A piece of wonderful news from a veteran actor. A rave in his heyday , Mohd Zain Shamsudin or Jins Shamsudin as he is popularly known has just earned himself a PhD. It was conferred on Mar 27, 2010 at the UUM’s 23rd convocation in Sintok, Kedah
The area of studies revolved around what he knows best ie 'Filem Melayu 1930-an hingga 1960-an Sebagai Citra Budaya dan Sejarah Negara' or roughly ‘Malay Films from the 30’s to the 60’s as a Cultural Heritage and National History’ ( ?for want of a better translation!)
Senator Tan Sri Dr Jins Shamsudin achieved it at age 75, probably the oldest in the history of the UUM. This capped his earlier stint at the London Film School from 1970 till 1972 where he honed his skills on the intricacies of film making. He came back with a Diploma.
This is reminiscent of the accomplishments of other men of letters before him. They were already recognized in their own fields (as writers) but went academically further for their PhDs such as Tan Sri Awang Had, Datuk MKY, and the late Datuk Atan Long among others.
For Tan Sri Dr Jins, what makes it more commendable was the fact that it was all accomplished on his own resources.
He had utilised RM30,000 part of the RM60,000 that he received when he was bestowed the coveted Seniman Negara Award before. There were no grants given nor crying or whining for financial assistance.
The Arts and Cultural scene were all the more richer as there’s a dearth of works done on this subject. It would have required extending some form of financial assistance/grants to undertake such projects which would certainly be more than the modest sum spent by Tan Sri Dr Jins.
Not just that, he had also to ply up and down the North South Highway for 2 years from KL to Sintok and back. It is no mean feat to do in your ‘golden years’.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
A Frighteningly Quick Dash and A Wonderful Bundle Of Joy
Last Sat , Mar 20th, 2010 in keeping with the ‘wedding week’ normally associated with the school holidays we attended yet another wedding. This time it was proud parents Shah and Bee for their son Ijam and his charming bride in TTDI.
We were seated with Dr Ib and Zariah and were later joined by Bang Aziz and Ka’ Su. There were the usual yarn of old times and current happenings, as a way of getting connected on what events transpired lately.
Then someone asked ‘how’s Farah?’ (Farah is the darling daughter of Dr Ib and Zariah) ‘She’s back here’ , Zariah confirmed. An innocent question and a simple answer suddenly led to a flurry of other further little questions and answers on Farah.
Farah evoked a nostalgic and emotional reaction on almost everyone around the table. Farah when growing up had been so close to Bang Aziz and Ka’ Su (almost a daughter to them) that Bang Aziz quickly remarked, ‘We want to see Farah’. Zariah said ok. So we agreed to adjourn to see Farah later.
There is also an emotional attachment Farah had to my loving wife Shadah many years ago. It was on June 26th 1981, to be exact.
Shadah remembered it well. A seemingly innocuous morning, Shadah and Zariah both then were teachers at the Assunta Secondary School in Petaling Jaya. Both were graduate teachers (Zariah later acquired her Master’s from the US) They shared a common bond as most colleagues did in a school.
However, theirs was a very special bond ( a bond that Dr Ib would invariably mention whenever we had the occasion to meet)
This was what happened that morning. Shadah and Zariah were then in the Staff Room. Assunta Secondary was a model school (and still is)
With Sister Enda as the Headmistress then, it was a privilege to be part of its teaching staff. Everyone were so motivated. Teaching in Assunta was just happiness (that was what Shadah used to tell me) That explained why Zariah was still taking classes even though in an advanced stage. Yes, Zariah was due but still at school that morning (dedicated teachers are a rarity these days)
Suddenly Zariah felt it. Yes, the first of many that came (ask any mother-to-be what it means to experience contractions and she’ll swear there and then that , she’ll not have another baby, ever!)
The lingering pain continued. There was no commotion but certainly something must be done, there was no time to lose. Both Zariah and Shadah had to decide immediately on what to do. Baby just couldn’t be made to wait.
An ambulance might take time. Zariah was under the care of OP Dr Idris whose clinic was in Section 14, barely 4km away (OP stands for 'Old Putra', an old boy of the RMC ) Dr Ib was then at his office further than 4km away and would not be in time to drive them there.
So what were they to do? The two wonderful ladies took it upon themselves to do the inevitable. Yes, Shadah was to drive Zariah to OP Dr Idris’ clinic. It was settled without as much of another thought.
It was a risky but brave decision but it must be done. This they agreed. (to this day I cringe thinking what if baby was really impatient, what if baby decided that the car would do just as well for a quick delivery) I dread to think.
Shadah was then driving a Honda Civic (the old version , a 2-door that looked like the present-day Proton Satria, both in shape and size).
Both scrambled to the car, Zariah gingerly holding and leaning on to Shadah’s shoulders for support. It was a miracle how Zariah could squeeze in onto the back seat of a 2-door car, but she did!
Both ladies were of sterner stuff, they kept their head, they didn’t panic. Every inch of the way, the contractions were there, silently but surely. Zariah likewise said silent prayers, repeating silently, lying face up. Shadah kept looking back, with comforting words (which baby must have heard and decided to wait until they reached the clinic)
After what seemed ages, they arrived at the clinic, they scrambled slowly out again, up a flight of stairs to the first floor. The nurses came, it was action stations. Zariah was wheeled into the labour room. Shadah was there stroking her, comforting her, and OP Dr Idris later arrived.
After all her brave efforts, Shadah was squeamish at being in the delivery room and waited outside. She knew Zariah was now in good hands. So it was ok. She could relax now. ( She later confessed she was shivering throughout the short journey but kept her composure somehow )
Zariah was barely 20 minutes in the clinic and not a moment too soon. It was then that baby decided. It was quiet on the western front. It was time to let herself out. And OP Dr Idris was there waiting with open arms.
It was such a wonderful bundle of joy! Certainly far exceeding every anxious moments the THREE of them went through minutes earlier! It was just sheer joy especially for Zariah,the proud mum!
Yes, a pinkish little darling, Farah wonderfully came into this world, oblivious of the drama that took place a good part of the preceding 40 minutes or so ( it seemed hours to both Zariah and Shadah).
It was a great relief and a great satisfaction to Zariah, now that she had a King’s Choice (a pair now with Farid the eldest boy). It was also a great relief and a great satisfaction to my loving wife Shadah for her good deed of the day (when I asked her later how she managed to get around the normally busy traffic flow , she said 'what traffic?' - in her haste she didn’t see any!) We were thankful to God the Almighty, that gave clear passage for them when mid-morning was always very crowded.
The happy Dad Dr Ib arrived later at the clinic, equally relieved that mother and daughter were there safe and well and profusely thanking my brave wife.
I’m so proud of my loving wife, Shadah. At other times she may appear dependent and helpless but in a sticky situation, she would invariably live up to it.
Now back to the present. After the wedding, we followed Dr Ib and Zariah back to the house. Farah was out but Dr Ib managed to contact her. Farah came back and met all of us. And there we were, and what do you know!
Farah is now in the family way herself. Dr Ib and Zariah are going to be doting grand-parents come July 2010 . And this is going to be their first grand-child.
( that makes it even more special!)
Dr Farah and her hubby, Dr Andy were on a short holiday back here. Dr Farah, the pride and joy of both mum and dad
(whom Dr Ib referred fondly to as 'my princess' in his email to me) is completing her post-graduate specialist course in medicine in Dublin (so also Dr Andy - there will be 2 Consultant Paediatricians in the house in no time) They have since gone back last Monday.
Apparently Zariah has planned to be with Dr Farah,( by her side in Dublin for the big day in July) and stay on for 3 months. ( ample time to reflect on the moment in time a long time ago when little Farah co-operated very well with mummy and timed it perfectly to the dot!)
We were seated with Dr Ib and Zariah and were later joined by Bang Aziz and Ka’ Su. There were the usual yarn of old times and current happenings, as a way of getting connected on what events transpired lately.
Then someone asked ‘how’s Farah?’ (Farah is the darling daughter of Dr Ib and Zariah) ‘She’s back here’ , Zariah confirmed. An innocent question and a simple answer suddenly led to a flurry of other further little questions and answers on Farah.
Farah evoked a nostalgic and emotional reaction on almost everyone around the table. Farah when growing up had been so close to Bang Aziz and Ka’ Su (almost a daughter to them) that Bang Aziz quickly remarked, ‘We want to see Farah’. Zariah said ok. So we agreed to adjourn to see Farah later.
There is also an emotional attachment Farah had to my loving wife Shadah many years ago. It was on June 26th 1981, to be exact.
Shadah remembered it well. A seemingly innocuous morning, Shadah and Zariah both then were teachers at the Assunta Secondary School in Petaling Jaya. Both were graduate teachers (Zariah later acquired her Master’s from the US) They shared a common bond as most colleagues did in a school.
However, theirs was a very special bond ( a bond that Dr Ib would invariably mention whenever we had the occasion to meet)
This was what happened that morning. Shadah and Zariah were then in the Staff Room. Assunta Secondary was a model school (and still is)
With Sister Enda as the Headmistress then, it was a privilege to be part of its teaching staff. Everyone were so motivated. Teaching in Assunta was just happiness (that was what Shadah used to tell me) That explained why Zariah was still taking classes even though in an advanced stage. Yes, Zariah was due but still at school that morning (dedicated teachers are a rarity these days)
Suddenly Zariah felt it. Yes, the first of many that came (ask any mother-to-be what it means to experience contractions and she’ll swear there and then that , she’ll not have another baby, ever!)
The lingering pain continued. There was no commotion but certainly something must be done, there was no time to lose. Both Zariah and Shadah had to decide immediately on what to do. Baby just couldn’t be made to wait.
An ambulance might take time. Zariah was under the care of OP Dr Idris whose clinic was in Section 14, barely 4km away (OP stands for 'Old Putra', an old boy of the RMC ) Dr Ib was then at his office further than 4km away and would not be in time to drive them there.
So what were they to do? The two wonderful ladies took it upon themselves to do the inevitable. Yes, Shadah was to drive Zariah to OP Dr Idris’ clinic. It was settled without as much of another thought.
It was a risky but brave decision but it must be done. This they agreed. (to this day I cringe thinking what if baby was really impatient, what if baby decided that the car would do just as well for a quick delivery) I dread to think.
Shadah was then driving a Honda Civic (the old version , a 2-door that looked like the present-day Proton Satria, both in shape and size).
Both scrambled to the car, Zariah gingerly holding and leaning on to Shadah’s shoulders for support. It was a miracle how Zariah could squeeze in onto the back seat of a 2-door car, but she did!
Both ladies were of sterner stuff, they kept their head, they didn’t panic. Every inch of the way, the contractions were there, silently but surely. Zariah likewise said silent prayers, repeating silently, lying face up. Shadah kept looking back, with comforting words (which baby must have heard and decided to wait until they reached the clinic)
After what seemed ages, they arrived at the clinic, they scrambled slowly out again, up a flight of stairs to the first floor. The nurses came, it was action stations. Zariah was wheeled into the labour room. Shadah was there stroking her, comforting her, and OP Dr Idris later arrived.
After all her brave efforts, Shadah was squeamish at being in the delivery room and waited outside. She knew Zariah was now in good hands. So it was ok. She could relax now. ( She later confessed she was shivering throughout the short journey but kept her composure somehow )
Zariah was barely 20 minutes in the clinic and not a moment too soon. It was then that baby decided. It was quiet on the western front. It was time to let herself out. And OP Dr Idris was there waiting with open arms.
It was such a wonderful bundle of joy! Certainly far exceeding every anxious moments the THREE of them went through minutes earlier! It was just sheer joy especially for Zariah,the proud mum!
Yes, a pinkish little darling, Farah wonderfully came into this world, oblivious of the drama that took place a good part of the preceding 40 minutes or so ( it seemed hours to both Zariah and Shadah).
It was a great relief and a great satisfaction to Zariah, now that she had a King’s Choice (a pair now with Farid the eldest boy). It was also a great relief and a great satisfaction to my loving wife Shadah for her good deed of the day (when I asked her later how she managed to get around the normally busy traffic flow , she said 'what traffic?' - in her haste she didn’t see any!) We were thankful to God the Almighty, that gave clear passage for them when mid-morning was always very crowded.
The happy Dad Dr Ib arrived later at the clinic, equally relieved that mother and daughter were there safe and well and profusely thanking my brave wife.
I’m so proud of my loving wife, Shadah. At other times she may appear dependent and helpless but in a sticky situation, she would invariably live up to it.
Now back to the present. After the wedding, we followed Dr Ib and Zariah back to the house. Farah was out but Dr Ib managed to contact her. Farah came back and met all of us. And there we were, and what do you know!
Farah is now in the family way herself. Dr Ib and Zariah are going to be doting grand-parents come July 2010 . And this is going to be their first grand-child.
( that makes it even more special!)
Dr Farah and her hubby, Dr Andy were on a short holiday back here. Dr Farah, the pride and joy of both mum and dad
(whom Dr Ib referred fondly to as 'my princess' in his email to me) is completing her post-graduate specialist course in medicine in Dublin (so also Dr Andy - there will be 2 Consultant Paediatricians in the house in no time) They have since gone back last Monday.
