KUALA LUMPUR - JAKARTA - BANDUNG (PART II)

We arrived Grand Preanger at about 8.30 p.m. After we dumped our shopiing bag, we went out again. Destination - Paris van Java. Yes, at nite the place are different with lights! More lively. Live band. We sat down for a drink. Cheap. Talking talking talking until 11 each before we hail a cab to go back. We need to re-pack our bag. Scary thought. I don't know how it will fit the van to Jakarta tomorrow. may the force be with us. Total - 8 bags! Too late to worry or regret. Cuma boleh mengucap panjang aje lah tengok semua beg yang "gemok-gemok" tu.



Dona : Mamiiii, I bought something for you. Hope you like it....

Mami : Eh, thank you girl. Why trouble yourselves? Aminah you see your daughter so nice la. She bought me material. Wah, so nice. I have been looking for this kind of stripe for my jubah la Aminah. She so clever and......
She start unfolding the "material" only to realise it is a pants - size 43! She frowned and in a very sad tone and teary eyes she start saying :

Mami : Aminah, you see your daughter bought me this oversize pants. Am I that big Aminah? I so sad. I think I want to go home lah. Can you please call me a cab, please Aminah.......

Aminah : No lah Ann. She meant well. Frankly, for your age, your size is just nice. Don't go back lah. If you really want to go back wait for dinner first la...

Mami : You see, you see, you also the same. Still want to feed me with food. You want to make me grow bigger? How to grow thinner like that? You should stop me from eating. Mother - daughter same same...I more sad....

Aminah : Aiyo, I sakit perut lah Ann. You wait I go toilet.
Aminah ran off to the toilet and............

Dona is no where to be seen since she handed over the size 43 pants. I think sakit perut also..........

Now, Ann left alone in the living leaning by the wall looking sadly at her newly "acquired" size 43 pants....



Kah kah kah. I am serious about meeting Mami to ask for her forgiveness for making fun of her but Dona has to kiss her feet cause she laugh more than me (like a devil) when I start talking about Mami....CekPakaran pun sama! Bukan nak bagi nasihat pun mak si Tanggang nie.



Day 3 - Bandung - Jakarta. We woke up early to get ready for breakfast. Arrange for all our luggages to be sent to the lower lobby. Before our trip to the Cipaganti office, I went to the bakery shop to buy some tiramisu but no more! Habis. Geram aku. I knew it I should have bought it last nite. Our bag almost failed to fit the taxi but we still managed. Four of us squeeze at the back seat. Who says we are fat? Lucky short journey otherwise sure we arrived "lumpuh separuh badan". Fun because we can still laugh about it!

Arrive at Cipaganti centre. The van will be departing at 10.45 a.m. We have about 90 minutes to be "wasted". Me and CekPaKaran decide to walk and look for the Amanda Brownie. Managed to find but at a higher price - Rp25,000.00! Damn! Dona paid Rp8,000.00 cheaper. We return to the centre. Still about 1 hour to departing time. I sleep on the chair. Tired.

10.25 a.m. It is time to board our van. Guess what....We have 8 bags and the space for baggages is too small to accomodate our bags. Luckily, 2 seats are not taken but we were force to buy one extra seat. Reasonable. KK says that this is the first time he sees such thing. We sit in between of bags! Kah kah kah. Macam mat dan minah indon.

During the journey, CekPaKaran open one of her kerepek pisang. She offered us. I hungry so for sure took the offer. Surprisingly, the so called "I tak makan benda-benda macam ni" namely Dona, also grab a piece. Wow. So nice lah. Eh Eh CekPa, Dona says, sedap la. I regret tak beli la CekPa, I said. CekPaKaran terus la sindir both of us. Pedas pedas, but we dont care, we still makan and makan. Tak kecik hati pun. kecik-kecik hati, lapar la jawabnya...

After 2.5 hours we arrived Novotel, ManggaDua Square. Check-in and the room - fantastic for the price we paid. Facing swimming pool.

To be continued - again.



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KUALA LUMPUR - JAKARTA - BANDUNG - BMW, BOEING 747, KIA PREGIO

Hello there! I am not been posting any stories lately. I have many reason. The passing of Asnah, the arrival of Ramadhan is just to mention few of my many reasons.

Actually, today while lying in my couch to wait for breaking fast at my dear Mummy Hagerah's house, I thought I should start to write and post something. Infact, I even have the topic to write. The long overdue Bandung/Jakarta trip (August 29 - September 2, 2007) with CekPaKaran, Dona and KK.

Age is catching up with me. Lately I am not feeling very well. I still feel lethargic especially after my 3 days of high fever which "came to re-visit me" 2 weekends ago. I was on MC for 3 day (not including Sunday!).

But the thought of sitting down to postall those sweetest memories that took place during hhe entire trip (from the beginning to the end of the trip), make me feel high. Keep on reading till the end. However, I have decided to make it a short stories (I meant my standard of short - normally not that short after all).

The day we all have been counting down more than 3 months ago finally arrived. August 29, 2007. To make long story short, we reached KLIA in Dan's BMW. After checked the bag in, we decided to past time at McD. Faizal came to join us later and also to send his beloved wife - away! Time to board. With hand shake, kisses and bye-bye, we make our way to the Immigration and then to the departure lounge for our Jakarta flight. We settled down almost immediately. The flight took off. We are on our way to Jakarta. Smooth flight. We arrived Jakarta on time 5.00 p.m. Went thru all the arrival procedure and we immediately looked for the Cipaganti counter for our trip by road to Bandung. Waited for about 1 hour and then we are on our way. Bad jam and we stuck in the traffic for nearly 1.5 hour before we manage to hit the highway to Bandung. I dont know it is fortunate or otherwise, the driver drove like Michael Schumaker! But believe me, he knows the road at the back of his hand! We stopped along the highway for Nasi Padang dinner - SO SO SO The Sedap Giler. Terangkat Bontot Beb!

We arrived the Grand Preanger, Bandung. Checked-in but I don't like the room. Old and it remind me of Dark Water! We make some noise and got 1 newly renovated and refurbished room. I gave the room to the ladies. We immediately plan to check out tommorow for a better hotel but most of the hotel are fully booked! Gosh! But we still utilise our welcome drink coupon the very same night. We hit back to our room at about 12.30 p.m. for ZZZZZzzzzz......... Good nite.

Day 2. Woke up at about 7.00 a.m. Went down for breakfast. Nothing to shout about but is is ok to fill our stomach. We chat and laugh, laugh and laugh and re-confirm our itineray for the 1st day in Bandung. What else other than SHOPPING!!!!!

We hit the road at about 9.00 a.m. Took Angkut-Angkut to Pasar Baru. We stopped nearby our destination to buy the SIMPATI – local phone card. So cheap and we are so stingy to buy the minimum – Rp10,000.00 (RM3.75). Dirt cheap but it is enough to find each other should anybody got missing, kidnapped, raped and being dumped into one of those big and smelly garbage bin (it didn’t happened after all otherwise my story would be much more interesting)…

We walked to Pasar Baru. On the way we stopped at the DVD "C" Center. C stand for ciplak. Bought some DVD and continue our journey to the Pasar. Still early as most of the shop is still not opened yet. But is is good enough as CekPaKaran managed to buy telekong (I pun tak mau kalah jugak, beli lah), Dona bought corset (ada size pulak tu) and that weirdo KK bought something which I don’t know or bother to know. Immediately we went back to the hotel to drop our very first shopping bag and make our way to Jalan Dago for another shopping trip. All of us bought something and knowing Dona for her big appetite – she bought Amanda Brownie. I have been to Bandung 5 times but I never thought of buying it! It is very popular in Bandung. Sold in lorries or van by the road side. It is known as Brownie Jalanan to the local. Cheap Rp17,000.00 (RM6.35). She declared that will be our snack later but the problem is we don’t have knife to cut the brownie into smaller size. Not too worry, with Dona around, she will tackle it later (when food is concerned).

We are done with Jalan Dago. Our self elected Tourguide, KK suggested we go to Bandung Indah Plaza (BIP). No objection and all we know we are outside BIP. As we are still not hungry, I suggested we go for dessert - Esteler 77. Best nyerrrr! Strange as the dessert work out our appetite. We went to the top floor and found this clean and nice kept restaurant and the rest are history. We makan! Sedap la makanan Indon nie. Baju tambah ketat lah. Kah kah kah.

Next - we walked through the back lane of BIP to Jalan Riau. Shopping again - never seems to finish la. Our hand are full of shopping bag. As a big brother I took the responsibility to help the two ladies to carry some of their shopping goods but in between they offer to help me to carry it. I rejected it la. Tak macho la beb tapi tangan I macam nak putus la jugak. On the way back to the hotel, we stop at the supermarket - shop again for drinks and take away Nasi padang for our dinner in the room. It was about 9.00 p.m. and I bought whatever left in the tray. The girl like me and give me a good discount la!

After quick shower, we wnt to the girls room for dinner - actually supper! I must admit that was the best Nasi Padang I have tasted - not so much of the food but more on the enjoyment of arranging the food on the small table, talking with our mouth full, laughing, trying to chew the food and gulp the food down out throat and laugh again.... Yes, all of us are not only hungry but greedy especially Dona la (I small eater la)....

How not to grow fat - after mencecek - we hit the bed. ZZZZzzzzZZZZ.........

