Sometime back in 1970, a group of Universiti Malaya Arts students staged a play at the open theater in Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur. My father, along with Cikgu Hamdan, Cikgu Jabil, Cikgu Rupee, Ciku Si Aba and many more (most were teachers who furthered their studies at UM) were directly involved and father was appointed as the director of the play, which revolved on a group of officials from Melaka Royal Court paying homage to the Chinese emperor in China.
I cannot remember much of the play now as slightly more than 40years has passed. But I do remember my sisters and I being frightened by one of the actors who was dressed up as a Chinese character, much like one would see at a Chinese Opera: colourful robe; strange-looking black hat with 2 pony tails near the ears; and make-up which left part of the face with a deathly-pale look in contrast to the eyes which were blackened. Any kid of around my age then would certainly be frightened when jumped by such a figure.
Another part I remember well was when the officials were presented to the Emperor of China, where they were told to bow down and never look up especially when facing the Emperor. Failure to do as told would simply mean the poor fellow would lose his head. Literally!
The Emperor, speaking through a translator, inquired about everything there is about Melaka. When the subject touched on the food Melakans eat (the Emperor wanted to serve them there and then), an idea hit one of the officials from Melaka. He asked for cincalok, a dip greatly favoured by the people of Melaka, and knowing well that it is not available in China. The Emperor was bemused when his court officials were not unable to find the dip but was also unable to pronounce it well, finally settling on 'Cin-cin A-lok' instead of simply Cincalok.
Embarrassed at the inability of the mighty Chinese Empire to serve a simple dish to his guests, the Emperor asked them to make another request which that bright Melaka guy quickly replied "Kangkung!" (Water Spinach). However, noted the official, the kankung must be long and not have any of its part cut, except for the root. Also, the official requested that they be allowed to eat in accordance to their tradition. When asked about the tradition, he replied that they eat by hand and kangkungs are normally lifted high. In truth, such a tradition does not exist but was merely a ploy to sneak a look at the Chinese Emperor. And when served, that is exactly what happened. Well, at least in the play, it did.
About 2 days ago, I managed to watched a documentary '1421: The Year China Discovered America', on History Channel. From its trailer prior to the day, I knew it was regarding Admiral Zheng He's maritime expedition and did not think much about it as there has been several documentaries on it, and this one would most probably be a repeat of one. But somehow that day, there I was, glued for 2hours to the TV as I watched Gavin Menzies present his findings which were quite incredible, to say the least. I mean, the guy must have spent years and a good deal of money on this quest. Have to admit though, no matter how interesting the show was, it has little bearing for the guy whose blog one is reading now...save for a very short narration within an equally short time.
"When Zheng He reached Melaka, he quickly built a fortification there for his supply base. Later, when the locals began to show hostility, Zheng He appointed a puppet ruler to help quell them".
"The locals (present day Malaysians) were fed a fairytale version (regarding Hang Li Po and what we thought we knew about our history)".
The 2 quotes up there (not verbatim), were the main reason why I stayed till the end of the documentary, hoping Menzies would trace Zheng He's return trip and particularly about Melaka. Unfortunately, there were no mention on both and I am now left wondering about this new bit of information which, if true, debunks whatever I have read and learnt during primary schooldays. Would this mean Parameswara is simply an old folk tale and Bukit Cina was not a gift from the Sultan of Melaka to the Chinese entourage escorting Puteri Hang Li Po? Who was the puppet ruler Zheng He appointed then? If when Menzies mentioned is true, what is it our school history books been teaching us? I, for one, would not like my offspring to grow up acing in subjects such as history, only to later find out that Cincalok is actually pronounced Cin-Cin Alok.
*Gavin Menzies
Hang Li Poh 1
Hang Li Poh 2
ps. Do forgive my bad English. Someone from Kuantan and from the same social network remarked in disgust regarding this. While he may be right, online is the only place I can practice English.
Showing posts with label History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label History. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Bukit Antarabangsa Post Tragedy Close-Up
They say a picture paints a thousand words. Somehow, when I look through the photos I took yesterday and today, I think I fail to live up to the expectations. Perhaps, because the tragedy has passed and thus, the pictures cannot convey the sadness of the victims, nor the actual destruction of that day.
When Cornelius Ryan was commissioned to write the accounts of D Day at Normandy during the 2nd World War, he did not even know where to begin, and asked for the soldiers and their next-of-kin to write to him telling the accounts of the day from their eyes. Thousands did! And from there after interviewing many of them personally, the mental map he needed was formed and the book "The Longest Day", written. Do forgive me then as I try to put as many things on this blog, and failing in the process; I am far from being anywhere even near his status.
The Base Camp.
As mentioned in the previous posting, I had not wanted to go to the scene of this tragedy, but changed my mind on Thursday night soon after a meeting with Doctor Lo'lo' and the LKKPP. The next day, on Friday afternoon, I arrived hoping to find PAS volunteers as well as record the ongoing rescue work. I registered as a volunteer at the base camp on Jalan Antarabangsa, introducing myself from LKKPP and was issued a tag. To ensure the security of the area, different tags are issued - one, for the residents; the other for security personnel, media and volunteer workers.
For volunteers, the tags issued are valid only for 3hours, after which, one must re-register again.
This is to prevent the abuse of the permission given and to allow authorities to identify
and keep tabs of the people there.
The Road.
The only road up.
The authorities has set up at least 2 base camps - the one above is the main camp where commands are issued, while the other is a support camp or relief center, situated at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Ulu Klang (am not too sure of the name). On both days of my being there, I did not have the chance to visit the support camp. InsyAllah, I will do so tomorrow but have been told that there are lesser activity there as compared to previous days.
Since the road above led to the temporary road built by the army and later upgraded by the JKR, all vehicles had to form a queue as the temporary road can only support vehicles in one direction at a given time. Vehicles going each direction had to wait up to 30minutes while vehicles from opposite directions pass through. Somehow, it reminds me of Frasers Hill of old.
The path of the landslide cannot be seen aproper unless from air. But it lies there, not more than 50meters after the crane.
Fit for 4wheel drive.
In total, there were 3 bridges built. 2, were by the authorities meant for vehicles - one pontoon and the other as the one above. The 3rd bridge, was hand-built by several volunteers and residents, and was led by YB Tien Chua. It was built to facilitate residents to travel by foot to another road via a small valley. In fact, this 3rd bridge was unofficially named 'Tien Chua Bridge' by some of the residents as well as workers.
Temporary Road.
On the first day there, I picked up passengers while going up and down the hill. One of them was a Mr Richard Foo, the Manager for Oakleaf Club. He recounted several events of the actual day, which would be too long for me to write here. Earlier today just as when I was about to go up, I met him again. This time however, he had just come down the hill. When I introduced myself as being a representative for the LKKPP and hence, PAS, he was delighted and highly praised the AMAL unit. It was Mr Food and an Azhar who helped snapped the photos from within as my hands were already full trying to maneuver the car.
A Tough Climb.
A Smoother Ride.
The Scene.
Many reporters as well a volunteers were adviced not to proceed to closely to the landslide path as earth movements are still being felt and recorded. Thus apart from this restriction, Wak and I did not concentrate too much on the actual scene of the tragedy. Further, such photos have already been splashed on almost all dailies. We did however, managed to take shots where it all began.