Apparently Zariah has planned to be with Dr Farah,( by her side in Dublin for the big day in July) and stay on for 3 months. ( ample time to reflect on the moment in time a long time ago when little Farah co-operated very well with mummy and timed it perfectly to the dot!)
Monday, March 15, 2010
Updates: F1 Team Lotus
There you have it! Team Lotus met their goals for the 1st outing of the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix yesterday, modest as it seemed. They had set out to have 1). both the drivers finished the race (which they did) and 2). that they beat Team Virgin in the process (which they also did)
Heikki Kovalainen, the first driver was placed the 15th position while Jarno Trulli was placed 17th. It is nothing to shout about though but Datuk Tony Fernandez was elated so also the drivers. ‘Big oaks from little acorns grow’ so it is a good start just as they had set out to do.
For the records, Fernando Alonso of Team Ferrari stood on the podium as the winner and collected 25 points followed by Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton.
The list of the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Standings with points collected are appended below:
DRIVER STANDINGS
01 Fernando Alonso - 25
02 Felipe Massa - 18
03 Lewis Hamilton - 15
04 Sebastian Vettel - 12
05 Nico Rosberg - 10
06 Michael Schumacher - 8
07 Jenson Button - 6
08 Mark Webber - 4
09 Vitantonio Liuzzi - 2
10 Rubens Barrichello - 1
11 Robert Kubica
12 Adrian Sutil
13 Jaime Alguersuari
14 Nico Hulkenberg
15 Heikki Kovalainen
16 Sebastien Buemi
17 Jarno Trulli
18 Pedro de la Rosa
19 Bruno Senna
20 Timo Glock
21 Vitaly Petrov
22 Kamui Kobayashi
23 Lucas di Grassi
24 Karun Chandhok
CONSTRUCTOR STANDINGS
01 Ferrari - 43
02 McLaren-Mercedes - 21
03 Mercedes Benz GP - 18
04 RBR-Renault - 16
05 Force India-Mercedes - 2
06 Williams-Cosworth - 1
07 Renault
08 STR-Ferrari
09 Lotus-Cosworth
10 BMW Sauber-Ferrari
11 HRT-Cosworth
12 Virgin-Cosworth
Heikki Kovalainen, the first driver was placed the 15th position while Jarno Trulli was placed 17th. It is nothing to shout about though but Datuk Tony Fernandez was elated so also the drivers. ‘Big oaks from little acorns grow’ so it is a good start just as they had set out to do.
For the records, Fernando Alonso of Team Ferrari stood on the podium as the winner and collected 25 points followed by Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton.
The list of the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Standings with points collected are appended below:
DRIVER STANDINGS
01 Fernando Alonso - 25
02 Felipe Massa - 18
03 Lewis Hamilton - 15
04 Sebastian Vettel - 12
05 Nico Rosberg - 10
06 Michael Schumacher - 8
07 Jenson Button - 6
08 Mark Webber - 4
09 Vitantonio Liuzzi - 2
10 Rubens Barrichello - 1
11 Robert Kubica
12 Adrian Sutil
13 Jaime Alguersuari
14 Nico Hulkenberg
15 Heikki Kovalainen
16 Sebastien Buemi
17 Jarno Trulli
18 Pedro de la Rosa
19 Bruno Senna
20 Timo Glock
21 Vitaly Petrov
22 Kamui Kobayashi
23 Lucas di Grassi
24 Karun Chandhok
CONSTRUCTOR STANDINGS
01 Ferrari - 43
02 McLaren-Mercedes - 21
03 Mercedes Benz GP - 18
04 RBR-Renault - 16
05 Force India-Mercedes - 2
06 Williams-Cosworth - 1
07 Renault
08 STR-Ferrari
09 Lotus-Cosworth
10 BMW Sauber-Ferrari
11 HRT-Cosworth
12 Virgin-Cosworth
Saturday, March 13, 2010
F1 Team Lotus
The season opening Bahrain Grand Prix ( of the 2010 FIA Formula One (F1) World Championship) is on tomorrow, March 14th 2010. There are altogether 12 teams of which 3 are new entrants this season (with 24 cars/drivers on the grid)
It is of special interest to Malaysia this year for 2 reasons namely, the real presence of Malaysia in F1 racing with the debut of Malaysia’s very own Team Lotus , and the collaboration of Team Mercedes with Petronas in F1 racing.
This is therefore more than just a participation but the first foray into F1 which was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak only in September last year which is now a reality.
When it was first mooted late last year, many were sceptical. Only the Principal Officer, Datuk Tony Fernandez and the Technical Head, Mike Gascoyne were positively identified together with Naza Motors as joint backers. Then there were a flurry of behind the scenes manoevering to get additional sponsors (especially with the loss of Petronas to Team Mercedes) and to naming the drivers and the management team.
The detractors spewed countless venom, mindful of the enormous financial burden to be carried by Team Lotus. Tony Fernandez ventured on anyway. Lotus at their factory in Norfolk, England came up with a new car (within 6 months) after assembling ‘80,000 components'( a report stated that in all seriousness a 99.9% perfection will still mean 80 component parts are not up to mark)
The testing must be more than perfect. It is awesome! It is no small wonder that an F1 car that made it on the starting grid can still stall at some point in the race owing to a less than perfect testing. It cannot be more perfect than that!
The Lotus T127 rolled out on a T127 chassis supporting a Cosworth 2010 engine. It went through the various precision factory tests and last month was presented on the tracks in Spain for final tests by the designated drivers.
So we have Malaysia’s very own F1 car to be driven by the named drivers, Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalinen with Malaysia’s own Fairuz Fauzy as the 3rd and reserve driver.
The Management Team comprised, the CEO, Riad Asmat (son of OP Tan Sri Asmat), Mia Sharizman Ismail as Head of Operations (Asia), Alex Yoong as Head of Driver Development (Asia) and Nino Judge as the Head of Driver Development (Europe).
So what is it in for Malaysia apart from the ‘novelty’ and the hype worked up for our presence on the world’s stage which is a grand PR adventure for prime movers Tony and his team.
For a start Alex Yoong and Judge will co-host a driver’s development programme with the aim of nurturing young drivers for the future. Alex’s father OP Hanipah Yoong went up against all odds singled-handedly in guiding Alex as an F1 driver before. So Alex is very much aware of the difficulties and pitfalls.
On the technical side, a team of young engineers are already in Norfolk working towards building up a core of technically experienced personnel. These would be conveniently absorbed into Proton and Naza Motors in future, I imagine.
With the impending production of the compact EMAS hybrid of Proton recently exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show, it is imperative that we need these engineers in large numbers.
There has to be a concerted effort to trigger off the multiplier effect of human capital development to meet needs of industry. A home grown F1 venture can certainly provide the platform to enhance the numbers.
On the prospects of notching up glory in this debut presence, Tony is being realistic. ‘We hope to finish each race, anything better is a bonus’ he said. He has 19 opportunities to do that as there are 19 races in the 2010 calendar. The 3rd leg in K. Lumpur will be on 4th April.
Apparently, we’ll get to see the real, the actual, the car that is going on the tracks in Bahrain tomorrow at the Pavilion in K. Lumpur when it is put up on show in early April (before its debut on our Sepang Circuit)
This is mainly because there was insufficient time to produce an additional car for exhibition purposes. So be it!
It is of special interest to Malaysia this year for 2 reasons namely, the real presence of Malaysia in F1 racing with the debut of Malaysia’s very own Team Lotus , and the collaboration of Team Mercedes with Petronas in F1 racing.
This is therefore more than just a participation but the first foray into F1 which was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak only in September last year which is now a reality.
When it was first mooted late last year, many were sceptical. Only the Principal Officer, Datuk Tony Fernandez and the Technical Head, Mike Gascoyne were positively identified together with Naza Motors as joint backers. Then there were a flurry of behind the scenes manoevering to get additional sponsors (especially with the loss of Petronas to Team Mercedes) and to naming the drivers and the management team.
The detractors spewed countless venom, mindful of the enormous financial burden to be carried by Team Lotus. Tony Fernandez ventured on anyway. Lotus at their factory in Norfolk, England came up with a new car (within 6 months) after assembling ‘80,000 components'( a report stated that in all seriousness a 99.9% perfection will still mean 80 component parts are not up to mark)
The testing must be more than perfect. It is awesome! It is no small wonder that an F1 car that made it on the starting grid can still stall at some point in the race owing to a less than perfect testing. It cannot be more perfect than that!
The Lotus T127 rolled out on a T127 chassis supporting a Cosworth 2010 engine. It went through the various precision factory tests and last month was presented on the tracks in Spain for final tests by the designated drivers.
So we have Malaysia’s very own F1 car to be driven by the named drivers, Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalinen with Malaysia’s own Fairuz Fauzy as the 3rd and reserve driver.
The Management Team comprised, the CEO, Riad Asmat (son of OP Tan Sri Asmat), Mia Sharizman Ismail as Head of Operations (Asia), Alex Yoong as Head of Driver Development (Asia) and Nino Judge as the Head of Driver Development (Europe).
So what is it in for Malaysia apart from the ‘novelty’ and the hype worked up for our presence on the world’s stage which is a grand PR adventure for prime movers Tony and his team.
For a start Alex Yoong and Judge will co-host a driver’s development programme with the aim of nurturing young drivers for the future. Alex’s father OP Hanipah Yoong went up against all odds singled-handedly in guiding Alex as an F1 driver before. So Alex is very much aware of the difficulties and pitfalls.
On the technical side, a team of young engineers are already in Norfolk working towards building up a core of technically experienced personnel. These would be conveniently absorbed into Proton and Naza Motors in future, I imagine.
With the impending production of the compact EMAS hybrid of Proton recently exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show, it is imperative that we need these engineers in large numbers.
There has to be a concerted effort to trigger off the multiplier effect of human capital development to meet needs of industry. A home grown F1 venture can certainly provide the platform to enhance the numbers.
On the prospects of notching up glory in this debut presence, Tony is being realistic. ‘We hope to finish each race, anything better is a bonus’ he said. He has 19 opportunities to do that as there are 19 races in the 2010 calendar. The 3rd leg in K. Lumpur will be on 4th April.
Apparently, we’ll get to see the real, the actual, the car that is going on the tracks in Bahrain tomorrow at the Pavilion in K. Lumpur when it is put up on show in early April (before its debut on our Sepang Circuit)
This is mainly because there was insufficient time to produce an additional car for exhibition purposes. So be it!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
A Clean Bill of Health
I was at the IJN (National Heart Institute) for the better part of the morning today, March 03, 2010. It was the culmination of a series of tests conducted which started sometime last month and I came away smiling from ear to ear.
I got it off my chest. Yes, that’s where it all started, my chest. There was a slight tinge on my left side where the heart is. It came at odd times lasting just seconds though not that frequent, but enough to cause worry to me. The GP years ago said it was muscular. The specialist that saw me quite recently said the same thing.
I want a second opinion I said, not that it mattered to anyone. If it was anything to do with the heart, a pain would have been triggered off by a physical activity, say 'running up the stairs or rushing to catch a plane.', they said. There ought to be an exertion of some sort on your being, not when watching the TV or while having a meal.
It may not have anything to do with the heart they reasoned. So it is, I thought, but still it left me unsettled. It was unsettling and it was worrisome.
In the meantime, my blood pressure is under control through medication so also my cholesterol. I needn’t worry.
The good thing about the medical specialists looking after me were their positive attitudes. None stopped me. They encouraged me to explore the various avenues to determine what was the affliction. So started the series of tests.
First, the Stress Test on the treadmill and the accompanying ECG. I did the walk, brisk walk, slight trot, faster and faster trot and completed Level 3 within the standard time required for my age. Would I need to go on to Level 4? No, I did not have to prove anything, so I stopped there.
I then sought a reference to the IJN, the premier heart institute in the country. I mean, if you cannot trust the IJN with your heart who else would you trust.
Second, 3 weeks ago I went to the IJN for a CT Coronary Angiogram. It was a heart scan in simple terms. A ‘spiral imaging with resrospective gating was performed’ – images in colour from various angles in other words!
Results:
Aorta: - ascending aorta is normal in size with no significant atherosclerosis - descending aorta is normal in size with no significant atherosclerosis
Myocardium: - appears normal . No evidence of scar or other abnormalities
Chambers: - normal size chambers
Valves: - normal to extent visualized
(my comment: I am fascinated by the word ‘normal’ in all instances)
Third, the Pathology Report(blood test) showed all were within range, kidneys are ok and cholesterol is ok
Fourth, the Echo done this morning showed an EF of an acceptable % ( the number I shouldn’t reveal here)
All in all, it was a satisfying morning. So what’s next?
All that I’ve heard before as advised by the GP ought to be given serious adherence not just serious thoughts ie Diet and Exercise
Diet - you can eat what you want but of a smaller portion and of less frequency. Less carbohydrates and noodles but take oats and fibres. No limits on fruits and vegetables, take fish and chicken but avoid red meat and anything deep fried. So it is , simple enough (now to be religiously adhered to, yes, adhered to)
Exercise - No, not jogging. Just brisk walking around the neighbourhood. BUT do it! Yes, a regime ought to be worked out and improvements to weight shedding to be noted. (It should not have to follow the vigorous gym work of the ‘Biggest Loser’ though)
I ought to renew my ‘love affair’ again and be more demanding. Yes, my clubs are all rusty. I will have to go back to the Driving Range to hit some balls first. My ‘golf muscles’ ought to be toned up and fitness enhanced. Only then can I accept calls from my buddies to have that round of golf ‘on a regular basis’ again ( which I had declined all these while ‘on doctor’s orders’)
Last but not least, a regular medical check-up every 6 months must be done to keep in check anything untoward that might just appear undetected.
