NINOTAZIZ

My Langkawi

2012-02-10T21:56:00.001-08:00

Je me suis réveillé aux baisers et la vue sur la mer.

Je savais que ça allait être une journée spéciale.

. woke up to kisses and the view of the sea. I knew it was going to be a special day.

Où est le petit poisson?

Rudy, Girish and Sam together with his wife, Kristie were to join TJ's luncheon on a yacht. But I am not really fond of the sea so I decided to take a walk in Pekan Kuah by myself. And explore. This lovely little divider caught my eye. Little fishes were swimming lazily under the kiambang of my childhood.

I smiled to the sun.

Then I spied a little restaurant with a bookshelf full of German and English books. Intrigued, I entered and discovered an unexpected delight - and a treasure of stories.

This is Azizah, she helps the owner Dee run Domino and is a professional dancer.

While I had a lovely breakfast of pancake and maple syrup, Azizah sat with me and told me the story of Mountain Raya, Mountain Mat Cincang and Gunung Mat Sawar.

And the story of how Telaga Air Hangat, Pekan Kuah and Belanga Pecah got their names.

This is Paul, Dee and me, new found friends of mine in Langkawi.

Dee has worked at Domino for 20 years. When the owner, a German expat, Wolf, passed away,

he left Dee a small inheritance and Dee took over the restaurant. He updated the place and for the last one and a half years, Domino has become a renewed novelty in Langkawi.

Try out this lovely lovely eatery, the lamb chop was excellent and the hospitality was charming, warm and genuine.

And if you happen to drop by Domino, have a look at a

new book on the shelf called

Srikandi by ninotaziz

Hang Tuah's Sorrow

2012-01-29T04:45:00.000-08:00

What is my quest for one remains clear
I shall not waver in my cause
If my loyalty is worthy of its master
Even when all is lost, all is not lost

What am I, if not for my Sultan
Who is my Sultan without one so loyal
What is my people without our Sultan
Who is our Sultan without our people

For we are bound by the solemn oath
That of Demang Lebar Daun and Seri Teri Buana
Their fates and ours ever resolved
The new lands to respect the pact forever...’
__________________________

Hang Tuah is our legendary hero
a warrior who lived during the Sultanate of Melaka.

During his lifetime, he travelled to China, Mecca and Rome. A skillful diplomat, Hang Tuah knew 12 languages,

and was a master of the silat, having trained under Guru Aria Putra of Melaka
and Sang Persanta Nata of Majapahit.

Today, 500 years later, the debate goes on whether Hang Tuah was a real person.

And yet, his purpose and personality was so strong,
until today he touches the lives of Malaysian like no other.

Taking it slow...

2012-01-28T02:44:00.001-08:00

Ikesha thinks my impromptu flower arrangement
from odds and ends in our garden is a great piece of art!

It is time to smell the flowers.

Life has been a mad rush, especially since we had to do without Bik since August 2011.

Work, writing and adjustments to new living arrangements have kept me on my toes. Inas and Irani, both in important exam years have moved to Tok Wan's place in search of better tutors, plus space and mind to study. Iman is studying furiously as her stint at matriculation comes to an end this April - her 4 flat average attest to her focus and determination.

From a household of eight, we have dwindled down to four! How time flies. Hence, it is time to smell the flowers. Flower arrangement, gardening, even cycling with Rudy and the girls in the evening was a lovely get away.

Iman and Inas were home during the Chinese New Year holidays and it was time to have one of our B-B-Qs for the teenagers again - out in the garden. Small crowd, laughter, subtle goodbyes to life as they knew it - as they move on to France, Russia and other near and faraway places to carry on chasing their dreams. Grow up.

As for me, I ponder about life as my babies become young ladies, women of their own mind etc etc etc. Time flies. Fuzana, my lovely editor from Utusan just showed me the final layout for Hikayat before it goes to print. I work on Dragon Lores at a relaxed pace.

I sigh in contentment.

Alhamdulillah.

Happy Chinese New Year fr ninotaziz

2012-01-23T04:06:00.000-08:00

Tokoyo

2012-01-22T22:58:00.001-08:00

One wintery night
Tokoyo dived into the sea
To challenge Yofune-Nushi

Dagger between her teeth

The monster swam in deep blue
Gleaming in the dark waters
Tokoyo struck the beast true

At its heart, exposed by soft belly

In its death throes, the sea serpent
Rose to the surface
with Tokoyo on its back

Triumphant, she stood

In one stroke, Tokoyo
Saved the island, the emperor
And most certainly her father

The wronged Samurai, Oribe Shima

Released from his imprisonment
The noble one regained his life
- he knew, his daughter’s love freed him

Man's injustice undone by a girl's courage

___________________________________

Tokoyo was certainly no sushi
For the magpietales

An Epic Legend : Lady White Snake

2012-01-06T03:48:00.000-08:00

The haunting story of Lady White Snake has always been a personal favorite of mine (aahhhh, now everyone will be able to take an educated guess how old I am! Well, within a twelve year margin) While this song is beautifully done, the movie itself fell short of my expectations. Still it was lovely. During this Chinese New Year season, my girls enjoy the video tremendously and prefer it over Cars or Spongebob which is a tall order!

Here is my rendition of the story.

A stone crushed by the river
Gives life to the plant
A plant gives life to the animal
An animal gives life to human
A human may become more
More than human

Sometimes, one is surprised by nature

and the order of life becomes obscure

***

In an ancient cave, a great big white python

meditated for another a thousand years.
Then it stood up high on its tail, and disappeared
A beautiful girl was seen leaving the mountain
In a flowing white robe and beautiful sandals

adorned with glittering gems.

In the city Hangzhou, there was a beautiful lake.
Many came to take lovely walks to enjoy the fresh air
To enjoy the day in its wake
To take boat rides to the island, to listen to larks

And one day, there was a beautiful lady
Who came to enjoy the simple human pastime

- taking a walk in the park.

She met a handsome youth whose name was Xiu Xian.

She told him her name – Lady White of the Mountains.

It began to rain. And by the time, the boat reached the main land

Xiu Xian was in love with the mysterious maiden

Before long, Xiu Xian was standing next to Lady White
Lovely in her bridal gown.

They bowed to Heaven and Earth, to their ancestors, and to each other.

They were now husband and wife.

* * *

The newly-weds, together with Lily their household lady in waiting

and their three other servants moved to another city

To open their own sensei shop - excellent with herbs and medicines

They knew exactly what to prescribe as a cure for all ailments.

Their life was blissful.

Soon, Lady White informed Xiu Xian she was with child
Their baby would be born in the spring. In her condition,
Lady White often rested in the afternoon.
Xiu Xian did not want her to put her health in jeopardy.

One such evening, a Buddhist monk entered their shop and said.
“Master Xiu Xian, I must introduce myself. I am Fa Dhai
and I am the head of the Mountain Temple,
where your wife and her father used to reside.”

Xiu Xian smiled and immediately said,
“Ahhh, you are family then. Let me call my wife!”

Strangely, the monk restrained him,”No, I have come to warn

you. Be steady. Your wife is a thousand year old snake

She hides her true nature for now but she can only do you great harm.

Sooner or later, her true nature will strike!”

“You do not know my wife!” said Xiu Xian. “It is best you leave!”

Fa Dhai continued, “I knew you would say that. Ahh, well.

Make sure she drinks realgar wine for the Dragon Boat Festival.

She will transform back to her true self

and then you will look for me!”

Soon it was time for the Dragon Boat Festival

Everyone drank wine mixed with foul-smelling realgar

to drive away serpents and snakes.

Lady White begged to be excused and stayed in bed

Xiu Xian laughingly called out to her and said,

“We must share at least one cup of realgar wine!”

Xiu Xian then suddenly remembered the monk’s strange visit

and mentioned it to his wife absent-mindedly.

Lady White almost choked on her nightly cup of warm milk.

She knew then she was in terrible danger.

She stood up, and said, “I am feeling much better, husband.

Let us have some wine!”

Calling on all her powers to withstand the realgar
she drank one cup - so mild
Immediately she ran to her room, retching away.

Xu Xian hurried to get her medicine
- when he came back with the potion,

He found a large white python on the bed.
The young husband in shock, collapsed.

Lily came running,“My Lady,” she called,

“Your husband has fainted from shock!”
Lady White knelt by her husband and wept.

“I will make the strongest potion to heal him," she declared

* * *

He recovered - Xiu Xian did. But he now avoided Lady White.

They were restrained with each other - she often sighed

He often took long walks - and on the bank of the Yangtze River

Fa Dhai was waiting for him. Terrified and confused, Xu Xian asked, “What shall I do?”
“Come live at the temple,” said Fa Dhai. “There you will find truth.”

Torn between the love and fear of his wife,

At last he joined the monk's stride

Up the Mountain Temple - Xiu Xian was not allowed to leave.

This was the intention of the monk, to lure Lady White to him.

Meanwhile, Lady White waited anxiously
For her husband to return.

Deep inside she knew her husband was with
The monks of the Mountain Temple

Her nemesis and enemies for centuries

Fa Dhai was waiting for her at the temple gate.
“Abomination!” cried Fa Dhai. “Destruction is your fate!”

“I have helped many with my knowledge of herbs, medicine and venom,”

“Surely the one who separates a man and his wife
And soon to be born child is the cruel one!”

Fa Dhai was not in the mood to talk any longer.

He had devoted his life to destroy the mystical serpents such as her.

He called upon an army of heavenly warriors.

From the Yangze, Lady White gathered an army of serpents and water animals.

The two armies battled ferociously, led by Lady White herself

But when she felt a pull in her womb, fear for her baby’s safety made her retreat.

Lady White and Lily returned home

The lady was taken ill from all the fighting
Her own growing body heaving.
She was heart-broken, crying over and over
“He did not honour me, he did not trust me.”
Just then, Xiu Xian arrived. He heard the battle
And from within the temple prison,
Determined to stand by her,
He escaped, and returned

“I was kept prisoner— I love you and couldn’t bear
The thought of losing you!”
“My dear husband,” said Lady White angrily,
You forgot to honour me and trust me.
Hear me now.”

She told him the truth and all that had happened.
“And now,” she said, “you must decide.”

Xiu Xian replied softly, “I will honour, trust and love you.

"Always.”

* * *

Soon Fa Dhai came back and the battle was worst than ever

Endangering their son and Xiu Xian

Finally, Fa Dhai captured Lady White within his powerful alms bowl

There was no way to escape its magic
Lady White finally said goodbye to her husband and new born baby.

Then she told Fa Dhai, “Though you take me away, see! You cannot destroy our love.”

Fa Dhai was angry to hear this truth and ordered the warriors
To imprison her under the pagoda by the lake where they fell in love
“You can remember your everlasting love there!” he cursed her,
“Not until the lake dries up or the pagoda falls

Will you see the light of day again!”

* * *

Time passed on. Xiu Xian and Fa Dhai passed away
Then the son too at a ripe old age.

But Lily did not forget

On the mountain where she came from
She transformed back into a young python
She meditated and trained her might
Her powers to their greatest height

For one last time

She became human once again
Gathered an army of mountain animals
Marched on to the Pagoda On The Lake
All for Lady White's sake

The pagoda’s guardian spirit
Met her with his own army,
But they were defeated and forced to flee
The might of Lily

Then her army set fire to the pagoda
Which quickly crumbled.

“My Lady, come out!” called Lily
And there from the ruins rose Lady White — at last, free!
But still heart-broken - deeply.

* * *

So Lady White retuned to the mountains with Lily and both swore
Never to associate with humans forever more.
That is why until today,
Snakes slither away

When humans approach and become
Fiercely angry when confronted by one.

They vowed never to love humans again.

Ever.

------------------------------------

An ancient legend from China

For the Magpie Tales

Happy New Year!

2011-12-27T16:54:00.000-08:00

Every year past Decembers

Cold and windy months

I created moment by moment

revelries for others

While all the while

After the euphoria of countdown settles

I was dreaming to be

with loved ones

This year I do not want the fanfare

I long for the quiet moment

Of deep content and giddy happiness

bubbling inside

________________________________

For the magpie tales

Happy New Year, friends and fellow travelers of the blogosphere !

I shall no longer be like the candle in the wind, creating glamour and radiance for others but not for those closest to my heart.

SITI DEWI PART II

2011-12-16T10:44:00.000-08:00

Siti Dewi bak bidadari
Disanjung oleh Maharisi Kala Api
Hari silih berganti hari
Sinarnya bagai mentari pagi

Ular yang diam, duduk berdiri
Helang yang terbang, akan terhenti
Melihat bayangan Siti Dewi
Mekar indah di taman sendiri

Maharisi terus bersuara
Sudah sampai masa dan ketika
Siti Dewi hidup bahagia
Bersuami raja segala raja

Dengan itu, surat jemputan
Dihantar segera pada raja sekelian
Jika Siti Dewi menjadi idaman
Sila hadir di laman pertandingan

Kala Jengking sebesar gah
Mesti dibunuh dengan anak panah
Semua raja mencuba sudah
Anak panah semuanya punah

Termasuklah Maharaja Wana
Dendam geram bercampur duka
Ingin menang senantiasa
Buruk amalan, gelap niat dan jiwa

Di Wat Tujuh Kedi Bermas
Keadaan bertambah cemas
Tiba Seri Rama, segak dan kemas
Bayangan umpama silauan mas

Anak raja Sirat Maharaja
Tiba bersama adiknya, Laksmana
Akhirnya kala jengking kalah jua
Seri Rama sudah berjaya

Geram Maharaja Wana walaupun beristeri
Termasuk sudah Mandudaki
Tapi Wana mahukan Siti Dewi
Diangkat menjadi Maharani

Timbul niat mencuri puteri
Tidak akan niat ini terhenti
Walau matahari terbit tinggi
Di atas kepala jemala diri

Maharaja Wana memulakan langkah...

Copyright © 2011 ninotaziz
All rights

KLPAC : A Homecoming

2011-12-09T07:33:00.001-08:00

After the actors are long gone, the chairs carry on the conversation

under the trees on the grounds of KLPac

When Iman and Inas were very young, they took part in various Actor's Studio's Theatre Camps. The classes were held at Plaza Putra. They were very fortunate to have Faridah Merican, Edwin Sumun and Jerrica Lai teaching them at the time. They took part in the Barbie Rapunzel show at MidValley and earned their very first pay cheques. I myself took lessons there for gamelan. Iman and I went on to play gamelan on the equally beautiful grounds of Rimbun Dahan, courtesy of Angela Kasturi.

KLPac Academy Motto : Be Extraordinary

Today Irani, Ilena and Ikesha continue the tradition.
Inas went back this year as well to attend the MTV Hip Hop
classes with Irani.

Here, Ilena and Ikesha pose under the KLPac Christmas Tree. Two weeks of acting and dancing classes were like a mini family vacation in KL.

After their graduation performance today, with certificates distributed by Datuk Faridah Merican herself, we treated ourselves to chocolates and fondue at home!

Thank you Deda Abdullah, Teacher Kimmy Kiew, Mark Beau De Silva, Lex Lakshman,
and many more of the
KLPAC : KUALA LUMPUR PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

----------------------------------------------------------------
. Plaza Putra 2002

IGNORE THE TITLE : A Discourse on Facebook

2011-12-07T10:11:00.000-08:00

A friend gave me shout out about a week ago on Facebook with this rather long question. Before I go further,I would like to stress that my answer is based on my research and my beliefs. I only mean to share, not to impose.

IGNORE THE TITLE. I am setting aside the political aspects of his speech. Can anyone share on the authenticity of the historical aspects mentioned here? Panjang sangat video ni (ada 6 parts), tapi banyak 'fakta' tentang sejarah orang Melayu dan Malaysia yang kelihatan lain dari apa yang kita baca masa di sekolah. Zalina Abdul Aziz, you may know some Malay history?

CHEGU BARD PENJELASAN ISU CINCIN ROSMAH 30OCT2011 TEMIN PAHANG SIRI 1

Here are excerpts of my reply:

I am not sure which part you are referring to. I tried to listen to the different parts. However,from your question, I think you are asking about ALfonso de Alburquerque's invasion of Malacca. Alburqurque had personal hatred to Islam and fought against the Mamluks and the Ottomans. He once threatened to steal the remains of Nabi Muhammad. Whether this was a Perang Salib agenda, I would not know. Check Commentarios do Grande Affonso d'Alboquerque. Certainly, as Tome Pires mentioned, at the time, Melaka was the richest city of the orient. Alfonso wanted the true identity of the Spice Islands and found out after conquering Melaka.

As for history of Semenanjung, I have always maintained that we have a history of thousand of years, not just 500 to 600 years. Ptolemy maps, our old Hikayat, Chinese texts and even Gajah Mada's Sumpah Palapa (14th century) verify this. The Kedah Sultanate is the oldest. But remember, many preachers and traders alike passed through our lands, and did not stay. Their influence may have remained but they did not stay to run the country. Raja Chola attacked Kadram(Kedah) in the11th century. Why bother if there was no civilisation there. There was. The Kedah Sultanate.

***

As I said earlier, Alfonso had a personal hatred for Muslims. Against this backdrop, it was also the time Europe was at war with the Ottomans. This was late 1300s to 1500s. Portugal however was actually at war with the Egyptian Mamluk - and the war was control of the spice trade.

Question:

As what was written in world history....by?

My answer: The secret is to read between the lines and from multiple sources. I won't deny that there was the constant war between Muslims and Christians in that period. But remember, it was more a time of greed of the lords. At times Portugal was angry A...lfonso de Alburquerque put his hatred for the Muslims above the profitable trade. He was only vilidated and pardoned after his death by the King of Portugal. But still, Alfonso hated Muslims and this was his prime motivation to conquer Malacca - to kill the Arabs hold on the Spice Trade.

***

One point. This speaker wants to state that UMNO leaders are afraid to acknowledge the Hindu beginnings of this land. This may be so, however,consider the following factors.
1. The Hindus in the early Millenia in this region are different from the Indians here in Malaysia now. The first wave did... not stay.They introduced the religion, way of life, traded and went back to India. The Indians today generally came to Malaya during British admin, stayed and are truly Malaysians. These are two separate entities.
2. The Hindus during Melaka's fall, in particular Nina Chattu actually betrayed the Sultan (well, he was not a very good Sultan but he was the leader of Melaka) and helped Alfonso's entry and victory. Incidentally this was the same case with Sang Ranjuna Tapa in Tumasek/Singapura betraying the king to let in the Majapahit forces. Again, this has nothing to do with the Indians in Malaysia today.

But the speaker should not lump all facts into ONE fact.

