Old Edwardians Reunion Dinner KL 2014.

 
The OEAKL Reunion Dinner was held on 20 December 2014 at the Vistana Hotel, near Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur. The MCE 1978 boys took one table out of 20. Out of the 10 who intended to come, only 8 turned up. The ones who came were - Zamzam, Hamid Osman, Hariri, Mohamad Rawi, Azman Hussain, Ramli, Shaheri and myself.

Of course, other tables were filled up with the OEs of several generations and of various age groups. The 1997 boys even have their own uniformed shirts.

The evening was opened by the Organizing Chairman, En Jalil and OE Association Malaysia President, Hj Mohaideen.

The dinner was splendid- lamb rendang, lamb soup, grilled chicken, gado-gado and assorted fruits and cakes for dessert.

There was a band that provided entertainment. The band was headed by an OE - Shaharudin, my junior from Taiping. As usual, several OEs took the micro-phone and hemmed up the night with various oldies and goldies of 1970s songs.

After the dinner closed at 11.00 PM, we adjourned at a nearby mamak restaurant to continue our chit-chat and BS about our good old school days. We quit the night by 1.30 AM.

My sister Eliza could not attend my daughter's wedding.

My sister, Eliza, telephoned us this evening to inform that she could not attend my daughter's wedding in May 2015.
Ah! A minor set back because she is the person I would refer to for advise.
Well! I hope her eldest son, Ezham and a few other members of our family could help.
I pray things will work out good.

Wedding Plans For My Daughter Nur Amalina

My daughter, Nur Amalina, will be getting married in May 2015. We are now in the stage of planning for the wedding. Reservations for the venue - Keramat Mall - has been made. Caterer have also been confirmed.

We had our first meeting with the caterer in October 2014.

Nina has already made her choice of tailor for her gown for the Akad Nikah.

The wedding dress for the bride and groom has been arranged with the Caterer's contact.

Invitation list is being prepared and yet to be finalized.

Pray that everything goes well.

Zharif - Second Month In CONSIST College

My son, Zharif, is now into his second month with CONSIST College for the course in Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health.

He has just received his new coverall which he wear for the first time today (Every Monday is Coverall Day).

I felt the father's pride upon looking at Zharif in the uniform.

I pray for his success in the program.

Cameron Highlands- 8.4 million football fields cleared off forest?

One of my favourite Malaysian holiday spot is the Cameron Highlands. Why I enjoy to visit CH is the fresh cool mountain air, green forest and plantation, tea and scones, strawberry and cream.
What I read in the papers today is very sad news. Very large tracts of forest continue to be cleared, as large as Putra Jaya! No wonder CH is hit by annual floods and landslides badly.
When will people ever learn, if you mess with nature, nature will hit you back in return. And when it hits back, devastation will come.
Sad to see CH continue to be damaged like this.

Marah, Fed Up, Geram Pen Dua Mata Merah Hitam

Celaka sungguh orang yang cipta pen dua mata merah dan hitam. Aku ni dah tak dapat bezakan dua warna ink tu. Habis rosak borang permohonan pinjaman pendidikan MARA untuk anak aku. Dateline dah dekat. Mana cukup masa lagi nak print lain. Lepas tu nakkena sain saksi la, sain suruhanjaya sumpah lagi.
Aduh sakitnya hati!!!

My Niece Ezlin's Wedding 31 August 2014

My cute little niece is finally getting married. Ezlin is my second sister youngest daughter. After so many suitors and many years, finally her heart has opened to this chap who was her former school mate of Sultan Muzaffar Shah Secondary School, Malacca.

Hmm, well, could be something to do with name of the school and my name.

Her akad nikah was performed on Saturday 30 August, followed by the khenduri on 31 August 2014. Well, another meaning to celebrate Merdeka.

My sister Eliza (standing left), Ezlin (in white) with the Dulang Girls.

Fizam putting the wedding ring on Ezlin's finger.

The gifts (above).