One almost demolished, the other on the edge.
From a slightly different position.
The trees swayed first, many said.
The creaking sound produced was eerie.
Then the earth gave way.
When the earth moved.
This was where the nightmare began.
The Front Line.
Once a small park and playground, the area is now deserted save for the few
who are either brave residents, or workers trying to salvage what they can
from an almost hopeless situation. Several rows of apartment blocks lie on the edge
of what can be a raging torrent of water brought by heavy rain.
Personnel from various military and para military units work round the clock.
Taking a much needed break.
I managed to mingle with the security personnel above who were taking their much needed break. Many look tired...and some, frustrated. It seem, some snobbish residents had accused them of not doing their job and even name calling them. Truth is, as men and women of uniform, they cannot act according to their whims and fancies, and have to await orders from their command post. This is most especially true when each are assigned particular task and cannot leave their post unattended.
During a light moment with several FRU personnel, we caught them with a jibe "next when you confront us (Pakatan Rakyat party members) on the streets, do have a heart before swinging your baton". They, looked at us with a shock and were unable to utter any reply.
These employess of a company engaged by JKR to study the earth movement there,
should also be considered front-line heroes as they sit under the apartment
which is next to the raging flood of water.
But, it is a job they must do with 2 teams, each on a 12hour shift.
Some of the many volunteers represent various organisations. Clockwise from top right:
Zun Arif of Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) with Wak Kasiran from webtv8;
Shahrul Niza, one of the first few on the scene (in my previous posting I noted his name as Nik),
posing with Sasha, formerly of the singing group Elite - she lives in the area;
some volunteers whose names I did not get;
and Kem, who heads the AMAL unit for the area.
Have We Not Learnt?
Top left: An abandoned project nearby to the tragedy.
Top right: A new project taking off along Zoo Negara road.
Bottom: A clubhouse under construction about 2km away from the tragedy.
Will it now be abandoned?
InsyAllah, tomorrow Sunday, will be my last day there. But I will try to get as many more pictures and stories possible.
Whether man-made history, or natural tragedy, no single person can convey the magnanimity of destruction that was brought onto the population of this planet. For all the money spent in astronomy and the search for life in outer space, would it not be wiser to spend more towards the betterment of the the society here on Earth? For this society we have here, comprise of humans, animals, plants, and the earth itself. Can't we, the human, teach ourselves to co-live in peace and harmony with the rest of the population?
When Cornelius Ryan was commissioned to write the accounts of D Day at Normandy during the 2nd World War, he did not even know where to begin, and asked for the soldiers and their next-of-kin to write to him telling the accounts of the day from their eyes. Thousands did! And from there after interviewing many of them personally, the mental map he needed was formed and the book "The Longest Day", written. Do forgive me then as I try to put as many things on this blog, and failing in the process; I am far from being anywhere even near his status.
The Base Camp.
As mentioned in the previous posting, I had not wanted to go to the scene of this tragedy, but changed my mind on Thursday night soon after a meeting with Doctor Lo'lo' and the LKKPP. The next day, on Friday afternoon, I arrived hoping to find PAS volunteers as well as record the ongoing rescue work. I registered as a volunteer at the base camp on Jalan Antarabangsa, introducing myself from LKKPP and was issued a tag. To ensure the security of the area, different tags are issued - one, for the residents; the other for security personnel, media and volunteer workers.
For volunteers, the tags issued are valid only for 3hours, after which, one must re-register again.This is to prevent the abuse of the permission given and to allow authorities to identify
and keep tabs of the people there.
The Road.
The only road up. The above road, was where the media had painted as 'pesta makan'.
I was told by Nik Shahrul that it truly did happen, especially on the first after the landslide.
I was told by Nik Shahrul that it truly did happen, especially on the first after the landslide.
The authorities has set up at least 2 base camps - the one above is the main camp where commands are issued, while the other is a support camp or relief center, situated at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Ulu Klang (am not too sure of the name). On both days of my being there, I did not have the chance to visit the support camp. InsyAllah, I will do so tomorrow but have been told that there are lesser activity there as compared to previous days.
Since the road above led to the temporary road built by the army and later upgraded by the JKR, all vehicles had to form a queue as the temporary road can only support vehicles in one direction at a given time. Vehicles going each direction had to wait up to 30minutes while vehicles from opposite directions pass through. Somehow, it reminds me of Frasers Hill of old.
The path of the landslide cannot be seen aproper unless from air. But it lies there, not more than 50meters after the crane.
Fit for 4wheel drive.In total, there were 3 bridges built. 2, were by the authorities meant for vehicles - one pontoon and the other as the one above. The 3rd bridge, was hand-built by several volunteers and residents, and was led by YB Tien Chua. It was built to facilitate residents to travel by foot to another road via a small valley. In fact, this 3rd bridge was unofficially named 'Tien Chua Bridge' by some of the residents as well as workers.
Temporary Road.When the army built the temporary road, they built it in the only way they know best
- using materials such as above to provide traction for the vehicles' tyres.
Perhaps best used only by 4wheel drive, the drive up and down may cause heavy tear
on the tyres as well as shock absorbers of normal cars.
- using materials such as above to provide traction for the vehicles' tyres.
Perhaps best used only by 4wheel drive, the drive up and down may cause heavy tear
on the tyres as well as shock absorbers of normal cars.
On the first day there, I picked up passengers while going up and down the hill. One of them was a Mr Richard Foo, the Manager for Oakleaf Club. He recounted several events of the actual day, which would be too long for me to write here. Earlier today just as when I was about to go up, I met him again. This time however, he had just come down the hill. When I introduced myself as being a representative for the LKKPP and hence, PAS, he was delighted and highly praised the AMAL unit. It was Mr Food and an Azhar who helped snapped the photos from within as my hands were already full trying to maneuver the car.
A Tough Climb. Credit must be given to the Army, JKR, as well as TNB in trying to facilitate
all concerned with the building of the temporary road, in the shortest time possible.
all concerned with the building of the temporary road, in the shortest time possible.
A Smoother Ride. Within several hours of early morning Saturday - 12midnight to 6am -
the JKR managed to build a tar road for half of the stretch of the temporary road.
the JKR managed to build a tar road for half of the stretch of the temporary road.
The Scene.
Many reporters as well a volunteers were adviced not to proceed to closely to the landslide path as earth movements are still being felt and recorded. Thus apart from this restriction, Wak and I did not concentrate too much on the actual scene of the tragedy. Further, such photos have already been splashed on almost all dailies. We did however, managed to take shots where it all began.
One almost demolished, the other on the edge. Notice the row of houses on the edge of the now crest at the far background of the photo.
Unless there is a miracle, the houses there are in grave danger.
Unless there is a miracle, the houses there are in grave danger.
From a slightly different position. The trees swayed first, many said.
The creaking sound produced was eerie.
Then the earth gave way.
When the earth moved. This was where the nightmare began.
The Front Line.
Once a small park and playground, the area is now deserted save for the fewwho are either brave residents, or workers trying to salvage what they can
from an almost hopeless situation. Several rows of apartment blocks lie on the edge
of what can be a raging torrent of water brought by heavy rain.
Personnel from various military and para military units work round the clock.
