8 November 2016 - My 55th Birthday

I celebrated my fifty-fifth year of my life in this year of 2016. Since I had a heart attack in 2007, I am thankful to Allah for have provide me this life with lots of blessings and love of my family and lots of good friends.

One news shocked me though. My wife informed me that she has received the invitation for the Hajj pilgrimage from Tabung Haji for the year 2017. This put me in a surprised mode because I was planning to perform the Hajj in 2018. Now, I have to write an appeal to Tabung Haji to allow me to accompany my wife for the Hajj in 2017.

It took me a few days to accept the fact that the time has arrived for my wife and I to go for the Hajj. I had shared my fears with my good friends. They had advised and encouraged me to put my fears aside and just proceed. Have faith that Allah has opened the right path for my wife and me.

This fact also makes me realize my life and mortality. From the years of my childhood, to my life at school. The growing up years from my teen to adulthood. The early years of my entering work force, progressed into my present position. My marriage, having kids. Watched them grow. My daughter got married. The birth of my first grand-child. Watching my grand-son grow.

My life has come almost the full circle.

Teh Tarik Session Ipoh - Dr Noor Azmi's Treat

On 12 November 2016, a group of OE 1978 had a meet-up at Casuarina@Meru, Ipoh on the invitation of our school mate, Dr Noor Azmi. The occasion was to celebrate his appointment as Chairman to the Malaysian Highway Authority and the conferment of Datukship by His Royal Highness Sultan of Perak.

It was raining heavily when I arrived at the Hotel car park by 4.30 PM. While awaiting for the rain to subside, Hanafiah and his wife also arrived and parked is car next to mine. When the rain was lighter, we made our way to the Hotel with our umbrellas. The group was already enjoying their tea, cucor udang and mee goreng. We exchanged greetings and sat at the table.

From Left- Ramli, Dr Noor Azmi, Agus Salim, Khairul Anuar.

Zoul Don, Nazari, Mat Shah, Basir.

Hanafiah, Syed Nasir, Dzulhanan, Rohaizat.

Ahmad Salleh, Aminuddin.

Jamaee, Rahman, Azman Hussain, Hariri.

After the the marvelous tea and food, we gathered outside the hotel for a group photo.

Congratulations, Datuk Dr Noor Azmi.

Looking forward to the next gathering.

Search For A New Home at Ipoh

For several years already, I have planned to move to Ipoh after I retire. I seriously began to search for a new house to purchase in 2016. A friend suggested to look at the PKNP’s project at Suria@Meru. In my initial enquiries, I was informed that they were sold out. I was advised to wait sometime in October when several units could be available due to rejected loans application.

October came. I noticed an advertisement in The Star newspaper that there was a YTL project near Tambun which has several lots still available for sale. I contacted the sales office to make an appointment. On a Saturday, I went to Ipoh to meet the sales person at the Dahlia show house.  I was interested to book one unit. However, a friend suggested that I re-check with PKNP about the Suria@Meru properties. Even my wife urged me to do so.

I made an enquiry at the PKNP sales office and was informed that there were a number of units re-opened for sale. I made an appointment to meet the sales person. On a Friday, I made another trip to Ipoh. The trip was very fruitful. After discussing with my wife over the telephone, I made a reservation for a unit.

After the payment of the deposit, I was to wait for the Developer’s legal office to call me up for the signing of the Sales and Purchase Agreement. The project in now at its 40% construction phase and will be completed by end 2017. My plan will be a reality in the next few years.