kata kama

Stupid As Stupid Does

2012-01-30T22:15:00.006+08:00

There is simply no end to stupidity insofar as our politicians, from across the divide that is, are concerned.

I am taking the easy way out by tarring them all with the same brush because I honestly think they (well, at least most of them) deserve it.

Tak boleh ker kalau sekali sekala berfikir dengan menggunakan otak dan bukan dengan kepala lutut?

Dulu that clueless DAP goon masuk rumah orang Islam dengan selamba tak buka kasut. Tak pasal heret segala najis atas jalan masuk dalam rumah.

Sebelumnya, that DAP woman Adun masuk masjid sampai ke mimbar dengan kebaya ketat berkain belah dan tak tutup kepala.

Yet before that, seorang nangoi DAP (sudah tentunya dengan aurat terdedah) bersenamrobik di laman masjid.

Perbuatan mereka yang tidak menghormati kesucian masjid telah dipertahankan oleh, of all people, sekutu mereka orang PAS.

Berbuih mulut keluar bermacam supporting ayat dan fatwa demi nak menghalalkan yang terang-terang haram.

Sekarang Brahim Ali pulak buat hal; bagi angpow kat wargatua Cina guna sampul putih; warna taboo kepada kaum Cina sebab putih tu warna kematian. Seolah-olah wishing them dead.

Please don't give the lame excuse that you don't know the sensitivities of our multi-cultural living. Hangpa bukan budak berhingus; dah tua bangka semuanya.

Bukan baru hari ini tinggal di Malaysia. Dilahir dan dibesarkan di sini, bersekolah, bekerja dan beranak pinak di sini; takkanlah masih tak "reti bahasa" akan adab resam tempatan?

Like I said, guna la otak pemberian Tuhan tu sekali sekala. Jangan dibiarkan beku...

Why 1 is 'one'...

2012-01-30T09:13:00.000+08:00

The numbers we write are made up of algorithms (1, 2, 3, 4 etc) called arabic algorithms to distinguish them from the roman algorithms (I, II, III, IV etc).

The Arabs popularise these algorithms but their origin goes back to the Phonecian merchants who used them to count and and do their commercial countability.

Have you ever wondered why 1 is 'one', 2 is 'two', 3 is 'three' and so on? What is the logic that exists in the arabic logarithms?

The answer is easy, very easy.... There are angles! Look at these logarithms written in their primitive form to understand why.

.. and the most intelligent of all...

Interesting, eh! It feels great to learn something new...

Sue's Gift

2012-01-27T09:57:00.008+08:00

Blessed am I to have such caring relatives and friends who keep me both in the loop and in their thoughts when they go on their overseas jaunts.

Knowing how much I love commemorative plaques and plates, especially the ones etched with nameplaces, they never fail to bring home a piece or two to add to my ever-growing collection.

[More stories on my plate-collecting hobby here, here, here and here.]

The two plaques above came from my dear friend and karaoke 'kaki' Suhaini Manan, who croons and swings the golf club with equal zest, who recently flew to Scotland to attend the graduation of her daughter.

Thank you Sue for having me in your kind consideration. Here's fervently hoping you didn't poke your finger into any of those Dutch dykes (the protective 'benteng' kind ok, banish those dirty thoughts!) whilst in Holland... :-D

Oh Those Rudderless Udders!

2012-01-26T11:09:00.008+08:00

Something is seriously wrong with those COWs (adherents of Club of Obedient Wives). Have they got their face permanently buried in their crotch, or something?

Apa perlu martabat Rasulullah (s.a.w) diperlekeh sebegini rupa semata-mata untuk mempromosi agenda tersendiri?

Mentarafkan Baginda Rasul sebagai tokoh seks (sesuci murni mana sekalipun seks itu) amatlah menjijikkan. Enough said.

Obedient Wives Club invites controversy, again

THE Obedient Wives Club (OWC) is courting controversy with its unusual campaign to honour the Prophet Muhammad's birthday on Feb 5, or 12th Rabiul Awal in the Islamic calendar.

The campaign 'Rasulullah Tokoh Seks Suci Islam', aimed at redressing the growing moral decay among Muslims, will kick off today at their headquarters in Pelangi Square, Damansara from 9am to noon with talks and an exhibition. It will be on for 12 days until the Prophet's birthday.

It is, however, a closed-door event for invited guests and the local media.

OWC's spokesman Zaiton Omar when contacted yesterday, said they were disturbed with the growing trend of homosexuality and gay marriages and cited the recent case of a former Petronas-sponsored student who married his gay lover in Ireland.

"There are too many unhealthy elements in our society nowadays and we want to do something to right the wrong.

"We chose the prophet as he is revered and had led an exemplary life, and we want other Muslims to follow his way of life."

She said they deliberately chose the title despite knowing it would cause a stir among Muslims.

"The prophet is the perfect example ... he had 11 wives and the campaign will be perfect to celebrate his birthday."

Perak Mufti, Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria, felt the title was insulting to the prophet who had bequeathed a legacy of a great leadership by example to human civilisation.

"He was also portrayed as a good and sincere husband.

"The title is an insult to Islam and the prophet. OWC should change it and point out instead that the prophet was a good husband," he said.

He said the public's perception on sex topics would often be negative. "Even in the Quran, there are no references to the prophet as a sexual figure or idol."

The OWC is no stranger to controversies since last June when its vice-president Dr Rohaya Mohamed told Muslim wives here to be obedient to their husbands and to serve them like a "first-class prostitute" to prevent the men from straying.

The OWC, which has 1,000 members -- 800 of whom are Malaysians, has since received brickbats from women's rights groups and the public.

Founded by Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd, an off-shoot of the now defunct Al-Arqam movement, OWC has branches in Indonesia, Singapore and Jordan. [from here].

Weekend of the Bookworms

2012-01-23T10:01:00.016+08:00

Been a while since the firstborn and I spent time together, him being busy with work, as always. The still single (aduhai!) news editor shares my reading habit and can be counted upon to recommend good reads.

Naj's a quiet, laidback homebody who has comics (Calvin & Hobbes is a staple) for breakfast and fiction & fantasy for lunch. He also keeps giant-sized Transformer toys and makes mean pasta dishes.

So when he called to ask if I would like to go shopping for cut-price books at this particular outlet called BookXcess in Amcorp Mall, Petaling Jaya, over the weekend, I jumped at the idea.

Since my forays into book shopping had not, thus far, extended beyond One Utama's MPH and The Curve's Borders where book prices were standard and steep, I was excited at the idea of finding decently-priced, brand new books.

Claustrophobic me usually stay away from high traffic shopping areas, and Amcorp Mall is definitely one such place come weekends. This is especially so because of its extensive, multi-floor flea market which, I must admit, is a treasure trove worthy of return visits.

Sunday at Amcorp Mall has often been described as 'geek's fantasy', with lots of great deals on comics, toys and other random collectibles.

Here one can find LPs, old china and brassware, krises and other weaponry, pictures, posters and photographs, gadgets of yesteryears (turntables come to mind), an assortment of numismatic and philatelic items, and many more.

I spotted a couple of absolutely charming miniature Wedgewood plates depicting the rustic English countryside, which somehow reminds me of Constable, and cute cookie tins with 'windmill' and 'red rooster' themes, but they just have to wait till the next visit.

Much to my relief and delight, shopping was a breeze since the Chinese New Year balik kampung exodus had already begun, thus the crowd wasn't big enough to intimidate.

In all, we bought eight books totalling slightly over RM150 from BookXcess. Averaging less than RM20 per book, that's very decent indeed. Here's my personal haul of four, which should last the month:

Corduroy Mansions (Alexander McCall Smith), Woe Is I - The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English In Plain English (Patricia T. O'Connor), Friendly Fire (Alaa Al Aswany) and Every Living Thing (James Herriot).

I have not been able to say 'no' to Alexander McCall Smith since his irresistible The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency, with Precious Ramotswe, touted Botswana's only (and finest) female private detective, hit the scene over a decade ago.

Corduroy Mansions has been described by Daily Express as 'quirky and original' and I can't wait to plunge into it. Choice morsels:

Welcome to Corduroy Mansions in Pimlico; comfortable and genteelly weathered, it is home to a delightfully eccentric cast of Londoners.

At the top lives William, with a faithful ex-vegetarian dog named Freddie de la Hay, and an indolent son who he hopes will soon fly the nest. Four young women share the first-floor flat, including twinset-and-pearls Caroline, and Dee, vitamin addict and avid subscriber to Anti-Oxidant News.

And round the corner resides Oedipus Snark MP, possibly the world's only loathsome Lib Dem, who has succeeded in offending everyone he knows, and many others besides. But what dark revenge is being plotted by his mother, Berthea Snark, and his girlfriend, Barbara Ragg....?

Woe Is I is a book only pedants will love, I think, and I'm saying this in a positive way. The book has been described as a humour-lightened guide to better English and I can't agree more.

With contents like Comma Sutra: The Joy of Punctuation, Death Sentence: Do Cliches Deserve to Die? Yours Truly: The Possessives and the Possessed, and The Compleat Dangler: A Fish out of Water, how can I not agree, ever?

Friendly Fire is a collection of short stories by Egyptian writer Alaa Al Aswany, the internationally bestselling author of The Yacoubian Building and Chicago.

I discovered Yacoubian Building two years ago and was immediately smitten by Aswany's moving portrayals of ordinary folks living in the rundown tenement building, and has been a fan ever since.

His background too intrigued me; medically-trained Aswany is a journalist who writes a controversial opposition column, but makes his living as a dentist in Cairo.

But it was the last book in yesterday's pile, Every Living Thing by James Herriot, that truly, truly made my day, all because I had been looking for this title for quite a while to complete my Herriot collection.

James Herriot, pseudonym for English veterinary surgeon and writer, James Alfred Wight (1916-1995), brought to life the world of country vet practice with his humorous, often amusing accounts of his experiences with the taciturn, gruff farmers of Yorkshire.

Holding a Herriot in my hand brings me back to my teen years when I was first introduced to his work through All Creatures Great And Small.

Over the years, I had immersed myself in All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Things Wise and Wonderful and The Lord God Made Them All (besides his other works, that is). And now, finally, the fifth and final instalment to the series!

Boy, it takes so little to make me happy. This must be one of the cheapest I had ever paid for thrill and contentment, all RM19.90 of it...

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

2012-01-22T17:28:00.000+08:00

Kama & Co would like to wish their Chinese relatives and friends, in particular readers of Kata Kama, "Selamat Menyambut Tahun Baru Cina". May the Year of The Dragon usher peace and harmony, and wealth and prosperity, for all.

The Rainbow Life

2012-01-19T11:52:00.015+08:00

People who know me well enough (and by this I mean close family members and longtime friends) are only too aware of the fact that I am cast in the 'backroom boy/girl" mould.

By choice a loner, I'm always in the peripheral, and never the centre, of things. And I like it this way for I can always remain my true self. If there's anything I can certainly do without, it's a public persona; I like my own skin.

Being in the limelight, taking centrestage and self-promotion will forever be 'unKama', unless if I have grown senile and can no longer tell right from wrong. [If you see me in a blazing red tog, that day has probably arrived..]

I have an aversion for bright, strong colours because they serve to highlight while I seek to obscure. I reserve my strongest dislike for red; it's too much 'in-your-face" for me.

Lest I am misunderstood, let me clarify that I just don't fancy strong colours on my person. I can and do appreciate their beauty otherwise.

My wardrobe is overwhelmed with greys, browns and blacks, and some pastels in between. My shoes are mostly brown and black while my handbags (all three of them) are black. To complete the outwardly depressing ensemble, I drive a car of nondescript grey.

The dominant shades at home are beige and brown. Not to be left out in the equation are the family cats Awang Jules and Lillie, whose coat are ash grey and tuxie respectively.

The funny thing is, my life is anything but dull and dreary. On the contrary, much like a painter's palette, it has been a riot of colours from the word 'go'.

God, in His infinite Wisdom, had granted me rainbows over the years to make up for my dismal sense of taste. Methink there must be a lesson in there somewhere .......

The Ultimate in Bodohness

2012-01-17T07:54:00.005+08:00

A couple of days back I had a run-in with a rude Malay woman shopper in a flaming red tudung, in Tesco Mutiara Damansara.

There I was, making up the rear of a two-man queue in Lane One when the aforesaid woman almost bumped me with a half-full trolley.

Thinking she couldn't read English, I quietly told her that she was in the wrong lane; lanes 1, 2 and 3 were Express Lanes for shoppers with 10 or less items.

Not only had she no less than 20 items in her trolley, the nearby non-express lanes too were available, so I couldn't understand why she was where she was.

Instead, the woman gave me a defiant look, uttering "Takper, itu kawan saya" (that's okay, the cashier's my friend), her snout pointing at the sullen-looking cashier behind the counter.

Then she added, "Ni pun bukan saya punya semualah! Saya bayar dua kali!" (these aren't all mine, okay! I'm paying in two parts!).

By that time, I was already pretty pissed. Worse, I couldn't even comprehend the basis of her argument. It sounded so stupidly lame!

But I didn't say anything further. Instead I stared long and hard at the girl cashier. She pretended not to notice my gaze.

Frankly, I was contemplating being a bitch, but decided otherwise. No point losing my temper so early in the morning just to prove a point, no matter how valid.

Deciding one dimwit was already one too many, I paid for my things and walked down to Jom Bali Cafe for a hot cup of Kopi O and a bowl of wantan.

Later I saw the woman triumphantly pushing her semi-laden trolley past me, perhaps feeling great for being able, and allowed, to beat the system.

Sometimes I wonder; why bother having such lanes if exceptions are made for your colleagues, friends and family members?

