THE END OF AN ERA : A TRIBUTE TO BIK

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

'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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Star just released the latest stats here.

A decade of Harry

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

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

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?

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

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

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Written for the Magpie Tales

Malaysian football tonight

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

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
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Written for the Magpie Tales and OneShotPoetry

Five books on my table

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

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

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?

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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

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.

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Photo : My passionfruit on our garden fence

Just for show ?

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.

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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

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

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

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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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I embrace the Dash

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?

AN EGYPTIAN BALL - ON THE NILE

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

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

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

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

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

Why I write poetry

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.