Gud 2 read..
A man woke up early in order to pray the Fajrprayer in the masjid.He got dressed, made his aboloution and was onhis way to themasjid.On his way to the masjid, the man fell and hisclothes got dirty.He got up, brushed himself off, and headed home.At home, hechanged his clothes, made his aboloution, andwas, again, on hisway to the masjid.
On his way to the masjid, he fell again and at thesame spot! He,again, got up, brushed himself off and headedhome... At home he,once again,changed his clothes, made his aboloution and wason his way to the masjid.
On his way to the masjid, he met a man holding a lamp. He asked theman of his identity and the man replied "I saw youfall twice onyour way to the masjid, so I brought alamp so I can light yourway." The first man thanked him profusively and the two were ontheir way to the masjid.
Once at the masjid, the first man asked the manwith the lamp tocome in and pray Fajr with him. The second manrefused. The firstman asked him a couple more times and, again,the answer was thesame. The first man asked him why he did notwish to come in andpray.The man replied "I am Satan."The man was shocked at this reply.
Satan went onto explain, "I saw you on your way to the masjid and it was I whomade you fall. When you went home, cleaned yourself and went back onyour way to the masjid, Allah forgave all of your sins. I made youfall a second time,and even that did not encourage you to stay home,but rather,you went back on your way to the masjid.Becauseof that, Allahforgave all the sins of the people of yourhousehold. I was afraid if i made you fall one more time, then Allah will forgive the sins of the people of your village, so i made sure that you reached themasjid safely."So do not let Satan benefit from his actions.Do not put off a good that you intended to do asyou never know how much reward you might receive from the hardships you encounter while trying to achieve that good.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Shed Pele - Malay Mail
Regality of politics
By Rashid Yusof
February 16, 2009
Categories: Opinion Beguiling isn’t it, that the Istana has been recurring throughout our political history without hardly ever uttering a political comment. Going forward, the monarchy shall feature in our centennial year of 2057, chosen here as a signpost to signify longevity and to try and anticipate the tone of future politics. As for the rest, from the substance of mainstream politics to the influence wielded by the Dewan Negara and mainstream media, among others, their place in the centennial year is open to interpretation, hard work, and strategy. In more recent times, the royal reckoning in our breathless politics can be traced to Nov 10, 2007 with the Bersih March to Istana Negara starring leaders of what is now Pakatan Rakyat. Even as the palace gates were either by convenience (of politicians) or convergence of issues transformed into picturesque focal points, the monarchy on its own has been stoic in witnessing (and presiding over) the ebb-and-flow of political conduct since 1946. The political scenario then featured the old aristocrats, educators, traders, linguists, writers and the Left. This era had two crescendos. The aggravations of 1959 when Dr Lim Chong Eu (now Tun) quit the MCA presidency was one – a period being analysed intimately by a former Cabinet Minister. His book, when it appears, shall infuse important arguments into national discourse. The second peak of this period was May 13, the only occasion when the military had to intervene. That our soldiers have not been sighted on the streets since is testimony to our first-class political behaviour by big picture standards. Fast forward. Lawyers, who seemed to flock as a political force during the (Tun) Dr Mahathir Mohamad era, have since had to share prominence in shaping public opinion with a posse of economists, financial experts and journalists who have turned to blogging with aplomb. The realm of politics badly needs politicians to produce more clincher arguments to restore balances. Educators and language activists, sensing their causes are somewhat sidelined in this political era, may still make their way belatedly to the mainstream by briefing columnists and editors, and by writing with panache in the tradition of my-now favourite political commentator Dollah Kok Lanas (Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad). The mainstream political theatre is designed by the electorate, which, in turn, is the target of endless spinning, of glib, outright lies and of a smattering of facts. The relentless politics since 1946 has in some ways buttressed national political sense, muscle and resilience. Surely, it is a credit to us that this nation is now able to juggle strident political machinations, by-elections, party polls and economic strains all at once. Still some tweaking shall be necessary for the Bukit Gantang by-election so that we could have some sleep and be productive. Bukit Gantang is about sending another policy hawk, effective communicator-thinker, media-friendly and savvy networker politician to Parliament. The centennial year is not too far off. Hopefully by then, the media in whatever form will not have to be preoccupied with parliamentary heckling. Political subterfuges have been played over many theatres. Delegations were dispatched to and summoned by the Istana, which last “spoke” in Perak, deftly avoiding a political fracas during economic turmoil. Having heard eloquent speeches on development politics, political Islam, tales of political devotion to the rakyat at ground level, the political theatre of Bukit Gantang should conversely be shifted to national television. The political oratory of (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim is admired, but should the rakyat not judge the competencies of actual candidates? Put them on television for a series of debate and save us the bile of a negative campaign. Panglima Bukit Gantang was a towering lawyer-politician from a different era. In his honour, let us hear the candidates speak while all others could devote more hours to saving jobs, Pakatan leaders included. They do happen to govern four States. We should congratulate ourselves for not being overly acrimonious despite the doses of “kamikaze” politics, laced with general recklessness and absolute “kiasu”-ness. It is a great asset that the Malay Rulers pack hundreds of years of political knowledge. This has turned them into the most astute political observers. They grant audience to their Menteris Besar every week. They speak at the openings of the Dewan Rakyat and Legislative Assembly sessions. The Perak Ruler is additionally a foremost legal mind. Is it naïve to expect political persuasions that engineer surreptitious opposition against the Istana to reflect, with the benefit of history, the oncoming political chapters?
