have dinner . During the dinner there was stage show consisting of dances and songs . I managed to record only one dance performance on the video camera .I did not realize that my video camera's tape was full and had forgotten to replace with a new one . As a result the rest of my recordings were futile .Infact one of the performance was a belly dance that was a little bit sexy .My wife was not too happy because I appeared to her to be too itchy for making the recordings of such a show .

We left the restaurant when the show was still not over .

12th.June 2007

Olympic 2008 Stadium.

In the morning we were brought to the Olympic Stadium site where stadium is being built for 2008 Olympic . It was still not completed .The Chinese spent billions of dollars just tobe the host of that prestigious event . The Chinese government knew that being host to the event would also bring some business and revenue to the country . Some retailers have already started selling T-shirts and other small items with the Olympic logo and they sells like hot cakes especially among the tourists .

Panda Zoo

At around noon we were brought to the Panda Zoo .Unfortunately we could not see much of the pandas because they were sleeping - after all they are known to be lazy bumps .

Shopping spree

After lunch we were brought to the shopping malls for shopping . Things sold were damn cheap if we know how to haggle . One must not be shy to ask for the lowest price because that was the the way shopping are done here . For things offered at Yuan 1000 , one must ask for as low as Yuan 200 .Then you can get a good bargain . I bought two leather belts which I found it so difficult to find in Malaysia of my size . I bought them for RM 30/- and RM 50/- respectively .Things sold were branded but of course they wereall immitations . The Chinese are famous for that .We had dinner at another Muslim restaurant before proceeding to see a kongfoo show .

Kongfoo Show

We had to pay about RM 70/- each for the show because it was not in the itinerary . Any way it was a very good show . Many foreign tourists were seen at the show . I just wonder why Malaysian TDC do not provide such shows to our tourists who visit our country . Stories like the legendary Hang Tuah , Mak Yong , Wayang kulit , boria , zikir barat etc could be shown on stage for our tourists .If kongfoo show could be an attractions why not ours . Of course it must be in the English language .

13th June 2007

Tienjin City .

Tienjin was a port city , about 2 hours drive from Beijing . It was modern city with a population of alomost 20 million . Skyscrapers were a normal sight here with modern living apartments .It's a very busy city .

Cultural Street

We then went to the Cultural Street in Tienjin City ,where they sold the antique things , souvineers etc . Nothing much here unless if we are looking for some antique things .

We had lunch at a Muslim restaurant before proceeding back to Beijing .

Shopping spree

The ladies in our group in our group requested to go shopping again . I was tired of shopping and spent most of time sitting down at the rest area in the mall . However , after seeing the young men in our group who bought some electrical items , I finally also bought a few pairs of i-pods which they told me were much cheaper than in KL . Of course they were all immitations .

Before going back to our hotel rooms we had dinner .

14th June 2007

We were suposed to go another city called Chengde and to stay overnight there . The tour guide managed to convince some of us especially the ladies that there was nothing there and that staying in Beijing was a better choice especially for the ladies who were more interested shopping . Actually I prefered to go and see Chengde because my purpose in this trip was not for shopping but to see places no matter how bad the place was . Well. since the majority ruled I had no choice but to follow them . Instead , the tour guide brought to the nderground City.

Underground City

The Underground City was built during the Mao Tze Tung era . It was during the period when China had a crisis with Russia . USSR at that time was weary of the Chinese Communists influence at that time . I still remember even in Malaysia the Communists in Malaysia was then divided into 2 factions ie. one that was pro Kuomintang ( China ) and the other pro Russia . Afraid of being attacked with atomic bombs and poison gas by the USSR , Mao Tze Tung ordered for the constructions of an underground city .

It was situated in a secludued area . One would not suspect that the door on one of the peasant's house would lead to an underground , a few hundred meters deep . Once inside we felt as if we were in another world . It was completely equipped with air ccondition ,roads , shops , offices and training grounds . For security reasons ,of course the Chinese government only showed us some part of it .The rest were forbidden to us .

Actually for the next programme we were supposed to to the house one by the name of Ibarhim Chin who would show us his caligraphy works and to have lunch there . He was then busy and so the programmed had to be called off .