Taking a much needed break.I managed to mingle with the security personnel above who were taking their much needed break. Many look tired...and some, frustrated. It seem, some snobbish residents had accused them of not doing their job and even name calling them. Truth is, as men and women of uniform, they cannot act according to their whims and fancies, and have to await orders from their command post. This is most especially true when each are assigned particular task and cannot leave their post unattended.
During a light moment with several FRU personnel, we caught them with a jibe "next when you confront us (Pakatan Rakyat party members) on the streets, do have a heart before swinging your baton". They, looked at us with a shock and were unable to utter any reply.
These employess of a company engaged by JKR to study the earth movement there,should also be considered front-line heroes as they sit under the apartment
which is next to the raging flood of water.
But, it is a job they must do with 2 teams, each on a 12hour shift.
Some of the many volunteers represent various organisations. Clockwise from top right:Zun Arif of Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) with Wak Kasiran from webtv8;
Shahrul Niza, one of the first few on the scene (in my previous posting I noted his name as Nik),
posing with Sasha, formerly of the singing group Elite - she lives in the area;
some volunteers whose names I did not get;
and Kem, who heads the AMAL unit for the area.
Have We Not Learnt?
Top left: An abandoned project nearby to the tragedy.Top right: A new project taking off along Zoo Negara road.
Bottom: A clubhouse under construction about 2km away from the tragedy.
Will it now be abandoned?
InsyAllah, tomorrow Sunday, will be my last day there. But I will try to get as many more pictures and stories possible.
Whether man-made history, or natural tragedy, no single person can convey the magnanimity of destruction that was brought onto the population of this planet. For all the money spent in astronomy and the search for life in outer space, would it not be wiser to spend more towards the betterment of the the society here on Earth? For this society we have here, comprise of humans, animals, plants, and the earth itself. Can't we, the human, teach ourselves to co-live in peace and harmony with the rest of the population?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A Play
The actor stood on the stage with both hand clasp at the chest. "The Day!" he said loudly as his right hand reached out to the empty seats of the amphitheater, save for several people sitting in small clusters.
"No! No! You fool! Its not The Day, its D Day!" cried another actor on the stage.
"The Day!" said the first actor again.
"No! No! How many times must I say it, it is D Day! D, as in Donkey!" again cried the 2nd actor as they rehearse for a play consisting of several small sketches. And while they were at it, 2 people sitting in front were busy talking.
"What's this to be?" asked kerpie, one of the 2 men.
"It says in the synopsis that the 2 are arguing about the proper pronunciation of the military term", replied Nazir.
"You mean as in Normandy? Man, that's like **** old, don't you think?"
"Kerpie, the date is not the issue here, but the message they are trying to get across".
"Oh! OK, I can buy that then. So, what's next?"
"Next!" Nazir shouted to the stage. "Its about a broken pipe or hydrant, I don't know."
The stage rotate slowly, bringing an end to one sketch while introducing another.
3 men in overalls looked busy working on a long pipe that stretches two-third of the stage, and another dressed casual walk towards them.
"What are you guys doing?" ask Aje in a high pitch voice. "That pipe is not broken! Its the hydrant there that needs fixing, not this pipe", and he points to a hydrant on stage where several children were playing around in a scene that is suppose to portray a very hot day in the city. But instead of water gushing out of the hydrant, the stagehands use confettis and a huge blower; it just wouldn't do to have the stage flooded with real water, not with electric cables lying around, or the thought of getting the audience wet.
"Hey! Are you listening to me," cried Aje. "That pipe is not broken, why are you fixing it instead of the hydrant?"
One of the men in overall stood up. Much to Aje's surprise, the guy stood tall in front of him. Real tall, and Aje found himself looking straight at the man's chest.
"Look here you scrawny little man. We've been working on this site more than 12hours now. Yeah, we see the hydrant. But its not broken...we simply opened it to give the people here a respite from the heat! You live around here?"
"Er...no" replied Aje as he was trying to control his fear. "Just visiting a friend".
"A visitor! You don't know what's going on and you want to act clever by showing us the obvious, is that it?"
The man continued even before Aje could reply "You see that pipe? Its been there more than 20years now and has accumulated lots of stress. See that cable? Well, we just put it there along with the beams below to arrest the stress..."
"What's this all about then? Think it will sell?" asked kerp to a blank looking Nazir.
"OK, next!"
Again the stage rotate slowly to intoduce another sketch.
The lights of entire theater was dimmed to the minimum and an eerie silence fell. After several moments of darkness, the entire theater revebrated to the sound of a song by M Nasir.
"Woi! Kau buat apa?" shouted a voice from the darkness on stage.
"Aku junjung langit! Kau siapa?" replied another.
"Aku? Aku lah langit! Yang kau junjung aku ni apahal, beb?"
"Aku wira bangsa..." before the 2nd voice could finish his reply, the first voice cuts in.
"Di mana bumi ku pijak...yada yada."
"Woi! Kau tahu tak aku ni yang kau junjung tu, dah nak roboh?"
"Ya! Aku tahu! Kerana itulah aku ada di sini...akan ku pertahankan bumi ini hingga ke titisan akhir."
"Alahai..."moaned the first voice, "wira idealis rupanya".
"Woi! Kau tahu tak engkau ini bak mencampak garam ke laut?"
"Apa pulak?"
"Woi! Aku ni dah rosak. Engkau tengok sekeliling aku...penuh dengan lubang lubang ozon. Engkau tidak terdaya menjunjung aku! Dah terlalu banyak kerosakkan berlaku pada aku disebabkan bangsa engkau sendiri!"
"Jadi...jadi apa haru aku lakukan?"
"Woooi! Engkau buang segala tunggul tunggul yang ada di tempat engkau dan gantikan dengan tiang-tiang yang kukuh. Dan engkau bisikkan kepada tiang tiang baru itu agar mereka ingat sikit pada Yang Maha Berkuasa!"
Nazir looked at Kerpie. But Kerpie was already beginning to doze off. "Next!" shouted Nazir.
"Huh? What happened? asked Kerpie, awaken by Nazir's loud voice.
"Nothing. That's why I called for the next sketch. You might like this one though."
This time, instead of the stage rotating, the curtains were dropped down and the theater was litted again. A small girl, about 5 or 6 years, stepped out from the curtain and made her way to Kerpie.
"Dey macha," but his eyes were still fixed on the girl "what gives?"
"Tengok saja lah" said Nazir.
Soon, the girl stood right in front of Kerpie and grinned to him, revealing 2 missing front teeth. In the background, Kerpie began to hear a music which sound peculiar. The girl curtsied to the 2 men, and began singing.
"All I want today is to oust Sarkas!
Oust Sarkas!
Oust Sarkas!
All I want today is to oust Sarkas!"...
"No! No! You fool! Its not The Day, its D Day!" cried another actor on the stage.
"The Day!" said the first actor again.
"No! No! How many times must I say it, it is D Day! D, as in Donkey!" again cried the 2nd actor as they rehearse for a play consisting of several small sketches. And while they were at it, 2 people sitting in front were busy talking.
"What's this to be?" asked kerpie, one of the 2 men.
"It says in the synopsis that the 2 are arguing about the proper pronunciation of the military term", replied Nazir.
"You mean as in Normandy? Man, that's like **** old, don't you think?"
