The Roots: a Tanjung Rambutan Getaway

Since returning from Bintulu, I have enjoyed finding undiscovered places to travel as a holiday destination. Doing the commercial holiday no longer excited me after visiting Bosnia, Bario@Sarawak and Cambodia.

My recent trip brought me to Tanjung Rambutan, Perak, which is infamous for it's HAPPY HOSPITAL (Hospital Bahagia). This hospital treats mentally challenged patients.

My friends and I booked a 3 Day 2 Night stay at The Roots. The Roots is an eco-friendly resort. Why I chose a getaway at The Roots:

1) You had a choice of staying in the durian tree house

2) The resort is eco-friendly in its infrastructure and services. Patrons are encouraged to only eat what they can finish

3) The resort is built adjacent to the Kinta River which can be seen from your tree house

4) The resort is built and surrounded by mangosteen, rambutan and duku trees (apart from durian trees). You are allowed to pick the fruits for personal consumption.

5) They have a pool!

6) They have foosball, badminton, volleyball, and basketball facilities

7) You can visit the aboriginal settlements nearby

8) You can walk up to the Family Farm where you can ride and feed the horse for RM 5!!

Previously The Roots was only open to International Schools, but it was recently open to the public.

Our tree house has 2 single beds, and 2 bunk beds. In total it can fit 6 people. There is a clean and state of the art western toilet, equipped with minibar and kettle facilities. It's really good for nature lovers and not for people who can't stand the outdoors.

We were fortunate to book via Groupon where the room rate was RM 138 per night for 2 people covering breakfast, lunch and dinner. What a steal!

Even if not available on Groupon, if you get the room at that rate with breakfast, you can drive down to the nearest town which is 3 min away and have your meals there.

We made friends with the owner of The Roots, and we also made friends with Mr Raj who owns Family Farm. We had an instant liking to Samurai, the horse we rode. We came back the next day with carrots to feed Samurai. Mr Raj wanted to bring us horse riding near the river the next time we came. Definitely making a second trip soon!

Prayer of the Oppressed- translated by Hamza Yusuf Hanson

I bought the book for a dear friend’s birthday present and forgot to get one for myself. After borrowing and reading it, I’m glad I got it. The book is not available in Malaysia, so I had to get it shipped from the US.

This prayer was written by Imam Muhammad b. Nasir al-Dar’i. Hamza Yusuf has translated and introduced it to the world. The prayer is widely recited in Morocco, where Imam Muhammad is from, but its miracles resulting from the prayer is widespread. Hamza Yusuf has also accounted for a miracle which happened when he recited the prayer.

"If a man is slain unjustly, his heir shall be entitled to satisfaction. But let him not carry his vengeance to excess, for his victim is sure to be assisted and avenged." Qur'an, 17:33

"Limit your hostility toward your enemy, for one day he may become your beloved."- Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

The book discusses the following:

The Cycle of Oppression:

Oppression is largely driven by power and wealth. Then there is hate and resentment. Hate comes from the oppressor who justifies his actions, and the oppressed who feels helpless and powerless; builds resentment which continues the cycle of oppression.

3 options available to the oppressor and oppressed to end the cycle:

1) Oppressor uses the defense mechanism which is denial

2) Oppressor stops committing the wrong

3) Individuals restraining him from his tyranny and liberating him with compassion

The Nature of the Tyrant

The Quran describes the tyrant as "deft, dumb and blind" which refers to the spiritual essence of the tyrant. Tyrants surround themselves with sycophants because they cannot bear to hear the truth. The more his power increases, the less he tolerates dissent.

As human beings, it is only through others that we can truly see ourselves, hear ourselves and speak to ourselves. Self-obsession does not allow a tyrant to reflect on himself.

This lack of vision afflicts the oppressor's heart.

"It is not the eyes that go blind, but the hearts within the breasts that go blind." Qur'an (22:46)

The tyrant is a sociopath, an individual who functions in society with a concern for his own gratification, even if it is gained through the pain of others. He does not feel their pain, as he believes they (the oppressed) do not exist as conscious creatures.

Only calamity which will bring the tyrant to his knees, lays him low, and humbles him, causing him to self-reflect the reality of his inner self. In gaining self knowledge we are able to gain remorse, and through remorse, we are granted entry into the kingdom of heaven.

Other Excerpts:

"In these troubled times, rife with oppression, many Muslims have been praying for God's victory over their enemies, and those prayers seem to go unanswered. What many do not grasp, however, is that the One called upon is merciful, and so He will not grant to those He loves a victory over their enemies if in that material victory is their spiritual defeat."

"What is true of any man is true of all men; the only difference is in the degree to which it is true."

"God's privation is itself a gift, for He withholds not from want but from wisdom"

"If one lives in light, one does not obsess about the shadows."

"Herein lies the irony of ironies: from Him, to Him, and for Him is the stuff of our souls, and until we realise that fully in our entire being, the world will continue to brutalise us. Its gruesome nature will continue to overwhelm and confound us until we see it for what it is: a shadow, present only because of the absence of His light in our hearts."

Breaking the Cycle (most important to all of us):

1) The oppressed must acknowledge that rulers often times reflect the people they rule.

2) Self-purification. When we become a people of introspection and judge ourselves before we quickly judge those over us, only then will we be able to transform our condition.

3) If we are to help others, we cannot wish them ill. In recognizing that the oppressor also needs help, we can see him as a trial from God, and not as an independent agent acting independently of God's Will. Cursing, hating or wishing ill is the anti-thesis of the prophetic guidance, which calls for mercy. Mercy does not mean resistance or to suffer in silence. Mercy is the understanding that an enemy may verily turn into a friend.

4) Forgiveness. We cannot expect God to forgive us when we are unwilling to forgive others. In forgiving others, we are implicitly recognizing that they are reflections of ourselves. It does not mean that we forego justice or retribution (which we should pursue), but by looking at our own wrongs, we begin to be less judgmental.

These are just some of the many things discussed in the book but I took a few of them for sharing. I would personally recommend you read this book and share it with your family and friends who are either oppressed or an oppressor.

If you have an oppressing trait as I do, we can use this to work on improving ourselves.

Hope this benefits you as much as it did me :-)

The Measure of Love

I received a question from a visitor to explain the differences between Islam and the religion Bahai’. The visitor’s friend had converted from Islam to Bahai’.

Note: I am not a learned on both subject matters, but I can only attempt to highlight what I’ve learned or understood from my personal investigation so far. I hope this would not create conflict between Muslims and Bahais, but seek to understand one another better.

With the issue of conversion out of Islam i.e. apostacy, I believe we need to understand the issues the individual faced, counsel and discuss with them on an intellectual platform. Most times, people leave because they confuse culture with religion, or misguided Muslim fundamentalism as the true Islam.

Similarities
The Concept of God
Muslims believes in the concept of Tauhid or the Unity of God.

Baha’is also believe in 1 God.

Peace
Islam is a religion of peace.

Many of the Baha’ism teachings were borrowed from Islam. Hence, Baha’ism do not preach to its believers to hate Islam. The Bab believes that he is the 26th prophet after Muhammad, but clarifies that he is not propagating the religion of Islam.

Differences
Concept of God
Muslims pray to Allah swt, which is not the same God as other religions. (Christians pray to Prophet Jesus, Hindus have a few Gods. etc). Islam’s concept of God is very comprehensive from the 99 Names describing His characteristics and atttributes.

Although Baha’is believes in 1 God, they believe the God of Christians, Judaism, Buddhists and Hindus are the same. The do not have a comprehensive concept of God, and His attributes. They do not even have a name for God.