● As a journalist in the 1980s and 1990s, Rashid Yusof (che.rashid@gmail.com) on occasion, camped outside the palace gates in Kuala Lumpur and various other States witnessing political events unfold.
By Rashid Yusof
February 16, 2009
Categories: Opinion Beguiling isn’t it, that the Istana has been recurring throughout our political history without hardly ever uttering a political comment. Going forward, the monarchy shall feature in our centennial year of 2057, chosen here as a signpost to signify longevity and to try and anticipate the tone of future politics. As for the rest, from the substance of mainstream politics to the influence wielded by the Dewan Negara and mainstream media, among others, their place in the centennial year is open to interpretation, hard work, and strategy. In more recent times, the royal reckoning in our breathless politics can be traced to Nov 10, 2007 with the Bersih March to Istana Negara starring leaders of what is now Pakatan Rakyat. Even as the palace gates were either by convenience (of politicians) or convergence of issues transformed into picturesque focal points, the monarchy on its own has been stoic in witnessing (and presiding over) the ebb-and-flow of political conduct since 1946. The political scenario then featured the old aristocrats, educators, traders, linguists, writers and the Left. This era had two crescendos. The aggravations of 1959 when Dr Lim Chong Eu (now Tun) quit the MCA presidency was one – a period being analysed intimately by a former Cabinet Minister. His book, when it appears, shall infuse important arguments into national discourse. The second peak of this period was May 13, the only occasion when the military had to intervene. That our soldiers have not been sighted on the streets since is testimony to our first-class political behaviour by big picture standards. Fast forward. Lawyers, who seemed to flock as a political force during the (Tun) Dr Mahathir Mohamad era, have since had to share prominence in shaping public opinion with a posse of economists, financial experts and journalists who have turned to blogging with aplomb. The realm of politics badly needs politicians to produce more clincher arguments to restore balances. Educators and language activists, sensing their causes are somewhat sidelined in this political era, may still make their way belatedly to the mainstream by briefing columnists and editors, and by writing with panache in the tradition of my-now favourite political commentator Dollah Kok Lanas (Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad). The mainstream political theatre is designed by the electorate, which, in turn, is the target of endless spinning, of glib, outright lies and of a smattering of facts. The relentless politics since 1946 has in some ways buttressed national political sense, muscle and resilience. Surely, it is a credit to us that this nation is now able to juggle strident political machinations, by-elections, party polls and economic strains all at once. Still some tweaking shall be necessary for the Bukit Gantang by-election so that we could have some sleep and be productive. Bukit Gantang is about sending another policy hawk, effective communicator-thinker, media-friendly and savvy networker politician to Parliament. The centennial year is not too far off. Hopefully by then, the media in whatever form will not have to be preoccupied with parliamentary heckling. Political subterfuges have been played over many theatres. Delegations were dispatched to and summoned by the Istana, which last “spoke” in Perak, deftly avoiding a political fracas during economic turmoil. Having heard eloquent speeches on development politics, political Islam, tales of political devotion to the rakyat at ground level, the political theatre of Bukit Gantang should conversely be shifted to national television. The political oratory of (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim is admired, but should the rakyat not judge the competencies of actual candidates? Put them on television for a series of debate and save us the bile of a negative campaign. Panglima Bukit Gantang was a towering lawyer-politician from a different era. In his honour, let us hear the candidates speak while all others could devote more hours to saving jobs, Pakatan leaders included. They do happen to govern four States. We should congratulate ourselves for not being overly acrimonious despite the doses of “kamikaze” politics, laced with general recklessness and absolute “kiasu”-ness. It is a great asset that the Malay Rulers pack hundreds of years of political knowledge. This has turned them into the most astute political observers. They grant audience to their Menteris Besar every week. They speak at the openings of the Dewan Rakyat and Legislative Assembly sessions. The Perak Ruler is additionally a foremost legal mind. Is it naïve to expect political persuasions that engineer surreptitious opposition against the Istana to reflect, with the benefit of history, the oncoming political chapters?
