Zakhir's Zoo

It's probably me.....

2009-03-08T10:34:00.017+08:00

Reciprocity.That is something I learned the hard way.

Often enough, one hears the saying "Man is not an island". However, that is something not entirely true. I did feel that I am an island. Whether its by design or circumstantial, it hardly matters. Being 'marooned on an island', is good enough feeling.

We live in a life where everyone and everything is interconnected. So many people remind us not to be 'living in an island'. So, what does it mean by being interconnected?

Ever so often, we tell ourselves these sort of things. But we never learn, do we? Or is it we blind ourselves with other virtues, of which most probably means nothing to others. At least, maybe we ourselves feel strongly about it, in our own expectations on how the world should evolve.

Again, should we evolve around the world or otherwise?

I hope I will find the answer to that. As for now, I hope I will learn this time. At least, a little while longer than I should have the last time.

We face issues in life. Sometime, we could handle them. Most of these instances, we fail. More often than not, its over-bearingly too complicated for us to hold on, by ourselves. If and when that happens, what do we do? Wait for help? How would help come if people are not aware we need help? Ask for help?

What if when expected to be helped or even supported, we are put in a situation where people, whom we thought matters to us, felt they are neither in a position of convenience nor under no obligation to do so?

Should in our life, we expect some sort of extension on other people's kindness and generousity, especially at the times when we felt we need it most? Is that too much to ask, from people whom we thought 'matters to us'?

My father, for over twenty years keeps reminding me "Paddle your own boat!". This happened before and every now and then, keeps coming back. I guess, this is life. Especially in the materialism world of cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur today.

My best friend used to remind me, "You are the sort of soldier who I want to be with in a fox hole at the front lines". Has this 'reliability' finally expired, for virtues that were never in my system?

Then again, of late, I ponder within myself on the virtues of 'loyalty', 'faith', 'sincerity' and 'expectations'. Of course, I did not find the answer. Either I am not looking hard enough or not smart enough to figure it out. I used to be resolved on the stance that I am prepared to take. Nowadays, sometime I am not sure. My confidence level now is somewhat in territories so unfamiliar.

Incidentally, I came to a junction of being 'wishful thinking'. "It is a positive trait", someone said. But it also somewhat being not true to oneself. Hypocrisy to your ownself????

In the final analysis, it comes back down to your ownself. My problem now, IF I think about myself first before my surrounding, isn't that selfish? Then again, my environment does not seem to care, when I needed it most!

So what the hell should I do now????

These are the times, Sting rendered it best. I know how Martin Riggs, despite being a fictitous character, must have felt. "Its probably me".

This is also the title track for "Lethal Weapon III".

P/S: I think Sting, Eric Clapton and Dave Grussin should do more songs together!

Attending Global Financial Crisis Forum

2009-02-05T00:03:00.003+08:00

I was given the opportunity to attend the Global Financial Crisis Forum. It was organised by National Chambers of Commerce and held at the Nirwana Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Mutiara, Kuala Lumpur. It was officiated by fourth prime minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

Right: With Dato' A Kadri Jasin and Tan Sri Sanusi Junid

The panels include captains of industry, major players and representative of the joint chambers of commerce. They gave an update, insight and opinion from their industry and their macro view and strategy how and what to do, for the nation to embrace and plan on and against the global financial crisis that is badly hitting the West.

Ideas ranged from stimulus package that will and should be introduced by the Government and structural changes in the economic system, to ensure that all the plans are sustainable. Criticism on the financial and banking system also include credit availability and accessibility, especially for the small businesses. Tun Dr. Mahathir confirmed that the banking system were not too interested to develop the small businesses.

Palestine poetry recital

2009-02-02T01:01:00.008+08:00

I attended a special poetry recital for the Palestinians in Gaza, now under invasion by the ruthless Zionist regime of Israel. It was held at Pena House, in Jalan Dewan Bahasa, Kuala Lumpur. The theme is "Dibawah langit Gaza" (Under the Gazan sky).

