'Dato' Hj Jamry ordered to vacate his office at JAIP within 24 hours!' screamed the RTM news headline barely 2 hours ago. I was shocked. Appalled, in fact.! Dato' Jamry is a very committed government officer. high on intregrity and commendable in duty.He is very accomadating . always humble and would bent over backwards to help the needy. I should know cos I had the priviledge to work with him in Perak Tengah for eight years.Thus the unexpected turn of events concerning the well respected administrator of Islamic affairs in the state of Perak came as a total surprise, to say the least.
There are many questions that beg to be answered. Why did the Mentri Besar deem it proper to issue a 24 hours notice( as reported widely by the local media) to an officer of the state without outlining the reasons behind such an unprecedented act towards a JAIP Director? Does the MB know what he is doing, or is he so blinded by his new found political power ? Are the people of Perak to understand that hitherto any state officer is subjected to rash decisions without been given any chance to defend oneself? I would like to ask.........what philosophy or theory of management is applied by the PR government in this matter ?And, more importantly, does he not know that he is responsible and answerable to H.R.H. The Sultan of Perak ?
Dato ' Jamry is a dedicated govt. officer. I believe he is welcomed wherever he is asked to serve.JAIP 's loss is some other department's gain. However, on the positive side, this episode that happened to him is a blessing in disguise for the rakyat in general. The shoddy treatment accorded to Dato' Jamry, without any doubt, has put on show the antics of the PR govt in Perak. It is hoped that this worrying trend would lift the veil that has blurred the visions of the voters in Perak and elsewhere.The people now know the terrible mistake that they have made when they voted in the PR candidates. Never mind , .........regret away, it is ok; next time vote wisely and place your trust in the accomplished hands of the Barisan Nasional.
Tuesday 29 April 2008
Monday 28 April 2008
BALKIS.........THE MUCH COVETED "MAIDEN "!
I followed with interest the reaction of the new Selangor government with regards to the dissolution of BALKIS by its members three days after the 12th General Election. I read with disbelieve the statement issued by the Selangor Mentri Besar's wife, Puan Sri Salbiah Tunut, that she should be BALKIS's President as she is the Menteri Besar's wife (Sunday Star 27 April 2008). She reportedly gave this statement to the press flanked by Pakatan Rakyat's women elected representatives.
Actually,as a woman I am embarrassed by all this Pakatan-led showboating.
Did it not occur to anyone that on the day BALKIS was dissolved, it was still under the jurisdiction of the former president, simply because the new Menteri Besar had not been sworn in yet? To my mind, those who failed to understand this simple fact inadvertently displayed a lack of comprehension on a very elementary logic.
I have had the honour to be associated with BALKIS's counterpart in Perak, namely BAIDURI, and I found that the members were honorable and trust worthy. I have been told that every time there was a trip involving the association, the members had to pay their own way if they wanted to participate. In fact, there were known to be cases of member wives who wanted to join in these trips but could not do so because of the high personal expenditures involved.
So Datin Seri Zaharah Kechik, cheer up. To my mind, you did nothing wrong. Your intentions were noble. You wanted to be sure that the funds were to be secured for proper use. You did the right thing ,so don't ever let anybody tell you otherwise!
To those who are too eager and too quick to point fingers at BALKIS, think twice before you embarrass yourselves. This in an NGO, so doesn't this validity issue fall under the purview of the ROS? Why all the silly hooha? Please be reminded, that the voters are watching!
Actually,as a woman I am embarrassed by all this Pakatan-led showboating.
Did it not occur to anyone that on the day BALKIS was dissolved, it was still under the jurisdiction of the former president, simply because the new Menteri Besar had not been sworn in yet? To my mind, those who failed to understand this simple fact inadvertently displayed a lack of comprehension on a very elementary logic.
I have had the honour to be associated with BALKIS's counterpart in Perak, namely BAIDURI, and I found that the members were honorable and trust worthy. I have been told that every time there was a trip involving the association, the members had to pay their own way if they wanted to participate. In fact, there were known to be cases of member wives who wanted to join in these trips but could not do so because of the high personal expenditures involved.
So Datin Seri Zaharah Kechik, cheer up. To my mind, you did nothing wrong. Your intentions were noble. You wanted to be sure that the funds were to be secured for proper use. You did the right thing ,so don't ever let anybody tell you otherwise!