● As a journalist in the 1980s and 1990s, Rashid Yusof (che.rashid@gmail.com) on occasion, camped outside the palace gates in Kuala Lumpur and various other States witnessing political events unfold.
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Malay Mail .. Shed Pele
Of mood, agility and impulses
By Rashid Yusof
February 09, 2009
Categories: Opinion
For some time now, a 24-hour relentless news and opinion-peddling culture has made politics appear more animated and irritable than it actually is.
The ceaseless news-commentary cycle coupled with shifting moods must have taken its toll on our collective political mind. Consider the need to be unfailingly agile negotiating political mood despite the hours. How about sleep, peace of mind and attendant objectivity?
After another 95 minutes of EPL action, a friend emailed, seeking views on politics rather provocatively. Elsewhere, agitated commentators have been jumping out of bed or seem to simply materialise, swarming a new blog post at surprising hours. Don’t they ever sleep?
The appearance of a two-party system induced by the March 2008 elections has, meanwhile, created two neat columns of "for" and "against". Notice how rapidly opinion was sorted out in the Perak episode.
One may have been admiring the erudite personalities making up the monarchy but when a decision falls in the "for" or "against" column, the admiration is inexplicably thrown into some doubt when the circumstances have actually been altered.
Will the two-party system remain? There are those who suggest the top-most Pakatan leader is irreplaceable or that it is (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim, more than anybody and anything else, who has glued the disparate parties together. We should not underestimate the availability of talents in our midst either.
Our two-party system could be as lasting as the American one or turn out to be more complicated as Israeli politics has demonstrated. We grew up reading about Labour (doves) and Likud (hawks) sharing the 120-seat Knesset. There are more parties now; everyone, it appears, is for bombing the Palestinians. "The doves have died," proclaimed a BBC reporter.
Should the two-party system survive the next elections, chances are everyone will be wiser because this is a road we have traversed. Still, mood, impulses and prejudices shall figure.
On the contrary, if a single coalition regains the dominance, they are unlikely to repeat past mistakes. Incorrigible optimist?
In either case, those "for" and "against" persuasions should not be terribly predictable and confrontational. Which is why a big concern is the worn-out crowd – those who suggest they are exiting politics, citing its conduct as a put-off. We are too young a nation with too many young impressionable voters. We cannot afford the luxury of losing the brains, the talents, because of disillusionment with politics; we need them to enrich discourse.
Still on mood-shift and agility, I didn’t like the shrill-tone of my email-reply on Sunday morning, accusing those who don’t care about politics as "cowards". That, despite a Liverpool win. They, the disillusioned must have their justifiable reasons.
Yes, the conduct of politics can be tiresome but these are sideshows; sometimes they are inevitable. The outcome of the Perak State elections in March 2008 was inconclusive, thus making sure ensuing politics was always going to be fluid.
Pakatan Rakyat, much to its credit, was able to put together a workable government but like a great many new coalitions throughout the world, it crumbled. The Ruler has since turned to the other party, the one led by Umno which could have in fact tried to cobble together a minority government in the days after the March elections.
A surplus of opinion has visited us since. A friend said she "is at a loss as to who is right". The issues are perhaps more intractable than we are prepared to acknowledge. For instance, when Anwar promoted the idea of mass party-hopping to facilitate Sept 16, some activists and intellectuals were muted, only to tear into the manner the BN government of Perak was instituted. This is baffling.
As I was conceiving this lengthy note, the blog owner of Mana-Mana called. He argued that in opposing the ruling by the Istana, Pakatan should know that its dealings with the Istana have not ceased. Win the next general election and it will have to return to the Istana to be sworn in.
Better manage impulses and prejudices? Try making a political argument when we are properly awake, physically fit, objective and cheerful.
● Rashid Yusof (che.rashid@gmail.com) apologises should the tone of this column come across as preachy. The intention is to be upbeat and hopeful.
By Rashid Yusof
February 09, 2009
Categories: Opinion
For some time now, a 24-hour relentless news and opinion-peddling culture has made politics appear more animated and irritable than it actually is.
The ceaseless news-commentary cycle coupled with shifting moods must have taken its toll on our collective political mind. Consider the need to be unfailingly agile negotiating political mood despite the hours. How about sleep, peace of mind and attendant objectivity?
