Question: Why do you always go to Mekah during Ramadan?
Answer: I can find peace in myself. Moreover when I am there alone, nobody bothers me. I can find new acquaintance and develop “siratulrahim” among Muslim brothers. I totally devote myself to Allah - pray, umrah, fasting, reading the “Alkoraan” and “sedekah”. I have to manage my own life, no wife or children to depend on. I must learn to be alone for in the grave, no one accompanies me except the good and the bad deed I have done during the span of my life. In Mekah, I forget about TV, newspapers, politics, EPL, blogs and the whole world. Every deed is for the sake of Allah and avoiding what is forbidden. I control the usage of the tongue and avoid unnecessary conversation.
Question: You can also devote yourself to Allah even you are in Malaysia?
Answer: Agree…….., but you cannot perform the umrah in Malaysia. Do you know that while fasting and performing the umrah, Allah would bless you an equivalent of performing a Haj? Every time I pray at Masjidil Haram Allah blesses it with 100,000 times and at Masjid Nabawi it is 1,000 times. In Malaysia, if you pray at the mosque with other Jemaah, Allah only blesses you with 27 times. In Malaysia you tend to miss the terawikh but in Mekah it is a big loss if you miss and if you spot on with “Lailatulqadar”, Allah blesses you with 1,000 months of “ibadah”. There is no valid reason you should miss the terawikh in Mekah unless you are sick.
Question: Given the chance what would you change to facilitate Pilgrims to Mekah?
Answer: First of all, the Saudi Immigration formalities must be made simple. During the Visa application at the home country, the Saudi Embassy should thoroughly screen the potential Pilgrims. Details of potential Pilgrims is to be on line with Jeddah Airport Immigration. Upon arrival at Jeddah Airport, the Immigration Officials just browse through the details, comparison check and therefore a smooth and quick clearance.
Saudi Government is filthy rich and they should make a bigger and well equipped with modern facilities Airport. Planes arriving can park direct at the Airport Main Terminal instead of Passengers arriving transported by bus to the Main Airport Terminal. Since the influx of Pilgrims is by the minutes arriving at the Airport, the Immigration Bays should be increased and adequate replacement when the Immigration Officials performing their prayers or taking a break. Do not just abandon the Bay without replacement. The Pilgrims are coming to Saudi Arabia to contribute to the economic well being of the country and they should be treated as VIP.
Saudi Muassah Officials should man the arrival exit and collect the Pilgrims Passport upon arrival. The Passport is immediately scanned, printed and return to the Holder so that the Holder can proceed with their journey either to Medina or straight to Mekah. There would be no unnecessary hold back at the Airport.
Trolleys at the Airport should be easily available for the incoming and outgoing Pilgrims. It should not be in the custody of Airport Porters who charge for a fee for the trolley.
Question: What sadden you most when you are in Mekah?
Answer: I am sorry to see Pilgrims, other than from Malaysia who lacks the knowledge of an umrah. Ihram is a two piece cloth unstitched. Some even have buttons. They even expose their aurat and the belly button could be seen. The “aurat” for a man is from the belly button to the knee. This area should be well covered. If the “aurat” is exposed it is considered as “haram”.
It is sad to see the Pilgrims break all the laws about performing an umrah, the effort and the money spent all goes to the drain. All Pilgrims should equip themselves with the do and don’t about umrah. They must study the minute details. The position of the shoulders, the right place to “istilam” etc etc.
The poor ethics of certain Pilgrims that just cross to the Kaabah knocking off Pilgrims while performing the tawaf.
The mad rush, pushing and elbowing is a norm of certain Pilgrims to kiss the Hijaratul Aswad when the action is only sunat. They hurt other Pilgrims and even get themselves hurt while shoving their way to touch or to kiss the Holy Black stone.
Pilgrims take in their dirty slippers into the Mosque. It should be wrapping in a small bag or plastic.