Right: The MCs were Farah (TV 9 compere) and Aziz Desa (former TV 3 MHI host)

From Left: Salahuddin, yours truly, Bang Ramli and Rocky

This event was previous discussed when Dato' Ahmad A. talib invited me for tea with Ramli "Papa Rock" Sharif few weeks ago. So many artistes, laureates, activists and celebrities showed up in support for their Gazan brothers, now under extreme hardship and pain. I see this to remind ourselves that we should do more, to alleviate the suffering of the Gazans. TV9 covered the event whilst the NSTP fund of Gaza collection box was passed around.

As usual, I am in the company of fellow bloggers Ahirudin "Rocky" Attan, Nuraina A. Samad and Salahuddin "Mao" Hisham, who previously wrote for a pro UMNO portal.

Right: The "twins"

Prepacked food was prepared. It was a very good evening indeed (Despite having the sniffles and body aches; signs of a flu attack creeping up, I still brave the discomfort to show support for an artistically humanitarian cause).

May God be with the Gazans and may the sun shine again on the land, very soon.

I & Akhramsyah in the same Astro Awani "Analisis Awani"

2009-01-18T01:14:00.007+08:00

I was invited to appear on Astro Awani's "Analisis Awani" again this evening. This time, it was about the commentary on the Kuala Terengganu P36 Parliamentary by-elections, which is polled whole day today. I was pitted with MCA Youth Dr Jeffrey Goh.

Right: I'm pointing at angle, just before the show

However, I managed to persuade my buddy Akhramsyah Muammar Ubaidah Sanusi to be in the live forum together. He instantanously agreed.

Left: Akhramsyah the bidan terjun guest who did rather well!

It was a very interesting discussion indeed, although each of us had not much to say as the show included live feed from journalist Suhaimi Sulaiman in Kuala Terengganu and phone interview with a UKM politics professor.

Having tea with the icon of spiritual rock

2009-01-14T02:56:00.004+08:00

I had an exhilarating experience this evening. I was invited to have tea with an icon of Malaysian classical rock. Former NST Editor-in-Chief Dato' Ahmad A. Talib invited me for a chat with Ramli Sharif, in Bangsar.

Right: Dato' Mat and I admiring a rock legend

When Dato' Mat called me this evening to invite, I thought it was in passing.

Left: The "twins"

Then again, when I showed up and both of them were there, I simply can't believe my eyes. I get to sit and chat up a classical rock icon, who somewhat influenced my formative adolescence years in MRSM. His music, with deep philosophical and spiritual innuendos made going through a difficult time of changing phases something slightly more meaningful. Not forgetting, landmarks to remember by.

Right: I and the "twins"

I was just starting second form when I first heard the inspiring voice of Bang Ramli rendetation and purist rock melody "Kamelia", during his Sweet Charity days. Then in third form, it was the album Penunggu. Then a year later, Batu.

A moment later, Rocky and Nuraina joined us. That brought the chat even livelier. Especially, when Rocky and Ramli looked almost like twin brothers.

Left: Nuraina and Rocky joined the chat

The chat revealed things that really unlocked some of the amazement Bang Ramli brought into my music enrichment phase of life.

Right: The legend known as 'Papa Rock'

Bang Ramli then talked about his band Sweet Charity, celebrating its 40th anniversary. They are planning a nationwide concert tour. All of us agreed that it will be a hit, especially people in our generation. Then again, Dato' Mat is also convinced that Bang Ramli's music even hit a note of people much younger than all of us at the table. Amazed and dazzled, I tend to agree with Dato' Mat. He is indeed a classical rock legend!

It was an evening to remember.

Meeting the future of NCER

2009-01-08T12:55:00.012+08:00

I was in Taiping over the last weekend. I was asked to speak to a group of 11 year old boys, under a special program to develop them into 'gentlemen'. They were carefully selected from the boondocks within the NCER and placed in top schools within Taiping. It is a pilot project where the first intake of 60 boys were admitted recently and the orientation program started pre-2009 school.