"Kerpie, the date is not the issue here, but the message they are trying to get across".
"Oh! OK, I can buy that then. So, what's next?"
"Next!" Nazir shouted to the stage. "Its about a broken pipe or hydrant, I don't know."
The stage rotate slowly, bringing an end to one sketch while introducing another.
3 men in overalls looked busy working on a long pipe that stretches two-third of the stage, and another dressed casual walk towards them.
"What are you guys doing?" ask Aje in a high pitch voice. "That pipe is not broken! Its the hydrant there that needs fixing, not this pipe", and he points to a hydrant on stage where several children were playing around in a scene that is suppose to portray a very hot day in the city. But instead of water gushing out of the hydrant, the stagehands use confettis and a huge blower; it just wouldn't do to have the stage flooded with real water, not with electric cables lying around, or the thought of getting the audience wet.
"Hey! Are you listening to me," cried Aje. "That pipe is not broken, why are you fixing it instead of the hydrant?"
One of the men in overall stood up. Much to Aje's surprise, the guy stood tall in front of him. Real tall, and Aje found himself looking straight at the man's chest.
"Look here you scrawny little man. We've been working on this site more than 12hours now. Yeah, we see the hydrant. But its not broken...we simply opened it to give the people here a respite from the heat! You live around here?"
"Er...no" replied Aje as he was trying to control his fear. "Just visiting a friend".
"A visitor! You don't know what's going on and you want to act clever by showing us the obvious, is that it?"
The man continued even before Aje could reply "You see that pipe? Its been there more than 20years now and has accumulated lots of stress. See that cable? Well, we just put it there along with the beams below to arrest the stress..."
"What's this all about then? Think it will sell?" asked kerp to a blank looking Nazir.
"OK, next!"
Again the stage rotate slowly to intoduce another sketch.
The lights of entire theater was dimmed to the minimum and an eerie silence fell. After several moments of darkness, the entire theater revebrated to the sound of a song by M Nasir.
"Woi! Kau buat apa?" shouted a voice from the darkness on stage.
"Aku junjung langit! Kau siapa?" replied another.
"Aku? Aku lah langit! Yang kau junjung aku ni apahal, beb?"
"Aku wira bangsa..." before the 2nd voice could finish his reply, the first voice cuts in.
"Di mana bumi ku pijak...yada yada."
"Woi! Kau tahu tak aku ni yang kau junjung tu, dah nak roboh?"
"Ya! Aku tahu! Kerana itulah aku ada di sini...akan ku pertahankan bumi ini hingga ke titisan akhir."
"Alahai..."moaned the first voice, "wira idealis rupanya".
"Woi! Kau tahu tak engkau ini bak mencampak garam ke laut?"
"Apa pulak?"
"Woi! Aku ni dah rosak. Engkau tengok sekeliling aku...penuh dengan lubang lubang ozon. Engkau tidak terdaya menjunjung aku! Dah terlalu banyak kerosakkan berlaku pada aku disebabkan bangsa engkau sendiri!"
"Jadi...jadi apa haru aku lakukan?"
"Woooi! Engkau buang segala tunggul tunggul yang ada di tempat engkau dan gantikan dengan tiang-tiang yang kukuh. Dan engkau bisikkan kepada tiang tiang baru itu agar mereka ingat sikit pada Yang Maha Berkuasa!"
Nazir looked at Kerpie. But Kerpie was already beginning to doze off. "Next!" shouted Nazir.
"Huh? What happened? asked Kerpie, awaken by Nazir's loud voice.
"Nothing. That's why I called for the next sketch. You might like this one though."
This time, instead of the stage rotating, the curtains were dropped down and the theater was litted again. A small girl, about 5 or 6 years, stepped out from the curtain and made her way to Kerpie.
"Dey macha," but his eyes were still fixed on the girl "what gives?"
"Tengok saja lah" said Nazir.
Soon, the girl stood right in front of Kerpie and grinned to him, revealing 2 missing front teeth. In the background, Kerpie began to hear a music which sound peculiar. The girl curtsied to the 2 men, and began singing.
"All I want today is to oust Sarkas!
Oust Sarkas!
Oust Sarkas!
All I want today is to oust Sarkas!"...
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A Good Read
Been missing the past few issues of Harakah print due one reason or another. However, I did manage to get the latest issue date 8-11 Ramdhan (8-11 September), and as usual immersed myself into the English Section while leaving the rest to Emak. And I am so glad I did get to do so as I do love to read Fan Yew Teng and LanH.
Soon after reading ES, I tried clicking the English Section at Readscentral, but found that the address is now just another link to harakahdaily; the ES, seem to have been taken off for the moment...I hope. Kind of disappointed as I wanted to link or copy FYT's article to my Islamic and Interesting Reads, one of the blogs I have neglected since last March 8.
Anyway, I've scanned the article regarding Italy and Libay's past and put it up here, and in this entry here too. I know many of my friends do buy and read Harakah, but for those who does not, perhaps they may want to read this article which I find moving; just click on the text images to read. InsyAllah, soon after Aidil Fitri, I will continue updating IIR.
Soon after reading ES, I tried clicking the English Section at Readscentral, but found that the address is now just another link to harakahdaily; the ES, seem to have been taken off for the moment...I hope. Kind of disappointed as I wanted to link or copy FYT's article to my Islamic and Interesting Reads, one of the blogs I have neglected since last March 8.
Anyway, I've scanned the article regarding Italy and Libay's past and put it up here, and in this entry here too. I know many of my friends do buy and read Harakah, but for those who does not, perhaps they may want to read this article which I find moving; just click on the text images to read. InsyAllah, soon after Aidil Fitri, I will continue updating IIR.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Past Glory
Don't know how many people would remember an Australian artist cum entertainer back in the mid-1970's. Though his TV show did not last long on Malaysian airtime, I remember being glued to the set each time the show was aired, and was totally immersed - mesmerised - by the skills and artistry of this artist; by simply dabbing a wall with brushes and paints meant for buildings, he managed to produce amazing works of art. It does not matter then that our TV was still black-and-white, what mattered was that we were totally entertained and the artist's works had some influence on my eldest brother, Emi, who is more of a cultured and refined person than the writer of this blog. Oops! That's me, cakapaje!
Anyway, the artist I mentioned is Rolf Harris, had an influence on a work I completed for a client some 7 to 8 years ago. I was reminded of this several days back while rummaging through a box of my stuff, hoping to find some diamonds or gold bars which that Idris-former-MB of Ganu (several billion RM worh!) might have accidentally stashed, but instead found the below - a memorablia of the past which was influenced by Rolf Harris's style and works. Nothing much, mind you, just a T-shirt designed to be used as uniform for a small restaurant at Jejantas Air Keroh, on the North-South Espressway.
Now, the client's brief was simple enough as I per remember it, even now. All he wanted was to have a uniform to lay an impression on the highway users who stop over at his restaurant, and perhaps even the possibility of selling those uniforms, or giving them away as a memento of sorts. For that, he toyed with the idea of having a small map of sorts so users can identify and remember his restaurant well. "Hmm..."my mind went, "I would need a good graphic designer for this - not a text-book designer, but one who knows his artwork well". A point I have to emphasise here is that I was working on my own then (even now, what!).
