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.