Day 3 - The most happening and the last day for shopping. Breakfast (the same food again la)After breakfast we have to find out where the hell is this leather good shop called Rias. We been asking around but always no good or right answer. We barged into the business centre at the hotel lobby and Dona asked the girl manning the centre. It went like this :

Dona:Kamu tau tak di mana kedai yang jual barangan kulit namanya Rias?

Pompuan:Rias? O kedai tu dekat aje. Kamu keluar pusing kanan, pusing kiri, jalan sedikit dah sampai.

Razak:Hah? Mabuk ke pompuan nie!

Dona:Kedai apa tu? Kedai kulit?

Pompuan:Ya kedai rias. Rias muka. Solek.

Razak:Ya Aula, Dona dia suroh kau berhias dan bersolek la pulak! Tak cukup lawa ke? Apa ke bangang nye c pompuan nie.

Dona:Bukan la. Kedai jual barang kulit!

Razak:I terus amek dia punye Yellow Pages tanpa pengetahuan dia. Punishment!

We both walked out from the business center. Frustrated, angry and funny at the same time. We don't know to laugh or to strangle her neck but we are on holiday. We chose to laugh and make fun of people stupidity.

We hailed a cab and KK simply ask whether the driver know where is Rias. He says yes. Diaz di Jalan Sederhana! Kah kah kah we laugh again. Diaz la bodoh, bukan Rias. Kah kah kah. Don't ever underestimate the taxi driver ok!

We arrived safely. Not far actually. Amazing! The shop carries wide range of hand bags. I managed to find the hand bag for Hain, my neighbour. Dona terus hilang akal - beli dua. CekPaKaran pulak kalau tak makan pil penenang pikiran mesti beli tiga. Tapi pasal dah tenang beli satu. Lepas tu masa balik cakap - I sesal la bang tak beli beg macam yang you beli tu. Cantek. My answer standard la - kau ni memang gatal la, 10 kali abg tanya tapi asik geleng sapi aje. Sekarang menyesal pulak. Gatal.....

After Diaz, KK brought us to Paris van Java. New shopping complex. Nice and so Paris. Good weather pulak tu. We shop some more. Buy CD. Macam2. Lagu Indon, lagu Jazz, ghost movie etc. We decided to come back at nite because we know it look much more lively and beautiful at nite.-

Next - Jalan Setiabudi. Our target is Rumah Mode but we stopped right in front of a factory outlet with this catch line - FOREVER SALE. Yes....Shopping again walau pun beg dah tak cukup tangan nak bawak nie. I tak mau jadi hero sangat lah hari ni. Tolong bawak sikit2 aje. Tangan I dah panjang macam tangan orang utan! In this shop I saw Dona were holding a blue color pants that make me laugh immediately - so big. Macam cadar katil. I asked her for who? So big lah. She says yes, size 43! For my mother in-law. Kah kah kah kah kah. I laughed but Dona laugh are longer, louder and more cunning than me. We looked at each other and we laugh again. I started to create all kind of joke about the pants and Dona being so antu (bukan menantu) also add some spice to the joke. The next two day the "Mummy, I bought something for you" is the keep on repeating line among us. Laugh la apa lagi. Kah kah kah....

On the way out to Rumah Mode, CekPaKaran saw the kerepek pisang she been looking for since arriving Bandung. She bought 5 packets. She asked me and Dona whether we want to buy or not. My reply "don't want la, for what". Dona reply lagi teruk dan dengan gaya Indon kaya dan sombong "Oh, I tak makan benda-benda macam nie". CekPaKaran sedih but nak cover line dia blame budak2 kat opis yang kirim beli. Kemaluan kot! I told CekPaKaran she reminds me of this character - Mak Si Tanggang yang bawak macam2 benda kampung masa nak jumpa anak dia - bezanya CikPaKaran muda dan lawa aje.

We arrived our ultimate destination - Rumah Mode. I am too tired to shop. I vounteer to sit at one bench and take care all the shopping bag. I sit and sit and sit and wait and wai and wait but they are all missing. Never appear after more than one hour. My eyelids are so so so heavy (as heavy as the owner of the 43 waist line pants) how to sleep. I am the Guardian of approximately Rp10 Millions of shopping goods! Suddenly, I got an idea. I rearranged the shooping bag - the expensive one at the bottom and the cheap one including the size 43 pants on top of it (who wants to steal size 43 pants other than Shanee!). Once I am done with it, what else - tidur macam Bai Jaga Kedai Emas kat Petaling Street! When I opened my eyes, CekPaKaran was in front of me and her big eyes staring at my beautiful face and body. I don't know what else she did to me. She caught me sleeping on the job! Then she says, "kesian Abg!" but I notice she has that kind of funny look...... Adakah aku telah di molest? Oh tidak!!!!

More shopping bags. Macam orang gila yang kutip beg plastik dari dalam tong sampah tu la! Now, we have to get taxi back to the hotel but from the situation of the traffic outside Rumah Mode is chaos. We know it is quite impossible. So, the next best thing is Angkut-Angkut la. We managed to arrive the hotel safely (with 1001 plastic bag).

To be continued.......stay with me.

ANOTHER FUNERAL, ANOTHER SOBBING, ANOTHER GATHERING - PART II

Alhamdulillah, Asnah transformed herself. I don't remember which year but she really transformed like the Transformer. Better in every sense of the word.

It was Monday. All of us were shocked when she turned up to work in baju kurong and mini telekong. A new Asnah is born. Alhamdulillah. "Nur Iman" has entered her heart. Asnah achieved what she wants to be.

In fact many year before that she always told me that she wants to improve herself. She wants to change to be a better Asnah. As far as I can remember, I supported her 100% eventhough I missed a bit of the old Asnah.

Asnah is closer to my Singapore family especially Makcik Tom and her huband, my Pakcik Selamat. In fact, during one of their family holiday in Kuala Lumpur, Asnah offered her house to be their "hotel". She said why waste money to stay in the hotels? They accepted the offer. I still remember that was one memorable holiday for my Singapore family. They went marketing, cook, eat, talk, laugh, teasing each other, etc. To reciprocate, when I went down to Singapore to lead my bowling team during one Kuala Lumpur-Singapore Sports Meet, we did not stay in the hotel. Asnah, Datin Noorsiah, Nellie stayed in their HDB flat. Another happy reunion.

I must confess that actually I grow fond of her. If that time I am a little older and she is a little younger, I would have marry her. As a man I could feel that she also likes me. But, she is not meant for me.

Not much later after her transformation, she married Ustaz Munawir for few years before her husband died (vehicle accident in Holy Land Medina). She became widow and never re-marry. She carries the title to her grave on Sept 5, 2007.

When I left the bank in 1997. She still working there until her resignation few years later quoting she wants to help her husband running his Umrah package business. After her husband died, she thought of leave Kuala Lumpur for good and to settle down in Johore Bharu. What Allah is the Greatest Planner. She came back few years ago.

Asnah really repented (taubat) since her transformation day. As far as I could remember never at any point of time she goes against her husband’s order. At times, I thought she just follow his order blindly but whom am I to protest? Her husband is her main door to Heaven. It is logical for her to listen to him.

I would like to mention here that for women, you are guaranteed heaven if you follow this three simple things – “tutup dan jaga aurat, buat semua suruhan Allah S.W.T. dan tinggalkan apa yang dilarang (seperti yang dituliskan dalam Al-Quran dan Hadis Nabi Muhammad SAW) dan taat pada suami jika berkahwin atau pada ibu jika tidak bersuami”. That is what Asnah been practising since then and until she left us on September 5, 2007.

She is a beloved sister to 8 of her siblings. She make sure that there are not for behind her. She would do whatever possible to help them whenever the need arises. I would'nt mind to have her as my sister too....

End of May 2007, she went for a medical check-up. She is being diagnosed with Cervical Cancer at a very advance stage. She need to go for an operation. She went through the very risky operation in early August 2007. She did not do well. One week before her passing her health seem to be improving. She manage to talk a little, as for forgiveness, to whoever came to see her. Sadly, I did not have the chance to speak to her during her last one week. Fated not to. I was in Jakarta.

After 6 weeks in University Hospital, Allah S.W.T. took what He created and own. Asnah left us at 4.15 a.m. on September 5, 2007.

Now Asnah Abu add a title to her name. Allahyarhamah Asnah Abu. I used to teased her that she is only double AA (means not good enough la) but now she is AAA. Triple A. What is better than triple A?

Allahyarhamah Asnah Abu will forever be remembered, by all her friend and for sure, me. She will be missed. My doa I would be seeing her later - after the Greatest Judgement Day.

"Ya Allah, jika saudaraku Asnah Abu ada melakukan kesalahan pada Mu, aku mohon Kau ampunkanlah kesalahannya, Kau rahmatilah rohnya, Kau lapangkan dan terangkan lah kuburnya dan kumpulkan rohnya bersama orang-orang yang Soleh dan Solehah". Amin.

This is my final part of of my dearest friend, Allahyarhamah Asnah Abu.

Al-Fatehah. Amin.

ANOTHER FUNERAL, ANOTHER SOBBING, ANOTHER GATHERING

This morning suddenly I opened my eyes. I thought it was too early to wake up. I reached my handphone to see the time. I was right. The digital clock on my phone showed 4.20 a.m. That means the time was 4.15 a.m. (it is my habit to give adjust my clock to 5 minutes faster).