Upon the requests of the ladies we were brought again to a shopping mall where they wanted to do some shopping . Later we had a steam boat lunch at the restaurant at the shopping mall . Then we were taken to the Niujie Grand Mosque for our prayers . It was a very old mosque built many hundres years ago . The building was all made of wood .Even the floors were made of wood . After out prayers we went shopping again at another shopping mall till evening . We had dinner before coming back to our hotel .

That night we were busy packing our things because we were supposed to check our from our rooms at 9.30 am. the next morning .Luckily our bags were not full when we came to Beijing and so there were enough rooms for the extra things that we bought .

15th June 2007

Departure for home

After our breakfast at about 9.30 am, we checked out from our rooms . All our luggage were loaded on to the bus . The tour guide brought to the shopping mall for a last minute shopping .After that we were taken to a restaurant to have our lunch . We performed our prayers at the prayer room of the restaurant .

We reached Beijing airport at about 3.30 pm . and at exactly 5.00 pm. our plane left China for Kuala Lumpur . Our plane touched down at KLIA at about 10.40 pm .

After being 8 days in China , I feel Malaysia is still the best country in the world . Any way the China visit had opened our eyes about that country . Before we thought that Beijing was a backward city with only bicycles for being under Communist rule , actually is is a very modern city with the latest car models which had not even yet reached Malaysia .All these were the effects of bad publicity .

Attended two weddings in a single day .

Last Saturday on the 3rd.of June 2007 , we went to two weddings in a single day . In the afternoon we were at my cousin's house at Taman Alam damai , Cheras whose son was getting married. He was a senior officer at the Ministry of Education ,KL after having been Head Masters in various schools in Perak. He is now retired and settles down at that address . It is a new area and at first we found it difficult finding it . Luckily my brother Muttakin who was leading the way , managed to find the way .

There I met my other cousins and relatives from all over the country . It was a good opportunity for me to renew relationships with them . A few years ago I did not pay much attention to this and thus did not attend many of the wedding invitaions . After having wedding receptions for my children , I realized the importance for us to fulfill invitations . I know how I felt when people did not come to our wedding invitations . So that's why I would try my very best to attend to all the wedding invitations ,because I know I have two daughters who are still not yet married .

In the evening we went to a place nicknamed Kg.Pengantin , at Lorong Ampang 2, off Jalan Ampang Kuala Lumpur , a wedding reception of the son an old friend who once worked at the Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan ( JPJ ) in Johor . Later he worked with PUSPAKOM .He is also retired and settles down at Subang Jaya . Apparently it was a joint venture wedding reception between the bride and the bridegroom . It was held at a bungalow house owned/rented by the caterer who normally does his business there instead of at the hotel . It is a new wedding concept in Kuala Lumpur.It was supposed to be a garden wedding party but since it was raining it had to be held in the halls which were in the house compound. It was quite a grand wedding reception with the life band , singers , and clowns and also the traditional cak limpong group . Some of those in attendance too were quite high profile which among them were Datuks and Tan Sris . One of them noticeable was Tan Sri Halim Saad , a bumiputra business tycoon .

In a few days ie. on the 8th.June 2007 we would be flying to China . A check with the internet I found out that the weather there would be very hot . The temperature would be as high as 38 degree celcius during the day and 22 degree celcius at night . The China visit is obviously at a wrong timing . It was all due to my daughter Farin's indeciciveness in telling me the date of her university's semester break . Any way we have to make good of whatever the outcome would be .

By the way , today is my daughter Eileen's birthday. I take this opportunity to wish her Happy Birthday and pray to Allah that she would be guided by Him to the right path and bestowed with good health , success and happiness . When she comes back to Malaysia in late June we would hold a joint Birthday reception ( mine - 10th July, my wife- 11th.June , daughter-in-law Iza ( Alisya's mother) -20th. June and Eileen - 6th.June ) at the Ikan Bakar/ Seafood Restaurant in Port Klang .

En.Mokhtaruddin and I at his daughter's wedding reception at his house in Malacca.

Wedding Invitations Blitz.