Right: The NCER boys

Left: Akram in action

The road trip was done with my good friend, Akramsyah Sanusi. We made stopovers at Kampar and Kuala Kangsar. We also hooked up with friends in Taiping. The journey all the way up and down the North South Highway was through bad, moonsoon weather.

Right: Provisions for school being systematically prepared by the NCIA officials, minus one day.

Seeing for myself how these kids are being cared for and managed is a new experience. Never before that a boarding school system in the country emphasized on total development. The attention and provisions made per capita on these boys really intrigued me. They are being exposed to almost anything a 12 year old should be exposed to.

Left: Interacting and getting first hand tips

It resembles a typical British public school system, minus the pompous attitude and snobbishness. However, this one is tailored for boys from marginally depressed areas and background. The challenge, is herculean. This something the program managers ambitiously trying to develop, prove and eventually, replicate.

Right: Giving a lecture on a typical intercontinental airliner; to give an interest on engineering for these boys

I must say, these are a bunch of promising asset for the country. They are equally inquisitive, as much as they are being who they are meant to be; eleven year olds. They are as playful and high spirited for knowledge. Of course, being boys, they are very competitive amongst themselves.

Left: The boys showing their appreciation at the end of the program

As expected, they are very responsive to things thrown at and against them. At the tender age of less than eleven years old, they inadvertently accepted challenges with confidence and zest.

Right: The boys over powering me....

I am glad I was given the opportunity to nurture these boys, with the enrichment of experience and knowledge. Of course, they are not shy to express themselves otherwise.

It was a fun afternoon indeed with these boys....

Celebrating the coming of Hijrah year in Masjid Sultan

2008-12-30T00:32:00.007+08:00

The Awal Muharram is a celebration of the coming of the new Hijrah year, in Islamic calender. It was an auspicious ocassion amongst Muslims as they pray for forgiveness at the eve of one Hijrah year and pray for wellness, when the new Hijrah year starts.

Right: Outside the east entrance of the Mosque

(By the way, the Muslim calculate the dawn of a new day from when the sunset).

Left: At the beginning of the Maghrib prayers

I was lucky to have celebrated this moment, at the infamous Masjid Sultan, North Bridge Rd., Singapore. It is by farthe most iconic symbol of Islam presence and practices in Singapore.

Right: Post Maghrib new year doa

The number of worshipers gathered in the mosque for this special doa recital actually surprised me. The congregation was like a mini Jumaat prayers.

It was a very refreshing experience indeed.

SALAM MAAL HIJRAH, 1430H

A Christmas dinner

2008-12-26T01:04:00.004+08:00

Tonight, I was invited for a Christmas dinner. My colleague, Kenneth Karnan, was kind enough to extend the invitation for the holiest day in the year for Christians.

Right: Upon arrival

So, at 800pm I and Girl-Girl had a short drive to Kepong Baru. To our suprise, it was a grand do for Ken's family. They actually closed the road to accommodate the dinner party, which was held under two tents on the street.

Left: As usual, Ken would shake the camera!

The buffet spread was sumptuous and the beverages offered befit a night of celebrations and joyous occasion. From the looks of it, they were expecting a lot of company.

Right: I and Ken in the living room

Anyway, we were thankful and glad we were invited and attended the dinner.

It was a good evening indeed!

ANSARA Dinner 2008

2008-12-22T01:33:00.008+08:00

We had our annual Ex-MRSM Alumni (ANSARA) Dinner last night. It was held at Mawar Room, PWTC. The dinner was in commemoration of the year end. Also, ANSARA needed to raise some funds. So, tables and tickets were sold to ex-MRSMers.

Right: The ticket and menu, over a bowl of sago gula Melaka.

It was the same time as last year. I missed last year's, where Astronaut Dr. Sheikh Muzaffar, an Ex-Muo, was the guest of honour. My father had his CABG surgery during that time.

There was an array of attendance to the dinner. The guest of honour is MARA Chairman Dato' Seri Idris Jusoh.