Better still, they should just create a special lane for these privileged folks. It would make life a hell of a lot easier for the likes of us common shoppers.

Edible Accessories

2012-01-16T22:32:00.004+08:00

(Red) berry pretty indeed...

Brinjal flatties. Cute!

Nothing beats blueberries to dress up a bland clutch.

Selar Kuning Special, to stink your waist with.

The Broccoli brand is making a comeback in 2012.

Rice boots with garlic pompoms, the perfect answer to ward off vampires (and potential suitors).

Pasta bracelet - an ideal gift for the love of your life, especially if she's a hot Italian mama.

Cheese handbag - good for a nibble when you're feeling peckish. Keep out of reach of the resident mice, though.

Chocolate Cufflinks add colour and taste (literally!), not to mention decent-sized smears, to your favourite Burberry or Hermes.

Pastille bracelets provide immediate relief in the event of a sore throat. Just pluck one and pop it in your mouth.

I have seen helmets worse than this worn by our berani mati motorcyclists.

Earphones that couldn't come any fresher than Granny Smith apples and multi-coloured chicklets.

Artichoke cap for the discerning nyonya sayur. To add a touch of patriotism, substitute the brooch with a IMalaysia pin.

The Daily Sniffles

2012-01-16T11:36:00.006+08:00

"You can't find peace until you find all the pieces." Troy Dunn

These days, I shed tears almost on a daily basis. Except Sundays. Folks I know don't cry Sundays; they go shopping, or jalan-jalan cari makan.

Personally, I try not to bawl my eyes out Sundays if I can help it, for it might ruin both the family's weekly pasar malam highlight and our weekend karaoke session.

If you are in my part of the woods 6pm to 7pm Monday through Saturday, please stay away from my front door. Neither am I accepting phone calls. Sorry, you have been warned.

Why? Because I'd be getting comfortable for a good half-hour cry come 6.30pm, and you're not welcome to watch or hear me gently sniffling into my padded scatter cushion.

Television and I are not exactly the best of friends. I'd rather bury myself in books than face the box. Had it not been for documentaries and selected reality shows (read "MasterChef" and "American Idol"), you won't find me reaching out for the remote.

This is not always the case. A few decades back, I was an addict who could not face another day without knowing what went on in "Peyton Place" and "Dallas", and how Anjin-san John Blackthorne fared in yet another "Shogun" episode.

Like millions of others worldwide, I too was engrossed with Kunta Kinte's incredible journeys on Alex Haley's unforgettable "Roots", arguably the most-watched TV series of all time.

I was equally enamoured by a slew of British offerings, in particular that superb saga set in British India, "The Jewel In The Crown", and controversy-laden "The Thorn Birds", set in the Australian outback, about an illicit love affair between a banished Catholic priest and a young Australian woman.

Television and I parted company when I left journalism to run my own public relations consultancy, mostly because my time was no longer my own. I hardly had time to breathe, let alone indulge in the convoluted plots of make-believe stories.

These days, however, I find myself slowly picking up where I had left off years earlier, TVwise. Back on the couch you can find me evenings, most times for documentaries and real-life dramas ("Crime & Investigation" is a runaway favourite).

And then there's "The Locator", the source of my daily sniffles. It's the American version of TV3's absolutely heart-wrenching but short-lived Jejak Kasih.

"The Locator", aired at 6.30pm to 7pm from Monday to Saturday on Astro's Bio (channel 731), helps people reunite with long-lost family members and friends.

Troy Dunn, who initiated and helms "The Locator", is a trained private investigator, TV personality, businessman and public speaker rolled into one. Read more about him here.

The half-hour programme before "The Locator" is Emmy-nominated "Sell This House", a how-to reality show that helps homeowners stage their too-long-on-the-market homes for sale.

Prospective buyers are taped by hidden cameras during an open house, and their comments provide the basis for changes in redecorating and staging the house. The prospective buyers return after the transformation to comment on the changes.

I like the programme because it gives ideas about colour schemes and such, and valuable pointers on redecorating and space utilisation.

"Sell This House" is fronted by Tanya Memme, a sexy bootie and former Miss Canada, who has a penchant for showing off her ample cleavage. Check them out folks (the TV series and not just the Memme cleavage, ok....)

When Mindef Gets all Pokey...

2012-01-12T19:38:00.009+08:00

I am sure by now the informed public would have been well-acquainted with Mindef's (Ministry of Defence) clothes poke eye embarassing debacle.

In the world of linguistic faux pas, this must have ranked somewhere near the top, in league with all those skewed bits doled out daily on that veritable treasure trove, engrish.com (here).

The Mindef dress code web page went into a downward spiral right from the beginning, with "Ethical Clothing". For 57 years I have existed in blissful ignorance, not knowing that clothes have ethics to live by.

The horrendous plunge continued with choice morsels such as forward berbutang, civet berbutang three, blouse/skirt with exquisite, National Dress by race, shine closed, long-sleeved batik shirt with mongoose fight...

The spectre of those Mindef folk wearing suites (two bedrooms with a bath?), jackets that belong to (George?) Bush, and tight civets and fighting mongoose haunt me. How and where does one style these creatures? Draped like a woman's fur stole?

Sadly, half-baked translation is the norm these days. It's the classic release cough on staircase syndrome. The bar has been set so low that a pidgin speaker could probably make a decent living doing translation jobs.

Any which way, I'll give a pass at deciphering those Mindef gems above; my jaw still hurts.

Every Cabinet Ministry has its public relations arm and Mindef is no different. Those long-ago days when I was still working as a newspaper reporter, I knew almost every single one of these PROs.

They were competent people the media could reach out to anytime for clarifications, comments, confirmation and such.

Professional in their approach, articulate and savvy in their presentation, they knew their stuff. Most importantly, they knew their English. And well.

Now, this translation job would definitely have come under the purview of Mindef's public relations department, a nook in all probability manned by a whole team of PR personnel.

Please tell me the person/s responsible didn't know or couldn't find a single local translator who could do the job, and had no choice but to turn to Google Translate.

It can't possibly be that Mindef was too skint to pay a qualified translator a couple of thousand ringgit to get it professionally done.

I say it's ineptness, that 'can't be bothered' attitude, that's what. Mindef can take off the offending page and apologise (they have) but the damage is already done.

Much like the 'gems' on engrish.com, these choice morsels will be trotted out every now and then in the years to come, to be laughed at, to be ridiculed.

In one stupid stroke, Mindef has become the country's laughing stock. This is beyond malu. The person/persons responsible should be hauled up and held accountable for this fiasco.

Goodbye Lou, Hello Louise...

2012-01-10T08:36:00.010+08:00

Goodbye Lou..

Hello Louise...

Out with the old, in with the new. And with that we bid adieu to good, old but no longer trustworthy Lou, and said bonjour! to pert, petite and still pristine Louise...

Lou the vintage wheels had been a commendable carrier until six months ago, when it began gasping like a dying man's last breath each time we took it beyond the confines of our TTDI backyard.

On occasions too numerous to count we were left stranded on roads and highways when the engine just conked out and went into blissful slumber right there with Pak Abu (or yours truly) behind the wheels.

[Not unlike a senile old coot, if you ask me - the car, not us - although we qualify just as well, all things considered].

Countless tow trucks and trips to a variety of mechanics and workshops later (not to mention hard-earned ribu2 ringgit flying into oblivion), Lou remained unrepentant, and as dogged as a stubborn mule being dragged to water.

I gave up on Lou just before Ramadan by telling the recalcitrant (err, not Pak Abu.. but Lou) that I refused to ride in it any more and that I'd rather walk. And walk I did.

This constant battle between his determined (ketegaq?) old mate and his beloved old junk eventually wore poor Pak Abu down. The long bouts of 'silent treatment' also helped... :-)

Finally, in December he decided it was Louise or bust. And so the SYT (sweet young thing) with the cute posterior came to stay.

As for Lou, he has moved on to better pasture; I hope the fella who bought him will knock some sense into the old coot.

"We know you have a bit more life left in you, Lou, only that we can no longer afford to entertain your shenanigans, being OAPs (old-age pensioners) that we are, that's all."

A New Discovery

2012-01-09T17:49:00.005+08:00

Last week, enroute to visiting our Haj buddies Abang Mat and his wife Kak Nor in Kampung Sri Kundang, Kuala Selangor, we spied this nondescript kedai makan simply named "Restoran Nasi Padang".

It is located on the main road in Paya Jaras, just a few metres after the town mosque and medan rakyat, a cluster of shophouses fronting a small square.

It goes without saying that we both love nasi padang, but finding a decent Minang eatery in KL has never been easy.

Besides one that serves truly glorious Minang fare in Kampung Pandan, and another in TTDI (with a pricey tag too), I don't know of others.

Of course, there's the famous "Restoran Sambal Hijau" in Sg Penchala, but the fare's not bona fide Minang; rather, it's a mishmash of Indonesian, Kelantanese and Thai.

We told ourselves we would try this Paya Jaras one out, and today we did. It was worth the drive (fortunately not very far, only 20 minutes from TTDI, taking the Sg Buloh route).

The lauk was genuine Padang; ayam berempah, gulai tunjang, tempe goreng, masak lemak, begedel, ikan goreng cili, not to mention a very delicious rendang daging/limpa/hati (or as Pak Abu calls it, kerisik daging). The beef was cooked so tender that it 'melted' at the touch.

Choices for the vegetable dishes were meagre and non-fussy. Of sambal, there was only one type (sambal hijau wasn't on the menu today). We had masak lemak pucuk with pisang and anchovies.

The bill came to a decent RM25, for the both of us and a tapau pack for Ann at home, for seven different types of lauk (we had four types for lunch and packed three for takeaway).

This restaurant opened two years ago and is family-owned; its owner-operator a pleasant young man in his thirties and I think it was his wife who manned the drink station.

Pak Abu primed his ears to catch snippets of conversation to determine if these folks hailed from his Kampar roots in Sumatera, but they were assimilated enough to speak standard Malay all the way.

We later asked the young man, and he told us his family originated from Sumatera (in fact he named the place but I can't recall it now).

Good food, decent price, courteous service. Rest assured, we'd be back for more...

Masih Ada Waktu (Ebiet G Ade)

2012-01-04T08:51:00.001+08:00

Pembuka tirai 2012 bagi ku... lagu yang menginsafkan.. semoga kita sentiasa mengingati.

Ariffin Mamat, Poet.

2011-12-30T00:57:00.014+08:00

Ariffin Mamat (a.k.a. Pak Pin) grew up poor; his widowed mother tapped rubber to raise her orphaned brood, of which he was the youngest and only son.

Torchlight clasped to his forehead, the little boy would keep her company on those dark, silent misty mornings as she laboured from tree to tree.

Straitened as his family was, Ariffin was rich in dreams. He wanted to be educated and to succeed in life so he could help break the family's vicious circle of grinding poverty.

Born and raised in Kemubu, Kelantan, Ariffin was barely 10 when his already depressed world crumbled with the death of his father.

All his young life, what little Ariffin had wanted the most was a pair of shoes, a luxury his mother could ill-afford.

Four decades and 40-odd countries later, Ariffin is a hotshot human resource professional honing his skills and plying his trade in the international corporate arena.

This Jeddah-based Malaysian expatriate could buy ten closetfuls of shoes, not to mention surrounding himself with material wealth, if he so wished.

Instead, the applied physics graduate-turned-HR expert wrote poetry and self-financed its publication.

His words, in particular the requiem for his late mother, reduced me to tears, thankfully in the privacy of my study. And if you have marshmallow heart like I do, you would too.

Without a doubt, Ariffin writes beautifully. His language is lucid, his words cut painfully deep. He wrote about love, about loneliness, about human foibles, about God.

'Mat Jiwang' to the core, Ariffin unashamedly wears his heart on his sleeve that Pak Abu and I feel compelled to keep Echo of Silence - Masih Di Sini by our respective bedside until the new year rolls in...

Echo of Silence - Masih Di Sini. This anthology of poems is currently marketed online. For details, please click on the link given at the foot of this article.

Team effort. The family setting up booth at the entrance of launch arena, The Oswego, Impiana KLCC. The bespectacled lady in yellow tudung is Aishah Talib, the love of Pak Pin's life.

A copy of the book encased in ice, to be chipped free during the launch. The ceremony was officiated by YBhg Datuk Johan Jaffar, Chairman of Media Prima Group, who also recited a poem of his choice to mark the occasion.

The freshly-minted author recounting his bittersweet journey into the world of prose.

Kama back in the fold as emcee, but only this once, and only for Pak Pin (did this for a living back in the '90s). These days, the only microphone she cares for is the one in the karaoke lounge.

Supporters and such, 70 strong, cramming the bar space. Thank you folks for your support.

The Press Conference...

Featured on primetime news, no less. Way to go, Pak Pin!

A sampling of Pak Pin's poetic prowess:

You Don't Know Him

Like a speck of dust

his soul floats in the air

blown by a sudden gush

his reasons turn into despair

lost in the hour's rush.

He retreats into a loner's lair

no one knows him

and no one cares

no one misses him

and no one's here nor there

all alone tonight

he tussles with the angels

a glimpse of light

flames from melting candles

dreams he weaves, of love he has none!

http://www.ariffinmamat.net/

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2011-12-25T00:40:00.000+08:00

Here's Kama & Co wishing Kata Kama's Christian readers Selamat Hari Natal. May the New Year bring joy and good tidings, may we continue to live in peace and harmony, and may the Good Lord bless us all. Amen.

Waxing Lyrical on Wednesday

2011-12-21T08:47:00.001+08:00

Away From You

away from you

i feel a great emptiness

a gnawing loneliness

with you

i get that reassuring feeling

of wanting to escape

(Roger McGough)

Meremang...

