Tiger Woods : 'How do I look. Do I look happy, naughty or guilty?' (It doesn't really matter. You are Numero Uno of Golf and no one can take that away from you. Just strut your stuff. We're with you!)
Hank Before Tee-Off, Choosing the Right club is Essential.
Hank Teeing-Off, Addressing the Ball and also having a Correct Stance
Hank After Tee-Off, The Follow Through: Taken during the TNB Friendly at Kajang Hill Golf Club on April 30, 1995
Mindef Friendly Golf, From Left : OP Bakar Jamal (Tan Sri) Datuk Khalil, OP Ghani Yunus ( Datuk) and Hank
Valley Golf Club, Phillippines: Together with the Royal Selangor Club golfers at 1 of 3 venues played. Hank at front row extreme left.
Lunch at KGNS after Competition, From Left: OPs Leon,Shah, Ahmad (Datuk) and Yahya (Datuk)
Lunch at KGNS after Competition , From Left: OPs Yahya (Datuk) Hank and Mohamad ( Datuk)
After Lunch At KGNS, From Left: Yusuf Jr,OPs Leon,Mohamad (Datuk) Yahya (Datuk) Norshaari,Ahmad (Datuk) Hank,Rahman and Shah
Lunch at KGNS after Game, From Left: Hashim ( guest), OP Ahmad Nazri, Guest
Lunch at KGNS after Game, From Left: OPs Rahman,Wan Salleh, Norshaari
Lunch at KGNS after Game, From Left: OPs Syed Hamid (Dr), Guest, Mahfar ( Datuk)
Lunch at KGNS after Game, From Left: OPs Mahfar (Datuk), Hamdan, M Noor ( Datuk, Dr)
After Lunch At KGNS, The ' Budak Boys' OP Golfers and guests
The come-back kid of golf , Tiger Woods has not made any creditable impact on his come back trail. His woes since the sexual tryst surfaced had persisted. His game is no where near to where he was before.
He’s played in 5 tournaments ( 2 of them a major) and he found himself in unfamiliar territory - trailing others when he should be leading and winning.
Tiger might be back at the Mines Resort and Golf Club for the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic this October 28-31, 2010 which offers USD1mil to the winner( Tiger was here at the same venue in 1999 where he walked away as the Champ)
On the home front, at home the divorce is as good as done. The discussion is now centred on the settlement figure. Tiger is reputed to be worth USD700 mil and Erin the wife feels USD100 mil should be hers ( not including child support which is additional)
Let's not be taken up with the unsavoury stuff. We'll just talk golf! The goodness of golf.
The road to recovery is long and hard. The British Open ( 1 of 4 majors) played on the weekend of the third Friday in July is just a little over a week away. In 2010, The Open will have prize money of £4.8 mil, with £850,000 going to the winner. It is the only "major" held outside the USA. It is the third major to take place each year, following The Masters and the U.S. Open, but before the PGA Championship.
Tiger has to be in the game again to maintain his position of the Numero Uno of golf. Tiger has discovered that lots of sex is not good for your golf, that is if you are not caught!
I face the same situation also. No, not the juicy part, not the sex part. It is the road to recovery and the desire to play again part.
I’ve laid off golf for quite sometime now, a couple of years maybe? Yes, that long. It becomes more urgent and necessary again as my handcap in KGNS has been obliterated and my right to play jeopardized.
Beginning March 2010, all handicaps obtained prior to 2008 have been withdrawn or cancelled. However way you say it, translated in terms of right to play at the Main Course is also now withdrawn.
Not that I just want to play at the choice Main Course and not at the ‘kiddie course’. It is just that I cannot join my usual ‘Budak Boys’ group which is played off on the Main Course on every 1st Wednesdays of the month. To be allowed to play there I need to have a current handicap.
There is also the Setiakawan Golf Club group comprising those previously with Mindef where I have been encouraged to join in by OP Nawi ( Lt Gen Datuk). This is on every Wednesdays ( 52 times a year) It would mean regular golf for the asking.
I’ve to tone up my golf muscles at the Driving Range for a start before anything else. That’s what I need to do, on the mend, and on the road to recovery.
The Doting Grandma, my loving wife Shadah with little Naqib, barely 4 days old.
The Awesome Foursome, Our Pride And Joy : From Left: Nabil, Sarah Aishah ( at the front) and Kimie and Norman.