To those who are too eager and too quick to point fingers at BALKIS, think twice before you embarrass yourselves. This in an NGO, so doesn't this validity issue fall under the purview of the ROS? Why all the silly hooha? Please be reminded, that the voters are watching!
Sunday 27 April 2008
THE KERIS..........THE KERIS !
Now what was Hishammuddin thinking?
I read the other day that our Dato Seri Hisham was very sorry for waving a symbolic kris at PWTC which raised a lot of comments from within & without. Apologise for drawing and kissing the keris at The UMNO Youth General Assembly last year?
I just want to ask him one simple question.
Did he unsheathe the keris to 'warn' the non-Malays that he was in a warrior-bloodshed mood and woe betide those who crossed his path? If so, apologise away. But if not, why apologise?
In my humble opinion Dato Seri Hisham, you did the unthinkable. You used the keris in vain! But wait...apologise properly to the Malays as well. The keris is historically a very sacred legacy. It depicts and has always depicted the determination and empowerment of the Malays in the face of challenges and any impending attack to the entire community.
Now, was Hishammudin and his 'community' under a real physical attack from some quarter? Were we in real mortal danger with real mortal consequences? If yes, say so. If not, why use the keris at the Assembly? Was that a publicity gimmick, and was it worth it?
One should never ever, use the keris as a symbol merely to suit one's own mood & agenda. The keris was not designed for any one person alone!
I read the other day that our Dato Seri Hisham was very sorry for waving a symbolic kris at PWTC which raised a lot of comments from within & without. Apologise for drawing and kissing the keris at The UMNO Youth General Assembly last year?
I just want to ask him one simple question.
Did he unsheathe the keris to 'warn' the non-Malays that he was in a warrior-bloodshed mood and woe betide those who crossed his path? If so, apologise away. But if not, why apologise?
In my humble opinion Dato Seri Hisham, you did the unthinkable. You used the keris in vain! But wait...apologise properly to the Malays as well. The keris is historically a very sacred legacy. It depicts and has always depicted the determination and empowerment of the Malays in the face of challenges and any impending attack to the entire community.
Now, was Hishammudin and his 'community' under a real physical attack from some quarter? Were we in real mortal danger with real mortal consequences? If yes, say so. If not, why use the keris at the Assembly? Was that a publicity gimmick, and was it worth it?
One should never ever, use the keris as a symbol merely to suit one's own mood & agenda. The keris was not designed for any one person alone!
Wednesday 23 April 2008
AL-FATIHAH
One of my best friends, Hamsiah, passed away peacefully on a wet Sunday night ,20th April 2008 .She was not only my political allay, but also my confidante , having served as my secretary ( Wanita UMNO ) for close to fourteen years. We had our share of tensed and anxious moments as well as joyous and fulfilling days.
She sacrificed enormously in the spirit of political affinity, and was always prepared to give her best in the name of duty and commitment to her country and community. Even when she was diagnosed with cancer, she continued to contribute her service best as she could for the party, besides taking care of her family single-handedly . Farewell Hamsiah . I miss you dearly and will always treasure the bond that we share. May Allah be with you always. Al Fatihah.
She sacrificed enormously in the spirit of political affinity, and was always prepared to give her best in the name of duty and commitment to her country and community. Even when she was diagnosed with cancer, she continued to contribute her service best as she could for the party, besides taking care of her family single-handedly . Farewell Hamsiah . I miss you dearly and will always treasure the bond that we share. May Allah be with you always. Al Fatihah.
Sunday 20 April 2008
OF ROTI CANAI AND NASI LEMAK.
Woke up this morning with a sudden craving for nasi lemak. Must have been the blog I read last night about someone eating nasi lemak bungkus at an R and R location somewhere along the north south highway.His nasi lemak sounded so convincingly delicious, that I just had to have nasi lemak for breakfast today! Talk about the influence of bloggers!!
After subuh prayer, I put on a casual baju kurung and persuaded my other half that a morning drive amidst kampung scenery and serene lifestyle would freshen the mind and soul .....and the therapy would only be completed with a plate of nasi lemak and kopi o .After all this was my home kampong, Kampong Gajah, and I had a whole three hours before my first community function .