2011-12-19T08:53:00.007+08:00

Hingga semalam, sudah lama "dia" tidak menonjolkan diri. Saya berkata demikian sebab saya sudah lupa bilakah episod terdahulu.

Termenung saya sejenak untuk mengingatinya. Kalau tidak kerana catatan blog, tak mungkin saya dapat recall 'lawatannya' yang terakhir sebelum ini.

Sebenarnya, sejak kepulangan kami daripada Tanah Suci, "dia" hampir lenyap dari hidup saya. Mungkin sebab saya tidak lagi terbawa-bawa dengan arus hidup penuh kepura-puraan seperti dulu.

Saya amat arif dengan kehadirannya, walaupun saya tidak begitu pasti "dia" siapa. Setiap kehadirannya akan menderaukan darah saya; cuak ada, seriau pun ada. Yang tiada hanya perasaan takut.

Saya tahu tiada apa yang perlu saya takutkan. Saya terima kehadirannya sebagai makhluk Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala, dengan hati yang terbuka.

Semalam saya sengaja melengahkan solat Zohor walaupun azan sudah lama berkumandang. Kuat betul dorongan syaitan supaya kekal mengadap laptop.

Jam sudah hampir 2.30 petang. Pak Abu sudah lama ke padang golf. Tee-offnya selepas Zohor; sepertimana biasa, beliau solat di surau kelab bersama rakan-rakan yang lain.

Saya pulak (malu nak admit sebenarnya) masih leka melayan Facebook dan YouTube (sudah tentunya lagu-lagu Mandarin yang amat saya minati).

Mata sudah mulai kuyu, kepala pun dah mula terhangguk-hangguk. Sungguhpun begitu saya sedar solat belum disempurnakan. Tapi amatlah malas nak beransur ke bilik air untuk berwudhuk.

"Isyy, ngantuknya! Tidur dululah sekejap. Dapat satu jam cukuplah. Bangun 3.30, ambik wudhuk, solat, dan tunggu sampai masuk Asar. Amacam? Tak payah wudhuk banyak kali!"

Waah, meriah betul fikiran saya waktu tu. With the benefit of hindsight, saya sedar itulah bisikan syaitan, mungkin untuk mengulit saya ke alam mimpi hingga terlepas Zohor.

Tanpa lengah, saya masuk ke bilik tidur dan melabuhkan badan ke atas tilam empuk sambil mencapai bantal buat dakapan.

Dalam keadaan separa hanyut itu tiba-tiba... ADOI! jerit saya sambil bingkas bangun menggerak-gerakkan kaki. Ada sesuatu telah 'menoreh' tapak kaki kiri saya, seolah-olah dengan kuku yang amat tajam. Perit sekali hingga terhencut-hencut saya dibuatnya.

Saya pandang sekeliling..... sudah tentu tiada apa dan siapa di dalam bilik tidur. Meremang roma saya, perasaan mengantuk terbang entah ke mana. Meluru saya ke bilik air untuk berwudhuk dan mengerjakan solat.

"Ya Allah Ya Tuhan ku, ampunkanlah daku yang sangat lemah ini.."

Dalil Wajib Memakai Jilbab - Sekadar Berkongsi

2011-12-14T10:15:00.003+08:00

(gambar hanya sebagai hiasan)

Someone dear sent me an e-mail on the following - found it in my inbox this morning - and I would like to share it with you.

Read it with an open mind. The last thing I want my Muslim lady friends to think is that I'm ramming issues down their throat. I'm not; just sharing, for mutual benefit.

Personally, I find it intriguing enough to reconsider my current way of dressing...

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Dalil wajib memakai jilbab (in English jilbab means 'overcoat') berdasarkan firman Allah:

“Wahai Nabi! katakanlah kepada isteri-isterimu, anak-anak perempuanmu dan isteri-isteri orang Mukmin, ‘Hendaklah mereka mengulurkan jilbabnya.” [Al-Ahzab (33):59]

Apakah makna jilbab itu?

Dalam kitab Al-Mu’jam Al-Wasith karya Dr Ibrahim Anis [Kaherah: Darul Maarif ms 128], jilbab diertikan sebagai ats-tsaubul musytamil ala al-jasadi kullihi (pakaian yang menutupi seluruh tubuh), atau ma fauqa ats-tsiyab kal milhafah (pakaian luar yang dikenakan di atas pakaian rumah, seperti milhafah (seperti jubah), atau al-mula’ah asy-tamilu biha al-mar’ah (pakaian luar yang digunakan untuk menutupi seluruh tubuh wanita).

Berdasarkan pengertian ini, jelaslah bahawa yang diwajibkan ke atas wanita adalah mengenakan pakaian yang satu (sekeping) yang lurus dari atas hinggalah ke bawah, yakni hingga ke mata kaki.

Maksud milhafah/mula’ah (Arab) adalah pakaian yang dikenakan sebagai pakaian luar [di dalamnya masih ada pakaian dalam i.e pakaian rumah atau pakaian sehari-hari tetapi bukan hanya coli dan seluar dalam] lalu diulurkan ke bawah hingga menutupi kedua mata kakinya.

Untuk pakaian atas, wanita disyariatkan (diwajibkan) memakai khimar iaitu tudung atau apa sahaja bahan/kain yang serupa dengannya yang berfungsi menutupi seluruh kepala, leher, dan lubang leher baju di dada.

Wajib memakai tsaub (pakaian), di samping jilbab

Tsaub ialah ‘pakaian di rumah’ iaitu pakaian yang dipakai oleh wanita di hadapan mahramnya semasa berada dalam hayatul khassah (kehidupan khusus) tatkala tiada lelaki ajnabi (lelaki asing) di dalamnya.

Dalil mengapa wajib mengenakan tsaub di dalam jilbab ialah berdasarkan firman Allah:

“Dan perempuan-perempuan tua yang telah terhenti (dari haidh dan mengandung) yang tiada ingin berkahwin (lagi), tiadalah atas mereka dosa menanggalkan pakaian (tsiyab) mereka, dengan tidak bertujuan mendedahkan perhiasan mereka.” [TMQ An-Nur (24):60].

Ayat ini membenarkan wanita yang telah putus haid dan tiada keinginan berkahwin menanggalkan atau melepaskan pakaian (tsaub).

Ini bermakna, jika tiada ‘pakaian’ di dalam jilbab, bermakna wanita yang telah putus haid berkenaan akan berbogel, walhal berbogel tidak dibolehkan.

Justeru, tsaub adalah ‘pakaian dalam’ (pakaian rumah) yang wajib dipakai oleh Muslimah di samping jilbab (pakaian luar) di dalam hayatul am atau di dalam hayatul khas tatkala ada lelaki ajnabi.

Adapun sifat-sifat jilbab/pakaian wanita adalah sebagai berikut:

1. Menutup seluruh badan, kecuali bahagian yang boleh dibuka.

Allah berfirman:

وَلاَ يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلاَّ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَى جُيُوبِهِنَّ

"Dan janganlah mereka (wanita-wanita beriman) menampakkan perhiasan mereka kecuali yang (biasa) nampak dari mereka. Dan hendaklah mereka menutupkan kain kudung ke dada mereka." [QS. 24:31]

Allah melarang wanita menampakkan perhiasannya, kecuali yang biasa nampak. Tentang perhiasan yang biasa nampak, maka ada dua penafsiran ulama:

a) Pakaian yang dikenakan. Ini pendapat Ibnu Mas’ud.

b) Wajah dan dua telapak tangan. Ini merupakan pendapat sahabat: Aisyah, Ibnu Umar, dan Ibnu Abbas. Juga merupakan pendapat Ibnu Jarir, Al-Baihaqi, Adz-Dzahabi, Al-Qurthubi, Ibnul Qoththon, Al-Albani.

Dan ini pendapat yang lebih kuat, kerana merupakan amal yang berlaku pada banyak wanita di zaman Nabi dan setelahnya. (Jilbab Mar’atil Muslimah, hal: 41, 51, 52, 59).

Dengan demikian wanita muslimah wajib menutupi seluruh tubuhnya, kecuali wajah dan telapak tangan.

Menutup wajah wanita tidaklah wajib, namun bukanlah perbuatan yang berlebihan, bahkan hal itu merupakan keutamaan, kerana dilakukan oleh isteri-isteri Nabi dan sebahagian sahabat wanita di zaman itu dan setelahnya.

Sheikh Nasaruddin al-bani berkata: "Lebih utama dan lebih mulia bagi wanita untuk menutup wajah."

2. Bukan merupakan perhiasan.

Tujuan perintah berjilbab adalah untuk menutupi perhiasan. Kalau jilbab/pakaian itu sendiri dihiasi, dengan renda dan pelbagai aksesori, warna-warni yang menarik pandangan orang, maka ini termasuk “tabarruj” yang terlarang. Allah berfirman:

وَلاَ يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ

"Dan janganlah para wanita mukminat itu menampakkan perhiasan mereka." [QS. 24:31]

Allah juga berfirman:

وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلاَ تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ اْلأُوْلَى

"Dan hendaklah kamu tetap di rumahmu dan janganlah kamu tabarruj." [QS. 33:33]

Tabarruj artinya perbuatan wanita yang menampakkan perhiasannya, keindahan-keindahannya, dan segala yang wajib ditutupi, yang berupa perkara-perkara yang mendorong syahwat laki-laki”. (Jilbab Mar’atil Muslimah, hal:120)

Oleh kerana itulah jika keluar rumah, hendaklah wanita memakai pakaian yang berwarna gelap, tidak menyala dan berwarna-warni sehingga akan menarik pandangan orang.

Wallahu'alam.

Trailer Tale

2011-12-13T15:05:00.007+08:00

Remember the "Undilah" trailer recently aired over Astro? (see trailer, one of many, here)

The video footage had a gaggle of personalities, from politican Tengku Razaleigh to thespian Adflin Shauki, author Dina Zaman, MP Khalid Samad, Air Asia head honcho Tony Fernandez and many many more (even that unpalatable rabblerouser Namewee was included), exhorting the likes of you and I (especially the liat, "can't be bothered" ones, of course) to register as voters.

Fine and well, I say. After all the trailer is about persuading those among us who have yet to register as voters, to do so.

Frankly, I loathe those who have a lot to say about the state of governance in this country, but have never exercised their civic duty to help determine the future of our nation.

It's like a confirmed bachelor or lifelong spinster dishing out advice on how to raise children to exasperated parents of boisterous kids.

[For the record, I have been exercising my right as a voter without fail since the late '70s, right from the time I reached the age of consent to vote. But I digress...]

Among the many people featured holding aloft a placard/board proclaiming "Undilah" in the trailer is an old Malay woman (you can't really miss her; she's the only elderly Makcik in there).

I recognised her as a neighbour, a retired teacher, unmarried, who speaks with a thick Kedah slang and lives above us here at the condo.

I had been meaning to rib the pleasant, soft-spoken, diminutive former cikgu about it, but opportunity only presented itself this morning when we shared a lift ride.

Said she: "Ya, I have been told I appeared holding a card of some sort in the video. But you know, I never did although it was me alright."

Eh?

"I was in a shop somewhere, Bangsar rasanya, when someone approached me suruh angkat tangan gitu, so I did lah. I didn't know they were going to edit a placard into it; not that it matters.."

So I said to her: "Waah, so trusting lah you, Auntie. What if they edit the video and put a board that says "Lesbian, and Loving It!" in your hand? Tak ker haru!" ...

She gave me a throaty scream.. what a sweet, sweet old lady... :-D

The Conspirators

2011-12-08T10:23:00.001+08:00

Awang Jules: "Go away with your camera, Ma! I wanna take a nap and you're startling me!"

Lillie: "Enough of FBing and your endless Mandarin song practice, Ma. Humour me!"

Awang: "Let's give the old woman our muka kesian. Who knows, she may just fall for it and feed us again. In the mean time, let's lanyak her bed nice and proper, shall we, Lil?"

Undersea Angels @ One Utama

2011-12-07T08:33:00.000+08:00

For this year's Yuletide centrepiece One Utama goes undersea, with plump, pretty angels nestled among bright and shining multi-coloured corals and pristine white shells.

Whimsical and charming, it's a pleasant departure from the usual humongous fake pine laden with baubles, streamers, lights and other sparklies.

Communication 101

2011-12-05T16:35:00.000+08:00

;-D

Buku Time

2011-12-02T16:04:00.004+08:00

"The most delicious, depraved, inventive, macabre and hilarious literary debut I can think of... More , I want more!" Stephen Fry

"Redolent of soft leather chairs in fine gentlemen's establishments, and the cracking of whips in the basements beneath them. Perniciously addictive." Guardian

"It is easy to imagine Oscar Wilde, on a chaise longue smoking an absurdly expensive cigarette, reading The Vesuvius Club and laughing out loud at its playful decadence and wit. There can surely be no higher praise." Times Literary Supplement

Now, with blurbs like these, who wouldn't be tempted to rush a purchase and speed home to savour it? I did, but it look me two long years before I could actually finish it.

I plunged into the book almost immediately upon buying it in December 2009. For some reasons, I just couldn't get past the first chapter. Something felt missing between the pages.

After a few tries, I gave up and abandoned the book altogether, consigning it to the upper shelf, where it languished until I spied upon it once again a fortnight ago.

Determined to give it another try, I took it down, dusted it and began again. Strangely enough, there was renewed zest as I settled into the storyline.

It was such a refreshing departure from my usual true-life crime & mystery, murder & mayhem staple. I'm glad I did what I did. A great read The Vesuvius Club turned out to be. ..

Went to Borders at The Curve last week to check out new offerings from Stephen King and Jonathan Kellerman, and found these two.

I'm long done with "Mystery". Loved the many twists and turns. Pak Abu, who reads only at bedtime, is still plodding along with "Full Dark, No Stars"..