Last Friday July 02 had been expected to be just an ordinary day. It all started in the morning when Norman and Kimie (read: grandchildren) had their ‘Report Card’ day. Adura, my eldest daughter had dutifully accompanied her 2 boys to confer with their respective teachers . Parents were required to present themselves for a one to one with the teachers to gauge and discuss on how they ( the 2 boys) had fared during the term.
It was all well and good and I was supposed to pick them up later in mid-morning as there would not be any more classes for the rest of the day.
Then it happened. My loving wife, Shadah received a text message from Hafidz, my elder son. 'Qhaty’s in labour! ' . What?.. Now? Gosh! We knew Qhaty was in the family way and it was ‘anytime now’, and it was expected. But not now! ....It was still a surprise that it should be that morning.
Ok, ok, Shadah decided. ( in this sort of situations, I would let her decide) We’ll pick up Norman and Kimie and then we'll go. Hopefully we'll be in time. From PJ, to Ampang Puteri Hospital , taking the DUKE highway would be a breeze. Then another text, ‘ 7cm now. Baby otw’
To tell you the truth, I was not at all knowledgeable nor familiar nor accustomed to such technicalities. But I could guess. It must be pretty soon.
Sure enough, before we could recover, another text came, 'Baby boy safely arrivd naturally 2.96kg, 52cm. Mommy is doin fine. Happy and grateful!. Alhmdlh.’
We were relieved!. We were just relieved. With a tinge of regret though as we were not there when it happened. Then another message . ‘It’s a boy! ‘
Maybe Hafidz was just as relieved as us that he just couldn’t resist sending the confirmation or maybe he was just overwhelmed with joy ‘
There’s Muhamad Nabil the eldest, Sarah Aishah, now followed by Muhamad Naqib ( Naqib a pleasing and pleasant sounding name means ‘noble ‘) It is an ideal boy-girl-boy sequence .
The tally a foursome is now upgraded with the addition of little Naqib to a quintet (together with Norman and Kimie, my other 2 grandchildren)
Congratulations to Hafidz and Qhaty for making it happen! We are extremely proud that we have now a new grandson. Alhamdulillah, it is a joyous and happy occasion.
Come to think of it. If there's none of the ubiquitous hand phones and the corresponding sms texting culture , as what we are having now, life would have been pretty much mundane and uninteresting! Yes, I suppose so!
G Coy in 1960. Front Row, From Left : OP Salleh (SUO, now Tan Sri,Dr )seated 5th, Capt Jimmy Yusof ( later,Brig Gen Datuk)seated 6th, En Salleh ( Tutor)seated 7th
G Coy in 1962. Front Row, From left : En Sheik Salim (Tutor)seated 5th, Capt Bradley, seated 6th, Eng Lay (SUO) seated 7th, En L.Fredericks( Tutor)seated 8th
Annual Camp 1960,Presentation by G Coy , From Left: OPs Zawawi ( singer) Siew Fang and Agil (on guitars) and Hing Kok ( on jerry can)
Annual Camp 1960,Presentation by H Coy , From Left: OPs Bakar and Shah (acting as a lovesick couple)
Reunion Dinner at Lake Club 1988 , From Left: OPs Weng Yin,Mohana,Jagjit,Capt Bradley,Mazni and Hank
After Dinner on the Steps of Lake Club, Front Row, From Left: OPs Jagjit, Mrs Jagjit,Mrs Bradley, Mrs Salleh (Puan Sri),Mrs Pik Hock Middle Row: OPs Mazni, Tissa, Capt Bradley, Hank and Weng Yin Back Row: OPs Salleh (Tan Sri), Pik Hock and Mohana
It was way back in 1960 when Capt. Jim Bradley arrived in the then FMC (now RMC) Capt. Bradley was assigned to be on the teaching faculty, being one of the many expatriate officers from UK.
Capt Bradley took over as Company Commander of G Coy ( 'Coy' is short for Company) from Capt ( later Brig Gen Datuk) Jimmy Yusuf Abu Bakar sometime in the 1st quarter of the year.
I had the the privilege of Capt Jimmy Yusof’s command for barely 3 months ( early months of 1960) But it was enough to leave a lasting impression on me. It was football season and he was there always immaculately dressed, in track bottoms or sometimes in whites ( jerseys and shorts, with long white stockings)
'This is not kampong football' he told OP Razali who was at centre half in the 1960 G Coy team. 'You must learn to distribute well to your team-mates, not just kick blindly.'