There was this eating place I spotted the other week.So we started up the main road towards Telok Intan and turned into a mud track leadind to this wooden structure premise.From a distance I could see that the place was quite packed.We were about twenty meters from the entrance when I noticed the attention we were attracting. A set of no less than fifteen eyes were focussed on me, hubby and the car. It was very unsettling! One middle-aged guy even put down his morning paper just to join in the silent eye 'feast'. Hubby got the cue when I almost grabbed the steering wheel to make a Uturn back to the main road. Another people habit I was not confortable with. Why couldn't everybody just ignored us so we could eat our nasi lemak, pay the bill and took our departure unnoticed like they did in Kuala Lumpur! Ah well, that was the end of nasi lemak kampong. Hope the nasi lemak there was not that delicious after all..
Next stop was Telok Intan itself. We proceeded to this new Medan Selera on the outskirts of town. Good, there was
ample parking space..... too many infact, that hubby was spoilt for choice and went a full round of the parking lot before taking a space nearest to the entrance. So pleasantly unlike Kuala Lumpur..
We chose a stall selling roti canai. Hubby just loved roti canai and would unhesitatingly order roti canai for breakfast
on one condition ---- the roti canai must be direct from the kwali AND the roti canai maker must be handling the dough and doing nothing else! You see he had to be sure thet the roti canai maker did not touch his nose or clean tables while
waiting for the roti to be done. "The dough easily absorbed dirt and if their hands were dirty, the roti canai would be soo 'enriched' " he reasoned.
I had to have my nasi lemak. Firt stall did not get through my ISO standard. This particular stall had his sambal separated from the anchovies ! Didn't his mother teach him how to make the original sambal bilis! You mixed the bilis and the sambal in the kwali and not on the nasi lemak plate. My nasi lemak must be authentic. Nasi lemak cooked in coco-nut milk with onions and ginger and salt to taste. The sambal must be sambal ikan bilis cooked with blended dried chillies and not chilibok.Eggs must be hard- boiled , and slices of cucumber on the plate would neutralise the 'hotness' of the sambal. That's nasi lemak for you." Go make your own nasi lemak " my husband would say. And my children? " Mak, please, please open a nasi lemak stall
We can then enjoy our nasi lemak in peace," they said.
At last I found a stall that fulfilled my sambal bilis standard. I ordered the basic authentic nasi lemak plate and a cup of black coffee. I sat beside hubby, who was happily tucking in his second roti canai, waiting for my order to come. After about two minutes the waiter with the nasi lemak in one hand and kopi o in the other made his way to my table. He set the plate and cup of kopi o in front of me. That was when I had a full view of this grissly forty something man. His shirt , hanging loosely on his body, was wet and stained; his hair uncombed and everything about him was unkempt. Now how was I going to enjoy my nasi lemak ????
After subuh prayer, I put on a casual baju kurung and persuaded my other half that a morning drive amidst kampung scenery and serene lifestyle would freshen the mind and soul .....and the therapy would only be completed with a plate of nasi lemak and kopi o .After all this was my home kampong, Kampong Gajah, and I had a whole three hours before my first community function .
There was this eating place I spotted the other week.So we started up the main road towards Telok Intan and turned into a mud track leadind to this wooden structure premise.From a distance I could see that the place was quite packed.We were about twenty meters from the entrance when I noticed the attention we were attracting. A set of no less than fifteen eyes were focussed on me, hubby and the car. It was very unsettling! One middle-aged guy even put down his morning paper just to join in the silent eye 'feast'. Hubby got the cue when I almost grabbed the steering wheel to make a Uturn back to the main road. Another people habit I was not confortable with. Why couldn't everybody just ignored us so we could eat our nasi lemak, pay the bill and took our departure unnoticed like they did in Kuala Lumpur! Ah well, that was the end of nasi lemak kampong. Hope the nasi lemak there was not that delicious after all..
Next stop was Telok Intan itself. We proceeded to this new Medan Selera on the outskirts of town. Good, there was
ample parking space..... too many infact, that hubby was spoilt for choice and went a full round of the parking lot before taking a space nearest to the entrance. So pleasantly unlike Kuala Lumpur..
We chose a stall selling roti canai. Hubby just loved roti canai and would unhesitatingly order roti canai for breakfast
on one condition ---- the roti canai must be direct from the kwali AND the roti canai maker must be handling the dough and doing nothing else! You see he had to be sure thet the roti canai maker did not touch his nose or clean tables while
waiting for the roti to be done. "The dough easily absorbed dirt and if their hands were dirty, the roti canai would be soo 'enriched' " he reasoned.