On 26th.May 2007 afternoon we attended a wedding party of Encik Razali Babu's son at 33,Jalan Sri Siantan 50, Taman Sri Andalas, Klang , a short distance away from our house . We received the invitation card a few days prior to that . I thought it was from some one we knew but it turned to be some one we did not know. Any way since we were invited I thought it would be rude on our part if we did not attend . Morover ,that would be a good opportunity for us to know each other . He told me that he was also new to this area as he had just moved in about 3 months ago . So now I have one extra acquaintance in this area .

At about 3.30 pm my wife , Farin ,Alisya and I left for Port Dickson on our way to attend another wedding at Malacca on 27th.May 2007 . We decided to put up a night at Port Dickson to spend part of Alisya's school holidays . She told us she would like to swim with her auntie Farin . Unfortunately ,Farin had forgotten to bring along her short . However ,we asked her to try and wear Alisya's extra short and to our surprise it fits nicely . Just imagine how fast Alisya is growing to be a young lady . So off they went for a swim at the seaside .

At about noon we left Port Dickson to go to Malacca . We reached the house of the wedding at about 1.30 pm. Actually, En. Mokhtaruddin was an old friend whom I have not met for many years . He was my colleague at the Muar Disctrict Police HQ , 37 years ago where I started my career as a Police Officer. He was my senior by 3 months . He called me 2 weeks earlier and asked if I could attend his daughter's wedding .He later sent an invitation card . I felt it would not be nice if I do not attend his invitation . For old friend's sake I attended the wedding .

Since both the bride and the bridegroom were Police Inspectors , the wedding was performed with the Police culture - with the Police Cross Swords and ceremonial uniformed Police officers in attendance . This brought back memories of my Police days . Oh , what a memorable Police days where I spent almost 34 years of my life .

After the wedding we went to Malacca city . It was really crowded with no parking space available . We were surprised to see the city was so crowded with foreign and local tourists .Actually we had planned to put up a night in Malacca , unfortunately almost all good locality hotels were fully booked . We had no choice but to return to Klang the same day.

On 3rd.June we would be attending 2 more weddings both are to be held in KL . In the afternoon it would be at my cousin's house at Taman Alam Damai, Cheras , while in the evening at an old friend's son wedding reception at Kg.Pengantin,Jalan Ampang, KL . I hope it would be the last before our departure for China on 8th.June 2007 .

Another price hike - this time it's the flour .

On 15th.May 2007 the good for nothing Minister ( Sabah borned )of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs announced an increase of 15 sens per kilogram in the price of flour .No valid reasons were given except that he claimed it was due to the declining production of wheat in Australia due to bad weather plus due to the increase in the price of transportation . As far as I know this Minister is only good at announcing of price increases of commodities like petrol ,sugar cooking oil and the most recent one is flour . He is also supposed to be Minister in charge of looking after the affairs of consumers , but he failed us . Infact fact his 'blooming ' face has been a phobia to most Malaysians each time his ' beautiful ' face appear on TV .We would ask ourselves what other price increases he would announced .He talks too much but does nothing . Each time he announces a price increase of a certain commodity he would warned traders ,coffee shop owners, kueh sellers and stall owners not to increase the price of products that uses that commodity . Just issue stern warnings without actions, what good that is for ?

Flour is such an important commodity used by many . Any price increase of flour would snowballed into other price increases like the roti canai , mee , kueh , cakes etc . A curry puff which now costs 40 sens per piece would go up to 50 sens .Who is going to monitor that there would be no price increases of curry puffs ? Moreover curry puffs , mee and kuehs are not control items . That so called warnings are nothing but just an eye-wash .The Minister is not sensitive to the predicaments of the rakyat because unlike most of us he earns a fat salary .Surprisingly he comes from Sabah where a substantial number of the population are still poor and living in pathetic conditions . I wonder whether he ever goes back to his constituency to see how his electorates are doing ? Does he not care for the not so fortunate people ?

In bed after the eye operation.

My wife after the eye operation.

My wife in Hospital.

Yesterday 14th.May 2007 my wife was admitted to the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital ,Klang . She is now at Ward 7C and her left eye is due to be operated on 16th.May 2007 . Her eye-lens is to be replaced by a synthetic/artificial one. Lately she had been complaining of her failing eye sight .I advised her to get a medical treatment .At first she was hesitant about the operation but after the doctor's advice she agreed on it . The eye-lens cost RM 450/- . Any way it is just a minor operation and she is scheduled to be released from Hospital on Friday .However , according to the doctor's advice she should not bow her head down for the next six months . This includes she would not be able to do the ' sujud ' while performing her prayers . This is to prevent the new eye-lens from being displaced . She still can perform her prayers while seated on a chair/stool . However all these would not stop us from our China trip .