The Concept of Man
Islam clearly states man’s roles and responsibilities as a child, student, male, woman, husband, wife, community leader, etc. Man was not born in sin as stated in the Christian concept of original sin. If man accepts Islam man is not automatically headed for Heaven, but man must conquer his carnal desires and do what is pleasing to Allah.

Baha’ism has 7 general fundamental rules for man.

Prayer
The concept of prayer in Islam is more to help Muslims remember Allah at all times. These prayers are revealed prayers. Muslims have a structured method for praying, frequency, and for all occasions such as travelling, eating, weddings, newborns, calamities, etc.
For solat (prayer), Muslims are united in 1 language i.e. Arabic. This means Muslims recite official daily prayers in Arabic. However, the dua after prayer can be done in respective languages in the Muslims heart.

Baha’ism has also a collection of revealed prayer for several occasions. They do not have a unified language for prayer.

Personal thought: Some born Muslims find that Islam is taxing because you need to perform many acts or devotional worship, or always on your best behavior.

This is how I perceive being a Muslim:

Illustration 1: Imagine if you were an employee. In order for you to excel in your job and get that promotion, you need to work hard. You need to meet your targets by following all the work processes, working long hours and even weekends. Some even go 2-step further to do ANYTHING PLEASING for the boss, in the hopes of getting a favor/promotion. (Note: I am not condoning the act of excessive brown nosing but merely a comparative analysis)

WHY CAN’T WE WORK HARD FOR ALLAH?

Illustration 2: Imagine if you were a student. You would do your homework for hours. You would practice piano lessons for hours.You would play paintball or futsal for hours to be the best, in hopes of getting straight As, to be the best in the piano recital, and to be representing Malaysia at international competitions.

WOULD YOU NOT WANT TO GET As in ALLAH’s BOOKS?
WOULD YOU NOT WANT TO PLAY MUSIC PLEASING TO ALLAH?
WOULD YOU WANT TO REPRESENT ALLAH AT ALL COMPETITIONS?

One of the things I think about is, if I die tomorrow, what have I done to get to know Allah or to please Him?

Jordan Richter and Me

I went to my first live documentary screening at Central Market. It really opened my eyes. I was really moved by what I saw. The screening was attended by Malaysians of all races as well as foreign tourists and expats.

Documentary title: Wayward Son: Jordan Richter

Producer/Director: Mustafa Davies

http://www.pop-fashion-wholesale.com/page.html?id=20

Google Jordan Richter and Mustafa Davies.

Briefly: Jordan Richter was a promising teenage skateboarder in '90s. He rose to fame quickly; won competitions and awarded many endorsements.

However, at the height of his early career, he found Islam and became a Muslim at 16 years old. Unfortunately, he befriended Muslims who had a very narrow understanding of Islam. They advised him that photographs and skateboarding were haram. Not wanting to displease Allah, Jordan Richter gave up his passion of skating for Islam.

15 years later, he discovered that skateboarding and photography is permissible. He is now skateboarding and entering competitions again.

The documentary focused on his pain growing up with drug-abusive parents, and his challenges of becoming a Muslim in America.

This is what I learned from the documentary from Jordan's experience:

• when he converted, the Muslim community were proud to be associated with a new believer i.e. muallaf
• the Muslim community taught him ritual and cultural practices confused for Islam
• most of them did not bother to guide him post conversion. he had to guide himself
• he felt very lonely as a Muslim; having lost his friends when he was Jewish, and now that he's a Muslim, he has not gained many true Muslim friends
• thinking that skateboarding was haram and inpermissible, the discontinued his passion for what he thought would please Allah, and found other permissible means to survive but surviving on little income

What moved me:

• even though he gave up his passion, he was never angry at Allah. He never left Islam and just soldiered on
• even though he was lonely without companionship, he soldiered on. He did not desert his faith
• that many new believers face a possibility of losing their family and friends, and yet the majority of the existing Muslim community are not as accepting or indifferent to their situation
• many existing Muslims do not realize that reverts/converts are just like young children. they are learning step by step. The average insensitive and unlearned Muslims expect reverts/converts to don Muslim-Muslimah dress immediately, to know how to perform prayer, to understand the adab at a mosque, etc. IMMEDIATELY. Rightfully, new reverts/converts need to have a solid understanding of Islam (aqidah) to strengthen their faith (iman) & behavior (akhlak) before proceeding to the ritualistic aspect of Islam.
• For example, if a revert/convert used to enjoy alcoholic beverages, they are not required to abstain immediately. They are expected to reduce their consumption gradually until they no longer crave the beverage. It's just like smoking or emotional eating.
• the majority of existing Muslims tend to be very judgmental towards new believers i.e. always looking for faults
• Muslims in general tend to only assist or do charity for MUSLIMS only. Yet, they forget that Islam encourages you to help others inclusive of non-Muslims. I do agree that I do observe this. Muslims do not like to help non-Muslims in the city, what more at rural areas. I cannot explain why this is so.

Having a friend who is already beginning to embrace Islam, I feel moved, and I feel I can foresee her challenges. Alhamdulillah, my family has agreed to unofficially adopt her.

I cannot bear if she has to experience the same things as Jordan Richter, or any other new Muslim for that matter.

She needs a support group more than ever.

May Allah make things easy for us.

Thanks Jordan. No, thank you Allah for leading me to the documentary and giving me the realization.

The Power of Kindness

Some of my friends are positive and sprouting these lovely anecdotes. It helps me immensely especially when I am faced with the challenges in life. Yes, I used to be as chirpy and bouncy. My friends used to call me the ''bouncing ball'' or "chirpy". At one point, I think I became disillusioned. I really want to find that me that I know. I just do not know where she is.

The last 3 months have been really challenging. The trailer accident was a huge wake up call among many. I believe Allah is giving me many warnings. Small bells and big bells.

Death is certain.

Just because I am not on death row, or terminally ill in a hospital, doesn't guarantee I will live longer than the ones mentioned earlier. I could easily have crashed into that trailer, or slip and fall and get a brain hemorrhage. The trailer accident did wake me up. I hyperventilate when my car is behind, next to or overtaking any large vehicles. The repeated nightmares has made me re-evaluate what is important in my life. Even though I have, there is still a lot of pain.

Yes, I have forgiven but there is still pain.

I know slowly by showing kindness to others will heal me.

Naziah asked me to read the book, the Power of Kindness by Pierro Ferrucci.

Thank you everyone who has shown me kindness.

I am ever grateful to Allah for bestowing kindness upon me.

I hope I will be able to deliver on my promise as well! :-)

The Gold Dinar, No Longer a Concept, Now a Reality

Back in my university days, I was always in awe of the concept of using a medium of transaction where the value used for payment equals the goods and services being paid for.

For example, today, if I wanted to buy an iPhone, I would pay in RM 2000 cash. However, the ''cash'' or ''fiat money'' or paper money's actual value, does not amount to RM 2000.

It was during my studies that I wanted to be a part of re-establishing gold and minerals as currency, which was used for centuries before the fiat currency was introduced and before Richard Nixon release the greenback from being tagged to gold.

In any case, Allah ordained that I was to be reunited with a dear friend who is involved in implementing the dinar and dirham in Malaysia. Currently, Kelantan is implementing the system.

In my enthusiasm, I have met with my friend who is an Engineering lecturer at UIAM, and asked her many questions on how the implementation and procedures were carried out, especially in terms of banking and it's involvement with the Malaysian Central Bank.

I will post my notes from the discussion in a following post. For now, please read articles on this in the Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703882304575465623070689934.html

Malaysian Insider:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/kelantan-launches-gold-dinar/

The Obedient Wives Club

This is the latest hot issue apart from Bersih. I was asked to comment since I have friends who are keen on Islam, and Muslim friends who get barraded with questions from curious non-Muslims.