Tiger Woods has gone through rehab and ‘domestic counselling’. He is ready to take on the world again. So am I!
I got it off my chest. Yes, that’s where it all started, my chest. There was a slight tinge on my left side where the heart is. It came at odd times lasting just seconds though not that frequent, but enough to cause worry to me. The GP years ago said it was muscular. The specialist that saw me quite recently said the same thing.
I want a second opinion I said, not that it mattered to anyone. If it was anything to do with the heart, a pain would have been triggered off by a physical activity, say 'running up the stairs or rushing to catch a plane.', they said. There ought to be an exertion of some sort on your being, not when watching the TV or while having a meal.
It may not have anything to do with the heart they reasoned. So it is, I thought, but still it left me unsettled. It was unsettling and it was worrisome.
In the meantime, my blood pressure is under control through medication so also my cholesterol. I needn’t worry.
The good thing about the medical specialists looking after me were their positive attitudes. None stopped me. They encouraged me to explore the various avenues to determine what was the affliction. So started the series of tests.
First, the Stress Test on the treadmill and the accompanying ECG. I did the walk, brisk walk, slight trot, faster and faster trot and completed Level 3 within the standard time required for my age. Would I need to go on to Level 4? No, I did not have to prove anything, so I stopped there.
I then sought a reference to the IJN, the premier heart institute in the country. I mean, if you cannot trust the IJN with your heart who else would you trust.
Second, 3 weeks ago I went to the IJN for a CT Coronary Angiogram. It was a heart scan in simple terms. A ‘spiral imaging with resrospective gating was performed’ – images in colour from various angles in other words!
Results:
Aorta: - ascending aorta is normal in size with no significant atherosclerosis - descending aorta is normal in size with no significant atherosclerosis
Myocardium: - appears normal . No evidence of scar or other abnormalities
Chambers: - normal size chambers
Valves: - normal to extent visualized
(my comment: I am fascinated by the word ‘normal’ in all instances)
Third, the Pathology Report(blood test) showed all were within range, kidneys are ok and cholesterol is ok
Fourth, the Echo done this morning showed an EF of an acceptable % ( the number I shouldn’t reveal here)
All in all, it was a satisfying morning. So what’s next?
All that I’ve heard before as advised by the GP ought to be given serious adherence not just serious thoughts ie Diet and Exercise
Diet - you can eat what you want but of a smaller portion and of less frequency. Less carbohydrates and noodles but take oats and fibres. No limits on fruits and vegetables, take fish and chicken but avoid red meat and anything deep fried. So it is , simple enough (now to be religiously adhered to, yes, adhered to)
Exercise - No, not jogging. Just brisk walking around the neighbourhood. BUT do it! Yes, a regime ought to be worked out and improvements to weight shedding to be noted. (It should not have to follow the vigorous gym work of the ‘Biggest Loser’ though)
I ought to renew my ‘love affair’ again and be more demanding. Yes, my clubs are all rusty. I will have to go back to the Driving Range to hit some balls first. My ‘golf muscles’ ought to be toned up and fitness enhanced. Only then can I accept calls from my buddies to have that round of golf ‘on a regular basis’ again ( which I had declined all these while ‘on doctor’s orders’)
Last but not least, a regular medical check-up every 6 months must be done to keep in check anything untoward that might just appear undetected.
Tiger Woods has gone through rehab and ‘domestic counselling’. He is ready to take on the world again. So am I!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Geni.com - The Online Family Tree
On Jan 22, 2010 I received a text message from my cousin Mus. He requested for my email so that he could extend an invitation for me to access Geni.com.
I promptly did and, hey presto! I was immediately connected with not just the handful that we are used to but to more than 631 family members ( to date, Feb 17, the number has since increased to 649)
It is so infectious in a good way and so satisfying. It would take ages just to compile all the necessary information and contacting each other the traditional way. Now it is all there for the asking.
I remember we made a start to have one done many years before. We wanted to list all of our family members so that we could get to know each other before we just go separate ways in no time.
We had a Protem Committee set up, comprising 6 members, chaired by my cousin Hj Jamaludin. Other members were Zakaria (Deputy) Hamzah (Secretary) Yunus (Treasurer) Razak (Asst. Sec) and Ghafar (Comm. Member)
It was set up with the noble purpose and aim of:
1. Getting family members together
2. Extending family ties
3. Establishing a family network
4. Compiling/updating information for the younger generation to relate to each other
5. Having an Annual/Bienniel Gathering
All of the above as resolved in our first meeting way back, are now provided spot-on by Geni.com - in fact lots more are given if we care to go deeper into it.
We had our first meeting on Mar 08, 1997 when it was agreed that we set up a database of members. Somehow it did not get off the ground beyond that and the matter was just forgotten with time.
Now with the advent of online facilities it suddenly is a breeze to be connected and stay connected. Geni.com made this possible.
What seemed so far fetched before are made so real, simple and convenient for us. We now just need to invite any and every family member , and we are on.
Apparently Geni.com was brought to the attention of Maslina (my niece) through our elder, Pakcu Kamarudin sometime early last year. Maslina got the initial details of the family tree worked out through her father , Hj Jamaludin ( fondly addressed as Bang Ngah who was instrumental in organising the earlier one also)
Geni.com has since grown with a life of its own nurtured through the enthusiasm of the younger generation - and there's no turning back! I would imagine it must have given a lot of personal satisfaction to Bang Ngah to see its progress within a span of just a year.
In my case Maslina and Shah Rezan managed my family’s entry initially. They rightly got my cousin Mus to contact me to get the sketchy details of my tree updated with the designated details.
The Geni .com comprises a ‘tree’, an organization chart-like structure with details of every member but went beyond that especially with regards to relationships to one another.
Following an invitation, a family member is given a password to access Geni.com through email. Once in, any member can input details of his own and his other immediate family members .
The beauty of Geni.com is that it is styled according to the Facebook format that many are familiar with. Any member can make a wall posting of messages to keep in touch together with video and photo-sharing facilities.
A click on any name will immediately show the relationship of that person to you and his other family members. This is most refreshing as otherwise someone who is in the know needs to tell you of the relationship. Not many of the elders are around to be able to do that anyway, let alone knowing the relationships. More so if it transcends a few generations of specific individuals to others.
The Calender of birthdays and anniversary dates covering everyone, broken into months, will now make it convenient (no more excuses of forgetting). And what’s more, the reminders are emailed when due.
There are many other items such as Address book, Map (showing location of members around the world) Timeline, Statistics, (with generous use of pie-charts) very conveniently worked out among others.
And the icing on the cake? Yes, brace yourself! It is slated for March 20 and 21. We are going to have our Family Gathering that week-end. No details yet but it is not a problem as communication is instant.
It is going to be very exciting. I’m sure glad to meet my kins, folks who were strangers not many months ago if not for Geni.com. It is great! Just great!
-------***--------
Postcript: (inserted on March 01, 2010)
Yesterday we received news from my nephew Nor Aman Shah that the Family Gathering is now rescheduled to be held for the weekend of March 27 and 28, 2010 (one week later than previously advised)
I promptly did and, hey presto! I was immediately connected with not just the handful that we are used to but to more than 631 family members ( to date, Feb 17, the number has since increased to 649)
It is so infectious in a good way and so satisfying. It would take ages just to compile all the necessary information and contacting each other the traditional way. Now it is all there for the asking.
I remember we made a start to have one done many years before. We wanted to list all of our family members so that we could get to know each other before we just go separate ways in no time.
We had a Protem Committee set up, comprising 6 members, chaired by my cousin Hj Jamaludin. Other members were Zakaria (Deputy) Hamzah (Secretary) Yunus (Treasurer) Razak (Asst. Sec) and Ghafar (Comm. Member)
It was set up with the noble purpose and aim of:
1. Getting family members together
2. Extending family ties
3. Establishing a family network
4. Compiling/updating information for the younger generation to relate to each other
5. Having an Annual/Bienniel Gathering
All of the above as resolved in our first meeting way back, are now provided spot-on by Geni.com - in fact lots more are given if we care to go deeper into it.
We had our first meeting on Mar 08, 1997 when it was agreed that we set up a database of members. Somehow it did not get off the ground beyond that and the matter was just forgotten with time.
Now with the advent of online facilities it suddenly is a breeze to be connected and stay connected. Geni.com made this possible.
What seemed so far fetched before are made so real, simple and convenient for us. We now just need to invite any and every family member , and we are on.
Apparently Geni.com was brought to the attention of Maslina (my niece) through our elder, Pakcu Kamarudin sometime early last year. Maslina got the initial details of the family tree worked out through her father , Hj Jamaludin ( fondly addressed as Bang Ngah who was instrumental in organising the earlier one also)
Geni.com has since grown with a life of its own nurtured through the enthusiasm of the younger generation - and there's no turning back! I would imagine it must have given a lot of personal satisfaction to Bang Ngah to see its progress within a span of just a year.
In my case Maslina and Shah Rezan managed my family’s entry initially. They rightly got my cousin Mus to contact me to get the sketchy details of my tree updated with the designated details.
The Geni .com comprises a ‘tree’, an organization chart-like structure with details of every member but went beyond that especially with regards to relationships to one another.
Following an invitation, a family member is given a password to access Geni.com through email. Once in, any member can input details of his own and his other immediate family members .
The beauty of Geni.com is that it is styled according to the Facebook format that many are familiar with. Any member can make a wall posting of messages to keep in touch together with video and photo-sharing facilities.
A click on any name will immediately show the relationship of that person to you and his other family members. This is most refreshing as otherwise someone who is in the know needs to tell you of the relationship. Not many of the elders are around to be able to do that anyway, let alone knowing the relationships. More so if it transcends a few generations of specific individuals to others.
The Calender of birthdays and anniversary dates covering everyone, broken into months, will now make it convenient (no more excuses of forgetting). And what’s more, the reminders are emailed when due.
There are many other items such as Address book, Map (showing location of members around the world) Timeline, Statistics, (with generous use of pie-charts) very conveniently worked out among others.
And the icing on the cake? Yes, brace yourself! It is slated for March 20 and 21. We are going to have our Family Gathering that week-end. No details yet but it is not a problem as communication is instant.
It is going to be very exciting. I’m sure glad to meet my kins, folks who were strangers not many months ago if not for Geni.com. It is great! Just great!
-------***--------
Postcript: (inserted on March 01, 2010)
Yesterday we received news from my nephew Nor Aman Shah that the Family Gathering is now rescheduled to be held for the weekend of March 27 and 28, 2010 (one week later than previously advised)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Postcript: Déjà vu at MU’s Speaker’s Corner
Quoting the Star of Jan 27, 2010, ‘The reintroduction of the corner has a sense of déjà vu for UM, as the university housed Malaysia’s first corner for students in the 1970s.’
I had in my previous posting related on the day that I witnessed the launch of the original Speaker’s Corner of MU in the 65/66? session. (the acronym of University of Malaya is invariably written as ‘UM’ but students then fondly referred to it as ‘MU’. I’m not sure now, has it changed? )
The Speaker’s Corner at MU was reintroduced/relaunched/reestablished/reinstated, what-have-you, yesterday Jan 26, 2010. How you state it is not important. The point is, it is back and not anywhere too soon!
It was officiated through the gracious presence of the Dy Minister of Higher Education YB Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (who lamented the fact that he did not get a chance to participate before as it was then under wraps, with compliments of the University and University Colleges Act (UUCA) 1971).
Interestingly enough, Ms Shah Rizul Ayuni Zulkiply 23, took to the mike so to speak (mega-phone in this instance) minutes after when it was ‘open to the floor’ expounding ‘women’s power’ – 'on the role of female student leaders and the need to acknowledge their leadership qualities’
A former secretary of the MU’s Students’ Union, she said ‘the Speakers’ Corner was a good avenue for her to explain how female student leaders could complement their male counterparts.’ – good for her! Certainly this would not be the last we hear of her.
This a far cry from before when lady students were largely spectators to be ogled at and not heard! Times have changed, certainly for the better.
P.P.S (submitted Feb 02,2010) The Sunday Star of Jan 31, featured a news item and picture of Tan Sri Dr. Adam Kadir (ex-Senate President) leafing through past issues of Mingguan Malaysia where he had written in his column about the launching which was confirmed as June 15, 1966.
I had in my previous posting related on the day that I witnessed the launch of the original Speaker’s Corner of MU in the 65/66? session. (the acronym of University of Malaya is invariably written as ‘UM’ but students then fondly referred to it as ‘MU’. I’m not sure now, has it changed? )
The Speaker’s Corner at MU was reintroduced/relaunched/reestablished/reinstated, what-have-you, yesterday Jan 26, 2010. How you state it is not important. The point is, it is back and not anywhere too soon!
It was officiated through the gracious presence of the Dy Minister of Higher Education YB Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (who lamented the fact that he did not get a chance to participate before as it was then under wraps, with compliments of the University and University Colleges Act (UUCA) 1971).
