Thirty Four

The New Year is only 12 hours away. And I'm sitting under a Melaka tree at the Taman Bukit Maluri's playground with a pen that I received at the International Summit on Islamic Banking & Finance and 12 pieces of used A4 papers, try my best to jot down all my memorable events in 2001.

First and foremost is my first and 'betul-betul' job. With the country's uncertain economy, I'm so blessed to be offered a place at Bank Negara Malaysia, one of a very few prestige and leading organisations in this country. Futhermore, I'm very honoured to be involved in the project of formulating a single regulatory and supervisory framework for the development financial institutions (DFI). And the first product of our unit i.e. Rang Undang-Undang Institusi Kewangan Pembangunan (DFI Bill) has been passed by the Parliament just before Eid Mubarak.

Second event was the death of my beloved 'Ayah' Meng. A few of my siblings and cousins were wondered why I cried heavily on that day. No one knows except my mum, that this quiet sixty something adopted son of my great grandparents somehow or rather planted deep down in my heart a desire to excel in academic. And frankly, I think this father of 2 sons and 2 daughters has motivated me more than  my own father. Until today, I'm still wondering why he cried when receiving a blue green note from my first salary. Al-fatihah and may Allah bless you.

Third is my father illness. After recovered from a minor stroke just a few days before 2000's Raya, the doctor diagnosed him with a kidney stone. And because the stone can't be treated by using the usual laser treatment, a quick operation to remove the stone is really needed before it continues damaging my dad's left kidney. From an aggressive father, surprisingly he has turned into a sensitive human being. Sometimes he even cried when watching sad dramas on TV. I don't know how put it in words but I can feel that we've started to communicate. Again. Even though I'm hardly feel his direct and spontaneous love to me, but I do sense some kind of respect sparked from his two eyes. And to me, that means so much and I would treasure it forever.

This year also I begin to renew my contact with old friends. After Rezuan, came Mus, Borhan, Ameer, Yusof and in a few hours from now, I'm going to meet Che Tong! During the reunion in May, I found out that some people do change to become a Better Man and what we need to do is to give them a chance. Friends - old and new - bring colourful experiences and meanings to my all year long. 2001 is the year when I went to the disco and karaoke lounge for the first time. Even though I find myself uncomfortable in a smoky, crammed and dimmed surrounding, I think those nights gave valuable lessons to become an abdullah.

My affection to music also flourished rapidly in this year. For the first time in my whole life I bought quite a number of original CDs - Kirana, Seandainya Masih Ada Cinta, Syyh... Syafinaz, Mimpi, Phoenix Bangkit, AbstrakVersiFantasi, Soul Alive, Aku Cintakan Mu, Brandnuendo & Isyarat Jiwa. I'm so lucky got to see Dari Jemapoh Ke Manchestee & Kaki Bakar.

But the best gift I ever had this year  is a praise from my best and very closed friend of mine. It's not the typical words by our usual friends; trying to buy our heart but this one means so much and I nearly wanted to cry when I first listened to it. Thank you my friend and I'll always pray that you'll become a good if not a great son. And like I said before, trust nobody but our mum.

Goodbye 2001.

Thirty Three

Haiya, malas mahu kerja.  

So, how was your Raya?. Mine was awesome! And tiring. Now I believe my dad that Raya could costs a fortune. Trust me, RM600 is never enough for the angpau.

When I came home, I was shocked to find out that my brother has snatched all my clothes including my Baju Melayu. Which mean I've to buy a new one for myself plus my other siblings. Well, another RM500 gone to Parkson's Grand, Mahkota Parade.

Luckily, my little bro, Lan has finished paint the house. So, my only task was helping my mum 'cleaned' the chicken and kopek kerang for the rendang. While my sisters baked some biscuits and cakes (I love their biskut cornflake. It tastes better than Nek Chu's! But a lot of people prefer the chipmore biscuit)

As usual, my top 3 Eid Mubarak ads are as follow:

First: Perodua
Second: Petronas
Third: Takaful Nasional

I missed the dramas on Ntv7. Best tak? But I did watch some on TV3. Thank you so much for airing once again my favourite drama Tiga Duri Di Hati Bonda (TDDHB). I did know that it has a sequel! Boleh tahan but TDDHB is still the best. Maybe because Ogy wasn't in the movie. You may want to label me as bias but seriously, aren't we miss her so much?

I think maybe Dr. Mahathir could appoint me as his adviser. Why I said that? I've been asked by a lot of my relatives on a single issue. Bila ekonomi akan pulih? Hello, I've just started working with Bank Negara Malaysia not even a year. Do you want to know my answer?

To some I said middle 2002 and to the others I said end of 2002. Or in a nutshell, I don't know. But one thing for sure, don't stop spending. We can't rely heavily on export-oriented sectors anymore. Our focus should be on the domestic market. Trust me, we have quite a number of credible economists in this country and lets us pray to the Almighty.

I thought Malaysians celebrate Raya for a month?

Thirty Two

I'll be on leave starting next Monday, 10 December 2001 until Christmas. And I would like to take this opportunity to wish Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all of you. Maaf zahir batin.  

To those in Melaka feel free to pay me a visit at my parents house at Pasir Puteh, Bachang, Melaka. Don't forget to give a ring first. Insya-Allah, kalau ada rezeki lebih, I'll be holding the 'open house' somewhere after Christmas.

Thank you so much for those who sent the greeting cards especially Fairuz Khan. I was so surprised to receive one from you. Once again, thank you very much and Eid Mubarak.

