Old Edwardians Association of Malaysia Reunion Dinner, Taiping 13 August 2016.

The much anticipated annual reunion dinner came soon enough. I was feeling rather anxious. Why? Because I had booked 2 tables under my name. I was beginning to doubt the 19 guys who said would come, how many would actually turn up. I had already received a text message that one could not make it due to some sudden, urgent job in KL.

I arrived at the hotel at Kamunting by 2.30 PM. After check-in, I went to the School Padang for the Annual Sports Day. It was the 100th Anniversary of School Sports. I missed the official opening and the march past. I walked to the School Hall where there was food and refreshments served. There, I met a few old friends, namely, Alex Ooi, Ramli and Muhaimin. As I left the Hall, I met Mr Thong, the former Penolong Kanan and father of my school-mate, Thong Chee Meng.

Upon returning to the Hotel, I had received messages from 3 other guys that they could not come for the dinner. I had to look for replacements. Fortunately, there were others who were willing to come. I managed to fill-up the 20 seats that I had booked. This is the first time ever the MCE 1978 batch had 2 tables for the reunion dinner in Taiping. In the past, the most we had got was 8 persons to attend.

Overall, the Reunion Dinner this year had 100 tables filled. One can imagine the boisterous crowd that was in attendance.

Many of my MCE1978 buddies were first time attendees to this OEAM reunion dinner. As usual, we used this opportunity to talk of old times and to catch up with what each of us are doing now.

Gladly, I met an old teacher form my primary school years, Mr Ong Chee Lai.Despite his age, he is still fit and healthy.

Looking forward to 2017 OEAM Reunion Dinner. Next year's will be our 50th Reunion Dinner for OEAM.

There is Power In Solitude

My father passed away when I was 15 years old. Being the youngest of 7 siblings, I felt alone and lonely after that. All my elder siblings were working and staying in Kuala Lumpur, except a sister who live in Sunga Petani, Kedah. Fortunately, I had several good friends that I knew at school. I would enjoy the company of these good friends. However, once I reached home the feeling of loneliness crept in. I went through this state of loneliness for several years until I went to KL for my first real job in 1981.

My young adult son is going through this stage of loneliness in the recent years since many of his friends have completed their studies and working away from KL. I noticed and understand what he is facing. He asked me how I managed to go through or survive that period.

Being alone or the feeling of loneliness is not a bad thing. You have got to survive this temporary moment or stage in your life. I will not say it would be easy but it is not tough either. I learned that there is power in loneliness. As in the story of Superman, he has his own “Fortress of Solitude”. While in the period of solitude, make it an opportunity for positive use.

1.       Be close to God. I do not mean that you have to be very religious. Just perform the necessary daily prayers. “Confide” in Him. There might not be immediate answers. However, believe that He will provide the answers in moments you would not expect it.

2.       Search ideas to create. Write, draw. How to make your life better? How to make other people’s life better?

3.       Self-actualization. Analyze your own self, what can you do to be a better person, be better at your job? Build better relationships with people.

4.       Rebuild your strength (energize). Exercise, walk, jog, ride a bicycle, go to the gym.

5.       Build your knowledge (intelligence). Read books, visit Expos, attend a conference.

6.       Feel the moment – appreciate nature, smell the flowers, listen to the birds, study people or surroundings, watch a movie, travel, etc.

7.       Feel the sadness. Learn from it. I felt sad when my parents and good friends died. What is left are the fond memories. I review these fond memories and I feel better. From the memories, I appreciate my life, family and friends that I still have. I treat people better.

Yes, my son, I know you feel afraid. However, you cannot allow the fear control you. Your life is an adventure. A journey that you, Only You, can live through. Along the way, there will be turbulence. Such turbulence is just temporary. Make adjustment and return to the right track. There is a saying “The past has gone, the future is unknown. Today is the present”. Seize the day. Make it a beautiful, happy day. It is all up to you. Nobody else can do it for you. Be a survivor. I know you can.

I found the power and strength in solitude. I enjoy travelling alone as much as with my wife or friends. I overcame the fear of loneliness and I survive.

Hari Raya Aidil Fitri 2016 with my grandson

Hmm...this year's Hari Raya Aidil Fitri celebration was a quiet one for me. I was not feeling very well, with my asthma, cough and cold. The only thing that cheered me up was my little grandson, Muhammad Zafeer Ayden.

My life has reached the full circle. From the time I was born, the years of my youth, got a job, got married, have children of my own. Now, I have a grandson.

Love that little boy Zafeer Ayden.

Kenduri at Kampong Gajah, near Teluk Intan 4 May 2016

Abu Bakar, my son-in-law's dad, had invited me to his youngest brother's wedding kenduri. It was to be held at Kampong Gajah, near the town of Teluk Intan. I have not been to that area since 2010 and I received the invitation gladly.

I went by PLUS Highway and exited at Tapah. From Tapah, I headed towards Tapah Road until I reached a place called Chenderong Balai. From here, I drove towards Kampong Gajah. I reached the venue by 3.00 PM. Abu Bakar was glad to see my arrival. I was introduced to the members of the family. The food, prepared by the local caterer, was good.