A month ago, found this one nestled amongst my Haruki Murakamis. Don't know whose book it is and how it got there; I know for sure it's not mine. if I were to hazard a guess, it could be son Naj's (have yet to ask him), for that's his kind of read.

Not one to pass up a chance of reading a feebie, I settled into the book, which recounted the motorbike travels of two good friends, actor Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi of Star Wars fame) and fellow actor Charley Boorman.

It's a fascinating and entertaining travel book about two bikers chasing their shadows through Europe, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, across the Pacific to Alaska, then down through Canada and America.

Two middle-class Brits roughing it out on the Steppes and in Siberia, being offered boiled sheep head in a Mongolian yurt (as honoured guests they had to dig out the eyes and eat them, a delicacy as it were)... Commendable read..

Books waiting to be read... hope it's not going to be a two-year wait like The Vesuvius Club.... :-)

Selamat Tahun Baru Hijrah 1433

2011-11-27T17:39:00.000+08:00

KAMA & KELUARGA MENGUCAPKAN SELAMAT MENYAMBUT AWAL MUHARRAM KEPADA SEMUA PEMBACA BLOG "KATA KAMA" YANG DIHORMATI. SEMOGA ALLAH SWT MERESTUI HIDUP KITA.

A 'Retro' Wedding

2011-11-24T14:11:00.002+08:00

A Vespa on the dais next to the pelamin makes the setting so charmingly 'retro'.

When Yaya Weds Yeep

Weddings, a gathering of kith and kin near and far. These are folks you don't get to see much otherwise due to the demands of everyday life. But come weddings, they would dutifully turn up to partake the celebrations and renew old ties.

It was full house at the wedding of Yaya (Puteri Ernie Suraya), youngest daughter of my eldest brother Megat Yusof, and her beau Yeep (Sharifudin) in Gombak two weeks back, after a year-long engagement (story here).

Yaya's a final-year student of multimedia at a local university. In the indie music circle, however, she's better known as the singer-composer-guitarist who frontlines indie band Static Emily. Yeep's an engineer with a local firm.

Yaya's the last of her dad's lot to get married. I'm sure both he and wife Sarah must be heaving a big sigh of relief. To Yaya and Yeep, Selamat Pengantin Baru from Mak Yong Kama and family. Cepat tambah cucu Abah & Ibu!

My nieces Puteri Davina and Puteri Arieshah, elder daughters of my brother Megat Muzaffar... Next in line.. ?

The bride's nieces (my teenage grandnieces) living it up in '50s tog. They later put up a musical show with the band in attendance.

The siblings (from left): Fouzi, Kama, Yusof. Phew, aren't we oh so chubby...

Father of the bride (flanked by his sisters Idah, Izah and Kama), masuk 'spital for breathing difficulties. He had neglected his sneezes and coughs for three weeks so as not to interrupt his daughter's wedding preparations.

Turned out he had bronchitis and water in the lungs. Tak pasal-pasal jadi tetamu kehormat Hospital Ampang Puteri for four days. Thank God he's on the road to recovery.

Bradley

2011-11-23T07:17:00.008+08:00

Absolutely adorable Bradley Yip Kuppusamy, all three months of him, came a-visiting his 'Nana Puteri' over the weekend. It was Bradley and Nana's very first meeting since his birth.

That's my cutiepie latest 'cucu' Bradley in the arms of his proud daddy, my adopted son Dinesh. Bradley's mom, Rachel, was away on a flight (she's with the national carrier).

Dinesh and my eldest son Naj have been best buddies since childhood and the friendship has endured to this day. The boy grew up before my eyes, and now he has presented me with a child of his own...

May you one day be a good, responsible, loving man just like your dad, Bradley. And always remember, Nana loves you very much...

PS: I kept telling Dinesh how auspicious the name 'Bradley' is to me, for the simple reason that my late (maternal) grandfather hailed from Kuala Krai where the famous Tangga Bradley is.

This well-known local landmark has been renamed Tangga Krai since the '80 but to oldies like me, Tangga Bradley it will always be.

For a bit of Tangga Bradley history, please read here. I have sat on these very steps once, as a child of five or six, on my one and only trip to visit my late grandfather's hometown.

Tangga Bradley leading down to Sungai Kelantan

Straight From The Heart

2011-11-22T09:32:00.007+08:00

Apologies are due for the apparent neglect of this blog. The knots in my life are unraveling, for the good of all concerned, I hope.

To be frank, I have been fighting a lot of personal demons lately, that writing had somehow become a chore and not the passion it used to be.

I'd like to say (and believe) that I'm back on an even keel. Let's just hope the statement is the whole unadulterated truth, for the sake of sanity and peaceful existence.

There really is no need to elaborate; suffice to say there are times in one's life when one has to take stock of what ails one's relationship with the people closest to one's heart.

Reality check is important to keep such relationships intact. The channels of communication should always remain open. No one is better than the other and everyone have equal rights to be heard.

My dearest wish is that with the end of 2011, a closure of sorts will prevail and that 2012 will begin with hopes anew and love afresh. I reckon that is not too much to ask .....

Post-Raya Blues..

2011-11-07T11:04:00.007+08:00

The head throbs a bit. Still able to function normally, though (boleh blogging lagi :-D); the consequences of having one cupcake too many yesterday, polishing off the icing as well. I think I'm a sucker for punishment.

And for the first time in, well, a very long time, woke up groggy, with an aching back, and worst of all, at almost 7 am terlajak big time for subuh prayers (dang!)

I wish I could smother the fajar merah in the distant horizon with an eraser to push back time. Missing the first prayer of the day is so upsetting, even with the kadho provision..

What made it worse was the realisation that nobody hissed bangun! in my ears, or yanked the blanket off, or tickled the sole of my feet this time. What has happened to 'the keeper' or did I tidur mati?

On a more cheerful note, yesterday was a busy one; the earliest visitors arrived at noon and last guests left around 11pm. Pooped but happy with the turnout, I was.

Nasi dagang's turn this year, as authentic as it could possibly be with gulai ikan aya (with loads of cili padi) and acar timun.

Couldn't leave kuzi ayam out of the menu even if I wanted too. But no nasi minyak this time, instead kuzi was eaten with milk bread sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Serunding daging paired off with lemang and ketupat pulut; a perennial favourite in the Abu household...

For dessert there's english trifle (cupcakes arrived later in the afternoon). As one guest puts it: "The trouble with trifle is that it looks nice and inviting before you dig your spoon into it. The moment you do, it collapses into a pile of mishmash.." Well, at least it's still a delish mash..eheh..

Thank you to our guests for gracing our home with your presence and syukur syukur syukur Alhamdulillah for the bountiful food when some of us elsewhere in the world were not so fortunate...

Selamat Eid Adha

2011-11-06T08:48:00.000+08:00

Kami sekeluarga mengucapkan Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha kepada semua pembaca yang di hormati, khusus Muslimin dan Muslimat di mana jua berada. Semoga kita semua sentiasa di lindungi Allah swt.

Singing Spook..

2011-11-03T16:45:00.002+08:00

If you are into karaokeing, do take heed whenever you feel like letting your hair down, alone or with the gang, at some karaoke joint.

Try not to be by yourself. Always have someone to keep you company, even if the person doesn't sing. A solo crooner in a darkened room is receipe for disaster, believe me.

It gave me the heebie jeebies when my daughter Ann related this tale over lunch today. Eeee, the hairs on my neck still prick....

Ann and her gang occasionally de-stress at karaoke lounges, if they don't bungee jump or parasail or scuba-dive, or do some other physically lasak activities, that is.

She told the story of a friend's aunt who recently went singing with three friends at a well-known karaoke joint in town.

They decided to call it a day after a few hours and rang for the bill. To their annoyance, they were charged for five persons instead of four.

The management insisted there were five people in the group. They stood their ground and refused to pay for the extra person.

To prove their case, the management showed them CCTV footage of the room. There were indeed five people; the four friends and a long-haired woman dressed in white, sitting next to one of them with her head bowed, swaying from side to side to the beat of the music!

The four friends were spooked speechless. I think it will be quite a while before they pluck up enough courage to go there again, if ever. Talk about creepy karaoke ...

[previous posting on spooky k-lounge here...]

Antara Anyir dan Jakarta, it's Seoul..

2011-11-01T18:06:00.011+08:00

Like they say, one can only plan...

I was looking forward to making that planned trip to Jakarta with my sisters Saturday last, to attend the wedding of our niece Miranda (from our Indonesian side of the family).

Somehow, the unexpected cropped up. Firstly, the package that the agency had worked out for us was a bit on the high side.

That put me off a bit, because I knew there were cheaper alternatives and I didn't want to be hasty when the difference was quite substantial just by switching carriers.

Then one sister opted out because her granddaughter suddenly got sick. Thankfully, little Zura has recovered from her viral infection, after a week-long hospital stay.

Another sister decided she wasn't going to leave her young ones to battle their year-end exams sans Mak, even if Mak's mind was already feasting on the batik textiles of Tanah Abang.

It's the moral support thingy, if you wish, and I certainly didn't want to share the burden of her guilt as well, as we gallivanted in good old Plaza Senayan... :-))

Yet another sister (the ever-practical one) decided, in one stroke, that "If you guys are going to take forever to decide, I'm off... to Korea!" And so she did!

That's how I end up with the pretty decorative plate above. Made of porcelain, the gild-edged plate shows a Korean woman in hambok playing the samisen.

정말 감사합니다 (kamsa-ham-nee-daa/thank you) sis Hanizah, for your thoughtfulness. It's truly a charming piece and I love it..

As for the Jakarta trip, we're rescheduling to November end. Never mind the kenduri, although I would have loved to see how they do weddings over there.

The proposed trip will be to ziarah Mir's grandma, our aunt Ibu Khadijah, who's now in her 80s and judging by pictures, rather frail. Pray that the planned visit will materialise.

As it were, the postponed jaunt saw me getting a copywriting and translation job instead. Ah, rezeki comes in so many different ways, syukur alhamdulillah. Thank you Kay for trusting me with your project. Much appreciated, that.

"The Strangers: Road To Jannah" Islamic Youth Camp

2011-10-31T07:50:00.004+08:00

The Al-Khaadem Annual Youth Camp is back.

Themed The Strangers: Road To Jannah, the camp will be held from Dec 7th to 11th, 2011 at a well-known camping site along the historic Sungai Perak.

Al-Khaadem, a brief introduction:

Pertubuhan Al-Khadeem is a charity-based Islamic NGO founded in 1984 by well-known Hadith scholar, Al-Ustaz Haji Hussein Yee. He was born and raised a Buddhist but embraced Islam at 18, upon which he pursued studies at the University of Madinah in Saudi Arabia, majoring in Hadith.

He returned home and joined Perkim, an organisation that looks after the well-being of new converts, upon his graduation in 1978. Six years later, with a group of like-minded friends, Ustaz Hussein embarked on the Pertubuhan Al-Khaadem project.

The aim was to foster a peaceful and harmonious existence between mankind regardless of race, colour or creed. Al-Khaadem means 'Serving Mankind' and it was established to reflect Islam's compassion and to do charity work among the underprivileged and the needy.

Headquartered in Kampung Kayu Ara, Petaling Jaya, Al-Khadem is run by volunteers. [My posting on last year's camp is here].

Al-Khaadem Youth Camp 2011

The Strangers: Road To Jannah

[The following information is taken from Al-Khaadem's blog here)

Organized by the youth, for the youth under the spirit of Islam, Al-Khaadem’s Youth Camp is an annual event for the young generation from diverse backgrounds, cultures and races to come together under the banner of Islamic brotherhood.

It's an escape to the outdoors where they will engage in exciting physical activities, thought provoking modules and programs structured to instill Islamic values and develop responsible and capable characters.

The event aims to go beyond the average ‘Islamic summer camp’ detail by offering a platform for the youth to express and develop their individual characters under the mentorship of senior Al-Khaadem Youth members.

The bonds developed during the camp will be maintained after the event for the participants to continue their development at the same time getting themselves involved with charity and da’wah works organized by Al-Khaadem.

Al-Khaadem’s Youth Camp 2011 will be held at the exotic Sungai Perak camping site which boasts a 400KM long river. It is open to all age 12 years and above.

If your child is below the required minimum age but would like to join the Camp, please let us know for our ruling is not rigid and we do make exceptions on a case to case basis .

Participants will be engaging in exciting water programs such as kayaking and water games, as well as challenging outdoor activities such as jungle trekking, night-walks and flamming ball!

Apart from the outdoor activities, throughout the camp participants will be required to complete Islamic development modules designed to instill important Islamic lessons and knowledge into their individual characters as well as to develop self-confidence and critical thinking skills.

Camp participants will also be divided into groups and allocated different roles within their group and the groups will then compete with each other to attain the Youth Camp 2011 grand prize.

This will cultivate leadership and role playing skills as well as to train participants the concept of team building and strengthening bonds of brotherhood outside the camp.

The activities and modules are organized and facilitated by experienced and trained members from the Al-Khaadem Youth, under the guidance and supervision of Sheikh Hussain Yee himself.

“The Strangers: Road to Jannah”

In an authentic hadith, Rasullullah sallahu ‘alaihi wsalam said:

“Islaam began as something strange and it will return to how it began as something strange. So glad tidings of Paradise to the strangers”

The people then asked, “Who are they, O Messenger of Allaah?” He sallahu ‘alaihi wsalam answered, “Those who are pious and righteous when the people (around them) have become evil.” [Sahih, Imam Ahmad and others]

Al-Khaadem’s Youth Camp this year is themed at educating the youth on the importance of adhering to the teachings of Islam when the society or surrounding environment dictates otherwise.