Some Pilgrims enter the Mosque immediately after a prayer sessions which cause unnecessary blockage at the door. They should give at least fifteen minutes when all have exit.
Sleeping in the Mosque and during the day in Ramadan, the Mosque looks like a war zone, bodies everywhere. This prevents other pilgrims to perform the sunat prayers. The Mosque security should chase them away to their respective dwellings. While sleeping on the carpet with their mouth open, they tend to soil the carpet and this carpet is for praying. Islam is about cleanliness.
Mother taking babies into the Mosque that often cries. That distracts the concentration of a prayer. A Nursery for babies should be built somewhere near the Mosque.
Praying should not be allowed at staircase landings. Once the Pilgrims filled up the landings other Pilgrims cannot proceed to find an empty space to pray. The Security should ensure the landing is not occupied prior to prayer session.
Question: Would you go to Mekah again?
Answer: Are you crazy? Only stupid Muslims do not want to go to Mekah. I don’t care with all the Immigration problems at Jeddah Airport; I will still go through it. That’s the destiny Allah have decides. If Allah wants to make my journey smooth so be it, if not then Allah is testing my patience. The moment I step out from the house for the Holy Land, I surrender myself to the Almighty Allah. My “nawaitu” must just be one. Insyaalah, if the “nawaitu” is sincere, Allah would take care of me.
Question: Can I follow you next year Ramadan?
Answer: Insyaalah, if I am still alive. BUT, I have my own sets of rules that you have to abide. With good health, except Friday we have to perform the umrah. The “nawaitu” is Ramadan umrah, not Ramadan sleeping. Remember…..you can only perform an umrah only in Mekah, not anywhere else in the world, not even in Medina.
Don’t think much about shopping in Mekah. All those items in Mekah are all from China. You can get them at Mydin back home. Only dates and “zam zam” water are Mekah copyrights reserved. Even the dates are from Medina.
If you are missing from the room, I expect you to be in Masjidilharam, 100% devotion and concentration to “ibadah”.
Never mind, it’s your money and it’s up to you how to spend your well earned money. I just give you a guideline. Allah knows what you are doing and the Almighty is always fair.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Kampong Raja Uda Mosque AGM.
Date: 30 September 2009.
Time & Location: 2030 hours KRU Mosque.
The Meeting Hall could not accommodate the attendees and it was shifted to the lean to covered area adjacent to the Mosque and we had to sit cross legged for the Meeting. Originally the Nazir decided to hold it in the Mosque Prayer Hall but was objected strongly by the attendees.
The Imam started with the doa and followed with the opening speech by the Chairman, the Nazir. He was proud of the overwhelming attendees. However he did not realized that the attendees who came for the AGM was for the sole purpose to target him. (The reason: During the solat sunat Aidilfitri he warned the former Nazir not to be “bongkak” and “angkuh” during his speech in the Mosque prior to the solat sunat).
The next agenda was passing the minutes of the previous AGM. One of the Committee members highlighted that the attendees of the previous AGM was only 33 and did not meet the quorum required. The Nazir commented that the previous AGM was null and void. The previous Nazir took the microphone and explained that it had been a standard phenomena that KRU Mosque AGM did not received a good response. It had to be conducted anyway and further emphasized that the overwhelming presence tonight was because the Qariah wanted an in depth explanations from the Nazir of several outstanding issues arising from the lack of poor management and misbehaved on the part of the Nazir since taking over the Mosque affairs for the past four months. Haji Bakar commented that not even one of the present Committee Members attended the 2008 AGM, including the present Nazir or the Secretary. If the Minutes of the previous AGM could not be passed the AGM could not proceed. I was presence at the 2008 AGM attendee recorded as number 24, therefore I proposed the Minutes to be passed and seconded by Haji Bakar. The Meeting proceeded as per Agenda.
