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.