***

The truth is , many politicians use history to confuse the people. We owe it to ourselves to read history if we are intrerested and find it out for ourselves. Everyone can read. This is the best form of getting information, not listening to speakers/politicians who skew it to their own political agenda.

Query :

Thanx ninot, informative. Kalau nak baca more nak dapat di mana? This guy kata he had to get it from the National University of Singapore? Any history on the other Hangs after the death of Hang Jebat then Hang Tuah? Were they Chinese? Did they ever exist?

My answer : According to text, Hang Tuah is son of Hang Mahmud and he was born in Sg Duyong. Yes, I was a little bit hasty in saying Sultan Mahmud was a bad leader. But he did allow division in Melaka. To be fair, he repented and wanted to realign his rule but it was too late. I read as many of the Hikayats and work hard at putting some sense into it [by reading up on history]. Professor Ding Choo Ming at Akademi Tamadun Melayu UKM helps me tremendously by discussing, teaching and giving me books to read. And I research on-line plus read as many books on world history in relation to the Peninsular.

***

You see, Melayu baru are so eager to say our heroes are China, our ancestors are Indians. I am proud to have friends of all races since I was a child, but I am very certain who I am. As a people. The old Malay manuscripts were very open.... The man from Goa is the man fr Goa. Cincu Wangkang is the trader fr China. Now a whole book was dedicated to Hikayat Hang Tuah and his exploits. If this was a book about a viking or a greek king, this would have been taken as gospel truth in essence. Not us, we seek to destroy all evidence of pride in ourselves. Who's doing?

***

I have done a bit more research on the above, this time looking to what Singaporeans themselves say about the matter. Some light reading took me to peruse and finally dig deep into The Singapore Dilemma - The Political and Educational Marginality of the Malay Community by Lily Zubaidah Rahim. Interesting, to say the least.

Firstly, it reveals that Section 152, Singapore Constitution reads 'It shall be a deliberate and conscious policy of the Government of Singapore (GOS) at all times to recognise the special position of the Malays who are the indigenous people of ...the island and who are IN MOST NEED OF ASSISTANCE and accordingly it shall be the resposibility of the GOS to protect, support, foster and promote their political educational, religious, economic, social and cultural interests, and the Malay language. - Whether this is practised - you will have to use your own judgement and reading the book helps...

Secondly, the author confirms and is of the same viewpoint as my own research in saying confidently that the Malays have been here for more than 1000 years, '...it was only in the fifteenth century that the conversion of Malays to Islam occ...ured in large numbers. Thus, for a period of nearly 1000 years prior to the spread of Islam in the 'Nusantara', Malay rulers and their subjects were predominantly Hindus. In historical terms, most Malays in the 'Nusantara' have thus been Hindus much longer than they have been Muslims. - This is supported by 'The Malay Annals, Sejarah Melayu.

Thirdly, the author says, 'During the tumultuous merger period, Lee Kuan Yew (ST, 5 May 1965) challenged the special constitutional position and privileges of Malays in Malaysia by alleging that Malays were no more indigenous than the Chine...se, Indians and other immigrant communities. ...Lee referred to Malaysian Malays of Indonesian descent as immigrants who should be on the same footing as the other immigrant communities. Similar inferences which cast doubt to the indigeneity of Malays continue to be made by non-malay Sinaporeans and some non-Malay politicians in Malaysia.'

Lastly, the author points out the the Gov of Singapore has largely promoted a strong self fulfilling 'belief promoted by the PAP government that the poor (Malays) are essentially responsible for their individual failings or CULTURAL DEFICIENCIES.' I pray and hope that we will never be placed in this position.

Hey, thanks! Enhanced what was said in the video huh? Anyways, when LKY said abt the CULTURAL DEFICIENCIES, was he referring to the Malays in general, or its leaders? (!!chuckle!!!)

No, this does not enhance what was said in the video. It actually refutes it. It says that the Malay rulers and subjects (orang Melayulah tu) have been here for more than 1500 years. The video implies the Indian Hindus have been here longer. LKY was referring to the poor Malays in general.

Thanks for sharing, very good info and discussion...thank you, thank you.

Doodles

2011-12-06T06:02:00.001-08:00

Ikesha's idea of a princess playing in her garden

Ikesha's mermaid

Yesterday, she drew a tugboat with a net that only had one fish in it. However, there were three fishermen on board. I asked Ikesha, there is not enough fish for everyone. She answered,

'Ikan dah mati. Air dia kotor sangat.'

(The fish died. The water is too dirty.)

Anak Raja Gondang

2011-12-02T19:05:00.000-08:00

Di suatu zaman dahulu
Segak berdiri Duli Tuanku
Putera yang ditunggu
Bakal lahir menanti waktu

Aduhai Tuanku

Alangkah hiba dan malu
Seluruh istana rawan dan pilu
Permaisuri diam dan kelu
Melahirkan gondang yang satu

Kejam hukuman singkat

Raja murka yang teramat
Permaisuri di halau di laknat
Terseksa jiwa terasa berat
Lemah nyawa hilang semangat

Hari silih berganti

Gondang dibawa lari
Kehidupan baru dicari
Sehingga masa berlalu pergi
Istana tiada diingat lagi

Tapi hidup dirundung malang

Satu hari, terbelah gondang
Timbul putera terbilang
Menghibur hati ibu tersayang
Hingga tiba waktu balasan

Putera mencari restu

Tinggallah ibu sementara waktu
Putera ingin mengadap Tuanku
Membela nasib derita ibu
Tiada gunanya hidup begitu

Jauh perjalanan yang sayu

Saban hari ibu menunggu
Pulangnya putera yang satu
Di cari warta di awan biru
Di lautan dalam, di tasik bayu

Anak Raja Gondang...

The Conch Shell Prince

In ancient times
Standing proud,His Majesty
Lost his heir, the prince
When anger and distrust

Made him drive away his queen

5-car-crash on the NKVE

2011-11-26T16:14:00.000-08:00

Now I know what it means when one says it was like it was happening to someone else.

It was surreal.

I was thinking about the payments I was going to make to my writers and translators and cheques I had to prepare when I suddenly realised the car in front me had stopped suddenly. Screeching tyres alarmed me.

I pressed on the brakes suddenly and thought to myself, "Would I stop in time?" Right then, everything moved so slowly. Then, BANG. The car stopped.

Just when I was about to feel relieved, another bang. And another.

Followed by silence.

Again my thoughts concentrated on the most important things, I guess. I felt myself all over. Felt okay. "Wow, alhamdulillah. The seat-belts really work." I opened the door, got off and counted the cars.

Five altogether.

A Merc, a BMW, my car, a WAJA and a MYVi right at the back. Stuck together like Ikesha's toy choo choo train.

Oops, I did not switch off the car. The engine was running. I switched it off.

Everyone looked pretty intense. What do I do? I called Rudy. After his warning about not taking any offers for tow trucks, he told me to stay put. He's coming. Where would I go? We were in the third lane on the NKVE at 10.00am in the morning on a working day. I assured him I will be right here waiting, just before the jejantas Sg Buloh. "Now, try not to be extra friendly. And only give your details to the car owner in front of you," he concluded his Car Accident tutorial 101.

I put down the phone. Well, you know what I mean. Then I walked over to the WAJA owner.

"Hello, saya Zalina." "Nasri."

"Hi, I am Zalina," I said to the BMW owner. "Hi, Michelle."

"Hello, saya Zalina. Auntie, Uncle ok?" "Ok..." "Nama Uncle?" "Saya Chang." "Oh, Mr Chang."

"Hi... Zalina." "Saya, Wong." said the MyVi owner.

To be continued.

____________________________________

Not much to say except Rudy came to take care of things, took me to the police station and settled the workshop stuff. After that he sent me to my Mum's to rest.

However, there is one thing I would like to state. I was so lucky. For three things.

That Allah took care of my state of mind and did not let me panic, swerve to the left or right, or let go of the steering - it was my first major accident.

That Allah kept my body safe, intact and my spirits levelled. Calm at the time.

That Allah enlightened me to extend my hand to those involved in the accident. We ended up being very nice to each other, there were no arguments, just relieved that we were all okay. At the police station, there were no conflicts in our statements - this was amazing to the police.

This Maal Hijrah I start my year full of gratitude for the life I have.

Malaysian Tigers, then and tonight

2011-11-21T09:45:00.000-08:00

Malaysian Tigers, Tasmania AUSTRALIA 1967

I dedicate Malaysia's historic win in the SEA games finals against Indonesia tonight to my Dad, the late Abdul Aziz bin Salehuddin (back row, fifth from left) who was an ardent football fan, a loving father and a gentleman who always, always said thank you.

Al-Fatihah.

---------------------------------------------------
Coach Ong Kim Swee teaches his Tigers and all of us what it means to be Malaysian. Respect for ourselves, our flag, our King and parents.

Thank you, Coach.

UBIQUITOUS

2011-11-15T23:40:00.000-08:00

What is it about this word that everyone suddenly wants to use it?

I have seen it three times today.

u·biq·ui·tous
adjective
existing or being everywhere, especially at the same time; omnipresent: ubiquitous fog; ubiquitous little ants.

"We (the indivisible divinity that works in us) have dreamed the world. We have dreamed it resistant, mysterious, visible, ubiquitous in space and firm in time, but we have allowed slight, and eternal, bits of the irrational to form part of its architecture so as to know that it is false. "

Jorge Luis Borges (1899–1986), Argentinian author. "Avatars of the Tortoise" ["Avatares de la tortuga"], Discussion [Discusión] (1932).

Now what does that quote mean? Sounds like it came straight from Matrix. Anyone?

Well, I certainly would not want to use it. Ubiquitous. Unnecessarily, I mean.

OLD NUSANTARA

2011-11-14T22:05:00.000-08:00

An old friend , Sadie Sulaiman, asked me what is OLD NUSANTARA. This was my impromptu answer.

I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

OLD NUSANTARA is a world slowly being eroded in our own country, the playground of Nusantara for a thousand years if not more. The Peninsular was the bridge connecting all people from the Philippines archipelago to the Indonesia far end islands. Champa, Siam throughout Indo-China. While the language spoken all over the Nusantara were varied with Tagalog, Javanese, Bugis and Thai up north, we were the keepers of the Malay language - the lingua franca of the Nusantara.

The kingdoms of Gangga Nagara, Majapahit, Srivijaya, Sailendra, Mataram, Langkasuka, Ayuthaya, Melaka and Patani represent some of the lost worlds. Some have monuments preserved from ancient times like the Borobodur Temple despite being buried for centuries under volcanic ash, others retain their classical manuscript as a reminder of a grandeur past like Nekaragatama, Sejarah Melayu, Hikayat Patani , Misa Melayu and more.

Others, like Singapore wants to now present their Makyung, Angklung and Gamelan to the world (imported from Rantau Panjang and Terengganu expertise), the Balinese of course is strong on their culture while Thailand has captured the world of food and craftsmanship. Which is well and good as we can only survive if a large body of nations acknowledge the lure and beauty of the Nusantara.

But we must make a stand and stake our own claim and expertise.

So I do my bit to promote the Malay Hikayat, which God willing, no one will take away from us - if we are careful and diligent. I publish Malay Hikayat under Utusan Publishers and just as diligently continue to write. I try to provide a good dose of research that can be translated into worthy projects, hopefully movies and others for coming generations.

What is your take?

Rememberance

2011-11-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

Pakcik from Almanar wrote about Rememberance Day here . His blog somehow often sparks nuggets of inspiration for me to leave him a poem in his comment box even though he says that my poetry, while beautiful, escapes him! Anyway, Pakcik kindly featured my little poem on rememberance on his blog.

By Ninotaziz
----------------
It is the way of the world
Time and tide, await no man

Except in the heart
Where memories reside

And yet there are those
Who belittle our hold to the past

I say to them...

Learning and teachings
Would be meaningless lessons

Why, civilisation was built
upon the memories of man!

Kering kontang

2011-10-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

In reply to Sir Pok Deng:

Obviously I worry about the way hikayat and malay legends disappear. I am now trying hard to read syair in the jawi format as this is the origin and many are kept in museums in this format still.

Kadang kala terdetik hati berfikir, mengapakah hikayat Melayu, tradisi Melayu (wayang kulit, makyung, wau dsb) dipinggirkan dari aktiviti pelancungan negara. All you see is food, flora fest and shopping. Adakah kerana aktiviti kebudayaan ini terlalu berunsurkan Kemelayuan dan menyerlahkan budaya terawal di bumi ini adalah budaya dan bahasa melayu polinesia?

Pantun telah lenyap
Ditelan zaman
Syair lama lesap
Adakah berterusan

Inikah namanya
Ethnic cleansing halus
Tak disedari kita
Bangsa terus haus

Kering kontang.

Siti Dewi (Part I)

2011-10-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

Dewa Serajuk di Sinar Runduk
Dewa Berembun di Sinar Naik
Masing masing tidak tunduk
Masing masing tidak berbaik

Dewa Serajuk ingin beristeri
Kepingin isteri seteru
Aduhai…Siti Andang Dewi
Puteri kayangan gebu

Dewa Berembun datang
Sebalik igauan dalang
Siti Andang Dewi ditatang
Dewa Serajuk menghilang

Turun ke bumi, terlahir
Putera Batara Baha
Manusia pada zahir
Itulah Maharaja Wana

Siti Andang Dewi tertipu
Bila berdepan suami tercinta
Maruah diri begitu malu
Turun ke bumi menuntut bela

Menghapus Dewa Sarajuk terkutuk…

***

Dewa Berembun begitu hiba
Apabila permaisuri menghilang
Dicari, diigau, dimimpi, dipuja
Malam berganti siang

Rindu tak dapat dibendung
Takhta di beri Dewa Yang Kenung
Negara kita baiklah dijaga
Beta turun ke bumi nyata

Inilah Canggar Api
Jangan sekali-kali leka
Kuasa bagai gunung berapi
Menghapus musuh yang ada

Manusia hancur, bukit runtuh, dewa cair

***

Maharaja Wana masih liar
Dihukum Batara Baha membawa diri
Bertapa Maharaja Wana terbiar
1000 tahun di Langkapuri

Akhirnya merajai seluruh bumi
Cuma negeri dihujung dunia
Sirat Maharaja nama diberi
Maharaja sungguh mulia

Beristerikan Mandudari jelita
Ibu angkat Dewa Berendam
Lahir mantan Seri Rama
Ingin melepaskan rindu dendam

Menjelajah mencari Siti Andang Dewi

***

Maharaja Wana beristeri semua
Beranak pinak makhluk durjana
Ular, gajah, rimau seluruh benua
Mengetuai angkatan bala

Namun Wana mencari isteri
Bakal bergelar Maharani
Kepingin pula Mandudari
Tidak berubah naluri

Akan tetapi Mandudari
Bijak akal, sakti berilmu
Mandi serum mengupas daki
Mandudaki jelmaan debu

Tiada cacat cela, dibadan
Wajah seraut, rambut seikal
Bagai bulan penuh rupawan
Rupa tidak dapat disangkal

Maharaja Wana terpedaya, leka ditawan

***

Mandudaki terus berpantang
Hilang bulan, timbul kandungan
Ahli Nujum bertilik rentang
Rahsia zaman berzaman

Anak ini dari kayangan
Datang menuntut hutang
Hutang malu zaman berzaman
Tuanku dalam bahaya karang

Bayi ditebus, di layarkan
Tasik tujuh, sungai pun tujuh
Tiba di penghujung pelayaran
Di wat Maharisi Empat Puluh

Siti Andang Dewilah bayi suci
Sampai ke bumi bergelar Siti Dewi
Dibelai dididik Maharisi Kala Api
Hingga anak dara sunti

Semua memandang, gila berahi

THE END OF AN ERA : A TRIBUTE TO BIK

2011-10-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

Bik Een binti Sacin with Ikesha

Bik came into our lives in 2006. We were moving to our new home, far away from the madding crowd. Far away from Tok Wan and family. All that was familiar.

Familiar babysitter. Familiar routes. Familiar routines.

So my friend Ain introduced someone heaven-sent. When we first saw her photo, I was delighted because we needed someone a little bit older to keep an eye on four girls ranging from four to thirteen. Toddler to teen. Terrifying. Tender.

And little did we know, a baby too - barely nine months later.

From the first moment we met her at the airport, Ilena immediately felt at ease with Bik. She cuddled close to Bik all the way home from the airport. Soon we forgot life as it had been before Bik came into our lives. She went with us almost everywhere. To the movies. The first movie we took Bik to was Nanny Mc Phee. We went to Kelantan. To Pangkor.

Picnics at the playground.

Bik never allowed the girls to go on the school bus unattended. For five years, at lunchtime, she would faithfully wait outside the house for the girls to arrive. In the afternoon, after the girls have had their lunch and done their homework, they would all walk together to Uztazah's house for Quran classes. Bik would again faithfully wait for the girls. Exclaiming how well Ikesha is doing at the end of the day.

The love of Bik's eye was of course Ikesha. Neighbours talked about how Ikesha and Bik chatted away in the morning after Ikesha came home from kindergarten. They would sit at our infamous [now gone after thieves carried the set away right in front of Bik's eyes] wrought iron garden set, having lunch. Ikesha would then insist on gathering flowers. When Bik went back to Indonesia for Hari Raya , almost a yearly affair, she would be calling Ikesha every other day just to hear her voice.

When Iman moved to college, Bik made sure she had her favourite sambal sotong when we visited. Bik cooked all Inas' favourite dishes when she comes home. I always had tea waiting and sambal ikan bilis and biscuits for that late night snack when I was busy writing. In fact, after work, Bik and I would chat about the day as I prepare the homework for the girls the next day.

Gardening was our shared passion.

A couple of years back, Bik got REALLY ill. We feared for her life. That story was told here. Thank God Bik survived. But we knew then, she was getting weaker and weaker by the year. Her feet not as strong. The stairs became more and more daunting.

In addition, Bik's financial status back home has made her one of the richest ladies in her village. She has paddy fields, orchards and three houses. Recently, she built a madrasah for the children. It was time for Bik to take a rest.

To retire.

Before she went home for good, Bik's request was that I really take care of her chillies. After years trying, finally the chilly trees she planted are producing lovely and healthy green chillies!

She would be so proud.

A few nights ago, Ikesha added this to our nightly doa before going to sleep.

'Ya Allah...Selamatkan lah Bik ku...'

PALESTINE TURNS TO THE UN

2011-09-18T23:51:00.000-07:00

'despite pleas from the US and threats from Israel', it seems finally, the domino effect from Israel's attack on the Turkish ship in 2010, killing nine Turkish countrymen, is coming on full force. A heightened sense of expectation is in the air.