He gave instructions in an English drawl that left us new budak boys in awe and admiration.
A Company Commander took on the role of a House Master and Warden combined. He took on classes during class hours in the day (as a teacher) and made his rounds in the evenings (though not necessarily every day but often) He was available to his charges to help on matters relating to discipline and the well-being of everyone in the Coy in residence as well as on the sports field. As such he may be required to act as a football coach or of any sports for his Coy ( if he was endowed with such skills) as any glory or otherwise would fall on his shoulders.
Each Coy also had a Company Tutor ( sometimes 2) made up of the civilian teaching staff. They were equally responsible for the Coy though the Company Commander took on a leadership role and those mostly relating to military matters under his wing.
We most appreciate their presence when they were required to counter-sign with comments on each of our annual ‘report-cards’ to be given to our parents . We then had the opportunity of their inputs glowingly written ( for those deserving, of course) to show back home.
Some of the expatriate officers were bachelors but most of them brought their spouses along. In the case of Capt Bradley, there were not just Mrs Bradley but also a pair of twins barely 4 yrs old. They were such cute little darlings who on occasions were brought to the college’s functions and even on the sports field.
Capt Bradley also took the opportunity to involve himself directly in our activities. When we had our 1960 Annual Camp at Kuala Kubu Bharu ( KKB) he was there with us. ( for 2 weeks during the Second Term Break - in early August)
In the 60’s Annual Camps were confined only to those in the Lower Six and Form Fours ( including those in Form Three in my time ) The highlight at all Annual camps was the 3-day expedition where the Company Commander would lead assisted by the seniors (those in Lower Six) to put into practice their map-reading skills ( those in Lower Six would have acquired their Cert A, Part One and Two in military training) The 2 certificates would have equipped us with skills in map-reading and weaponary for jungle trekking and survival in a jungle situation.
In KKB, our target was to ascend up Bukit Kutu and back. The route had been worked out (on the map) for 2 nights to pitch camp in secondary jungles and back to Base Camp on the last day.
On the first night, we were soundly asleep when it suddenly rained cats and dogs. The jungle track where we pitched tent was a slight slope. Even though our ponchos above were intact, we were all wet to the skin as water just flowed from uphill under us. The ponchos underneath took water freely and we were horribly wet and cold right through the wee hours of morning. I could only sit up against my haversack and shivered waiting for daybreak.
Capt Bradley we were told later was left with an empty water bottle which he had earlier filled up with beer. He needed to drink. In our case we were given survival tablets ( I cannot recall its name) which we could just put into the water bottle and we could even drink river water quite safely. He must have resorted to doing it the same way as we did.
The next morning Capt Bradley apparently ran out of cigarettes. When we passed by an Orang Asli dwelling ( this episode was collaborated with my buddy Weng Yin) Capt Bradley made a gesture of wanting a smoke. The Orang Asli guy quickly came out of his dwelling carrying a basket containing tobacco and rokok daun and some rolled leaves (maybe tobacco leaves) It was no go. It was quite hazardous not having a 7-Eleven in the jungle in the 60’s.
Besides the 3-day expedition, we also had friendly inter-Coy games, such as volleyball and some others. On the last night we would have a camp-fire sort of, where each Coy was to give a presentation or sketch.
Capt Bradley ended his tour of duty sometime at the end of 1962. But his heart was with us all along. Sometime in 1988, ( I stand corrected) in the course of a tour to this region, Capt Bradley dropped in to town. OP Salleh hurriedly got a few of us together and we threw a small dinner at the Lake Club.
Capt Bradley ( Col then) looked just as tough as he was in the 60’s and Mrs Bradley was demure and charming, just as before though a bit greyish at the sides.
When we enquired ‘how’s the cute little twins’. Mrs Bradley replied confidently in a motherly way, ‘ they’re still cute but no more little. They are now in their early thirties!’
I was pleasantly surprised to see a news item in the Star datelined June 29, 2010. It featured our elder statesman YBM Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah during the launch of Datin Kalsom’s latest book.
On the other hand I am not at all surprised that Datin Chom (as she is often affectionately known ) has now written her 3rd biography.