Watch and listen to a discussion between OWC, Sisters In Islam and Islamic Renaissance Front:

http://www.bfm.my/evening-edition-obedient-wives-club-6-july-2011.html?jn50aa7170=4#jotnav50aa7170f4f30f53fe51fed70717d1d6

My 2 cents:

1) Divorce is not the product of 1 party.

2) To reduce the divorce rates, we must look at the fundamental issues and resolve them. Some may be:

a) monetary

b) both parties become too career oriented

c) long-distance relationships due to offshoring and outsourcing causes strain

d) marrying young without mental, emotional, physical, financial and spiritual maturity

e) infidelity

f) others

I feel that OWC is dangerously misrepresenting Islam and the role of women. Dr Azlina from OWC admitted that marriage solely legitimizes sex and well, the discussion was focused on sex.

Marriage is about building a healthy family institution. Sex is just a means, but not the end. The family institution is the starting point to building good Islamic individuals, who will then create a good Islamic community.

When the focus is sex, it cheapens the family unit and the concept of society.

There should be a more comprehensive discussion on this by learned individuals to correct the gross misconception among Muslims and non-Muslims alike. If not corrected, the repercussions would be grave. Misunderstanding creates confusion. Confusion create error in action. Erroneous actions cause breakdowns in faith, families, etc.

Kissing Buddha: A Closer Look Into Cambodia

Let's just say I almost missed my flight.

I wrongly dated my calendar and thought that the trip to Cambodia was on 15th July when it was actually on 8th July. Thanks to my wonderful friends in Bintulu who understands my absent mindedness. They called me on 7th July!

Cambodia is a pleasant surprise.

Upon arrival at Siem Riep International Airport and meeting the Customs officials, our first impression is that the people at the airport are not as friendly as the ones we meet in Thailand, Brunei, Borneo or Indonesia. Hoping to be corrected, we, all 7 of us soon met our tuk tuk driver Mr Kram. Thankfully, he greeted us with a huge smile.

I noticed that many vehicles in Siem Riep are powered by motorcycles. You see motorcycles attached to wagons, motorcycles attached to contraptions where it transforms into a truck, van, car, etc.

The population in general appear youthful since most of them cycle. You can see a mother cycling with her baby strapped on her chest, while her 2 kids are pillion riders.

We stayed at Temple Villa, where the rates are 2 stars, but the quality is 4 stars. Truly! 3-single beds, AC, fan, TV, DVD player, personal bathroom, a minibar with replenishable water bottles, free WiFi, free internet cafe, towels, toothbrushes and soap, for USD 23/night is a steal. Eating at the Villa was cheaper than at eateries since the rates are for stay-in customers. The location is at the heart of Siem Riep, which makes it accessible to eateries and shopping areas.

The Khmer massages are USD 3/hour. That's RM 9 per hour. We went crazy!

The Cambodian population generally comprise of Khmer folk, Chinese and Vietnamese. It was once a historical power house, but the civil war started by Pol Pot, and the succeeding corruption has caused the population to be generally poor. This observation may be unjust since my benchmark is Malaysia. Perhaps, in the Khmer criteria, they may be working class. I need to do more research on this.

What to Do and See
1) We toured most of the interesting Wat(s) (temples) including the infamous Angkor Wat and where Angelina Jolie filmed the Tomb Raider. The entrance fees to see the wats within 3 days is USD 40. I had my history lesson and understood more on Hinduism and Buddhism.

2) We visited Tonle Sap (Fresh Water River). We chartered a small boat in the range of maybe USD 10 for 7 people. Don't worry, it has life jackets. The tour took easily 2 hours +. We saw the floating village, where the Khmer and Vietnamese folk build their houses on rafts attached to a motorboat. They literally bathe, answer nature's call, fish, and do domestic work in the river. There was a floating church, mosque, orphanage, school, shop, restaurant and a sports court. The floating mosque was a donation from an organization in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. Most of the establishment of schools were funded on donations, but the run-and-maintain costs are borne by the local administration. It was really heart-wrenching seeing how large families crowd in a small boat house; eating, sleeping and cooking in 1 area. Some of them were extremely impoverished. The boat that they were paddling in was old and leaking, that the young children as old as 5 or younger can be seen scooping water out of the boat (sampan). A few of my friends donated money to those whom we feel needed it. We did not care that some of our friends insisted that we not subsidize laziness. In my personal opinion, these people are from a war torn-corrupted country. The government and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) presence is practically nil. They stay on rivers dependant on the river source. A few days before we came there was a draught and the river was dry. How can these people who have nothing make a living? How can they who hardly have clean water, electricity, and basic facilities make ends meet? What if their only source of income i.e. the river was dry? My heart bled for them. I can live without a few USD. I can opt to not eat out, or go to a movie. I can survive. The Khmer folk need it more.

3) Cultural Village
We paid USD 11 per pax (on weekends) and USD 6 (weekdays) to enter a Mini Cambodia Village. There is a museum, judgement tunnel as per Buddhism, and cultural performances for traditional Khmer weddings, fiance selection, and etc. I took a liking to the some of the male-female dances. Very different but respectful. Okla, plus I thought one of the male dancer was uber cute.

4) Silk Farm
There is no entrance fees. We learned how Cambodian Silk is made. From the type of tree they used to feed the silk worms (all types of mulberry), the worm life cycle (apparently worms are created just to mate, and then they die), how fine and raw silk are made, how to differentiate between hand made silk and machine made, etc. Very interesting. Now I understand why it is so expensive. It's so manual!

5) Local delicacies
The Khmer food is somewhat familiar to Malaysian tastebuds but different. Muslims can opt for vegetarian dishes or dishes with seafood. I advise to eat the local dishes and not try something familiar like Western food. You might be disappointed.

5) Shopping
You can go to the Night Market (pasar malam) and the Old Market. Prices are inflated and must be haggled to at least 50%. Remember, these prices are for tourists. You can buy their traditional dresses, shirts, pants, handmade handbags, paintings, coffee flavored rice wine i.e. tuak (i kid you not!), local coffee, local beer (Angkor beer was so popular among my non-Muslim friends), silk, and etc. If you know how to haggle, you can get dirt cheap stuff compared to Malaysia. Dirt cheap. Call me up if you need bargaining tips.

6) War Museum
You can check out the destruction left by Pol Pot.

7) Visit orhpanages.
There are so many orphanages.

8) Visit your local church and mosque.

What I Learned
1) Clean and accessible water is still scarce in Cambodia (not to mention electricity)
We only drank bottled water there.

2) Khmer uses sitting toilets and water to clean themselves in the restrooms. However, if you are not careful, some ''public'' toilets may use recycled water. I had a terrible experience cleaning myself at a restaurant. The toilet was clean, but when I felt my hands were oily, I realized they may have recycled the water from the dish cleaning. If you were thinking it, yes, I did scream!

3) Muslims are referred to as Cham. The earliest Muslims in Cambodia originated from Champa, Vietnam. Due to unawareness, Khmer folk call everyone wearing a headscarf Cham. Yeah, I was Miss Cham! They think Chams speak the same language globally. Initially, I disagreed with them. When I sat to think about it, I realized, maybe when Muslims greet each other, we have a universal language: assalamualaikum, salaam a'laik, and salaam. Most of us can speak a little Arabic. I feel proud to be Muslim!

4) The number of hotel presence outnumber the number of schools, and hospitals.
During Pol Pot's reign, he ordered the killing of intellectuals: teachers, writers, historians, academicians, doctors, lawyers, etc. Children who wanted to learn had to be smuggled into temples.

5) There are so many orphanages!
I have yet to determine why there are so many considering it has been at least 20 years since Pol Pot's rule ended. Perhaps it was due to the landmines, or human trafficking.