This week, Mahmoud Abbas will address the UN and make a landmark bid for statehood after more than 20 years of failed negotiations and empty promises. For many of those years we saw Yasser Arafat trying his best to bring about a semblance of peace to this land.

Will we be dissappointed by a crushing veto? Would it matter?

The hands of fate are running along relentlessly.

My previous post on the Palestinian issue and the Israel regime can be found here.

Cameron Highland

2011-09-02T20:45:00.001-07:00

On the way back to KL through Cameron Highland. Goodbye Rantau Panjang!

We arrived too late and it was decided that it was best if we spend the night. We stayed at Tanah Rata. Oh dear... The development in Brinchang has spoilt the natural beauty of the area. But it was still a lovely place.

The next day, Iman and Inas showed us the way to Cactus Valley. But before that, we had breakfast at Restaurant Kumar. There was a family from India with 4 daughters and a Chinese family with 3 sons next to our table.

This pictutre was taken just as our food arrived. We were all minding our own business. By the end of breakfast however, we were joking and laughing as if we were old friends. The conversation went on like this...

Table I : Oh...4 girls. How lovely!

Table II : Oh, these are not my daughters (young gentleman from India who wants lots of chili in his french toast smiled) They belong to them (pointing to the older couple at the end of the table)

Table II : Oh, daughters are the best!

Table I : Don't say that! This table has 3 boys...(laughter) Secretly, we are quite jealous! (Table I has 5 daughters)
Table III : Oh, I am secretly jealous of you too!

(Laughter!)

The next stop at Cactus Valley where the star attraction was of course .... strawberries? Ikesha had a field day posing for the camera. This was one of her 20 shots.

Daddy and the girls finally got their turn

Inas HIGHLY recommended a visit to the Cactus Valley Restaurant. We ordered 5 bowls of strawberries and cream, one set of strawberries and chocolate fondue and one strawberry tea and scone set.

Heavenly.

Ikesha pouring me some tea.

Daddy eyeing the scone.

The girls had a wonderful day together!

Rantau Panjang - Part II

2011-08-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

It was a strange Merdeka Celebration indeed.

We had just come home from Kota Bharu visiting and beraya. By the time we got back, it was close to midnight. Rudy sent the girls home and asked me if I wanted to go out again.
Frankly,
I was very tired.
But then he said, "Ada orang main dikir,"
knowing full well I would jump up and follow him.
We went by motorbike. Me riding pillion. And arrived just in time for the fireworks. In Kelantan, mercun is always spectacular.

It was a modest clearing. There were Malaysian flags everywhere. No party signs, not one single one. The dikir group was already assembled. Rudy met his cousins and friends. After greeting family, I stood transfixed, enjoying the calm festive camaraderie. Wholesomeness.

The songs were familiar to me. But the last one got to me.

Hidup bersatu
Amalan kita
Hapuske sengketo
Teruske cito-cito
Satu Malaysia...

Harmony
A way of life
One Malaysia

As I was about to leave, I was a bit teary. It was quite emotional, this simple celebration.
Then I saw their photos on the wall.
Six Prime Ministers.

Tunku. Tun Razak. Tun Hussein Onn. Tun Mahathir. Pak Lah. Najib Razak.

Selamat Hari Merdeka. My Country.

Rantau Panjang - Part I

2011-08-30T02:58:00.001-07:00

This was our house last night, lighted up by the continuous
fireworks display courtesy of the neighbours.

You know you are in Rantau Panjang when you are in a different country after
crossing a treacherous river to buy your groceries. It was Ikesha's first boat ride and she was such a natural. I love the floating jetties that remind me of my childhood
in Chenor Temerloh Pahang.

f row - ikesha, ilena
b row irani, inas, daddy, mak and iman

Selamat Hari Raya Maaf Zahir Batin
dari kami sekeluarga di Rantau Panjang

My Raya

2011-08-26T03:19:00.000-07:00

I seem to remember Ramadhan better than Hari Raya. Here is one of my recollection of my very first experience fasting. But then, this is my post for Raya. Perhaps, my fancy would take flight and I would remember the best moments of Raya as I go along.

When I was a little girl, about nine years of age, we took a family photograph for our first Hari Raya card. My mother just gave me the photo to scan a few weeks ago. I was shocked, I was in a very short dress and my brother was in shorts. Mak was in baju kurung but Encik (my Dad) was in his bush jacket!

And yet, as I reflect on my earliest Hari Raya, I remember it was of course the occasion to go home to Chenor. A quaint kampung if there was any. Sungai Pahang beckons and there were rambutan trees everywhere. We played badminton in the evenings. And ran in the kebun getah. Dad had hunting trips! Grandfather Tok Salehuddin enjoyed his dinner with the table filled up - a hugh lazy susan table that could fit 10 people. The whiff of ikan goreng and daging pacak from the cupboard that stood in water containers and and had gauzy wired cabinet doors - ooshmuryummy! We had fruits of every kind - apart from rambutan, all from the garden and coconut - kelapa gading!

The night before raya we couldn't sleep, the excitement was certainly the highlight of the year. Whether it was Tok Salehuddin's grand lavish cengal mansion or Tok Jaafar's small and filled to the brim kampung house ten minutes away, both were in full Raya spirit of baking, cooking and sleeping all over the house with midnight rendezvous of chatting with the cousins.

At night we had grand main mercun affairs. Houses against houses, the skies truly ablaze with the display. 30 das, 60 das and mercun putar. Bunga api and mercun roket.

Lemang and rendang were home cooked in the garden, and I know the older teenagers were all a-courting while they fill the bamboo with glutinous rice and stir the dodol and wajik. The air was pregnant with riang ria atmosphere and the whiff of goodies were oh so sedap, almost Arabian Night like in its spicy entrapment.

Duit Raya? Well it was nice. Encik had all this stack of 50sen coins wrapped in paper and he would give two pieces away to everyone. I didn't remember how much I got but I remember my great grandmother giving me a ruby ring which was lost the very same night!

Later on, I stayed with Grandma and Grandpa in Chenor, so Hari Raya would begin with picking up my aunties and uncles from the train station as they return from MCKK, SDAR, STF and the likes ... a little bit like the train from Hogswatz. Only, theirs were better as the coaches had sleeping berth. Oh, how I longed to go to such schools and how disappointed I was that I went to Seri Puteri in the beginning because I couldn't take the train.

Now I celebrate Raya in Kelantan most years. It still has that old kampung charm and yet I do miss my family, cousins and childhood friends. Sham, Ros and Saharbanun, this is for you.

Remember those Raya cards with lovely pictures of old malay houses and the coconut trees?

Selamat Hari Raya. Maaf Zahir Batin.

Keep safe and drive safe.

Ikesha's garden

2011-08-24T02:27:00.000-07:00

Pakcik Hassan from Al-Manar wanted to find out about the lovely Aloe Vera. That reminded me that I haven't posted about my favourite pastime after reading and writing. Gardening gives so much pleasure and enhances our meals, always a special treat when we include some greens and appetisers, ulam like bunga kantan, pegaga and bunga lengkuas. And ulam raja. My grandmothers both left me with this legacy and I always think of them when I am here planting, weeding or watering. Ikesha and Inas are my green fingered daughters.

Ikesha loves flowers. Here is her arrangement of bunga kantan, misai kucing and what we call the red flower...

This is for Ikesha when she comes home from the kindergarten. A half bowl of cherries we picked from the hugh tree behind the house. We only pick from the bottom of the tree. I tell the girls the rest are for thhe birds...

Ikesha helped me plant this pomegranate tree. We have three more at the back of the house. This is the first fruit from Ikesha's tree.

This is our bunga kantan or a type of wild ginger flower. It is lovely when cooked with fish dishes, and exotic when eaten raw as an appetiser with rice. We slice it real fine (julienne). As we say, sedap!

Some fruits from our garden, ciku and nona. We also have kedundung, mangoes and longan. I only have space for small trees about 5' to 8' tall. Except for the cherry tree which is now 3 years old and 12' tall. We used to have passionfruit over our fence, I am trying to regrow them.

Here I introduce the red flower comes from...surrounded by bunga melur a type of jasmine which sends a beautiful fragrance throughout the open lawn. I use white flowered plants for this purpose, we have kasidang, jasmine and fragrant white orchids ...

This is Ilena stepping out. She looks tired, the girl is fasting. Photo taken by Ikesha. For a five year old (in about a month's time), she is quite a talented girl!

Pelat

2011-08-23T00:13:00.000-07:00

My angelic five year old daughter Ikesha is pelat - and a while ago, to the highest degree. I suppose I can blame our household that speaks in Bahasa Melayu, Bahasa Indonesia, English, sings in French and at times, speak Kelantanese.

The problem is Ikesha understands everybody. Oh! Rue the one who fails to understand her 2 to 3 minute commentary of the day.

Anyway, we see the light at the end of the tunnel. After watching the final instalment of Harry Potter, she has finally conquered the words Voldermort, Snape and Slytherin, Harry, Happy, Hello (anything that starts with H), Weaseley. And her favourite - Dumbledore. Ron still gives her problems.

With all her difficulties at forming words, she is the most focused student during her mengaji lessons at Uztazah's house!

Thank you Ayoh Wang for sharing!

I feel for Chong Wei

2011-08-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

Lee Chong Wei.

We were there with him every step of the way. At our kitchen table. I couldn't breathe at times.

He clawed his way forward with every stroke, smash and net play (quite dangerously).

And yet it was not meant to be.

The nets did not favour us. The referees were tense and weren't sure whether the shuttle was in or out.If we felt bad and disappointed, the national shuttler must have felt a thousand times worst. I can't imagine how that must feel for we were so crestfallen when Lin Dan threw his shirt off in joyous abandon. I felt at that moment, I could be wrong.

For Lin Dan, it was personal. For Chong Wei, it was the pride of the country riding on him. And he bore it with a sense of responsibility so profound.

Chong Wei was a worthy opponent, no doubt. It was a fierce battle between the dragon and the tiger. But in my heart, Chong Wei won the ultimate prize. Adoration from 28 million fans. For though he lost, the nation today is clearly behind him. We feel his pain. We urge him on.

We do not forsake him.

As he did not forsake us.

One game. One vision. One Malaysia.

P/S Congratulations Nicole David. And hurrah for Asyraf Haziq who kept his composure better than some double or triple his age when addressed by foreign media.

Asian of The Year 1998 and IMF

2011-08-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

During the 90s, Anwar Ibrahim was the 'brilliant' Finance Minister of Malaysia, which was one of the four dragons of Asia to watch out for. One of his measures to put our economy in check was to promote Inflasi Sifar. In this, then PM, Tun M's approach and the Finance Minister's were at opposite ends. Following the IMF doctrine as far as possible, AI placed very stringent measures including strict housing loans and credit cards measures in what seemed overnight - suddenly a whole generation of young executives n families were in serious trouble. While the aim was prudence, he was ruthless in implementation. And he went on to smile on the cover of NEWSWEEK etc. It is this disregard for the people during his heyday I will always remember. I survived the times, but the memory remains as a strong reminder of what a thoroughly self righteous leader can do.

View covers here, here and here.

By the way, the last cover to me was akin to the saying, washing your dirty laundry in public.

Call me old fashioned, but the Malay in me didn't like that at all.

Malaysian population

2011-07-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

The Star just released the latest stats here.

A decade of Harry

2011-07-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

For us the journey began in 2002 when Iman started reading Harry Potter. She was nine. Inas started the next year when she was eight. This was the magic of J K Rowling. She turned a whole generation of kids into avid readers.

We were part of the crowd who waited outside bookstores and cinemas. And some years, when times were lean, I was sad I could not be among the earliest to buy the next Harry Potter book. Now, of course we have the full set for the younger ones to enjoy.

It was always a family thing - at Death Hallows Part 2, all seven of us trotted to the movies at 12 midnight. Now Ikesha is an avid fan...she is turning five this September! And Iman is already 18!

Harry is one of the connecting factors for us and we will always dream of visiting The Wizarding World!

The catfish

2011-07-13T04:32:00.000-07:00

Ikan keli tak dapat ke ulu

Empangan jadi penunggu

Ibu keli hanya merindu

Tiadalah lagi anak keli

Hilanglah semua anak keli
Nak ke mana lagi ibu

Nak kemana lagi ibu keli
Hanya boleh turun ke laut

Ikan keli turun ke laut

Pantang dicabar penyu

Pantang dicabar penyu jantan

Biar putih tulang, jangan putih mata

Where will the catfish go

The catfish can no longer
go home to spawn upriver

The dams and men block
The way with engineering rock

She has no choice really
but to go onwards to sea

The unknown might attack
She may never come back

Yet she will evolve, unlike her father

and become stronger than ever...

Irani recites Ikrar Rukun Negara

2011-07-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

The five sisters all have different strengths and preferences. Talents. Irani is the one who has to study extra hard, and struggles at Math. But she studies everyday, and sometimes cries when she feels that it is too difficult.

However, she excels in arts, music and kajian tempatan. She loves to sing and can sing Malay, Kadazan and French songs. Oh yes, English too. And dances Indian dance, Malay dance and any other she can follow easily. Datin Rani, who dances like a dream at 70, told me, you must send Irani for formal dancing classes.

Her Uztad in school decided Irani should recite the Ikrar and she did so today at assembly in her PBSM uniform. I am so happy for her.

And am reminded of the words we all read a long long time ago.

Ikrar Rukun Negara
Maka kami rakyat Malaysia berikrar akan menumpukan seluruh tenaga dan usaha kami untuk mencapai cita-cita negara berdasarkan atas perinsip-prinsip yang berikut:
- Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan
- Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara
- Keluhuran Perlembagaan
- Kedaulatan Undang-undang
- Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan

How timely.

Right thinking rakyat?

2011-07-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

Slamming the mass arrests, Ambiga said their original goals of rallying for electoral reform has grown into something bigger as it has stirred emotions amongst “right thinking rakyat”.

That smacks of Ambiga being utterly patronising. What next? If you are not with us, you are against us?

I am certainly not her rakyat, I am rakyat Malaysia. With the soul of Malaya deep inside. I will accept being a subject of the king, but I draw the line there.

Anak Anak kecil main api...

Vincent

2011-07-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

The sun ablazing
Unreal, but the heat
Arising from the earth

Burns

The bluest night
Of the cafe
Lingers til dawn

Inviting

Rolling stars
Upon the midnight
Blanket, the skies

Alive

The cypress trees
And crescent moon
Sick and tortured

Menacing

Irises dancing
In the wind
Lightness of being

Joy

Wound wrapped up
Pain, borne of rejection
Consumed by his art

The artist, forlorn

Le soleil brille,
Et la chaleur
montant de la terre

Brûlures

---------------------------------------

Written for the Magpie Tales

Malaysian football tonight

2011-07-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

Mohamad Aidil Abd Radzak , Safiq Rahim and Sharbinee Allawee - new heroes of Malaysia.

When I was nine or ten years old, I was chosen to present a bouquet of flowers to the Sultanah at the beginning of a football game held at stadium Darul Makmur, Pahang. That was one of my earliest memories on watching a football game at the stadium.. Since then, I was an ardent fan of my state's football team especially in the 70s and 80s. On the national side, Mohktar Dahari, Jamal Nasir, Santokh Singh, Soh Chin Aun were our heroes then.

Father and I shared bonding moments during the World Cup. In fact, my greatest memories of office camaraderie was during the World Cup seasons as well. And I turned to football and volleyball to encourage staff productivity, interaction and bonding in the nineties.

I remember the days of Kevin Keegan, Gary Lineker. And when Rooney burst onto the scene at the Euro Cup 2006, I took notice. And I harbored a puppy love fascination for Christiano Ronaldo. Respect for Lionel Messi.

But sadly, for a long long time, I took no notice of the Malaysian team any longer. It was depressing to a certain extent with embarassing defeats being the order of the day. But then K Rajagobal, who made Kelantan feverish on football, came on to the scene. In July 2009, Datuk K. Rajagobal was named the new coach of Malaysia replacing B. Sathianathan as head coach of Malaysia. While he was coach of the Under-23 team, K. Rajagobal led Malaysia to their fifth SEA Games gold medal and also led Malaysia to qualify for the second round of the 2010 Asian Games. Good times were set to roll.

Malaysia became the champions of the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup for the first time under Datuk K. Rajagobal.

Tonight we saw world class saves and goals from Malaysia. Sure, we lost to Taiwan. But three penalties to Taiwan - one dubious, I would say? And one brilliant penalty save by Sharbinee makes Malaysia the winners tonight.

And we march on...see you, Singapore at the end of the month.

Sailing To Glendorra

2011-06-30T03:14:00.000-07:00

Hold my hand, Eva
And never let me go
Whisper in my ear, forever
How you love me so...

But the boats to Glendorra
Are sailing tonight my dear
Listen how the wind calls
Listen to my unspoken fears

Your wings, barely mortal
Your heartbeat next to mine
Charts our lonely existance
As your days measure my lifetime

I long to sail with you, I must
To the land of elven lore
But my hands would turn to dust
While yours, smooth forever more

And yet I would choose my path
Live a life on the journey
Gaze at stars, twinkling above
As the world listens to me

Singing on the boat to Glendorra...

Pour Glendorra

Je choisirais mon chemin
Vivre une vie sur le trajet
Aimez étoiles, un clin-dessus
Alors que le monde m'écoute

Chanter sur le bateau pour Glendorra

Mencari Glendorra

Ku belayar tinggi di awan
Pelayaran hidupku tersendiri
Ditemani bintang berkelipan
Dengarlah rintihanku ini

Berlayar mencari Glendorra
--------------------------------------------

Written for the Magpie Tales and OneShotPoetry

Five books on my table

2011-06-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

Iman is now at matriculation college and finally enjoys a measure of independence. Inas is living with her grandma Tok Wan so that she can attend aschool which offers engineering drawing to pursuit her life long ambition to be an architect. Therefore, we have two unused rooms. So, I combined their belongings, whatever is still here, mainly their books, posters and furniture, and converted Iman's room into their private den when they come home. I ended up with one empty room. But not for long. I moved a console table from the kitchen, a chair, a bookcase, a wooden chest from the living room and some pots from the garden into the spare room, and then transfered all my Malaysiana books here - hence my Nusantara reading room was born..

It is still a meagre collection. I have one shelf of Hikayat and syair, one shelf of modern Malaysiana books by authors like Tash Aw, Karim Raslan and Adibah Amin. Tan Sri Adam Kadir and Datin Vasanthi Ramachandran. And more.

But on my writing desk, next to late grandpa's old typewriter I have placed six books (the one I am reading is on the side table in the same room) I consider my favourite contemporary Malaysian books.

