Old Edwardians KL Reunion Dinner 5 December 2015

The Old Boys (KL Chapter) reunion dinner was held at Darul Ehsan Club, near Ampang. I went together with Razif and Sanuddin. We rode in my car this time.We arrived at about 8.30 PM, just in time for the opening speech by the President of OEA-KL. Sanuddin joined a table with his group while Razif and I joined the table booked by Ramli. The MCE 1978 batch who came were - Ramli, Razif, ZamZam, Abu Zarin, Hariri, Huzir, Hamid, Hasmi and Aziz Hamdan. In attendance were represetantives from OEA Malaysia and the School's Principal. They came all the way from Taiping.

We were glad that the speech was over and it was announced that "dinner is served". Entertainment was by a two-man band. As usual they played the golden oldies of the 1970s hits. Between the food and the entertainment, the diners took the opportunity to chat of old times and catch up with updates.

There was a tribute to the former players of the school rugby team of 1978. The former Team Captain, Jalil, called upon these Old Boys to put their signature on a t-shirt. That t-shirt was put up as an auction item for the night. The proceeds would go to the OEAKL Tigers Den.

The 1978 Rugby Boys

The winner of the T-shirt

With the President of OEA Malaysia (middle, standing)

The function ended quite early this time because by 10.30 PM a number of people began to leave the hall. Some were travelling back to Taiping or Ipoh. Some of us gathered at a mamak restaurant to continue the chit-chat until 1.00 AM.

To Ipoh For Abdul Kudus' Son's Wedding Kenduri 29 Nov 2015.

There was another wedding invitation from another old friend whom I have not met since 1978. Abdul Kudus's son was getting married and the kenduri was to be held at his house at Bercham, Ipoh.

I left KL that Sunday morning and hoped to arrive at Bercham by 2.00 PM. This was my first time ever to Bercham and I depended on the map directions in my mobile phone. Eventually, I arrived at mosque near the venue but was not sure which house. There were several other guests who were arriving and I asked one man to confirm whether this is Kudus' house. "Yes", said the man. Then, I heard my name being called. It was Salleh who came from Taiping. Ah! What a relief.

We waited for the others to arrive - Mohamad Shah and Mohamad Nazari. We approached and greeted Kudus' together and proceeded to the buffet table.

It was good to meet old friends and I would like to use any opportunity such as this to meet up.

Agus Salim's Daughter's Wedding Kenduri 21 Nov 2015

Attended a  wedding kenduri for a daughter of an old friend, Agus Salim. It was held at a venue located somewhere near Titiwangsa Lake Gardens. A few other friends were suppose to attend but since I arrived first, I made my way to the buffet table and found my seat.

The MC went from table to table to ask the guests for their well wishes and greetings to the happy couple and our hosts. Eventually, the MC came to my table where I was the only one there. There was no way for me to escape when he passed the microphone to me. I made my un-scripted greetings, by first introducing myself as an old friend of Agus Salim and wished the young couple the very best in life.

Afterwards, I met the others, Ramli, Razif and ZamZam. We continued to chat until almost the end of the function and took a group picture with Agus Salim.

Meet Up Old Friends - Urban@Istana Hotel 10 October 2015

A group of friends had planned a gathering at this restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. It was a fine dining setting at the Istana Hotel which I have not been to in years. I had arrived rather late because of the rainy evening. Further more, I was involved with the Community Carnival that day.

The dinner was hosted by Dato' Azhar Hamid, one of our school-mates. It was a splendid dinner and what made it more splendid was we got to spend time with old friends. We talked of personal health, family and the good old days.

We plan to hold the next get together on the 23 January 2016 at Taiping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remembering The School Cross Country Runs

I began to know what Cross Country Run was when I entered the King Edward VII Secondary School. It was a sport introduced into the Malayan schools by the British. A cross country course would cover the open country with natural terrains. Schools in Taiping town do not have much open country but we have the vast and beautiful Lake Gardens.

The old Red Bridge, one of the main route.

Even though I was not a strong runner, it was compulsory to participate (except for boys who had a medical excuse). I ran for my colour house - Raffles (Red). There was the monthly cross country practice runs before the Annual School Cross Country Race. The practice runs and the Annual Race were held on Saturday morning. We were to assemble at the Start Point (which was also the Finish Point) at 8.00 AM. The Assembly Point was where the children's playground is, which is at the bottom of the District Officer's Residence hill. After we assembled according to our House Colours, the Race Master would announce the course for the day and the checkpoints. We were also warned about the penalties of cheating the course. The race would start at 8.30 AM and would usually finished by 9.45 AM. I think the whole course could have been 8 KM.