Alhamdulillah, mentally shifting through the names of the designers, one name cropped up, a Freelance Art Director by the name of Mus. And so I approached him and he worked on the design based on the concept I gave him - and the concept is 'Rolf Harris', as I put it to him. And that's how the work below came to be.
Do pardon the blurred image, but...no excuses.
This is the logo we came out with for the T-Shirt, purposedly enlarged to catch the eye. Since the highway concessionaire's corporate colour is green, we used it well throughout our designs for the client. In this case, it marked the highway complete with the north-south arrows at each tip. At the same time, the colour resembles 'daun pandan', which is heavily used for in Malay cookings, delicacies and drinks.
The yellow circle on the left marks the small roundabout found at the Jejantas, and at the same time it resembles a 'mata kerbau' or sunshine-up egg, which translated means food, and hence, the restaurant.
Since the restaurant was then new, we needed to come out with catchy phrases as well. The 'GWAK!!?' stands for Gulai Wangi Air Keruh, as the full name is spelled out at the bottom of the T-Shirt. However, the 'Jejantas' was missing, something which the client insist on. Thus, I told Mus to use the inverted V - as in missing aplhabets or words - and inserted it in between the full name just below the abbreviation. It worked! The client was happy, and that made us happy too!
The T-Shirt uniform in full size.
The stripes on the right breast and sleeves was Mus's idea, one which I felt went well with the logo.
The greenery rear design which represents the landscape of the area.
Over time, the design became obsolete and the restaurant now uses the uniforms according to the highway authorities specifications. The work above, while exciting it was - any work which pleases a client normally is - has been thrown into the back of the mind, becoming just another portfolio in one's work; a past glory, if ever it can be said as such, that is easily forgotten like the passing of a breeze.
There is, however, another glory of the past, which we should not take lightly, nor forget easily.
A couple of days back, I received an email from a comment at my news blog, one which I have - for the moment...a very long moment - not bothered to update. The commentor, an Encik Edward Skading, had requested I bring his grievance to light. I went to his blog here, and read several of his postings - regarding a consumer product - and immediately know that there is precious little I can do to help; I am no longer, mind you, part of webtv8, not that I think they would be interested in this story too. Thus, via email I put the gentleman to a famous blogger, as well as to FOMCA. That, was last Friday. InsyAllah, by tomorrow, both may reply to Encik Skading.
Now, as I read through his blog and several comments made, it dawned upon me that Encik Skading is not a mere pensioner as he paints himself to be. My jaw dropped, and I was fully astonished to find out that Encik Edward Skading was a member of our Security Forces, and had served in Africa during the Congo War days! Part of his story - and the 7th Mechanised Rangers' history - can be read here.
To Encik Edward Skading (he does not know about this entry) and all the brave officers and men as well as women of our security force, I salute you. May Allah s.w.t. grant you hidayah and reward your unselfish contribution to the peace of this nation, and the places you served.
ps. A wishful thinking - can you make Malaysia a more peaceful and just nation by getting rid of the Sarkas?
psps. My prayers are as above. The music below, however, are for the entertainment of many an old soldier. Incidentally, it was also my kindergarten's anthem at Fatima Kindergarten, Kota Bharu, Kelantan: The Colonel Bogey March, or more famously known as the theme from Bridge Over River Kwai.
Anyway, the artist I mentioned is Rolf Harris, had an influence on a work I completed for a client some 7 to 8 years ago. I was reminded of this several days back while rummaging through a box of my stuff, hoping to find some diamonds or gold bars which that Idris-former-MB of Ganu (several billion RM worh!) might have accidentally stashed, but instead found the below - a memorablia of the past which was influenced by Rolf Harris's style and works. Nothing much, mind you, just a T-shirt designed to be used as uniform for a small restaurant at Jejantas Air Keroh, on the North-South Espressway.
Now, the client's brief was simple enough as I per remember it, even now. All he wanted was to have a uniform to lay an impression on the highway users who stop over at his restaurant, and perhaps even the possibility of selling those uniforms, or giving them away as a memento of sorts. For that, he toyed with the idea of having a small map of sorts so users can identify and remember his restaurant well. "Hmm..."my mind went, "I would need a good graphic designer for this - not a text-book designer, but one who knows his artwork well". A point I have to emphasise here is that I was working on my own then (even now, what!).
Alhamdulillah, mentally shifting through the names of the designers, one name cropped up, a Freelance Art Director by the name of Mus. And so I approached him and he worked on the design based on the concept I gave him - and the concept is 'Rolf Harris', as I put it to him. And that's how the work below came to be.
Do pardon the blurred image, but...no excuses.This is the logo we came out with for the T-Shirt, purposedly enlarged to catch the eye. Since the highway concessionaire's corporate colour is green, we used it well throughout our designs for the client. In this case, it marked the highway complete with the north-south arrows at each tip. At the same time, the colour resembles 'daun pandan', which is heavily used for in Malay cookings, delicacies and drinks.
The yellow circle on the left marks the small roundabout found at the Jejantas, and at the same time it resembles a 'mata kerbau' or sunshine-up egg, which translated means food, and hence, the restaurant.
Since the restaurant was then new, we needed to come out with catchy phrases as well. The 'GWAK!!?' stands for Gulai Wangi Air Keruh, as the full name is spelled out at the bottom of the T-Shirt. However, the 'Jejantas' was missing, something which the client insist on. Thus, I told Mus to use the inverted V - as in missing aplhabets or words - and inserted it in between the full name just below the abbreviation. It worked! The client was happy, and that made us happy too!
The T-Shirt uniform in full size.
The greenery rear design which represents the landscape of the area.Over time, the design became obsolete and the restaurant now uses the uniforms according to the highway authorities specifications. The work above, while exciting it was - any work which pleases a client normally is - has been thrown into the back of the mind, becoming just another portfolio in one's work; a past glory, if ever it can be said as such, that is easily forgotten like the passing of a breeze.
There is, however, another glory of the past, which we should not take lightly, nor forget easily.
A couple of days back, I received an email from a comment at my news blog, one which I have - for the moment...a very long moment - not bothered to update. The commentor, an Encik Edward Skading, had requested I bring his grievance to light. I went to his blog here, and read several of his postings - regarding a consumer product - and immediately know that there is precious little I can do to help; I am no longer, mind you, part of webtv8, not that I think they would be interested in this story too. Thus, via email I put the gentleman to a famous blogger, as well as to FOMCA. That, was last Friday. InsyAllah, by tomorrow, both may reply to Encik Skading.
Now, as I read through his blog and several comments made, it dawned upon me that Encik Skading is not a mere pensioner as he paints himself to be. My jaw dropped, and I was fully astonished to find out that Encik Edward Skading was a member of our Security Forces, and had served in Africa during the Congo War days! Part of his story - and the 7th Mechanised Rangers' history - can be read here.
To Encik Edward Skading (he does not know about this entry) and all the brave officers and men as well as women of our security force, I salute you. May Allah s.w.t. grant you hidayah and reward your unselfish contribution to the peace of this nation, and the places you served.
ps. A wishful thinking - can you make Malaysia a more peaceful and just nation by getting rid of the Sarkas?
psps. My prayers are as above. The music below, however, are for the entertainment of many an old soldier. Incidentally, it was also my kindergarten's anthem at Fatima Kindergarten, Kota Bharu, Kelantan: The Colonel Bogey March, or more famously known as the theme from Bridge Over River Kwai.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Cheapskate!