Bridge to Chenderong Balai.

I love the view as I drove through the route, passing by villages with fruit orchards, oil palm estates and paddy fields.

Abu Bakar(on my right) and his family.

Fazree, with his uncle (the bridegroom)

That night, Abu Bakar, took me out for a drive into the town of Teluk Intan. I was surprised to see the town was full with people. It was unlike those many years ago, when the town was quiet after 9.00 or 10.00 PM. There was a big night market near and around the town center. I was told that the night market would open until Sunday morning. Even the leaning tower as decorated with colourful lights. I regret I did not take a picture. Anyway, it was hard to park our car, so we proceeded to Restoran Gulam Rasul at the sub-urb.

I departed Kampong Gajah for KL that Sunday morning by 10.00 AM. I miss the kampong life already.

OE1978 Teh Tarik Session 4 May 2016

A bunch of us decided to meet up for breakfast on a fine Saturday morning. The venue selected was Restoran Al Fairos, Sunway Kayangan.

The ones who came - Hariri, Ramli, Aziz, Dr Noor Azmi, Zulkifli Razif, Hanafiah and myself.

I have not met Aziz since his Hajj trip last year. For Zulkifli, this is the first time we met since 1978. Dr Noor Azmi came all the way from Taiping that day just to meet us.

As usual, we spent the time to update each other's progress and talked of our good old days.

We bade our farewell by 11.00 AM. Noor Azmi would be going back to Taiping. A few of us have kenduri to attend.

To Taiping and Ipoh 13-15 May 2016

It has been 3 months since my last visit to Taiping. I decided to make a trip to my old hometown and to visit my parents and grand-mothers graves. I also took this opportunity to meet an old friend whom I have not met since we left school in 1978. He is Mohamad Noor who now lives in Sungai Bayor, Selama. Mat Noor said that he would be at a private dialysis center at Kamunting from 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM that Friday.

I arrived at the Perdana Hotel, Taiping by 6.00 PM. After rest and shower, I made my way to Kamunting. When I arrived there, it began to rain rather heavily. It took me sometime to locate that dialysis center exact location. After I parked my car, I walked into the center and there was Mat Noor. We talked while he was still under-going his dialysis. I asked how would he travel back home to Sungai Bayor? He replied that he came with his daughter who drove his car. I saw his beautiful daughter seated at the Visitor Area. By 9.00 PM, we bade our farewell since Mat Noor had quite a long trip home.

I returned to the Hotel for dinner. Fortunate for me, the restaurant would close by 10.30 PM. I ordered salad for starters and a mixed grill for main course. I messaged to my two other friends - Ban Heng and Karunamurthy whether they could be able to meet up for tea later. Since both were not available I went back to my room after dinner.

Saturday morning was a wet one since it continued to rain the whole of last night. I checked-out from the Hotel and visited my grand-mother's grave near the old Taiping Mosque. Afterwards, I visited both my parents graves at Asamkumbang (near the aerodrome). Funny that, I find a certain feeling of solace in the quiet serenity of cemetery grounds. It also made me reflect of my own mortality.

I managed to meet Ban Heng, whom I picked up at Taiping New Club. First, we went to Yut Sun, where I had beef steak for lunch. Afterwards, we went to Ansari Cendol where we also met another old friend, Meng Yew. I sent Ban Heng to his home, then, I went to Ipoh.

At Ipoh, only Dzulhanan was able to meet me for dinner that Saturday night. Dzul suggested that we go a bit further out of Ipoh this time. He took me for a night tour through Jalan Tambun to Ulu Kinta. We had dinner of "char koay teow" with satay at Tanjong Rambutan. After dinner, we drove through Bercham back to Syuen Hotel via Silibin. Thank you, Dzulhanan for your hospitality.

Sunday - Checked out from Syuen Hotel and made my way to the Muslim Cemetery along Kuala Kangsar Road. My grand-mother (my father's mother) was buried there. However, my dad never showed me the exact spot of her grave. I could only managed to stand outside to offer my prayers to her. Then, I left Ipoh for Kuala Lumpur.

25 March 2016, 11:55 PM - The Birth of My First Grandchild

My daughter's husband, Fazree, called up my wife at 10.30 PM that Nur Amalina had entered the operation theater. The gynecologist had decided to perform a caesarian since the infant's heart-beat was growing weak.

My wife and I arrived at the HKL Maternity Ward by 12.30 AM. We were not allowed to enter the ward, so, we waited at the Visitors Waiting Room at Ground Floor. Fazree came down afterwards to inform us that all was well and showed us a few pictures of the new born baby. Yes, our grandson was born and I became a grand-father. Only two visitors were allowed, therefore, my wife followed Fazree into the Ward at Level 3. I remained at the Waiting Room.

Some thirty minutes later, Fazree and my wife came down. Since it was almost 2.00 AM, my wife and I decided to go back home. Fazree would stay at the Ward.

Fazree and Amalina had chosen a name for our grand-son. The name is Muhammad Zafeer Ayden.