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.