I had to have my nasi lemak. Firt stall did not get through my ISO standard. This particular stall had his sambal separated from the anchovies ! Didn't his mother teach him how to make the original sambal bilis! You mixed the bilis and the sambal in the kwali and not on the nasi lemak plate. My nasi lemak must be authentic. Nasi lemak cooked in coco-nut milk with onions and ginger and salt to taste. The sambal must be sambal ikan bilis cooked with blended dried chillies and not chilibok.Eggs must be hard- boiled , and slices of cucumber on the plate would neutralise the 'hotness' of the sambal. That's nasi lemak for you." Go make your own nasi lemak " my husband would say. And my children? " Mak, please, please open a nasi lemak stall
We can then enjoy our nasi lemak in peace," they said.
At last I found a stall that fulfilled my sambal bilis standard. I ordered the basic authentic nasi lemak plate and a cup of black coffee. I sat beside hubby, who was happily tucking in his second roti canai, waiting for my order to come. After about two minutes the waiter with the nasi lemak in one hand and kopi o in the other made his way to my table. He set the plate and cup of kopi o in front of me. That was when I had a full view of this grissly forty something man. His shirt , hanging loosely on his body, was wet and stained; his hair uncombed and everything about him was unkempt. Now how was I going to enjoy my nasi lemak ????
Tuesday 15 April 2008
WHEN HE'S GOOD HE'S VERY, VERY GOOD; WHEN HE'S BAD HE'S ..............
Just came back from Ipoh last night. I was one of the priviledged grassroots to be invited to this very hyped meeting with our VIP officials. It was in every sense a no holds barred session .Very refreshing , yet not without its share of tense , 'sparks-fly' moments. Nothing serious though, just politics democrasy at its best. Everyone was given an oppurtunity to air his or her views.Some seized the honour of taking the floor and dancing to the music of the ever enthusiastic crowd; others shouted themselves hoarse to egg on the speakers with encores and catcalls, while a majority sat back taking in the morning's event with mixed feelings of awe and admiration.
To me it potrayed a total spectrum of emotions : pent- up anger, disillusionments, love and esprit de core, compassion and even unexpected outburst of sentiments best left untouched. I watched transfixed as each 'delegate' spoke with earnest and a degree of seriousness rarely seen before. Each proposal was carefully presented with every solution laced with pressure, emitting a sense of urgency as if the worries of Malaysia were the burden of this selected group of speakers who were now assembled in the moderately lighted room. But the surprise that awaited me was something out of the blue!
Normally dignified middle-aged leaders ,well groomed and exuding an aura of authority and sophistication were suddenly transformed into angry orators, quoting words so unpleasant that drew gasps of disapproval..... or was it approval from fellow 'grassroots'.I was totally taken aback. One well-dressed professional who was always respectful, mild-mannered and soft spoken suddenly reared his ugly head. He stood straight and defiant infront of the much conveted mike and bared his emotions throwing challenges and provoking the highly charged gallery.I have never seen this side of him before! Reminds me of a Communication 101 class I attended at Marshall U which, among others, dictated that every person had four 'characters' visible exclusively only at certain times and to certain people. Apparently what I was withnessing at that point in time was a side of him that emerged only very, very rarely. And what a sight !!!. This character was like a man possessed.... so adamant, so hostile and so not acceptable!!!.
Perak dialect, vocab and intonation, came to the fore. Words previously regarded as taboo flowed like a burst pipe on a stormy day. It was certainly a day of revelation. Angry young men displaying raw emotions and throwing caution to the winds, well adorned ladies poignantly taking in the scenario and at times tempting to pull some of these boisterous speakers by the ears ,and aged gentlemen trying to come to terms with this new breed of politicians, and lamententing the demise of well rehearsed opinions and polished manners. It was totally unbelievable! All pent up emotions broke loose, some well received, others unrelevant and uncalled for.
But at the end of the day, reasons prevailed. Admittedly, issues had to be tackled, personalities had to be cautioned, and actions had to be perceived to have been taken.
The officals who were treated to a show of diversed opinions and display of hitherto unexposed antics had an earful and an armful. The crowd dispersed with hope and expectation that this episode would pave the way to a storming of brains and the setting of new directions for the party; and that in the final analysis the party is supreme, that this sacred 'wadah perjuangan' should be preserved at all cost and that the light at the end of the tunnel is nigh!!!