Strange but I just don't know why I woke up. My 6 lovable cat namely Bhumipol, Sirikit, Chulaborn, ChomChom, ChromChrom and Tata no where to be seen. What else other than sleeping.

I went to the kitchen to drink and then jump into my bed to continue sleeping.

While I was in the office at about 7.45 a.m. one sms came in. It is from my ex-colleague Datin Noorsiah. Very brief - our beloved friend Asnah Abu has left us. Cervical Cancer. She breathed her last at 4.15 a.m. I repeat 4.15 a.m.

I don't believe it. So, I called Noorsiah to verify the news she just sms me. She says "yes, it is true". We both broke down. I have to accept it. Asnah Abu now is no longer belong to this world. Her cold body now lies in University Hospital. We have a task to complete. The 4 rituals - "mandikan, kafankan, sembahyangkan dan kebumikan".

Then I realised the time I woke up this morning is the time she left us. Maha Suci Allah that give me a clue but I was too ignorant to see or rather to understand it. That shows how small I am!

I am among the first few to know about this. I need to make few phone call to some people that know her during her life time. I called my aunty - Makcik Tom. I called Rasid, my brother. I called Joyce. I called Haslina. Actually, I was crying and talkong at the same time. My eyes "bengkak" and red. I am losing my voice. I could not make any more calls but I need to call my superior to inform her that I need to leave office for the day.

I called and spoke to her but due to my sobbing she could not understand what am I saying but she still say I can go out immediately, no problem. When I was about to leave, my phone rang. It was Hidaya. He ask me "Jak, what happened?" I was blank and ask him back "what happen"? He says Puan Halwah called him and requested him to check on me as I was crying and talking at the same time. She could not really hear, let alone understand me but she knows I was crying. I need to record here that I am always blessed to be working with a good boss! I informed Hidaya briefly. I had a short but very meaningful conversation with him. I feel much better. Thank you, Puan Halwah and you too, Hidaya.

I make my way to the car park with my head down. Too shy to show people my red eyes. While waiting for the elevator, another ex-colleague of mine, Nellie called. Both of us break down again. I still have a lot tears! As I was talking and approaching my car, I saw a very familiar figure approaching the lift lobby in 4th floor. I tought it was CekPaKaran. Yes, I was right again, it is CekPaKaran. She always parked her car next to mine or nearby. Ask her why. She were shocked to see me crying like a baby and ask me "abg, why, what happened, are you okay?". I could not answer her properly but just mumble the word "my friend passed away". I feel like hugging her but how can I do it in the car park? Imagine if people see. Another gossip. We have enough of that in my office. I better hurry to my car. But still managed to say I call her later.

You must be curious who Asnah Abu is to me. It is improper to say Asnah is my ex-colleague. Actually, Asnah is my friend. I know her before I became her colleague. She is not only close to me but to my family. We came a long way. I have known Asnah as a very daring young girl until the day she turn to be a girl in "jubah and mini telekong". In fact, Dona reminded me so much of her in her younger days. The way she speak, dress, etc. Few years ago, she transfromed herself to be "CekPaKaran". Alhamdulillah.

I am still too sad. To be continued....

MY LIFE STORY CONTINUE - JALAN DURIAN DAUN

Dona says I am ladies man - old ladies. I can't deny it as I won their heart easily and easier than the younger women. The younger one "banyak songeh". Sorry but it is quite true.

We also have to face few bad character during the "testing" period of our life (now also Allah S.W.T. still testing us but different scenario only). This people most of the time make our life more miserable. I will relate the experience but as not to "expose" them publicly, I shall not mention their real name but I create a ficticious name for them :

1. PL - This old man always drive me up the wall. Come to think of it, I was quite close to his family and his wife. In fact all is children are my childhood friend. I also try my best to make him like me as one of his children but I believe being poor, I have no status. I am a midget. I don't mean anything to him. Most of the time, he made our slipper to develop leg and hide themselves inside the bush (sometime we couldn't locate it) or he made my bicycle tyre flat or when I went to watch television at his house, he purposely smear sambal belacan or sambal goreng on the floor so I would sit on it and my ass will be "hot" (I never tell any one about this, not even my family) or when he eats something and I happen to pass by he would say "huh, sedap, sedap, sedapnye" just to tempt and tease me or he like to put his two hands in his pockets and then shake and shake the coins inside or show the notes he has. Sometime he even insulted my late great grandmother as si pekak (yes, my great grand mother is deaf but unlike other pekak people, when you talk to her, you must face her and talk as if you are whispering as she would be reading your lips! Great! If she is still alive, she would be with Police Intellegence Team.

2. MM - This lady is very dominant. Most of the time what ever my family want to do, we have to seek her permission. Actually, she controls my mum more than anybody else in this world. She must be informed of our activities i.e. what are our plan, where we are going plus the reason, how long, even if our relative were to come for a visit! Gosh! If she catch my family did something without telling her, mum will get it. She will give a cynical and nasty remarks and repeating it for days. Sometime give a cold shoulder treatment. As for me and being the eldest in my family, my mum will assign me to be involved in her family activity - I stand as a labour ok! I hate it but what choice do I have. I did it all because of my mum. I don't wish to make things more difficult for her. She suffers enough.

3. APW,AMU,APB,AMB, - This Magnificent Four basically not only bullying my family but also my great grand mother Arwah Cik bin Kedum, grand father Arwah Abd Ghani bin Abu Bakar, grand mother Arwah Munah bin Bache' (please sedekah Al-Fatehah to this three beloved peoples of my family). My aunties also no escape. They looked down on my whole entire family. I still remember, they refuse to change their daughter wedding date even though we had earlier book the same weekend. We can't change because the invitation card has been printed. Most of our guest wrongly eat at their house as my grand mother house is at the back of theirs. The money and the gift would be theirs as you would normally give it to them before you eat and there is no way you can ask for it to be return to you. Their character is similiar to MM but got one "un-value added" - stingy. They are well to do but I don't know why they always see the small children including me like seeing thief. If they saw me or any other children pass by and keep on looking at the mangoes tree, guava, buah nona, jambu air and buah mentega, they will shout hah, tengok apa tu? If we happen to go and ask for it, they will come out with ever prepared reason as "buah tak tua, belum masak, ada orang dah pesan dan macam-macam lagi lah". If they give also, the fruit will be tagged with many condition of No, No, No, No (they can't so no forever, because poor people also have bad habit and never learn, never give up and don't know to take no as an answer and will keep on asking). Their condition goes like this "jangan makan dengan garam, kicap, gula, jangan buat sambal belacan, jangan masak kuah, jangan itu dan jangan ini. I think they are short of saying "JANGAN MINTAK LAGI LAH, BODOH, DEGIL DAN TAK RETI BAHASA PUNYA ORANG MISKIN". Mind you, the fruit hanging on the trees more than enough to feed the whole kampung but I think the SETAN keep on whispering to them not to give to people. Sadly, they obeyed. Actually, I don't know what they do with it. Thats why, when my mum managed to redeem my ancestor land (16 years ago), the first thing my brother and sisters did - plant 4 type of mangoes tree. After so many years, the tree are still around until today and still bear fruit and the fruit are in good quality and condition eventhough we kept giving to who ever pass by and ask for it - with no condition!!! Do what you like. We are not supersticious. Tak percaya langsung dengan perkara karut marut ni dan tak terbukti pun dengan kemajuan sains. We even let them pluck themselves but we only reminded them don't pluck the young fruit as it will be wasted. The fruit doesn't seem to finish. Always there. By the way all this 4 magnificient has gone to live somewhere else, far far away and never return till today. Lets sedekah them Al-Fatehah. Amin.

Before I end this chapter three, I would like say that the story above, is true but I did not have any intention to talk bad about people. I only like to share the story of my life. The experience and the history of my life and what we have gone through. When I was much younger, I use to wish that I am not the eldest among my siblings, so I don't have to suffer more than them, but I guess Allah S.W.T. Maha Mengetahui when He created me to be Abang Long in my family. Alhamdulillah, today, I have no regret because I know the reason to it. I must be thankful to Allah S.W.T. for his creation and for sending me not only very kind people but the not so kind as well. They played their role well and they made me what I am today. Allhamdulillah. Actually, this is also tribute to them lah.

If only I can wish for something, I would like to have my Nenek (actually my moyang, Arwah Cik), Atok (Arwah Abd Ghani) and Mak Mok (my fat dear grand mother Arwah Munah) back, even for 1 or 1/2 a day, so I can shower them with a little luxury in life. But I know it is wishful thinking. They are all gone at the peak of our "miskin time". They have returned to the place where they came from. "Dari tanah kamu dijadikan dan tanah juga kamu dikembalikan". But, I know Allah S.W.T. have better plan for them as He is The Greatest Planner, The Ultimate One. I believe they are in better place than any of us now. May Allah S.W.T. bless their soul. Al-Fatehah. Amin.

Whether I like it or not, sooner or later, I will also return to where I belong, the very same place to join them one day.

Chapter 4 will follow soon.

THE SEQUEL OF THE BEGINNING - JALAN DURIAN DAUN

A new fresh day. Sunday, August 5, 2007.