Interestingly enough, Ms Shah Rizul Ayuni Zulkiply 23, took to the mike so to speak (mega-phone in this instance) minutes after when it was ‘open to the floor’ expounding ‘women’s power’ – 'on the role of female student leaders and the need to acknowledge their leadership qualities’
A former secretary of the MU’s Students’ Union, she said ‘the Speakers’ Corner was a good avenue for her to explain how female student leaders could complement their male counterparts.’ – good for her! Certainly this would not be the last we hear of her.
This a far cry from before when lady students were largely spectators to be ogled at and not heard! Times have changed, certainly for the better.
P.P.S (submitted Feb 02,2010) The Sunday Star of Jan 31, featured a news item and picture of Tan Sri Dr. Adam Kadir (ex-Senate President) leafing through past issues of Mingguan Malaysia where he had written in his column about the launching which was confirmed as June 15, 1966.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
In The Nick of Time
The Star of Jan 22, 2010 carried a news item captioned ‘Heroes recount how they saved 9’ It told of the heroic exploits of two rescuers, Saiful Azhar and fisherman Yeoh Lai Pin relating to the Dragon Boat tragedy on Jan 17 in Penang.
In the said incident, 5 students and their teacher were drowned during training for a boat race. It was a sad outcome to what was intended to be just a sporting event. We feel for the concerned families in their hour of bereavement.
I am reminded of an incident many years ago, not quite similar, but also revolved around a water activity - a white water rafting downstream. I had mentioned about wanting to narrate about this episode in a previous posting.
This happened during the Kelantan River Expedition. We were (Putras of RMC) on our Hari Raya Break (crazy) from Feb 23 till Mar 03, 1963. There were altogether about 20 of us, averaging 18 years of age and a teacher-in-charge (‘ call me Gopala M.K.’)
On the way after leaving Gemas in the wee hours of the morning (Gemas was a hub of train change-over to the East Coast leaving @ 0200hrs?) excitement was in the air. Even though we were in the berth section of the 2nd class coach most were wide awake. Some were engrossed in empty talk listening to OP Aziz expounding his theories of a social-democrat in readiness of him going into politics (to the sceptical comments of Mr Gopala, who must be thinking ‘why politics?’ when we should be bothered with maths, geography, history etc).
It was much to the awe of those young minds around (who must be thinking OP Aziz was way ahead of his time) and to the consternation of the ticket checkers (who kept coming to our section), insisting the booked berth coaches were out-of-bounds to the 3 s.y.ts from MWTC/ Tun Fatimah? who were without seats (being pre-Hari Raya rush) but invited in for a yarn by you-know-who!)
We were slated to go downstream from Manek Urai, in the upper reaches of the Kelantan river to Kota Bharu a distance of about 80km. It would take about 1 hr by road presently. We covered it in 3 days then, an enjoyable 3 days with all the excitement and drama thrown in.
When we arrived at Manek Urai there were 2 rafts all ready, waiting for us, made up of bamboos all nicely lashed up together. OP Wan Ghani had arranged for everything. (That we were told. When we later arrived in Pasir Pekan at the end of the journey, he had the whole group for lunch at his house. Great guy!).
We only had to further improvise the rafts by having our ‘ponchos’ set up tent-like, to provide cover.Otherwise they were perfect.
(Unlike on the Perak River Expedition later in the year, we had to spend 2 days to build our own rafts out of light wood and bamboo. The bamboos were already felled arranged through Kemunting Camp in Taiping.These were stacked ready in Sauk (of the weapons snatching notoriety, remember?) We loaded them up into the 3-tonners (lorry) and off to Chenderoh Dam to start lashing them and later off downstream when ready – but that’s another story!)
In Manek Urai we broke up into the 2 groups of 10 each to a raft. In my group were OPs Rahman, Mansor ( later Datuk, Dr. who at one time helmed the ITM), Aziz ( later Datuk, Deputy Mentri Besar, Pahang and a 2 term Senator) Mohd Sham (later Datuk , Dr.) Muhamad (later Maj-Gen, Datuk) Syed Mustffa and Ismail ( both joined the Army) yours truly Hank, plus two others I don’t quite remember now.
OP Rahman made himself out to be the skipper and was fortunately accepted readily by everyone. He christened the raft the 'Kon Tiki’ complete with the name written and stuck on a pole atop the ‘poncho’. OP Rahman is a very talented artist ( you still draw and sketch? ) who speaks impeccable Queen's English that you never would realise speaking to a guy from Kelantan (Trengganu?) when he sounds every bit a polished English gentleman!
Kon-Tiki was the raft used by Norwegian explorer and writer Thor Heyerdahl in his 1947 expedition across the Pacific Ocean from South America to the Polynesian islands. It was named after the Inca sun god, Viracocha, for whom 'Kon-Tiki' was said to be an old name. Kon-Tiki is also the name of the popular book that Heyerdahl wrote about his adventures. (see Wikipedia)
It was truly a new experience for me, in fact for all of us. The raft had 2 rudders of long bamboo of about 4m one at each end. Both must be manned by one person each all the time. Both must react immediately at their ends to maneuver out of obstacles, such as floating logs or rocks along the way.
We cooked on the raft. The army-supplied fuel, made up of 2”x 2” pieces of hard candle-like material were used extensively ( 2 of those can cook a mess-tin of rice to be shared by 2 persons) We continued travelling at night keeping away from the banks lest overhanging branches hit us again. It did the first night. The raft shook, the makeshift clothes line was swept away. A PD Green uniform, some T-shirts and undies were lost. It was a frightful moment. It gave us a jolt as what to expect when rafting in the night. Visibility was poor. We could not relate to the river banks so we were not able to see that we were moving even. We only felt that we were moving. We were more careful after that. We kept to the centre and away from the banks. We were lucky it was no more serious than that.
On the next day it happened. It was mid-day. Some were cooking for lunch, while 2 were manning the rudder. We were in the centre of the free flowing waters. The other raft was about 25m downstream, more to our right. Not that far but near enough. It was hot and sunny so it must have been tempting for OP Mohd Sham.
At first he just dipped in and out by the side of the raft. All of a sudden he jumped into the water and swam towards the other raft. I think he did reach it. After exchanging some pleasantries with those on the other raft he jumped back towards us. I only realized it when he was cheered on. It was not going to be easy as he was now going against the current and water flow.
'This is going to be a disaster', I thought to myself. The others didn’t notice that I pulled a life-jacket from the pile next to me and held it in my hands. I made myself ready. I took off my wallet and handed it to someone just in case if I need to jump in.
Sure enough. One minute OP Mohd Sham was smiling happily swimming towards us but the next minute he shouted out loud, ‘help!, help!’ and waving frantically. He was about 15m away. He was exhausted. He was not going to make it.
I got up threw the life-jacket to him. It didn’t reach him. I jumped, swam towards the life-jacket and pulled it as quickly as I could to him. It was in the nick of time! OP Mohd Sham quickly grabbed the life-jacket. If I had been a split second late, it could have been a different story. It was close! We both held on to the life-jacket and inched our way back slowly towards our raft.
Under normal circumstances, when we approach a drowning/struggling person in the water it would be fatal to try and catch hold of him. The person would grab even a floating straw so they say. In a panic state he would grab you even before you reach him and would bring down both together.He would not be in the mood to be nice to you!
The technique is to approach him with both hands bent at 90 degrees at the elbows (with the clenched fists pointing skywards) That was fundamental in the Bronze medallion life-saving training. It could be a life and death thing. The moment the person grabs your wrists, you bring both wrists down into the water with a quick pull. His hold would be broken and he would automatically let go as his head would be bobbing in the water. You then twist him around and catch him under both armpits. It would be easy as he would be disoriented and facing the other way. That’s no way he could grab you. You then softly calm him and pull/swim backwards to safety.
In the case with OP Mohd. Sham I did away with this as I had pushed the life-jacket for him to grab. He didn’t need to grab me. I just had to calm him down after that.
We got onto the raft. The others got to OP Mohd Sham. He was ok. I got my wallet back, went to one corner to change into a dry T-shirt and only then that I realized. I forgot about my pocket diary. It was in my T-shirt pocket when I jumped in. It was still there but all wet. I had jotted some notes about the trip but they were not readily readable anymore. It was ok, that was ok, that was not the problem.
What saddened me most was that I had 2 passport-sized photos plus another slightly bigger one also in the diary and all were damaged. That was what I was sad about, but I didn’t tell anyone of them. One was of mine but the other two were of someone so dear to me then (not a photo of my loving wife, I met my wife years later) The damaged photos were for a long time with me. I dared not tell that someone they were damaged. Anyway they are not with me now. I was very sad then but I have long forgotten about them. We did not keep contact. She is definitely a grandmother by now. I just wonder!
For the next few minutes upon getting up on the raft, I reflected quietly. What if there had been some submerged rocks or floating logs or a crocodile. It frightened me suddenly. What if I had not pulled the life-jacket and held it in my hands minutes before that. What if I had hesitated and not jumped even with the life-jacket in my hands. I dread to think about it.
I only had the personal satisfaction of doing justice to my life saving knowledge, acquired 3 years earlier (which gave me the confidence) I may not have jumped in otherwise.
I was at the Victoria Institution (VI) before RMC. VI is the only school (I stand corrected) with a swimming-pool. Our swimming teacher then was Lim Heng Chek, an Olympian, rare in those days.
I joined a life savings group when I arrived at the RMC in Port Dickson (there was none since then after we moved to Sungei Besi) The beach then was just across the road from us, so training was convenient.
The life-saving test was done in mid-1960 at the Specialist Teacher's Training College pool at Cheras Road, K.L. I remember that. There were just a handful of us, less than 10. One was for an instructor's certificate while the rest were for the Bronze medallion. All got through, yes!
The Kon-Tiki made it on the morning of Feb 26. We berthed at Pasir Pekan across the river from Kota Bharu. We later pitched tent at Pantai Cinta Berahi (now Pantai Cahaya Bulan) for a few days before making our way back to our College on Mar 01.
OP Datuk Dr. Mohd Sham went on for medical studies in Canada? and became a very successful pediatrician while in the govt. He was also very involved in SCAN for many years after that.
In the said incident, 5 students and their teacher were drowned during training for a boat race. It was a sad outcome to what was intended to be just a sporting event. We feel for the concerned families in their hour of bereavement.
I am reminded of an incident many years ago, not quite similar, but also revolved around a water activity - a white water rafting downstream. I had mentioned about wanting to narrate about this episode in a previous posting.
This happened during the Kelantan River Expedition. We were (Putras of RMC) on our Hari Raya Break (crazy) from Feb 23 till Mar 03, 1963. There were altogether about 20 of us, averaging 18 years of age and a teacher-in-charge (‘ call me Gopala M.K.’)
On the way after leaving Gemas in the wee hours of the morning (Gemas was a hub of train change-over to the East Coast leaving @ 0200hrs?) excitement was in the air. Even though we were in the berth section of the 2nd class coach most were wide awake. Some were engrossed in empty talk listening to OP Aziz expounding his theories of a social-democrat in readiness of him going into politics (to the sceptical comments of Mr Gopala, who must be thinking ‘why politics?’ when we should be bothered with maths, geography, history etc).
It was much to the awe of those young minds around (who must be thinking OP Aziz was way ahead of his time) and to the consternation of the ticket checkers (who kept coming to our section), insisting the booked berth coaches were out-of-bounds to the 3 s.y.ts from MWTC/ Tun Fatimah? who were without seats (being pre-Hari Raya rush) but invited in for a yarn by you-know-who!)
We were slated to go downstream from Manek Urai, in the upper reaches of the Kelantan river to Kota Bharu a distance of about 80km. It would take about 1 hr by road presently. We covered it in 3 days then, an enjoyable 3 days with all the excitement and drama thrown in.
When we arrived at Manek Urai there were 2 rafts all ready, waiting for us, made up of bamboos all nicely lashed up together. OP Wan Ghani had arranged for everything. (That we were told. When we later arrived in Pasir Pekan at the end of the journey, he had the whole group for lunch at his house. Great guy!).
We only had to further improvise the rafts by having our ‘ponchos’ set up tent-like, to provide cover.Otherwise they were perfect.
(Unlike on the Perak River Expedition later in the year, we had to spend 2 days to build our own rafts out of light wood and bamboo. The bamboos were already felled arranged through Kemunting Camp in Taiping.These were stacked ready in Sauk (of the weapons snatching notoriety, remember?) We loaded them up into the 3-tonners (lorry) and off to Chenderoh Dam to start lashing them and later off downstream when ready – but that’s another story!)
In Manek Urai we broke up into the 2 groups of 10 each to a raft. In my group were OPs Rahman, Mansor ( later Datuk, Dr. who at one time helmed the ITM), Aziz ( later Datuk, Deputy Mentri Besar, Pahang and a 2 term Senator) Mohd Sham (later Datuk , Dr.) Muhamad (later Maj-Gen, Datuk) Syed Mustffa and Ismail ( both joined the Army) yours truly Hank, plus two others I don’t quite remember now.
OP Rahman made himself out to be the skipper and was fortunately accepted readily by everyone. He christened the raft the 'Kon Tiki’ complete with the name written and stuck on a pole atop the ‘poncho’. OP Rahman is a very talented artist ( you still draw and sketch? ) who speaks impeccable Queen's English that you never would realise speaking to a guy from Kelantan (Trengganu?) when he sounds every bit a polished English gentleman!