Left: With ANSARA President Mukhriz Mahathir and Muo Chapter Head Salehuddin "Hud" Hj Ahmad Khalid

Of course, ANSARA President YB Dato' Mukhriz Mahathir was there, to address the audience. He reminded members to take ANSARA to a new level. During dinner, he made time to go round the tables to socialise and catch up on chit-chats and small talks.

Its nice to see old friends, in such a warm and social environment. Of course, there were reminesences. It would be ashamed for guys and gals who bonded for years, did nostalgically 'relive' the best of thier formative years. It is surreal that the memories live on, eternally in our hearts.

Right: Me and Azha "Gell" Jalil

During dinner, an R & B group called "Infinite", which comprise some ex-MRSMers entertained the audience with their songs.

Left: Bhadharul Bahrain and I

It was a good night indeed.

A working trip to Penang, again

2008-12-09T21:58:00.005+08:00

Today started very early in the morning. I was up by 500am to catch the 730am flight to Penang from KLIA. Considering I slept at 200am this morning and it was a full day of Hari Raya Aidil Adha yesterday, getting up was near impossible. Never the less, Kenneth gave me a wake up call at 500am, to ensure I was up.

Right: Over the Malacca Straits, somewhere near Pangkor. Notice the thick clouds

Flying at daybreak is always exicting. One get to see the sun come up, from the altitude of 27,000 feet. We arrived at 830am and after a hearty breakfast, we took an airport cab to Komtar, where the nerve of the Penang State Government.

We had a quiet chat with a Special Function Officer in the Chief Minister's Office, mainly on the Penang economy and the affect from the global financial melt down and thus Penang's export, especially to the US and Western Europe.

Left: On the 53rd floor office

Then we presented the concept of cashless Penang society and the implementation of electronic payment system to one of the Excos.

Right: Lunch at Hameediyah, whilst surfing

Of course, a trip to Penang would not be complete withour nasi kandar. We had ours in Hameediyah, on Lebuh Campbell. Like always, it was something to remember.

Appearing on RTM 1

2008-12-08T03:18:00.002+08:00

Tonight, I was a guest on the RTM 1 post prime news program, Blog. I was asked by producer, Hasshim Abu Hanifah to speak on political and current issues, from the context of "Korban", since tomorrow is Hari Raya Aidil Adha or Korban.

Right: Appearing on prime news slot live on RTM 1

I was notified for this on Friday, which does not give me so much time to prepare. Moreover, I was not given neither the script nor any of questions before hand.

Left: A full view profile

It was a new experience, as RTM is the official Government electronic propaganda machinery. I must say, it felt honoured to be able to talk about having a single school system and doing away all vernacular schools.

It was indeed a very interesting experience.

Discovering Perth

2008-11-11T21:54:00.005+08:00

Today, we spent the whole day shopping, again. Mak needed to go back to Harbour Town factory outlet mall, which is the west end edge of Perth city. We spent afew hours there. Of course, the more time we spent shopping, the more things we buy.

Right: Harbour Town mall main street

Girl-Girl also had her first doner kebab today. Whilst waiting for the missus and Mak to finish their rounds, I took Girl-Girl for Adidas t-shirt shopping. Then we had more time to spare. So we parked ourselves in a west Asian cafe. So she had her first kebab, after she found mine rather "interesting".

Left: Biting into her first kebab

Later, she and Abah went for a walk along Swan river, which is a stone's throw from our apartment. They found it to be exhalirating and utterly refreshing. They walked along the banks till the causeway that link Perth to Victoria Park. It also mean they were at the banks across from Burswood Entertainment Complex, where we were on Saturday.

Right: The river of Swan river

Girl-Girl had a new discovery. Today, the first time in her life, she climbed a tree.

Left: On a tree for the first time

She is the person who had the most fun in this trip.

Experiencing main street shopping of Perth

2008-11-10T22:44:00.004+08:00

Today, I decided to take my parents to go shopping in main street Perth. They have already experienced suburban shopping on Saturday. So today, I decided to take them to Hay St. and Murray St. high street shopping, via the London Court arcade.