Thirty One

I declined another dinner invitation. This time from my best pal, Mus. Well, it wasn't because Impiana Hotel is not up to my standard but the idea of going there has turned me more dizzy than before. Don't ask me why! And at the same time I got running nose.

So, I would like to extend my apology to Eli & Atul and Mus & the gang as well. Insya-Allah, I'll be coming to Yusof's house tomorrow night. I'll try my very best!  

I'm in the mood for holiday... and Eid Mubarak! Well, I can say that my table is empty until this Saturday and I'll be on leave starting next Monday until Christmas. Wow! Or Hurray?  

At the same time, I'm waiting how much bonus I'm getting for the first time. Mintak biarlah banyak, bukan gitu Cik Limah?

My second cousin, Uyun asked me the other day, how's my preparation for Raya. He was so surprised to find out that I have no intention to buy new Baju Melayu. Hello! What's wrong with that? I've two pieces that I've bought in 1997 and they are still fit on me. It's not that I don't buy anything. I'm planning to get some casual clothes and a brand new sandals.

And don't ask me how much I put aside for angpau. That question only make me nervous. 10 sen seorang, boleh lagi ke?

I've told me before, I'm looking forward to watch Aidilfitri ads by giant companies such as Petronas, Telekom & TNB. And don't forget to check my Top 3 Favourite later.

Wassalam.

Thirty

Please, stop sending hatred emails to me. Come on guys, don't take the awards seriously. And by the way, it is my award! So, I don't give a **** to what other people said.

For the past few days, I wondered why it is a must to some people for Siti Nurhaliza to win every single music award, even to a greater extreme, those personal music awards such as mine! Don't they think that I have a right to honour my favourites too? Full stop.  

Last night I broke my fast with Ameer and Mus at Pizza Hut. I love the Satay Supreme. Sedap betul! Then, we went to StarHill to check out the pre-sales. Oh, my God! So crowded. I fancied a black shirt by British India and it's only RM64.50 - after 50% discount. After looked around for almost 2 hours, we decided to went home. And without looking at me, Mus said to Ameer (dengan selambanya), "Biasalah dia ni, bukan beli pun!"  

It is true that I normally take some times before making any purchase. For instance, I went to several music stores at different locations at various time period before decided to grab Nora's Kirana. It's not because I was hunting for a bargain, but it is because I need time to build my confidence on the thing or product that I've planned to buy. This is because I dislike to have some regret afterwards.

To some people, it may seems stupid or silly but that's me. Until today, I can proudly say that I'm satisfied with what I've bought. No regret!

Eli and Atul asked me out to dinner tomorrow. I'm still tired from the yesterday's and I'm not sure lah whether I've the strength to engage in another break-fast-out function. I've declined several invitations and I don't think that I have any excuse left.

Anyway, selamat berpuasa and don't forget to give me a shout if you catch me shopping for Hari Raya. Wassalam.

Twenty Nine

The result of arenaKu Music Award 2001 has out with Nora repeated her victory in Anugerah Industri Muzik 2001, last March. She surprisingly defeated Camelia's Mimpi and Seandainya Masih Ada Cinta to win the Best Female Album title. Her killer song, Menyemai Cinta Bersamamu, which composed and produced by Azlan Abu Hassan, bagged another two awards - Best Musical Arrangement and Best Song.

The newcomer, Dayang Nurfaizah won Best Female Vocal Performance and Artiste of The Year while the sifu of Malay music industry, M. Nasir brought home Best Male Album and Album of The Year through his latest masterpiece, Phoenix Bangkit.  

Camelia, who received 8 nominations, went home with only Best Album Cover. Best New Artiste went to Yassin, while another newcomer from Singapore, Ferhad won Best Male Vocal Performance.  

Our very own diva, Sheila Majid, who teamed up with Harvey Malaihollo in Begitulah Cinta, managed to grab Best Duo or Group Vocal Performance.

This annual music award was judged by a panel of five - Syed Mustaffa Syed Mohamad, Ameer Mamat, Mohd Nazrol Majid, Mohd Yusof Rahmat and headed by Hasmiron Hamdan.

Congratulation to all winners! (click for details)

Twenty Eight

Ramadhan is here again. And this is my second year fasting for 12 hours daily after came home from Manchester, where I used to break my fast at 4pm.

Even though I broke fast early during my stay in Manchester, I found that fasting over there was more menggoda iman compared to in Malaysia. With a cold environment and daring people and plus 1001 kind of temptations and attractions, I was lucky to have survived! When I think of those days, I feel so thankful to Allah for such wonderful experience.

Last Friday, I sent my dad to Kuala Lumpur Hospital to be warded for his kidney operation. Unfortunately (I'm still not sure whether to call it fortunate or unfortunate), his blood pressure increased and the doctor has postponed the operation to after Hari Raya. On January 25th, 2002. But he needs to be warded by 22nd.

Nek Mok, Ayah Mahmud & Mak Besau, Uncle Neno & Angah Ata and their families came last Saturday. So, we were very busy entertained orang Melaka. At the same time, Ojot brought home plenty of Mc Donald's coupons.

With that coupons, Mus and I broke our fast on last Monday. We ate 3 cups of Iced Milo, 3 cups of Coca Cola, 41 pieces of chicken nugget and mineral water and plus one Big Mac.

Just now, Din shouted at me that Agong has passed away. Quickly, I rang Malaysiakini to find out from where they got the news. One of their staff told me that the news appeared first on News Straits Times online and 2 hours after that, Dr. Mahathir announced on TV that it's official that Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Dipertuan Agong died at 11.57 at the private medical center.

Al-fatihah.