6) There are 2 prices everywhere you eat or everywhere you shop (except at standard marts): 1 price for Khmer, 1 price for tourists. If you want to invite your tour guide and tuk tuk driver to eat with you, just allow them to eat separately. You can treat them by increasing their tip to compensate for the lunch and dinner.

7) When you go to the floating village, make sure you buy books, stationeries, and dry food from Malaysia to donate to either mosque, church or orphan schools. You don't want the hassle of bargaining in a foreign country.

8) Khmer folk are industrious. Our tour guide went to school until 5th grade or something. Then he worked at hotels, saved money to learn English, and Spanish so he can become a tour guide. Wow, how many of us bother remembering what they LEARNED in SCHOOL?

9) Cambodia was saddled by civil wars that they INVITED the French to colonize them. They are also very proud to share this information with tourists. I guess, you must be fed up with all the in-fighting of your people that you'd rather have a foreigner colonize you. I guess better the French than the Dutch. Hehehe pun intended (referring to history here).

10) Remember how people always say don't buy from the children or people who stalk you at the tourists sites? I say BUY FROM THEM. Why?
a) Much cheaper
b) You are really helping the hard core poor
c) Though you can't buy from all, buy what you want, and at least you are helping some
d) They sell post cards, hats, shirts, books, food and drinks much cheaper than the night and old market. I did my survey. For schizzle.

11) Gas prices at the pump stations in Cambodia are roughly USD 1.70 per gallon and follows the market rate. I can't imagine how the poor survive and get around since they need gas.

12) Many tourists fund an entire tuk tuk or the like to assist Khmer in making a living. They show their gratitude by posting the poster of the donator on their tuk tuk etc.

Cambodia has taught me to be grateful of the basic necessities, my civil liberties, my country, my family and friends. Malaysia is not perfect and has many room for improvement, but we are better off than many countries. I still want to fair elections, refining civil rights and policies, and etc, but it doesn't make me less of a Malaysian or a Muslim.

Be the Change You Want to See In the World

PS> Well, I didn't kiss Buddha. I made sure Buddha kissed me in a picture! :p

Silly Things To Do in Spain

1. Dancing the Macarena at La Macarena commercial area in the state Seville.


2. Shouting ''arriba arriba!'' (Reference: Cartoon Speedy Gonzalez)


3. Uttering the word ''negro''. The word negro means ''black'' or ''dark''. It is used widely in Spanish as an adjective. However, if ''negro'' is used in America, it carries a negative connotation as it is a derogatory term, and if used, could get you killed.


4. Act out a scene as Popeye and Olive Oil (Spain produces olives and manufactures the best olive oil and extra-virgin olive oil)


5. Be an Ugly Betty (The original series was either from Spain or Puerto Rico...hehehe

Donation Drive: Building an Orphanage Home

I volunteered to participate in collecting funds for the contruction of an orphanage home for brilliant orphans under the Rumah Aman 2 initiative (House of Peace 2).

Brief Background:

Rumah Aman, which is located at Section 2, Shah Alam. The difference between this orphanage and others is the following:

• orphanage was founded by a non-Malaysian who resided in Malaysia under the Malaysia My 2nd Home program


• the children are chosen are currently boys aging from 6-9 years old based on their academic strengths


• the boys can read and speak English and Bahasa, count, lead prayer, swim, etc. They are taught Islam, manners, and other soft skills.

You can check out their blog: http://rumahaman.blogspot.com

The blog showcases the individual boys. Very interesting.

Currently, Rumah Aman is expanding. They intend to locate more bright young boys and girls to provide the education that they deserve. The second orphanage will be located in Sg Buloh.

The donation drive is to assist with the funding of the second home. Apart from generous and sincere donations, we are organizing a mass bowling event at 11 locations simultaneously at 11 participating bowling alleys. Read more here:

http://bowlforcharity.blogspot.com

If you watch the video, you can see the boys reading, how they pray in congregation, lead prayer and perform azan, how they dress themselves, swim, the academic and sports awards that they receive & win.

It truly inspired me to volunteer and help in any way I can.

As a volunteer, I had to man the Rumah Aman booth at the Sejuta Belia (1 million youth) day at Putrajaya. We literally had to go up to every passer-by or customer and promote Rumah Aman and the bowl for charity drive, enlighten them, and convince them that sincere contributions even as little as 50 cents or RM would make a difference.

Many primary, highschool and university students contributed. The working class also contributed but I found it rather challenging to convince them. I had to use my creative skills on how donating to orphans can benefit THEM (the donator).

When the previous second Minister of Finance dropped by to donate, I observed a huge entourage following him. Reporters and cameramen snapped pictures of him at our booth, while his entourage loyally stood behind him.

This is side-stepping, but I had a thought I wanted to share:

When you are in power, people follow you everywhere possibly even to the gents. When you no longer have power, will the same people remain loyal or will their loyalties change? You must have real leadership for people to remain loyal regardless whether you have ''official'' or ''unofficial'' power. Back to the main subject...hehehe

Small contribution, Big difference.

The highlight of the drive for me:

• A group of young girls wore a cute uniform came to donate RM 1 each. Since they were in uniform, I thought they were from a primary school. So I asked which school are they from. The response brought tears to my eyes instantly. The little girls were also from an orphanage. What struck me was they did not hesitate to donate the little money that they had for children in the same boat as them. I know that children in orphanages usually do not get allowance, so that RM 1 eventhough so small, meant so much from them. I felt really guilty. Like I was stealing from an orphan. I pray that Allah bless and reward these girls for their kindness and generosity, for their big heart.


• I managed to draw the attention of 3 family members who after they donated, was interested to help more by providing in-kind assistance and include the orphans in their family activities like having a family dinner with orphans. Apparently this family has 120 family and extended family members! We were so thrilled!! They even wanted to volunteer for the bowling event. I feel very blessed.

I would like to do more. Perhaps teach language, read and write, reading the Quran or teaching them how to bake. Hehehe

You can request for tax exemption if you donate.

Let's make a difference, in any way you can. There are many charities, and I think we can do so much if we spare some for those in need.

Join me?

The Origins of Captain Jack Sparrow

Dear all,

My friend sent me this link. Interesting read:

http://www.suhaibwebb.com/society/entertainment/the-legend-of-captain-jack-from-birdy-to-sparrow/

EnjoY!!

M. Fethullah Gulen: Hizmet Movement

Fethullah Gulen is a well known scholar who originated from Izmir, Turkey. He has written many books on Islam. His philosophy is so popular among the enlightened and the secular in Turkey that they have Gulen inspired schools in Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kurgistan, Mongolia and recently Malaysia.

The Hizmet Movement is one of his popular teachings: to enlighten the public of the essence of Islam and to contribute to society regardless of their faith

What this means for the Turkish:

When they see tourists such as myself, they welcome us into their shops with apple tea, they enquire about our travels, our home country and not expecting you to purchase their goods.

When we appear lost, they walk up to us and offer their services to help us find our way.

They give salaam to us.

Many Turkish people are so impressed with Gulen inspired schools because it balances Islamic and conventional subjects, that non-Muslims also send their children there. The graduates have done extremely well i.e. received offers to work at NASA, etc.

The followers of the Gulen movement are very much society driven in the sense that they always want to contribute to society.

Malaysia is currently being introduced to Gulen.

I am currently reading two of his books:

Essentials of Islamic Faith

The Messenger of Muhammad- The Analysis of the Prophet's Life.

As you can see, Turkey is now moving from an uber secular society to a less secular society. The hijab was once banned in public institutions such as schools, universities, libraries and government offices, but recently last year it has been relaxed.

Alhamdulillah.