Right: The London Court arcade

The Christmas shopping has already started.

Left: Murray St., in front of the Forest Centre

Then slowly, we walked my parents to Hay St., then cut across David Jones departmental store to Murray St. Since it was a Monday, there was not many people in the mall between the these streets. It was a pleasant walk, although the sun was far to bright for Mak.

Right: Harbour Town factory outlet entrance

Our shopping trip ended at Harbour Town factory outlet, at the far end of the city on Wellington St.

Visiting Fremantle and west of Perth

2008-11-10T22:16:00.005+08:00

It was a typical lazy summer Sunday in Perth. I decided to take my parents, for a drive to Fremantle and experience the market there. So after a hearty breakfast, we waddle along Canning Highway towards south east coastal city of Fremantle.

Right: The colours in E Shed

Left: Fremantle, in front of the market

Our first stop was E Shed Market, on Victoria Quay, Fremantle. We got tons of souvenirs from a merchant, who is actually an Indonesian. Then a short stop at the Freemantle Maritime Museum. There is a former HMAN world war II submarine on display.

Then it was the Fremantle Market. It is an important attraction to Perth. It has been in operation since 1897. We saw some baskers, doing some street entertaining. Then it was lunch. A trip to Fremantle would be a complete failure without having fish and chips meal on the jetty, across from the Esplanade. And we did just that.

Right: Overlooking Mosman Bay (Note Perth skyscrapers in the right horizon)

Then, on the way back, we took the Stirling Highway. We passed Mosman Park. So we decided to drive around the posh area, to first hand feel what was the hype was all about. It was an amazing experience. The view was breadth taking and words were not made to describe the feeling of being there, on Bayview Street, overlooking Mosman Bay.

Left: Overlooking the cliff from Bayview Stt. Park, on top of Mosman Bay

Some people are so lucky to be able to afford homes in this area.

Mak's surprise birthday bash @ 33,000 feet

2008-11-06T21:05:00.008+08:00

The surprise of MH 125

Today is Mak's 68th birthday. Today also we took her to Perth, for a holiday. This morning, by 730am, we checked in onto MH 125 departing at 940am. So we did not have time to do anything for her.

Right: A stewardess presenting to Mak, her birtday card

Left: The two IFS on board

At KLIA, I was trotting about looking for a birtdhday cake and candle, but non avail. Upon checked in, I was introduced to a Malaysia Airlines executive, who is doing an audit on the flight. I sound it out to him that it was Mak's birthday and he said, he will do the best he can.

Right: The IFS for the flight MH 125

There it was. At 33,000 feet somewhere over Java and northern coast of continent Australia, Mr Sagadevan, along with the IFS for the flight Lazri Gunasegaran and a few of the stewardess, called on Mak, wished her "Happy Birthday", sang to her and presented a lovely adhoc birthday card. There even were desserts, as makeshitft birthday cake (minus the candles!).

Considering they had limited resources onboard, their creativity, innovation and resourcefulness should be admired.

Left: The smile tells it all!

She smiled instantly. Now after eight hours, she is still smiling!

To the crew of MH125 today, thank you! You guys really live up to the Malaysia Airlines campaign, "Malaysian Hospitality".

I, live on TV

2008-10-30T22:49:00.011+08:00

Captured as how it appeared on Astro Awani

This evening, I was on national TV. I was invited to be the guest in the forum, "Analysis Awani" on Astro Awani Ch. 501. I was interviewed live on TV by Suhaimi Sulaiman, Kamarul Bahrin and Nazri Kahar, all at once. It was a live show, which aired at 530pm.

Right: Addressing Suhaimi's question

The questions were tough and intense. Some of the questions I seriously felt shouldn't be leashed against me. One after another, I was charged with questions even experienced and seasoned politicians would find it tough to deal with. After all, I am no politician. Just an amateur political analyst, maybe.