After another 95 minutes of EPL action, a friend emailed, seeking views on politics rather provocatively. Elsewhere, agitated commentators have been jumping out of bed or seem to simply materialise, swarming a new blog post at surprising hours. Don’t they ever sleep?
The appearance of a two-party system induced by the March 2008 elections has, meanwhile, created two neat columns of "for" and "against". Notice how rapidly opinion was sorted out in the Perak episode.
One may have been admiring the erudite personalities making up the monarchy but when a decision falls in the "for" or "against" column, the admiration is inexplicably thrown into some doubt when the circumstances have actually been altered.
Will the two-party system remain? There are those who suggest the top-most Pakatan leader is irreplaceable or that it is (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim, more than anybody and anything else, who has glued the disparate parties together. We should not underestimate the availability of talents in our midst either.
Our two-party system could be as lasting as the American one or turn out to be more complicated as Israeli politics has demonstrated. We grew up reading about Labour (doves) and Likud (hawks) sharing the 120-seat Knesset. There are more parties now; everyone, it appears, is for bombing the Palestinians. "The doves have died," proclaimed a BBC reporter.
Should the two-party system survive the next elections, chances are everyone will be wiser because this is a road we have traversed. Still, mood, impulses and prejudices shall figure.
On the contrary, if a single coalition regains the dominance, they are unlikely to repeat past mistakes. Incorrigible optimist?
In either case, those "for" and "against" persuasions should not be terribly predictable and confrontational. Which is why a big concern is the worn-out crowd – those who suggest they are exiting politics, citing its conduct as a put-off. We are too young a nation with too many young impressionable voters. We cannot afford the luxury of losing the brains, the talents, because of disillusionment with politics; we need them to enrich discourse.
Still on mood-shift and agility, I didn’t like the shrill-tone of my email-reply on Sunday morning, accusing those who don’t care about politics as "cowards". That, despite a Liverpool win. They, the disillusioned must have their justifiable reasons.
Yes, the conduct of politics can be tiresome but these are sideshows; sometimes they are inevitable. The outcome of the Perak State elections in March 2008 was inconclusive, thus making sure ensuing politics was always going to be fluid.
Pakatan Rakyat, much to its credit, was able to put together a workable government but like a great many new coalitions throughout the world, it crumbled. The Ruler has since turned to the other party, the one led by Umno which could have in fact tried to cobble together a minority government in the days after the March elections.
A surplus of opinion has visited us since. A friend said she "is at a loss as to who is right". The issues are perhaps more intractable than we are prepared to acknowledge. For instance, when Anwar promoted the idea of mass party-hopping to facilitate Sept 16, some activists and intellectuals were muted, only to tear into the manner the BN government of Perak was instituted. This is baffling.
As I was conceiving this lengthy note, the blog owner of Mana-Mana called. He argued that in opposing the ruling by the Istana, Pakatan should know that its dealings with the Istana have not ceased. Win the next general election and it will have to return to the Istana to be sworn in.
Better manage impulses and prejudices? Try making a political argument when we are properly awake, physically fit, objective and cheerful.
● Rashid Yusof (che.rashid@gmail.com) apologises should the tone of this column come across as preachy. The intention is to be upbeat and hopeful.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Tulisan Shed Pele dlm Malay Mail 02.02.2009
Politics shall redeem itself
By Rashid Yusof February 02, 2009 Categories: Opinion
The languid tale of kisah rakyat, or philosophies of the common man, often found in this space shall resume some other time. Politics unleashed last month the nearcapacity of its noise-potential by way of a by-election, a defection, hints of tit-for-tat and the impact of a crackdown on alleged vote-buying.
The atmosphere, as a result, is rather pregnant with politics. For starters, politics was a by-theway stuff when I met Pak Mad who turns 85 in November. I have borrowed heavily from the repertoire of his Penang-speak for the pleasures it gives. An example is duit keluaq kut telinga (‘money oozing out of one’s ears’ – connotating successful business). The stunning simplicity of his ideals and ways – including his passions for travel, food and music – is celebrated by his narrative style of chronicling passages of history backed by his remarkable IT qualities. He is an iconic figure.
When the good Tan Sri (newly minted) graciously turned up the other day at my usual kedai makan after his morning walk, a laughterfilled chat proceeded.
Politics was however far from being casual in subsequent conversations I had had during a whirlwind visit of Kelantan and Terengganu last week.
The Masjid Kristal in Kuala Terengganu, a family in Kota Baru told me, erupted as an issue largely because Muslims are barred from praying there! Most curious, I said, and duly promised to check. At the said mosque a day later, a big crowd converged under the blistering sun marking the definitive monsoon end.