While my wife is hospitalised , we would be taking our meals outside , except for dinner when Shidah ( Azman's wife ) would cook for us after she got home from office . Farin would do all the washings and sending Alisya to her afternoon school .

So far all of us can cope with our daily chores without any hitch . Our only hope is that my wife would undergo a successful operation .

Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day

It means nothing to me now

It has all gone away

Due to greed and without sincerety .

Attempts made to come back to the good old days failed

No one seems interested having good cordial relationships

Smiles and nice words spoken were just mere for show

Rightousness and good deeds are nil .

On a ship there should be only one Captain

But in ours , many are scrambling to be the one

The ship would sink if there are more than one (Captain)

It would also sink without one (Captain) .

I have given up - saving the ship

Attempts made were looked upon with suspicions

I have given up hope

And let Allah decide on it's destiny .

Mother's day come and go

I long to celebrate it again just like before

Rejoice , food , laughter with my siblings

What a pity, it is just left in my dreams .

Visit to Johor Bahru .

On 1st.May 2007 we left Klang in our new car for Johor Bahru .On the way we stopped at Muar for 4 main reasons ie. 1) to test-run our new Merce on a long journey , 2) to visit my late father in-law's grave at the Muslim cemetery at Batu 6,Jalan Bakri ,Muar , 3) to pick up our daughter Farin from the University Technology at Skudai - she is coming back for a long holiday and 4) to reminisce my old days in Muar , that was the place where I starterd my career as a young Police officer and the place where I met my wife .

On reaching the cemetery ,like our previous visits we could not locate the grave .I almost gave up of finding it . I then recited the ' alfatihah ' by the sides of the road.Feeling not satisfied we walked further and began searching again . Again we almost gave up again .We then got into our car and was going to leave the cemetery .Before we we reached the exit we decided to search again for the last time . Then finally my wife found the grave and I was so thankful to God for He has fulfilled my wish to visit the grave of my late father in-law .It was on the third row from the road and under a shady tree . I recited the ' alfatihah ' again and thank God again for I've finally found the grave of my late father in-law who was a very kind man . A fine man and a happy go lucky person . I can't remember how many years he has left us but the memory of him is still fresh in my mind . I told myself that I would be visiting the grave again whenever we past Muar .

After that we came back to Muar town to have lunch at Tanjong ( the seaside ) . The food was delicious and it was also cheap . After having filled our tummy we then proceeded to Johor Bahru .

We reached Johor Bahru at about 4.00 pm. and checked into Crystal Crown Hotel , not far from my mother in-law's place . After our ' Asar ' prayers we came to my mother in-laws place .She was still confined to her bed and could only walk with the help of a crutch .

In the evening we visited my brother in-law Zainal at Majidee Park ,JB .

The next day we visited my wife's sisters at Taman Nongchik and at Taman UDA before we picked up our daughter Farin at her hostel . My sister in-law , Shidah took a lift on our car to go to Kuala Lumpur .We reached Klang at about 7.30 pm .

My fellow Malays ,when would you want to think wisely ?

The Ijok state assembly by-election is over . As expected the BN won - of course after much worst dubious tactics . Sometimes I wonder do democracy really still exist in this country . The election was conducted not in a fair manner . The Election Commission is nothing but just a tool of the BN government to claim the world that Malaysia is still a democratic country .Infact it just sounds hollow . Complaint of injustices and wrong doings were taken lightly and not given notice at all . Can you beleive it that the Chairman of the Election Commission shamelessly declared that development goodies prior to an election is not corruption . Why suddenly roads ,streets and even lanes were tarred almost up to the entrance of houses in almost every corner of Ijok ? Why potholes on roads at Taman Sri Andalas,Klang not being refilled ? Obvioulsly the reason is that there is no election in Taman Sri Andalas . Roads and streets in Ijok were suddenly lighted at night as if there were nightly fiestas through out the campaign period in that small shanty village . Suraus and Mosques in Ijok were given a new look - recently painted , fences put up and compound tarred. Houses were visited accompanied by handouts either in the form of cash or in kind . Infact anything asked by the people there would be entertained .All in all the government spent more than RM 36 million just for the purpose of winning the recent by-election .Where do the money come from ? It is not from BN's fund . It is from the taxpapers , contrary to most of the kampong folk's belief . Isn't that misuse of public fund ? Isn't this is against the Election procedures ?And isn't that an offence ?