Alhamdulillah, Allah S.W.T. still return my soul to my body. We always expect that we will wake up from our sleep everyday. Most of the time, we (including me) forgot that Allah S.W.T. is the Ultimate Owner. We often took Him as a Borrower! Memang kita tak tahu malu. We often forget that He owes no one but as a matter of fact He lends it to us, the ungrateful human being (also talking about me). We always expect to open our eyes in the morning and continue living. How many time we ever think that we might not be able to get up in the morning? Our body stiff and cold in bed. I mean - mati, meninggal dunia, wafat, mangkat or mampos! Think again. Start to muhasabah ourselves (including me).

Now, let me continue.

It is only fair if I were to mention that there are still few good, kind neighbours and good samaritan that treat us like another human being. We used to get left over food (every food is nice when you are poor), old clothes and most importantly, sympathy that we deserved (for being poor). I would like to pay tribute to this few people :

1. Arwah Mak Uda Pungut - her real name is but I don't know where the word Pungut came from. All I know she likes to amek anak angkat! She is also a Bilal in my kampung. I missed this nice and soft spoken lady. I will tell more about her some other time.

2. Arwah Mak Jarah - very nice lady. Small size (kalau sekarang orang panggil pendek la macam dua tiga orang kat ofis I tu). She is quite well to do. Big house and many anak. Her husband, Arwah Pak Kassim, was robbed and murdered in a nearby kebun pisang many years before she passed away. I was once engaged to her grand daughter but tak ada jodoh la pulak. Putus harapan, putus tunang, putus segala-galanya (nasib baik tak putus nyawa). Kalau tak mesti I dapat umah besau dia kat kampung I tu.

3. Arwah Mak Dollah (pompuan tapi panggil Dollah). She paralysed due to stroke and was bedridden for many years before she passed away in early 80's. Boleh tak I mintak kita sedekah Al-Fatehah pada tiga orang nie. Al-Fatehah. Amin.

4. Mak Mon Umau (actually Omar tapi orang Melaka huruf R tukau jadi U secara otomatik). She used to smoked and chewing fresh bunga cengkih. Dia cakap sedap bunga cengkih tu. I tried but yucks - pedas and entah apa2 rasa la. She became a widow until today (since 32 years ago) when Pakcik Umau passed away suddenly. I remember saw him in the morning but at night dia mati la. Life is fragile. So, kena sedar pasal Malaikat Izrael sentiasa ikut kita. Jangan buat jahat macam ramai orang kat ofis I tu. Pangkat besar tapi JAHAT macam setan (P.Ramlee kata). Ingatlah bahawa pangkat, nama, harta, duit, bini, laki, anak kita tak dapat tak bawak masuk dalam kubur oi!

5. Makcik Keling (nama dalam surat beranak dia Bawiyah tapi pasal dia hitam hampir color arang batu, dia disumpah menjadi Keling (for Melayu memang color dia itam la). She is Arwah Mak Dollah eldest daughter. I remember she always brought kangkong air that she took from a lombong nearby her house when ever she dropped by my house. She is also our "servant" to go to market. When ever she sees ikan longgok, sotong, udang yang murah, she will buy for us (we refund her la pasal dia pun bukan orang kaya, cuma jiwa dia aje yang kaya).

6.Mak Pipah (a sharp tongue lady but kind hearted). I believe she is the richest lady in my kampung. Rumah dan tanah dia besau tau. By now, she is the oldest neighbour in my kampung. She is pushing 90, (next time I see her, I would ask her age and unlike most artiste yang suka tipu umur tu, I m confident she would reveal me her real age). Mind you, still healthy and live in the same big house with her second youngest daughter, Maziah, one year older than me and single. She is still strong mentally and physically to even attend kenduris or wedding! Unlike us, sikit2 MC, sikit2 MC!

7. Mak Ros Mat Tonia - I don't know where the hell the name come from. The whole kampung knows them by this "Mat Tonia". She is my mum good friend. She is pretty macam Minah Salleh. Still nice until now.

This are the few names I remember that used to help or at least treat us just like another human being. Ya Allah, please pay their kindness on my behalf.

Sesungguhnya Allah yang Maha Mengetahui dan Maha Bijaksana dan pemberian dan pembalasan....

More stories to come. Stay with me.

THE BEGINNING - JALAN DURIAN DAUN

Take a good look at the photo and spontaneously, describe what do you see. A house? A hut? Are you sure?

By the way, Kiff took this picture on July 14, 2007 (Saturday) after the Aqiqah at Najah's mum in-law house.

THIS IS HOME TO ME AND MY FAMILY FOR AT LEAST 15 YEARS (1965 - 1980).

But, mind you what you see is not actually the original house. This is how the house looked in 1980 before we moved out to the bigger house located just next door. The house were much smaller before (about 350-400 square feet). Much "daif" looking compare to what you see. The only different is when we live there, we keep the house in much better condition - more manageable, neat and clean. My mother is very particular about it. She says, it is okay if we are fated to live in a hut as long as it is neat and clean.

The monthly rental was RM15.00 only. Did I say "only"? So arrogant, am I? I should not say the word only as RM15.00 during that time was big, huge amount of money to my family. But, I really adore and respect my mother. She manage my family well. My dad is lucky to marry her (at the same time, my mum is also lucky to marry him). She managed the income (what ever given to her by my dad) well. Our rental never fall under the category "tunggakan" as we always see in our monthly bills nowadays. We also never bogged down with loan or worst, unpaid loan. She doesn't believe in creating loan. My family own our first dining table when I was 14 years old!

I don't know how but she is "damn" good (forgive me mum, it is rude but I meant well as this is the best way to describe your talent, I love you mum) Housekeeper/ Financial Controller. Imagine if she goes secondary school and then maybe, university? I think if she is the CEO of my company, I guarantee you profit rolls in and, bonus paid to staff would be minimum 6 months across the board, annually. Or maybe, by now, she is in Idris Jala' hotseat.

When my dad marries my mum, he works as one the cinema ticket collector in Cathay, Melaka. Due to his citizenship complication, Cathay can't put him under their payroll. He is now out of job. Out of humanity, the management allow him to be a parking boy at the cinema (mind you, majority chinese in the management but still have HEART unlike some Malay dominated management, heartless macam tak tau ajaran agama! kalau terasa, sori lah yea). I still remember that his daily collection comes in a form of coins (10, 20 and 50 sen) placed in one small glass bowl at home. He and my mum are happy if there is matinee or mid-nite shows. It means, more coins in the bowl but if it rain, the coins are much, much lesser. Later, I would see my mum's eyes red. It is fated but I believed "ada hikmah".

To supplement the family income, my mum bake some traditional malay kueh for me to send to coffee shops or even brings to school to sell. Later, she also does laundry at 2 houses, 1 chinese and 1 malay family. I also help by going to few houses to collect dirty linen from 2 chinese house and the bring it home. She will wash, dry and fold it at home before I send it back to the respective houses. During school holidays, I worked at the mamak shop nearby my house from 7 am - 6 pm for a "salary" of RM1.00 (in case you read wrongly "Ringgit Malaysia Satu Sahaja") a day. Few years later, as we grew up my dad changed job. He became a Security Guard. That is is last job until he retires some 10 years ago.

Trust me, no fun being poor. People don't see us. In short, we are almost invisible. Orang melayu panggil "Pandang Takde Mata". We get bullied. We get nasty remarks. We get our slippers thrown into the thick "lalang and keladi gatal" bush when we accidently left it outside the house (when it happen, my mum will start nagging us for being careless). Sometimes, our laundry hang outside the house ended up as "carpet" on the ground.....macam-macam lagi la. But, we have to endure it. Just keep quiet. They seems to have every rights over us.

Sad memories. So sad. I am not able to continue typing. Allow me to go to bed. Good nite.

To be continued.

PUTRA OH PUTRA....

Hello Again My Fellow Creatures,

I wasn't active (posting new blog and read others) for the last 2 weeks. Too busy but doing what I really wonder. Actually, I attempted drafting something, but never get to finish it. Half or three quarter way, I saved and shut it off. Like I used to tell some people, I am weird and unpredictable. But it is me. You may want to stay or if you wish, you may find the way out. You take it of leave it. The choice is yours. But don't regret it.

Today I want and must post something. All my "fiend" is waiting anxiously.

Today, lets sing a song. I would like to dedicate to CekPaKaran and Dona or now she prefers if we call he DonDan or DonHam. You want to know why the changes, feel free to ask her or CekPakaran.

The idea of writing this song came when I know about their catastrophe during the Putra LRT ride yesterday at lunch. It is strange as I noticed that should they commute Putra LRT without me, catastrophe befall them. Two weeks ago, their were also stucked at KLCC for nearly 2 hours due to also Putra LRT problem. Memang tak serik-serik dua ekor nie. Each of them have 1 different thing they worry about, Sekor akan kata - mati aku, my boss punye drink belum buat lagi!!!!, dan lagi sekor, alamak, mesti bos aku panggil, shima, shima, shima...sapa yang nak menyaut dan nak tekedek2 masuk bilik dia?

Then, they tried to trick me. Try to use the 3 Bs they have or had (beauty, body, brain,) or rather whatever they have got left, to persuade or rather lure me to come to their rescue. But, before they managed to finish, I simply say "padan muka engkau, gatal lagi lah".

They even imagine me to come as a Superman. I will fly there in my costume (not "S" but "RM") and I am suppose to fly them back to office. Dream! I said, should I become Superman, I would fly there and but to save the much younger, prettier and much lighter compare to them. DonDan is heavy hor! I might get hernia lah! For Cek Pah, she might later charge me with "sexual harrasment" for holding her during the "humanity flight"! Tak kuasa aku.