Fizam and Ezlin , at the high table.

My family with the bride and groom.

Selamat Pengantin Baru, Ezlin and Fizam!

A Personal Reflection - I Could Have Been A Chef

Ever reflect upon yourself if you are not in your present job, what you could have been if you chose something else?

Many years ago, when I had just started my job as a Systems Operator, I saw an advertisement in a local newspaper about training for a career in Hotel Management in Switzerland. I wrote a letter (1980s, no email yet) to inquire about the program.

A few weeks later, I received a telephone call (my office number. Those days mobile phones were as big as a briefcase). The caller asked me whether I was really interested in the career in the hotel industry. The training program was to be in a college in Switzerland and the course would take two years. I was required to get a sponsor (what?) which were the top hotels in KL those days - such as the Hilton, Holiday Inn and Merlin.

So, what stopped me from pursuing a career in the hotel industry? I was afraid to hunt around to look for a sponsor. Otherwise,who knows, I could have been a celebrity chef by now. I could have worked at many hotels around the world. 

At present, I take comfort that I am a "Chef At Home". Really, I enjoy cooking for my family. My specialty are fried pasta, fried rice, spaghetti, grilled foods - chicken, lamb, fish, steaks. 

Here's to good food, good life.

To Ipoh for Hari Raya

Made a brief trip to Ipoh during the recent Hari Raya holidays. The traffic was heavy but smooth moving that Friday morning. It was the fifth day of Aidil Fitri. Stopped at Rawang Petronas for latte on the go from the Starbucks there. At Tapah R&R, we stopped for toilet break. As usual my two "kids" asked for BR treat. The two of them are young adults now but still ask their dad for a BR treat.
We continued our journey towards Kuala Dipang, near Malim Nawar. Here we visited two of my wife's aunties. After about 2 hours there, we went on to Ipoh.
We checked in at Syuen Hotel by 6.30 PM. After 8.30 PM, we went to Buntong to visit my wife's uncle. Her cousin was also staying there since she had just given birth to her second son.
It was wonderful to meet with the old folks.
We returned to KL the next day. A brief but meaningful trip.

Brother Monty bin Mohamed Passed Away 16 July 2014.

At 3.15 AM on 16 July 2014, I received an SMS from my sister Eliza that my elder brother Monty (age 62 years) had passed away. Monty had been having a disease in his lever for over one year now. It had become more chronic in the last three months. Monty was admitted into the government hospital in Kelang twice. The most recent was in the end of June 2014 until he died. By this time, his liver had stopped functioning. When I visited him two weeks before his death, I noticed his eyes were yellowish, a clear sign of liver disease. I felt sad to see him in a such weak and helpless condition.

So, that 5.15 AM of that 16 July 2014, my other brother Mahathir (with his wife), my elder sister Eliza and I went to the Kelang hospital. We arrived at the hospital mortuary by 6.30 AM and was met by a kind staff, Encik Rosli. Apparently, Encik Rosli was the one who contacted my sister to inform of Monty's death. He informed us to proceed to the service counter to sign a form to claim Monty's remains. We were informed that he and his colleague would begin the washing of Monty's remains at 8.00 AM. We were guided to the waiting room to rest and to wait until then.

All us three siblings began to inform all of Monty's next-of-kin and our other nephews and nieces. We could contact all the others except Monty's three sons. The response we got was either no reply or number out of service. We tried several other telephone numbers that could be found from Monty's mobile phone after which we were able to reach them. Since most of Monty's family are away in Taiping, Bukit Mertajam and Kelantan, they could not come to Kelang that morning in time. Only one of his sons, Najib, who works near Port Kelang was able to reach the mortuary by 8.30 AM.

After the remains was shrouded in clean white cotton cloth, our small congregation of siblings, nephews and nieces performed the final prayers for departed Monty, guided by Encik Mat as imam. At 9.10 AM, we proceed to the burial ground somewhere near Selat Kelang, Sungai Sireh (near Port Kelang). The burial was completed by 10.45 AM.