May Allah reward all those who contribute for the good of all.

Somewhere Out There

Sometimes I just want to be accepted.

To be considered special and precious.

Just like everyone else.

Straight from the Heart

Dear Martha Beck,

My friend introduced me to you. She's an avid fan after loyally following your appearances on Oprah, and now she subscribes to Oprah's O magazine just so she can read up on your columns. In her effort to enlighten me, I have been made aware of my emotional retardedness (this is an understatement).

This means that I have problems expressing and showing emotions particularly sadness and vulnerability. I have been aware of it, I just didn't realize it would also impact others around me. My Great Wall of Emotional Emptiness needs to be knocked down.

After careful and deep reflection of myself, I agree that my friend is spot on about me. It takes a lot of courage and the lowering of my pride to admit this.

The problem is I do not know how.

I've been this way since I can remember (elementary and high school?).

There is no prejudice towards anyone. Everyone meets the Wall. No exceptions.

I have been reading a few of your articles but couldn't find one that fits this particular area. I do feel that I need to get in touch with my emotional side, since i depend heavily on my rational capacities.

The consequences of breaking down the Wall is decades of emotional pain carefully managed rationally, which may release a flood gate of emotion. Think of it as an emotional tsunami.

How do you suppose I prepare for this?

You must be gentle with me. Frank, but gentle.

I read your article on Emo-Do i.e. being a Master of Emotion. Obviously I am still a white belt at Emo-Do, but I am serious at being a black belt.

Let me know.

L,
Emotionally Retarded
Bangi
Malaysia

Links: www.marthabeck.com and www.oprah.com/contributor/martha-beck

From Bahai to Islam: Adam Fong's Journey

(I had permission to share Adam Fong's journey) Assalamualaikum Asma, Insyallah, here I’ll share my conversion story with you. I was born a Baha'i, and Baha’ism rotten roots lies in Iran, the centre point of Shia Islam. While i was growing up as a Baha’i, we were taught that there's a prophet after Muhammad (saw) has come to reveal scriptures after the Quran, and that we as Baha’is are the chosen ones of God. How cliché? Chosen ones... There's no prophet after Muhammad (saw) and Allah doesn't make mistakes. In any case, we were always taught from a Shia perspective towards Islam, that Islam had degraded and hence the down fall of the Ottoman Empire in Turkey. Since there's degradation of Islam, hence there need to be a new religion, which was Baha'ism, my ex-religion. Not too much on its way ward religion, but that's my history. We believed in a man, who posses’s Godly powers and that accepting him is our salvation. Very similar to Christianity, however ironically, this man, whose name is Hussain Ali claims to be the second coming of Jesus Christ. That's totally false and absurd, hence its being a way ward religion. Little did I know about this when i was a Baha'i, going on my life on my life oblivious to Islam. During my time as a Bahai, i never really took religion seriously. It was more of a part time thing, as i grew up, studied in college and got myself into business when I was in my teens. So “God” was always put a side, like a lucky coin, needing it "as and when" i like. Ao zubillah, Ya Allah forgive me. In the midst of all this, my brother, now Farihin was about to get married to his girlfriend who is now my sister in law, from Kelantan. This was very saddening towards my mom and dad as their son is about to accept Islam. The Islam we've been learning, that it has degraded, and that we "bahais" are having a better religion. So my brother converting to Islam is going against my family's beliefs. However my mom and dad did eventually gave in as my Farihin was the eldest in the family. At the same time my brother was also of the opinion that he's acceptance to Islam is only surface level and his intention is just to get married with my sister in law. My father advised him to be honest in his religion and be faithful to Islam and that if he converted, he must adhere to Islam 100%, and do not be a half pass six Muslim. This was the advice of my late father to my brother. My mother was still reluctant to accept my brother had converted. Eventually my brother got married and they moved out of the house. However my brother start to realize that Islam is not just a ticket to get married, he studied further and start to realize that Islam is true religion from Allah, the Creator. So he started to come by the house and talk to us about Islam, showing us videos of Dr.Zakir Naik, "Science in the Quran", "Miracles of the Quran", "Muhammad in the Holy Scriptures". I was reluctant at first but i started to watch and learn slow, with my mother. My dad at the time was not bothered about my brother talking about Islam to us. I always had this issue with Islam and Muslims being terrorist and cold blooded murderers. However my brother started to share with me the other side of Islam that no one talks about, that is about the prophet Muhammad peace and blessing be upon him, and started to show me ahadith and how was our prophet really was as a man, a person whom we'd learn how to live our lives. Then he showed me how his companions (sahabas), lived along side our prophet, protecting him, loving him, and obeying him as a prophet from Allah. Allah say’s that Muhammad is the best of creation and is a mercy to all the worlds. So its must be that Allah has sent him as a guide to us, and we should look to him for reference. Because in our previous religion, the bahais took most of its teaching from Islam, then I discovered that what was taught to us as bahais, was infact taken from Islam and its way of life. A total rip off I’d say. And I was deeply angered at this fact, because 23 years of my life was just gone without knowing this fact. I started to learn and read books from Dr.Zakir Naik, Ahmad Deedat, Gary Millar (Omar, his Muslim name), and many scholars of comparative religion. However I was still skeptical about Islam because I was also in a relationship with my girlfriend, who is now my wife. So didn’t want to convert because it was cause a dent in my relationship with my girlfriend who's a Christian, a Sunday church going Christian and Catholic I might add. Allah in His absolute mercy and compassion, showed me the way into accepting Islam no matter what. I was driving to fetch Melissa to catch a movie, and i got myself into an accident. I smashed the front of my car into the rear of a Renault. I wasn't hurt however, wallahi, when i slam the breaks of my Wira, and felt the front of the car hit the other car, and it was as though I woke up from a dream. I didn't realize what had happen and i was so awe struck at what just happened. I couldn't believe it, because I’ve never been a in a wreck such as that, maybe minor dents and knocks, but not to the extend that my car would be totally damaged. I was of the impression before i was a Muslim that what happens to me is due to my own actions and there's no one that can do anything about it, even God. Astaghfirallah. Farihin helped me and manage to settle my insurance claims and drove me back home. In the journey back, while I was pondering and just starring at the window of his car, my brother just blurted out "Didn't it felt like a dream?" I was stunned because i didn't mention to anyone. Then he started to tell me, that it was ignorant to think that everything was under my control, and that it was Allah who protected me from a worse accident. And that I was an ungrateful human being, because Allah has given me everything I needed, a house, a car, a girlfriend, loving parents, a good paying job and a good physical body, with no defects. Alhamdulilah, I wish I had said that when he told me this. I was at the lowest of low, when he said that, because i always had my ego with me. Ego didn't do me any good. I felt very bad the next day and had walked to his house, which was a couple of blocks away and told him, "Ko (brother), can you teach me how to be grateful to Allah?". He said come in and take a shower, we'll pray together. That’s when I started to pray to Allah and the first time I placed my forehead on the ground in humility is when i started to realize what was my position in this life and it just brought me to tears that I’ve been so lost without guidance. Because of you realize, only a slave would place his forehead on the ground in humiliation towards his master. I started to pray 5 times a day, in secrecy. At work, at home. I didn't want to voice out my beliefs, because I was still learning and studying about Islam. Melissa was with me all the way from the time of the accident and until i started to pray, however she didn't know I was praying as a Muslim. I didn't want to tell her about my beliefs. I was scared that she would dump me because of Islam. I started to learn about Islam from English speaking scholars, from PeaceTv, from videos which i downloaded from Youtube, from books translated into English, and i started to learn how to read Quran. I read a lot about Islam, and I started to learn about Christianity and its similarities with Islam. Because I wanted Melissa also to know about this “gold” I just found. One fine day I broke the news to Melissa that I was a Muslim, that I’ve accepted Islam as my way of life. She was devastated, because she didn't anticipate my accepting Islam. Because she was a Christian she knew about Islam only from the tv, the newspaper, the community, and how many families broke up due to Islam. She was scared. And her mother had a lot to do with her belief. And her mother was a person with little tolerance towards Islam and she had a bad misconception of Islam by looking at our community and its black sheeps. I started to share with her about Islam, its beauty, its way of life, it’s always having Allah in the mind, and not only on Sundays. Shared with her many things in the bible that shows that Islam is not the religion of Arabs, it was the way of life since Adam alaihisalam. That they were only sent as prophets to give the message of Islam, which is to submit to Allah with sincerity and peace. That is to worship Allah without any partners. Worship Allah alone, not a stick, a stone, money, a man, or a concept. I told her that Jesus in the bible never said to his follower "I am God, worship me". I questioned her, however she wasn't able to answer as I think she was a very obedient Christian not learned, in a sense that the knowledge is left to the preachers and the fathers in the church. I was still with Melissa even though i was already a Muslim. Many people had told me to leave her and find for someone else who is a Muslim and that really angered me. I told me self, that if I ever go fishing I would catch the most difficult fish, easy fishes are not my cup of tea. I was being metaphoric as to tell them that I'm trying to share Islam with Melissa and I’ll wait for her until she is ready to learn and accept Islam. I showed her videos like "Who wrote the bible" by Dr.Robert Bedfort. I showed her videos from Dr.Zakir Naik, "Crucifiction or Crucifixted", Ahmad Deedat's talk about Islam and Christianity, and Yusuf Estes story about his conversion to Islam. Brother Yusus is a Christian minister, converted to Islam and now has his own Da'wah channel called GuideUS TV. After seeing all these videos and she started to realize that Islam was the truth, and that her parents hold no status in telling her that she cannot convert to Islam and to accept the truth. I showed her how to pray, I taught her Al-Fatiha, and other short surah, all with Allah permission. I see a change in her, and Alhamdulilah she converted to Islam. Her parents never knew about her conversion as she was staying outside her house for a year before we got married. Allah had given her an avenue of accepting Islam without any problems, because she wasn't staying at home. No resistance from her parents because it wasn't to their knowledge. Her parents soon got to know when we wanted to get married and we've made arrangement for them to come for our wedding. It was her mother who was against our marriage, however her father was not bothered if she was a Muslim or not, for him it was a matter of telling him our plans earlier. We've been married for 2 years now and Allah has given us a gift, a daughter, Sofia. After we got married we never seize to visit her parents every weekend, to show that even being Muslims, Allah has commanded us to be dutiful to our parents, and that we cannot even say a word "ouff" to them. So as Muslims we strive to show silaturrahim towards our non muslims parents the best we can. Maybe if you like, you can ask for her story, I think she'd be more than willing to share this story with you, and how she accepted Islam. I'm ever grateful to Allah that my family including my mother has accepted Islam. My father unfortunately passed away 2 years ago. That in a way, made the way for my mother to accept Islam, as my mother was married to my father, even though she had accepted Islam in her heart and she was already a practicing Muslim. Allah's promise is the truth indeed, and we should never be afraid when Allah is by our side. When Allah is our Rab, and our sustainer, who other than Allah can provide for everything in this world? Indeed Allah alone is the Provisioner. Accepting Islam from a non Muslim background is definitely challenging. Because of obstacles in our path, such as our parents, friends, and love ones. Some times its difficult to please everyone. However, if we please our Creator, Allah, He will make our difficulty easy and manageable. I thank Allah that he showed me the way into a way of life, that is more reserved and more easily understandable. Yes, we there are things which we cannot do after accepting Islam, however these are the things that keep us reserved and check at all times. Do ask me if you’ve any question, and I do hope that my story is worth the read . Assalamualaikum. Wa alaikumusalam Sure, please share this with anyone its no issue what so ever. Insyallah, its a beneficial story for those who are perhaps on the same boat. I think to me, it was the point where i saw this one talk from Dr.Zakir Naik about "Terrorism in Islam". He was mentioning about the atrocities done by former leader such as Mousalini, Hitler and others alike. And when it come to Islam and Muslims, its very rare cases you see them committing such acts of terror. Basically out of defending one selfs. He said there's a fine line between freedom fighter and terrorist. Because one might look similar to the other, when people start to have pre-condition mind sets. So while he was talking it was suggesting to view a video made by some American, who were not satisfied with the 9/11 Commission Report. So they actually investigate and found out that 9/11 was not perpetrated by Muslim Terrorist and that Islam has nothing to do with 9/11. 9/11 was a hype of the Western media drawing an image of Muslim terrorist just blood thirsty to kill infidels. However i was also preconditioned at the time too. Alhamdulilah, this was the point that i said, "I want to be a Muslim", it cant wait. My brother taught me how to read Arabic first, then i went for Arabic classes for 2 years and also i read the Quran during my free time at night. I have the Syamil Quran which is the word by word translation in Malay (Indonesian). Most of my learning avenue was through youtube and tubeislam. Videos from Br.Yusuf Estes, Dr.Bilal Philips, Dr.Zakir Naik, Br.Sheik Ahmad Deedat, their books and their audio clips. These days i listen to Br.Shuib Webb, he also can be heard in Legacy Radio, and Ikim Fm, every weekends 6.30pm - 7.00 pm, interesting he's talks. I'm still learning and as a Muslim knowledge is very important. Ilm is something that feeds us to strive to know more, more hadith, more sunnah, more Quran. We one day will become mother and father to our children. If scholars are too far to reach and not accessible, we must be their scholars and impart knowledge to them. Of course knowledge from Quran and Sunnah, and from the understanding of the Ulama that are along the Quran and Sunnah. These are the 2 most important things to hold on too. Author's note: I cried reading his story. Spurs me to reform myself even more.