Extracted from the Star of June 29,2010 on the book launch of 'The Shafee Yahya Story'
The two earlier books written by Datin Chom : Taib Andak - In a Class of his Own and Zainab Ahmad - A Truly Remarkable Woman
The Two Books Individually Autographed By the Author
The Happy Family , From Left : Datin Dr Aminah, OP Datuk Yusof Ali , Datuk Shafee, the lovely bride Shaniza, Datin Kalsom and the dashing 'groom, Arif on the wedding day, April 29, 2007
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It all goes to show that once a writer has set in motion her talents in writing, the passion takes over and she continues. What makes it all the more remarkable was the fact that a biography is factual and imposed lots of efforts and discipline towards research of written materials, of verifying records and of interviewing individuals.
This was aptly captioned in the Star as ‘ A wife’s labour of love’ when Datin Chom undertook to write ‘ The Shafee Yahya Story , Estate Boy to ACA Chief ’, a biography of her beloved husband
Datin Chom had written 2 books earlier. One was on her late father , Tan Sri Taib Andak followed by one on her late mother Puan Sri Zainab Ahmad. I have the privilege of having in my possession both books personally autographed by Datin Chom. These were given to me around August last year. I have since digested both. Autographed copies from the author are of prized sentimental value and I thank Datin Chom once again.
I am fascinated with the narration. Datin Chom comes from an illustrious family from both sides of her lineage. Reading through both books one gets into the official history of Johore of that time. More than that. What Datin Chom had written came in greater details than officially available in certain aspects of Johore history. The passion and determination must have meant a lot of nights pondering over details and factual information. It should also be rightly described as ‘ A loving daughter’s labour of love for her illustrious parents.’ If Datin Chom had not painstakingly taken on the responsibility, we are all the more deprived of knowing such aspects of Johore history and likewise the literary circle is all the more richer now with her contributions ( which otherwise would have passed us by)
Interestingly enough, Datin Chom attributed a lot of credit in making things easier for her through the invaluable efforts and support of her brother the late Mod. Apparently her late brother had the foresight and the passion of collecting and keeping information of their family with him, all nicely catalogued.
We knew her brother as Allahyarham OP Mahmud Taib our contemporary in RMC. A forthright guy, who did not mince his words, expressing his opinions and getting things into line again. He exuded a certain kind of charisma that readily gained the respect of others around him who may be seniors and more so from the juniors.
He would do things that he felt needed to be done and felt right to be done. I remember one day when we came for a Bank Negara interview ( sometime in early 1966) While those around were dressed in classy long-sleeved shirts with ties the late Mahmud was dressed differently. He came in straight from work ( it was temporary vacation employment with Shell). He came in the typical Shell garb, a dark blue -one -piece overalls with the word SHELL above the top left hand pocket. ‘No time to change-lah ’ he said. Invariably he was one of the successful candidates.
The book on Datin Chom's late mother also contained a photo of the happy family with Datin Chom’s besan, my buddy OP Yusof Ali ( Datuk) and Datin Dr Aminah. I remember attending the wedding of OP Yusof’s eldest son, Arif, and Datin Chom’s darling daughter, Shariza an Accountant by profession.
(Arif belted out a rendition on his saxophone during that wedding)
Arif is an accomplished musician and a lawyer ( a barrister from Lincoln’s Inn with a Masters in Music Performance– a very rare combination ) Arif is working towards a PhD in Music Law, one of a very few known to have done so. He hopes to be an authority on royalties, intellectual properties in music, of matters of the internet, downloading music etc that are mired in uncertainties presently.
So what a small world this is!
We are not going to hear the last of Datin Chom nor Arif in their respective fields of expertise.