There's a Chinese epic movie coming to KL. Entitled 'Red Cliff', it is said to be based on history and an ancient Chinese book 'Romance of The 3 Kingdoms'. I'll spare the details for I too have forgotten quite a bit about the story, but there's a part of it which somehow was brought to mind.
A minor king on the south-eastern province of mainland China, unable to raise sufficient troops to defend his kingdom from 3 major warring factions, challenged an advisor to one of the faction to a public debate. The advisor, Zhuge Liang (if memory serves me right), took up the challenge and engaged the minor king in the debate. The minor king lost, and died in a fit of anger.
Watching the debate between Anwar and Shaberi just now, I would liken Shaberi to the minor king. Only thing, Shaberi did not die. But if he were, then surely it would be due to shame rather than anger.
In a debate which was meant for the good of the people, Shaberi used the opportunity to attack Anwar. Somehow, you really cannot trust these Sarkas people. In a public meet a decade ago which featured Mahathir and al-Marhum Dato' Fadzil, the former used it to attack PAS instead of talking on the issue of Palestine. So it seems, Shaberi - a former '46 member - learned how to use public forums to debase Anwar instead of debating on the topic. And learned it he must have, from a man he too once opposed.
At one point of time, it was Shaberi who was comparing Malaysia to Venezuela and Iran and so on. Soon after, he contradicts himself by not wanting to do the same. And later contradicts himself yet again on the thing. Shaberi, you must be one hell of a confused minister.
But the part that made me almost puked when he said "Believe me, palalah has never taken anything that is not due to him". In fact, I think I did puke.
Shaberi, you are nothing but bull, just as the rest of your brothers in the cabinet and Sarkas. All of you are nothing but clowns. Sad thing is, no one is laughing.
A minor king on the south-eastern province of mainland China, unable to raise sufficient troops to defend his kingdom from 3 major warring factions, challenged an advisor to one of the faction to a public debate. The advisor, Zhuge Liang (if memory serves me right), took up the challenge and engaged the minor king in the debate. The minor king lost, and died in a fit of anger.
Watching the debate between Anwar and Shaberi just now, I would liken Shaberi to the minor king. Only thing, Shaberi did not die. But if he were, then surely it would be due to shame rather than anger.
In a debate which was meant for the good of the people, Shaberi used the opportunity to attack Anwar. Somehow, you really cannot trust these Sarkas people. In a public meet a decade ago which featured Mahathir and al-Marhum Dato' Fadzil, the former used it to attack PAS instead of talking on the issue of Palestine. So it seems, Shaberi - a former '46 member - learned how to use public forums to debase Anwar instead of debating on the topic. And learned it he must have, from a man he too once opposed.
At one point of time, it was Shaberi who was comparing Malaysia to Venezuela and Iran and so on. Soon after, he contradicts himself by not wanting to do the same. And later contradicts himself yet again on the thing. Shaberi, you must be one hell of a confused minister.
But the part that made me almost puked when he said "Believe me, palalah has never taken anything that is not due to him". In fact, I think I did puke.
Shaberi, you are nothing but bull, just as the rest of your brothers in the cabinet and Sarkas. All of you are nothing but clowns. Sad thing is, no one is laughing.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
For Muha...My Brother
I am at 2 minds in writing this. But my 'lift' brother (adik angkat - though we have never met; boleh ye Muha), have requested I do this tag. The soft spot in me made me accept though it would mean revealing a past which I would rather not dwell. Still, to write or do the tag, I feel I must be honest, even if it means being ridiculed at. We each have our bad dreams come true, and I am no exception.
The tag's theme is "Age I wish To Go Back To".
Before I begin, I do have to excuse myself for not showing any photographs. Its not that I do not want to, but due to circumstances, its either I don't have any (for this tag purposes), or they are somewhere in this house, hidden under a pile of boxes which has not been opened for ages.
And so we begin...
Age I wish To Go Back To.
There are times in our life when we come to a major crossroad. For many of us, the choice between the 2 roads ahead were made knowing that such choice would reflect in our future, but never fully realising the consequence of such a choice until it reveals itself at a certain future point. For those blessed with religious guidance, the choice made seem to be crystal clear already. But for those who are not so lucky, the battle cry was 'que sera sera'.
Some many years back, I was asked to submit an application for a post in a small organisation. Since my small own small business was not exactly shining, I decided to give it a try. The job description did not seem too difficult to handle, and I have always wondered about working in such an environment.
There were only 2 candidates that came for the interview - a highly qualified and experienced man who brought a pile of papers as his testimony, and I, who had only a piece of paper outlining my qualifications and work experience.
As the man was interviewed in a cubicle with walls half made by glass panels, I sat outside watching but not thinking of anything. Though no words could be heard, I could see the man showing his papers as proof of his capability. I, by then, had given up any thoughts of being employed there as I could see the man was indeed a better choice. Soon after the man walked out of the room and I was called in.
I begged excuse for my single resume paper, and then began replying to the questions put forward. Another office bearer walked in and began barraging me with some questions which I was not prepared for. At the end of the interview, we shook hands and were told to wait at the lobby of the building.
It took the office bearer several hours to deliberate and when the news came, I was made totally speechless. Somehow, the office bearers chose me over the other guy. It was a decision I should have felt happy about, but I was not. Even then, I felt something was not quite right, but most of all, I felt a deep pain for the other guy as he was desperate for the job.
I will not touch on the office affair, but a year later I submitted a resignation letter which was turned down. By then, I knew my gut feelings after the interview had begun to manifest in some shady things which I was powerless to act. Still, I continued on for another year and then again resubmitted my resignation. This time I was adamant; though I have come to love the office for its possible contribution to the society, I had to leave. To stay on, would mean I have a vested interest in several irregular matters.
I cannot say I left with pride intact, but I can say my conscience is clear and that under circumstances then, I have tried my best.
Today, mainly because of some bureaucratic nonsense of a government body which the organisation is beholden to, the office is almost non-existent.
Now, looking back, if there is an age that I could go back to, then it would be the age when I accepted the job offer. For knowing now what I did not then, I would not have accepted it in the first place.
Muha, I hope this entry would suffice. My apologies if its not what you had hoped for. But I do have to thank you. Strangely in writing this, it helps to chase one skeleton out of the cupboard. Now....for the remaining 99. Oops! :)
ps. I will not tag anyone out of respects for any skeletons that may be hiding. But, do feel free to do it if one do so wish. Just kindly inform me so that I too can read it. Thanks :)
The tag's theme is "Age I wish To Go Back To".
Before I begin, I do have to excuse myself for not showing any photographs. Its not that I do not want to, but due to circumstances, its either I don't have any (for this tag purposes), or they are somewhere in this house, hidden under a pile of boxes which has not been opened for ages.
And so we begin...
Age I wish To Go Back To.
There are times in our life when we come to a major crossroad. For many of us, the choice between the 2 roads ahead were made knowing that such choice would reflect in our future, but never fully realising the consequence of such a choice until it reveals itself at a certain future point. For those blessed with religious guidance, the choice made seem to be crystal clear already. But for those who are not so lucky, the battle cry was 'que sera sera'.