To me it potrayed a total spectrum of emotions : pent- up anger, disillusionments, love and esprit de core, compassion and even unexpected outburst of sentiments best left untouched. I watched transfixed as each 'delegate' spoke with earnest and a degree of seriousness rarely seen before. Each proposal was carefully presented with every solution laced with pressure, emitting a sense of urgency as if the worries of Malaysia were the burden of this selected group of speakers who were now assembled in the moderately lighted room. But the surprise that awaited me was something out of the blue!
Normally dignified middle-aged leaders ,well groomed and exuding an aura of authority and sophistication were suddenly transformed into angry orators, quoting words so unpleasant that drew gasps of disapproval..... or was it approval from fellow 'grassroots'.I was totally taken aback. One well-dressed professional who was always respectful, mild-mannered and soft spoken suddenly reared his ugly head. He stood straight and defiant infront of the much conveted mike and bared his emotions throwing challenges and provoking the highly charged gallery.I have never seen this side of him before! Reminds me of a Communication 101 class I attended at Marshall U which, among others, dictated that every person had four 'characters' visible exclusively only at certain times and to certain people. Apparently what I was withnessing at that point in time was a side of him that emerged only very, very rarely. And what a sight !!!. This character was like a man possessed.... so adamant, so hostile and so not acceptable!!!.
Perak dialect, vocab and intonation, came to the fore. Words previously regarded as taboo flowed like a burst pipe on a stormy day. It was certainly a day of revelation. Angry young men displaying raw emotions and throwing caution to the winds, well adorned ladies poignantly taking in the scenario and at times tempting to pull some of these boisterous speakers by the ears ,and aged gentlemen trying to come to terms with this new breed of politicians, and lamententing the demise of well rehearsed opinions and polished manners. It was totally unbelievable! All pent up emotions broke loose, some well received, others unrelevant and uncalled for.
But at the end of the day, reasons prevailed. Admittedly, issues had to be tackled, personalities had to be cautioned, and actions had to be perceived to have been taken.
The officals who were treated to a show of diversed opinions and display of hitherto unexposed antics had an earful and an armful. The crowd dispersed with hope and expectation that this episode would pave the way to a storming of brains and the setting of new directions for the party; and that in the final analysis the party is supreme, that this sacred 'wadah perjuangan' should be preserved at all cost and that the light at the end of the tunnel is nigh!!!
Wednesday 9 April 2008
CELAKA AYAM
Matahari masih terbit di ufuk timur. Helang di pucuk angsana masih berwarna hitam.Cempaka putih masih harum semerbak. Namun suasana tanah air kita diliputi mega mendung yang muncul dengan tiba-tiba tanpa dijangka , jauh sekali diundang.
Nenek moyang pejuang bangsa menggadai nyawa di medan pembebasan ibu pertiwi, tanpa memikirkan kepentingan diri . Kini, di simpang mana perjalanan kita di lebuhraya perjuangan politik ini? Lupakah kita pada perjuangan bangsa ? Mana letaknya rasa kasih dan sayang kita pada wadah perjuangan?
Generasi yang kita warisi tidak berlepas begitu saja tanpa memupuk dan membimbing kita ke arah pemeliharaan maruah dan ketuanan bangsa. Dari bumi Dato' Sagor dan Dato' Maharajalela berbagai pesanan dan pembahasaan diturunkan. Cicit Dato' Sagor , Allahyarham Dato' Mohd. Abas meninggalkan kata -kata hikmah yang diwarisi daripada moyangnya. . . .
Jangan diikut CELAKA AYAM .........
Ada makanan dikais-kais
Hendak berlaki patuk anak
Helang terbang khabarkan diri
Rumah tuan diberak berak
Dibawa bersampan menyeberang sungai
Bertelor sebiji rioh sekampung.........
Oleh itu hubaya hubayalah............agar nasi tidak menjadi bubur!!!
Nenek moyang pejuang bangsa menggadai nyawa di medan pembebasan ibu pertiwi, tanpa memikirkan kepentingan diri . Kini, di simpang mana perjalanan kita di lebuhraya perjuangan politik ini? Lupakah kita pada perjuangan bangsa ? Mana letaknya rasa kasih dan sayang kita pada wadah perjuangan?