June 12, Mohd Sharizan and Ida waiting to be led in as a couple
June 12, The Proud Parents, From Left: Isa and Hasniah with Shadah and Ruby
June 19, Thanking the Guests, From Left: Abdul Jalil, Nurul Husna, OP Halim and Nasimah
OP Halim's Guests, From Left: Mrs Akbar, OPs Bear, Shah and Amin
OP Halim's Guests, From Left:Azizah, Shadah and Mrs Akbar
OP Halim's Guests, From Left: OP Dolet (Datuk, Dr) and Datin
June 27, The Newly Weds From Left: Wan Adri and Dr Putri and Shadah
June 27, Dr Wan Hassan's and Sarifah's Guests, From Left: Datin and Shadah
June 27, Dr Wan Hassan's and Sarifah's Guests,From Left: Hank and OP Nawi ( Lt.Gen, Datuk )
June 27, Two Couples of Newly Weds, From Left: Induk Maridah's siblings, Rosdi Azwan and Nur Izzati and Sarayati and Rosdi Azmir
The school holidays season is often equated with marriages. The recent one from June 05 till June 20, 2010 was no different. In fact it was even preceded when our cousin Kartini had one done on May 29, (a week before the school break) at Bukit Chedang in Seremban. It was for her son, Sherul Marzuki and his lovely bride Nur Shafinaz. Incidentally, Sherul is also the son of the late Lt Col Othman Md Yusof, one of the officers commissioned at the Sovereign’s Parade in 1960.
We were invited for a spate of others during that period. Isa and Hasniah had theirs in Subang Jaya for their lovely daughter Ida and her beau Mohd Sharizan on the Sat afternoon of June 12.On a bright sunny day, Hasniah had most appropriately thought of a soft purple scheme for the day. It blends very well in the afternoon sun.
This was followed in the evening by my close buddy Syed Alwi for his lovely daughter Sharifah Naimah and the handsome Aminuddin at The Club in Pelangi Damansara. They did away with tradition whereby on the invitation cards wedding guests were invited by the bride and bridegroom and not their parents.
Even during the night there were other innovative happenings. The live band for a start had a very good male singer. He connected well with a medley of ‘evergreens’ and dangdut numbers. In between a likeable, 11-year-old boy did a Michael Jackson routine on stage at the Main Table complete with moon walk and stuff. To top it all, Aminuddin, the ‘groom’ belted out 2 numbers , one to his bride on stage. The other ‘ an Elvis’, It’s Now or Never’ together with the band down at the floor. It was an enjoyable night! ( the ambience was great, but a pity I did not snap any photos)
On Jun 19, OP Halim had his for his lovely daughter Nurul Husna and her beau Abdul Jalil a ‘tall and handsome’ guy. A few days before, OP Halim had quite rightly reminded us that it was a sit-down lunch and we ought to be there all at the same time. I said I would be there early and volunteered to be the point-man to receive the other OPs. This allowed me to receive guests when they arrived.
Besides receiving other OPs, it allowed me the privilege of meeting for the first time, blogger Norzah. Akhi Norzah arrived at almost the same time that the Hon. Minister YB Datuk Mustapha Mohamed was led into the lobby for a photo session with the newly-weds. There were some quick movements of guests in the lobby and OP Halim as host was in the midst of it all, together with the Hon.Minister. I managed to spot Akhi Norzah quickly when he arrived. He looked like that in his photo so it was easy. It was a poignant moment when we embraced. All these while I have seen Akhi Norzah via his photos on his blog. It was just great to welcome Akhi Norzah in person!
OP Halim as host was a measure of confidence. Everything that I saw went clockwork. A case in point was when OP Tan Sri Gnanalingam arrived when everyone were already seated. OP TSG came over to our table but OP Halim coolly came by and had OP TSG seated at the Minister's table. It just went naturally easy.
There was a lull for a week until yesterday. There were two yesterday June 27, 2010, both day-time happenings. The first one was by Dr Wan Hassan and Sarifah at Taman Melawati. It was for their boy, a big boy now, Wan Adri and his lovely bride Dr Puteri Shanaz. We arrived there by 1200hrs considerably early to make time for the other one.
I had the occasion to be seated at the same table as my old buddy OP Nawi ( Lt.Gen, Datuk) and Datin. OP Nawi kept persuading me to join in their weekly golf outings,through their Setiakawan Golf Club. There is a tournament on every Wednesdays at different venues, 52 in a year. It comprises a regular 10 flights each time. There are also overseas trips too. Should be enough golf to keep one fairly active.
Following some interesting account of how they fared in Perth, Australia recently, I am inclined to pick up the game again and join in. I’ve laid off for some while now. My golf buddies in KGNS had been trying to get me back even before this. This means I will have to go for some sort of ‘secret practice’ to tone up the golf muscles to give at least a creditable showing when the time comes.