Some many years back, I was asked to submit an application for a post in a small organisation. Since my small own small business was not exactly shining, I decided to give it a try. The job description did not seem too difficult to handle, and I have always wondered about working in such an environment.
There were only 2 candidates that came for the interview - a highly qualified and experienced man who brought a pile of papers as his testimony, and I, who had only a piece of paper outlining my qualifications and work experience.
As the man was interviewed in a cubicle with walls half made by glass panels, I sat outside watching but not thinking of anything. Though no words could be heard, I could see the man showing his papers as proof of his capability. I, by then, had given up any thoughts of being employed there as I could see the man was indeed a better choice. Soon after the man walked out of the room and I was called in.
I begged excuse for my single resume paper, and then began replying to the questions put forward. Another office bearer walked in and began barraging me with some questions which I was not prepared for. At the end of the interview, we shook hands and were told to wait at the lobby of the building.
It took the office bearer several hours to deliberate and when the news came, I was made totally speechless. Somehow, the office bearers chose me over the other guy. It was a decision I should have felt happy about, but I was not. Even then, I felt something was not quite right, but most of all, I felt a deep pain for the other guy as he was desperate for the job.
I will not touch on the office affair, but a year later I submitted a resignation letter which was turned down. By then, I knew my gut feelings after the interview had begun to manifest in some shady things which I was powerless to act. Still, I continued on for another year and then again resubmitted my resignation. This time I was adamant; though I have come to love the office for its possible contribution to the society, I had to leave. To stay on, would mean I have a vested interest in several irregular matters.
I cannot say I left with pride intact, but I can say my conscience is clear and that under circumstances then, I have tried my best.
Today, mainly because of some bureaucratic nonsense of a government body which the organisation is beholden to, the office is almost non-existent.
Now, looking back, if there is an age that I could go back to, then it would be the age when I accepted the job offer. For knowing now what I did not then, I would not have accepted it in the first place.
Muha, I hope this entry would suffice. My apologies if its not what you had hoped for. But I do have to thank you. Strangely in writing this, it helps to chase one skeleton out of the cupboard. Now....for the remaining 99. Oops! :)
ps. I will not tag anyone out of respects for any skeletons that may be hiding. But, do feel free to do it if one do so wish. Just kindly inform me so that I too can read it. Thanks :)
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Lest We Forget
Assalamu'alaikum warahmatullah hi wabarakatuh,
BismillahirRahmanirRahim,
Peace be upon the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.,
In all humbleness, I seek forgiveness from all my friends in the blogging world and as well to any visitors to my blog. I honestly do not think I have the right to write what my heart wants me to, but feel compelled to do so.
All praises to Allah s.w.t., for what was thought by many impossible to achieve, has been achieved. It has been a hard fought battle for all and though many are overjoyed, there are many who are wary of the victory, and yet many more who are feeling the strain of the battle. For those who feel the need to celebrate, please do so but within the constrains of Islam. But as you do so, please remember, this was only a battle and that there is still a war waging. And remember too, that this battle we won today was not fought over 4 long years previous to this day, or 9 since the 1999 General Elections; this victory achieved today was fought for since before Merdeka Day in August, 1957. This was foremost a victory to free the minds of Malaysians from the yoke of colonialism by not only the European powers who were here long ago, but also the colonialism of UMNO and their allies. And remember again please, this was just a step towards the removal of a hurdle, and that there many more - either in wait or thrown in - in the days to come; Do not be overzealous with this victory, nor in the pursuit of another.
For those elected - and as a reminder to myself and everyone - I put here words of Khalifah Abu Bakar (r.a.) soon after he was elected "I have been elected your Ameer, although I am not better than you. Help me if I am in the right; and set me right, if I am in the wrong".
At the same time, I put here an entry taken from Ustaz Zaharuddin (mohon izin Ustaz).
Wassalamu'alaikum warahmatullah hi wabarakatuh.
BismillahirRahmanirRahim,
Peace be upon the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.,
In all humbleness, I seek forgiveness from all my friends in the blogging world and as well to any visitors to my blog. I honestly do not think I have the right to write what my heart wants me to, but feel compelled to do so.
All praises to Allah s.w.t., for what was thought by many impossible to achieve, has been achieved. It has been a hard fought battle for all and though many are overjoyed, there are many who are wary of the victory, and yet many more who are feeling the strain of the battle. For those who feel the need to celebrate, please do so but within the constrains of Islam. But as you do so, please remember, this was only a battle and that there is still a war waging. And remember too, that this battle we won today was not fought over 4 long years previous to this day, or 9 since the 1999 General Elections; this victory achieved today was fought for since before Merdeka Day in August, 1957. This was foremost a victory to free the minds of Malaysians from the yoke of colonialism by not only the European powers who were here long ago, but also the colonialism of UMNO and their allies. And remember again please, this was just a step towards the removal of a hurdle, and that there many more - either in wait or thrown in - in the days to come; Do not be overzealous with this victory, nor in the pursuit of another.
For those elected - and as a reminder to myself and everyone - I put here words of Khalifah Abu Bakar (r.a.) soon after he was elected "I have been elected your Ameer, although I am not better than you. Help me if I am in the right; and set me right, if I am in the wrong".
At the same time, I put here an entry taken from Ustaz Zaharuddin (mohon izin Ustaz).
Wassalamu'alaikum warahmatullah hi wabarakatuh.
Tahniah Bagi Mereka Yang
Menang & Peringatan
Oleh
Zaharuddin Abd Rahman
Alhamdulillah, keputusan pilihanraya sudah keluar dan masing-masing sudah mengetahui keputusannya. Ada yang menang dan ada yang tewas. Banyak juga keputusan yang di luar dugaan.
Saya menulis tulisan ringkas ini sebagai nasihat kepada mereka yang menang, terutamanya yang BARU menang. Bagi mereka yang sudah lama menang dan menang lagi nasihat yang sama terpakai Cuma ia lebih kuat ditujukan kepada yang baru menang, kerana cabaran dalamannya mungkin lebih besar.
Allh swt telah mengingatkan kita berkenaan ujian yang diberikan datang dalam dua bentuk. Iaitu susah dan senang :-
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ وَنَبْلُوكُم بِالشَّرِّ وَالْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةً وَإِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ
Ertinya : Tiap-tiap yang berjiwa akan merasakan mati. Kami akan menguji kamu dengan keburukan dan kebaikan sebagai cobaan (yang sebenar-benarnya). Dan hanya kepada Kami lah kamu dikembalikan. ( Al-Anbiya : 35 )
Secara jelas Allah menyebut ujian dengan kebaikan. Maka kemenangan adalah satu bentuk ujian yang amat hebat malah lebih hebat dari yang kalah. Sebagaimana ujian kekayaan sentiasa mampu menjauhkan individu dari Allah dalam pelbagai bentuk.
Justeru, bagi mereka yang pertama kali mendapat kuasa pemerintahan di negeri-negeri tertentu. Cabaran ini pastinya besar. Cabaran membahagikan jawatan, gaji, kuasa penentu aliran kewangan dan pengaruh kerap akan ‘mencederakan' dalaman dan kekuatan perjuangan yang dilaungkan.