The "little causeway", one alternate main route.

Over my five years of secondary school, the course covers the same route except for minor changes in one or two. That was either we had to run over the "China Bridge" way pass where Flemington Hotel is now or we had to pass through the "Little Causeway".

The "China Bridge", another alternate main route.

Whether it rained or sunny, we ran. In my first 3 years, I would usually complete the race past the qualifying time. However, in my fourth and fifth year, I was able to finish within the time and was able to score some points for my Raffles House.

After the race, we assembled again and the results were announced. When we were finally dismissed, a few of us would gather at our friend's house. Malik Ridhwan lived at the government housing which was near the Taiping Penghulu's Office (behind the Taiping Magistrate's Court). We bought cold drinks from the hawker stall and stayed there to chat. I remember a funny incident, Khairuddin had almost choked when he swallowed a small ice cube. Fortunately, the ice cube cleared his throat and he was able to breath normally.

Nowadays, when I see students running along the roads near my housing area for their cross country runs, these beautiful old memories came to my mind of my old running days.

Meet Up Old Friends 22 August 2015

Hamid had invited us for a high-tea at his house at Bandar Tun Hussein Onn. When I arrived near Hamid's house at 5.00 PM, I met Agus Salim near the gate. I contacted Ramli, he informed that he was waiting for Hariri to guide him into the area. Only six of us OE1978 batch could make it. The Old Boys who came were - myself, Agus Salim, Aziz Hamdan, Ramli, Suhaimi and Hariri. One of our school senior also came. He is Azizi, who was our school rugby team. The food fair was other than the main spread (nasi beriyani, Laksa Johore, satay), there were also several stalls of Ice-cream tapai pulut, Ais Batu Campur and cakes.

From left, Suhaimi, Hariri, Aziz, Me, Hamid (host), Ramli, Agus Salim.

The function ended by 7.30 PM and we made our farewells.

Both Aziz and I had another function to attend at Puchong. A dinner organized by another old schoolmate, Eric Ong.

We arrived at the venue past 8.30 PM and the approached the group of friends who were already at the table. A few of them whom we have not met for over 30 years - Azhar Hamid, Long Seng, Lai Chee Leong. The food was of Japanese cuisine and we ate some more.



From Left, No1, Heng Gaul, Eric,No2 , Chee Siong, Chee Meng, Beh Ah Chee, Long Seng, Chee Leong, Irene, Alex, Eddie, Aziz, Azhar, Me, Azman.

We continued to drink and chat until 11.20 PM. Someone suggested to plan for the next meet-up on 10 October 2015. Well, until the next time.

Visit Friends - Abdul Rahim and Cheong Gim Teik 9 August 2015

Sunday 9 August, after breakfast, I checked out from Kamal Lodge and went to attend the OEAM Annual General Meeting.

After the meeting and lunch, I joined Alex and several OE members to visit two friends who were not very well.

Cheong Gim Teik was in hospital, had just been operated on due to prostate cancer.

Abdul Rahim Salleh, was resting at home due to high-blood pressure and stroke.

I felt happy to be able to visit our friends who are ill. At least, we could bring some cheerfulness into their lives, chatting about old times and fun stories.

We pray for their health and well being.

48th Old Edwardians Reunion Dinner Taiping 8 August 2015

From left, Asri, Alex Ooi, me.

I arrived at the motel, Kamal Lodge, by 6..00 PM. After I checked into my chalet, I messaged Asri, my school-mate. Earlier, Asri had asked me whether I could pick him up, so that we could go to the dinner together. I replied that I could and asked where he was staying. He said he was staying at the school's hostel warden's house.

After a short rest, I took a shower and got ready. I headed to Jalan Istana Larut to pick up Asri.

We arrived at the dinner venue, Taiping Legend Inn by 8.00 PM. As we entered, we found the hall was almost full. We seeked for Alex to show us to our table. We were to seat at a table, shared with younger OEs and two Georgians ( former students of our rival school, St. George). Seems that the old, fiery rivalry between the two schools have now become cordial friendship. Whether annual dinner or golf tournament, either will join up or send representatives.