Why would I waste time and energy to save them. KLCC have more than enough guards to mishandle this reject wannabe "Pussy Cat Dolls". They lupa la, the top 100 chart they are in now, in is not the current music scene but retro punye la - all group like "ABBA" "BONEY M" "THE SUPREME" "THE DEGREES" is in there. Get real girls! Wake up, wake up. Smell the roses! kah kah kah. "Bak pepatah orang-orang tua - Tak ada beban, Dona digalas atau Buat baik berpada-pada, kalau nak bawak, bawak lah yang muda". Kah Kah Kah once more.

I wrote this lyric within 3 minutes and you have sing to the tune of "DIA" by MJ Fauziah Latiff (MJ tu mak janda la bukan The Glove Michael Jackson - kesian, janda jugak akhirnya Kak Gee). But not to worry Kak Gee, lagi bebas sekarang. Tak ada laki, tak da pak mentua, ipar duai and the best thing tak ada MAK MENTUA macam Nyonya Mansor dalam Ibu Mertua Ku tu). Ask me, I also have this experience! Gosh!!!!

PUTRA

MENGAPA PINTU KAU TERBUKA

HAMPIR MENJADI ARWAH KU DAN CEKPAH

JANGAN HANTAR KAMI KE ALAM BARZAKH

JANGAN LAH BIARKAN SUAMI KAMI MENDUDA

PUTRA

MENGAPA KAMI JADI MANGSA

MESTI ADA SAJA MALAPETAKA

SERING KAMI JADI BAHAN KETAWA

NAK MENANGIS PUN TIDAK ADA AIR MATA

CHORUS

MENGAPA KAU PUTRA

SELALU NAK MENDUGA

KAMI INSAN HAWA YANG TUA LAGI LELAH

BUKAN NYA TAK BAYAR

BUKAN NAIK PERCUMA

CUMA PINJAM PAS KEPUNYAAN AYA......

PUTRA

INI KAD AMARAN WARNA MERAH

JIKA SERVIS KAU MASIH DI TAHAP LAMA

KAMI BAKAR GERABAK MU SEMUA

BIAR LAH KU DAN CEKPA TERPERAP OPIS AJA......

Enjoy.....

The Three Sisters and Their Idol

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me have the honour to present you the Three Sisters - from left to right : Norazlina aka Nina, Dona Adura, and Sharifah Nor Hasimah (CekPaKaran).

The top photo were taken during lunch at Secret Recipe. Dona and me. Obviously, CekPaKaran not featured as she were given the photographer role (two is a company, three is a crowd). Kah kah kah. Dona and me had a bowl of mushroom soup each and shared 3 buns while CekPaKaran ate TomYumKong with Spaghetti Noodles.

The other photo were snapped at DELIcious, Bangsar Village, during one of our longer lunch outing. 1 hour 5 minutes only! The lunch were hosted by our ever slim CekPaKaran (pasal dia yang belanja, kena lah puji). She dapat bonos la. Manyak hoh!

I still remember what we ordered.

Dona Adura : Duck Confit Speghetinni (Mee Itek)

CekPaKaran: Baked Assam Fish (Ikan Panggang Asam Pedas)

Me: Nyonya Laksa Lemak (Laksa Nyonya - Tersangat Lemak)

Nina : "I diet okay ironically she ordered 3 things - 1. Cup Cakes (Kek Cawan) 2. French Fries (Kentang Goreng) 3. Calamari (Sotong Goreng Tepong)

(If Wan Kamaruddin (formerly NTV7) doing his news coverage there he would say : Diet apa jadah nie? Ini bukan makan, ini mentekedarah namanya!)

Still not enough, Dona managed to convince us to share a glass of "Death by Iced Chocolate" but I noticed she drank the most and repeating "sedap, sedap, kau orang minum jugak la"! What a cheap trick! But later she accused CekPaKaran drank more that her. Ye la tu! Malas nak gadoh dengan pompuan.

To make our lunch more interesting, we decided that we should share each other food. So, the plate and bowl keep on going around from one another just like the game of poison box!

I noticed the people around us were observing (or rather staring) at us. Two main reasons

1. Our strange behaviour (for passing food around our table)

2. sound pollution we contributed to the already polluted environment (our very loud conversations, giglings and laughter). We were high even by drinking water!

But we couldn't care less. Malaysia kan democracy country.

The name befits the restaurant - Delicious. Yes, delicious food. We finished all except 1 cup cake. Memang kita gagah. Macam Hang dan Tun Kebun! We "tapao" that very small cup cake but I really don't know what happen to it later. But I suspected Dona has quietly swallowed the cup cake under her desk. She is a firm believer of "JANGAN BAZIRKAN MAKANAN, BERDOSA". Next time if you have no space to keep your foor, you may ask her favour to keep it. She has the best ever place - her stomach (Betol tak?).

As we were walking out from the restaurant we saw The Handsome Hans Isaac, The Sumo Wrestler To-Be Afdlin Shauki and Shining Head Harith Iskandar having their meals. Then Dona said, kesian Hans yang handsome tu. I responded, ye lah, but itu memang perkara biasa lah bagi artis. Yang tak artis pun buat macam tu.....

Our stomach are full and our eye lids are heavy. But we still have to go back to office to serve our respective bosses.

The question is : When will it be the next time me and the three masterpiece go out for lunch together again? I wonder....

"GET OUT OF HERE"

"Merendah diri dengan orang (Humble), tahan aje kalau orang buat atau cakap apa-apa yang menyakitkan hati (Patient), cakap dengan orang mesti elok-elok (Polite), ikut aje ape org suka walau pun kita tak suka (Accomodate). Kita ni orang miskin. Jangan kata harta, nak makan pun susah. Orang tengok tak de mata. Jangan bagi orang benci. Orang kalau benci, orang racunkan nanti. Mak bapak walau macam mana benci pun tetap mak bapak"

I always hear this when I was young. The famous nagging line when my dear beloved mother upset with me or with my other three siblings, Rasid, Ogy and Non. She will even canned us. I lost count how many time I got cane from her. Some time, during the "in-house canning" I will run out to my neighbour house for help.

Believe it or not, it works. So, we grew up trying to cultivate and practise all the "must have value" stated in the first paragraph.


In fact, I often caught my mother weeping silently when she get bullied with sarcastic / insulting remarks uttered by people who is much more fortunate than us. They are not rich (but not poor lah). That's why they have the upper hand. They have the advantage.

Even at that tender age, I can understand and know how it feels when people direct such a remark to my mother. Sometime to me also. She never tells my father. She chose to keep it herself but believe me, he knows. My father is a quiet type of person but observance and smart! Look at me! I am the product of my father.


But, today I totally forgotten about being polite, patient, humble and accomodating.


I tell you what happened today.


My friend own a unit of quite a luxury apartment in the city. He requested my assistance to look for a tenant of which I appointed an agent to source for any potential clients. For the last few months, she has brought few expatriates (mostly from India or Indian with USA Passport) to view the place but so far nothing materialised. The place is still unoccupied.


Few days ago she rang me up as she has another potential (expat from India working for MISC). We fixed the appointment at 1.00 p.m. today.


To cut story short, during the viewing, the couple started to drive me up the wall. I am fasting. Hungry and thirsty. He and his wife start touring the 3000 square feet unit. Then we started our conversation. It went like this :

He:Are you going to repaint the house and repair the damaged?
Me:The place has not been occupied by anyone since the day we took possesion of the vacant unit. No one live here before. Not even the owner. The unit went through an extensive renovation. The paint is near perfect. No repaint job needed. Also, I don't see any damage, so what is there to repair?
He:Are you going to clean and polish the marble floor?
Me:Clean yes, polish no. The floor is only dusty.Cleaning is good enough.
He:Who live here before?
Me:The place has yet to be occupied by anyone since day one.Always empty.No one live here before.
He:Some of the furniture and wooden fixture need to be re-varnished.
Me:Re-varnished?
He:(Pointing at the wardrobe and in-built wooden shelves).
Me:May I repeat that this place has been empty and nobody ever stayed here before.The wardrobes, beds, wooden shelves has not been used by anyone at all. In fact you may see the all the matress are still in the plastic. All furnitures are new but only dusty (I used my hand to wipe the dust to prove to him the real condition of the wardrobe and the mattress).
He:No, it need to be polished and re-varnished.
Me:I am sorry, I don't share the same with you.
He:I really think and feel somebody has stayed here before. The place look liked there are people live here before.
Me:(Boiling already but still try to be cool)I guarantee you this place has been empty since day one.
He:No. To me it doesn't look new. People stay here before.
Me:(I had enough. My two unseen horns grow)If I am not mistaken, I didn't lock the door. I believe you can find your way out. I want you to leave the house now. This appointment is over.Good bye!. I look at the Agent and said this : You better bring them out now!

Three of them walked out. I was left alone. B@*&^$* F$#*&$@ I@#^*!

The question is : Am I arrogant? Am I rude? Am I impatient? In short am I too much? Where are the values my mother thought me before?

But I got the answer, hell they deserved it. I should have kick their black asses too!

MuCh aDO AboUT noThing

I have news and correction to make. I would like to apologize to my blog reader for posting a wrong information on akekah.