The next reception was luckily enough just nearby at Keramat Wangsa within the Wangsa Maju locale. It was Induk Maridah’s do for her two sons, Rosdi Azwan and his lovely bride, Nur Izzati and Rosdi Azmir with his equally lovely bride Sarayati. We managed to make it there by about 1400hrs ( 2,00pm) The crowd was building up and it was just nice.
That wrapped up the day and we took the DUKE highway which was conveniently located just at the end of the turning (from the junction facing the Mindef Back Entrance) . It was back to PJ exiting at Kota Damansara and back home.
I’m saddened to hear of the untimely demise of Mohd Naim on June 24, 2010 at the RMC, my alma mater. He died as a result of ragging that went awry. Ragging the universal terminology now conveniently termed ‘orientation’ (which seemed more acceptable) has always been there.
In mild a form it helps facilitate lifelong friendships. It should not, however develop into plain bullying prompted by revenge or some misguided mob reaction by a few seniors.
During our time in 1960 at P. Dickson it was all done in good fun and innocence. It was called ‘dumping’. We, as new boys were forcibly carried by the seniors in the wee hours of the morning from our beds and dumped into the ‘tub’. The tub then was a concrete 3’x4’x15’ of icy cold water. We were dumped in one by one.
We were awakened by the shuffling of feet when the next bed was done in. We just waited for our turn silently ( I did not hear of anyone who escaped by running away to hide in all the years!) It was all done in fun.
When they came I just played dead, 4 seniors physically carried me, while 2 (1 on each side) applied the army supplied shoe-shine material all over our body. The dark and black material served no other purpose as it would not shine as well as a ‘kiwi’ did. So it was put to good use just for ‘dumping’ We would then spend a good part of the early morning to wash off the messy material.
There was no physical violence, no beatings and nobody got hurt. Every one of the new boys was given the same treatment. In fact, we anticipated it and plainly enjoyed being carried to the ‘loo’ for once. This only happened once or twice on a weekend in the First Term. It could be termed as a ‘mischief’ an outlet to let off steam in a fun way and I emphasized again ‘nobody got hurt’
I remember we did it to the new boys in 1961 (when we became seniors) in a similar way that ‘we were taught’. It was all in good fun ‘and again nobody got hurt’
When we shifted to Sg Besi, the utility facilities were very much improved. There were showers. But there was still a small tub (?3’x4’x5’) to cater for those who prefer to use a dipper to splurge water over them instead of the shower. For ‘dumping’ purposes it was just too small, and ‘dumping’ was conveniently forgotten. It would have been dangerous as the mosaic flooring was still very much slippery compared to the cement floor of old in PD. I don’t remember of any ‘dumping’ in Sg Besi.
When one person was singled out by a group and subjected to torture and beatings as what happened in the late Mohd Naim’s case then this was just plain gangsterism. When a person was doing ‘push-ups’ he was in a most vulnerable position. Apparently the late Mohd Naim was made to do push-ups. He could be easily kicked from any direction, and he could be stomped on. The stomach, kidneys and spleen were very easily hurt without much efforts even with a bare foot and with a reasonably strong force. Internal injuries could not be known or seen until it was too late.
The TUDM trainee in Kepala Batas Alor Star and the boy in a Seremban school went through such severe punishments. Both did not survive, just as the late Mohd Naim.
The 5 or so boys from the Seremban school were charged with murder and were now languishing in Kajang Prison (I stand corrected) The 5 RMC boys on remand if found guilty may share the same fate, and held at the Ruler’s pleasure. Since there was a precedent and this was now a police case we could only wait for the outcome and expect the worst.Those involved in the TUDM case were similarly dealt with.
It was a waste of good talents. It was just a pity. I would not wish to delve too much into this. The less said the better.
Contrary to what some bloggers had said about the future of RMC, however, I believe it is very relevant still. There’s no 2 ways about it. It is everything a residential school is PLUS the military training acquired. That is unique! There are some black sheep but they can be dealt with in what designated ways that are appropriate.