Purple Toes

After returning from Bario, I noticed 3 of my toes were in total pain and couldn't bend properly. Then a few days later I realized it turned purple. Dark purple. After much persuasion from my friends, I consulted the Dr. I was told that my toes suffered internal bleeding from intense walking in intense road conditions. He advised that it should return to its normal color. If it hasn't in 1 week, then I should return. The Dr also advised not to do much walking. Well, the only advice I heeded was...none of the above. Not walking would be very alien to me. To make matters worse, I started playing futsal. To limit my movement, I was given the ''goal keeper'' role. Boy, did I get smacked by balls. Little did I realize that my first test game I walked away with bruises and cuts on my arms and hands. Toes...still purple but improving. I have 3 days left to see it turn to PINK!! Author's note: If walking 40 km turned my toes purple, I can't imagine walking barefoot like the Penan or Kelabit used to (some still do).

The Simple Life: The Bario Awakening

The Sarawak experience would be incomplete if you did not visit Bario.

Bario is a highland populated by mainly Kelabit, Lun Bawang and Bario Penan tribes. It is accessible mainly by plane, a 50 min journey from Miri. Alternatively, the trip will consume 22 hours by land, and 4 weeks by foot. Most Bario locals have travelled by all 3 means.



Our first twin otter flight experience:

• 18 seater plane (as big as a mini bus!)
• No air-conditioning. 2 mini fans stood in its place
• No lavatory
• No steward or stewardess
• No inflight meals or entertainment (obviously la since there isn't any steward/stewardess)
• No emergency briefing
• No life jacket under the seat
• You can see the pilot and co-pilot
  

When we arrived at the Bario airport, naturally we had to retrieve our own bags from the twin otter luggage pit.