Frankly, while writing my article “aKeKah n KK” last night, l suddenly have doubt about the whole thing – whether non-muslim can consume the akekah meat, in this case KK. I wanted to telephone my brother but it was late at night and I really thought (hope) I was right about it.

Today, I managed to speak to Rasid and requested him to put a comment in my blog. He did. Short comment but more than enough to answer my question.

It is clear now that akekah meat can be consumed by anyone whether they are Muslim or not. Simple to explain - Akekah is a religious ceremony to celebrate a newly born baby. It is like a party.

Qurban is also religious ritual but is is more important and sacred to Allah S.W.T. Unlike akekah, qurban can only be performed during Hari Raya Haji (10 Zulhijjah) and Hari-Hari Tashrik (11, 12 and 13 Zulhijjah). This 4 day is very meaningful and special to Muslim. Allah even forbid fasting during these 4 days. If you are in Holy Land to perform Hajj, 11, 12, 13 Zulhijjah is the Stoning The Devil Days.

The qurban meat only to be STRICTLY given away or consumed by fellow Muslim. No doubt and no excuses about it. The same should be practised in every part of the world, regardless you are in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei or even THE AMAZING SINGAPORE (by the way, I am half Singaporean).

I hope by now we are clear about the Qurban and Akekah.

So, I shall re-name the Makcik and KK snatching the plate chapter in Melaka last Saturday is “Much Ado About Nothing”……..

aKeKah n KK

I have 3 reasons to re-visit my home town on Saturday, July 14, 2007. 1. To attend Najah n Azlan's son akekah ceremony. 2. To visit my family at my Kelebang house. 3. To return to Jalan Durian Daun to snap some photos for my blog. In fact I have not been posting anyhing the whole of last week. Not lazy but I have no time, no mood and most of all I have so much on my mind that I am not able to share it out.

My entourage to Najah's mum in-law's house consist of Kiff - The Journalist, KK - The Traveller and my cousin, Iskandar - SIA Poster Boy. We arrived on time - lunch just about to be served. Yahoo! Nasi Beriani Gam, Kambing, Ayam, Dalca, Acar Buah, Kueh-Mueh and Syrup. Yum Yum!

Once the host announced "boleh makan", three hungry and greedy guys namely Iskandar, Kiff and Razak rush to the buffet counter to get their food. KK says he wants to go for dessert prior to eating rice. As we were happily enjoying lunch KK came back with a plate of rice. Ironically, he looks upset. Strange. Then I saw his plate. Only rice and ayam masak merah. The kambing dish is missing. I ask him why he did not take the dish. He kept quiet.

Then, he relate us the event at the buffet counter. Apparently while he is about to walk away from the buffet counter, one makcik appeared from no where and snatched his plate of rice. He was shocked! The makcik just say "awak tak boleh makan kambing ni". She removed the dish from the plate and return it back to KK. Huh?! "Since when I am allergy to mutton?" "If I am, how does this stranger makcik knows about it?" He felt awkward and embarrassed but doesn't know how to react. He just hope everyone is busy eating and did not see what happen between him and the makcik. He returned to us with the plate of colourful beriani, ayam masak merah and black face. Actually, Azlan happen to see the incident but he can't do anything at that moment as not to create any scene.

I immediately offered him an explanation. He is not able to enjoy the dish not because he is not good looking or not popular but because he is not a Muslim yet. Later, the same makcik came over with and offered him a bowl of mutton dish. She says "ni awak bole makan la, ini tak semayang punyerr". I guess he is still upset as he politely rejected the offer. I told him the makcik meant no harm and Melaka people speak with high volume (maybe they were born with big and powerful in-built speaker). Only then, he did take up the offer. Honestly, the mutton is delicious but I know for KK, it is tasteless already.

Azlan came over to our table and apologise personally to KK (and to me too, for what and why?) But I concluded that I am respected guy!!Kah kah kah). He did not expect it to happened at all. I believe apology accepted as KK start to smile again. Later at midnight while we were at our latest, favourite and cheaper port, Old Town Coffee, Azlan sent another sms to thank us.

He repeated his apology to KK over the incident. For KK it was an experience of a life time. He has learn something that afternoon. Now he know what is aKeKah. Kah Kah Kah, aKeKah! Familiar? Ok jerrr....

I still have other story to write about my visit to Jalan Durian Daun but I have to do it tomorrow. Too tired and sleepy (maybe due to fasting today or because of my trip to send Dona to Penglayat!).

Lesson : In life, it is alright to say no but we have to be very diplomatically in doing so as not to offend or embarass anybody.

My Childhood Story - The Nasi Lemak of Jalan Durian Daun

I went out last nite with my friend Pang, Eng Leong and KK. Eng Leong is a Baba from Malacca. In fact, not until few outings that I found out he lives in Jalan Depoh where Jalan Durian Daun ends. In fact his father still lives there and this fillial son make a point to come home at least once a month. His mother passed away few years ago.

So, you can imagine when "two orang kampung" meet, they would dominate the conversations. Almost immediately, Pang and KK reduced to "extras". We reminisced about the old grocery shop that use abacus (klik klak klik klak klik klak and he tell you the damage!), the coffee shop (quite dark inside, maybe to save electricity), the Kg. Kaman (behind his house) where a lot of Indian stay but the main topic is the nasi lemak stall at the corner of the coffee shop operated by husband and wife team known as Pak Seman and Mak Kering. Strange, Eng Leong and me grew up eating their nasi lemak but we never met. We both agreed that was the best nasi lemak we have ever tasted. The aroma of hot nasi lemak on banana leaf, topped with a spoon of very thick sambal tumis, few pieces of fried ikan bilis, cucumber and 2 or 3 strands of fried kangkung. "Sedap giler". Yes, simple but delicicious. Unlike nowadays, chicken rendang or curry, paru and ayam goreng, ikan goreng, etc. to compliment the nasi lemak. Their nasi lemak will beat the so called best nasi lemak in town (Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa in Kg Baru, Nasi Lemak Cikgu in Kelana Jaya, Nasi Lemak Station at Taman Kosas, just to name few) flat.

I remember the very thin Pak Seman is friendly and pleasant man unlike Mak Kering. She is the opposite. She look stern day and nite. I always picture her as a woman monster breathing fire with a small bun on her head (due to her very little hair left). My imagination always run wild when I look at her (I am still very much like that now, in fact better). I always picture her spraying me with fire that comes out from her mouth and with just one gulp I am inside her stomach (at 5 - 6 years old, I am very small in size). Even if I see her during any 'kenduri' or wedding in my kampung she always look the same (if you are wondering, yes, she is our neighbour).

I can remember whenever my mother have an extra 1 ringgit to spare in her pocket, she will get me to buy Mak Kering's nasi lemak. I always have problem with this chore. Firstly, I have to deal with my fear to face her and to make matter worse, I have to communicate with her. (Dare I say no to my mother, unless I am fed-up of living!) . So, whether I like it or not, I have to accomplish my mission. Every time I visited her stall, I have to relay my mother message to her : "Mak Kering, mak nak nasi lemak 3 bungkus, tak nak telur tapi nasi lebih tau" (little note : No egg because to my mother understanding the egg is to replace with extra nasi with no extra cost). She will give me a frown but never respond. She will prepare my order, I snatch, pay, say "terima kasih" and run home. Few minutes later, the nasi lemak will be in our empty stomach. KK ask me, so little money only you bring and you managed to get 3 packets? I told him 1 ringgit in 70s is hard to come by and big in value (at least for my family). By the way, we did not buy the nasi lemak every day! No money lor! Most of the time I would be walking to my primary school with empty stomach. Kindly bear in mind, I am not complaining about how hard my childhood was but just to relate a little bit of my experience. Some time during the morning assembly, there are student collapse (it seems due to no breakfast). The teacher that act as the speaker of the day will remind us to take our breakfast prior to attending school. Deep in my heart, I have nothing to eat at home. So, eat what? Sands or grass or may I should bite and chew my own fingers?

Actually, while I driving through Jalan Durian Daun last Saturday with Kiff and KK, I passed by the grocery and the old coffee shop that I am talking about. Both of the shops has ceased operation but it is still standing there only looked older. The wooden foldable doors are also tighly closed. The missing scene is the old couple and their stall. The Pak Seman and Mak Kering Nasi Lemak. If I am not mistaken they passed away more than 20 years ago.

How I wish that Saturday they are still there and selling their nasi lemak. For sure I will stop to buy some and with the money I have now, (I am not trying to be arrogant, please) I might buy all or whats left for the day! This time I don't have to use my 1970s line. She will no longer be the 'hair bun monster' breathing fire but just another old lady selling nasi lemak. I would look directly into her eyes, smile and talk to her politely. I will give her more respect which I did not give her last time. But too bad, I have no more chance...

Note : I start to realise that in life, if I ever have a chance to do good, I should not wait. No more dilly dally. I might miss the chance. I will live to regret it. A little help from me could be huge to some other people.

Well, it is only my own experience and opinion. It is up to you whether to agree or otherwise...

SANGKURIANG, DAYANG SUMBI AND DAYANG SUMBU (DAYANG SUMBI'S HALF SISTER)

Lets lighten up a bit. Today I want to write about travelling. My friends like to post me this question - why I like to go abroad for holiday? Isn't it expensive? How about food? Halal or not? Sometime I feel guilty for not supporting tourism in my own country but don't blame me as many time I find that it is not worth spending money to travel in Malaysia.