The number of voters turn out was the highest in history - 83% . This is highly suspected . The high in percentage could be due to phantom voters that were imported by the BN. Electoral List showed quite a substantial number of dead people were still on the list of eligible voters.Loads of outstation buses carrying Wanita/Putri UMNO from outside the state as far as Perlis were sighted in Ijok .( BN explained that they were either the party's observers or campaigners ).If that is so why the need to bring them down to the polling stations on polling day . Most people would not believe this . My experience in the last General Election strengthens my belief .Prior to the 2004 General Election we received a letter from the Election Commission bearing a Malay lady's name ( unknown to us ) address to our house in Shah Alam informing of her place of voting . I believe she was a Putri UMNO member from some where , imported to vote in our area . If it was not for the purpose of voting what the heck she used my home address for ? That was one classic example of a suspected phantom voter . What about other house addresses used by other phantom voters ,which the house owners never dare to reveal ?

Isn't this an insult to the faculty of our mind especially in this context to the people of Ijok . I thought the Malays especially those that belong to my generation are now educated .Most of them I believe have had at least a SRP or a SPM certificate or at least have attended secondary school . They should be able to think wisely in exercising their rights . But what a pity their thinking are still the same as that of their forefathers . Infact I don't think they think at all . They simply blindly beleive what the BN machineries fed them although they have been neglected for almost 15 years . That is a predominantly a Malay area and yet the BN put up a MIC candidate . I am not being racial here but merely trying to thwart accusations by most Indians in this country that they are being sidelined and made second class citizens by the government. I am disgusted and disillussioned with the Malays in Ijok who are still unfazed by the 15 years of neglect by the previous MIC representative . Just see after this , Ijok will be forgotten and will only come to the lime-light again if there is another by-election . Most Ijokians would remain poor and continue to live in pathetic conditions . There is a kampong there ( I have forgotten the name of the kampong which was shown on TV3 ) that always remain flooded all year round and it would remain so till the cows come home . You ( Ijokians ) have made your choice and you all have to bear with it . God have mercy on the people of Ijok .

I am not a member of the opposition party . Infact I do not think that they are capable of ruling the country . What I want is just more oppositions in the State Legislative Assembly and in Parliment as a check and balance . Otherwise the government in power would arbitrarily do whatever they like according to their whims and fancies . Eventually the rakyat would suffer . As it is , the rakyat is already suffering , having to face with escalating prices of essentials. Most government servants and other fixed income earners have to resort to moonlighting . They have got no choice , otherwise their families would not have enough to eat and clothes to wear .

My fellow Malays , for heaven's sake when would you want to think wisely ???

Farin came back to renew her International Passport

Our daughter Farin was on a week's pre examination leave - the leave to facilitate the students to make preparation for their final exams .However we requested her to come back to renew her International Passport .At first she refused to come back but after much persuasion ,finally she relented . She came back last Thursday and the next day we went to the Immigration Office in Shah Alam . We managed to renew the passport within a day . Farin did not want to waste her precious time and she went back to her campus last Monday . She told us that she wanted to prepare herself for her exams . So ,we allowed her to go back .She would be coming back at the end of the month for her long vacation .

I am happy that she always pay particular attention to her studies . My wife used to call her in the evening and she would always be in the library .She would answer the phone whisperingly so as not to disturb other students .She likes to study in the library ,a practice she discovered and started while at MRSM Perlis .

We would be going to China on a ' 8 days Muslim Tour ' starting on 9th.June 2007 . We would be accompanied by our daughter Farin .This is also a present to her for her good performance in her studies .

My grand daughter Alisya in her baju kurung and tudung holding her cat.

My new car bearing number MBK 80.

My new car , a C 200K Mercedes Benz.

I took possession of my new car today .