Bario has a population of an estimated 800 people. Seriously. The people of Bario are mainly Evangelical Christians. They grow bario hill paddy, pineapples, and produces hill salt. Other items have to either be flown from Miri, or transported by 4WD or by foot. There is no bank or ATM. There is no cinema, mall or karaoke bars. The Celcom telco tower was just constructed...2 years ago.

They have a primary school, high school up to 9th grade, churches, clinics, immigration, a police station manned by 3 personnel, library, museum, a few shops and a few home-stay longhouses.

Guess what this is?

Answer: Correct. A gas station!

Bario does not have access to electricity or commercialized water treating system. Everything is done manually by the Bario folk. They use generators to power electricity. They hardly use electricity during the day time, and switches it on for a few hours at night. Some longhouses may be powered by solar. Hence, at night their lights use solar energy instead of electricity.

Understanding their limited access to daylight, I deduced that this is one of the main factors contributing to the high success rate of Kelabits. When daylight hours are limited coupled with 0 distraction from sms, 3G, phones, TV and pubs/cyber cafe/video games/etc, the Kelabits maximize their time during the day either working or studying. At night they get proper rest. Hence, many Kelabit become successful. One very successful Kelabit is Idris Jala.

In addition, the fact that most Kelabit had to walk a great distance to school (easily 5 to more than 20km one way) to school in bad road conditions, they know the definition of perseverance.

My friends and I walked almost 20km to the salt spring in muddy roads and had to venture into virgin jungles, and our feet felt like falling off. Salt is produced manually i.e. taken from mountain well, using firewood to heat the pot to get the salt, then transport the salt on foot to town (20km). That's why Bario salt is expensive.

Let's just say there were no rest areas and my friend and I had toI had to answer nature's call...the natural way. Don't worry, I took clean water from the mountains *smiles*

On our way back from the salt spring, after walking another 10 km, we were exhausted. Our feet were numb and we had to take 1 step at a time. When we saw a truck...we decided to hitchhike. *don't do this at home kids* We had a guide who spoke Kelabit. All 5 of us got onto the back of the truck and rode the remaining km to town.

Signing the Guest Wood at our favorite homestay: Jungle Blues Dream
With Tine from Jungle Blues Dream.

Posing with the drawings: Rumors

Our homestay host is an artist. He puts his paintings for sale in his longhouse. He is very talented. He has sold over 70 paintings. His paintings will be exhibited at the Oxford Gallery some time in 2o11.


We paid RM 70/night per pax for 3 meals daily. The lavatory is modern (sitting down) and bathroom is clean.

At night, our lights are solar powered.


What I Like about Bario

1. The productive people
2. The friendly people. People come up, shake your hand and talk to you
3. The fact that there is no crime in Bario
4. The people oppose negative influences and work hard to prevent discos, pubs, drugs and crime from entering Bario
5. The people are very family oriented. They take care of each other. Imagine walking for 20 km and breaking your foot without owning a handphone (before Celcom came), if your family and friends don't search for you if you didn't return home, you're a goner
6. The economic activity is mainly bario paddy, pineapples, bario salt, arts and craft and tourism
7. The hardworking and persevering attitude
8. They are humble
9. Bario is still physically uncorrupted. Let's hope it remains that way.
10. I met the infamous Penan folk. They are nomads. They own no assets. There are evangelists who are trying to educate them and provide them basic education to lead a better life. They are also taught Christianity. These kids walk miles just to go to school.

What I Want to Do

1. Bario folk should not be made to pay for road tax when there isn't any roads!
2. Muslims need to visit Bario. We were basically the few Muslims that travelled here. Most of them thought we were tabligh.
3. West Malaysians need to know of the plight of the Kelabit and Penan. The ''government budget'' should be spent to improve the lives of the marginalized and not build unnecessary palaces and direct entrances to the palace.
4. Muslims should help individuals and communities regardless of their faith

Will you help me?

Sarawak Layered Cake

Wikipedia Bintulu and you will learn that it was originally just a fishing village. With the discovery of liquefied natural gas and the founding of MLNG, Bintulu became the next oil and gas town after Miri.

Bintulu is growing and expanding. At one glance, you can see plush green backdrop. Take a closer look you will see construction mushrooming in many areas.

Population

The majority in the following order are Iban, Chinese and Malays.

I've learned what it means to be a minority in Malaysia. It teaches me humility and respect. For once I see more dogs than cats, and they are my friends. They protect me and my neighborhood. They do not chase or bark at me because I treat animals with respect.

I learn from my Christian, Bhuddist and Iban colleagues what it means to practice their religion and enjoy holidays such as Gawai and Good Friday.

Being Muslim here is also exciting. People give salaam out of respect. I love giving salaam and returning salaam. Men say salaam really to wish you peace, and not to ...court.

The few practising Muslims are very close. We band together and do charity together.

Geography

Bintulu is akin to some areas of Shah Alam, but 20 years ago. The biggest mosque also has a blue dome, and it has many roundabouts.

Economy

There is very little Government body presence here. Hence, employment is mainly private sector driven i.e. Petronas, Shell, Murphy Oil, Sime Darby, SESCO (TNB equivalent), and in-coming Japanese companies. If you don't work for these companies, you either work with the Bintulu Port, Bintulu Development Authority or you are self-employed.

Most are self-employed. What I admire most is that Bintulu-wakians are generally self-sufficient. They do not depend on the Government as much as the West Malaysians do (for obvious reasons). They operate their own businesses. If we don't have McDonalds, they come up with The Munchies (local burger fast food).

I know a family who took my friend and I in as step daughters (anak angkat). They are very welcoming, warm and loving. They treat complete strangers like us as their children. The feeling is genuine and sincere. They operate a growing layered cake business, a catering service, and a bridal shop to make ends meet. They won the Best Belacan in Bintulu and Sarawak award.

We get invited for dinner almost every other day.

I have offered to manage their business and my expansion plans, but I do understand that they need manpower and resources to expand. You know me, I have all these ideas ;-)

Ever since I have been in Bintulu, I have only eaten at KFC twice, Marrybrown once, Pizza Hut twice and Sushi King once. My friends and I prefer to patronize local eateries. We support the local economy.

Having said this, there is still many in Bintulu and Sarawak who are poor. You can see from the side of the main road that they still live in long houses without access clean water and electricity.

Cycling through out some parts of Bintulu has really taught me that all the resources that Sarawak has i.e. crude oil, natural gas, timber, sago, pepper, etc has not been equitably disbursed to its population. Shame.

Social

In Bintulu, you will tend to do outdoor activities such as the following:

• fishing, prawning or deep sea fishing


• cave exploration


• diving


• jungle trekking


• running, cycling, swimming or general sports

Apart from the above, my friends and I play kites, watch the sun set at the beach, have picnics, cook-overs, boardgames, Chenga (China Jenga), DVD nights...the usual.

When a friend of mine was hospitalized for appendicitis and had to remove a cyst in her ovaries, I took turns with a friend to care for her. She told me she was lonely in the hospital. I can relate since I was hospitalized a few times, and I hate staying in the hospital. I smuggled in a dvd player and we would watch movies.

She couldn't laugh because laughing hurts (post operation). Imagine having to suppress all the jokes in my mind. I suppressed them for a while until she recovered :-)

When our friends do not have cars, we send them every day to office and pick them up. What would take 20 min to the office, now would take 1 hour. Our office is in a rural location in Bintulu. It is not in Google Earth because it is a national security location.

My friend volunteered to be my back-up just so I could go on leave. She made sure I got the much deserved rest. I can't thank her enough for her selfless-ness.

We take good care of each other because nobody will. Our families are all in West Malaysia.

We're all a layer in the cake. One layer wouldn't taste good. With all the layers, we're finger licking goooood. Hehehehe.