Then, I thought I should give it a try once and for all. So, during the last school holidays, I brought my whole family member consists of 17 peoples - my parents, Ogy and her 2 daughters, Rasid & Ana and their 7 childrens and 2 childrens of my youngest sister, Non to Langkawi, Pulau Lagenda. Non and her husband, Fadhil is in Holy Land to perform their Umrah. Chaos, havoc but fun as most of the children in my family are below 10 years old and the youngest is 10 months.

This is my 4th trip to Langkawi. My first was in 1996 and my last was 2000. I only can say 1 thing about this so called Legend Island of Langkawi - the island is not worth visiting. The trip cost me about 6.5K (air fare - Air Asia, Accomodation, Car Rental and Food). I find the place I visited during my last 3 trips to the Island in a very deporable state. The water at the Air Panas hot spring is dirty and not even warm. Even my nephew and nieces refused to wash their feet with the "cure almost all skin desease" water. The waterfall at the Telaga Tujuh is murky and dirty. In fact, a lot of places of interest is runned down. The only new attraction is the cable car in Gunung Mat Cincang. But looking around the complexes at the mountain hill, it is a matter of time before the "virus" spread. The deadly virus that transform the "places of interest" into the "places of no interest. You may mark my word.

I wonder if I am working for Tourism Development Corporation, how on earth I am going to promote Langkawi. I hope it is not too much if I say the Ministry and its staff involve in promoting tourism in our country are not doing a good job. Is it too much to do or just being lazy? 2007 is Visit Malaysia Year but I doubt we are really a country to visit. Many time I discourage my relatives and friends from visiting me in Kuala Lumpur or even shoot down their idea to visit any other states in Malaysia. It sounded so unpatriotic but that is my only choice. I would rather spend money and visit them in their country. Sincerely, I feel sorry to talk bad about my own country but it is me. I want to practise "without fear or favour". Hope they "repent" and buck up.

It is really a waste of money. I thought it was my worst investment ever. I should have brought them to some neighbouring country like Indonesia or Thailand. With the same amount of money, my family would be able to experience an overseas holiday. They would have more new things to see, more fun, more things to talk about when they come home. In short, more memorable.

Now we leave Langkawi and her 99 islands behind. Frustrated, I plan a holiday trip to Bandung in August. I managed to "conned" 2 pretty but not so young secretaries to join me. I keep on painting nice perfect picture about Bandung. The wheater, the mountains, the volcanoes, the fairer and better looking Indonesian and most importantly, THE SHOPPING! Yes, Bandung is 'D' place for factory outlets shopping. Being Malaysian and being Malaysian women, shopping is a sacred ritual. Shopping is also therapy. Shopping is like paracetemol for headache (any dosage is good!). So, in principal they have agreed to join me. At the same breath they ask how much money should they bring. I told them to wait for their bonus payment this Friday. In a meanwhile, they have applied for "leaving husband and children at home to go with other man visa" from their respective husbands. Only 5 days 4 nites visa granted (but I am confident the 2 husbands glad I am taking their wife away from them for that period of time, what a relief! Any possibility of extending stay? Miss the flight home?).

In fact, one of them has also done her packing. We plan to shop, eat, shop, eat, shop, eat and sleep (not to forget shower and toilet).

So, we start the count down...

LOVE IS CINTA (BUT NOT THE MOVIE)

After 2 days of sad entry, today I decided to touch on one interesting topic. Love. Allow me to say something about love. To me love is the next best to miracle. Love has no limit, no boundary. Love make you do the unbelievable, sometimes, even the imposible. True love will not make you any poorer but will at least enrich you in many ways.

But one thing for sure, love make me happy. A good example, I realised my love for few of my female collegues in the office grow stronger. I feel I am responsible to make them happy, laugh and even share their problem. Eventhough I can't solve it but by listening I believe it would help. Ahah!, don't get me wrong. It is not that kind of love you are thinking about. Stop straying. I love them just like my little sister. I only have 2 little sister in my family, so I think it is no harm to have few more, right?

I also have 2 caring neighbours and lovely friends (married with family as well as single, both male and female) which I love and care for. I regards their childrens like my own nephew and nieces. I regards their parents like my own too. And yet, I never feel I have given enough love. I still have abundance of it.

As I grow older, I have soft spot for animals, any animal. I have 5 cats at home. At the same time, I still take care of about 10 stray cats outside my door step. At my balcony, I always have rice and 1 loaf of bread which I cut into pieces to feed "burung pipit (about 30 ekor), 2 pairs of very fat burung merpati and one type of medium size black bird with a very loud voice (not crow) which I dont what species (about 20 ekor). I am happy to see them when they stop by my balcony to have breakfast, lunch and dinner before the fly back to their home. They always pay me by singing and chirping happily. After maghrib, I will cut at least 15 banana and place it at the same balcony for the "musang" family (5 ekor). Over the time, they become more friendly to me. They will come out from the roof and observing me preparing their meal before they dine. Cute. It is tedious but I am happy. When I am away from home, I make sure I assigned my friend to feed all my pet (in and outside the house). It is my responsibility. They are animal but they still have life. Some of my friend and neighbour says I am "crazy". I responded happily by saying it is love...

Now, I would like to post some questions. How much will you do for love? How far will you go? To what extend are you willing to sacrifice? How much are you willing to give and then, how much do you want to take? If you are married, would you love your spouse more than you love your own children? My question about love will go on and on and on..

The Funeral, The Faith and The Foolish

During lunch, Dona ask me what is my entry for today. I said I don't know. Really, I have no topic for today and I am prepared for zero entry today as I am planning to sleep early. I slept at 2 a.m. last night.

But at 4.15 p.m. today while I was at the lobby of KL Sentral, the news about the passing of Hj. Abdul Manaf, Puan Halwah's beloved father reaches my ears. Puan Halwah has left earlier (about 3.00 p.m.) upon receiving a call from her husband that her father is in critical condition. I saw her eyes red. I would be the same, trust me.

With the help of Pn. Ramlah of HKL, I verified the news. I telephoned Hidaya and requested him to inform the staff in HQ while I immediately made my way to her home in Klang to pay my last respect and offer her family my deepest condolences.

Even though I am not familiar with Klang (plus bad sense of direction), I am confident that I will be able to find her house. While I was struggling to find her house, my phone rang and Pn Ramlah told me to go directly to the graveyard near HTAR, Klang as they are going to bury Arwah at 6 p.m. It was 5.57 p.m. Immediately, I dashed to the main road and head towards HTAR, Klang. I dont know how or what but I just found it at 6.10 p.m. It was a little late as they had finished the burial but the reading of Talqin is yet to be started. Alhamdulillah, it is still not too late. I had a glance of Puan Halwah. Her eyes swollen due to crying. Of course, she has just lost her father. But she is still strong enough to send and witness the last ritual of her late father. I suddenly imagine, how strong will I be if I have to go through the same? Whenever this thought came to my mind, I would immediately press the "not think about it button". I am lucky. I still have my parents. Eventhough, they are not in the pink of health but it is good enough for their age.

We exchanged look and she forced out a smile. I believe it is just her gesture of thank you for my presence. I acknowledged by nodding my head politely. She introduced me to her hubby, En. Kamal and Dr. Ghazi (her only brother). Her father in-law were also there. The reading of Talqin started. Strange, as I have listened to Talqin all my life but lately I always imagine that the Talqin is being read for me. I am the one lie inside my dark grave wearing only unsewn white cloth with some soft white cotton - wahai Abdul Razak ibni Saleha, wahai Abdul Razak ibni Saleha, wahai Abdul Razak ibni Saleha...

The reading of Talqin ended within 20 minutes. Some of the relatives, friends, neighbours started to leave the grave yard leaving Puan Halwah's and her closest family member there. I chose to stay a while longer to offer my short Surah prayers. Later, we had a quality chat. Two Radicare's HKL staff arrived and offered their condolences to Puan Halwah.

Suddenly I realised, that I am the only staff from HQ attended the funeral. I did not see any of her colleagues from HQ. Sigh...In my opinion, it would be good to see one if not few of her colleague to represent our esteemed organisation. At that point of time, I believe what she needs most is a moral support, word of wisdom, hugs and kisses (of course from same gender). Her father has left her and her entire family. He has left his home Jalan Seri Mersing for good.

I would like to touch a bit about how important for one to know one's priority. As for me, my priority once I heard of the news, is I want to be there as soon as possible. This is what I want to highlight : We are encourage to lend a helping hand to our Muslim brother and sister especially when they are in mourning. A "sedekah" in cash or kind to the bereaved family will come handy. In fact, to read phrases from Quran is also considered as sedekah. It is good to note that our company is kind enough to practise this. It is stated in our Employees Handbook that a contribution of RM500.00 will be given to the next of kin of the deceased should the "Death Certicifate (DC)" be presented by the respective staff to our Human Resources Department. In many cases, the contribution will be paid in a form of cheque within 2 weeks or so. I can still remember my former superior did not get any contribution as he did not provide the DC of his late father to the HRD. My point is, once any news about the passing of someone break in our office, to raise RM500.00 (immediately) as company's contribution to the deceased family is not a priority.