Ranjau Sepanjang Jalan, Shahnon Ahmad
1515, Faisal Tehrani
Tan Sri A Samad Ismail Menulis
Harmony Silk Factory, Tash Aw
IMAM, Abdullah Hussain
The Twice Born, Uma Mahendran

By the way, late Grandma's tea set is also in this room.

I love my new Nusantara Room.

The neighbourhood gas station

2011-06-17T07:36:00.001-07:00

I was rushing for a press conference.

Never mind the mismatched shoes that had to be changed and quick bite into my kaya toast at the door. I was out of the house by 7.00am as planned. Quickly settled into my morning drive which I usually enjoy. But this morning, instead of my meditations and songs, I was busy smsing my staff on the last minute preparations. Etc etc etc

Suddenly, Bang! gduk...gduk...gduk. The car sounded real weird. I stopped the car and stepped out. Ahah! A flat tyre. What do I do? No, I am not one of those ladies who will get down to it and change my flat tyre. It's one of my few shortcomings. We can't all be perfect. Super Mum. Super career woman. Super dunking all life's curveballs.

Luckily, I was quite close to the Shell station.

I stop by this station every morning for the office newspaper and Kit Kat and stuff (I know it's not economical) but seriously, this people give me the right perk before I go to work. They say Hello, notice if you're late or early, remind me to take out my Bonus Link card because Rudi always does that, etc etc tease me about being the most ardent Kit Kat fan. Say something nice when you've made an extra effort with the way you look. They are just super nice.

Well this morning of my disaster of phenomenal proportions, they came to my rescue. When they saw me trudging along, the staff did not hesitate. They changed my tyre, and engine oil. Within 30 minutes I was on my way again - with a smile...

The neighbourhood gas station is like the internet. You can find everything there. The news. Social network. Cookies.

Thank you Shell.

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A couple of years ago, coming back from Kelantan, fire came out from under our car at a Shell station in Grik. Before we knew it, the emergency shut off was triggered, the staff dragged us away from the car while their colleagues put out the fire within a slit second.

They were so well trained.

We ended up sleeping at the rest house and the episode was a little adventure. Alhamdulillah..

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyway, as I was leaving the gas station, I remembered. Aaahhh.....I forgot to baca Bismillah and ayat qursi that morning. You see, life has its little lessons...

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Two Thieves and a Wrought Iron Table

2011-06-07T04:36:00.000-07:00

Look at this table. It is a heavy and solid wrought iron table. My five daughters had wonderful tea sessions, watermelon glory and main masak masak on it. Rudi and I had late night caps out in the garden after a busy day here. My maid shared many hours with Ikesha while waiting for the other kids to come home from school.

Now it is no more.

One scrawny looking boy jumped over our back gate with his white helmet still secured, placed the pot of bunga melur which was on the table onto the ground carefully and handed over the table to his friend. Bik arrived at the scene and shouted at them from the kitchen. This cool cucumber proceeded to load the chair over too before they sped off on their equally scrawny motorbike into the horizon.

Our poor Bik was totally shaken. The girls meanwhile, Ikesha, Irani and Ilena were upstairs. Irani, quickly locked the door and barricaded it with the long sofa. Bik called and I called the police from the office. When the police arrived, the girls finally came out from the room.

I am just glad everyone is safe and sound. I came home and after listening to the full description of the incident, thanked God for looking after my family.

Now, what do I do with one single wrought iron chair?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By the way, yesterday, a flock of birds surrounded Bik while she was in the garden. She told me yesterday that the birds were chirping away while they ate from her hands. Never happened before. Now we are left wondering. Were the birds trying to tell us something?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Remedy - treated Bik and the girls to bakso and nasi goreng at Medan. Then spent the night singing French songs - the girls practiced singing Frere Jacque, Allouette and Au Loin de Decembre for a'lliance francaise karaoke session. Finally, they drifted off to sleep.

More wrought iron table memories

WORK IN PROGRESS

2011-06-04T03:25:00.001-07:00

A year ago, my editor over at Utusan Publishers asked me to write a book on my garden. However, I was 'embroiled' in Hikayat and after that, Legends Of Asia. So IFTG was a project shelved for quite some time.

After writing Legends Of Asia, I no longer have any appetite for hikayat, folklore and legends. Well, for the time being at least. And yet, not writing felt strange. So I revisited IFTG and arranged a meeting with Mr Lam Peng Sam.

Mr Lam was a columnist for gardening in many of the top dailies including STAR, UTUSAN and NEW STRAITS TIME. I have always enjoyed his articles and home-made marmalade. Both Mr Lam and Mrs Lam and their daughter Evelyn are good friends. Needless to say, I was grateful and relieved - not to mention happy, when Mr Lam agreed to co-write IFTG with me.

This would be a collaboration of the young and old, the expert and the enthusiast on many levels. I look forward to this journey.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Photo : My passionfruit on our garden fence

Just for show ?

2011-06-01T05:35:00.000-07:00

I admit. I was one of those enamoured, inspired and taken up by the charms of Barack Obama ever since his voice - compelling and sure, took on the world and promised change. I still am.

But last week, when President Obama spoke at the AIPAC Conference, I listened to his whole speech patiently while he stressed the US unbreakable support for Israel. My heart slowly crushed. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee lobbyists sought :

1 - Billions in aid to Israel for fiscal year 2012 as well as ask for support for the overall foreign aid budget.[No wonder some in Joplin are still upset with the aid they receive...]

2 - To pass new legislation that imposes tough new sanctions on Iran. The bill, the Iran Threat Reduction Act, will prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons - yes,this reaffirms THE THREAT].

3 - Called on the Obama administration to oppose a unilateral Palestinian declaration of statehood as well as threaten a major change in U.S. relations with the Palestinian Authority, including a suspension of U.S. aid, if it includes unreformed Hamas members in its government.

And the President gave them what they wanted to hear. And to the rest of us he gave a piecemeal offering - that real peace can only come from sincere peace engagement with the whole Arab nations etc etc etc...

And what happens today?

An Israeli firm, Ofer Brothers Group [and its Singapore based subsidiary - is this any surprise, sorrylah...] is accused of trade with Iran.

Marah big brother...

But is it just for show ?

In any case, the highly charismatic and handsome Mr Obama is back on track and hugely predicted to win in 2012.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr Obama rises to the occasion, yet again

It was a tough day for the President at the United States. Unemployment at 9.1%? That's serious. An alarming 0.9 person out of 100 out of work. And yet, as I watched Mr Obama deliver his speech on the success of Chrysler or rather the automobile industry, I felt my admiration for his command for the rhetoric grow.

These are a few of my favourite things

2011-05-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

After toil of the sweetest kind
I wish to rest my burnt out mind
And seek refuge for a while
From the simpler things in life

The white speckled orchids' scent
And all kinds of jasmines in my garden
Kasidang in the corner heaven sent
This is my private haven

Gamelan on you-tube beguiling
Mandi serum in my bathtub - reviving
This is my slow awakening
This is my passion for life igniting

Dark Egyptian cotton bedsheets beckon
One of my very few luxuries
Sleep comes in an oasis of chocolate
After a night cap of Earl Grey and Cadbury

I drown in the dreams of the pomegranate
Spice induced languid embrace
Night falls yet morning awaits
Here comes the rain for another day

And I sleep...oh how I sleep...

I Just Wanna Be

2011-04-23T02:50:00.000-07:00

Well I currently live in a city where it is incredibly diverse. Racism, sexism and other forms of oppressions are rampant. Also, being accepted into what? I just wanna be.

Verlia Andrea Stephens

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Verlia and I met at the Unicentre, Carleton University in Canada. We were both student leaders, I was the President of the very active Carleton Malaysian Student Association (CAMSA) and Verlia was the President of the umbrella body, the International Students Association. After a particularly successful International Student Week, in which Malaysia took part in a big way, Verlia asked me to be her Vice President at ISA. There was an election and I came ahead of the Hong Kong student body President, Tommy, who was a good friend too. And so, Verlia and I worked together in our final year on the ISA.

Our days at the International Student's Office at the Unicentre were idyllic and full of camaraderie. The Carleton Student President was a strong supporter of the International students. We often met at the office during breaks and I had brought a carrom board all the way from Malaysia which we all shared. Students from the Africa, Carribean, Hong Kong, Aruba, Malaysia, Vietnam all shared time and idealisms.

Apart from that, Verlia and I were especially close friends. I often stayed at her place and got to know her friends and family. When I had problems I could not share with anyone else, it was Verlia I went to for advice. After many years of losing touch, I found her on Facebook.

Today, Verlia is still fighting for the ideals she believed in way back then. But I guess the world has changed. For in the eighties, I believed we were more connected, and there was no single event to bring hatred to the fore. We were fighting for equality, not acceptance which was a given I thought. We were fighting for opportunities, not survival.

Life is much more intense today, no longer idyllic and this is the sad scenario we face after two decades.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recently, Verlia posted this article by POC on Facebook :
10 conversations on racism I am sick of having with white people.
Good read and a real eye opener to our own backyard scenario.

RADUAN MAN EXHIBITION

2011-04-02T00:31:00.001-07:00

Raduan Man's art evokes a sense of patriotism in me always. Which is why I will make sure I drop by his first solo exhibition for 2011 at Starhill Gallery this April. Do take the time to immerse yourself in this Signature series.

I am very lucky that Raduan agreed to do the cover for my next book Hikayat, depicted here.

The man is a genius.

Thank you, Raduan.

HIKAYAT MERONG MAHAWANGSA : AN HONEST OPINION

2011-04-01T22:04:00.000-07:00

I must admit, my expectations were sky high. Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa was an epic legend and I have read the original chronicles from beginning to end umpteenth times. To say it is fascinating does not do it justice.

Yes, it tells the story of the Roman prince and the Chinese princess and how Merong Mahawangsa started a dynasty in Kedah Zamin Turan. It told the origin of the Kedah Sultanate and the story of Raja Bersiung. Of the coming of Siam, Patani and Perak and the connection between the three nations. Of ogres and fairies. Of a world lost in time.

The adaptation of the storyline for the movie I must say was well done. The period chosen was an exciting era and the idea to feature the mysterious Garuda as a pirate nation was brilliant. Stephen Rahman Hughes's acting was believable. The effort made in creating beautiful and authentic costumes is commendable.

However, apart from that, I was floored by my disappointment and it took me days to recover. The CGI overwhelmed the story, making it comical at times. The narration was too long and overbearing, there is simply no other way to put it. The acting was acceptable individually. Together, they were too much like parts of a jigsaw puzzle that did not quite fit. There was too much comedy overtones which did not suit the epic background of the movie. The movie did not move me in the least, and that I think was its worst crime.

Still it is a beginning. We have so much to offer in terms of beautiful legends and epics to showcase to the world. I hope Yusry continues to learn from the movies Langkasuka (Nonzee Nimibutr) and Puteri Gunung Ledang (Saw Teong Hin). And from old classics like Sumpah Semerah Padi and Hang Tuah which was screened at the Berlin Film Festival way back in 1957! P Ramlee movies were constantly winning awards from 1956 to 1964 in various categories. If Saw Teong Hin, Yusry and Tiara continue their quest for perfection, we will one day make it.

Let us move on to the next project.

POETS UNITED ANTHOLOGY

2011-03-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

THOUGHTS THAT BREATHE

Congratulations Robert and thank you for such a wonderful anthology.

You continue to inspire us with your dedication.

__________________________________________

Friends, I am lucky that my work is included in this anthology. Check out page 12

Yumiko and Katsu-chan are safe

2011-03-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

My dearest Yumiko and Katsu-chan. I salute your resilience as you brace for another day of tremors and earthquakes.

We miss you guys and our prayers are with you always.

Sudirman Haji Arshad

2011-02-21T17:23:00.000-08:00

Today, driving to work, sharply dressed in my black turtleneck, black suit and black high-heeled shoes, I was in a cheerful mood. By the time I got to the office, I was sobbing like a school-girl. I turned around timidly and saw one or two drivers sobbing away too!

The radio was having a tribute to Allahyarham Datuk Sudirman Haji Arshad.

This man is no ordinary singer and to Malaysians, he represented patriotism at the most sublime level. My earlier tribute to the No 1 Asia (Royal Albert Hall 1989) can be found here.

To be continued.

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Sudirman reached out to all Malaysians, the young , the old, the winners, the down-trodden. Everybody from all walks of life. He wore the Malaysian flag with style. His songs portray the life of the ordinary man like no other. His love songs made you nostalgic. His songs like 'Ayah dan Ibu' to honour fathers and mothers brought tears to your eyes. In fact it was this song, sung in the traditional malay rhythm, that started the floodgates for me this morning.

Ayah Dan Ibu
Ayah dan ibu
Itulah permulaan kami
Dapatlah melihat bulan dan Matahari
Ahai...Yang dikurniakan dari Ilahi
Ahai...Ayah dan ibu lah Mesti dihormati

Ayah dan ibu
Wali dan juga keramat
Pada mereka kita beri hormat
Ahai...Bagilah tunjuk ajar danNasihat
Supaya hidup
Supaya hidup kita akan selamat

Father and Mother
This is where it all begins
From the very first moment
We get to see the moon
And the sun

Ahai... God's beloved gift
Ahai... Whom we must always cherish

Father and Mother
Must be respected
Them being the all
Giving us guidance and
Advice so that we will be
Forever safe

During Hari Raya Aidil Fitri we listen to Balik Kampung which is synonymus with the exodus back to the villages during Eid and Independence Day celebrations starts with Sudirman's Tanggal 31.

He was always effortless in his approach to reach out to all races in Malaysia. A true Malaysian spirit. Here he sings a Hindi song with a fan.

A lawyer by training, Sudirman first enthralled us with this rendition of Send In The Clowns. God, he blew us away at that Bintang RTM competition. I was 11 years old.

My favorite song is entitled Hujan (Rain). As a poet, the lyrics are dazzling.

hujan yang turun
bagaikan mutiara
berkilau bersinar berkerdipan

The rain falls
Like pearls
Dazzling, shining, twinkling

subur menghijau
bumi terbentang
dan bayu berpuput lembut

The green flourishes
Across the earth
A gentle breeze in the air

cinta yang bersemi
di waktu hujan turun
menyirami ketandusan hati

A love that flowers
In the falling rain
Cradles the deserted heart

Hujan yang turun
Menyiringi
Engkau pergi

The rain falls
As you leave
In its cascade

selembut hujan bercurahan
begitulah cinta ini

As gentle as the rain
Is this love of mine

semesra bumi yang disirami
begitulah hati ini

As caring as mother earth
Is this heart of mine

hujan yang turun
bersama airmata
bersama pedih bersama rindu

The rain that falls
Hide my tears
The hurt that is missing you

kau datang dan kau pergi jua
rindu lagi

You came and now you are gone
And I am left missing you

In Gerimis Di Lautan, again, the lyrics just tug at the heart strings and the rhythm of the song evokes all that was Malaya at best.

Gerimis di lautan
Mendayung sampan ke kuala
Pada rang bulan pungguk merayu

The rain falls gently at sea
While the boat comes in
And the owl sings to the moon

Menangis kesiangan
Menanggung rindu pada si dia
Apakan daya orang tak mahu

While I cry until morn
Missing the one I love
Who has no eyes for me

Apalah guna ke bendang
Padi seberang takkan menjadi
Apalah kasihnya orang
Kasihnya orang orang tak sudi

Why should I work the paddy field
When there will be no harvest
Why should I continue to feel
This way when she returns not my love

Gerimis di lautan
Ku ubati lukaku sendiri
Namun parutnya terpandang jua

The rain falls gently out at sea
I will heal my own wound
But the scar remains

Oh biarlah ku sendiri
Oh tinggallah ku kan pergi
Oh biarlah Oh tinggallah

Let me be
I will leave

One of the most famous duets of the 80s featured Sudirman and NoorKumalasari.

Now, when I hear this next song of his, tears automatically threaten to fall. Salam Terakhir, Final Farewell, was sung by Sudirman in his controlled tender voice with emotions brimming to the surface. This song gave rise to all speculations until his untimely passing on 22nd February 1992.

Sampaikan salam buat semua
Salam terakhir salam teristimewa
Kepada kau yang tersayang
Pada teman yang ku kenang
Pemergian ku ini tak dirancang

Usah bertanya mengapa aku
Mengucap salam terakhir kepada mu
Kerna waktu berputaran
Bimbang tak berkesempatan
Melahirkan kerinduan terhadapmu

Do not ask me
Why I need to say goodbye
Time will move on
I fear I would miss the chance
To tell you just how much I will miss you

( korus 1 )

Demi sebuah kenyataan
Yang amat menyakitkan
Aku yang tidak berdaya
Hanya berserah padaNya

( korus 2 )

Salam akhir
Salam yang teristimewa
BersamaNya ku memohon keampunan
MelaluiNya ku beri kemaafanKepadamu

Andainya aku punya waktu
Masih ku ingin mengulangi semula
Saat indah bersama mu
Sayang tak berkesempatan

Abadikan saja salam ku di ingatan
Salam ku yang terakhir

Remember me always in your memories
My final farewell

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As I was leaving the office, there was a lively discussion about how this Malaysian icon affected our lives. Ann, Khalil, See Toh, Raymonde, Jay Jay and Thana all were sharing their favourite songs. And Thana reminded me of this lovely duet between Sudirman and Asian diva Anita Sarawak - Bercanda di Pasiran Pantai. Oh, what a song.

It begins and ends(?) in Egypt - Revolution Succeeds

2011-02-04T09:35:00.000-08:00

New Dawn in Egypt

CAIRO — Egyptians woke to a new dawn on Saturday after 30 years of autocratic rule under Hosni Mubarak, full of hope after achieving almost unthinkable change, with the army in charge and an uncertain future ahead.

As the muezzin's call to prayer reverberated across Cairo, the sound of horns honking in jubilation grew louder after a night when millions across the Arab world's most populous nation joyfully celebrated the fall of the president. More...

New policies. New constitution. New prosecutions.

As for the rest of the world? No country lives in seclusion. These are scary times.

12th February 2011
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11th February 2011
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"I stand above parties, which gives me more flexibility to express myself clearly. Of course I want to be involved in the future of Egypt, but whoever runs in elections right now is really not that important."

"Many young protesters see [Vice President Omar Suleiman] as just an extension of Mubarak. There is great opposition to him. But I think all these issues can be resolved if Mubarak steps down."

"If he's ready to go, we would ensure a dignified departure — this can be arranged. He has done many bad things, but he has also done good things for this country. ... He should step down with dignity."

Mohamed ElBaradei

Pharaohs come and go. So do traitors. But the pyramids still stand. At least for now.