The importance of understanding the responsibility of carrying the standard of Islam and the challenges the Muslim Youth must face in today’s world has to be educated to the young generation of our Ummah.

All of the modules and case studies will focus on providing the solutions as well as to motivate the youth to be proud of the teachings of Islam and to carry the banner of Islam towards the future.

Speaker's profile:

Sheikh Hussain Yee:

He is the founder and the President of Al-Khaadem organization, born into a Buddhist family and later embraced Islam at the age 18 in 1968.

He received his formal Islamic education in Madinah and Syria, and also attended lectures by renowned Scholars such as Bin Baz and Nasiruddin Al-Albani (Mercy of Allah upon them).

He is a well known personality in the international circuit of Da’wah, giving regular lectures across the globe and appearances in Islamic Channel UK, IERA, Peace TV and many more.

A soft spoken and humble character, he brings with him the wealth of knowledge on Islam and experience in the field of Da’wah for the young generation to learn and be inspired.

T: +6 03 7726 4146

M: +6 014 669 0196

E: akyouthcamp@gmail.com

http://al-khaadem.com.my/blog/

Kayden Turns 2

2011-10-29T23:42:00.006+08:00

It was Kayden Stewart's second birthday and Chicky The Chook was there in his blood red, wobbly rose comb glory, to help celebrate. The venue: KFC Subang Parade.

Am I alone or do you feel it too? The irony, I mean; considering it was The Chook's deep-fried kin that we feasted on at the party.

Any which way, it's thumbs up to KFC's new tomyam flavour. I guess the revised KFC mantra (almost always chanted by Bangla staff) must be "Original, Spicy or Tomyam?"

Kayden is cucu number 2 of my sister Zaridah's 3 grandkids. He was born two years ago in Cleveland, Ohio, to her daughter Amilda and husband Gary.

Happy birthday Kayden! Come claim your present on Hari Raya day at Opah Kama's house okay? (kes tak sempat beli hadiah..)

Kayden in mom's arms while Chicky the Chook drools at the mouth-watering fare.

Birthday Cake I - can't remember who contributed this...

Pak Abu (in red tee) sportingly participating in the musical chair game but declined to pop the balloons with his ample derriere. Needless to say, he lost to the kiddies..

Birthday Cake II - I think this cute orange Leo (ice cream cake) is from Kayden's Uncle Zack..

Three of the five pilots in the family. From left: my nephew Athari, nephew-in-law Faizal and another nephew, Aizuddin. Not in the picture: Athari's dad Atan (who was too busy eating) and Aizuddin's dad Hisham (away on a flight).

Even more cakes! Looking at all these gives me sugar rush...

Karaoke Finds A Home...

2011-10-29T09:37:00.015+08:00

Karaoke diehards of The Royal Lake Club of Kuala Lumpur finally got a dedicated lounge to call their own last night - thanks to years of ceaseless pleadings, cajolings, petitions as well as well-timed indignant outbursts [read berating the sitting Board at AGMs to make them feel guilty .... :-)]

The lounge is located at the old building, taking part of the space of erstwhile Bunga Raya Chinese restaurant which has been shifted to the main lobby for easier accessibility due to high traffic.

The one-time restaurant is now home to the club gymnasium, aerobics room and karaoke lounge (with two private rooms attached).

We gave the spanking new AV system a go last night. Everyone agreed it needed a bit of fine-tuning.

Frankly, the old system at the theatrette has more 'ooomph'. Hope they'll do the needful pronto since the place is operational as of today.

Operation has been extended to six days a week (closed Mondays) as opposed to the previous three. There is a full-time DJ now, with a stand-in whenever required.

Another bit of cheerful news is that F&B service is now available within the lounge, eliminating the need to bring our own bottled drinks (food was strictly off-limits in the theatrette).

A waiter is on hand during operation hours while drinks and finger foods can be ordered from the Poolside Terrace cafe and Tokyu Tengu Japanese restaurant next door.

Best of all, there's a new lift installed especially for karaoke patrons, in particular the senior citizens.

Heck, almost all of us diehards are SCs! I certainly find climbing up the many flights of stairs taxing on my wonky knees.

The lift is located on the ground floor facing the mini fountain underneath the staircase leading up to the swimming pool.

Finally having a place to call 'home' no doubt soothes the frayed nerves of long-suffering Lake Club karaoke fans.

They had suffered the indignity of being shunted from place to place within the club for umpteenth years, with all kinds of lame excuses ranging from no space to no budget to no priority..

The lounge's new system is fully computerised and song selection is up-to-date. However, members can still bring their own discs (but originals only, to avoid future legal entanglements re copyright issue).

Some 50 members, mostly karaoke regulars, turned up for the official opening last night by Club President, Dato Ir A. Sani Karim. Due to space constraint, the organisers were unable to invite more.

General Committee members too were there in full force. Thank you guys for the support..

Dato' President chipping at the ice block to reveal (and subsequently sign) the plaque.

A mean crooner himself, Dato' Sani started the ball rolling with perennial favourite "My Way."

Yours truly staking a claim on the limited number of chairs..

There's a grinning Leona with the V sign..

Charges (for the private rooms) are pretty reasonable. Lounge singing, as before, is FoC (i.e. no cover charge) but is strictly for members, while the private rooms are for both members and their guests...

All things considered, we are pleased our pressuring efforts have finally borne fruit...

Creative minds at work..

2011-10-28T17:51:00.001+08:00

who says mathematics' boring...?

A year older..

2011-10-28T07:29:00.001+08:00

mixed fruit meringue

chicken pie

breads

chocolate

The birthday came and went, three days ago. For the first time, the kids got together and brought food to celebrate at home, instead of the usual family dine-out.

I offered to prepare dessert - was thinking english trifle or bread pudding - but they told me to lay off the kitchen for a day. Like I needed reminding, heh..

Pies were the meal of the evening, super rich and meaty chicken pie and shepherd's pie. The former went in the blink of an eye; the latter made it to breakfast the following day.

Completing the menu were a bowl of mixed vegetable salad with balsamic dressing, various types of buns and rolls, slices of succulent Thai mangoes, and a jumbo-sized, super-sedap mixed fruit meringue.

[PS: I 'returned' the favour by accidentally breaking the salad bowl; butterfinger me. Thankfully, it was neither Bohemian crystal nor someone's family heirloom. Phew!]

In all, it was a memorable evening - good food & good company. Nothing beats having the ones you love around you; thank you guys!

A couple of days earlier, Izan, who made Awwa's wedding favours recently (story here), turned up at my doorsteps with a surprise birthday gift of a heart-shaped chocolate. Much appreciated, Izan..

What Bank Cashiers Do In Their Spare Time..

2011-10-25T17:52:00.001+08:00

kalau rajin sila teka which note belongs to what country. saya malas nak berfikir..:-)

Cuban Delight

2011-10-21T11:51:00.007+08:00

Another gift for my ever-growing collection of decorative plates from around the world.

This one depicts Castillo del Morro - proper name Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro - (story here), a picturesque fortress guarding the entrance to Havana Bay in Havana, Cuba.

The fortress, built in 1589 when Cuba was under Spanish rule, has become a symbol of the city over the years and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

This plate is made of clay and the design is three-dimensional. I loved it the moment I laid my eyes on it; there's a certain edginess to the artisan's creativity in crafting this plate..

Muchas gracias Fuzz, for obliging this old lady...

**Cuba sounds like an interesting holiday destination...

The Answers They Gave....

2011-10-18T13:24:00.001+08:00

(Kama says: it's a good thing they do have lots of big-sized dames in Mississippi..)

(Kama says: they are starting 'em young these days..)

Schoolboy Howlers

2011-10-17T20:25:00.002+08:00

The following gems of wisdom were gleaned from test papers and essays from elementary, junior high, high school, and college students of USA.

As one teacher noted, "It is truly astonishing what weird stuff our young scholars can create under the pressures of time and grades!"

Water is composed of two gins, Oxygin and Hydrogin. Oxygin is pure gin. Hydrogin is gin and water.
Blood flows down one leg and up the other.
Dew is formed on leaves when the sun shines down on them and makes them perspire.
Mushrooms always grow in damp places and so they look like umbrellas.
Momentum is what you give a person when they are going away.
To prevent milk from turning sour, keep it in the cow.
The parts of speech are lungs and air.
The inhabitants of Moscow are called Mosquitoes.
A census taker is a man who goes from house to house increasing the population.
Most of the houses in France are made of plaster of Paris.
The spinal column is a long bunch of bones. The head sits on the top and you sit on the bottom.
The word trousers is an uncommon noun because it is singular at the top and plural at the bottom.
Iron was discovered because someone smelt it.
Syntax is all the money collected at the church from sinners.
Beethoven wrote music even though he was deaf. He was so deaf he wrote loud music. He took long walks in the forest even when everyone was calling for him. Beethoven expired in 1827 and later died for this.
The sun never set on the British Empire because the British Empire's in the East and the sun sets in the West.
Gravity was invented by Issac Walton. It is chiefly noticeable in the fall when the apples are falling off the trees.
Finally Magna Carta provided that no man should be hanged twice for the same offence.
After his death, his career suffered a dramatic decline.
Actually, Homer was not written by Homer but by another man of that name.
Bach was the most famous composer in the world and so was Handel.
Handel was half German, half Italian and half English. He was very large.
The Greeks were a highly sculptured people, and without them we wouldn't have history. The Greeks also had myths. A myth is a female moth.
The invention of the steamboat caused a network of rivers to spring up.
Queen Victoria was the longest queen. She sat on a thorn for 63 years.

Luahan Hati Anak Luar Nikah ...

2011-10-16T09:20:00.012+08:00

Dalam zaman dunia serba maju dan moden ini masih lagi wujud segelintir manusia yang berfikiran sempit, yang enggan membuka minda walau sekelumit.

Paling menyedihkan mereka orang Islam, walaupun tindak tanduk mereka tidak mencerminkan keislaman yang konon persadakan.

Umat sejati Nabi Muhammad (saw) seharusnya melapangkan dada, menerima qada' dan qadar, dan menggunakan akal kurniaan Allah swt dalam membuat sebarang pertimbangan.

Pilu sekali membaca luahan hati seorang jejaka nelayan dari Taiping, Perak, yang sudah tiga kali pinangannya di tolak oleh keluarga calon isteri apabila mendapat tahu statusnya sebagai anak luar nikah (Harian Metro, Sabtu 15 Oktober 2011).

Kebanyakan keluarga teman wanitanya menolak lamaran dengan alasan sinis tidak mahu keturunan atau cucu mereka nanti mewarisi darah daging anak zina.

Status Mohamad bin Abdullah, 35, sebagai anak luar nikah mula menekan hidupnya apabila dia seringkali terkandas setiap kali mahu mendirikan rumahtangga sejak 1999.

Kata Mohamad, keluarga calon gadis pilihan kerap bertanya mengapa beliau berbinkan nama berlainan dengan nama bapa (angkat) yang menjadi ketua rombongan semasa meminang.

Oleh kerana tidak mahu menjadi salah faham di kemudian hari, mereka mengambil pendekatan berterus terang.

"Saya cuba berlaku jujur menceritakan latar belakang hidup kerana tidak mahu ia menjadi masalah selepas perkahwinan kelak.

"Saya bimbang jika ada orang kampung atau saudara mara terlepas cakap sehingga saya di tuduh penipu."

Malang sekali pendekatan terbuka yang di ambil oleh Mohamad telah menyebabkan pinangan di tolak bulat-bulat atas alasan tidak sanggup bermenantukan anak haram.

Malah kata Mohamad, ibu seorang calon pilihannya pernah menghina dan menyifatkan anak luar nikah sama tarafnya dengan haiwan serta tidak layak berkahwin dengan manusia suci.

"Mungkin jodoh saya hanya sesuai dengan gadis yang juga dilahirkan sebagai anak luar nikah," keluhnya lagi.

Hati saya bagai diguris apabila membaca laporan ini. Amat memalukan apabila seseorang itu tidak dapat membezakan hakikat sebenar.

Yang melakukan zina ialah ibubapanya. Kenapa pula di hukum anak yang tidak berdosa? Bukan dia minta dilahir sebagai anak luar nikah.

Janganlah kita angkuh bila berhadapan dengan keadaan begini. Kita tidak tahu apa yang tersimpan untuk diri kita dan keluarga kita di masa depan...

(Link berikut khas untuk commenter pertama dibawah. Kot-kotlah merasa pengetahuan agama sudah begitu tinggi dan lebih handal daripada kebanyakan ahli agama yang menyaran pendekatan yang lebih sensible, seperti Dr MAZA.

Saya nasihatkan awak supaya muhasabah diri; jangan terlalu menyombong dalam mengeluarkan kata-kata, takut kalau-kalau di satu hari nanti, dengan izin Allah, kelancangan mulutmu itu akan berbalik makan tuan. Semoga kamu mendapat hidayah).

http://drmaza.com/himpunan_fatwa/?p=42

Break-ins..

2011-10-15T12:09:00.011+08:00

There have been a spate of break-ins (3 in just as many months), something unheard of in the past for this condo development.

And this is a low-density residential area with (purportedly) high security coverage. Is somebody sleeping on the job, or sleeping with the crooks?

We need answers, and we need them fast. Otherwise, there'll be hell to pay for the condo management and the security company.

There are only 4 blocks in this development; 1 highrise and 3 lowrises (2 of which are walkups). All have full view of the pool and the tennis & badminton courts.

The highrise comprises 120 units with only 8 units on each floor (capped by a couple of penthouses) while each of the lowrises has 24 units.

Undeniably, there's strong security presence; both the entrance and the lobby are fully manned, with regular 24-hour patrolling.