Sadly to mention, I heard in the office at around 5.50 p.m. my Muslim colleagues in Finance Department are busy digging their own pocket as to raise RM500.00 (as a company contribution) just because the custodian for the petty cash has left for home. I sigh again, what a pity, what kind of priority! The contribution from the company can be done later but raising a mere RM500.00 seems to be their number 1 priority that very evening. At about the same time, in Klang, the body of Arwah Hj. Abdul Manaf have reached his final resting place and by 6.10 p.m. we completed our final duty to him which is to give him a proper burial. Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly.

So, my question is : Does it worth all the fuss just to collect RM500.00 at that point of time? What is the value of RM500.00 to Puan Halwah and her family compare to your presence before the final ritual over?

I can say loudly that no amount of money in this world is great enough to compensate her losses.

As for her other missing friends and colleagues, I believe (actually, I hope) they are occupied with other important official / personal matter which is their priority during that time. My presence is not formal but more on a personal basis. Furthermore, we often talked about her father medical condition. I know quite a bit of his history and what he is suffering for. My only regret is I never attempted to visit him in hospital. I should have to. At least once. So, I thought this time I must not fail to fulfill my duty as a humble Muslim. After today, I will have no second chance. I also can remember the "pahala" granted to those who pay last respect to their dead Muslim brothers and involve in performing the last ritual until accompanying them to their grave is as big as Bukit Uhud. For those who has visited Medina and seen Bukit Uhud, they will know the size of Bukit Uhud. I have seen it and trust me, for a hill, the size is really big.

But again, I always understand Islam encourages their believer to practice sincerity at all time. No forcing. You perform good deed willingly and only for Allah - Lillahi Taala means because of Allah Taala.

At 7.15 p.m. I said good bye to Puan Halwah and her brother. I whispered to her to be patient and 'redha'. Remember to always 'doa' and pray for him. I left.

On the way home, I can't help but to wonder what's the feeling like of not having to see some one that you have spent almost all your life with. You will not be able to touch him, kiss him, caress him, consult him, not even a smell or a glance of him. You can just hope he comes into your dream as to encourage you to go on with our mortal life. Yes, life goes on but what's left now is only memories...sweet memories...

However, it is good to remember that every single thing we own is on loan by Allah S.W.T. I repeat, every single thing! He is the ultimate owner. So, sooner or later we have to return to Him and to answer all our doing, good or otherwise. The only thing, is, as it was written at the "Loh Mahfuz" we have to sent our beloved, Arwah Hj. Abdul Manaf earlier. We will follow him later, for sure. No doubt about it.

Reminder to myself "Be good to my dear parents when I still have the chance to do so as time is running out. It could be me sending them but it is not impossible is they were to send me first. Only Allah S.W.T. "Maha Mengetahui an Maha Berkuasa".

My condolences to Puan Halwah and her entire family and hope they stay strong to cope with their losses. My doa is "Semoga Allah S.W.T. merahmati rohnya dan diangkat serta ditempatkan bersama orang-orang yang soleh". Al-Fatehah. Amin

Mak Pon and her family

After a simple dinner at one of the mamak stall along 'the heritage' row, one of my friend suddenly ask me where was I during May 13, 1969. I was 5+ but still can remember that evening I was walking back with my mom from my late grandmother house. Suddenly we heard the word "kepew, kepew, masuk rumah, kunci rumah". My mom immediately grab my tiny hand (at that time) and all I know we both ended up in my neighbour house known as Mak Jepon or affectionately known as Mak Pon. Tension as no one really know what happened. I don't remember how long we were there but for sure we did not put a nite there.

Suddenly, the vision of Mak Pon and her family came to my mind. Mak Pon, and my family has a similarity - very poor, but at least her late husband, Pak Dorani had a permanent job with Malacca Municipal as a labourer. I am not sure how many childrens she has but at least 7. She became a widow some 22 years ago. Mak Pon with 3 of her unmarried childrens, Sakdiah, Jamal and Jaapau remain in the very same house. One thing for sure, when most family in Jalan Durian Daun improved their living condition (some became rich also) , sadly, Mak Pon and her family still living in poverty. Luckily, she has number of good neighbour including my brother, Rasid, and my uncle, Pakcik Kayah. We help whenever possible - cooked food, canned foods, old clothes, old furnitures, etc. During the last 2006 Raya do, I heard that Mak Pon were bed ridden since early of the year and being taken care by Sakdiah. And come the most interesting part.

The part that shows how mystery, our Creator, The Greatest and Almighthy Allah S.W.T. rule this universe.

Sakdiah passed away suddenly in late December 2006 after a short illness. I was told by Ogy (my sister) that when they carry Sakdiah body to her final resting place, Mak Pon were wailing for her daughter...Sakdiah,..Sakdiah...but she is no longer can answer her. Sakdiah not able to attend to Mak Pon's needs. Sakdiah is gone and never come back. Sad enough but it is still more to come.

Mak Pon is now being nursed by her grand daughter which Sakdiah adopt as her "anak angkat".

I dont know her name but I know she is still in secondary school. Apparently, I was made to understand, she does it willingly. So, she is now - play Sakdiah's role. In early February 2007, Mak Pon follow Sakdiah. She passed away in her sleep at the age of 83. She left this world in the same condition - being poor and living in poverty. I firmly believe Allah S.W.T. loves her more and the same time I know it is good for her. Let her rest in peace. Now left only Jamal and his youngest brother, Jaapau in the house. As for Mak Pon's grand daughter, her duty ends as soon as Mak Pon left the world. She moved out to live with her own parents.

Innalillah and then Subahanallah......,that's all we said when Rasid break the news - Jamal is gone forever. He passed away in March 2007, after being hospitalised for 2 days. Jakpau were devastated. Ogy says he cries more than he does for Sakdiah and Mak Pon, 3 months earlier. In fact everybody in Jalan Durian Daun knows the brothers were very close. They practically do things together. When we hired Jamal to paint our old house, he wants Jakpau also be hired. We obliged, of course.

We wondering and asking who would be next......So silly but that's exactly what came to our mind.

We dont have to wait long.

Jakpau left this mortal world in April 2007. Similar to Jamal, he breathed his last on the 2nd day in Hospital Besar Melaka. Unlike Sakdiah, Mak Pon and Jamal, Jakpau's body were being prepared for burial in the Hospital and never get to come back to his home for the last 42 years in Jalan Durian Daun. His family decided to send him to his final resting place directly from hospital.

Mak Pon old house is now empty. I went to see the house (less than 50 metres from my Jalan Durian Daun's house) during my trip back to Melaka in May 2007. The house look almost the same except is locked and empty. While standing at the corner of the old dilapidated house, I can still see me passing the house when I was young, each time I walk to and from my primary school, each time I walk to my late grandmother's house. Not shy to say, tears rolling down my cheek. In fact, I feel so sad now but I just want to share some of my story, my memory in Jalan Durian Daun. May Arwah Mak Pon, Arwah Sakdiah, Arwah Jamal and Arwah Jakpau dirahmati Allah S.W.T. Al-Fatehah. Amin.

My family and I realised and learned something from it. Arwah Mak Pon for sure lived and died in poverty, but at least she died in her bed, in her own house. When come to money, she had almost none to offer, but she had a filial daughter and grand daughter take care of her during her last 16 months. Everyone knows it is not easy to take care of a sick and bed ridden person. Dirty, smelly and nothing but troublesome. However, one thing for sure, she is lucky compare to some rich people which were sent to retirement home to rot and die by their own children. Their own flesh and blood. Some of this people are rich!!! At least, I know one of my neighbour did that. Later he informed me (happily) his father died there. So disgusting. Luckily, his father did not suffer long in that retirement home.

My doa this ill-practise would not become a trend to us. I would like to remind myself, my friends and those people I know, dont ever do this to our parents. You dump your parents now, your children will dump you later. Take it from me as this happened to one of my first cousin. He dump his mother for his wife some 20 years ago, and last year his daughter and his wife dump him. He is now spending his time, alone, in old folk home in Melaka. What goes around, comes around. Mind you, this is only his "pay back time in this world". He has yet to receive a punishment after the Judgement Day.

As far as I know, there is no reason or excuse to send your old folk to retirement home. It is a sin. Big sin. Infact, one of the biggest sin. Nauzubillah.

My doa always, Allah S.W.T. continue to guide and bless us. Amin.

A Day Trip to Melaka

I make a trip back to Melaka today. I just miss my beloved aging parents, my dear younger brother and sister. Managed to convince KK and Kiff, my 2 best friends to follow me. My mum and sis prepared lunch. Asam pedas ikan tenggiri, masak kicap ikan, kacang panjang goreng, omelette and ikan goring. Yum yum, delicious. Kiff is not fat but he is on a diet. Diet? He add rice not once but twice. I regret did not take any photo of the foods, just to tempt Dona, my little (not in size!) sister in my office.

It is good to mention that my parents no longer live in Jalan Durian Daun. Presently, home is in Taman Nirwana. Some 15 km away from Jalan Durian Daun. My parents live there with my sister (plus her husband and her 2 daughters). But my brother and his family still remain in our old faithful house in Jalan Durian Daun.

I don’t know why, but I make a big turn on the way back to KL just to show KK and Kiff where Jalan Durian Daun is. Memories…

Intro

About me.

Jalan Durian Daun, people might ask me why I chose this name. This is where I was born and raised up.

The place is so special, eventhough most memories are sad one, but to me it's still sweet.