1. Awaiting the Arrival of the Distinguished Dignitaries. A commanding view from up the ridge of the Married Quarters (MQ) of PD Garrison
2. The arrival of the Rt.Hon.the Prime Minister accompanied to the dais by the then Commandant Lt Col R De L King.
3. Arrival of the DYMM the Yang DiPertuan Besar
4. The DYMM Yang DiPertuan Agong
5. The DYMM Yang DiPertuan Agong Going for The Inspection
6. The Inspection Done on a Royal vehicle as the parade in Port Dickson took place on the College Padang which had to cover lots of ground ( unlike that of the Parade Square in Sg Besi which is smaller where it was done on foot)
7. The March Past by the Band
8. The March Past by the Senior Cadets in Slow March
9. The March Past by 'G' Coy, part of the Boys Wing contingent in Quick Time.
10. The DYMM Yang DiPertuan Agong presenting the Director's of Studies Prize (for Academic Excellence) to 'G' Coy's SUO Salleh Mohd Nor of Upper Six Science ( a brilliant scholar, who hailed from Juasseh, Kuala Pilah later Tan Sri,Dr. who once helmed the Forest Research Institute, and currently the Malaysian Nature Society and countless other NGOs )
11. The Senior Cadets successfully leaving the parade as commissioned officers to the strains of the Auld Lang Syne
The Sovereign’s Parade is a most auspicious day for the Royal Military College (RMC). It is an annual event held at the end of the year. The Sovereign’s Parade as the name suggests is graced with the Royal presence of the King, the DYMM Yang DiPertuan Agong who would confer the designated royal commissions to the graduating Senior Cadets.
It is a passing-out parade, the culmination of a 2-year training stint for the Senior Cadets. They are commissioned into the Armed Forces as a young subaltern officer with the rank of a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army ( or its equivalent in the Navy and Air Force )
In 1960, the then Federation Military College (FMC) comprised the Cadet Wing and the Boys Wing (now Cawangan Putra). In the Sovereign’s Parade 1960 ( as in all others until recently), the Boys Wing was accorded the privilege and honour of active participation together with the Cadet Wing.
This is a pictorial essay based on pictures in my possession. It provides just a glimpse of what happened, just a little of the dignified pomp and pageantry, an event steeped in the tradition and ceremony of the military, just a record to say that ‘I was there 50 years ago in the Sovereign’s Parade in Port Dickson’.
Before Departure: From Left, Back Row OPs Ong, Sham (Datuk Dr) & Aziz (Tan Sri) Kneeling, Hank
K. Lipis Rail Station: From Left, OPs Mansor(Datuk,Dr) Mr M.K.Gopala, Hank & Ratna (Datuk,Dr)
Mid-Stream, the Other Raft: Looks could be Deceiving But it Arrived Safely.
Stopover Mid-way: From Left, Back Row OPs Ismail, Sham (Datuk,Dr) Muhamad (Maj-Gen, Datuk) Syed , Mansor(Datuk Dr) Rahman ( Skipper) Front Row, Hank , Aziz (Tan Sri)
Pantai Cahaya Bulan: Pitched Tent at the Beach (2 to a tent)From Left: Hank and Ratna (Datuk Dr)
Aboard Ferry To Pasir Pekan: From Left, Rashid, Nik Anis (Capt RN) Mohd Sham (Datuk Dr) Aziz (Tan Sri) and Hank
Pasir Pekan, On the Way To OP Ghani's House: From Left, Ismail, Hank and Aziz (Tan Sri)
Back at Pantai Cahaya Bulan: From Left Hank, Ratna (Datuk Dr) Ong and Nik Anis (Capt RN)
Note: This was earlier posted on Jan 24,2010 without photos. Now it is more complete. Hopefully it now gives a better picture ( pun intended )
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 around 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 Tan Sri, 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 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 away from 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. Then, 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 needed 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. The strong currents kept pulling him back!
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.
I would have been swept downstream by the strong current clutching the life jacket. OP Mohd Sham would have been swept downstream also but without a jacket.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 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 lone guy got his Instructor's Certificate. The rest became qualified life savers , each awarded the Bronze Medallion from the Royal Life Saving Society of England
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.
We then proceeded to Kuala Trengganu and put up at an old building provided for us. Apparently it was part of the palace complex and reputed to be haunted. Anyway nothing untoward happened in the night.We had a football friendly with Sultan Sulaiman School (not sure of the name, I stand corrected)
We made visits to the cottage industry there comprising batik and silverware factories (for which I have faint recollection) before making our way back to our College. A group proceeded to Penang from there we were told later.
OP Mohd Sham went on for medical studies in Sydney, Australia. Datuk Dr.Mohd Sham later became a very successful pediatrician while in the govt. He was also very involved in SCAN for many years after that.