Then there's CCTV all over, not to mention us paying a hefty monthly premium for maintenance, a sum that almost equals the monthly rental of a decent-sized flat.

Still, one unit on my floor (just 2 doors away from ours) was broken into during the raya period when the occupants were away 'balik kampung.'

The lock of pensioner Cikgu Mat's abode was picked clean; there were no signs of forced entry. Quite a fair bit were carted away. His wife is still traumatised by the 'invasion'.

Strangely enough, no one noticed anything unusual, not even the guards, who were supposed to be vigilant.

Investigations have revealed nothing. Until today it's still a blank wall, said a management executive when I dropped by their office on the ground floor this morning.

If that's not bad enough, a couple of days back two adjoining units in Lowrise C suffered the same fate. One was very badly hit; the perpetrators made away with precious jewels worth quite a lot.

According to the officer, the story got even stranger as events unfolded (all of which I am not at liberty to relate because it has become a police case).

Suffice to say the entire security force has been replaced; we are now seeing stern new faces everywhere we turn.

Save for recognisable residents, all manners of visitors - family members, guests, delivery people, workmen et cetera - are now escorted to wherever they are going upon entering the gounds.

Harapkan pagar, pagar makan padi. Who can we trust now?

Halal Kibbles

2011-10-11T23:50:00.004+08:00

I was thrilled to bits upon finding this at Tesco today. Halal kibbles. Now, that's really neat!

Felines have been dominating my existence for as long as I can remember. My life, then and now, is not complete without the presence of these furry creatures.

During my childhood, cats were fed either boiled fish flakes mixed with rice, or meal leftovers, or both. Processed cat food was unheard of.

Over the years, my cats have been feeding on whatever kibble brands I could lay my hands on - Iams, Eukanuba, Friskies, Purina, Royal Canin, Science Diet, Snappy Tom, Whiskas.

Iams, Eukanuba and Royal Canin, expensive but runaway favourites, topped the list. Science Diet gave God-awful smelling poo. Friskies and Purina were good for kittens. Snappy Tom was a welcome treat. Whiskas, way down the scale, was barely tolerated.

Although in Islam there is no specific requirement for pet food to be halal, I knew I would feel more comfortable handling kibbles that have been so certified.

Fed Awang & Lillie their new chow today. Verdict? They seemed to like it... :-))

More feline tales here:
1) The Last Meow
2) Rumpus of The Rump
3) When A Cat Goes Missing
4) Missing Kids & Cats...
5) Awwa & The Pregnant Cat
6) Purrcy
7) Goodbye Purrcy
8) Lillie
9) When Jealousy Reigns
10) Not Again, Lillie!
11) Lil Blue Eyes
12) Awang Jules
13) Awang Oh Awang!
14) Please Adopt Me!
15) MummyCat & Co.

Izan's Chocolatey "Bunga Telur"

2011-10-11T16:10:00.005+08:00

Bunga Telur (wedding 'party favour/door gift') has come a long way from a single boiled egg with red-dyed shell, glued to green crepe paper shaped like a leaf and stuck or wired onto a thin bamboo stick topped with flowers of coloured crepe paper, satin or lace.

These days anything goes for bunga telur - sweets and candies, chocolates and cookies, sliced cake, traditional treats like dodol, bahulu, serunding, sagon (dessicated coconut mixed with sugar), even mini jars of pickles, jam or preserves.

[I have also received scented candles, mini Qur'an, personalised plates, mugs, cups, potpourri ... ].

Then there's the packaging, from simple drawstring mini sachets to mini vases of clay or porcelain, to the more lavish boxes made of paper or wood.

[Someone went retro not so long ago by giving out fish-shaped bahulus tied in handkerchief.. simply lovely].

For Nawwar's wedding, we decided upon chocolate bars in personalised wrapping. All we had to do was find a chocolate maker, and we found a very comel young lady named Izan of Dhahabiy Chocolates Ole Mekah through the Net.

Nawwar's graphic designer office mate designed the wrapping; we had them printed and delivered to Izan who, I must admit, did a wonderful job with the wafer-clad rich bars.

If there is anything more to say about this bubbly young mother, it's the fact that she is very consumer-oriented; she's got that one down pat.

She's a good listener, and gracious in giving room to negotiate prices. I hope this hardworking entrepreneur will go far. Izan, this post is for you...

Monolog Pagi Selasa

2011-10-11T11:12:00.005+08:00

Si Eli pembantu rumah separuh masa ku sedang rancak mengelap pintu kaca sliding door di balcony when I launched into one of my usual celoteh..

"Pagi tadi kan Eli, pukul lima, masa saya bukak sliding door tu, saya nampak bayang-bayang entah apatah kat tepi pagar dalam kawasan kubur kat bawah tu.

"Berderau darah saya sekejap. Apalah agaknya. Eli lalu kot situ kan hari-hari? Bukanlah nak takutkan Eli, saja tanya."

Senyap.

Saya angkat muka; dia tengah mengelap dengan penuh kyusuk dan tawadduk. "Kadang-kadang saya pun boring gak dengan benda-benda macam ni. Bukannya saya nak tengok sangat pun. Nampak dari hujung mata, nak buat macam mana.."

Senyap.

Jari jemarinya semakin pantas menari atas permukaan cermin. Berkelip pun tak si Eli ni. Pandang muka saya jauh sekali. Dia buat derkk ajer. Haisyyy, kurang asam betul. Respond la sikit kalau ya pun!

Saya angkat muka sekali lagi. Saya perhati dia betul-betul. Laaaa, patutla takdak response; sliding door tu bertutup rapat dan dia di belah 'sana' dok mengelap, mana dia dengar potpet ku!

Dok bercerita sorang-sorang rupanya saya...

Makang Lagi!

2011-10-09T22:10:00.008+08:00

Hard 'g's tumbled fast and furious down the gentle slopes of Taman Tun Dr Ismail's Rasta Food Court this afternoon when some 1,500 Trengganu-born city dwellers converged for "Jamuan Mesra 2011", PESAT's annual sambutang raya get-together.

The cheerful cries of slekang, slekang! (welcome!) greeted us as we arrived at Rasta around noon. Thankfully, the weather was kind; the past few days had been either jo'ong (cloudy) or outright ujang (rainy).

Host PESAT (Persatuan Anak-anak Terengganu di Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan) did a commendable job with the organising.

A lavish spread of East Coast specialties awaited; nasi dagang & ikang aya & aca timung, krepok gonde & air lada, ttupak daong palah goreng & samba ikang & ayang, nasi ujang panah & gula daging, tape, sate, lopak tikang, akok... and many many more..

As always, occasions like this afforded opportunities to get reacquainted with long-lost kawang-kawang lama (old friends), especially those from our childhood days.

And we met plenty, amongst them Normala from my own neighbourhood (she lives down the road at Athinahappan), Dato' Samsudin (we call him Nung) and his brother Bashir (we grew up together in Bukit Besi), and I had a surprise meeting with Aminah Idris, 1970 headgirl of Dungun English Secondary School (DESS), who now calls Shah Alam home.

And for once, I managed to control my food intake by not overdoing it till sekok se'eh (to the brim) as in the past. It wasn't easy, though... lapo mata most of all..

In all, good food, superb company; a wonderful outing!

From left: Bashir, moi, Mala & Nung. Dato Sam a.k.a. Nung is also Pak Abu's golf kaki; he had known Pak Abu well before I did..

I'm so happy this year three (Ani, Izah, Idah) of my five sisters could make it to the gathering. From left: my brother-in-law Atan, his wife and my sister Zahana who, for some unfathomable reason ended up with the moniker Ani since small, nephew Anoh (with his back to the camera.. aparaa), another sister Zaridah, the glamour-puss of the family, yours truly, the family's sempoi-puss, and Idah's colleague Rosnah. Nice to have met you, Mek Ros!

PESAT staff hard at work registering new members..

Makang session in full swing...

Muzik pong ader gok dalang tengoh panah liklik tu! (dalam panas terik tu pun ada muzik). "Kunang Kunang", made up of teenage boys, provided entertainment..

The cendol stall... now you know who to call if you want really good cendol.. beh giler...(plus, mamak tu hensem gok.. LOL)

Tranu folks fry their ketupat and eat them with fish/chicken serunding that's unmistakably sweet, just the way we like it :-)

Glorious Nasi Dagang..!

Nasi dagang's accompaniment, sweet tuna fish curry.

Satay is a must.. pong sweet gok; doh nokwak guaner mek, orang Tranu ni manih2 blaker.. (satay was also sweet, nak buat camana mek, orang Tranu ni semuanya manis2 belaka..:D)

The Queen and The Presidents

2011-10-07T02:11:00.003+08:00

Queen Elizabeth II through the years...

She has been around like, well, forever. Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary in 1926, she ascended the British throne age 26 upon the death of her father, King George VI in 1952.

... at age 3

... at age 7

During her reign, there have been 11 U.S. presidents and she has met every one of them except Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969).

Harry Truman (1945-1953) she met in 1951 before becoming queen; Herbert Hoover (1929-1933), in 1957 when he was a former president.

... with Barack & Michelle Obama in 2009

... with George W. Bush in 2003

... with Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton in 2000

... with George H. Bush in 1991

... with Ronald Reagan in 1982

... with Jimmy Carter in 1977

... with Gerald Ford in 1976

... with Richard Nixon in 1970

... with John & Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961

... with Dwight Eisenhower in 1957

... with Herbert Hoover in 1957

... with Harry Truman in 1951

..... SIGH...!

2011-10-06T13:57:00.006+08:00

Heaven knows I'm guilty of so many things, with procrastination topping the list. For sure it wasn't indolence because writing is a passion and half the time I couldn't even wait to articulate my thoughts.

The mind is, and has always been, a fertile field waiting to be tilled, but recent developments (both in and away from, cybersphere) had somehow stifled my creativity.

Petty cyber altercations over seemingly inane issues had resulted in a friendship lost. Then again, what's friendship if it's a one-way street? Mourn the loss I don't, and a dignified silence I shall keep at all times.

Politics is providing ample sideshows; everybody seem to be behaving like primates (no offence to monyet, beruk, ungka, siamang, orangutan, gorila anywhere) that I wouldn't be too surprised if our next crop of ADUNs and MPs turned out to be real swingers... the kind that sway from tree to tree.

Some so-po blogs make me want to throw up. Also, I'd gladly puke on that rude movie director wannabe Namawee, whose vocabulary is so sorely limited that he couldn't string a decent sentence together without effing everything and everyone.

And then there's the darn car; it finally found its way to a Merc specialist shop in SS2. The diagnosis? Change the carburator; it's blocked beyond repair. (also here)

Pak Abu found one on the Net, and almost immediately got scammed. The money was deposited but the item never materialised. Only after a police report was threatened was the money reimbursed.

As though all these weren't enough, two weeks ago I received a letter from the Income Tax Department (JHDN), asking me to fork out a hefty sum for a company that has long folded (almost 20 years ago).

Granted I was a director, but so were two others. Now, I have not a shred of document on me; they were in the safekeeping of the accounting firm that had managed the erstwhile company's finances.

Looks like next week I shall have to trudge to JHDN and sort this out. Things are not going to be pretty, I'm quite sure of this .....

To top it off, I have received wonderful gifts for which the givers have not been properly thanked and acknowledged - I'm so tardy it's shameful.

Thank you Omar Kamish, my 'son' from South Africa who took the trouble to despatch a pair of beautifully carved wooden salad set and a colourful, decoupage ostrich egg.

... featuring the famous 'Big Five' of Africa - lion, buffalo, leaopard, elephant and rhino - on one side...

... and an old map of the African continent on the other.

Carved salad set featuring the head of a giraffe.

And finally, thank you from the bottom of my heart to London-based blogger Zaharah Othman (a.k.a. Kak Teh) who, well knowing my penchant for decorative plates (also here), presented yours truly with this truly charming Katherine & William commemorative piece..

My resolve for October? To be more consistent with my blog updates, Insyaallah..

Telekung Tale

2011-09-27T11:47:00.008+08:00

I was refolding a small pile of telekungs (prayer garments for women) this morning when Eli, our parttime maid, casually remarked whilst sweeping the floor:

"The cleaners are not allowed to use those telekungs that they have placed in the surau (on the ground floor) for public use. We have to bring our own."

Jolted by the sudden remark, I stopped folding and shot a look at her. "But why?" I sputtered, suddenly feeling rather cross.

"Sebab kami hanya pencuci dan jugak pendatang, jadi di pandang rendah dan di anggap tidak bersih. AJK surau arah pejabat pengurusan bagitau kami."

["Because we are only cleaners and not locals too. They looked down upon us and considered us unclean. The surau committee asked the management office to relay it to us."]

I was dumbfounded. It had never crossed my mind that anyone living in this condo would stoop so low to issue such a directive. What were they thinking?

At the Royal Lake Club, staff and members use all the telekungs and kain pelikat (men's sarong) provided by the Club for public use, freely.

In fact, my friends and I too had placed brand new telekungs in the ladies' prayer room for common use. An insignificant contribution from us, yet it had somehow made us feel 'useful'.

Material wealth notwithstanding, we are equal in the eyes of Allah swt. I feel so ashamed for my fellow residents. I know a great majority of them are good, kind and considerate folks.

But now I also know there are rotten apples among them. "Ya Allah, sedarkanlah mereka ini daripada kesombongan mereka. Semulia-mulia manusia ialah mereka yang beriman, bukan mereka yang kaya raya."

Hati ini terasa amat malu sekali...

Ayoh Wang's Open House

2011-09-26T20:40:00.003+08:00

A maze of taman (housing estates) had sprouted in the Cheras area since I last lived there that getting lost was almost a certainty despite maps, pointers and directionals.