It was the Egyptian Pharaoh who exiled the Jews from Egypt 3000 years ago. It was Egypt who lost to Israel in the 7 day war in 1967. It was Egypt who became the only Arab nation to embrace Israel. Well, maybe embrace is too strong a word. Accepted is better. Accepted its lies, its media manipulation. Its back-up plans.

Now one man wants to pull out the plug. Goodbye CNN. Goodbye 'fall guy'. It is too late to be concerned about dignity.

What is happening now is not about Egypt. It is about decades of living out a lie.

Feint within feint within feint.

From Plato to Rousseau

2011-01-24T00:05:00.000-08:00

More than two thousand years ago, Plato studied from Socrates and believed in beauty, good and justice. But the crumbling Greek society disillusioned his idea of democracy. He replaced this ideal with the 'state', a living nation that rewarded hardworking citizens whose collective goal was to enhance its stateliness
beautiful architecture beautiful people beautiful minds

Plato lost faith

In ideals and sought -
to restore order

The Republic was born out of the belief that the state was above all. Aristotle continued this quest, unrealistic dream for the perfect state for mankind. The beautiful minds began the search for logic and science, dimensions and proportions and transfered this logical thought process to politics. To him, only the state can ensure the good life. The alternative would be chaos - therefore the state must be preserved

Politics took shape
Under Aristotle's rigid
Classifications

It took two thousand years to destroy the innocent view of the perfect world on earth when Machiavelli arrived with his book, The Prince, he who believed that political power was above all. By now, a unified nation must be achieved at all cost. And hail to the new Italian hero Cesare Borgia (who was not even Italian) - for which a little bit of brute force and deceit did not taint his pristine reputation - to which a citizen militia was all loyal

Cruelty, lies, bigotry
All ends justified
In the name of the state

Power politics was here to stay, borne of the overiding desire to unite the most fragmented of countries. Across the borders, centuries later, Voltaire urged man to move forward and leave the era of injustice. He warned, "Anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the power to make you commit injustices."

Son esprit caustique
Et plume cynique
Rejeté les reliques du moyen âge
Injustice

His caustic mind
And cynical pen recoiled
From barbaric relics
of the Middle Ages

"Man is born free, yet he is everywhere in chains," reasoned Rousseau who with stirring words, turned men's thoughts from food and sex to bloody revolutions. For Rousseau believed in the individual, his rights to his person and reminded the free - we may acquire liberty, but it is never recovered if it is once lost.

To be continued...

(Tolstoy, Gandhi, Geldof)

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For my daughters

This New Year, I will embrace the Dash

2011-01-03T15:10:00.000-08:00

This New Year, I will rethink
My life strategies, priorities
Will change for sure

Embrace living

Enough of the rush
To endless deadlines
That kill all spontaneity

Embrace serendipity

Slow down the hours
Of the day loving
Every minute of joy

Embrace motherhood

Create beauty and songs
Of what lies within the heart
On a seemingly empty page

Embrace my poetry

Reach out to my fellow man
Forever and new found
Write letters of old

Embrace friendship

Live to be myself
At my best
While the world go by

Embrace myself

Beautiful and devoted
Playful and strong
His oasis to come home to

Embrace my soul-mate

Be thankful for
The most basic things
Air, food, love

Embrace God

Words by ninotaziz

Do They Know It's Christmas Time?

2010-12-25T15:59:00.000-08:00

AN EGYPTIAN BALL - ON THE NILE

2010-12-15T22:45:00.000-08:00

In the course of my work as an event organiser, I love it when I get to organise an event that reflects my interest. And this year, for New Year's Eve, we are holding an Egyptian Ball!

So, I have been immersing myself with middle eastern flavoured music and was thrilled to find this on youtube.

And this :

The decor will be superb as usual with best images of Egypt from floor to ceiling 20 feet high.

I look forward to my evening with Isis, Bastet and Nefertari. I know, I enjoy the ladies and cats and just maybe a game of mancala!

Moondustwriter's Thursday - Featuring More Fall Poetry Finalists

2010-12-09T03:14:00.001-08:00

One Stop Poetry Features Finalists from the Fall Poetry Competition “Through a Child’s Eyes”

Have you ever gone out into a garden in the dead of winter and found an unexpected flower blooming? I feel this way at One Stop Poetry. I am constantly being astounded at the beautiful writing and talent of the poets we have the honor of featuring. Here are two of those talents. Ninot Aziz and Shashidhar Sharma entered the fall poetry competition and were finalists. Their poetry submissions are below.

If you have not already read the winner's poem, we want to remind you to go to Spark Bright Magazine and read our Renee Sigel's poem.

Ninot Aziz was one of One Stop Poetry's fall competition finalists. I'm giving you a tiny peek into her life as a poet because we want to come back and do a feature after her book comes out.

Read the feature by Moondustwriter and poem by ninotaziz at One Shot Poetry here.

I am Only One but I am One

2010-11-29T09:11:00.000-08:00

Sherry, a friend who found and embraced me over at Poets United posted this video on her blog, StarDreaming with Sherry Blue Sky

It is the most beautiful video I have seen in a long while. And my pledge to make a difference is to try and save as many legends and folklores of the world from disappearing.

And I thank my publisher Utusan Publishers, especially my Editor Fuzana, for their support and encouragement in making this a reality.

Remembering Dad

2010-11-28T06:26:00.000-08:00

This was Dad, in his 20s.

That's me, a one year old baby.

I am afraid that is all I can muster now.

CULTURE CLUB - A MUSICAL

2010-11-26T21:54:00.000-08:00

A musical based on the music of Culture Club would be fantabulous. This is why :

Congkak, tonight ?

2010-11-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

Last night, I played congkak with the girls. And Bik too.

Congkak is a popular game in Peninsular Malaya, Borneo and Indonesia. Almost every house-hold in my childhood had a congkak 'board' and marbles or stones, even seeds to play with.

I remember walking along the Spark’s Street Mall in Ottawa, Canada during my student days when something tugged at my heart to enter this little side street shop filled with all things African. And as I was browsing through the beautiful knick knacks abound, my heart stopped when I found on display a marvelous congkak set carved out of malachite stone. Instantly, homesickness overwhelmed me but alas, the beautiful set was definitely way beyond a poor 3rd year struggling student’s budget.

When I got back to my apartment, my mind tried to link the existence of congkak in Africa and Malaysia. My at-the-time ignorant conclusion was that the Cape Malays must have brought the game over to Africa. Now of course I know that congkak actually originated from Egypt some 3000 years ago in the form of mancala and made its way throughout the world as the Arabs traveled far and wide.

It is wonderful how games can bring people together. Which is why it is essential for children to play together to understand basic society rules essential to their lives later and the unwritten code of conduct for team play. From games, we learn the simple rules of fair play, ethics, sportsmanship, the joy of winning and more importantly, how to handle losing. And life goes on after the tide turns rough for tomorrow is really, just another day at the playfield. Lo and behold, after a while, children manage to work out arguments over galah panjang during recess or rather, at the Cyber Cafe today.

I do teach my daughters some of the games I used to play as a child. Sudut Apit, Dam, Carrom and of course Mother’s favourite - Congkak. In return, they taught me (this was a long time ago) - Powerpoint! We can at least count on the old favourite Batu Serembang or Five Stones to bridge any generation gap, though you would have to get a refresher course because the steps have somewhat evolved all these years.

Mind you, my mother made sure we also played Monopoly, Lego and a clean game of Gimrummy – card games are great as an introduction to mathematics! I guess the importance of traditional games is just the same as any other games worldwide, be it Tiddlywinks in the UK or Go in Japan. It is a fabulous way to spend family time at home or on the road and encourages creativity, negotiation and social skills.

Some years ago, my father became quite ill and I used to get quite upset when my young girls did not know how to spend time with him. Then I got them to play checkers and card games with him. How I used to enjoy watching them play Colek, Pancing and memory games together. The children had a great time. But more importantly, they gained a lasting impression of a grandfather who could still be fun at times– eventhough he seldom let them beat him too easily at any game. Dad too managed to spend quality time with his grandchildren instead of being too idle to think about being unwell and other discomforts of old age. And today, we hear of many doctors advocating interactive boardgames and even mahjong for the elderly.

It is obvious that games such as Konda kendi, galah panjang, gasing, main wau to name a few have slowly become forgotten. We have a term for this - Hanyut ditelan zaman. While the lost is subjective to some, these games are part of our heritage, they make us the people we are. As we travel more and more, perhaps these games are another bond which unifies us with those in different lands who share this unique past.

I hope this little piece would play some aspect in bringing back a longing for this heritage. And the childhood games that inspired it.

And a strong yearning for comradeship and sheer sportsmanship.

Why I write poetry

2010-11-04T22:48:00.000-07:00

Shakespeare could turn any subject on earth to poetry. The obvious would be love, legends and drama. But politics and war too became bold and dramatic when given the Shakespeare treatment. Homer turned the Trojan War into the story of the face that launched a thousand ships, but who actually penned those famous words? Shakespeare's nemesis, Christopher Marlowe. Today, a hen can launch a thousand pens. And magic can inspire poets to stay glued to a 10" screen in the witching hour.

Did Shakespeare, Marlowe or Homer and countless other poets and writers know that their names would be immortalised, beyond kings, the beauty of the day and the fame of the infamous criminals of the century? With the exception of the prophets, writers are the most recognised names throughout time. And their work, unlike Science, Mathematics and Astronomy remained relevant and readable by the masses, not only scholars and academicians of the sixteenth century, those of the 21st century still read them just as much! Children read Bronte, and adults read Rowling. Lovers read Austen, cynics read Jung.

It cannot be emphasised enough that language and poetry are universal. There is Kahlil Gibran, Verlaine and Tolstoy. Tagore, Keats and Li Po. Shakespeare, Bronte and Hugo. Poets from every continent and country. Their words heal, calm, ignite. Kill, inspire, drown one in misery.

An expert is not an expert until he has written a lengthy thesis followed by a best-selling book. It is said that a writer never takes a vacation. He is either writing about his thoughts or thinking about his writing. One is compelled to write, sometimes to feverish heights. It is inborn, instinctive, incroyable.

The power of the written word of which poetry is the highest form - is the question of legacy. That is why writers are compelled to write. Not so that their name would be immortalised.

But that their words be whispered reverently upon a white page forever.

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You can find poetry by ninotaziz here, ici and di-sini.

An Ode to My Grandmother

2010-10-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

Rahmah Nik, the only daughter of Nik bin Besah and Yang Chik. granddaughter of storyteller Bebunga from Endau. An avid reader, Syair Ken Tambuhan, Hikayat Tajul Muluk and Hikayat Abdullah enthralled her. It was the 1930s, life was charmed yet turbulent with her policeman father travelling around the country. He was honoured for saving Dato Hussein's life during the war.

My grandmother
Young reader
Lovely daughter
.
Cikgu Rahmah Nik, young teacher in her teens. She taught school children during the day and adult literacy classes at night in Pekan, Pahang. At a school fair, a visiting teacher - Jaafar Awang Pekan bought a blue muffler she knitted from her. Little did she know, Jaafar fell in love with the hazel eyed vivacious teacher in kebaya there and then.
.
My grandmother
Young teacher
Beguiling beauty

Puan Rahmah Nik, married at eighteen years of age. This was not an easy endeavour as Jaafar was engaged to another in Chenor. The break up caused a minor family riot which took years to settle. But both Jaafar and Rahmah were very much in love and remained so for the rest of their lives. Remembering the war, she spoke of tapioca days and thread made of pineapple leaves, saving matches to last the day. Hiding neighbours in the kitchen, masquerading as maids. Sisters masquerading as boys. Later they were involved in the National Teacher's Union, fighting for a better life, then for the country. There were conferences and rallies to attend. She gave up jewellery and time for the cause.

My grandmother
Good neighbour, quick witted
Passionate about Malaya

Tok Rahmah Nik, grandmother at age 41 when first granddaughter was born far away in Australia. Together with Tok Jaafar, they were pioneers, he as headmaster and she was a teacher at the first Felda school in Lurah Bilut. Life was hard at the Rumah Kongsi - she negotiated with the Orang Asli for supplies as they loved to barter for batik, and other household stuff.

My grandmother
Knew hardship first hand
She kept the family together

Mak Chu Rahmah Haji Nik, back in Chenor was mother of ten, and Wanita UMNO leader. The household doubled up with nieces and nephews coming to stay. It was not luxurious but everyone had enough to eat and most importantly, the discipline to study hard. Everyone of the children and adopted children earned a place in residential schools.

My grandmother
Generous as she knew how
Problems to be solved - now

Tok Rahmah Haji Nik took in her eldest grandchild, yours truly who needed to be schooled in AlQuran and religion. At age 10, I could not read the Al-Quran nor understood the need to pray. Grandfather, Grandma and Tok Lebai took charge and I finished reading Quran the year after. Long after I left Chenor, I was told how Tok Lebai Ismail praised my ease and determination to read the Al Quran until his dying days. He passed away when I was overseas in Canada.

My grandma cooked breakfast for the poor students in school and entered craft fairs. She held Tupperware and Arcopal parties for the ladies. At night, she would faithfully prepare her notes for lessons the next day and she wrote in the most meticulous and beautiful handwriting I have known.

We watched Peyton Place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, P Ramlee on Friday nights. School holidays started with Tok Jaafar going to the train-station in Mentakab to fetch my aunties and uncles who returned for the holidays from MCKK, STF, SDAR, SEMSAS, STAR and more. She took me to do my IC. When I was to be sent to boarding school, Sekolah Seri Puteri, Tok Jaafar and Tok Rahmah drove me to Kuala Lumpur. We stayed at Hotel Asia.

My grandmother
Showered me with attention
Told me stories - Ken Tambuhan
To think through problems
Always surmountable

Hajah Rahmah Haji Nik went to Mekah after Tok Jaafar recovered from a prolonged illness which left him bones and skin. Whenever he was ill, that old blue muffler faithfully kept him warm. He recovered and they went for pilgrimage the year after. This started a passion for travelling in Tok Rahmah. After Tok Jaafar passed on, Tok Rahmah travelled to Jordan, Turkey and Egypt. She bought a little camera and used it with sheer delight.

My grandmother
Late starter traveller
Stories from abroad

Hajah Rahmah Yang Chik, passed away after being cared for by my mother in Taman Melawati. She was in pain, we told her stories and she wanted to hear Ken Tambuhan for the last time. As always, the Classic Nasional on the radio was by her side. She had always wanted her final resting place to be in Pekan where her father and husband were laid to rest. So we gathered as family in Pekan, the sky was overcast, there was the gentlest of drizzle.

My grandmother
Is no longer with me
Her last quiet breathe
Softly exhaled
She left gently

A lifetime of purpose.

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You will find more reflections on Grandma here.

Hajah Rahmah Haji Nik

2010-10-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

My grandmother Hajah Rahmah Haji Nik just passed away.

Al-fatihah.

Romancing Rodin

2010-10-22T20:16:00.000-07:00

Auguste Rodin of France must be the greatest sculptor of the modern era. Among his most famous sculptures are The Age of Bronze (L'age d'airain) 1877, The Walking Man (L'homme qui marche) 1877-78, The Burghers of Calais (Les Bourgeois de Calais) 1889, The Kiss 1889, The Thinker (Le Penseur) 1902.

Le Penseur

Inspiré par Dante

Existence tourmentée

Pièce de beau de l'art

Le génie de Rodin

Façonnés en bronze

En face de son musée

Au lieu de la Porte de l'Enfer

Mots par ninotaziz

However, it was not Rodin's sculptures that made me try to get to know him better. Seriously, Rodin's sculptures in particular The Thinker was generally more recognizable than the master himself. Incidentally, The Thinker was originally called The Poet and was fashioned after Dante in his journey through Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso in the 14th century masterpiece, The Divine Comedy. The Kiss too was inspired by this literary work.

Coming back to my study of Rodin - a few years ago, I was enamoured with Camille Claudel and her work as a sculpture, breaking new grounds in a male dominated era. Claudel was an apprentice, muse and lover of Rodin. Rodin met Claudel when she was merely 18 years of age, already a fiercely determined young woman of the arts tutoring under Alfred Boucher. Rodin was 43 then. This artistic influence the pair had on each other resulted in a stormy relationship. Claudel inspired Rodin and sat for many of his figures, and she assisted him on commissions, only to break away from the master to develop her own style.

Camille Claudel was Rodin's soul mate but he was loath to part from his life partner and mother of his son- Rose Beuret whom he married in the final year of his life. In any case, their relationship ended, and Camille Claude eventually was placed in asylum by her family.

Rodin's work, mainly commissioned by various patrons were mostly inspired by great stories. Here is a story of sacrifice and compassion.

Les Bourgeois de Calais

Calais, beautiful French Port

Fell during the War of 100 Years'

If not for Philippa of Hainault

The city had to greatly suffer

All were doomed, unless

Six nobles were willing to die

Accept the English conquest

The burghers heroic self-sacrifice

Queen Phillipa's intervention

She begged Edward III for mercy

For fear of bad omen

Towards her pregnancy

The Queen's tears for her unborn child
Saved the burghers of Calais

In this 1988 production, Gerard Depardieu plays Rodin and Isabelle Adjani is Camille Claudel.

Words by ninotaziz
Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.

Madly In Love with Victor Hugo

2010-10-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

Last night I fell madly in love with Victor Hugo.

I have never met him, or walked along

Avenues that bear his name.

I love the house where he lived in Paris

Where he touched all these beautiful things

I love his drawings that revealed a tumultous soul
who longed for a fortress home.

Stroke by stroke, a dash - the light

He kept his art from the world at large

So that his words take centrestage

Les Miserables - the greatest story of the nineteenth century

The Hunchback of Notre Dame gave Paris her sanctuary

But most of all I love Victor's words of wisdom, of love

Of a closeness not to religion, but God.

Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.

- Victor Hugo

Life's greatest happiness is to be convinced we are loved - Victor Hugo

There is nothing like dream to create the future
- Victor Hugo

Love is like a tree

It grows on its own accord

It puts down deep roots

Into our whole being

- Victor Hugo

All the forces in the world is not as powerful as an idea whose time has come - Victor Hugo

I love Victor Hugo.

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My new blog dedicated to my attempt at French poetry
is entitled

La Poesie par ninotaziz et Victor Hugo

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A lovely letter from Alliance Francaise today!

Dear Ms Aziz,
Many thanks for your contribution to our newsletter and your beautiful poems! We will publish them in our next issue.