The usual program began with the guest-of-honour escorted in by the drums ensemble from the School Band. Old and new friends spent the night away with stories of old and new, in between eating and drinking.

What interest me most out of the dinner was the souvenir booklet because I contributed an article about my life at the school from 1968 to 1978. After the dinner, I went around to search if there were any copy left behind but this time around, there was none. I approached Alex to ask whether he had any extra copies. He said he could give me two more.

I bade my farewell for the night and agreed to meet up with Alex and the committee the next morning at the Annual General Meeting.

Razif's Aidil Fitri Open House Ipoh 8 August 2015

From Left, Nazari, me, Razif and Dzulhanan.

Last Saturday, on my way to Taiping, I stopped at Ipoh to attend an Aidil Fitri Open House hosted by Razif (my school-mate).

It was a grand occasion with guests that included the employee's family, friends, clients and state government officials, including the Menteri Besar of Perak.

I was suppose to arrive by 1.00 PM but after exiting the PLUS highway by Jalan Tambun, there was slow traffic along Jalan Raja DiHilir, caused by another Open House function at the state's cultural center. After the round-a-about, I headed to the Coliseum Square to park my car. As I arrived at Razif's function grounds, I telephoned another friend, Dzulhanan, who was waiting for me. I followed his directions to where he was seated. I found the table where Dzulhanan and Nazari were located. I noticed Razif was very busy welcoming the guests but I went to greet him anyway.

By 2.30PM, Dzulhanan and Nazari had to leave to attend other functions. I continued to stay to enjoy the food. Then, I saw another former school-mate walking in not far away. I telephoned Khairul Anwar to inform him where I was seating. He finally saw me waving and he walked towards me. He joined me at the table but said he could not be long because he had to attend another function also.


Then, after the Perak MB left, Razif asked me and Khairul to move to that table. I found the food on that table was untouched. Well, good food should not go to waste so I tucked in. The atmosphere was like a carnival affair, with several food stalls and entertainment for the children. There were variety of food - mee soup, char koay teow, satay, rice and the dishes like "gulai kawah" and the main attraction, roast lamb.

After Khairul left, two of Razif's former college mates joined my table, Shahrom and Mat Diah. Afterwards, Razif brought us some of the "King of Fruits", durians.What a feast.

By 4.00 PM, Shahrom, Mat Diah and I had to leave and gave our thanks to Razif. I still have a long drive to Taiping to attend the Old Edwardians Reunion Dinner later that night.

OE 1978 Teh Tarik Session 25July2015

It was a week after Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, someone suggested that we meet up over tea. Saturday 25 July 2015 was the agreed date. The venue was to be Restoran Al-Fairos near Sunway Kayangan, Shah Alam at 8.30 AM.

Razif offered to pick me up, so we headed together to the destination in his company car.

When we arrived, Aziz had just arrived too. We met up with Ramli who had reached there first.

We picked our table while we waited for the others. After a while, Asri, Rohaizat and Azman Azuar arrived. We ordered some food and drinks chatted away that whole morning.

Until the next time, we bid our farewells and hope more of our group will be able to join up.

2015 Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

This year's Hari Raya Aidil Fitri became more solemn due to my mother-in-law had passed away in May. My wife was sad and still missing her mother. I knew how she felt since my own mother had passed away in 2009.

Anyway, life has to go on and this year we celebrate with a new member to the family for the first time. Yes, my daughter and son-in-law were back home with us on the eve and the first day of Aidil Fitri. That brought some cheer to my wife and me.

Peace and Happiness to All.

Fatherhood At Age 24 - 1987.

My daughter's wedding recently, prompted me to reflect upon my experience of my being a father.

I became a young father at age 24 when my daughter, Nur Amalina was born in 1987. By Allah most graciousness, she was born on the same date as me, 8th of November. On that evening before her birth, I had fever and headache. I rested at the couch outside the labour room until the nurse called me in when it was due. I held my wife's hand and I was excited to experience the birth of my child.

From her birth, to her childhood and her growing up years, I have the most joyful time as a father.


My son, was born on 23 March 1994. Once again, I was by my wife's side during the birth process. I am glad that I was able to witness the birth of my kids. The experience was really hard to describe.