Kon-Tiki was the raft used by Norwegian explorer and writer Thor Heyerdahl in his 1947 expedition across the Pacific Ocean from South America to the Polynesian islands. It was named after the Inca sun god, Viracocha, for whom 'Kon-Tiki' was said to be an old name. Kon-Tiki is also the name of the popular book that Heyerdahl wrote about his adventures. (see Wikipedia)
It was truly a new experience for me, in fact for all of us. The raft had 2 rudders of long bamboo of about 4m one at each end. Both must be manned by one person each all the time. Both must react immediately at their ends to maneuver out of obstacles, such as floating logs or rocks along the way.
We cooked on the raft. The army-supplied fuel, made up of 2”x 2” pieces of hard candle-like material were used extensively ( 2 of those can cook a mess-tin of rice to be shared by 2 persons) We continued travelling at night keeping away from the banks lest overhanging branches hit us again. It did the first night. The raft shook, the makeshift clothes line was swept away. A PD Green uniform, some T-shirts and undies were lost. It was a frightful moment. It gave us a jolt as what to expect when rafting in the night. Visibility was poor. We could not relate to the river banks so we were not able to see that we were moving even. We only felt that we were moving. We were more careful after that. We kept to the centre and away from the banks. We were lucky it was no more serious than that.
On the next day it happened. It was mid-day. Some were cooking for lunch, while 2 were manning the rudder. We were in the centre of the free flowing waters. The other raft was about 25m downstream, more to our right. Not that far but near enough. It was hot and sunny so it must have been tempting for OP Mohd Sham.
At first he just dipped in and out by the side of the raft. All of a sudden he jumped into the water and swam towards the other raft. I think he did reach it. After exchanging some pleasantries with those on the other raft he jumped back towards us. I only realized it when he was cheered on. It was not going to be easy as he was now going against the current and water flow.
'This is going to be a disaster', I thought to myself. The others didn’t notice that I pulled a life-jacket from the pile next to me and held it in my hands. I made myself ready. I took off my wallet and handed it to someone just in case if I need to jump in.
Sure enough. One minute OP Mohd Sham was smiling happily swimming towards us but the next minute he shouted out loud, ‘help!, help!’ and waving frantically. He was about 15m away. He was exhausted. He was not going to make it.
I got up threw the life-jacket to him. It didn’t reach him. I jumped, swam towards the life-jacket and pulled it as quickly as I could to him. It was in the nick of time! OP Mohd Sham quickly grabbed the life-jacket. If I had been a split second late, it could have been a different story. It was close! We both held on to the life-jacket and inched our way back slowly towards our raft.
Under normal circumstances, when we approach a drowning/struggling person in the water it would be fatal to try and catch hold of him. The person would grab even a floating straw so they say. In a panic state he would grab you even before you reach him and would bring down both together.He would not be in the mood to be nice to you!
The technique is to approach him with both hands bent at 90 degrees at the elbows (with the clenched fists pointing skywards) That was fundamental in the Bronze medallion life-saving training. It could be a life and death thing. The moment the person grabs your wrists, you bring both wrists down into the water with a quick pull. His hold would be broken and he would automatically let go as his head would be bobbing in the water. You then twist him around and catch him under both armpits. It would be easy as he would be disoriented and facing the other way. That’s no way he could grab you. You then softly calm him and pull/swim backwards to safety.
In the case with OP Mohd. Sham I did away with this as I had pushed the life-jacket for him to grab. He didn’t need to grab me. I just had to calm him down after that.
We got onto the raft. The others got to OP Mohd Sham. He was ok. I got my wallet back, went to one corner to change into a dry T-shirt and only then that I realized. I forgot about my pocket diary. It was in my T-shirt pocket when I jumped in. It was still there but all wet. I had jotted some notes about the trip but they were not readily readable anymore. It was ok, that was ok, that was not the problem.
What saddened me most was that I had 2 passport-sized photos plus another slightly bigger one also in the diary and all were damaged. That was what I was sad about, but I didn’t tell anyone of them. One was of mine but the other two were of someone so dear to me then (not a photo of my loving wife, I met my wife years later) The damaged photos were for a long time with me. I dared not tell that someone they were damaged. Anyway they are not with me now. I was very sad then but I have long forgotten about them. We did not keep contact. She is definitely a grandmother by now. I just wonder!
For the next few minutes upon getting up on the raft, I reflected quietly. What if there had been some submerged rocks or floating logs or a crocodile. It frightened me suddenly. What if I had not pulled the life-jacket and held it in my hands minutes before that. What if I had hesitated and not jumped even with the life-jacket in my hands. I dread to think about it.
I only had the personal satisfaction of doing justice to my life saving knowledge, acquired 3 years earlier (which gave me the confidence) I may not have jumped in otherwise.
I was at the Victoria Institution (VI) before RMC. VI is the only school (I stand corrected) with a swimming-pool. Our swimming teacher then was Lim Heng Chek, an Olympian, rare in those days.
I joined a life savings group when I arrived at the RMC in Port Dickson (there was none since then after we moved to Sungei Besi) The beach then was just across the road from us, so training was convenient.
The life-saving test was done in mid-1960 at the Specialist Teacher's Training College pool at Cheras Road, K.L. I remember that. There were just a handful of us, less than 10. One was for an instructor's certificate while the rest were for the Bronze medallion. All got through, yes!
The Kon-Tiki made it on the morning of Feb 26. We berthed at Pasir Pekan across the river from Kota Bharu. We later pitched tent at Pantai Cinta Berahi (now Pantai Cahaya Bulan) for a few days before making our way back to our College on Mar 01.
OP Datuk Dr. Mohd Sham went on for medical studies in Canada? and became a very successful pediatrician while in the govt. He was also very involved in SCAN for many years after that.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The Speakers’ Corner is back!
On Nov 01, 2009, it was reported that the Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin was in favour of reviving the Speakers’ Corner in the various universities.
“It would train the students to think and be creative. They can say anything on any topic but they must be responsible for them when they speak,” he said.
On Jan 15, 2010, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled did one better. He kept to his word and even found the time to graciously officiate at the launch of the first Speakers’ Corner this time around, at the UKM. It is located behind the Tun Sri Lanang Library at the main Bangi campus.
This is certainly a progressive gesture from the govt. Earlier on, the Speakers’ Corner at the University of Malaya (MU) was a casualty prompted by restrictive provisions imposed under the University and University Colleges Act (UUCA)1971.
I can recollect the launch of that first ever Speakers’ Corner at the MU in the mid-sixties. I was there to witness it. I don’t quite remember when. It was sometime during the 66/67 session I think! ( I stand corrected)
It was a fine day. It was at the patch of greenery just across the road from the Arts Concourse next to the Library. There were a few long benches and students would take a breather or a quick puff at that place before continuing the dreary ‘pastime’ of sitting in the library again.
Suddenly Thili and Ravi appeared. I was n’t sure how they came. It was something not expected. They could have alighted from a car which I didn’t really notice. Thili was covered from head to toe (obviously to create a mysterious entry) and slowly led by Ravi. No fanfare, no trappings of a formal launch,no dignitary invited,no ribbon-cutting,nothing! Nothing to indicate a historic event in the making.
The only thing different was the way Thili was dressed. He was loosely wrapped around in white akin to a Roman toga (made up of dhoti and bedsheets it seemed) Ravi led Thili to one of the benches after which Thili quickly pulled off the cloak covering him and proceeded to speak.
He came as ‘Prometheus? a character in Greek mythology who was bound with an iron chain to a mountain in Scythia named Caucasus for thirty thousand years’ who was now unchained and free to speak' (see Wikipedia)
That was how the Speakers’ Corner was launched through the initiatives of Thili and Ravi (theirs were the faces seen) but there could have been others .
It was a tame affair when it happened which caught many by surprise. Some even thought it was a joke initially. It picked up momentum through the years and became an institution until it was caught under the stringent measures of the UUCA that finally signalled its demise.
Dato Dr R.Thillainathan (aka Thili) is a friendly guy always with a smile reserved for you. He went on to become an acclaimed Economist (First Class Hons. in MU and a Ph.D from LSE )and later carved out a brilliant career in banking and in Genting Berhad where he is currently on the Genting Berhad board as a Non- Independent Non-Executive Director.
Ravi read History, and according to unsubstantiated reports went to the US where he met up again with Prof Silverstine (who was an American Visiting Professor in History in 65/66) Ravi was a karate exponent who coached students at the campus. One day he came with his forearm in cast, and a little finger broken, (kicked by accident during karate practice - such dedication! ) Apparently his karate prowess proved good enough for him to be made an instructor in the US Army (with the help of Prof Silverstine) If these reports were true he should have easily been given a Green Card and should be a US citizen by now.
So much for the digression. Let’s look at the Speakers’ Corner again.
‘A Speakers' Corner is an area where public speaking is allowed. The original and most noted is in the north-east corner of Hyde Park in London, England. Contrary to popular belief, there is no immunity from the law, nor are any subjects proscribed, but in practice the police tend to be tolerant…’(see Wikipedia)
The ‘resurrection’ of the Speakers’ Corner in campus here is like a breathe of fresh air, but it has to happen. It was timely that it did. More so things are different now with the advent of the internet and cyber-space. In fact it is better! I would expect speeches at the Speakers’ Corner to be more responsible and more matured than what we get in blogosphere.
Blogosphere has its inherent drawbacks. In our pursuit of transparency, freedom to speak and non-interference we had unnecessarily opened a Pandora’s box of base writings and comments. Articles and comments have such leeway that they are often abused most dastardly. It is the law of the jungle again so to speak. It is a free for all, no holds barred, anything goes.
The comments especially are often blasphemous, crude, encroaching on lese-majeste, with elements of slander and libel freely thrown around, rumours stated as facts, with a distinct anti-establishment approach, finger pointing and profanity. Talking of profanity, I just don't see how the inclusion of the F-word for instance,in an article or comment, can make them any better to read.
It is more indicative of not just anger but maybe a deprived childhood and injustice experienced for those who are smart. And for those few who are just unfortunate not to have a good command of English, they try hard to participate with crude language and swear words to cover up their weakness. All these negative traits and experiences they unwittingly reveal to the whole world to see and make judgement of their person from their writings - which is not that smart a thing to do!
How is it possible. Why this is so? Anonymity that’s why. It gives a false sense of courage to those who are otherwise timid.Being anonymous in blogosphere apparently is like being given a licence to make irresponsible comments, racial slurs and to tell blatant lies.It gives a sense of power not available before.
The abuse of the the privilege of free speech is just unbearable. Many seem to forget their ISP particulars can easily be traced. Maybe if a few can be made as an example of ( as in the case of the 3 school boys and Mr Brown in S’pore years ago who were brought to book within 3 days), I’m sure these irresponsible elements will turn around and can exercise self-regulation and self-restraint on their own after that without any form of punishment nor any monitoring necessary from the authorities.
That is why I have high hopes and expectations in the Speakers’ Corner. The speakers are bodily seen standing right in front of you. He couldn’t hide under anonymity to cover his cowardice like what we get in blogosphere.
“It would train the students to think and be creative. They can say anything on any topic but they must be responsible for them when they speak,” he said.
On Jan 15, 2010, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled did one better. He kept to his word and even found the time to graciously officiate at the launch of the first Speakers’ Corner this time around, at the UKM. It is located behind the Tun Sri Lanang Library at the main Bangi campus.
This is certainly a progressive gesture from the govt. Earlier on, the Speakers’ Corner at the University of Malaya (MU) was a casualty prompted by restrictive provisions imposed under the University and University Colleges Act (UUCA)1971.
I can recollect the launch of that first ever Speakers’ Corner at the MU in the mid-sixties. I was there to witness it. I don’t quite remember when. It was sometime during the 66/67 session I think! ( I stand corrected)
It was a fine day. It was at the patch of greenery just across the road from the Arts Concourse next to the Library. There were a few long benches and students would take a breather or a quick puff at that place before continuing the dreary ‘pastime’ of sitting in the library again.
Suddenly Thili and Ravi appeared. I was n’t sure how they came. It was something not expected. They could have alighted from a car which I didn’t really notice. Thili was covered from head to toe (obviously to create a mysterious entry) and slowly led by Ravi. No fanfare, no trappings of a formal launch,no dignitary invited,no ribbon-cutting,nothing! Nothing to indicate a historic event in the making.
The only thing different was the way Thili was dressed. He was loosely wrapped around in white akin to a Roman toga (made up of dhoti and bedsheets it seemed) Ravi led Thili to one of the benches after which Thili quickly pulled off the cloak covering him and proceeded to speak.
He came as ‘Prometheus? a character in Greek mythology who was bound with an iron chain to a mountain in Scythia named Caucasus for thirty thousand years’ who was now unchained and free to speak' (see Wikipedia)
That was how the Speakers’ Corner was launched through the initiatives of Thili and Ravi (theirs were the faces seen) but there could have been others .
It was a tame affair when it happened which caught many by surprise. Some even thought it was a joke initially. It picked up momentum through the years and became an institution until it was caught under the stringent measures of the UUCA that finally signalled its demise.
