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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
----------------------------------------------------------- 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.
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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
11th February 2011 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
"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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can find poetry by ninotaziz here, ici and di-sini.
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
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.
After toil of the sweetest kind