Generasi yang kita warisi tidak berlepas begitu saja tanpa memupuk dan membimbing kita ke arah pemeliharaan maruah dan ketuanan bangsa. Dari bumi Dato' Sagor dan Dato' Maharajalela berbagai pesanan dan pembahasaan diturunkan. Cicit Dato' Sagor , Allahyarham Dato' Mohd. Abas meninggalkan kata -kata hikmah yang diwarisi daripada moyangnya. . . .
Jangan diikut CELAKA AYAM .........
Ada makanan dikais-kais
Hendak berlaki patuk anak
Helang terbang khabarkan diri
Rumah tuan diberak berak
Dibawa bersampan menyeberang sungai
Bertelor sebiji rioh sekampung.........
Oleh itu hubaya hubayalah............agar nasi tidak menjadi bubur!!!
Tuesday 8 April 2008
FIRST BORN.........BIG AMBITIONS AND A BIG HEART
My favourite son, aka my only son, was a big baby when he was born one morning on the ninth day of April 1968. He was a big baby ,weighing 8lbs 2 ozs ( sounds very much like dough huh?) - can't help it , that was how we recorded our offspring's weight back then!
He is still my big boy .........with competitive yet easy-going nature ,and persuasive charm . And very caring - almost to a fault! HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY KIDDO and may Allah always be with you.
He is still my big boy .........with competitive yet easy-going nature ,and persuasive charm . And very caring - almost to a fault! HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY KIDDO and may Allah always be with you.
Monday 7 April 2008
HAJI ZABRI........SADLY MISSED
Haji Zabri was a fine man, a good friend and a very hospitable host. He passed away peacefully in the wee hours of 1st April 2008. We had been working together for a whole term when I was a member of the state government EXCO. I know I might not have been the best of bosses; but nevertheless we had a fantastic working relationship. He always took the brunts whenever problems cropped up with the constituents!
He was selfless, very frank and was well accepted by friends and political foes alike. I haven't been able to "sembang sembang" with him as much as I had wanted to ever since I left office, but we did remember to meet up once in a while.
Haji Zabri left two daughters to mourn his loss........ and a host of friends. SEMOGA ALLAH MENCUCURI RAHMAT KE ATAS ROHNYA. AL-FATIHAH.
He was selfless, very frank and was well accepted by friends and political foes alike. I haven't been able to "sembang sembang" with him as much as I had wanted to ever since I left office, but we did remember to meet up once in a while.
Haji Zabri left two daughters to mourn his loss........ and a host of friends. SEMOGA ALLAH MENCUCURI RAHMAT KE ATAS ROHNYA. AL-FATIHAH.
Sunday 6 April 2008
Ah women......when DO we get to be counted?
50 years of independence. 12 times of general elections. Half the country populated by women. And yet the status of women still leaves much to be desired. Examples abound as to how unjust we Malaysians are to women. Yes and I repeat Malaysians .........including women as well!
A case in point. Ever notice how kampong protocol treats the husbands of VIPs? At any public functions at constituency level, the wife of a wakil rakyat/VIP will be accorded a seating place beside her VIP or YB husband. As for husbands of VIPs or YBs, well,please find your own seat!
I would like to share here a very disillusioning incident that happened to me in 1995. I was then a newly elected Member of Parliament eagerly performing my duties and serving my constituents. I was invited to officiate a Family Day function. Family... ok? So I invited my husband to come along. I was full of excitement, this function being one of the first few functions that I would be officiating. As soon as my car reached the venue, I was prepared to be on my best everything, posture, modes of address, speech .....and the like. I opened the door and stepped out gracefully, adjust my sarong, straighten my baju kurung and put on my charming smile, ready for the task ahead, My husband meanwhile understandingly took his time and came out a good two minutes later. But surprise! surprise! ; the head of the reception committe with another person carring a tray whisked past me and headed straight to my husband. "Welcome YB' he greeted while picking a rosette from the tray and proceeded to pin it onto my bewildered husband's shirt. My embarrassed other half whispered something to him and pointed towards me. Our red-faced Mr.Male Chavenist mumbled something and make a Uturn towards me apologising profusely. Turned out he thought that the MP had to be a man! What maddenning logic!!!