Best regards,

Marine Douchin
Cultural Events Coordinator
Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur
15, Lorong Gurney 54100 Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA
+60 (0)3 26 94 78 80

http://www.alliancefrancaise.org.my/

20.10.2010

Poetry by Carrie Burtt

2010-10-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

Broken

One Shot Poetry

Some things when they fall they shatter and seem beyond repair
while others seem to brace the fall but invisibly they are impaired
a heart can see another's fall and then itself break in two
but tears like glistening diamonds will fall and make it new
God bless the heart that is broken for another's pain it has truly felt and seen
but God help the heart that will not break for it is surely broken indeed.

What The Trees Know

Magpie #35

The trees know a certain unity that we do not understand.
They face what the wind blows in, and together they shall stand.
When autumn's wind reaches out to them her subtle hand,
the leaves turn hue and fall and still together they do land.
The forest knows a certain hope that lingers in winter's cold.
It is the certainty of spring when new leaves will all unfold.
Yet, in the swelter of summer, at the hand of man alone,
a flicker becomes a flame and takes back what nature has bestowed.
Still, trees know a certain peace that man cannot recall.
For united they will stand, and still together they will fall.

Like A Forest

Think Tank Prompt #16

This life is like a forest and our world is but a tree
and humanity is a flow of many colors like an abundant growth of leaves
each spread out and grow reaching toward the sky
and when the time is right we break loose and start to fly
but like the changing seasons our flight is soon a fall
we reach out like a weary hand and embrace heaven's call.

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Carrie Burtt is a fellow poet whose work I particularly connect with and admire. I think the main reason for this is that Carrie writes from the heart. Her blog Hope Whisper is amazingly uplifting with images to match. Carrie says, "I have been writing since I was a child, but I became a "mad scientist" with a pen and paper about 13 years ago,therefore this blog was born. Hope you find a glimmer of inspiration here." Incidently, both Carrie and I started writing when we turned 11. A lovely coincidence!

Like most of us in the poet blogsphere, we have a separate blog as a journal and Carrie recaps her special thoughts in her blog Dancing with Elephants. And I guess when Carrie turns philosophical, she escapes to her blog What A Seagull never Told You.

I love her all the more when I see that Carrie loves the movies The Curious Case of Bejamin Button, Under The Tuscan Sun, Forrest Gump, Ghost and most of all Willow! Carrie is one of the many special friends I have had the privilege to know over the blog. Here, we do not really know the lives behind the poet in great detail. Which is why Robert at Poets United is doing such a marvelous job introducing us to each other in his Life Of A Poet interview series. Nevertheless, the poetry is the first and foremost link that strikes a connection, a bond that grows stronger with time.

To Carrie, from half way around the world - keep on writing!

Classics Lost In Time

2010-10-11T22:50:00.000-07:00

The Orient Express - a once in a life-time romance

Enjoying the sunset

Browsing through the inherited Encyclopedia

Dictionaries and thesaurus

Reading unabridged Charles Dickens at one sitting

Receiving a pen pal letter

Turntables - adjusting that needle onto your favourite single
A moment of bliss

Writing a heartfelt letter

Memories from the garden

2010-10-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

Memory woven garden
To you I come for solace
For - it is here I remember
I am born of gentle grace
- ninotaziz

Today, in my garden, I felt closest to my late grandmother. She was beautiful, a great cook and maybe above all, loved her garden.

An account of my reminiscence can be found here.

Ayodhya

2010-10-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

For decades, Hindus and Muslims fought over the Ayodhya claim. Ayodhya is the ancient city, birthplace of Rama no less. Its beauty, by the banks of the Sarayu River, was made timeless in the poet Valmiki's Ramayana. My retelling of this story can be found here.

After decades of bloodshed, over sixty years, a court decision has decided on the matter. The decision is welcome - if only to end bitter and deadly clashes if not for its justice.

Let us have a quick look at the Ayodhya history and debate.

Said to be the most ancient of Hindu cities, Ayodhya was the capital of the legendary Kingdom of Kosala. My retelling based on Valmiki's Ramayana tells the story of King Dasaratha, King of Ayodhya who longed for a son. A son, Rama was born to Queen Kausalya followed by three other sons. After many trial, tribulations and terror fighting the evil Ravana, Rama returned to Ayodhya in triumph. This story and legend is regaled throughout Asia in many forms. Incidently, the wayang kulit tulen Kelantan is based on this epic as well with many improvisation.

Now, back to Ayodhya's real history.

After thousand of years practising Hindu, in the 16th century, there was a wave of Muslim conquerors and Mughal rule in Ayodhya. Babur, the first Mughal emperor of India built the Babri mosque in 1527. For over two hundred years, debate over its existance on an ancient Hindu temple site as discussed here was cause for fierce fighting. In the 1800s, the courts however generally gave in to the status quo that the mosque shall be respected and kept safe.

In 1992, the Babri Mosque was razed to the ground by Hindu extremist. A monument of India's history erased - but not its significance. If at all, it set aflame century old disputes and after the ashes settled, its ambers slowly fumed bigotry in its place.

Some might wonder why I am interested in this debacle and the resulting outcome. Well, I constantly read and research world legends. When a legendary epic like this, albeit a very religiously revered epic, becomes the basis of modern day news, I am piqued by how much it would influence the courts.

It is also a story of clashing beliefs and respect.

Hopefully, a story of reconciliation - if possible.

Interview with Poets United by Robert Lloyd

2010-09-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

Photo taken on one of the happiest day of the writer's life.

Have you ever met a person, where after no more than 10 minutes, you have complete adoration and respect for them? I recently did when I took the time to sit down and shape my most recent interview. This week for our The Life of a Poet Interview I was lucky to have a wonderful back forth exchange with Zalina Abdul Aziz, known to us at Poets United as Ninot Aziz.

For full interview, click here.

The most romantic movies ever

2010-09-28T01:31:00.000-07:00

This is my list of the most romantic movies ever.

Just the thing to fall in love again...with all time classic Romeo and Juliet 1968 as my favourite.

Chocolat - Sinfully delicious

Moulin Rouge - Heartbreaking...

Shakespeare In Love

I will have poetry in my life
And adventure
And love

Titanic - Thunderous

Notting Hill - a bubble of joy

Cyrano de Bergerac - A movie of epic proportions

Romeo & Juliet

My only love sprung from my only hate!
Too early seen unknown, & known too late!

CYBER EVENT OF THE YEAR

2010-09-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

Are you attending the Willow Ball?

Poets - check out my preparations here.

Dances to lull the senses - The Gamelan

2010-09-18T02:17:00.001-07:00

Ten years ago, I was a busy executive stressed out from incessant work and frustrated that my writing career had not taken off. Irani was just born, Iman and Inas just started school. We turned to theatre and music. Iman took piano lessons, Inas, the violin and I joined a gamelan class at the Actors Studio Academy.

We learnt traditional gamelan songs like Timang Burung, Togok, Lambang Sari and more. These were classic slow paced soothing music. Three years later, I joined the GiS gamelan group under the patronage of Angela Hijaz and we learned the Balinese gamelan at her celebrated estate Rimbun Dahan under the strict and watchful eyes of a Javanese Master, Pak Wayan. The gamelan was fast paced and more intricate. My daughter Iman joined the orchestra as well. Inas took the opportunity to continue her violin lessons with Pak Samsuddin Lamin who stayed nearby. Needless to say, those were lovely days.

The Gamelan Pahang of Malaysia originated from the Riau Lingga courts. A Lingga princess brought with her the full set of the gamelan orchestra when she was presented as a bride to the Pahang prince in 1811. The original set is kept at the Royal Museum in Pekan Pahang. In time, Tengku Mariam Sultan Ahmad took the gamelan to Terengganu in the early 1900s. There used to be 77 songs, faithfully recorded by the Pahang princess before she became the Sultanah of Terengganu. Now, less than 40 survive. As for the accompanying dances, less than 10 are actively performed.

This dance and song is the Lambang Sari which is an ode to the Malay princesses of old.

Lambang Sari, gak puteri

Terlindung dari pandangan

Indah gerak tari puteri

Bagai di dalam kayangan

Inilah lagu Lambang Sari

Damai di taman larangan

Nasi di hidang, sanggul di cucuk

Tapi apakan daya impian

Hati sayang diri berkecamuk

Nusantara berbelah bagi

Raja dan Sultan bermuafakat

Puteri ditugaskan pergi

Negeri berdamai, janji terikat

Gak Puteri membakar diri

Lambang Sari - The Song of The Princess

Hiding from mortal gaze

Swaying to the gentle breeze

Princesses at rest and play

Bewitching music of bamboo reeds

Enchanted garden, their sanctuary

A charmed life of royal proportions

Yet many trapped deep within

Yearning for her heart's desires

The peace of the land their charge

To be presented to her new liege

As bride, with accompanying entourage

With gifts and a silver box of betel leaves

Like a candle in the wind

Giving light, yet burning within

Finally I found a worthy recording of the dance Timang Burung, one of the most enchanting aand recognizable gamelan classic. The dancers are young but their subtle and precise form and movement promise the continuance of this art. Their movements depict that of a playful bird the princess Raden Galuh found on the beach.

Timang Burung

Raden Galuh eloknya puteri
Terkenal seluruh Nusantara
Cintanya pada Raden Inu Kertapati

Sehidup semati kiranya

Bila asyik rindu rinduan

Turun puteri bermain dipantai

Dapat seekor burung idaman

Bermain dia lemah gemalai

Menari inang menari nari

Dari pagi hingga ke petang

Cantik puteri berseri seri

Dari dulu hingga sekarang

The princess pined for her prince

Danced on the beach to sooth her heart

A bird of paradise had her bewitched

She swore they would never part

The next song is a classic recording of the dance and song Kunang Kunang Mabuk from the 1980s by the group SUKTRA of Terengganu Darul Iman. Pls ignore the first few irritating seconds...

Kunang Kunang Mabuk (Dazed Fireflies)

Bewitched by moonlight

The Firefly dances

Til it is time for flight

To meet the enchantress

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My gamelan class at Actors Studio - Haris, Keiko, myself, Ana, Suchin, Maya and Candice with teachers from The Gamelan Club Susan, Gillian,Shahanum, Wai Fan, Engu and Datuk Faridah Merican.

Mum and Grandmother with Iman, Inas and Irani attended the graduation performance.

Hari Raya Not So Long Ago and Now

2010-09-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

This smile on my daughter's face reminded me why we 'Balik Kampung'' every year. This picture was taken at her Tok Mek's house. I have detailed and placed pictures of this year's trip home in my family journal blog here. It was a memorable trip to say the least.

Two years ago after Hari Raya I was inspired to set up a new blog on pantun, the first post was one of my first pantun entitled Tapai Pulut inspired by the tapai my mother-in-law made that year.

Tapai pulut daun rambai
Masak ranum dek taburan ragi
Mari kita beramai ramai
Balek kampung beraya lagi

Masak ranum dek taburan ragi
Di makan bersama teh bunga
Balek kampung beraya lagi
Hari Lebaran sungguh mulia

Dimakan bersama teh bunga
Tak tinggal jua lemang dan rendang
Hari Lebaran sungguh mulia
Yang dekat tersayang, yang jauh dikenang

And yet I feel a bit blue coming back in KL. Before Hari Raya, I was upset over the advert on TV3. After Hari Raya, all over the news, the investigation of the gruesome murder of self-made millionaire Datuk Sosilawati is scrutineered in detail. The murder of the Ustazah and child by a neighbour is resolved in lightning speed. Three teenagers go gallivanting during Hari Raya for days whereabouts unknown causing heartache to a worried mother.

In the days surrounding Hari Raya, a pastor from Florida showed how me crazy the world can get. I was therefore gratified to see a post by a fellow poet and blogger, Stafford Ray.

Stafford demonstrated there is still hope for this world.

LAGU RAYA

2010-09-03T15:51:00.001-07:00

We will be going home up-north for Aidil Fitri. Our annual pilgrimage to the wholesome and true.

Selamat Hari Raya Maaf Zahir Batin. Drive safe. Keep safe.

And don't forget to listen to these timeless Lagu Raya before they disappear altogether.

Rudi & Ninot

Iman Inas Irani Ilena Ikesha

My Merdeka Thoughts

2010-08-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

My precious bird nest ferns and our flag

Merdeka will be here soon as we can see in the neighbourhood - and pretty much around the country. This is our Jalur Gemilang flying in the wind in our garden doing double duty for our household and our wonderful neighbours - Cikgu Rahim and Cikgu Ani. And those are my precious bird nest ferns which you will see in abundance around our little garden.

Now, while I do not subscribe to the notion that my homeland is merely 53 years old, Merdeka is just as good a time as any to celebrate the coming of age of our nation. First let me explain my earlier statement. For me, my home - which we now call Malaysia, has been in existance millions of years ago when the tectonic plates moved to severe Australia from the continents. A 400 year colonial rule does not obliterate this reality and history. It is however, part and parcel of our country, as necessary to the story as any other part.

My homeland witnessed the birth of the oldest rainforest in the world.

And the most beautiful coral seas surrounding our shores.

The peninsula saw the movement of people to and fro the Kra Ithmus from the ancient cities Langkasuka to Gangga Nagara. Settlements began to fill out at the mouth of major rivers, sea-masters braved the pirate infested seas to seek new territories.

...and bewitched Ptolemy to call it Aurea Chernosese.

At the end of the 16th century after the fall of Melaka, copies of the ancient manuscript Sulalat us-Salatin or Sejarah Melayu began to appear. And the pantun was a unique feature of the highly stylised Malay literature. In no other form of poetry that a relationship between the metaphor and the reality is so intricately woven.

Exotic.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, if not earlier, the peninsular was called Tanah Melayu or Malaya for obvious reasons. There is a song that brings a threatening tear when I listen to it. It goes...

Sungguh gemilang negeriku

Yang ku puja

Oh! Tanah Melayu

Di serata dunia

Harum semerbak

Namamu oh! Malaysia...

Intrigue was bound during this era, especially in the tin rich land of Perak. The Wikipedia's account of it is the mildest and full of diplomacy,

"By the terms of the Pangkor Treaty, the Resident was an adviser whose decision were binding in all matters except for custom or religion. The first Resident had been murdered in 1874, precipitating a war that left nearly all high-rankingMalay officials either dead or in exile. Low's appointment marked a return to civil authority.

The intrigue, for now, can wait. It suits the purpose of my story to relate that the then Sultan of Perak, Sultan Abdullah was exiled to Seychelles. Described in Seychelles as a most Universal of Man, the Sultan mastered French, Creole and English. His favourite tune among others included a classic 18th century chanson de Francais - La Rosalie composed by Pierre Jean de Beranger. It has now been established that this is the origin of our national anthem Negaraku.The story here.

Back to Sultan Abdullah. The Sultan travelled to England and certainly, it is not too farfetched to deduce that he visited France. This was in the 1880s. Victor Hugo, himself a political exile during the reign of Napolean III, championed the cause of many and constantly took up cases with the government of Queen Victoria.

And now I come to the matter of the pantoum. The Larousse Encyclopedique says:
Pantoum ou Pantoun, n, m, (mot malais), Poeme a forme fixe, emprunte par les romantiques aa la poesie malaise - Encycl.. Le antoum fut introduit dans notre poesie par V Hugo (Orientaales) et Th Gautier, et epris par Baudelaire(Harmonie du soir), Banvillee, Leconte de Lisle...

In short,it says that the pantun was introduced into the french poetry by Victor Hugo and Theophile Gautier. However, Victor Hugo was already aware of the pantun form in the 1830s. Nevertheless, in the 1880s there was a surge of interest in the pantoum and translations of original Malay pantuns into French.

Sultan Abdullah was a cultured Universal Man of presence and style who appreciated music and poetry. Victor Hugo was the French poet, playwright, novelist, essayist, visual artist, statesman, human rights activist and exponent of the Romantic movement in France. I can imagine HRH and Victor Hugo together with their many friends and associates having political and cultural discussions including exchanging pantun at the end of a chilly winter evening. Such as this...

Les papillons jouent alentour sur leurs ailes;
Ils volent ver la mer, pres de la chaine des rochers
Mon coeur s'est senti malade dans ma poitrine
Depuis mes premiers jours jusqu'a a l'heure presente

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I became acquainted with this wondrous history in part during my days at the Royal Lake Club. I would like to acknowledge the extensive research and article written by Jon Azman -Negaraku and its Parisian Roots. More importantly, the first hand information supplied by the great grand daughter of Sultan Abdullah, Raja Teh Zaitun Raja Kamarulzaman, aka Mak Ungku.

However, the tale of the pantoum's origin is my conclusion, albeit with heavily romanticised slant, based on facts and timeline involved.

More references from Wikipedia, from Indonesia, here and here. Also, do refer to Francois Rene Daillie's Alam Pantun Melayu.

My thoughts on Merdeka in 2009 and 2008.

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Mak Ungku and I had one of our chit chats yesterday. And as usual, it was precious as ever. Jerusalem and her French classes were on her mind. Oh yes, London in the 1940s too.

Then I told her about my recent endeavours into pantun. Mak Ungku then shared the beautiful Omar Khayyam poetry which she recited off the cuff in English, French and Bahasa. And of Haji Hamilton who translated the Omar Khayyam into Bahasa Melayu. The following summed up our little tête-à-tête

Duduk di sini bernyanyi-nyanyian

Padang terkukur jadi kayangan

POETS UNITED AND THE MATTER OF WATER

2010-08-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

Robert Lloyd runs Poets United, a community and blogroll for poets who blog. There are currently 80 of us poets who make up this fast growing community from about 20 countries. Of course many of us take part in other memes and groups, so the community is much larger.

When I started poetry blogging, I had just come out from a long hiatus of poetry writing. Writing is part and parcel of work and I am on my third book of Malay Folklore anthology. But poetry? I thought I had left that part of me buried somewhere - most likely in my daughters' room as I see poetry blooming there - fast and furious.

Now I write about 4 to 5 poems a week, including one pantun in Malay and one very short stanza in French. The prompts help but sites like One Shot Wednesday run by moondustwriter, Pete, Brian and Dustus are open ended and free for all. This makes it slightly more difficult. It is for One Shot Wednesday that I dedicate one poem in three languages - making it a weekly challenge I look forward to.

Back to Poets United, Robert recently gave a shout out for help. The blogroll contains five to six simultaneous blogs. I offered some prompts for the Thursday Think Tank which Robert decided to use. One of my prompt was based on water and a quote from Jacques Cousteau.

"We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one"

~Jacques Cousteau

Robert wrote:

Water everywhere and not a drop to drink. I don’t know offhand who said this but it’s a pretty eye opening statement. It makes you think. When you read the word water what comes to mind? What do you think of? Is it that Evian is backwards for naïve? Is it the

deserts without the water of life? It could possibly be the

rain falling from a warm summer sky. I’m sure water makes all of our minds race so we cannot wait to see what “Flows” from your pens and minds this week.