An out-of-town family rolled out the picnic paraphernalia – the whole works. I sauntered into the mosque and prayed. Many others did likewise. No restrictions, nothing.
Muslims are not supposed to boast about their religious duties but I am making a point here as we remain hopeful that the distressing schism triggered by so-routine a matter like electing wakil rakyat and forming government, does not rob us of our head, or terrorise whole populations, and sensibilities.
Should Umno add “Islam” to its name to equalise this cherished, shared pursuit of religious enhancements, I asked a retired educator, at another household in KB, hinting of exasperation at the tone of Malay political divide of decades.
That would not make Umno as Islamic as Pas is, he reasoned. Why so? Because, came the reply, Umno will curb the rise of the ulama in its ranks!
Of a more immediate concern is the question of will politics interfere with the job of managing the economy during a world-scale crisis?
Pakatan Rakyat, despite its Bota “conquest”, shall be restrained about mounting another attempt to usurp power via mass defections of MPs.
Common sense dictates that the Pakatan dreads threading into an economic minefield as the government, one that has to produce instant results.
If the economy slips into a meltdown under Pakatan’s watch, Umno- BN shall secure a landslide victory come 2013, an election that shall also feature six to seven million young voters. This 20-something constituency has a political mind filled with ideals of democracy and of justice, justifiably so. They have been apportioning blame for what they perceive to be transgressions of these virtues. What they distinctly lack is memory of party-hopping of elected representatives. The episode of early-1994 when Parti Bersatu Sabah Adun (State assemblymen) joined BN parties is too distant for them to chew. That makes Bota a powerful landmark as it came at a time of apparently greater civil liberties.
Pakatan may have entered their consciousness as the first offender of a democratic principle, of failure to accord the vote the utmost respect. Sept 16 was not a transgression because there was no actual defection.
Umno-Barisan, on the other hand, allowed Pas to carry on in Kelantan from 2004 to 2008 despite its razorthin edge in the Legislative Assembly, as was the case in pre-Bota Perak.
Politics tends to keep redeeming itself by reverting to the good causes. After a brawl, what? Bring on the good stuff. One ready platform is energising the Senate (Dewan Negara) to match the new-vigour of the Dewan Rakyat. The ruling coalition will earn plaudits for appointing Senators outside the realm of party politics.
The point – generate tangible ideas to draw more into the actual political process, or risk being overwhelmed by the din, derision and fatigue.
● Former journalist on sabbatical Rashid Yusof, in the explicit spirit of full-disclosure, wishes to declare that he is an Umno sympathiser who now serves as a Public Relations person for Rembau MP, Khairy Jamaluddin.
By Rashid Yusof February 02, 2009 Categories: Opinion
The languid tale of kisah rakyat, or philosophies of the common man, often found in this space shall resume some other time. Politics unleashed last month the nearcapacity of its noise-potential by way of a by-election, a defection, hints of tit-for-tat and the impact of a crackdown on alleged vote-buying.
The atmosphere, as a result, is rather pregnant with politics. For starters, politics was a by-theway stuff when I met Pak Mad who turns 85 in November. I have borrowed heavily from the repertoire of his Penang-speak for the pleasures it gives. An example is duit keluaq kut telinga (‘money oozing out of one’s ears’ – connotating successful business). The stunning simplicity of his ideals and ways – including his passions for travel, food and music – is celebrated by his narrative style of chronicling passages of history backed by his remarkable IT qualities. He is an iconic figure.
When the good Tan Sri (newly minted) graciously turned up the other day at my usual kedai makan after his morning walk, a laughterfilled chat proceeded.
Politics was however far from being casual in subsequent conversations I had had during a whirlwind visit of Kelantan and Terengganu last week.
The Masjid Kristal in Kuala Terengganu, a family in Kota Baru told me, erupted as an issue largely because Muslims are barred from praying there! Most curious, I said, and duly promised to check. At the said mosque a day later, a big crowd converged under the blistering sun marking the definitive monsoon end.
An out-of-town family rolled out the picnic paraphernalia – the whole works. I sauntered into the mosque and prayed. Many others did likewise. No restrictions, nothing.
Muslims are not supposed to boast about their religious duties but I am making a point here as we remain hopeful that the distressing schism triggered by so-routine a matter like electing wakil rakyat and forming government, does not rob us of our head, or terrorise whole populations, and sensibilities.
Should Umno add “Islam” to its name to equalise this cherished, shared pursuit of religious enhancements, I asked a retired educator, at another household in KB, hinting of exasperation at the tone of Malay political divide of decades.