Cheras was my backyard for a couple of years when I started working in Kuala Lumpur in the mid-70s. I was then bunking in my late aunt's City Hall low-cost flat off Jalan Cheras.

We went Cheras way again last Saturday, to Taman Bukit Teratai to be exact, to partake raya fare at the open house of fellow Trengganu blogger, Wan Shariff (who blogs here).

That we got lost looking for the taman goes without saying. Fortunately we retraced our steps and one phone call to our would-be host later, we got there in time to sapu some of the foods lovingly prepared by his petite Mok Wang.

I would have loved to eat more of her absolutely delicious kuah kacang (peanut sauce) teamed with nasik kapek (Trengganuspeak for 'nasi himpit' i.e. rice cubes), but had to show a bit of decorum lah, after three successive visits to the table...

Biryani rice, Bombay chicken, dalca, mutton khorma, acar, nasik kapek & kuah kacang, serunding, laksa penang, home-made tapai wrapped in daun jambu laut, kek lapis sarawak, agar-agar & cookies, fresh fruits, downed with sirap.... pheww, sekok weh!

Yours truly found a niche to indulge in a bit of 'catsipping' (no we didn't gossip, just catsip) with blogger Cat-in-Sydney (who pens her thoughts here). Let it be known that it's always a delight to meet this Mak Kucing.

Ayoh Wang with his grandniece..

The thorn with his rose. On extreme right is ever-smiling Ona, Cat's friend who hails from Losong, KT.

I had to take a short nap after reaching home to prepare my perut for the evening's royal banquet (story here) pulak. Thank be to Him for all the rezeki..

When Hajar Weds Lasahi (revised)

2011-09-25T22:44:00.013+08:00

Ikan di laut asam di darat, dalam periuk bermuafakat..

The army captain, fifth from a family of 10, hails from the highlands of Keningau, Sabah, and currently works and lives in Perlis.

The gutsy entrepreneur, the eldest of eight, manages her family business in Kuala Kangsar, lives in Ipoh and maintains another family home in Shah Alam.

I am not privy to how they met, but they had known each other for quite a while before deciding to build a life together.

I struggled to hold back my tears when the bride's younger brother, acting on behalf of their mom now that their 'Bapak' is no more, gave a brief but emotion-laden speech to thank those present.

When my younger brother "Ab" (Megat Wahab) passed away four years ago at the relatively young age of 48, he left behind a wife and eight children to mourn his passing.

Last week in Ipoh, Ab's eldest, Puteri Nor Hajar tied the knot with Capt Lasahi Laiji, on the heels of her younger sister Puteri Nor Sarah who wed in December last year.

It was largely a family affair, not losing sight of the fact that the Megat clan is one huge extended family. Thus, guests numbered in the thousands.

Last night the family held another do, in Kuala Lumpur this time, for special guests.

Their Royal Highnesses Raja Perlis and his Consort, HRH the Sultan of Johor and the Regent of Perlis and his Consort, were guests-of-honour at the banquet.

Others who graced the function included the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces top brass and foreign guests from as far as Austria and Germany and nearer home, from Indonesia and Thailand (largely business acquaintances and personal friends of my late brother).

It was an event steeped in army tradition; interesting and enjoyable to watch....

Their Royal Highnesses the Sultan of Johor and Raja Perlis.

The newlyweds making their grand entrance under a canopy of ceremonial swords..

Cake-cutting ceremony.. and I kept missing out on the cake tasting!

The radiant couple flanked by their 'pengiring' and 'pengapit', and bagpipers too..

The bride's younger brother Megat Ibrahim, saying a few words on behalf of his family. My tears welled when he said the siblings were not ready to let their big sister go; she was, after all, their rock, onto whom they had clung tenaciously since their father's demise.

My nieces Puteri Liana (in red tudung) and Puteri Murni (in grey tudung), daughters of my elder brothers Megat Fauzi and Megat Yusof, respectively.

Our new kin from Keningau, Sabah..

Mango jelly dessert. The banquet was arabic in nature, with succulent lamb mandey, bamia, kuzi and many other delicious offerings.

The groom's comrades (from the Airborne Unit, if I'm not mistaken) who acted as 'pengiring pengantin'....

The Solemnisation Ceremony in Ipoh 17/09/11

Naj & Joe resting after a heavy makan..

Cendol was served by the poolside.. you-know-who having his cendol fix.

With bride's mom and my sister-in-law, Datin Hjh Rosnah Abdul Latif and my eldest abang, Megat Yusof.

Arrival of orphans from several homes and orphanages in Ipoh & Kuala Kangsar.

Hantaran cake, groom to bride.

Hantaran cake, bride to groom.

Merenjis (sprinkling of scented water & bunga rampai i.e. potpourri) paraphernalia..

Peach-hued lace from groom to bride.

Wedding ring & bunga rampai..

Some words of advice just before the aqad...

The newlyweds...Lasahi Laiji & Puteri Nor Hajar Megat Abdul Wahab..

I absolutely love this picture of Ayah Sulong Megat Najmuddin with his great grandnieces! Cicit tuu....

Hajar in a pensive mood on the balcony..

Lasahi & Hajar with their Mak Yong's family..

The dais..

Wedding of Nawwar & Zul Ariff

2011-09-12T22:37:00.003+08:00

Nawwar & Zul Ariff

Arrival of bridegroom's 40-strong entourage

Minicakes hantaran (thanks Zai.. lovely AND yummylicious to boot!)

Hantaran buku agama untuk pengantin lelaki

Bride's brothers Joe (left) and Naj (right) with cousin Kudin

Awwa's 'Papa' (Dtk Kamal Hussein, husband of her paternal aunt Sofwanah Rahman), the designated spokesperson for the bride's family.

Yours truly, sitting next to bride's paternal grandma, PS Hj Halimah Mohd Isa, waiting for the akad to begin.

Bride's father conducting the akad himself.

Husband and wife, freshly minted, sealing the union with a wedding ring.

Makcik Bloggers! From left: Angelina's mom, 'London-mari' Kak Teh, Kay & Kak Nas.

Oh, it's 'em pesky makciks again! Aww...Standing, from left: Zai, Kay, Aida, Cat, Dee, my ITM buddy Mimah, Kak Teh, Kak Nas, Ollie.Sitting, from left: Yani, bride's mom, Ezza.

Chatter friends (from left): Siti, Sue, saya, Kitty & Melur..

Folks from my childhood.. My sisters and I grew up with Datuk Sam and his sister Zuraida (the sweet lady in blue) in the mining town of Bukit Besi, Terengganu; we were neighbours as well as schoolmates.

Bride's maternal grand-uncle TS Megat Najmuddin Khas, younger brother of my late father Megat Abu Bakar. Behind him is Awwa's uncle Megat Yusof, my eldest brother.

Three brothers and a sister: Megat Ruzi, Megat Sham, Megat Yusof and saya.

Here comes the younger set: my sisters (from left): Zahana, Zaridah (& husband Radzi), Hanizah and Zanariah.

Kakteh with Dee yg murah dengan senyuman..

Ezza with her daughters.. and I promptly called on Joe to 'look-see'.. lol

My only surviving maternal uncle, Ayah Cik Ali & family.

Pak Abu's "Amin Classic" golf buddies..

The Abus' diehard karaoke kakis (with the exception of Jon, in glasses, who doesn't sing) from the Royal Lake Club.

Pak Abu's MCKK classmates (Class of 69)..

Pak Abu and his sister Dilla and her baby girl..

There were too many cameras we didn't even know where to look..

Here comes the Tok Kadhi..

Zul with his Al-Qadeem buddies..

Prepping the wedding cakes for the cake-cutting ceremony..

The elegant, ivory/peach hued four-tiered cake is the handiwork of Kitchen Guardian blogger,Yani. Tq Yani for such a beaut..

I didn't get the chance to taste the cake, though..

Bride's sister, Ann, with her paternal aunt Rose Fernando.

Alhamdulillah syukur, semuanya dapat disempurnakan dengan baik. Our heartfelt thanks to all our guests yang datang untuk turut meraikan majlis kami.

Raya Roundup - Family Pixs

2011-08-31T06:40:00.000+08:00

Still ok..

Not so ok...

As usual lah.. this bunch can never be ok..

Sulung & Bongsu...

Kakak & Adik...

Raya Roundup..

2011-08-30T17:18:00.001+08:00

The usual raya fare at the Abus; lemang with rendang & serunding, ketupat daun palas with kuah kacang, and nasi minyak with ayam kuzi.

Cookies and more cookies; fret not, they'll all disappear in no time at all when the extended clan comes a-visiting soon, and when the kids return to work, bringing along with them to share with office mates.

Found this South African native, sweet william, at the TTDI market yesterday. Scentless but pretty..

Cupcakes, from a friend of Naj. Migraine arrived promptly soon after I sampled one (couldn't resist the bunga icing ..)

White chrysanthemums from Nawwar...

Fiza's gift, walnut carrot cake.. a good choice, since Pak Abu isn't a fan of anything chocolate..

Ann and Fiza having their morning fill..

The fogies, same old same old..

Flag's up and flying on the balcony, to welcome the National Day tomorrow.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

2011-08-29T23:08:00.000+08:00

Salam Aidilfitri daripada Kama sekeluarga

untuk para pembaca yang di hormati.

Malaysia Yang 'Sakit'

2011-08-25T12:01:00.010+08:00

Apala dah jadi dengan keluarga zaman sekarang. Generally speaking, keganasan rumahtangga dan kes-kes jenayah yang melibatkan ahli keluarga semakin menjadi-jadi. Kucar-kacir sungguh.

Saya baru habis menterjemah satu buku agak ilmiah, yang berkisar sekitar keganasan terhadap wanita dan kanak-kanak, dan ketidakprihatinan terhadap orang kurang upaya dan warga tua.

Fakta-fakta yang diberi membuka mata saya seluas-luasnya. Amat menyedihkan. Walaupun saya pernah menjalani hidup sebagai ibu tunggal, keperitan saya tidak sampai ketahap sesetengah wanita yang dikisahkan di dalam buku tersebut.

Sekarang ni, nak baca suratkabar pun dah naik seriau. Kuak aja, terpampang kisah laki terajang bini, bapak tibai anak, atok perkosa cucu. Lagi menggerunkan, kes-kes infanticide (bunuh anak sendiri). Dan macam zaman jahiliah...

Walau apapun, akhbar tetap saya dampingi sebab akhbar salah satu sumber ilmu. Manusia yang menolak membaca akhbar (arus perdana atau sebaliknya) atas dasar kepartian, adalah manusia yang sempit fikirannya.

Sebagai seorang bekas wartawan, saya amat bersetuju akan penyiaran berita-berita seperti ini, walaupun sesetengah pembaca tidak gemar sensationalism macam ni.

Tapi bagi saya kalau dengan cara highlighting the issues kita dapat mengambil iktibar dan menjadikannya panduan hidup, tiada salahnya.

Yang jadi masalah ialah tendency orang kita untuk menyembunyikan salahlaku dan pretend all's well in Fool's Paradise. Hidup penuh kepura-puraan. Adalah ini yang kita mahu?

Masalah sosial yang ada ditambah lagi dengan gejala salahlaku seks di antara remaja, terutamanya seks rambang dan open admission of homosexuality, yang membuak-buak bagai air kumbahan di kolam pembetungan; hitam, putrid, kotor dan menjijikkan.

Betapa banyaknya blog-blog yang mengagungkan gaya hidup gay. Kita yang masih berfikiran tradisional dianggap kolot, tak maju. Bagi mereka, hak untuk menjadi gay/lesbian mengatasi hak Allah swt ke atas kita. Nauzubillah...

Semalam terbaca pasal sorang budak pompuan umur 14 tahun yang dengan bangganya mengaku 'aku pernah 'maen' dan memperlekehkan kedaraan, seolah-olah virginity itu satu yang memalukan.

Tak ubah seperti di Barat, di mana kebanyakan remaja perempuan tidak sabar mahu memerdekakan diri mereka daripada selaput dara, tak kisah sapa yang 'terjah' asalkan tertebuk, sebab remaining a virgin is soooo not cool.

Juga kisah tragis di mana seorang bapa di Kluang, Johor, menghumban tiga anaknya sendiri (dua perempuan berumur 3 dan 5 tahun dan seorang lelaki 2 tahun) ke dalam kolam, selepas bertelingkah dengan ahli keluarga. Ketiga-tiganya maut lemas.

Semalam jugak TV3 menyiarkan kes seorang bapak baran di Bukit Besi, Terengganu, yang mengelar tengkuk anak dengan parang selepas bertekak dengan bini dalam kereta. Syukur usia sikecil masih panjang..

Di Ampangan, Seremban, seorang isteri patah hidung ditumbuk suami kerana 'angin' apabila bini mintak duit nak beli baju raya empat orang anak mereka.

Isteri dapat tahu suami baru dapat bonus, lantas mintak, sebab sebelumnya si suami buat bodo akan permintaan yang sama.

Alangkah malangnya nasib ibu dan anak-anak ini; bukan mintak untuk diri sendiri, atau untuk anak tiri atau anak angkat. Kemanalah perginya syahdu Ramadhan untuk lelaki ini..

Ni belum lagi masuk bab mubaligh Kristian dok cucuk jarum nak murtadkan anak-anak muda Islam yang kebanyakannya memang dah shaky aqidah disebabkan kurang didikan agama.

Sekarangpun dah ada akaun khas di Facebook untuk Islam yang dah murtad. Bangga sungguh mereka menjadi apostates.

Ke mana halatuju kita ni?

Vuvu voom Raya..

2011-08-23T00:33:00.002+08:00

This year's Hari Raya decor at One Utama Shopping Centre (New Wing) in Bandar Utama departed from the usual folksy theme to present this elaboration that looks like an upturned vuvuzela which, unfortunately, doesn't appeal to my sense of tradition.