Left: Kamarul Bahrin grilling me live on TV

It was a sureal experience indeed. The bright lights and multiple cameras aimed right to your path, added the anxiety and consciousness. Most of all, there is a large LCD screen just to my left, where all of us on the table could watch ourselves the live program as it is being aired, added more stage fright.

Right: The angle the viewers caught of me whenever I say anything on air

Regardless, I tried my best to address all the issues raised. Considering instantaneously the speed of the response I gave to some of the toughest issues raised towards me, I must say it was an experience indeed.

Experiencing Singapore

2008-10-26T23:48:00.005+08:00

Since my family ambushed me with a surprise visit in Johor Bahru, on my 41st birthday, I decided to take them to Singapore that night. We managed to get a hotel, with the right arrangements.

Right: Mama and Girl-Girl with a glimpse of the Orchard Road as the backdrop

So I had to shuttle back and forth between Orchard Road to Persada in Johor Bahru, for the M2K convention. That means I had little time for them. Only in the evenings that I get to do things with them. The get to wander of on their own. Itinerary includes shopping along Orchard Road, a visit to the Science Centre in Jurong and swimming.

Left: In the pool

Right: Lunching at Zam Zam

On Sunday, it was much better for me. I get to lunch with them at Zam Zam Restaurant (Straits Time claimed that it is the BEST nasi beriyani in the island-state).

Briefing the Minister at M2K

2008-10-25T11:37:00.019+08:00

This morning, the Domestic Trade and Industry Minister Dato' Shahrir Samad officiated the Bank Negara's Minggu Kesedaran Kewangan (M2K) in Persada Convention Centre, in Johor Bahru. In his speeh, he remided Malaysians to be cash thrift and spend on what they earn. All the major bankers and financial services players were present to chow case their products and support the central bank's awareness campaign on financial management.

Right: The Minister making his speech. Seated on the stage is Bank Negara Deputy Governor Dato' Zamani

After officiating, the Minister went for a walk-about around the exhibition and drop by to several booths. He was briefed on the latest products, especially retail and consumer financial items available in the market.

Left: The Minister being briefed on our EDC terminal, which was used for the cash card loading

One of the booth he dropped in was ours. I had the opportunity to present to him our electronic payment system and conveniently demonstrated to him how e-money is being used to pay for services and goods, which include information about registered companies procured from Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia, which falls under his ministry.

Right: Kenneth demonstrating payment using MyKad on our mobile handheld unit. At the back of the Minister is Bank Negara Deputy Governor.

He was rather impressed with our developments. For this event, any parking payments made via our payment gateway would be given a RM 1.00 discount; a test of the acceptance to the usage of MEPSCASH. For the first time, a parking environment went on live via our system and it went on seamlessly. Of course, it was very encouraging indeed.

The moral support he shown this morning to us is definitely very encouraging. Accompanying him is the Bank Negara Deputy Governor Dato' Zamani Abd. Ghani.

Left: The Minister giving a full attention

It was a very good morning indeed.

Kenneth and I in our booth. On the right are our EDC terminals

First day of Bank Negara conference

2008-10-24T11:08:00.014+08:00

My day started early, way before sunrise. I woke up in the coldness of rainy Friday morning at the southern most city of continent Asia. I fekt rather squiggy all morning and was goin through half of a cheese omelette when I stopped. Later, I came back to the breakfast table with my unfinished plate being whisked away. Four cups of capucino actually added to my 'edgyness'.

Right: Ken and I at our booth

Today is the first day of conference. Like expected, it was swarmed by visitors, which include school going teenagers and kids. I am beginning to feel the pressure of the event and the meetings I have to attend.

Left: Syed Azlan loading Ben Chong's MyKad

Our strategic partner in online cybergaming merchant development, came all the way here to give support. It is important that young Malaysians be exposed and utilise the cashless habit, in built in the MyKad and common bankcard.

*Updated 430pm

Later, I took our IT Applications Manager Siti Hamimah and Corporate Communications woman Jazreen for an assam pedas lunch. They were utterly pleased with the freshly cooked snapper in rich Johorean style assam pedas.