Jangan dan Jangan
Kerana itu, secara ringkasnya ingin saya menasihatkan semua yang baru mendapat kedudukan dengan nasihat ringaks berikut : -
"janganlah ada yang mendabik dada bahawa dialah sebab dan punca kemenangan kerana semuanya kemenangan anda datang dari Allah samada untuk menaikkan kedudukan seseorang di sisi Allah atau menjatuhkan kedudukan di sisiNya."
Firman Allah swt :-
فَأَمَّا الْإِنسَانُ إِذَا مَا ابْتَلَاهُ رَبُّهُ فَأَكْرَمَهُ وَنَعَّمَهُ فَيَقُولُ رَبِّي أَكْرَمَنِ وَأَمَّا إِذَا مَا ابْتَلَاهُ فَقَدَرَ عَلَيْهِ رِزْقَهُ فَيَقُولُ رَبِّي أَهَانَنِ
Ertinya : Adapun manusia apabila Tuhannya mengujinya lalu dimuliakan-Nya dan diberi-Nya kesenangan, maka dia berkata: ""Tuhanku telah memuliakanku' Adapun bila Tuhannya mengujinya lalu membatasi rezekinya maka dia berkata: ""Tuhanku menghinakanku ( Al-Fajr : 15-16)
"janganlah kerusi ‘leather' empuk yang baru diperoleh melupakan anda dengan perjuangan asal"
"jangan kerusi bertanda ADUN atau ahli parlimen, atau Menteri atau exco menyebabkan diri tertipu sehingga terjebak dalam penggunaan kuasa secara salah, perolehan harta secara salah"
"janganlah gelaran YB dan lain-lain gelaran baru menyebabkan anda bertukar sifat dan kelakuan dari peramah dan berjiwa masyarakat kepada berjiwa syaitan yang angkuh dan sombong"
"janganlah pejabat baru yang canggih dan cantik yang sebelum ini tidak pernah dimasuki menjadikan diri terlupa dengan amanah yang digalas di dunia dan akhirat.."
Ya Allah, sesungguhnya ujian sebegini amat besar dan mudah menggoda kecuali bagi mereka yang sentiasa beringat-ingat tentang akhiratnya.
Jawatankuasa Hisbah Pastikan Ketepatan
Dalam sistem ekonomi Islam, jawatankuasa hisbah perlu dilantik bagi memantau perkara ini dari berlaku dalam sesebuah kepimpinan. Setiap perbelanjaan ke luar Negara jangan berboros dan demikian juga perbelanjaan yang lain. Jangan ditiru ‘trend' penggunaan kuasa dan harta yang ada di keliling kita, kerana apa yang buruk tidak boleh sama sekali dijadikan contoh.
Rakyat di sekeliling pasti akan memantau tindak tanduk kerajaan pusat dan kerajaan-kerajaan negeri baru dengan mata terbuka dan minda jelas. Janji dan dasar perjuangan anti rasuah dan lain-lain akan ditagih.
Bagi kumpulan yang memperjuangkan Islam yang menang di negeri-negeri baru, Saya amat harap mereka serius dalam membersihkan akaun, pendapatan dan perbelanajaan kerajaan negeri dari riba. Gunakanlah khidmat perbankan Islam yang ada agar keberkatan bertambah walaupun masih terdapat perdebatan dalam beberap akonsep yang digunakan. Ia jauh lebih baik dari konvensional yang haram riba secara sepakat ulama sedunia.
Tugas Rakyat
Teruskan menegur dengan hemah setiap kesilapan yang dilakukan agar semua yang menang sentiasa berada di landasan yang betul. Sabda Nabi :-
إذا أَرَادَ الله بِالْأَمِيرِ خَيْرًا جَعَلَ له وَزِيرَ صِدْقٍ إن نَسِيَ ذَكَّرَهُ وَإِنْ ذَكَرَ أَعَانَهُ وإذا أَرَادَ الله بِهِ غير ذلك جَعَلَ له وَزِيرَ سُوءٍ إن نَسِيَ لم يُذَكِّرْهُ وَإِنْ ذَكَرَ لم يُعِنْهُ
Ertinya : "Apabila Allah inginkan bagi seseorang pemimpin itu kebaikan, akan dijadikan baginya menteri-menteri ( pegawai-pegawai) yang amanah, apabila pemimpin terlupa ia akan mengingatkan dan apabila pemimpin telah ingat, ia akan membantunya. Apabila Allah menginginkan kecelakaan bagi mereka, dijadikan baginya pemimpin yang jahat, apabila mereka lupa, tidak akan diingatkan dan di ketika mereka inagt, tidak akan dibantunya mereka (laksanakan tugas)" ( Riwayat Abu Daud, 3/131 ; Ibn Hibban ; Al-Bazzar , Al-Haithami : Perawi Bazzar sohih, Majma Az-Zawaid)
Sekadar itu dulu bagi nasihat awal buat semua yang menang.
Sekian
Zaharuddin Abd Rahman
9 Mac 08
9.25 pagi.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Malaysia's Count Gormaz.
Reading Cikgu's entry yesterday and then Doc TA's today, I was compelled to find the line in a movie which perhaps best epitomise the personality they were referring to. I could not recall it offhand as I've watched the movie only once, and that too a very long time ago.
The movie, entitled 'El Cid', is about a Spanish noble who became famous not only for his glorious deeds in battle under Muslim as well as Christian kings, but supposedly also for being a man of honour. Should anyone be interested to know about El Cid, there's a short write-up about him here.
The line in the scene which was etched in my memory is, alhamdulillah, made availble in the video clip below. Do give it a watch as it is only the first few seconds which matter. And please, do turn on the volume higher.
Count Gormaz: What do you want?
El Cid: You shamed my father! I want his name back. (inaudible)...I want it cleanse! So we can once more wear it proudly!
Count Gormaz: I cannot apologise! Its not that I do not want to...I do not know how to.
El Cid: People will only esteem you more if you do. Everyone will understand.
Count Gormaz: I have told you no...
I am unable to ascertain the historical accuracy of the scene nor of Count Gormaz, but if it is true, then the line which I have made bold, perhaps hits the spot for the personality mentioned by Cikgu and Doc TA.
History, does seem to repeat itself. Sadly.
The movie, entitled 'El Cid', is about a Spanish noble who became famous not only for his glorious deeds in battle under Muslim as well as Christian kings, but supposedly also for being a man of honour. Should anyone be interested to know about El Cid, there's a short write-up about him here.
The line in the scene which was etched in my memory is, alhamdulillah, made availble in the video clip below. Do give it a watch as it is only the first few seconds which matter. And please, do turn on the volume higher.
Count Gormaz: What do you want?
El Cid: You shamed my father! I want his name back. (inaudible)...I want it cleanse! So we can once more wear it proudly!
Count Gormaz: I cannot apologise! Its not that I do not want to...I do not know how to.
El Cid: People will only esteem you more if you do. Everyone will understand.
Count Gormaz: I have told you no...
I am unable to ascertain the historical accuracy of the scene nor of Count Gormaz, but if it is true, then the line which I have made bold, perhaps hits the spot for the personality mentioned by Cikgu and Doc TA.
History, does seem to repeat itself. Sadly.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)