Not that there is anything wrong with all those embellishments. It's just me, I guess, still wrapped in my kampung cocoon and wanting more of the same.

Last year they recreated a padi field here, complete with batas (ridges) and padi thresher. The year before, it was a kampung nelayan (fishing village) scene, with a thatched hut, fishing boat, trawler's nets and bubu (fish traps).

Prior to that they recreated a typical kampung melayu of the '60s scene; wooden house with a wide veranda and tempayan air (earthenware jar) at the foot of the stairs, wickerworks, a shining red Vespa in the compound. The Vespa really brought back sweet memories..

This stall is one of few selling raya cookies. I was too busy snapping pictures to take a closer look at what they had to offer. I think I'll come back to check out the selection here (also because the lady manning it was pleasant and cheerful)...

A few steps away from the 'vuvuzela' monstrosity was this florist..

... and next to it was this Cocoa Tree stall laden with chocolates of all kinds..

And to think that I went to One Utama today because I wanted to be amongst the first patrons when Jusco officially opened it doors this morning after almost half a year of renovations.

Looking at the long queue of vehicles entering OU Old Wing, I changed my mind. No way was I going to allow myself be unceremoniously elbowed by determined women seeking opening-day bargains.

Thus the shift of attention to the New Wing where a quick peek at RM5 shop, Daiso, got me in the mood to check out the decor. No, I didn't get any shopping done today..

Cam o'n ban..!

2011-08-20T14:55:00.004+08:00

Yet another, to add to my ever-growing collection of decorative plates from around the world (stories here and here).

No second guessing necessary. One look at the ao-dai clad, svelte forms jauntily walking with straw hats on their heads, tells one that this lacquered beauty is from Vietnam.

Eldest son Naj, who returned from two weeks of traipsing around Indochina a week back, got this for moi in Sai Gon (today's Ho Chi Minh City, renamed after the communist takeover of South Vietnam in 1975).

An interesting trip he and his buddies had by the way; from bustling Saigon to sedate, history-laden Kanchanaburi and the inevitable train ride on Death Railway across the "Bridge on The River Kwai", to stunning Kok Mak in the Trat Province, and onwards to none-too-angelic "City of Angels", Bangkok.

Then there was that kuliah subuh in a Trat mosque where the tazkirah was delivered in Thai (not that he understood any, not when his Thai begins and ends with two meagre phrases; sawaddee khrap and khawp khun khrap)....

Till the next plate, thanks Naj..

PS: cam o'n ban > Vietnamese for "thank you."

An Iftar to Remember

2011-08-14T11:29:00.010+08:00

The condo played host to four busloads of special guests last night and yours truly took a few hours off translating to partake in the excitement.

They were orphans from Rumah Anak Yatim Bestari, Rumah Anak Yatim Harmoni and Rumah Anak Yatim Baitul Izzah in Ijok, Paya Jaras and Pinggiran TTDI respectively, as well as underprivileged single mothers from Yayasan Nur Jannah.

As the norm, every year the condo's welfare committee would organise an iftar session, followed by Maghrib, Isya' and Tarawikh prayers, and then moreh, for the less fortunate. And this year was no different.

It rained cats and dogs just hours before iftar; the ground was sodden, as were the marquees erected at the visitors' parking lot in front of the highrise. But the downpour did little to dampen the spirit of the young ones.

In they trooped, in their identical baju melayu and kurung, to sit primly and expectantly whilst rice and lauk and kuih muih were being served.

Kuih lapis, bubur kacang, bubur lambuk, karipap, dates, apples and grapes, tubs of ice cream and slices of chocolate cake, satay, rice and a host of lauk pauk - fried chicken, sweet & sour fish, masak lemak udang, sambal & ulam...

Thankfully, the rain eased off 30 minutes before the breaking of fast. The bus from Ijok, however, got lost enroute and arrived after azan. A welcoming committee was sent out to meet them halfway and lead them to the condo.

I sat down with a group of tudung-clad girls in yellow kurung from nearby Baitul Izzah, a home for orphaned teenage girls just down the road from our own residence.

The inmates there were the condo's regular guests for iftar and Hari Raya open house. They came from all over the country and went to school in nearby SMK Taman Tun Dr Ismail.

All have lost at least a parent each. The Form Three girl from Kelantan who sat quietly next to me, with a faraway look in her big sad eyes, has lost both.

I was told she was a smart girl at school, an achiever. I advised her to study hard; she gave me a wan smile. There was a lump in my throat when she kissed my hand before they left.

In all, there were some 300 people in attendance; residents and their family members, donors and other guests including qariahs from nearby mosques.

Apart from makan-makan, each child was also presented with a goodie bag of foodstuff, school items and personal essentials, and 'duit raya.'

Bless the kind dermawan (Pakcik Adam he's called) who donated that piece of land (a bungalow lot worth millions in this neck of the woods) where the orphanage Baitul Izzah now stands. May Allah swt bless him dunia dan akhirat.

PS: My thought wanders to Al-Manar as I wrote this. Bless you too Pakcik; sesungguhnya masih ramai yang berhati mulia di antara kita.

Syukur Alhamdulillah...

Kisah Kuih

2011-08-12T07:52:00.008+08:00

Bulan Ramadhan banyak kuih. Jenis-jenis yang jarang di dengar pun menjelma.

Kat bawah ni buah fikiran seorang hamba Allah yang sedang berpuasa dan dok boring tahap gaban.

Selalunya orang boring akan jadi creative.. jadi nikmatilah hasilnya.

Kuih KL Gangster, cukup ganas! - Lompat Tikam

Kuih seksi melekit - Puteri Mandi (bukan saya, saya mandi pakai sabun Lux, bukan ayaq gula)

One crap of a kuih (tapi sedap banget) - Taik Itik

Kuih anak dara Besut (mungkin anak Pakmat Fahmy) - Cek Mek Molek

Kuih awet muda (ala-ala maajun Mak Dara) - Seri Muka

Kuih orang wara' (kegemaran Pak Malim, kucing Ray yang alim) - Kuih Ketayap, juga dikenali sebagai 'Jejaka Malang'... alaahai..

Kuih orang selekeh baru bangun tido dengan rambut kusut masai - Serabai

Kuih penyakit kronik lelaki - Batang Buruk (bulan puasa tak boleh elaborate)

Kuih kaki pukul (orang Nogori saja, sebab orang negeri lain tak kata "lompang". Kat Perak deme kata "penampo" ) - Lompang

Kuih 'zoo special' - Badak Berendam (sila ambil perhatian, gambar kuih yang kat bawah, yang kat atas tu adalah badak sebenar tengah berendam)

Kuih ciptaan abang polis trafik sedang tiup wisel - Sampreeeeet!

Kuih orang malas mandi dan dok berhimpit dalam gerabak LRT sambil angkat lengan pegang strap - Bau lu!

Kuih paling tenteram (sesuai untuk orang berbini ramai macam Saleh Yakob, yang mahu mencari ketenangan jiwa) - Makmur

Kuih rumah takder letrik - Tepung Pelita

Kuih khas untuk tok peraeh kaya - Jala Mas

Kuih untuk orang yang suka bercakap berdegor-degor tak pandang bumi - Kuih (masuk) Bakul (angkat sendiri)

Kuih yang saya kenal bila jadi warga Aloq Jangguih, Kedah - Kuih Telinga Hindu (ada orang sebut telinga K, ala Datuk K kot, tapi bekas mak mentua saya very diplomatic, jadi dia kata telinga H).

Kuih untuk orang yang suka lompat-lompat (pagar ker, tali ker, parti ker..) - Cekodok

Haul of The Day...

2011-08-07T14:10:00.010+08:00

Been quite a while since I last gad about One Utama, that capacious shopping mall straddling the main road linking Taman Tun Dr Ismail with Bandar Utama and beyond.

The Old Wing is currently under massive renovations and quite a few of my usual haunts are either shuttered or have been relocated (either to the New Wing or elsewhere altogether).

However, there had been the occasional trips to Coffee Bean located on the ground floor of the New Wing, to indulge in their scrumptious peach mango yoghurt swirl and super-rich, nut-laden, chewy chocolate cookies.

Not forgetting my admittedly inane pleasure in browsing through RM5 store Daiso, one floor down a couple of yards away from Cold Storage, to check out things I don't need.

[By the way, is it true what they say about porcine DNA being present in Coffee Bean menu and that the establishment is not 'halal'? I spied a big JAKIM 'halal' logo plastered on their glass panel].

Incidentally, this Coffee Bean outlet too is closed for upgrading. Found out this morning when Nawwar and I decided to pay a long-overdue visit to MPH bookstore at the New Wing.

She had a discount coupon to redeem whilst I just wanted to check out OU's Raya decor. Last year they went the distance with a bona fide perahu, fishing nets, a kampung house with thatched roof etc. Unfortunately, this year's centrepiece wasn't up yet.

The shopping mall's celebrative trimmings, regardless of festival, have always been glorious and exceptional, and I'm counting on the same for this year's Eid.

I ended up three books richer (see pix above) whilst the bride-to-be settled for a teflon baking tray from Parkson's next door. [Gee, you are sooo predictable, Awwa!]

Those books have to sit it out for a while though, until this translation job that I'm knee-deep in, is over and done with by mid-month.

All things considered, I'm glad to be back in the book-buying groove. It's been too long since the last one, which was John Grisham's new kid on the fiction block, Theodore Boone (purchased in March, I think).

And I'm so looking forward to reading about the delightful exploits of the 'traditionally-built' Mma Precious Ramotswe from Botswana's No 1 Ladies Detective Agency once again ....

Lawyers..

2011-08-05T11:43:00.002+08:00

[These jokes have been around for a while; you probably have heard of them too..]

These are from a book called Disorder in the American Courts, and are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters who have had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.

ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?

WITNESS: He said: 'Where am I, Cathy?'

ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?

WITNESS: My name is Susan!

____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?

WITNESS: Yes.

ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?

WITNESS: I forget..

ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?

___________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?

WITNESS: Did you actually pass the Bar exam?

____________________________________

ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the 20-year-old, how old is he?

WITNESS: He's 20, much like your IQ.

___________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?

WITNESS: Are you shitting me?

_________________________________________

ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?

WITNESS: Yes.

ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?

WITNESS: Getting laid

____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?

WITNESS: Yes.

ATTORNEY: How many were boys?

WITNESS: None.

ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?

WITNESS: Your Honor, I think I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney?

____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?

WITNESS: By death..

ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?

WITNESS: Take a guess.

____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?

WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard

ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?

WITNESS: Unless the circus was in town, I'm going with male.

_____________________________________

ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?

WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.

______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?

WITNESS: All of them. The live ones put up too much of a fight.

_________________________________________

ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?

WITNESS: Oral..

_________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?

WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 PM

ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?

WITNESS: If not, he was by the time I finished.

____________________________________________

And finally:

ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?

WITNESS: No.

ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?

WITNESS: No.

ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?

WITNESS: No..

ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?

WITNESS: No.

ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?

WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.

ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?

WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.

A Shelter In Need

2011-08-03T14:15:00.004+08:00

Was on the phone this morning with Ustazah Raba'ah Abdul Aziz (pix) who, with her husband Ustaz Zawawi Ramli, some four years ago founded Rumah Amal Limpahan Kasih (here).

It's an orphanage-cum-shelter for children, single mothers, abandoned wives, the terminally ill, and destitute senior citizens, in Puchong.

As always, each time Ramadhan returns, my mind inadvertently wanders to the shelter; vision of the creased brows of the good ustazah (here) and her soft-spoken husband desperately trying to feed some 200 mouths daily pricks my conscience.

We last met in April 2010 when I handed over a cheque donation on behalf of a client. They dropped by our place for coffee, as well as to collect an unused TV set that I had wanted to give to the orphanage.

I asked about her 'children', more than 100 boys and girls of school-going age, spread over three homes, and some 100 underprivileged women who depend on the shelter for their daily meals.

"As always, kak, there are good news and not-so-good news," she opined. I could almost hear the catch in her tired voice.

I remember my last visit to the Puchong shelter. Crowded with inmates old and new, it was bursting at the seams. The hospital-like iron beds, mattresses and pillows had seen better days.

The makeshift surau (actually the front portion of a terrace house) overflowed to the concrete yard during prayer times. The surau was a hive of activities at all times; children learned the Quran and did their homework in there for want of space.

Through some Good Samaritans, the couple had acquired the plot of land adjacent to the shelter and had planned to build a new hostel as well as a surau to accommodate the home's burgeoning number.

"Kak, our Prime Minister recently stepped in with a RM1.7 million grant for both hostel and surau. The money is being administered under a trust fund."

My heart skipped a beat upon hearing the news. Syukur Alhamdulillah!

"Foodwise, we are running on empty as usual, kak. A Ramadhan phenomenon, this. I am pleading for donation for foodstuffs; rice, vegetables, flour, sugar, anything. We can't touch the grant because it's for a specific purpose."

Ustazah Raba'ah also welcomes anyone who would like to sponsor buka puasa and Raya clothing for the children. You can also undertake to pay your zakat at the shelter.

Let's do our bit this blessed month. Every sen counts for the unfortunate and the needy.

Rumah Amal Limpahan Kasih

Lot 115, Lorong Bistari 5
Kg Sri Aman, Jalan Jurutera
Batu 13, 47100 Puchong

Tel: 03-80618050
Fax: 03-80607514

Ustazah Raba'ah Abdul Aziz (019-2227339)
Ustaz Zawawi Ramli (016-3627913)

Bank Account:

Maybank 562777200627 "Pusat Pendidikan Limpahan Kasih".

(This account is specifically for the children's education. if you want to donate money for the foodstuffs, just call Ustazah Raba'ah).