That would not make Umno as Islamic as Pas is, he reasoned. Why so? Because, came the reply, Umno will curb the rise of the ulama in its ranks!
Of a more immediate concern is the question of will politics interfere with the job of managing the economy during a world-scale crisis?
Pakatan Rakyat, despite its Bota “conquest”, shall be restrained about mounting another attempt to usurp power via mass defections of MPs.
Common sense dictates that the Pakatan dreads threading into an economic minefield as the government, one that has to produce instant results.
If the economy slips into a meltdown under Pakatan’s watch, Umno- BN shall secure a landslide victory come 2013, an election that shall also feature six to seven million young voters. This 20-something constituency has a political mind filled with ideals of democracy and of justice, justifiably so. They have been apportioning blame for what they perceive to be transgressions of these virtues. What they distinctly lack is memory of party-hopping of elected representatives. The episode of early-1994 when Parti Bersatu Sabah Adun (State assemblymen) joined BN parties is too distant for them to chew. That makes Bota a powerful landmark as it came at a time of apparently greater civil liberties.
Pakatan may have entered their consciousness as the first offender of a democratic principle, of failure to accord the vote the utmost respect. Sept 16 was not a transgression because there was no actual defection.
Umno-Barisan, on the other hand, allowed Pas to carry on in Kelantan from 2004 to 2008 despite its razorthin edge in the Legislative Assembly, as was the case in pre-Bota Perak.
Politics tends to keep redeeming itself by reverting to the good causes. After a brawl, what? Bring on the good stuff. One ready platform is energising the Senate (Dewan Negara) to match the new-vigour of the Dewan Rakyat. The ruling coalition will earn plaudits for appointing Senators outside the realm of party politics.
The point – generate tangible ideas to draw more into the actual political process, or risk being overwhelmed by the din, derision and fatigue.
● Former journalist on sabbatical Rashid Yusof, in the explicit spirit of full-disclosure, wishes to declare that he is an Umno sympathiser who now serves as a Public Relations person for Rembau MP, Khairy Jamaluddin.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Tulisan Shed Pele dlm Malay Mail 19.01.2009
Plant a dream
By Rashid Yusof
January 19, 2009 Categories: Opinion
Having sat through coffeeshop renditions by friends of their dream houses, only to witness them (and alas, me) plodding on with the mundane instead, I have a more sensible poser now; where and how would you like to live in semi-retirement?
"Semi-retirement", because this space is dedicated to promoting the life-long pursuit of causes (and dreams), which means choice of location shall inspire more wholesome work, not less … or worse, zero.
Before I could start with asking around, a few friends huddling over the usual dishes of politics and nasi lemak threatened to migrate should a (certain) motley of political parties come to power in the next general election.
Where are you guys headed? Bali, in unison. It is serene, apparently non-political, and cheap. EPF savings will earn you three domestic helpers to (help) caress those nerves, battered and frayed by years of fiery political chatter. How about death in the family? Dart back, of course, thanks to Air Asia, they chorused. Will you not miss laksa? Dreadful question. One of them is a celebrated chef in the circle.
Dispersal of KL population, another of this column’s central features, will have been partially realised if they relocate to Bali only to leave me morose. Everyone I know shall be asked to register as voters so that we can get on with our lives in-between elections. A cursory look at the mega-size of the unregistered voters torments the mind so. All the heated discussion, angry blogging and yet stay out of the process? Loss of faith in the system? Come on!
"Omar", who lives in a single-storey bungalow at a safe distance from the now-menacing sea in Terengganu, shall never lodge in the "undecided" column of any political survey, present or future. I met him there last week as politics and dazzling food were hotting up the place enveloped by "wintry conditions", which is what the monsoon throws out. He is fit, just completed a round of golf, passionate about work, comparatively youngish-looking, and was smiling endlessly (and impishly) at his two weary classmates. He never once mentioned about returning to his home State of Kedah.
At the spanking new Mesra Mall in Kertih, an equally slim and witty "HK" spoke of the bungalow lots going for RM40,000. The place is three hours from KL and is served by some fine schools, wide streets and boasts a very Malaysian population-mix. "HK" is perfect advertisement for life outside KL. A Kertih resident for 23 years now, he is in the higher echelon of the Terengganu Bowling Association. The children tend to be in the straight A’s-category. The eldest is in matriculation, poised to study medicine. Return to Kodiang?
Somewhere near this place in northern Kedah, Tok Adam, a KL-based architect, won an award and earned glowing stories in the newspapers for building a charming timber house for his mother. I accompanied him to Behrang two Ramadhans ago because a famed humanitarian was thinking of replicating the award-winning house amidst his fruit trees.