Dato Dr R.Thillainathan (aka Thili) is a friendly guy always with a smile reserved for you. He went on to become an acclaimed Economist (First Class Hons. in MU and a Ph.D from LSE )and later carved out a brilliant career in banking and in Genting Berhad where he is currently on the Genting Berhad board as a Non- Independent Non-Executive Director.
Ravi read History, and according to unsubstantiated reports went to the US where he met up again with Prof Silverstine (who was an American Visiting Professor in History in 65/66) Ravi was a karate exponent who coached students at the campus. One day he came with his forearm in cast, and a little finger broken, (kicked by accident during karate practice - such dedication! ) Apparently his karate prowess proved good enough for him to be made an instructor in the US Army (with the help of Prof Silverstine) If these reports were true he should have easily been given a Green Card and should be a US citizen by now.
So much for the digression. Let’s look at the Speakers’ Corner again.
‘A Speakers' Corner is an area where public speaking is allowed. The original and most noted is in the north-east corner of Hyde Park in London, England. Contrary to popular belief, there is no immunity from the law, nor are any subjects proscribed, but in practice the police tend to be tolerant…’(see Wikipedia)
The ‘resurrection’ of the Speakers’ Corner in campus here is like a breathe of fresh air, but it has to happen. It was timely that it did. More so things are different now with the advent of the internet and cyber-space. In fact it is better! I would expect speeches at the Speakers’ Corner to be more responsible and more matured than what we get in blogosphere.
Blogosphere has its inherent drawbacks. In our pursuit of transparency, freedom to speak and non-interference we had unnecessarily opened a Pandora’s box of base writings and comments. Articles and comments have such leeway that they are often abused most dastardly. It is the law of the jungle again so to speak. It is a free for all, no holds barred, anything goes.
The comments especially are often blasphemous, crude, encroaching on lese-majeste, with elements of slander and libel freely thrown around, rumours stated as facts, with a distinct anti-establishment approach, finger pointing and profanity. Talking of profanity, I just don't see how the inclusion of the F-word for instance,in an article or comment, can make them any better to read.
It is more indicative of not just anger but maybe a deprived childhood and injustice experienced for those who are smart. And for those few who are just unfortunate not to have a good command of English, they try hard to participate with crude language and swear words to cover up their weakness. All these negative traits and experiences they unwittingly reveal to the whole world to see and make judgement of their person from their writings - which is not that smart a thing to do!
How is it possible. Why this is so? Anonymity that’s why. It gives a false sense of courage to those who are otherwise timid.Being anonymous in blogosphere apparently is like being given a licence to make irresponsible comments, racial slurs and to tell blatant lies.It gives a sense of power not available before.
The abuse of the the privilege of free speech is just unbearable. Many seem to forget their ISP particulars can easily be traced. Maybe if a few can be made as an example of ( as in the case of the 3 school boys and Mr Brown in S’pore years ago who were brought to book within 3 days), I’m sure these irresponsible elements will turn around and can exercise self-regulation and self-restraint on their own after that without any form of punishment nor any monitoring necessary from the authorities.
That is why I have high hopes and expectations in the Speakers’ Corner. The speakers are bodily seen standing right in front of you. He couldn’t hide under anonymity to cover his cowardice like what we get in blogosphere.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Malacca and the ‘Eye on Malaysia’
Image: Hank's autograph diligently kept by Tajudin
(Thadj) all these years alluding to the sojourn in Singapore
There were some ‘hiccups’ relating to the ‘Eye on Malaysia’ in Malacca. The 60m Ferris wheel (located at the estuary of the Malacca River at Taman Kota Laksamana) was brought to Malacca to help boost tourism in the state. It had dominated the local skyline and was very popular with the crowd. However, only a few days ago, on Jan 07, its services had been stopped, owing to some disputes on its running.
What a shame. We were in Malacca barely 3 weeks ago during the school holidays. It was a long vacation period and Malacca offered a variety of ancient and modern, old and new, a balance uniquely absent in the other states. The kids (read: grandchildren) had an enjoyable time, but what a shame and we felt bad about it.
They could not get to go on the Eye on Malaysia, that’s why. They were beaten to it. A bus-load of ‘local’ tourists made it before us and there was a crowd building up.
I had a hard time persuading them with a ‘we’ll ride on it the next time’. I reasoned with a ‘it would not go anywhere and we are here in K.L. barely a few hours away’ kind of answer. I’m really not so sure now.
I remember many years ago when we were at the Circus World in Tampa, Florida the Ferris wheel was a much bigger one. It was early December and sunny Florida was pleasant. We were early and there was no crowd. The kids (read: children) made a bee-line for it.
It was a great ride. We had the added privilege of being right at the top when it stopped. Apparently it was made to stop for a few minutes for us to take the view, - what a breath-taking view it was!
Shadah, my wife sitting beside me, just shut her eyes. It was pretty cold up there. We were seated but we were just dangling. Adura and Hafidz in the seat in front were waving happily to us both when it stopped. Shadah kept shouting ‘look in front, look in front, stop waving!' She was concerned, their seat was swinging. I could only murmur ‘brr….brr…’ in the cold even though it was sunny ( Shadah had opened her eyes eventually). The skyline up there was just fantastic and she had to see it. The panorama, all around was as far as the eye could see, bluish in the distance and glaringly bright in front.
Malacca had changed very much though. The old road from Seremban winding through Alor Gajah to Malacca Town (now a city) is now not recognizable anymore. Instead, it is now a smooth highway (two-lanes on each side) smooth, if not for the 17? traffic light junctions we have to go through before we reach the city.
I remembered it well because I had to go to Paya Rumput along that old Alor Gajah road. It was way back in December ’62. We had just sat for our OSC/FMC exam (equivalent to the present SPM). I had to look for OP Tajudin (aka Thadj) in Malacca. A chance meeting with OP Hamdan just before I boarded the bus at the Kuala Pilah bus station saved the day. OP Hamdan told me ‘you go to Paya Rumput, that’s where he stays’
(OP Hamdan currently has a restaurant in Taman Tun Dr Ismail - it is the
Nutri Saji Caterer Enterprise at No. 25, Lorong Dato Sulaiman 7, TTDI 60000, KL. Check
it out Hamdan 014-338 4331)
Before leaving the College (RMC) back to our hometown for the school holidays, we both had broached the idea about hitch-hiking to S’pore but there were no details discussed. We agreed on the date for one thing but could not meet before we left for home (we were left with no phone numbers nor our addresses) I had to look for Thadj and see whether it was still on. Those were the care-free days of teen-agers, brash and rash without any thoughts of danger and pain.
I told my late Dad before I left for Malacca that ‘if I don’t go I’ll be back tonight otherwise I’ll be in Spore’. I took the bus, told the conductor to press the bell when we reach Paya Rumput, got down, knocked on the door of the nearest house and was told Thadj’s house was barely 50 yards up the road.
I was very, very lucky indeed. Thadj could have been anywhere in Jasin or Merlimau or Durian Daun or whatever. And there was no mobile phone to talk of ! We took so much risks when we were young. I just wonder how my late Dad took it.
In any case, his worries were cushioned by the fact that we RMC ‘budak boys’ were not anywhere at home most of the time during our ‘term breaks’. We normally partake in many ‘expeditions’ all independently organized by certain groups of like-minded boys. There may be a few at one time. One may be in a group up ‘climbing Gunung Tahan’, another ‘white water rafting’ down river (I was in both the Perak River ( here) and Kelantan River (here) expeditions) or at Annual Camps somewhere or a cultural visit to the East Coast or just trudging along with Thadj to S’pore, anywhere else but home. (the following year in '63 I was hiking with Jamaludin to Penang)
We had a few advantages other school boys didn’t have. Training and logistics. Thrown anywhere in the Malaysian jungle, we could survive through military warfare and map-reading skills for which we were trained.
The logistics in terms of transport and equipment were all there for the asking. Military 3-tonners (lorries) transported us to Chenderoh Dam for the start of the Perak River expedition. OP Zubir through his father's efforts, picked us up with a chartered bus at Teluk Anson (Teluk Intan now) 7 days after and dropped us at the railway station. We were issued warrant tickets (train tickets to and fro) to Manek Urai, somewhere in the ulu, for the start of the Kelantan River expedition and picked up at Kota Bahru at the end of it, 8 days after.)
In all instances before proceeding on any expeditions, we were issued through the Quartermaster, (the Q), the packed rations. These were the same military rations of rice, tinned food, biscuits etc, a ‘poncho’ each,which doubles as a tent and rain-coat, a dhurry ( a thick and colourful 2.5 ftx7 ft sleep-ons, haversacks, water bottles and pills ( one, an anti malarial ‘paludrine’ to be taken every day and the other, to neutralize river water to make it palatable in taste and safe to drink) Sure enough, our Dads were not unduly worried. We were prepared and well equipped.
My late Dad was confident and I was also, especially in the river expeditions as I was a Bronze medallion life-saver (there was a life threatening episode which I’ll relate in a later posting)
So much for the digression. Now back to Thadj.
I walked up the road, knocked on the door, and Thadj was there, smiling widely. ‘It is on, right? I asked. A very decisive ‘yes!’ was the reply.
A little bit of rest, a little bit of snacks and off we went. ‘ Don’t forget to visit your sister, in S’pore,’ his mother reminded us, ‘and send our regards!’ That was good advice. We had no where else to stay otherwise, anyway.
With haversacks on our backs, with a little bit of cash ( I don’t remember how much) and an address in Clementi Estate, Pasir Panjang, S’pore, we walked out from Thadj’s house. It was mid-morning and pretty hot as we happily trudged along.
We had covered quite a fair distance and sweating. We were on the road towards Muar. I did not verbalise to Thaj but my thoughts then were, ‘would any one pick us up? Not in this heat. And we, teen-agers, fit and healthy would sweat like nobody’s business.’
While lost in thoughts we just leisurely plod on. Suddenly a red open-top sports-car screeched to a halt nearly hitting us.(was it a Triumph Spitfire?) Driven by a young Caucasian/European, it was just God-sent - he offered us a lift. I squeezed into the narrow backseat. It was so narrow that I had to face only one direction ,to the right, without much free movements. Thadj was ok. He was in the front passenger seat.
We were just plain lucky. A sports car. A million to one chance. The wind just swept over us and we were sweaty no more, plainly not offensive to the driver. I later asked Thadj ‘how come the European knew we wanted a lift’. Thadj said, ‘I don’t know. I just raised my right hand to cool off my armpit and he stopped.’ He said something to that effect in not so many words. I didn’t want to argue with that, it was too good for us, anyway.
The European took us right through to S’pore. There was no passport necessary then, no immigration, it was a breeze. ( I wonder if anyone would stop for hitch-hikers these days)
We arrived in S’pore sometime late in the evening. I remember we stayed at Thadj’s sister’s house. I’m a bit hazy now on what we did in S’pore. I remember for a fact though that we went to Abdullah’s house for lunch one day.
I met Abdullah when we attended the Outward Bound School (OBS) in Lumut the previous year. We both obtained 'Merit Awards' as all others (Incidentally OP Ling Leong Sik is the only budak boy to have obtained an 'Honours Award' in the history of the OBS)
Abdullah was one of 2 cadets from S’pore. His pretty elder sister was such wonderful company then, and she suggested many places for us to visit. Her husband, Ungku, a talented footballer, (who kept goal for the state of Johore team?) was also there.
Abdullah was initially in the S'pore Armed forces but later switched and joined our Malaysian army and rose to the rank of a Major-General that came with a Datukship. OP Tajudin became a naval officer and rose to the rank of an RMN Captain.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Burj Khalifa
The Burj Dubai is renamed or has been officially named as the Burj Khalifa at its inauguration on Jan 04, 2010. It is in honour of the present ruler of Abu Dhabi, a neighbouring sheikhdom. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are 2 of the six sheikhdoms that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Dubai was indebted to Abu Dhabi for coming to its rescue with the much needed 10 billion dollars to bail out its troubled property developer Nakheel, (a subsidiary of Dubai World, a government outfit)late last year.
What better way to show its appreciation than to have the Burj named after the Abu Dhabi’s ruler, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (who is also the President of the UAE)
At the inauguration, the closely guarded secret of the height of the Burj Khalifa was also revealed. It is now officially at 828m high, the highest free-standing structure in the world.
Let’s have it again in comparison with others:
1. The Burj Khalifa - Dubai 828m
2. Taipei 101 - Taiwan 508m (world’s tallest since 2004)
3. Shanghai World Financial Centre - China 492m
4. Petronas Twin Towers - Malaysia 452m (world’s highest Twin Towers)
5. Willis Tower - Chicago 442m (the previous Sears Tower)
6. World Trade Centre - N.York 415m (before the 9/11 2001, attack)
(The Freedom Tower being planned for the 9/11 ground zero site will rise 541m when completed possibly in 2013)
While the Petronas Twin Towers is the 4th highest free-standing structure, it is still the highest Twin Towers in the world.
While an awesome Burj Khalifa stands tall, we have to be mindful of the ‘Skyscrapers’s Index’ which had also been unflatteringly referred to as the ‘Skyscraper’s Curse’ by some quarters. The observation conceived by Andrew Lawrence, suggested that the completion of skyscrapers may herald in an economic crisis as what Dubai is facing now.