This week’s prompt, quote and photo was provided to us by Nino Taziz. Thank you Nino for an inspiring prompt and helping us out here at Poets United.

If you would like to know more about Nino please visit the blog below:

Poems by Nino Taziz

Thank you Robert.

This is my contribution:

Behold The Last Drop

Imagine this beauty to be
The last drop of water on earth
Dried up are all the seas
Pent up are the clouds above

Dunes across the continents
Deserts stretched to the poles
Humans long forgotten
Encased as fossils below

Along came two aliens
Who studied the world's history
"There was once water and gardens...
Then it all dried up mysteriously."

For the aliens could not comprehend
That humans could be so ignorant
As to destroy life's precious element
And thus the life's cycle ends

- self annihilation...

Do read other contributions based on the water prompt here.

This theme is close to heart because I feel a sense of urgency building up on this irreplacable precious resource. Water is trapped in plastic bags that can't decompose. Water consumption is still wasteful in nature. Rivers are polluted by industries plotting to escape detention.

The earth's surface is covered by 71% salt water. The rivers and the ocean are key to our survival and yet -

We continue to live on borrowed water.

C'est la vie!

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For statistics on water resources, check here. Even more thought provoking and relevant to the topic above, have a look at stats on water pollution , water management and more.

I live in a country where water is in abundance, the ancient rain forest and warm seas surround us - yet even I fear this water reality.

Pantun Oh Pantun

2010-08-22T03:18:00.000-07:00

Jikalau tidak kerana bintang

Masakan bulan terbit tinggi

Jikalau tidak kerana abang

Masakan adik datang ke sini

If not for the stars above

Why would the moon venture high

If not for you, my only love

Why would I venture nigh...

(Adapted translation by Francois Rene Daillie)

Today, I am in love with the Malay pantun and literature especially the Malay Hikayat penned by unknown authors in the 16th and 17th centuries if not before. However, growing up, this branch of literature was only a pastime reading among the many poetry and fairytales of the world. Like many children, I read Grimms, Perrault and Anderson fairy tales. Mother Goose rhymes. A little bit of Malay Hikayat, Arabian. Chinese. Indian. Korean. For many years I wrote English poems and poetry, English prose, and lately English books - even though the subject is the Malay Hikayat.

As a child, I was adequately acquainted with the Malay pantun. Despite the fact my grandmother dished out her age old wisdom in pantun and gurindam form.

Siapa cepat dia dapat.

Tak tumbuh taka melata

Tak sungguh orang tak mengata

Sikit sikit
Lama lama jadi bukit

After all, I had only learnt to speak, read and write the Malay language when I was six after we returned to Malaysia from Australia. Still, once I went to live with my grandparents in our village for two years to learn our roots and religion studies, as my mother put it, I immersed myself in this way of life. I danced the Malay dances - the joget, endang, zapin. I loved Malay theatre performances like Wayang Kulit and Makyong. I played the gamelan. And took boat trips along the lazy rivers in my village. The Malay way of life slowly shaped my growing years.

Then, perchance, many years later, I found the book, Alam Pantun Melayu - A Study of The Malay Pantun, written by Francois Rene Daillie at a sale organised by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka here in Kuala Lumpur.

Monsieur Daillie wrote in the first chapter - The Malay Pantun as an Adventure in World Literature, "I have always conceived literature as an adventure, that is, etymologically, something that happens to you, that you have to go through...happenings which have an impact on your intellect, your spirit... To me, the encounter with the Malay pantun has been until now one of the most striking episodes as well as one the main elements of the whole adventure of life... of life and literature closely mixed together."

I was astounded by this man's love for the Malay pantun, which to him, was part and parcel of the Malay way of life and thinking. He shared his philosophy and research in a completely lucid and loving manner. This was the spark. By and by, I embraced my own culture - especially the pantun with alacrity.

Since then, I have studied and appreciated the Malay Pantun like never before. Find my Malay pantun here. I found my thoughts reflected so well by Monsieur F R Daillie when he says in his book, "...the pantun has never obtained the fame it deserves, in spite of its introduction into French XIXth century poetry under the adulterated name, 'pantoum'." I now agree with Monsieur Daillie that more should be done so that the Malay Pantun be internationally acclaimed for its ingenuity, form and sheer beauty. How unfortunate it is that the charm and enigma of the pantun is only appreciated and recognised within our Nusantara. The pantun of old can be witty, passionate to the point of being downright erotic, full of wisdom and hilariously comedic in nature and was an excellent tool for getting one's point across, an ice breaker or for conveying a subtle message.

The pantun has many forms. It covers love, wisdom, wit and comedy, stories anad more. There are also the Baba Nyonya Pantun and Persian syair. The first and foremost requirement in creating pantun is a keen observation of one's surroundings. The second, the conversion of this observation into a metaphor. Then the actual message of the pantun is conveyed in the formal form of the pantun. A pantun can be a 4 line, 6 line or 8 line stanza of the abab, abcabc or the abcdabcd form. In its most elegant form, the first half of the stanza is usually a metaphor or indication of what is to come in the second half. In the pantun berkait, the second alternating lines are repeated in the following stanza.

The pantun berkait was introduceed to French poets and novelists of the 19th century like Victor Hugo and Baudelaire. Many tried to emulate the form and structure which gave rise to the French avatar of the Malay pantun, the pantoum. To Daillie, "If one of the assets of poetry at its best is the magic and beauty accomplished by language, the Malay pantun can be placed among the highest achievements of mankind in this form of art... the Malay pantun, as one of the fixed forms of poetry ever devised by man, can vie with such famous genres as the Japanese haiku or the European sonnet."

I would like to invite interested poets and readers, , to learn about the pantun. Do read this beautiful indepth study of the Malay pantun by a Frenchman who certainly has only admiration, a delightful insight and respect for this form of literature that his book arouses an even stronger sense of pride in ourselves and our literature.

It is very often through the eyes of a 'foreigner' that we can become reacquainted with what we have become accustomed to or taken for granted all our lives.

Let us hope that the art of pantun will remain forever. I would hate to think my children would only get to listen to pantun at Malay Weddings. Or my unborn grandchildren, none at all.

The Inner Eye

2010-08-15T03:55:00.000-07:00

How many see the heavens above and fail to see God?

This week, over at Poets United, poets all over were prompted to wax lyrical over the subject of eyes. For my take on the prompt, come over . Somehow, I went a bit off tangent and did a tribute to one of my favourite authors growing up, Agatha Christie.

However, it came to my notice that many of the bloggers wrote about the fear of losing our eye sight. Poets are almost always avid readers and as such, this is a very real fear indeed. Imagine a world without words running over the unblemished of white expense. A true tragedy.

This fear and the inexcapable terror that comes with blindness sparked off this rather philosophical post of mine. For if you really think about it, what is sight without insight?

How many see the forest and hear dams instead of tigers roaring in the distance?

How many walk past a broken down playground and miss the sound of children's laughter?

How many start great wars and yet do not see the fallen, just the outcome?

How many face an old relic and see a new shopping mall?

How many appreciate the art on the wall but fail to recognise nature's true beauty?

How many see and yet do not see what matters the most.

MY RAMADHAN

2010-08-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the first day you fasted?

I do.

I was seven years old in Standard One in Kuantan. It was the last day of Ramadhan. I remember my uncles teasing me that if I did not fast, I won't be able to celebrate Raya. Raya meant balik Chenor, main mercun, hugging my grandfather, being spoilt silly by my grandmother. It meant playing in the garden in the moonlight while the lemang was cooking.

So I fasted on the last day without anyone knowing. When I got back from school in the afternoon, I was dead tired. I wanted desperately for someone to know, but I was too shy to say it. Finally, I heard my Auntie Yah say,"Budak Na ni puasa ke? Pucat je...Tik! I think Nina is still fasting!" Tik is my mother. She came to ask, " Are you fasting, Nina?" I just nodded.

Ooohhh...everyone made a fuss. I felt very good inside. I can't remember what we had for breaking fast, but I remember the pride I felt. Thereafter, I fasted more and more days each year.

When I was in secondary school, I was in the band and gymnastics. Somehow, it was important to me that I still train during the fasting months. After band practice in the afternoon, I would walk up three flight of stairs to my dormitory. I felt invigorated.

In Canada, we fasted from 4.30am to 8.45pm in the summer. But I did not tire. I was spurred to do more as the days were longer.

Today, I find, during the fasting month, my mind is the clearest. My prayers are focused. I do not worry about lunch. I do not worry about petty office squabbles. I work, work and work. Incidentally, I noticed that for the last few years, I also write the most during the days approaching Raya. I used to think this was because the Hari Raya reminds me of the traditional music, my kampung and the food. Now I believe it is because Ramadhan releases me from petty concerns. And what I love the most comes forth , pouring from a chalice of inspiration.

Thank you Ramadhan.

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During sahur today, my daughter Irani was telling me about her fasting experience. Her friends told her that all the devils are locked away during Ramadhan. Her Uztazah told her that you should not be quarreling too much with each other...you should think of good thoughts and deeds. I liked that.

Then she also told me that one of her teachers had asked all students to watch TV during bulan puasa as she pitied the young students. I immediately went into my famous small talks with my daughters which they half feared, half hated but remembered well so much so I hear them repeating the exact same words to their younger sisters.

I told Irani sternly, when you fast, you are strongest. Why? she asked. Because you are healthier, closer to God and all the devils are locked away. How can you not be stronger?

She nodded.

Well, this is my way of teaching my children.

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Another favorite memory from my past Ramadhans was my late grandfather reading the Al-Quran in the middle of the night, his voice booming into the silence was one of the most serene moments in my life.

ADI PUTRA

2010-08-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

The first time I heard Adi Putra recite this sajak, I cried.

Aku lah Adi Putra
Melayu tidak pernah lupa

Aku berfikir rasional
Aku berfikir internasional

Hujan biarlah bertempat
Marah biar bersopan
Kurang ajar biarlah berbudi bahasa

Tersirat mereka tak nampak
Tersurat saja mereka lihat
Di mana silapnya

Ayuh bangsaku! Bangunlah...
Kita jadikan Melayu hebat dipersada dunia
Akulah model insan anak Melayu jati Wawasan 2020

Takkan Melayu hilang di dunia
Pantang Melayu menderhaka pada Sultannya

Mengapa bersembunyi diri di sebalik ibu pertiwi
sejengkalpun tanahair ku di jajah
Biar puteh tulang jangan puteh mata

Tan Sri A Samad Ismail Part I

2010-08-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

This article on Tan Sri A Samad Ismail a.k.a Pak Samad is part of a series of tributes to worthy Malaysians who were the genuine article in a sea of personalities. I apologise in advance for any shortcomings in this tribute. Nevertheless, the admiration is deeply felt and sincere – ninotaziz
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We cannot discuss the future of the Malay language without at the same time discussing the future of the Malay people...The history of the Malay language is the history of the Malay people. The future of the Malay language will be the future of the Malay people.

Malay writers, in particular must recognise their active responsibility.

History moulds man, but man in turn creates and mould history.
A Samad Ismail, 1953

Can one get to know a man from his written thoughts?

Never having the opportunity to meet Tan Sri A Samad Ismail in person, the impression of a firebrand is strong when people talk about the man and ‘the myth surrounding him’. Over the last few weeks, through his work, his essays both in English and Bahasa, his novels and most revealing, tributes by other writers on Pak Samad, the thoughts, make-up and character of the man take shape. He was a force to be reckoned with for A Samad Ismail was at the epicentre of the politics both sides of the causeway and every major newspaper in Singapore,Malaya and later Malaysia - Utusan Melayu, Straits Time, New Straits Times, Berita Harian, The STAR at one time or the other. It is not surprising to learn that he played a key role in the split between The Straits Times and The NST.

A self-proclaimed ’political animal’, A Samad Ismail was widely regarded as intellectual, influential and a nationalist. He was an engineer of thought and strategy, his eccentricity accepted as part of his genius. He was a difficult man – hardly surprising as geniuses are known to be difficult, he parted ways with the closest of allies and friends throughout his life for reasons best known to him. He was mentor to ASAS 50 group of writers which included the renowned Usman Awang (Tongkat Warrant) and Kamaluddin Muhammad (Keris Mas) among others.

Born in 1924, A Samad Ismail was the ‘jewel of the family’ of a well respected Javanese clan in Singapore. The family called him Comel. A Samad Ismail started life sheltered, mainly because all his elder brothers died young. So he was closely guarded and chaperoned everywhere, But he quickly grew up when he became a reporter with Utusan Melayu at merely 14 years of age. A different world had opened up to him.

Eventually, he led a turbulent life, and was detained several times throughout his lifetime, only to return stronger than ever. After reading his novel “Tembok Tidak Tinggi”, one can imagine from the words that jumped at you from the stark pages the terrible existence he went through in the gaol. He wrote, “Dia mesti keluar.Dia mesti bebas. Sebulan lagi di dalam bilik itu, dia akan gila...Dia merindui Rokiah! Rokiah! Rokiah! Wahab tercunyap-cunyap seperti orang kelemasan dalam air, dadanya bergelombang dan nafasnya kian sesak.

Dia memaki Shamsuddin, menyumpah Dollah dan teman-temannya yang lain. Kalau tidak kerana mereka, dia akan berada di samping Rokiah, merasakan pelukan mesra isteri, merasakan bulatan perut isteri yang berdenyut oleh nyawa anak sulungnya.

Most telling in this novel, “Kau bodoh Wahab. Kau bodoh...Apa kata Pak Kadir dulu? Jangan berpolitik.Mahu jadi wartawan, jadilah wartawan. Jangan ikut Hashim yang gila itu.” Journalism and politics both had a viselike hold on the man, but obviously, the lure of journalism was always strongest.

This is easy to recap today, but surely his wife must have been traumatised. Puan Hamidah Hassan was a teacher and later became a reporter at Utusan Melayu. She was also active in UMNO Singapore, and was Ketua Kaum Ibu in the 1950s. On their relationship at Utusan Melayu, where he was Editor and she was a ’mere’reporter, she wrote in later years, “I was with the common herd and treated like any other reporter...As for ideas for features or stories –well, I might as well wait for a cat to grow horns than to depend on my husband.” Puan Hamidah shared how A Samad Ismail thrilled the children [ten in all] with a story of how he had a secret midnight tryst with an Indian gang leader in a Serangoon Road cemetery to talk ‘peace’ during an election. You get the idea that A Samad Ismail’s bedtime stories must have been wild and unique for sure!

Reading about their courting days, the story would have made a beautiful Malay drama theatre, very much like Uda and Dara, only more spirited, dark and full of colour, full of surprising naivete and tenderness and of course witty repartees.

A Samad Ismail loved cowboy comics and going to the movies. He would drag Usman Awang (the late Tan Sri) to the cinema during midnight screenings or daytime, whenever his fancy, booking tickets in advance. No one could refuse him, the man who has faced endless forms of demons would claim, “the shootings scare me...” to arm-twist friends to go with him. His charm was such.

Considering the ancient typewriter that Pak Samad pounded at [like the staccato burst of the machine gun...], the amount of work he produced was astounding. Articles, novels, apart from the newspapers...not to mention his work on various committees - official and unofficial. Among all, his short articles , imbued with wit and insight provoked thought, laughter and caution all at the same time. His narrations of Mat Chantik, Tok Guru, and insightful 'letters' to Premiers like Gorbachev and Bush are as relevant today to the society.

It is difficult to find leaders today who create such a forceful presence and demand only brilliance in their work, and nothing less than awe in their peers and followers. Even more difficult to find such experienced professionals who make it a point to nurture the new blood so vigorously. These were the strong impressions gathered from A Samad Ismail’s life.

Surely the lost is even more far reaching than we care to admit.

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Please find more comments on Pak Samad by his peers and those close to him here.

Best Classic Rock

2010-07-19T23:14:00.000-07:00

My collection of greatest classic rock songs ever - very much part of days long gone by, kept in the back pocket of my LEVI 501 I don't wear anymore...

The greatest classic rock song must be Stairway to Heaven

And Pink Floyd was out of this world

Rainbow, the underated classic rock band. Thank you Mr Ritchie Blackmore

And Queen gave us songs that could make us weep and rock at the same time

And here Ritchie Blackmore fascinates us with his rendition of 16th century Greensleeves

I was a great fan of Led Zeppelin, Rainbow and Queen. And listened to Scorpions while cramming for exams. The great bands of the 80s will be revered by Classic Rock fans for a long time because it seems that no other will pass this way again.

On A Samad Ismail Part II

2010-07-19T22:08:00.000-07:00

For one who never knew the Pak Samad, the words of those close to him help conjure the image of the man. The people who knew A Samad Ismail had this to say on the towering genius...

The furious banging of his typewriter sounded like the staccato bursts of a machine gun – Usman Awang

The torrent of consciousness poured, one might say, in spate. All of it read as though the mind of the writer was racing twice as fast as the typing fingers could go – Lee Siew Yee

His political acumen was legendary. Nobody knew precisely what it was he had been doing in the South, but it had given him an aura that caused many to regard him with a mixture of awe and uneasiness. For it was never a halo. It was a hint rather, of fire and unholy smoke – Adibah Amin
Like royalty, A Samad Ismail would hold court for politicians of all shades and stature... A Samad Ismail calculated on a broad chessboard– Ali Salim

Wiry, brilliant intellectual – James Mitchener

A master of his craft – Keris Mas

*Main article - On A Samad Ismail Part I to follow

Extraordinary Life

2010-07-15T00:17:00.000-07:00

Blogger Ilakya Spandhanaa posted this inspirational youtube video on her site. And I found it to be so true to ourselves that I would like to share it with those who drop by as well as a reminder to myself.

Birds of a feather flock together. Therefore, many writers, poets in particular seek fellow writers for a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Generally, writers are also quite 'shy' in nature - even when they appear most sociable - I always sense a reticence from the maddening crowd. That is why blogging sites or memes for writers like Magpie Tales, Stony River , and the new Poets United and many more appeal to so many. It is unobstrusive and yet communal at the same time.

The immediate acceptance across the globe is phenomenal and like a drug, draws us within. The out-pouring encouragement and feedback is like an adrenalin rush for the budding writers and the most seasoned scribes. Age, sex, occupation, race/religion and other barriers disappear. Generally, comments are positive as those who do not like any particular post would hold their peace instead of leaving negative remarks. Spammers are, as one blogger puts it, removed mercilessly and swiftly.

For those unfamilliar with memes, each week a topic, image or inspirational quote is sent out by the host of the site. The hosts of these sites do not really influence the trend of writing, encouraging a wide and ranging response to the topics of the week. Through the Mr Linky's magical widgets, writers from all over post their interpretation of the topic for all to share.