I Need You ....til fade

This song keeps playing in my mind. Catchy and raw. It fits where I am today:

"Need You"

I know its not your fault, but I'm a locked door

Anytime I'm a mess by someone before

And I wish that I, I could find a key

To unlock all the things that you want us to be

Let me open up and start again, But there's a safe around my heart

I don't know how to let you in, And that's what keeps us apart

And that's why I need time.

I said I need you,

I need you to understand, you, you, you [x2)



Call up the locksmith, Tell him we need him quick

We've got a million keys,

None of them seem to fit

While you're on the phone, call up the clocksmith,

Cuz I could use some time, Even the slightest bit

Let me open up and start again, And break this safe around my heart

I don't know how to let you in, And that's what keeps us apart

And that's why I need time I said I need you I need you to understand, you, you, you [x2]



I'm thinking now's the time,

Maybe its time to go, if I gave you my heart, be gentle,

I'm tired of laying low, lets give the world a show

And when you know, you know,

And when you know, you know, you know And when you know, you know, you know, you know And that's why I need time I said I need you, I need you to understand, you, you, you [x2]

I need you to understand [x4]

I need you [x3]

I need you, you, you

I Need You

My sister and I attended a tahlil organized for my late maternal grandmother. My parents and aunts were all away so we represented the family. When I arrived, I was amazed at the house full of people.

The attendees were mainly 50-80 years old. I felt very conscious. We made our way to the center of the room. We read Quranic verses. This elder lady shared her book with me when I forgot some of the verses (fail betul). She asked me whether I was ''pelapis'' (successors) to the existing members.

I asked the kind lady how she knew the deceased. She said that they have been friends for more than 20 years. They enjoy coming together to pray for their friends who have parted. Hearing that struck a huge chord with me.

These women band together for the common good and go beyond the call of friendship to bless their friends' soul. May Allah reward them all with Jannah for their good intentions. I revealed that I was the deceased's granddaughter. She then became very happy and showed me around, introduced us to a few people. These ladies recognized us, and yet I could hardly make their faces. I felt bad. I felt like I needed to know these women who supported my grandmother.

In any case, the point of writing is this, while I am counselling couples to proceed to the next step, couples who are separating, couples who contemplate divorce, singles in general, feuding best friends, and feuding colleagues, I begin to think about...me.


Where am I in all the equation?

Where will I be 20 years from now?

Who will remain 30 years from now?

An optimistic at heart, I tend to be passionate with matters close to my heart.

Islam, family, love, friendship, justice, etc.

Greeting Cards

My card will read: WILL WORK TO RETURN HOME

The Popularity Contest

If there was a popularity poll, my name would not even make it on the list.

My personality is such that people either love or hate it. More people tend to flock the latter.

I remember when at my late Nyai (maternal grandmother)'s tahlil, our house was full of arwah's families and friends. People travelled as far as Singapore, and friends called to get the address of the house on the haunted hill in the secret Bangi jungle. Women and men were in constant prayer; grieving and praying for arwah's soul. Our close friends also came to support my family at this difficult stage.

As I prayed and offered verses to arwah, I felt very happy that so many people cared and loved her very much. So many people wanted to help her in the afterlife. By offering prayer and verses.

It was truly a miracle that I was home that weekend. Looking back, we were all there when she breathed her last breath. I remember coming home in time to see her conscious but in pain. She saw me, and I smiled at her. As usual, I started cracking jokes to make her laugh. There was a glistening stream of tears on her face. I put my brave face on and continued with my silly banter.
After the night I arrived, my grandmother immediately slipped into a coma. I remember reading Yasin for Nyai day and night on that short trip. I cancelled all plans with my friends so I could be by her side. I remember whispering verses in her ear. I also whispered how much I loved her. According to my sister Ilham, after I read the Yasin to Nyai on Sunday morning, Nyai's eyes opened. Her breathing was haggard. Her eyes shot up, frozen. Something was wrong.
Ilham called everyone to come into the room. My mother started reciting the kalimah shahadah and asked me to call all family members. My hands trembled as I struggled to tell people what was going on. As I dialled numbers, I watched from the door as Nyai struggled with the Angel of Death. The chants grew louder.

Nyai drew her last breath. The whole ''process'' took a few minutes. I heard crying. I watched as everyone grieved, and I walked away. Emotions always came very slowly to me. Slowly but surely, I felt tears trickling on my cheeks. My hands were shaking and still dialing numbers.

I had to be strong for my mother.

It was my first glimpse of the soul leaving the body. Different from my late grandfathers, by the time I arrived, their souls had already departed. With Tok We, I was in Padang, Indonesia when he passed. I was miserable on that day, too.

My sisters and I also learned to bathe the deceased following Islamic traditions and principles. I performed my first jenazah prayer (Not sure what the English word is). The experience was truly humbling.

I have since had thoughts about death, my deeds, and how I want to live my life.

Just a few days before Nyai's passing, Shafiq's younger sister passed away from dengue shock syndrome. We were very supportive of one another. I can relate to how painful dengue can be.

Returning to my post, I realized that in death, you truly know who your real friends are. The people that come far and wide to pray for your soul, or who even far away and continue to pray for your soul in their own homes. The people who speak fondly/badly of you in your presence as they do in your absence. People who run to help when you are in trouble instead of walking away. People who stay even when the world abandons you.

I listened to people sharing stories about my late grandmother, my late grandfather, and about Shafiq's late sister. Their shining contribution. How they lead their life.

The things that can help the soul of the deceased are:

• Constant prayer and verses offered to the deceased
• The deceased's good knowledge/behavior/deeds are taught and simulated/practiced by others

Since then, I suggested to my parents that every time we have our monthly family gatherings, we should also have tahlil for all of the deceased. We hope this tradition is passed on to our children and their offspring.

Hmm...if I pass, I'll be fortunate if there were 10 people at my tahlil.

Discovery on 2 Wheels

One of the many ways to discover Bintulu apart from using a boat and 4WD is by cycling. The above picture is how I looked this morning, and coincidentally, how my nephew looks when he cycles! :-)

After trying out 6.5 km marathon in Dec 2010, I decided to check out cycling. My friends who are avid runners, divers and cyclers, who join triathalons for fun (I'm not joking!) where they have to run, cycle and then swim at the sea, organized a ''family'' trip from Bintulu riverfront to Kampung Jepak (Jepak Village). There was Su, his wife Oshin, their adorable son Irfan, myself, Husni and Juwan.

Since I don't have a bike and the necessary gear, I borrowed it from our mutual friend Naza.

To get to Kg Jepak, we had to take a boat to cross the river. It was quite an experience riding this boat-cum-mini ferry where it transports people, motorcyclists and cyclists.

The road that we took was the trunk road which would lead to the Bintulu airport. We cycled through basically Iban villages where I learned how to identify their long houses and families. Some families were blasting loud music- still celebrating the arrival of 2011. I could see that many Sarawakian families were still poor or hard core poor from the conditions of their long houses.

We saw storks, hornbills, exotic lizards, and ...exotic slugs. The scenery and weather was lovely.

At the 17th km, we stopped for fresh coconut and drank it right from the fruit. Somehow, I managed to get grease on my pants and my sleeves so I looked like a grease monkey.

Overall, we cycled for 34 km in 4 hours including stops, and boat rides.

Going on this cycling trip reverts my thoughts on the Western evangelists who preach Christianity by cycling from longhouse to longhouse in Bintulu. They wear black ties, white shirt and black pants. They are paid generously to spread the word and convert non-Muslims in Sarawak.

Would I cycle to preach Islam?

It's not just about the exercize, but I realize more about the plight of the general Sarawakian and also the Muslim communities.