At last today I was able to take possession of our new car . The car was registered at the Malacca JPJ office .Thus it bears the number MBK 80 . I like the number 80 because it brings me luck . All our cars except my son Aizad's , bears the number 80 .The numbers are JDC 80 a Perodua Kembara ( which will be used by our daughter Farin at UTM Skudai ) , BEX 80 a Honda Accord ( to be used by my wife ), BFN 80 a Peugeot 305 ( my son Azman's car ) and our latest car , MBK 80 a C 200K Mercedes Benz . I managed to get the number MBK 80 through the good office of our brother in law Hassan who is now attached to the JPJ headquarters in Kuala Lumpur for a nominal fee .

It is my dream car . It has been my wish to own the car .I waited 4 years to own it. Today ,I finally fulfilled that wish . I am grateful to Allah for all the bounties that He has bestowed on to us and our family .

Istana Pagar Ruyong -the descendants of Negeri Sembilan's royalty comes from here.

My wife and me at Istana Pagar Ruyong,Bukit Tinggi, Indonesia.

My wife at the Malim Kundang's (Indonesia's Si Tanggang) site,Padang,Indonesia .

Azman is now an IT entrepreneur .

On 30th.March 2007 ,my son Syazirul Azman came home a happy man because his application to be an IT entrepreneur was successful . He was given a grant by the government after his proposal was able to convince them . With this means that he is also given access to the Multemedia Lab at the University of Multimedia to do his work .

In the beginning I was a bit pessimistic about the venture but since he is so optimistic about it , I hope and pray to Allah that he would succeed .After all who would not want to see his children succeed ? One thing I notice about my son Azman he is confident that he would succeed as an entrepreneur . Inspite of my constant reminder to him ,he resigned from a good paying job which paid him almost RM4000/- a month about a year ago . ( After that he was doing nothing at home except attending his MBA classes at UiTM during the week end ).Not that I do not like him to be a successful businessman but after hearing from some businessmen of the tribulations and difficulties faced by them ,I was a bit hessitant to allow him to venture into something that is unknown. Any way since he has made his decision I could only pray that he would succeed .

25th.March is Malaysia's Police Day .

Today the 25th.of March , is Police Day .It is the 200th year since the Declaration of the Police Charter in Penang in 1807 .It is the day to be reminisced by all Policemen and ex policemen .It can also be regarded as a big and important day for the Policemen in Malaysia .Every year we would renew our oath of allegiance to the Police and the country .After being with the Police for almost 34 years , I cannot help but feel as if I am still part of it, eventhough I have retired for almost 4 years now .Normally ,on this day when I was the Officer in charge of a Police District , I would inspect the Guard of Honour and witness the march past of my policemen and officers, together with members of the public who were invited to attend the celebration . I would then stand on the dais and read the 'Perutusan Ketua Polis Negara' followed by the taking of oath ceremony . Then we would have a sumptious breakfast together .Other activities would ensue which normally last for a month .As OCPD I would be very busy .Those were the good old days .

Although there were ups and downs during my 34 years of career in the Police , I have no regrets joining it . The Police had given me a career opportunity by which I rose from the rank of Inspector to be a senior officer ( Assist.Commissioner ) which I had not dreamt of when I was a kid . With the emoluments from the Police, I managed to feed my family well and educate my four children of which all have gone to universities . When I retired I was also given a generous gratuity and pension, enough for me to sustain till the rest of my life .

However towards the end of my career , I was a bit sore with the senior officers in power then ,with the way they treated me . A number of occassions I was denied my promotions just because I was not in their good books .By that I mean I refused to be their henchmen into activities that were against my principles . I would rather be not promoted than be doing something that was against the norms and religion of which I would be answerable to God .During that era, promotion was not based on merit .Cronyism was the game of the day .( perhaps cronyism was inherited from the government of the day that rule the country ). Hardwork and and dedication were not to be reckoned . Many frustrated officers opted for early retirement .I too nearly did the same .But love of the uniform and police work held me back till my compulsory retirement in 2003 .

The Police of today is no more like the good old days .Public perceptions is at it's lowest ebb.The public do not respect the Police like they did before and it is always often looked with suspicions .It all began in 1998 during the Anwar debacle when the Police were too eager to protect the government in power of the day . Peaceful demonstrations were met with harsh and violent actions . The Police were not sensitive towards the feelings and expectations of the public .Violations of human rights were the order of the day .