High rise buildings would result in an era of economic slow-down as evidenced with the Empire State Building to the 30’s Great Depression, the Sears Tower and World Trade Centre to the Oil Crisis of '74, Petronas Twin Towers to the '97 Asian Financial Crisis and the Burj Khalifa to the current Dubai economic meltdown.
If this is so, then brace ourselves for we have not seen the worst as yet. In the pipeline are a number due for completion, i.e. Saudi Arabia's Abraj Al-Bait tower in 2011, the Freedom Tower at ground zero in 2013, China's Shanghai Tower in 2014, Korea'a Incheon Tower in 2015 and a few others in Russia and other parts of China.
Are we going to see a slew of economic downturns of countries in the not too distant future. Is it in the offing. Can we take it when it comes?
So be it!
Dubai was indebted to Abu Dhabi for coming to its rescue with the much needed 10 billion dollars to bail out its troubled property developer Nakheel, (a subsidiary of Dubai World, a government outfit)late last year.
What better way to show its appreciation than to have the Burj named after the Abu Dhabi’s ruler, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (who is also the President of the UAE)
At the inauguration, the closely guarded secret of the height of the Burj Khalifa was also revealed. It is now officially at 828m high, the highest free-standing structure in the world.
Let’s have it again in comparison with others:
1. The Burj Khalifa - Dubai 828m
2. Taipei 101 - Taiwan 508m (world’s tallest since 2004)
3. Shanghai World Financial Centre - China 492m
4. Petronas Twin Towers - Malaysia 452m (world’s highest Twin Towers)
5. Willis Tower - Chicago 442m (the previous Sears Tower)
6. World Trade Centre - N.York 415m (before the 9/11 2001, attack)
(The Freedom Tower being planned for the 9/11 ground zero site will rise 541m when completed possibly in 2013)
While the Petronas Twin Towers is the 4th highest free-standing structure, it is still the highest Twin Towers in the world.
While an awesome Burj Khalifa stands tall, we have to be mindful of the ‘Skyscrapers’s Index’ which had also been unflatteringly referred to as the ‘Skyscraper’s Curse’ by some quarters. The observation conceived by Andrew Lawrence, suggested that the completion of skyscrapers may herald in an economic crisis as what Dubai is facing now.
High rise buildings would result in an era of economic slow-down as evidenced with the Empire State Building to the 30’s Great Depression, the Sears Tower and World Trade Centre to the Oil Crisis of '74, Petronas Twin Towers to the '97 Asian Financial Crisis and the Burj Khalifa to the current Dubai economic meltdown.
If this is so, then brace ourselves for we have not seen the worst as yet. In the pipeline are a number due for completion, i.e. Saudi Arabia's Abraj Al-Bait tower in 2011, the Freedom Tower at ground zero in 2013, China's Shanghai Tower in 2014, Korea'a Incheon Tower in 2015 and a few others in Russia and other parts of China.
Are we going to see a slew of economic downturns of countries in the not too distant future. Is it in the offing. Can we take it when it comes?
So be it!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Burj Dubai
The Burj Dubai, at 818m (or 824m? ) the tallest free-standing structure in the world by Emaar Properties of Dubai will be inaugurated tomorrow, Jan 04, 2010 (construction had begun on Sept 21, 2004)
The date Jan 04, 2010 is specifically chosen to mark the fourth anniversary of the accession to the throne of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as the Ruler of Dubai.
The exact height of the Burj Dubai is still subject to speculation as it is being kept confidential only to be made known by Emaar after the inauguration. However, it surpassed the two previously held records of:
1) a TV mast (held by the KVLY-TV mast in Blanchard, North Dakota),at 629m and
2) the tallest free-standing structure, (previously held by the Toronto’s CN Tower) at 553m
Other high-rise buildings are not anywhere near it.
Two local dailies carried a news item on the Burj Dubai, one yesterday and the other this morning (there may be others that I may have missed, though). It is therefore superfluous to repeat all of the record breaking numbers associated with the Burj Dubai, which are many and are very intriguing to say the least.
Among them which make for quick reference are the:
Highest number of storeys in the world
Highest occupied floor in the world
Highest outdoor observation deck in the world
Elevator with the longest travel distance in the world
Tallest service elevator in the world and many others.
This is apart from other superlatives heard before on Dubai, i.e. the biggest building, the biggest Mall, the largest airport, the tallest hotel, (the Burj Al Arab, the only 7-star hotel in the world) and the richest horse race (leave it to the Arabs).
There is however one significant item (though mentioned elsewhere before) that needs mentioning again. It is the Malaysian connection, which should be a shining example of our rallying call of ‘Malaysia Boleh’. It is the direct involvement of Eversendai, a Malaysian company associated with steel structure construction.
Eversendai Corporation, had its beginnings in the high-rise building construction of the then Dayabumi in K.Lumpur. This was followed with strings of jobs through the years locally and in Singapore until they landed the ‘biggie’, the steel works for the Petronas Twin Towers. When the Koreans through the primary builder the South Korean Samsung Engineering & Construction, (who also built the Taipei 101 and the Petronas Twin Towers) were awarded the Burj Dubai, they naturally brought in Eversendai and renewed the relationship again.
According to Datuk A.K. Nathan, the Group MD as quoted by Bernama last year, “ the final 260m of the soaring tower was an all-steel structure, and Eversendai had the privilege of putting it up successfully. In fact, we're the first company in the world to have worked above 700m. No one in the world has worked above this height,"
Can you beat that?
The date Jan 04, 2010 is specifically chosen to mark the fourth anniversary of the accession to the throne of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as the Ruler of Dubai.
The exact height of the Burj Dubai is still subject to speculation as it is being kept confidential only to be made known by Emaar after the inauguration. However, it surpassed the two previously held records of:
1) a TV mast (held by the KVLY-TV mast in Blanchard, North Dakota),at 629m and
2) the tallest free-standing structure, (previously held by the Toronto’s CN Tower) at 553m
Other high-rise buildings are not anywhere near it.
Two local dailies carried a news item on the Burj Dubai, one yesterday and the other this morning (there may be others that I may have missed, though). It is therefore superfluous to repeat all of the record breaking numbers associated with the Burj Dubai, which are many and are very intriguing to say the least.
Among them which make for quick reference are the:
Highest number of storeys in the world
Highest occupied floor in the world
Highest outdoor observation deck in the world
Elevator with the longest travel distance in the world
Tallest service elevator in the world and many others.
This is apart from other superlatives heard before on Dubai, i.e. the biggest building, the biggest Mall, the largest airport, the tallest hotel, (the Burj Al Arab, the only 7-star hotel in the world) and the richest horse race (leave it to the Arabs).
There is however one significant item (though mentioned elsewhere before) that needs mentioning again. It is the Malaysian connection, which should be a shining example of our rallying call of ‘Malaysia Boleh’. It is the direct involvement of Eversendai, a Malaysian company associated with steel structure construction.
Eversendai Corporation, had its beginnings in the high-rise building construction of the then Dayabumi in K.Lumpur. This was followed with strings of jobs through the years locally and in Singapore until they landed the ‘biggie’, the steel works for the Petronas Twin Towers. When the Koreans through the primary builder the South Korean Samsung Engineering & Construction, (who also built the Taipei 101 and the Petronas Twin Towers) were awarded the Burj Dubai, they naturally brought in Eversendai and renewed the relationship again.
According to Datuk A.K. Nathan, the Group MD as quoted by Bernama last year, “ the final 260m of the soaring tower was an all-steel structure, and Eversendai had the privilege of putting it up successfully. In fact, we're the first company in the world to have worked above 700m. No one in the world has worked above this height,"
Can you beat that?
Friday, January 1, 2010
Serina – The Darling Daughter of Chef Wan
who was about to place the ring on Serina's finger.
Image:2 Serina, the ever so beautiful,
elegant and charming bride
Image:3 Serina and her beau,
now husband and wife
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Postcript: The 3 photos below were inserted on Sept 17th, 2010 to announce the birth of Serina's baby. It’s a boy! Actress Serina gave birth to a baby boy on Monday, Sept 13th 2010 at the Prince Court Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Baby is named Tristan Tareef O'Luanaigh ( ‘Tareef’ means ‘out of the ordinary’ ) Baby at 51cm and weighing 2.85kg arrived at 1813hrs ( 6.13pm )
Datuk Chef Wan confirmed both mum and baby were fine, and in the best of health!
Image:4 . The Cute Little One,
Tristan Tareef O'Luanaigh
Image:5 . The Proud Gramps,
a Beaming Datuk Chef Wan
Image:6 . The Family Sharing
The Happy Moment
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s been in the news in recent days. Serina the talented and ever beautiful actress is tying the knot. This is further confirmed in a local daily this morning. There was a write-up with an accompanying snap-shot outlining the various related ceremonies tonight and tomorrow morning right up to the bersanding slated for the evening of Jan 02, 2010.
The picture ( please see above) captured a beaming Serina, resplendent in a daring pure white bridal fashioned dress, with an equally proud father, Chef Wan, next to her and a happy Mdm Christine O’Luanaigh, the mum-in-law, who was about to place the ring on her finger.
I only know about Serina from what I see in the press and from what I hear from the news from time to time. What I want to relate about is more of her father, the internationally acclaimed celebrity chef, Chef Wan. It is a leaf from the pages of history, a moment in time, not too long ago.
I first met Redzuawan Ismail a.k.a. Chef Wan sometime in the late ‘70s. He was then a teenager just out of school. I happened to visit Lokman his uncle in Taman Tun Dr Ismail. Lokman was my house-mate during our student days at the University of Malaya. Later, Lokman was sent overseas and came back with an M.Sc. in Economics and was attached to the Forestry Dept.
It was normal then that those who were successful were held in high esteem and in awe by close relatives as role models. It was no exception for Lokman. He in turn was always there to give a helping hand even financially, I was told later. He would have his relatives and nephews at odd times in his house.
That night, Lokman and his wife persuaded us to stay on for dinner. It was quite normal and acceptable in our society, to be persuaded to stay on and we were equally expected to accept graciously. Nowadays, however,with a more hectic pace of modern living, it is more practical and to be fair to the host that one gets to take dinner only after having made and agreed through with prior arrangements. We, my loving wife Shadah and our little darling daughter Azlin Adura, stayed on for dinner.
After dinner, while having coffee in the lounge, I had commented to Lokman that it was such a wonderful dinner.It was the best home-cooked dinner I've had in a long, long time. I complimented Lokman’s wife for having whipped up that one very good dinner in a jiffy, only to be told it was not her.
Only then did Lokman tell us, and he called out for Wan from the kitchen. ‘Wan’ in the Negri lingo is how one would address a grandma or an old lady. I had expected an old lady when a fresh-faced and innocent-looking young man walked in, the ‘great and lovable Chef Wan’ then, just a teenager came over to us.
He straight away went into a chatty discourse of what he did in the kitchen, of the various dishes that we had and how he helped out with his mum at home in Pahang - just as his chatty self on TV in later years. Even at that tender age he was already at it, his great cooking and his happy self.
Would you have imagined it? We, my wife and I and my darling daughter had savoured Chef Wan's culinary expertise even before the whole world had an even chance of knowing about it. Let alone tasting it. Isn't that something!
We later got into talking about job opportunities in the bank where I was. I was then heading the Human Resource Dept and the bank was expanding and we needed personnel at all levels.
I talked to Wan, Lokman also talked to Wan. Wan agreed to give it a shot. Later, Wan went through the various formalities and joined our bank as one of our staff members. Whenever I occasionally bumped into him at the bank then, he would call out ‘uncle, uncle’ and he would chatter away with something or other. He was always his merry self.
I do not remember how long Wan was with us. I only knew later that he went for further studies in Australia and the rest as they said, is history.
Some few years ago when his interview was featured in one of our local dailies (or tabloid?) Chef Wan who was already well known then, alluded to the episode when narrating his life story. He said that ‘after school, he left Pahang and stayed with his uncle Lokman in K.L. Through his uncle’s friend he got a job in a bank or something to that effect. When I read it, it really made my day. It showed his sincerity in acknowledging it when it may be just a moot point easily forgotten.
Chef Wan, you did extremely well for yourself. I am so proud of you. All the very best for the future from Uncle Hank.
You must also be so proud of your daughter. Wishing them also the best, Serina Redzuawan and Salahudin Ghafar O'Luanaigh ‘Selamat Pengantin Baru’ and may all your dreams come true!
Postcript:
On 1st Feb 2010, Chef Wan was conferred with the
Panglima Mahkota Wilayah by the DYMM Yang Di
Pertuan Agong which carries the title Datuk.
Chef Wan is to be officially addressed henceforth as
Datuk Redzuawan Ismail
August 14, 2010 at 10:57 PM
Thursday, December 31, 2009
“….Where Art Thou Tiger?”
Ever since the seemingly minor accident on Nov 27, 2009 in Florida that involved Tiger Woods (his wife’s presence at the scene was initially thought to have been to help him but rather she was there to knock him senseless with a 3-wood) he has not been seen since. What transpired at the accident scene was mired with murky circumstances without anyone the wiser on what really happened, even now.