Right: Lunch being served

On the way back to Persada Convention Centre, we dropped in on the Johor State Planning Unit and the Menteri Besar's Office. It was a follow up from our succesful meeting yesterday. Siti and Jazreen was also pleased to be in one of the oldest Government buidling in the country, which is still operational. "Its like walking through the corridors of history".

*Updated Saturday, 25 October 2008 100am

Tonight, I was given the shock of my life. At 700pm, I was unable to locate my family, who were missing from home. And no one at home could tell us where they were. I was trying to call them frantically.

To my biggest surprise, at 730pm they dropped in on me in Puteri Pan Pacific Johor Bahru. They flew in to surprise me on my 41st birthday.

Right: Birthday dinner at Danga Bay

So, all of us went out for a dinner at Danga Bay. Ken was gracious enough to buy all of us what turn out to be a gluttony-like dinner. First time, my family and team from work met each other and socialise.

This week had been a very testing period for me. Of course, I will remember today for the longest time. It was a day of too many surprises!

Bringing the troops to Johor Bahru

2008-10-23T14:34:00.007+08:00

Today, we were in Johor Bahru. It was a planned trip. This time, I had the troops here instead of just Kenneth Karnan.

We loaded somemore stuff into the Enterprise and a rented Naza Ria and pushed off a quarter to ten. It was a pleasant ride all the way.

Right: Enjoying Mee rebus, otak otak and rojak buah while ctaching up on chin-wags

The moment we reached Johor Bahru, our first order of the day was lunch. And in Johor Bahru, my trip would not be completed without Mee Rebus Hj. Wahid. By one, we were already at Plaza Angsana. To my expectations, the troops were pleased. By half past one, we were already on our way to Puteri Pacific Hotel, my usual home whilst in Johor Bahru. Siti and Kenneth were scheduled for a meeting by 2pm.

*Updated 530pm

Later, by three, we had our meeting at the State Economic Planning Unit. The Deputy Director is an old Newcastle buddy of mine, NoorAzam Osman. This was a follow up on the earlier presentation we had. The UPEN saw the merits of our proposal and want to implemented it in Johor.

Left: Presenting to Lokman

Right: Kenneth demonstrating to Lokman and Noor Azam

Then, he cordially arranged for us to meet Lokman Abu Bakar, another buddy from my England days. He is now the Principal Private Secretary to the Menteri Besar of Johor. Briefly, I presented the same proposal we did for UPEN and he also saw what the objectives are and how the State Government could benefit.

Hence, he arranged for another presentation appointment. This time for the State Government of Johor and the Menteri Besar and Excos would be there. It looks like we will be back here in Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim on the eighteenth of next month.

Left: Infront of the MB's office

We took the opportunity to capture our photograph in front of the Menteri Besar's office. Soon, this office would be vacated and the entire State Government will move to their new home in Nusajaya.

It was a very good day indeed

Remembering Mustaffa Dapat

2008-10-21T00:44:00.004+08:00

At Utah Beach, in front of an US Army Sherman tank

My best friend, Mustaffa Dapat would have been 44 today. Unfortunately for me, God Al Mighty called him back to rahmatullah on 28 August 2004, when he was in a coma in a hospital in Caen, due to a rare penicillin poisoning related ailment called Steven Johnson syndrome.

This was one of my greatest regret in life. Only Allah s.w.t. knows the wisdom why Mus was called few weeks short of his 40th birthday.

At St. Mere D'Eglise, the site where the 101st Airborne was dropped the night before invasion. For the longest times since we were roomates in MRSM, we promised ourselves that one day we will come here. We managed to do it only when at the end of his life

I still miss him dearly till present day. The only left is the remembrance of the fondest memory with my dear friend, whom I misses so much. In June 2004, he so insisted that I went to see him in Cherbourg, France, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings, "Operation Overlord". Little that anyone would know, that would his last wish to meet up with me. When we parted, he hugged me in front of the submarine turned museum, Redoutable and till today, I remember and savour that moment.