The feeling of grief lasted for several days. I really felt sad that Monty had died in pain. At least, his death ended his suffering.

Bought five new books Blissful reads

Went to Kinoukuniya bookstore with the intention to buy one book. However, after browsing the shelves, I had picked five books in total. Blew some over RM400 altogether.

Here's to blissfull reads in the nex few days.

In hospital due to asthma

Argh!. Two weeks of bad, dry cough and nightly fever for four days. Several hospitals in KL were full (no beds available). Finally, got admitted in Damai Hospital in Taman Melawati on 21 June 2014.

The good doctor diagnosed it as asthma and a little lung infection. The doctor also informed me that I have Diabetes Type 2. Now, I have to be more careful of what I eat. And her usual advise to loose weight. I am now at 95 KG.

Glad that my son made an effort to visit me from his National Service camp.

Discharged from hospital on the 24 June 2014. Happy to be at home resting after 3 nights in hospital. Felt very lonesome. Furthermore, I missed making a trip to Taiping for my old school re-union dinner.

Remembering D-Day 6 June 1944 - 70 Years On

Really, has 70 years passsed since that historic day of invasion of Europe by the Allied forces at Normandy? In 1994, on its 50th anniversary, there was a large contingent of military and volunteer groups that was involved in the re-enactment of the landing, complete with ships and landing craft. The surivivors of the very these special people must be in their 90's now, the youngest could be only 88 years old (if he was drafted at the age of 18 in 1944). Also, their numbers must be dwindling down to several hundreds who are still alive. Many movies were made about this historic day and I still enjoy watching them, namely, The Longest Day, Band of Brothers, The Pathfinders and Saving Private Ryan. Thousands had died on Normandy Beach that day and the continued battles until the end of World War 2. How many more lives would be loss if another great war breaks out. Really, does our world need such a war? Worrisom threats by the Russians in the Ukraine, minor clashes on the Korean Peninsula and the challenges in the South China Sea which also involves spates between China and Japan. Will we really achieve World Peace? I do pray so, dear God, for World Peace.

Angiogram done. No new blockage.

Did my angiogram at APSH on 8 April 2014. My cardio specialist excitedly announced that the balloon and stent inserted in 2007 is still in good condition. All other lead arteries are confirmed clear of blockage. I praise Allah for such very good news. That leaves my asthma issue that still needs to be treated. Anyway, good to know that my heart is in good condition. Just need to continue exercise and eat properly.

Investigation Into My Heart

Did my annual stress test in March this year. The doctor said that the test graphs had indicated a slight anomaly. He recommended that I undergo an angiogram to verify the condition if my heart. I had a heart attack in 2007. It has been seven years after my first angioplasti done that I had to have an angiogram performed. I felt excited at first but now, as the appointment date draws near I feel worried and nervous. I pray and hope the outcome to be good.

My Son Joined Khidmat Negara

We woked up at 4.30 AM on that Saturday 5 April 2014. The weather was of light drizzle and chilly that early dawn. We arrived at the camp near Taboh Naning, Alor Gajah at about 8.00 AM. Since it was still very early, the friendly instructors there suggested to us to go for breakfast first. We drove out to the main road and found a local stall by the road side. It was small with about 8 tables but cosy. The still cool morning made me feel peckish. There was a spread of local kuih and three small heaps of packed nasi lemak, mee and mee hoon goreng. After our meal, we headed back to the camp at 8.30 AM. We had to wait until 9.00 AM for my son to register. Moments later, three bus loads of other trainees arrived, followed by several cars of their accompanying families. My family and I waited until the registration process was completed. When my son and the group of trainees were about to enter their dormitories, we bade our farewell. Hope my son gets and enjoy the adventure he was looking for.