The baby bird is seen for the first time. It must have been hatched in recent days
THe mother bird with an insect in its beak and the baby bird opening its beak expecting to be fed.
The mother bird flew in again with what looks like another insect.
This time the mother bird had something that looks like a berry or cherry. It appears the baby bird is a voracious eater.
Birds had always fascinated me. Even my blog heading is indication of my inclination towards the feathery kind. Nothing prepared me to what happened this morning though (June 01,2010). It was a rare occurrence, a rare opportunity.I had a chance to snap pictures of a mother bird feeding its young all at my front porch.
I’ve been told there’s a bird’s nest just outside the house. It was pointed out to me a few day’s ago but I didn’t give it much attention. It looked empty anyway.
However, this morning my domestic helper called out to me, excitedly ‘ Bapak, ada burung!
I rushed down and had a glimpse of it before it flew out again. I then rushed back to get my camera and stood at a strategic corner where I could see the nest and waited.
I waited for the better of 15 mins before I heard the chirping sound of the bird. It grew louder and it suddenly jumped into sight. I froze, careful not to reveal my presence. I had never stood still, upright and quiet this morning ( not since those days on the parade grounds back at the College) It was painstakingly a stiff neck posture holding the camera with unsteady hands.
It jumped about but still not nearer to its nest, apparently to make sure the coast was clear.Then suddenly it jumped into my camera’s sight and I just clicked and clicked. This happened for quite some while, it bringing little tit bits for the baby bird and I snapping every so often.
I recognize this bird. It is a ‘merbah’, not an exotic kind but an edible one. It has a crown which keeps moving when it chirps. Its lower abdomen is yellow in colour.
My late father used to go bird-hunting with his buddies before. They used air-guns with pellets the shape of a bell made of ‘timah’ (lead ) a little bit bigger than the size of a 'kacang hijau'( green beans)
The merbah birds were the most popular target. There were green pigeons and some other birds as a well. When the bounty was brought home I used to help out picking the feathers. They were tiny little things. They were cut up into 4 thumb sized pieces deep-fried , chili laced and very crunchy. I have not tasted any wild bird meat since then. Those were the days.
The air-gun? I was not growing up quickly enough to be bequeathed the air-gun. It was apparently passed over to one of my late father’s friends. I wonder if they still do bird-hunting these days.
Being a good guest we are expected to be considerate. We are not to anyway cause concern nor inconvenience to our host. It would translate to enhancing good feelings. It would mean another visit in the future that would be welcomed and even expected. It is a measure of refinement that ensures lasting relationships. So we are not to overstay our welcome. We are to leave at the appropriate time.
Can we expect the same in a political relationship. Is it not the same as in other refined relationships political or otherwise?
A case in point is the hot news in all mainstream media today May 31, 2010. The Samy Velu theatricals!
It is a culmination of the groundswell building up from GE12 when the MP for Sg Siput was no more an MP. It progressed further to the MIC presidential elections which he successfully defended for another term ending in 2012. What can we say?
He is there lording over all the underlings. Democracy is at its best in the MIC. Three who mustered some courage (read: who got out of line by asking Samy to gracefully resign immediately ) were immediately sacked themselves. The Sec-Gen a young and upcoming official who questioned the sackings also got the sack the following day.
This was made smooth and easy with the President’s absolute power allowing for immediate sackings. This brings back to memory the classic Lord Acton’s maxim that ‘Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’. Power cannot be vested so absolutely in the hands of one person and expect it to be used discreetly. Only if is not against himself, yes, but not otherwise.
The GAS movement ( the Gerakan Anti-Samy ) which triggered the earlier 3 sackings held a meeting the weekend of May 30th, which was attended by 5000 members. They dared Samy to sack all 5000 this time.
Theoretically, if Samy continues sacking in the face of defiance from the members and contempt on his part there will come a time when he is left with only himself in the MIC.
Sacking does not signify strength or power. It is a tool. Using the tool sparingly or even not using it at all will indicate an inner strength of the leader. Samy apparently failed to see this.
Furthermore his actions cannot just impact on the MIC but the BN with the spectre of the GE13 looming ahead. A major BN component party led by a non-MP as President cannot position itself as a party of strength. No amount of sackings can reflect the strength so lacking as it is.