One day we shall meet again. May Allah s.w.t. bless your soul.

Attending Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's openhouse

2008-10-18T17:44:00.006+08:00

I was at International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's openhouse this afternoon. It was held at Damansara Heights. My blogging friend, Dato' Ahmad A. Talib reminded me several times to attend.

Right: With the host at his porch

Left: Explaining to Tun Siti on the my political stance this morning

At 1.58pm, I was sounded out that fourth Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was already on his way to the Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, party with his doting wife of 62 years, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd. Ali. As I was still on my errant run, I got the missus to drop me at Damansara Heights, to save time.

Of course, it was the peak time. Well wishers from all walks of life were there, paying homage.

Right: With Rocky, Nuraina and Endie

Later, I joined other blogging buddies, Ahirudin "Rocky" Attan, Nuraina A. Samad and Salahuddin Hj. Hisham on our usual chig-wags.

My family and Tan Sri Muhyiddin's go a long way back. We both hail from Muo.

Left: Catching Tan Sri Muhyiddin's personal thoughts

Later, after Tan Sri Muhyiddin's media conference, we had the opportunity to have a private session with him. He talked about the diversity of the Malaysian economy as compared against Singapore's, which is dependent on services sector. Singapore officially declared they are experiencing 'technical recession' after the US and Western European financial catestrophe lately.

Dinner with Darlina and Neil

2008-10-08T01:23:00.004+08:00

Last night, we had a dinner with Neil and Darlina Harris. We met at KLCC for dinner. The Harrises will be going back to their home in Bahrain on Saturday.

Right: Dee surfing on Girl-Girl's blog through my PDA phone

We caught up with chats and chin-wags. It is also the first time we met Neil since we last saw him at his place in Knuttsford, near Manchester three years ago. Neil is now the design manager for a British consulting group WS Atkins in Bahrain. He flew in two days before Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. He was his usual self; being witty and a little bit ckeeky.......

Left: Neil and I

It was deemed special as Dee would be celebrating her 4oth birthday tomorrow. This would be our last opportunity to catch up with them since they will busy with her family from tomorrow night onwards, till they leave Malaysia.

Right: As dinner being served

Tun Dr. Mahathir's Openhouse

2008-10-06T00:33:00.005+08:00

I was at fourth Prime Minister's openhouse this afternoon in Mines Resort, Seri Kembangan. It was a day to remember. I wasn't sure how many people actually turned up, but it the scores of visitors and well wishers waiting in queue to wish "Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri" to the hosts were endless.

Right: With Dato' Mukhriz Mahathir

There was even a Tun Dr. Mahathir facebook fan club, who organised a trip for the Openhouse. This a manifestation of how the Statesman is very much respected and well liked, by Malaysians from all walks of life.

Left: Facebook Fan club in attendance

Fellow bloggers Ahirudin "Rocky" Attan and Nuraina A. Samad were present too. So were other usual friends of mine. Some were first timers. They all had a great time.

Right: With close blogging buddies

The Hari Raya is incomplete without wishing the hosts personally. And my friend, bloggo-photo-journo shot this.

Left: An action-kodak moment

This was a good afternoon indeed.

The last morning in Puteri Pacific Johor Bahru

2008-10-04T11:49:00.007+08:00

This is our last morning here. It has been our home for this Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, since first day Syawal. For thirteen consecutive Hari Raya we did this. It is a 'home' for us whenever we are in Johor Bahru.

Right: Second day Syawal, at the lobby

The morning started with the 'sea trials' again. We did not achieve the results we desired.

Left: Commandant of the submarine operations with HMS Si Kunit

Then back up to the room to change and packing. Soon, we will say goodbye to all the friendly frontline staffs here at Puteri Pacific Johor Bahru, who have treated us more like family rather than guests.

Right: Girl-Girl dwell into her My Space whilst Mama packs

I shall be back here again soon. Most probably by end of next week, for work. This time, half of my Business Development Team would be here as well.

Left: Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim from our window