An emerging desire of keeping the family unit intact has entered the equation, something our parents were deprived of, by economic reasons. They suffered when the kids left and are mostly in solitude now, leaving us to wonder if they had ever been close to fulfilling their dreams.
"ZA", who will be 50 next year, has seized the moment. He built this Nusantara-inspired house in Shah Alam, a few minutes from UiTM, where his children are studying. "FR" is 59. He found a place across a surau with ample parking space and in the vicinity of his son’s workplace.
What about you, asked Bashir Hassan, a Felda-lad now completing his PhD in English and who wished to be charitable (and rich) and not overly preoccupied with the question of where to live.
I shall steer clear of those narrow, crowded streets and jaundiced views. I shall dream of waking up minus inherent prejudices, and to be in deep conversation with inhabitants of countless small Malaysian towns, talking about their hopes and aspirations …
● Rashid Yusof, on sabbatical from 24-hour journalism,
is looking to dredge up a range of arguments and
a smattering of ideas for the public domain.
By Rashid Yusof
January 19, 2009 Categories: Opinion
Having sat through coffeeshop renditions by friends of their dream houses, only to witness them (and alas, me) plodding on with the mundane instead, I have a more sensible poser now; where and how would you like to live in semi-retirement?
"Semi-retirement", because this space is dedicated to promoting the life-long pursuit of causes (and dreams), which means choice of location shall inspire more wholesome work, not less … or worse, zero.
Before I could start with asking around, a few friends huddling over the usual dishes of politics and nasi lemak threatened to migrate should a (certain) motley of political parties come to power in the next general election.
Where are you guys headed? Bali, in unison. It is serene, apparently non-political, and cheap. EPF savings will earn you three domestic helpers to (help) caress those nerves, battered and frayed by years of fiery political chatter. How about death in the family? Dart back, of course, thanks to Air Asia, they chorused. Will you not miss laksa? Dreadful question. One of them is a celebrated chef in the circle.
Dispersal of KL population, another of this column’s central features, will have been partially realised if they relocate to Bali only to leave me morose. Everyone I know shall be asked to register as voters so that we can get on with our lives in-between elections. A cursory look at the mega-size of the unregistered voters torments the mind so. All the heated discussion, angry blogging and yet stay out of the process? Loss of faith in the system? Come on!
"Omar", who lives in a single-storey bungalow at a safe distance from the now-menacing sea in Terengganu, shall never lodge in the "undecided" column of any political survey, present or future. I met him there last week as politics and dazzling food were hotting up the place enveloped by "wintry conditions", which is what the monsoon throws out. He is fit, just completed a round of golf, passionate about work, comparatively youngish-looking, and was smiling endlessly (and impishly) at his two weary classmates. He never once mentioned about returning to his home State of Kedah.
At the spanking new Mesra Mall in Kertih, an equally slim and witty "HK" spoke of the bungalow lots going for RM40,000. The place is three hours from KL and is served by some fine schools, wide streets and boasts a very Malaysian population-mix. "HK" is perfect advertisement for life outside KL. A Kertih resident for 23 years now, he is in the higher echelon of the Terengganu Bowling Association. The children tend to be in the straight A’s-category. The eldest is in matriculation, poised to study medicine. Return to Kodiang?
Somewhere near this place in northern Kedah, Tok Adam, a KL-based architect, won an award and earned glowing stories in the newspapers for building a charming timber house for his mother. I accompanied him to Behrang two Ramadhans ago because a famed humanitarian was thinking of replicating the award-winning house amidst his fruit trees.
An emerging desire of keeping the family unit intact has entered the equation, something our parents were deprived of, by economic reasons. They suffered when the kids left and are mostly in solitude now, leaving us to wonder if they had ever been close to fulfilling their dreams.
"ZA", who will be 50 next year, has seized the moment. He built this Nusantara-inspired house in Shah Alam, a few minutes from UiTM, where his children are studying. "FR" is 59. He found a place across a surau with ample parking space and in the vicinity of his son’s workplace.
What about you, asked Bashir Hassan, a Felda-lad now completing his PhD in English and who wished to be charitable (and rich) and not overly preoccupied with the question of where to live.
I shall steer clear of those narrow, crowded streets and jaundiced views. I shall dream of waking up minus inherent prejudices, and to be in deep conversation with inhabitants of countless small Malaysian towns, talking about their hopes and aspirations …
● Rashid Yusof, on sabbatical from 24-hour journalism,
is looking to dredge up a range of arguments and
a smattering of ideas for the public domain.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tinjau Pilihanraya Trengganu
Akum Semua..