My two kids presented different set of challenges but overall, they are both wonderful kids. I have lots of fun memories of them while they were growing up.

Daughter Nur Amalina's Wedding Reception (kenduri) 16 May 2015

Bride and Groom.

We arrived at the banquet hall at the Keramat Mall by 9.00 AM. The Caterer cum Event Manager, Siti Hazza, was already there waiting for us. She asked the bride and groom and their mothers to get into the changing room to be prepared by the make-up artist, Linda.

Part of the Welcome Commitee.

I surveyed the decorations inside the hall and found them all to be looking splendid. The two buffet tables were being prepared while we set up our tables to arrange all the door gifts for our guests. For readers note, our reception was a joint function with the groom’s family. Therefore, there were two greeting entrance and two tables for the door gifts. My niece, Elaini, prepared the allotted table for the Candy Corner. The Candy Corner is usually a hit with the kids. My brother, Mahathir, provided the lovely cream puffs and brownies.

By 10.30 AM, the Caterer invited all family members to eat first, before our guest begin arriving at 11.30 AM. In fact, a few of our guest started arriving by 11.00 AM. The arrival of guests were a slow, steady flow at first but began to pick-up pace by 1.30 PM.  By 2.00 PM, many guests were arriving in droves. This situation continued right up to 3.00 PM.

 Meanwhile, the wedding program proceeded very well, coordinated by Siti with support from the MC who was also the DJ. There was a Perak Rebana performance with music played by the DJ. The grand entrance by the bride and groom was led by three flower girls and escorted by the Rebana group. The Bersanding ceremony was followed by the “Salam Restu”, blessings of the parents and elders from both families. Then, the bride and groom proceeded to the High Table for lunch. This was the cue for the special slide-show to be played, portraying images of both bride and groom from their childhood to their “Akad Nikah”.

All these went on with the flow of incoming and out-going guests. The time came for the cake cutting ceremony and there was a surprise announcement by the MC. My wife was invited to join the cake cutting because today was also her birthday. Asmah was reluctant to go but I held her hand to the stage.

It was 3.00 PM and guests were still coming and going at a steady pace. Two of my schoolmates arrived past 3.30 PM but still in time for some food. By 4.00 PM, visitors had stopped arriving. Those who were present were beginning to leave.

We had our group photograph with the bride and groom taken. I really felt tired afterwards, with aching back and legs. All who still remained were the members of the family a few close friends. We chatted for a while and by 5.00 PM began to clear-up and leave the hall.

It was a beautiful, glorious day and I was glad everything went very smoothly. Despite feeling tired, I was happy. To all my family, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and guests, a big Thank You for your support and attendance.

15 May 2015 - The Day I Gave Away My Daughter's Hand In Marriage (Akad Nikah)

After all the months with the preparations, came the day that I have to pass my lovely daughter's hand in marriage. The "Akad Nikah" ceremony was scheduled to be held after the Friday prayers at the Al-Muttaqin Mosque, which is near to our house.

Family and close friends were gathered at 2.50 PM, waited for the arrival of the bride-groom's entourage. The boy's family arrived at 3.05 PM. Gifts from the both sides were laid out beautifully on the carpet of the main prayer hall. An old friend, Sanuddin, acted as the spokes-person for the ceremony, started the opening greetings.

By 3.15 PM, the Imam began the "Akad Nikah" ceremony with advise to the male and female of their  duties and responsibilities as husband and wife, the proper conduct of handling disputes and other matters under the Syariah Law of Marriage.The groom, myself and my daughter were asked to put our signatures on two sets of forms.

 Hah! Somewhere during the Imam's speech, little tears flowed in my eyes. Images played in my mind of my "little girl" and how fast she has grown up.

The Imam asked me, whether I will perform the "Lafaz Akad" by myself or to allow him to be my representative. I replied that I would like to perform it myself since Nur Amalina is my only daughter. The Imam allowed the groom and I to have a practice run. The practice went well.

The moment of truth, the real "Lafaz Akad" was pledged between myself (father of the bride) and the groom, my daughter's husband. The two male witnesses agreed that the pledge was true and clear. I have passed my daughter to the man of her choosing to be her husband.

Mohamad Fazree and Nur Amalina proceeded to put on the wedding rings on each other's finger.


My dear daughter has now become someone's wife. May Allah bless their marriage and may they live happily ever after.