This next youtube video drives home how writers help each other every week through the various memes. It says at the ending - when you make another person smile, be it family, or a stranger - you make a difference.

Let's make a difference to the world. And let poetry be a soothing balm to the banes of the world.

It's all over...

2010-07-12T01:41:00.000-07:00

See you in Brazil 2014...

It was an exhausting four weeks of drama, disbelief and drag-me-out-of-bed mornings. On TV, radio and the internet, it finally came down to what Paul the Octopus would say.

Goodbye Vuvuzelas, the Jabulani and the old system of refereeing, if FIFA is to be trusted. We look to Brazil 2014 when the madness all starts again. In the land that eat, breath and live football, I can't imagine the chaos if Brazil does not become champions...

Will I still support England then...I have no idea, but after eight World Cups, it's time to part ways I think! Goodbye Kevin Keegan (so many unfulfilled dreams), Gary Lineker(thank you for the beautiful goals), Beckham, Rooney and Lampard. Yes, goodbye Crouch too!
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It is sad that while the World Cup brought together people from all over the world to celebrate and disregard barriers of all forms, it ended in tragedy in Uganda.

And yet, we must presevere and believe - that good will outweigh evil. And justice prevail.

The final countdown

2010-07-07T19:26:00.000-07:00

So it is Spain after all, against Holland!

Should be a fiery final with red and orange shirts all over.

And a first time champion at the end. What a World Cup treat!

The beautiful game returns...

Malaysian Food On The Rise

2010-07-04T18:43:00.000-07:00

http://local.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=24644643&gt1=24000

I was greeted by this lovely view of a New York roof-top alfresco restaurant when I logged on this morning and was delighted to see it featured Malaysian cuisine for a change. Perhaps Chef Wan, Minister Ng Yen Yen and the likes are doing something right. Read the full review here.
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Is there a greater culinary pleasure than eating good food outdoors on a beautiful day? Whether you want to dine overlooking the beach, among vineyards, under the desert sun, even on a ship, we've got your table. Feast alfresco at one of the U.S.'s top outdoor dining destinations to learn firsthand what a little fresh air can do for your appetite.

Wow. That’s usually what’s uttered by visitors to this rooftop space. And it’s not just the great view of the skyline. The massive indoor area, the penthouse lounge, is bedecked with floor-to-ceiling windows. The outdoor space is open year round---heat lamps plus thick robes keep diners and imbibers warm during the winter. And while the view and design may compete for your attention, the food should be the star of the show. The well-executed menu, designed by Zak Pelaccio, late of 5 Ninth and the owner of Fatty Crab, focuses on Malaysian small plates. Crispy shrimp, refreshingly not greasy, are matched with a tangy pineapple curry sauce; fragile veal and pork meatballs burst with flavor; and thick noodles in a spicy coconut-soy sauce are comforting. Larger plates range from an oyster omelet to short rib beef rendang. There are several fruity house cocktails that go nicely with the menu.

Other famous Malasian restaurants are :

Restaurant
Rating
230 Fifth
Malaysian/Small Plates
14/20
230 Fifth Ave.New York, NY 10001212-725-4300
Snack on Malaysian treats twenty floors above Manhattan.
Read GAYOT's 230 Fifth Restaurant Review

Café Asean
Pan-Asian/Vietnamese/Malaysian
13/20
117 W. Tenth St.New York, NY 10011212-633-0348
A West Village mélange of Vietnamese and Malaysian cuisines.
Read GAYOT's Café Asean Restaurant Review

Fatty Crab
Malaysian
14/20
643 Hudson St.New York, NY 10014212-352-3590
Zak Pelaccio brushes off globally-influenced dishes for straight up---and tasty---Malaysian cuisine on the border of the West Village and the Meatpacking District.
Read GAYOT's Fatty Crab Restaurant Review

Fatty Crab
Malaysian
14/20
2170 BroadwayNew York, NY 10024212-496-2722
RESERVE NOW!
Don’t be shy about asking for translations at Fatty Crab’s uptown Malaysian hotspot. Read GAYOT's Fatty Crab Restaurant Review

Franklin Station Café
Café/Malaysian/French
Quick Bite
222 W. BroadwayNew York, NY 10013212-274-8525
Funky fusion food in funky TriBeCa.

Read GAYOT's Franklin Station Café Restaurant Review

Malaysia Grill
Malaysian
12/20
224 W. 104th St.New York, NY 10025212-579-1333
Comforting Malaysian cuisine on the Upper West Side.
Read GAYOT's Malaysia Grill Restaurant Review

Malaysia Restaurant
Malaysian
Quick Bite
46-48 BoweryNew York, NY 10013212-964-0284
A hidden treasure of satisfying Malaysian fare. Read GAYOT's Malaysia Restaurant Review

Nyonya
Malaysian
Quick Bite
194 Grand St.New York, NY 10013212-334-3669
The exotic flavors of Malaysia draw Lower East Siders to this trendy eatery.
Read GAYOT's Nyonya Restaurant Review

Daddy's World Cup

2010-07-02T23:03:00.000-07:00

Abdul Aziz Salehuddin, Kamariah Jaafar and baby, Nina 1966

I have made it no secret that World Cup season is always extra special because with every game, I find myself thinking what my Dad would have said.

Dad was the serious kind of World Cup spectator. Looking deep into the television set with sudden burst of exclamation...or jubilation, he was the expert on football trivia.

My favourite team is out of the picture but Dad's favourite team, Argentina looks straight ahead to the final.

I always remember that Uruguay was the first ever World Cup champion [just how Malaya was the first ever Thomas Cup holders] because Dad told me so. So today, with every step the Uruguayan team forges ahead, I am sure Dad would have been cheering them on... That's another thing, he just loved underdogs.

Goodnight Dad. Al-fatihah.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dad was an avid sports fan. He watched and played tennis, football and rugby. Mom played hockey, netball and swam . They played badminton together. Something to be said about the lifestyle then and now.

Oh God! Save England from this miserable World Cup

2010-06-27T23:58:00.000-07:00

The entire world watched as the “human factor” cost a major European nation a goal this afternoon in Bloemfontein— and arguably that team a legitimate shot at a place in the next round. The only people in the world who didn’t know that Frank Lampard scored for England against Germany to tie the game up before the half at 2-2, were the referee and his assistant in the German half of the field.

It was a missmatched World Cup for England in 2010 from the start so much so England fans themselves felt disillussioned at times. But even the hardest of critics could not fail to be upset and indignant whan Frank Lampard's equaliser was not awarded to England at the second round game against Germany last night. A cheeky goalkeeper who could not have failed to see the bouncing Jabulani go in succumbed to the moment and quickly continued play before anyone realised what had happened.

England was on a roll after a shaky start. The England team found the German net twice within 2 minutes and definitely would have pressed on afresh had the right call been made by the linesman in question. But no, England was denied their momentum and they never recovered. With opponents like the Germans, you never get a second chance.

The World Cup hopefuls would shudder at such injustice I am sure. It is time, football turns high tech because it is simply excrutiating to be a mere spectator when you - and the whole world - know better than the referee on the field.

Worlds and billions apart

2010-06-25T03:37:00.000-07:00

And the sun sets over BP

NEW DELHI - The contrast between the disasters, more than a quarter-century and half a world apart, could not be starker.

In 1984, a leak of toxic gas at an American company’s Indian subsidiary killed thousands, injured tens of thousands more and left a major city with a toxic waste dump at its heart. The company walked away after paying a $470 million settlement. The company’s American chief executive, arrested while in India, skipped bail, never to return. This month eight former senior officials from the company, including one who has since died, were convicted of negligence, but the sentence — two years in jail — seems paltry to many here compared to the impact of their crime.

No matter how halting the Obama administration's response to the gushing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico might look to Americans, Indians cannot help but marvel — and envy — the alacrity with which the United States government has acted.

BP’s $20 billion cleanup fund, as vast a sum as it seems from here, is in all likelihood merely a down payment on what the company will probably pay for the damage caused by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. A criminal investigation has begun. And while the environmental toll is huge, the cost in human lives, compared with Bhopal, has been minimal.

***
Analysts and historians say that the entire episode reeks of the humiliation of a poor and powerless country at the hands of a rich and resourceful Western corporation. India sought $3.3 billion in damages from the American company Union Carbide, but in 1989 settled for less than half a billion dollars.

“The victims will get hardly 10 percent of the money and rest will go to the pockets of ministers and bureaucrats,” said Satinath Sarangi of Bhopal Group for Information and Action, an advocacy group. “Indian people have to pay for the crimes committed by the U.S. corporations.” Hari Kumar contributed reporting.

This article, "Indians, Envious of U.S. Spill Response, Seethe Over Bhopal," originally appeared in The New York Times.

My thoughts exactly - I need not add anything to this stark reality.

Good night Michael. Wherever you are.

2010-06-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you for ABC when I was 8, on the way to school

ABC, it's easy

Easy as123
It's like counting up to 3
Or simple as Do re mi
Sing a simple melody
That's how easy love can be

Thank you for Ben when I was 13,
singing in the dark in my dormitary

Ben, the two of us need look no more
We both found what we were looking for
With a friend to call my own
I'll never be alone
And you, my friend, will see
You've got a friend in me
(you've got a friend in me)

Thank you for Human Nature, Thriller and Billy Jean
Far away from home, I was eighteen

Reaching Out
To Touch A Stranger
Electric Eyes Are Ev’rywhere
See That Girl
She Knows I’m Watching
She Likes The Way I Stare

Thank you for the Moonwalk moment at the greatest Grammy

Thank you for the Jackson 5 TRIUMPH Concert
In Toronto when I was nineteen that December

Thank you for Liberian Girl, Bad and Smooth Criminal
when I was twenty, enjoying MTV

Liberian girl

You know that you came
And you changed my world,
Just like in the movies,
With two lovers in a scene
And she says...
"Do you love me"
And he says so endlessly...
"I love you, Liberian girl"

Thank you for We Are The World when I was 22,

rallying for camaraderie at university

There comes a time
When we head a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it's time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all

For Remember The Time and In The Closet,I was 26 - a busy wife

And later for Dangerous, when my kids were my joy, my life

Do you remember
When we fell in love
We were young and innocent then
Do you remember how it all began
It just
Seemed like heaven
So why
Did it end

Thank you for They Don't care About Us when I was in so much pain...

Thank you for Charlie Chaplin's Smile when I was stronger and wiser

It has made me so much more contented, happier - braver

Thank you for This Is It at the movies

Where we cried in the theatre, danced and cheered

At the memory of you, our dearest, our Michael forever...

Thank you Thank you Thank you

One Night at Lake Club

2010-06-24T03:14:00.000-07:00

I mentioned sometime ago that I haven't been to the Lake Club for a while...

So when I received an invitation from En Jon [the stern and very much loved Uncle Jon to all 5 daughters] to attend the Tai Chi fellowship night, incidently in memory of the late Mr Nyam to join his widow and my good friend Michelle, his eldest daughter, I said yes without hesitation. Earlier during the day at work, everyone asked why I had this beautiful golden sam foo jacket hanging in my office, I just smiled. At the golf club, generally everyone went straight home after work. Or dressed down, not up after work on a Wednesday night - special priced movie night at the Pavilion by the way. But then, I was going to The Orchid and wanted to be prim and proper [in my mind, still the Orchid Room...]

At 6.00pm, I arrived in a taxi through the familiar guard-house. Stopped and met Michelle who dutifully registered me as her guest while we waited for En Jon to appear. We dropped by the beauty salon's corner and Ayin, the beautician gave me a big and warm hug. Quickly added me to her facebook page. We then walked over to the Clubhouse and from all corners, the warm and cheery greetings from the staff enveloped me. Intan, Kak Ham, Kokdiang...oooo too many to mention. Mokhtar, Puchong and Anuar. It was like a home-coming.

Orchid Room looked splendid and I was glad to see the fresh orchids back in bloom - compliments to Bonnie, the Club florist, I am sure - a tradition started by Puan Sri Aida Nik Daud in the days of Tun Razak - another trusted Lake Club comrade and advisor. The chairs were beautifully re-upholstered and side tables displayed beautiful bottles and decorations. There was not one single light-bulb out. The band was one of my favorites - Centrepage with Azimah taking centrestage who waved from the stage when I walked past.

Old friends made my day. Julie Ong-Yeoh came over with heart-felt wishes and news of her son Damien, another old friend. Ms Amu sat beside me fascinating all with her animated stories and philosophy. Kakanda Yap Yok Foo and C T Lau - with his inevitable question, how many kids, Zalina?

The 5-course dinner was delightful in such pleasant company.

After dinner, we proceeded for a night of karaoke. First, we dropped by the Batik Bar and I was happy to see Carol and many many others whom I will not mention for fear they would like to stay anonymous. The Verandah reminded me of the Birdpark down the road, sturdier in looks and just as relaxing. By the time we reached the Theatre [which I dubbed as 'my theatre' as it was built to screen all the blockbusters I used to personally select many years ago every month] , Ms Amu sang Bila Larut Malam and Irene sang a lovely Mandarin number. En Jon was gearing for his own mandarin number...alas, it was time to end Karaoke for the night.

Aha! England was battling a do-a-die World Cup match. So we sauntered over to the Sports Bar [Zinnia just doesn't sit well with me] and guess what, I finally found a place which features 80s music like Under Pressure, Just an Illusion and Berlinda Carlisle's songs. No Sweet Dreams by Annie Lennox though. No matter.

England won! What better way to end the night.

Magpie Tales

2010-06-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

In school, I was a member of the school's brass band, a state gymnast and a very hard-working student who took her Math, Geography and Physics seriously. But above all and long before, I was the poet. Words just flowed whenI was happy, melancholy or charged with adrenalin.

Since then, in various stages in my life, I had spurts of creative genius...and the rest of the time, I continue to write diligently forI know that being a writer is 90% hard work and 10% talent. Many of you have known me for a very long time, so I wish to share a new discovery with you.

Some of you are writers, some teachers, some parents who have kids who want to explore the world of writing. I found a blog - Magpie Tales created by willow which "is dedicated to the enjoyment of writers, for the purpose of honingtheir craft, sharing it with like minded bloggers, and keeping their muses alive and well. "

I haven't written poetry for years and was inspired to create my own poem blog : poems by ninotaziz. I dug up old crates and folders for my old poems and uploaded some of my favorites. I spent the whole night doing this and no doubt for the next few days, will be happily fine-tuning this new baby of mine.

It is truly amazing. I hope this is of help or of use to you.

Regards,
ninotaziz

Warisan Sudirman

2010-06-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

Disini lahirnya sebuah cinta
Yang murni, abadi, sejati
Disini tersemai cita-cita
Bercambah menjadi warisan

Inevitably, when I think of the word warisan, Sudirman Hj Arshad comes to mind. What is Hari Raya without his song Balik Kampung, Merdeka without Tanggal 31 and once in a while when you see an old basikal tua, we are lulled into a sense of nostalgia so poignant and unmistakably Malaysian, it often brings a tear to the eyes.

Eighteen years ago, we lost Sudirman, one of our country's most magical sons. He was only 37 years old. No matter what race, his fans were deeply griefed by the sudden demise of Sudirman Hj Arshad, beloved entertainer and brightest star for many years, touching the lives of many with his music and showmanship.

Now, more than ever before, I begin to understand what we lost. If P Ramlee was our legendary icon on the screen, Sudirman surely was the true voice of Malaya. For though he came into prominence in the 70s, he was a throwback of a more innocent time. Sudirman captured the longing we had for our own roots like no one else.

The truth is , the moment Sudirman stepped onto stage to perform Seruling Bambu and Hey! Big Spender at the Bintang RTM 1976 finals, a star was born. And the whole of Malaysia knew they were witnessing someone special take his place in history. Sudirman had a presence, confidence and a sense of style.

And so much more. Sometimes, we forget just how much more.

Very quickly then, Sudirman endeared himself to the public. He looked to the countryside and streets of the city for inspiration with fiery patriotism. When civil servants were urged to enhance productivity in the early 80s, Sudirman took to the air with his catchy song Punch Card! For one so young, his caring attitude was almost fatherly. He sang of the ordinary man in Hidup Sederhana (Basikal Tua), and of social issues in Aku Penganggur and Mat Disko. Songs like Anak Gembala, Balik Kampung, Apa khabar Orang Kampung and Ayah Dan Ibu bring to mind the very essense of the kampung life and everything that was wholesome and good about it.

Read these lyrics carefully...

Ayah dan ibu
Itulah permulaan kami
Dapatlah melihat bulan dan matahari
Ahai...Yang dikurniakan dari Ilahi
Ahai...Ayah dan ibu lah mesti dihormati

He sang songs in every rhythm be it joget, all asli tunes, the ever popular disco, ballads and even dangdut, which in return appealed to a wide range of fans. He could appear melancholy, playful, patriotic – quite a chameleon in that respect. Which was of course useful in his mini videoclips in a time when MTV was still in its infancy. It was a natural progression then for Sudirman to try his hand at acting in ‘Kami’ directed by Patrick Teoh.

Sudirman reached out to the masses, regardless of age, race or stature. It is not surprising that he was an epitome of unity by making special efforts to sing in all the country’s major languages.

Sudirman made us believe that as Malaysians, we can achieve the highest of accolades – that is if we work hard enough, possess rare talent and drive to succeed. He achieved a first for himself and the country when he was named Asia’s Number One performer ahead of Anita Sarawak, who was a close friend and Leslie Cheung at the AMM awards at the famed Royal Albert Hall of London 1n 1989. It was a joyous moment for the nation and brought Sudirman international acclaim. Forever the true Malaysian, he chose to sing One Thousand Million Smiles, in itself an invitation to the world to experience Malaysian hospitality and courtesy.

The Man in a Flag
No post-80s artiste in Malaysia can truly claim to be as patriotic as Sudirman. Even before the days of revering the Jalur Gemilang, before it was even called Jalur Gemilang, Sudirman draped himself in the national flag from head to toe much to the delight of everyone. Sudirman made it fashionable in the way that only he could, with his usual aplomb and style. Today, every year on August 31, the upbeat Tanggal 31 evokes national pride and esteem more than any other song and continues to inspire younger generations who sometimes do not even know of the legendary all round entertainer, composer and prolific songwriter.

Salam Terakhir
Let us find it in our hearts to say a prayer for you, Sudir… and thank you for all the joy, the hope, the pride you gave us. We miss you – our legend, our voice, our sweet sorrow that one so young left us, that we are no longer privileged to share his sheer genius at articulating all the good in being a Malaysian.