Eldrick Tont Woods better known as Tiger had come off clean from day one.There was no attempt on his part to deny nor to spin stories. He could not have as there were his conquests 14 of them (now 15). They were ever ready for a 'tell all',telling bedtime stories, of their times with Tiger, to whomsoever - for a fee (even complete with voice mail messages)
Tiger could not therefore talk otherwise except for the only recourse he took with his statements on his web-site, where he apologized and explained - but nowhere was he to be seen. It was rumoured he was heading to the Bahamas in his luxury yacht but the yacht had not moved. It was still at its moorings at the pier.
When he played at the Mines Golf Resort at Sungai Besi way back in 1999 he could command an ‘appearance money’ of RM1 mil (USD?)just to be present and only just to play (winnings were extra) With his absence he has now given a whole new meaning to such a thing as ‘disappearance money’. Even when he 'disappeared' he could still be valuable. However, it was not for himself but for those tracking him. It was reported that a paparazzi snapshot of him now is worth USD300k. Whether you see him on the fairways or you don't he can still command big money. Such is the man.
The world’s wealthiest athlete estimated to earn about US$100 million a year in endorsement deals before his troubles were known, is just as priceless, whether he is seen around or otherwise. We are going to feel the void in 2010 though, as he is to lay off golf for the time being.
So golf forthwith will not be described as, a ‘game where 30 white men with clubs in their hands aggressively chasing a black man, and still not able to inflict any harm to the black man’. Now it will be just some ‘white guys chasing each other around the links and the familiar 'maroon-shirted champ’ on the final day is to be sadly missed.
However much the golf pundits insist that it will not affect the game, it is a foregone conclusion that it will. Golf ratings would definitely plummet down tremendously.
In fact in a report today,(according to a study by two economics professors from the University of California, Davis) the sex scandal may have cost shareholders of companies endorsed by Tiger up to a cool US$12 billion (RM41.2b) in losses.
Tiger in the meantime continued to be the butt of jokes from various quarters. The latest had him as a walking sex machine, generously endowed with a penchant for Latinos. He does not need Viagra but brought out the ‘Tiagra’ in him instead.
Actually the journos are the ones having a field day with a vengeance. They could not do it before on a squeaky clean guy, a goody-two-shoes with an unblemished record both on and off the fairways. Now they can.
Tiger would have to take it. When you are down, you are down. You are not to be heard nor to be seen just yet. Take a leaf from what both Bill Clinton and David Beckham had gone through. It was bad when it lasted but now both are respectable gentlemen and walking tall.
There’s a caveat though. While the spouses of both Clinton and Beckham stood by their men, Tigers’s wife Erin Nordegren talked of ‘separate holidays, separate living (she had already chosen a house to go back to in Sweden) and separation’.
It seemed there was a nuptial agreement so there may be a cap to the extent of compensation and Tiger is not facing the prospects of a bottomless pit in alimony payments. It is not 'much' just USD1bil. Erin likewise would have to think real hard, that a bird in hand is worth 2 in the bush so why make a big thing out of it.He's on the defensive, just stay cool and make sure he does not stray too much.
Hopefully both could have the resolve to pick up the pieces and start anew especially with 2 beautiful kids to get them going.
Eldrick Tont Woods better known as Tiger had come off clean from day one.There was no attempt on his part to deny nor to spin stories. He could not have as there were his conquests 14 of them (now 15). They were ever ready for a 'tell all',telling bedtime stories, of their times with Tiger, to whomsoever - for a fee (even complete with voice mail messages)
Tiger could not therefore talk otherwise except for the only recourse he took with his statements on his web-site, where he apologized and explained - but nowhere was he to be seen. It was rumoured he was heading to the Bahamas in his luxury yacht but the yacht had not moved. It was still at its moorings at the pier.
When he played at the Mines Golf Resort at Sungai Besi way back in 1999 he could command an ‘appearance money’ of RM1 mil (USD?)just to be present and only just to play (winnings were extra) With his absence he has now given a whole new meaning to such a thing as ‘disappearance money’. Even when he 'disappeared' he could still be valuable. However, it was not for himself but for those tracking him. It was reported that a paparazzi snapshot of him now is worth USD300k. Whether you see him on the fairways or you don't he can still command big money. Such is the man.
The world’s wealthiest athlete estimated to earn about US$100 million a year in endorsement deals before his troubles were known, is just as priceless, whether he is seen around or otherwise. We are going to feel the void in 2010 though, as he is to lay off golf for the time being.
So golf forthwith will not be described as, a ‘game where 30 white men with clubs in their hands aggressively chasing a black man, and still not able to inflict any harm to the black man’. Now it will be just some ‘white guys chasing each other around the links and the familiar 'maroon-shirted champ’ on the final day is to be sadly missed.
However much the golf pundits insist that it will not affect the game, it is a foregone conclusion that it will. Golf ratings would definitely plummet down tremendously.
In fact in a report today,(according to a study by two economics professors from the University of California, Davis) the sex scandal may have cost shareholders of companies endorsed by Tiger up to a cool US$12 billion (RM41.2b) in losses.
Tiger in the meantime continued to be the butt of jokes from various quarters. The latest had him as a walking sex machine, generously endowed with a penchant for Latinos. He does not need Viagra but brought out the ‘Tiagra’ in him instead.
Actually the journos are the ones having a field day with a vengeance. They could not do it before on a squeaky clean guy, a goody-two-shoes with an unblemished record both on and off the fairways. Now they can.
Tiger would have to take it. When you are down, you are down. You are not to be heard nor to be seen just yet. Take a leaf from what both Bill Clinton and David Beckham had gone through. It was bad when it lasted but now both are respectable gentlemen and walking tall.
There’s a caveat though. While the spouses of both Clinton and Beckham stood by their men, Tigers’s wife Erin Nordegren talked of ‘separate holidays, separate living (she had already chosen a house to go back to in Sweden) and separation’.
It seemed there was a nuptial agreement so there may be a cap to the extent of compensation and Tiger is not facing the prospects of a bottomless pit in alimony payments. It is not 'much' just USD1bil. Erin likewise would have to think real hard, that a bird in hand is worth 2 in the bush so why make a big thing out of it.He's on the defensive, just stay cool and make sure he does not stray too much.
Hopefully both could have the resolve to pick up the pieces and start anew especially with 2 beautiful kids to get them going.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Déjà vu – Idol Outcome in Malam Sehati Berdansa
It just did not seem right, it’s just not fair. The favourite just missed out in not being crowned the winner. Yes, many were of the opinion the outcome did not reflect the real consensus. Even the reviews by the many journos before the final had analysed and expected a different outcome.
Yes, I’m talking of Adam Lambert or Adam Lembut, destined for fame as the American Idol winner last season 8, but not quite.It was déjà vu last Saturday night Dec 26,2009, reminiscent of the Idol final night.
Kris Allen, the underdog, the American Idol of season 8, was surprised, much to being embarrassed. When the results were announced, he had to pull Adam nearer to his side as though wanting to share the limelight which he subconsciously thought was undeserving to accept.
Last Saturday night OP Nazril and Sazzy relived the episode of the Idol final night. Being favourites it was difficult for the live audience to comprehend. They were rooting for their favourite pair. The shouts were loudest for them. However, OP Nazril and Sazzy lost out to the eventual winner, Sein and Nana.
While not wanting to take the credit off from the commendable efforts of Sein and Nana, it was not their fault in any case, they came, they performed and they won.
However the trend was very apparent even before that. Sein and Nana received very high SMS counts in weeks leading to the final.
While OP Nazril and Sazzy were tops on the dance floor ( the jury gave them a 100 perfect score on 3 occasions, remember?) they were trailing on the SMS count. So since the final night was based entirely on a 100% SMS count, they were done for.
There was no way they could have won. There seemed to be ‘unseen hands’ pushing for higher SMS counts against them. The less said the better.
If all others remain equal, cēterīs paribus, OP Nazril and Sazzy to me and to many others were the winners hands down.
Adam Lambert now dubbed Adam ‘Glambert‘ being the glamour guy that he is, even though runner-up, is seen, heard and had chalked up better success than the American Idol winner in their post-final days.
OP Nazril and Sazzy, if you are good, you are good, never mind what the SMS had determined. Enjoy your second honeymoon in Australia! That being part of the prizes that you had richly deserved.
Yes, I’m talking of Adam Lambert or Adam Lembut, destined for fame as the American Idol winner last season 8, but not quite.It was déjà vu last Saturday night Dec 26,2009, reminiscent of the Idol final night.
Kris Allen, the underdog, the American Idol of season 8, was surprised, much to being embarrassed. When the results were announced, he had to pull Adam nearer to his side as though wanting to share the limelight which he subconsciously thought was undeserving to accept.
Last Saturday night OP Nazril and Sazzy relived the episode of the Idol final night. Being favourites it was difficult for the live audience to comprehend. They were rooting for their favourite pair. The shouts were loudest for them. However, OP Nazril and Sazzy lost out to the eventual winner, Sein and Nana.
While not wanting to take the credit off from the commendable efforts of Sein and Nana, it was not their fault in any case, they came, they performed and they won.
However the trend was very apparent even before that. Sein and Nana received very high SMS counts in weeks leading to the final.
While OP Nazril and Sazzy were tops on the dance floor ( the jury gave them a 100 perfect score on 3 occasions, remember?) they were trailing on the SMS count. So since the final night was based entirely on a 100% SMS count, they were done for.
There was no way they could have won. There seemed to be ‘unseen hands’ pushing for higher SMS counts against them. The less said the better.
If all others remain equal, cēterīs paribus, OP Nazril and Sazzy to me and to many others were the winners hands down.
Adam Lambert now dubbed Adam ‘Glambert‘ being the glamour guy that he is, even though runner-up, is seen, heard and had chalked up better success than the American Idol winner in their post-final days.
OP Nazril and Sazzy, if you are good, you are good, never mind what the SMS had determined. Enjoy your second honeymoon in Australia! That being part of the prizes that you had richly deserved.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Nights of Dancing Togetherness
-->
On Saturday the night of Dec 20th. 2009, I found myself in front of the idiot box glued on the reality show Malam Sehati Berdansa (for want of a better one may roughly be translated as ‘Nights of Dancing Togetherness’ or thereabouts )
This was one of the rare occasions that I allowed myself the luxury of TV time. And I managed to sit through the whole show for a good reason.
It was mainly to see how my favourite pair Nazril and Sazzy were doing. They were the early favourites and they managed to hold on tenaciously to their position. According to my beloved wife Shadah (who had never missed a single episode) Nazril and Sazzy were awarded 100 points by a ‘jury’ twice before.
This happened again on Saturday night for the third time when Fauziah Latif awarded them 100 points for the ‘romantic’ sequence, one of two dance sequences they had to do. They came away with good credentials that night.
OP (Old Putera) Nazril Mohd Idrus was a tiny tot way back in the mid - ‘70s when I first knew him. His late father Allahyarham Mohd Idrus Ahmad (we were colleagues at the NPC) and mum Rohani were family friends. Together with others at the NPC then ( namely Arshad and Khalidah, Allahyarham Ruslan and Siti Hawa Salleh (now Datuk, Dr), Ibrahim and Sharifah, Ahmad Berek and Aishah, Tembun and Aminah, and OP Mahyudin and Rohani (now Dr) ) there were frequent family gatherings. OP Nazril was barely 3 years old then and his brother Naza a few years older.
We did not get to meet as a group when I later left the NPC to join another organization. OP Nazril in the meantime grew up, became an OP, became a Chartered Accountant and became the Chief Consultant of his own in Damansara Perdana. What a small world there is!
In the case of Sazzy, it is also still a small world pleasantly enough. Her uncle, OP Shamsul Qamar Tan Sri Kadir was my contemporary in the early ‘60s. We were both at Pasar Road Primary, Victoria Institution and the RMC.
The last I met OP Shamsul was some years ago when I went to visit him at Kg Lubuk Kelubi in Ulu Langat. He had the foresight of acquiring a few acres of prime land which he converted into a number of fish ponds. He had an ingenious way of getting clean, clear, and fresh water for his fish ponds by connecting a network of pipes from a mountain stream on higher grounds from across the road to his land. The anglers who frequented the ponds (he charged them a fee then) must have been attracted by the fresh, pure and unpolluted water ( I wonder if it is still on as it was quite some time ago) Incidentally, Sazzy’s father is OP (Dato’) Shamsul Falak. I did not get to meet him though as he joined the RMC much later in the late ‘60s
.
So much for the digression.
It is now confirmed that the top two couples, OP Nazril and Sazzy and Sein and Nana will be dancing for the coveted title next week ie the 10th and final week.
One more fact that needs mentioning. OP Nazril was awarded the Board of Governor’s Prize in 1991. (awarded to a Putera who excelled in sports) In the course of the nine weeks, in the Malam Sehati Berdansa he had exploited his sporting prowess to good effect (which was equally matched by Sazzy)
Their agility, rough and tumble at times but balanced with delicate movements mostly, was just poetry to see and of course, their easily recognizable good looks would put them on a higher pedestal.
OP Nazril and Sazzy are up against an outsider in Sein and Nana. The couple who was eliminated last Saturday night, Isma and Zul had consistently chalked up good ratings before but they faltered when it mattered.
All goes to show that OP Nazril and Sazzy (even though favourites), must stamp their authority next week. There are no two ways about it. While we, (‘budak boys’ and OPs everywhere) are solidly behind you.
Keep the good flag flying and Good Luck to you both!
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