Mengikut sahabat shed pele ke trengganu tinjau pilihan raya di sana. Dlm perjalanan banyak berbincang tentang malaysia. Shed terpegun dengan keindahan alam semula jadi sepanjang perjalanan ke pantai timur. Banyak sungai, pantai yg indah,tempat persinggahan yg sempurna dengan makanan tempatan yang enak ( keropok leko, laksam,ikan bakar,nasi dagang,gulai itik dan macam2 lagi) lantas memberi gambaran percutian keluarga yang sangat menarik. Cuti raya cina ni dia nak mai dengan keluarga dia melawat ke Trengganu. (Dia tak pernah mai) Jalan highway menjimatkan masa perjalanan...kebetulan kawan kita lama husin kambing berada d kertih ( kata chop husin nak jadi biri2 sebab rambut beruban) refresh kembali zaman kolej.
Perjalanan kami singgah di kertih jenguk husin kambing...(amboi tergelak-gelak dgr celoteh husin, tak berubah langsung). Dia nampak happy family di kertih, anak2 dah besar2 dah, (masing2 di universiti - hebat).
Di trengganu berjumpa dengan Umar Hassan ( Plantation Advisor TDM). Senyum sama, dah settle down di trengganu nampaknya ( dah beli bunglow)..Happy tengok kawan berjaya dalam hidup...
Satu perkara mengingatkan kita semua iaitu hubungan kita member kolej rasa macam baru meninggalkan kolej ( Hebat Pak Mihat mendidik kita - Ukhuwah Fillah). Bila berjumpa dengan kawan2 kolej masing2 bertanyakan dia ni dok mana? si ni dok buat apa? dan ramai lagi dok bertanya...Insyaallah akan paparkan perkembangan kawan2 kolej dalam masa terdekat ni.
Perkembangan pilihanraya di trengganu saya berpendapat 50 - 50. Yang akan menentukan ialah pengundi atas pagar dan pengundi muda. mereka ni golongan educated. mereka ni kebanyakan silent voters. kita tunggu lah 17hb jan ni....hehehe pendapat saya.
Ok..rakan2 kolej sekiranya dapat maklumat rakan2 kita kolej pls beri maklumat di ruangan komen untuk update data base kita...semoga Ukhuwah berkekalan sehingga ke akhir hayat.
Jumpa lagi wassalam.
Mengikut sahabat shed pele ke trengganu tinjau pilihan raya di sana. Dlm perjalanan banyak berbincang tentang malaysia. Shed terpegun dengan keindahan alam semula jadi sepanjang perjalanan ke pantai timur. Banyak sungai, pantai yg indah,tempat persinggahan yg sempurna dengan makanan tempatan yang enak ( keropok leko, laksam,ikan bakar,nasi dagang,gulai itik dan macam2 lagi) lantas memberi gambaran percutian keluarga yang sangat menarik. Cuti raya cina ni dia nak mai dengan keluarga dia melawat ke Trengganu. (Dia tak pernah mai) Jalan highway menjimatkan masa perjalanan...kebetulan kawan kita lama husin kambing berada d kertih ( kata chop husin nak jadi biri2 sebab rambut beruban) refresh kembali zaman kolej.
Perjalanan kami singgah di kertih jenguk husin kambing...(amboi tergelak-gelak dgr celoteh husin, tak berubah langsung). Dia nampak happy family di kertih, anak2 dah besar2 dah, (masing2 di universiti - hebat).
Di trengganu berjumpa dengan Umar Hassan ( Plantation Advisor TDM). Senyum sama, dah settle down di trengganu nampaknya ( dah beli bunglow)..Happy tengok kawan berjaya dalam hidup...
Satu perkara mengingatkan kita semua iaitu hubungan kita member kolej rasa macam baru meninggalkan kolej ( Hebat Pak Mihat mendidik kita - Ukhuwah Fillah). Bila berjumpa dengan kawan2 kolej masing2 bertanyakan dia ni dok mana? si ni dok buat apa? dan ramai lagi dok bertanya...Insyaallah akan paparkan perkembangan kawan2 kolej dalam masa terdekat ni.
Perkembangan pilihanraya di trengganu saya berpendapat 50 - 50. Yang akan menentukan ialah pengundi atas pagar dan pengundi muda. mereka ni golongan educated. mereka ni kebanyakan silent voters. kita tunggu lah 17hb jan ni....hehehe pendapat saya.
Ok..rakan2 kolej sekiranya dapat maklumat rakan2 kita kolej pls beri maklumat di ruangan komen untuk update data base kita...semoga Ukhuwah berkekalan sehingga ke akhir hayat.
Jumpa lagi wassalam.
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