A Prayer For My Son - Surah Al Inshirah (Solace) (BM- Kelapangan)

I dedicate this surah as a prayer for my son:

1              Have We not opened your breast for you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him))?  

 2             And removed from you your burden,  

 3             Which weighed down your back?  

 4             And raised high your fame?  

 5             So verily, with the hardship, there is relief,  

 6             Verily, with the hardship, there is relief (i.e. there is one hardship with two reliefs, so one hardship cannot overcome two reliefs).  

7             So when you have finished (from your occupation), then stand up for Allahs worship (i.e. stand up for prayer).  

 8             And to your Lord (Alone) turn (all your intentions and hopes and) your invocations. 

Amin.

Burgers, Fried Chicken, Steaks and Chicken Chops

Whatever fast foods that our youngsters take for granted nowadays, those were very unheard of during my childhood. Growing up in Taiping, most of the time I had my mother’s home-cooked meals and the monthly dinner of satay with fried koay-teow at the Casual Market (Dad’s treat after pay-day). In that bygone era, Taiping would be a quiet town after 10.00 PM, even 24 Hours mamak restaurants were not in existence yet. Except for one establishment, the Lake View Night Club. I am sure many of the older generation remember this night club well. It was one of the typical old night clubs with a band and a songstress, accompanied by a “troop” of dancing girls. Patrons would have to purchase tickets to dance with them.

Alright, back to the story of the main topic – fast food, steaks and chicken chops.

The first ever burger stall in Taiping came in existence sometime mid 1970’s. It was located beside the Chinese coffee-shop opposite the Kwantung Association Building (near Taiping Land Office). In that coffee-shop also, there was an Indian Muslim who sold very delicious murtabak. Those were the times before “Burger Ramly” and the burger patties were bought from the supermarket in Taiping.  Once, I bought a packet of the burger patties to cook my own burger at home. Somehow, my own cooked burger did not taste as good as the ones made at that stall. It was only in the 1980s, that more burger stalls began to sprout around Taiping and Kamunting. By then, the supplies could be obtained from “Burger Ramly” outlet.

As for steaks and chicken chops, the Yut Sun Restaurant was famed for its Hainanese style steaks and chicken chops. The restaurant still exist today and the beef and chicken chops are still tasty. The Western style of these food items was introduced in Taiping when the first ever coffee-house was opened in 1970s- the Comfy Corner Coffee House. Amazingly, that coffee house also has one of the tasty “nasi lemak and chicken rendang” that I had ever eaten. Of course, the price can be termed “expensive” for the people of Taiping in those days.

Back then, Comfy Corner Coffee House was considered a “First Class” establishment. Even the late Sultan Perak, Sultan Idris Shah, would patronize this coffee house whenever he was in town. Comfy Corner was known for its delicious steaks and chicken chops. I remember it was tagged with “The Best Steaks In Town” on its advert. Entertainment was provided by a one-man singer with the Yamaha organ. That time, no karaoke yet. This coffee house is now called the Nagaria Steak House.

                                        
The first ever fried chicken restaurant opened in 1978. It was the McDota Fried Chicken, a Malaysian franchise chain. It was located opposite the Lido cinema. MacDota introduced the crisp fried chicken to the Taiping folk. The restaurant was always quite full when it was newly opened. Two of my classmates worked there while waiting for their MCE results in 1979. That establishment lasted for several years until KFC came to Taiping in the 1980s. Of course, where there is KFC, there would be its partner, Pizza Hut and its rival, MacDonalds.

Nowadays, not only there are KFC and MacD restaurants. There is a MacDonalds Drive-Thru near the Taiping Lake Gardens (opposite the Library) and KFC opened its Drive-thru outlet near Simpang.

Despite the “invasion” of these fast-food chains, the local food scene like the Casual Market and "Bomba Padang" in Taiping remains resilient and survives. Even the sprouting of “kopi-tiam”s just add more choice to the growing populace and the younger generation who return to their beloved hometown. These places would become the meeting point for a good makan, coffee or tea and to chit-chat until past midnight.

And yes, Taiping now has several 24-hours mamak restaurants.