Another time, another place. I was officiating a co-operative society AGM. I noticed that all the board members were men, so I thought I would chide them and suggest that they elect at least one or two women to the board ( me being a member of government administeration and all). The women applauded while the men in the audience smiled. Came refreshment time the topic of women board members cropped up again. I reiterated my stand. Then the Chairman of the board offered his opinion . " But..." he said " All the women are grandmas !" This from a man who was himself over the hill , so to speak. He must be sixty something and so were the rest of his committee. Hello! aren't all of you grandpas? The gall of these men!
How come it is all right for them to be committee members at a grandpa's age where as the same is not applicable to women?
And women, come to the fore and say your mind...PLEASE!
A case in point. Ever notice how kampong protocol treats the husbands of VIPs? At any public functions at constituency level, the wife of a wakil rakyat/VIP will be accorded a seating place beside her VIP or YB husband. As for husbands of VIPs or YBs, well,please find your own seat!
I would like to share here a very disillusioning incident that happened to me in 1995. I was then a newly elected Member of Parliament eagerly performing my duties and serving my constituents. I was invited to officiate a Family Day function. Family... ok? So I invited my husband to come along. I was full of excitement, this function being one of the first few functions that I would be officiating. As soon as my car reached the venue, I was prepared to be on my best everything, posture, modes of address, speech .....and the like. I opened the door and stepped out gracefully, adjust my sarong, straighten my baju kurung and put on my charming smile, ready for the task ahead, My husband meanwhile understandingly took his time and came out a good two minutes later. But surprise! surprise! ; the head of the reception committe with another person carring a tray whisked past me and headed straight to my husband. "Welcome YB' he greeted while picking a rosette from the tray and proceeded to pin it onto my bewildered husband's shirt. My embarrassed other half whispered something to him and pointed towards me. Our red-faced Mr.Male Chavenist mumbled something and make a Uturn towards me apologising profusely. Turned out he thought that the MP had to be a man! What maddenning logic!!!
Another time, another place. I was officiating a co-operative society AGM. I noticed that all the board members were men, so I thought I would chide them and suggest that they elect at least one or two women to the board ( me being a member of government administeration and all). The women applauded while the men in the audience smiled. Came refreshment time the topic of women board members cropped up again. I reiterated my stand. Then the Chairman of the board offered his opinion . " But..." he said " All the women are grandmas !" This from a man who was himself over the hill , so to speak. He must be sixty something and so were the rest of his committee. Hello! aren't all of you grandpas? The gall of these men!
How come it is all right for them to be committee members at a grandpa's age where as the same is not applicable to women?
And women, come to the fore and say your mind...PLEASE!
MY MIDDLE CHILD..........ALWAYS SOOO.....MANJA!
I remember that eventful afternoon of April 6 many years ago.Allah Almighty entrusted to me a beautiful baby girl with a fair "mango-sliced" complexion and dark wavy hair. You were, and still are, so beautiful, sensitive, warm and very manja. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MANJA , AND MAY ALLAH ALWAYS BE WITH YOU.!
Wednesday 2 April 2008
Sorry, for the gap guys ( had to leave for kampong)
Now fo find Eric's venue. why must they have two padangs? The smaller kids ' padang was about 3 minutes sprint away We managed to squeeze our way among the audience of mostly parents and wandering children , just when Eric's group was about to proceed to the starting point. Eric was in Class 1A, therefore their class would be the first to participate. Phew ! That was close!
My next assignment was to videotape "Eric in action" in his maiden sports participation. Fine, except I had no idea how to operate his Diddid's videocam! You see, Tok was supposed to capture him in action after undergoing a thorough course in videocam handling from Eric's mom.And conveniently, Tok had to feel dizzy at this all important time and left Opah to handle this very complicated task. Ah well, what to do , just try and leave everything to luck.
Me in action
I positioned myself like a pro (gaya mesti ada) and just press the red button, of course after flapping out what looked like it could be flapped. Good, the screen showed moving objects! Not so difficult huh? Except the images looked giant sizes! Then it occured to me that the cam was in zoom mode. The screen had only one image......Eric's head. There was no time for trial and error adjustment. The race was about to start. Eric was getting ready to run, and Opah was at a loss. Eric leaped from the starting line, Opah trained the camera ,like a pro of course, and pressed the red button. Done! Got the image....... a full screen of the back of Eric's head!
CONGRATS. Eric.You did very well and you looked so cute when you beamed with pride on getting the medallion. As for Opah......truly glad I was there with you.
My darling Eric and his medallion( picture courtesy of Fairuz)
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