It is high time that the Police should change with times .The Police should be cautious and professional in their actions .After all peaceful demonstrations are allowed as stated in the Federal Constitutions .Why should the public be denied of an avenue to express their dissatisfactions with the government ? They are also trying to safeguard our interests including that of the poorly paid policemen when they voiced up their oppositions to the imposition of tolls and price increases of petrol etc. The Police should not treat the demonstrators as their enemy . They should only take action when there is a disturbance of the peace . How are the Police to gain the confidence and cooperation of the public ,which is a very essential element to ensure Police success, if it continues the antagonizing policy . It is heartening to see as shown in the TV ,how the Police in Korea , France ,Germany and many developed countries handled the demonstrators .They did not retaliate even to the extent they were thrown with hard objects .They are very professional .I do not know when our PDRM would regain that standard again ?

We are left with only a kitten .

At about 10.30pm on Friday , my front neighbour called me and told me that he saw a dead cat after being knocked down by a car on the road infront of our house. I thought it was a stray cat that was knocked down. Any way my neighbour insisted that I came down to see it for myself .So I came out and there to my surprise and horror ,I found out that it was one of our little kittens.The mother cat was kneeling over her dead son as if in mourning while the other kitten was running around besides . All vehicles that passedby slowed down to avoid the cats .Immediately I called my son Azman to remove the dead cat away to be buried while I also asked his wife Shidah to take away the remaining cats inside the house .

Normally the kittens would never leave the compound of our house .I do not know that evening how the two kittens happen to be outside the compound of our house .They obviously must have followed the mother cat to the front neighbour's house to look for her mate .What a stupid and irresponsible mother cat .Now , we are left with only a kitten with that stupid mother cat .I am sad because I began to love the two kittens .They were an active pair and they would run and played hide and seek .Well, that is what we call fate .

I have my regrets too for allowing the cats to sleep outside the house that day .

Matta Fair at PWTC - 17th. - 19th. March

Last Saturday I went to the PWTC Kuala Lumpur to scout round for a good deal at the Matta Fair which was held from the 17th. till 19t.March . This was the the first time that I went to such a fair . I went solely for two purposes .One was to inquire if I could buy a return ticket from Dublin - KL and vice versa for my daughter Eileen to come back to Malaysia in June and the tickets to be picked up in Dublin and secondly to book a tour ( Muslim Tour ) to China for the three of us comprising of myself , wife and daughter Farin . I came early in the morning and the place was not yet packed . By afternoon the crowd was getting bigger which made movement inside the hall a little bit jammed .

On my first inquiry about the return ticket Dublin - KL , they told me that it was possible to buy the tickets but not on the Matta offer .In other words it would be by the ordinary price .Because of that I decided to send the money via telegraphic transfer to my daughter's account in Dublin for her to buy the tickets there . Any way on the tour of China , I did the booking to go to China for 9th of June trip ,via May's Travels .I am very much looking forward for this trip because I have been planning for it for a long time . I hope to see the Muslim's historical places there .

Our two little kittens had been missing .

For the last two days we have been on a frantic search for our two little kittens which had been missing .One was a totally black little cat and the other a dirty looking one just like the mother cat. One evening ,they suddenly went missing . This time I knew that I was not responsible for their disappearence although my wife at first suspected that I could have abandoned them somewhere .Although I had been contemplating to throw the two cats away because they were not good looking and one of them was also a female , I did not want to do it in the near future . I wanted to wait a little bit later when they are already big and able to fend for themselves. Could it be that the two cats had the premonition of what was going to befall on them and because of that they ran away ? I do not know .Only God knows .

I suspected that the two cats could have gone to the back lane outside of our house and was picked up by some naughty boys who took them away . They then could not find their way home .It has been four days now and they are still missing .My only hope for them is so that they are happy in their new home ,if they have a home .

The moral behind the story is that , do not think that an animal especially cats could not read what is behind our minds . That is why old people used to say , that cats were our Prophet's close companion and very much loved by him .

Oh God, if I had committed a sin , please have mercy on me.Amin .