Financial Account: Nazir brought up why the need to allocate RM200 each as souvenir to the previous Committee Members? It should be the present Committee Members to decide whether souvenirs should be given to the previous Committee Members. The former Nazir once again took the microphone and told the qariah that the matter was referred to the Ketua Kampong cum Advisor of the Mosque and that the Ketua Kampong proposed the RM200 allocation. Incidentally the Ketua Kampong who was sitting at the Committee row could not disagree more with the former Nazir. The qariah clapped their hands in jubilant as the Nazir was shot point blank by the former Nazir answer which substantiated by the Ketua Kampong statement. Another goal scored.
The presentation of the Financial Account during this AGM was rather unique. It was the operating financial year of the previous Committee but tabled by the present Committee.
Financial account of the Saham Wakaf account: No argument.
Financial account of the Saham Wakaf Van Jenazah account: This matter was regarding the Van jenazah and it was pointed that the Van Jenazah has nothing to do with the Mosque. However the Mosque Committee took away the Van Jenazah and handed over to the JKKK. The Chairman of the JKKK who happened to be the Ketua Kampong agreed for further discussion and would hand the Van Jenazah to the right custodian. It was requested to be minute and the qariah agreed to stop the matter there. During the topic heated discussion, OTK the Van Jenazah Driver ran out of the Meeting.
Budget forecast for forthcoming financial year: The qariah was not interested.
Other Matters / Issues discussed:
1. It was agreed consensually and with majority that the Nazir and the Secretary of the Mosque to resign from the Committee or to hold an EGM within 2 months from the date hereof. Failing which, a Memorandum with at least 40 signatories would be submitted. Both the Nazir and the Secretary refused to resign or refused to hold an EGM. During this topic in discussion, the Secretary lost his temper and shouted to the qariah that he was elected and authenticated by JAIS. His shouting gave a passport to the qariah and from thereon there was plenty of jeering and booing from the qariah every time the Nazir or Secretary opened their mouths. It was a clear indication that the qariah do not want the Nazir and the Secretary to pursue their positions and I wonder why they still wanted to stick on. If I were any one of them, since I know the qariah dislike me, I might as well pack off. What the heck!!
2. The two sujud sahwi was asked to the Nazir. During his answer he evaded the topic and crossed over about the New Mosque. This was what the qariah waited. The former Nazir referred the situation to Ustaz Farid, JAIS Representative. Ustaz Farid said that the Protem Committee can carry on until a final decision made by JAIS. The qariah received Ustaz Farid statement in jubilant and satisfaction. It was further requested that the Nazir to unlock the New Mosque Donation Safe and put back the Notice Board. The former Nazir pleaded sarcastically to the Committee not to go to Bank Muamalat and transfer the New Mosque account to the present Mosque account. The qariah laughed. A big thunderbird blow to the Nazir, Secretary and the Treasurer. Regret to mention here, as far as the Nazir as concern the Protem Committee is still illegal. In spite of the statement by Ustaz Farid the Nazir was still adamant. I fail to find a word to describe about this Nazir. I think he only listens to Nik Aziz or Hadi Awang instructions and clarification, and then only he understands.
3. It was brought up why Siak 2, Encik Osman bin Tanda was suspended and under which clause that he could be suspended just like that, without a warning or without anything in writing. The Nazir told the qariah that he requested Osman bin Tanda to go for urine test of which he refused. Osman bin Tanda took the microphone and told the qariah that the Nazir was bullshitting. The Nazir never approached him. Again the true color of the Nazir was seen. The niece of Osman bin Tanda stood up and told the Nazir that everyone in the Kampong recognizes who is Osman bin Tanda but it is unethical for the Nazir to run down her Uncle in the Mosque. A young lady has the brain to lecture the Nazir about Mosque ethics.
Other issues were brought up but I failed to hear the details as there were jeering and booing all round.
Before the Nazir could adjourn the AGM, the qariah already stood up and started walking off from the Meeting area.
During the Meeting in full sessions, the PA system was switched to general and it was audible miles away. My wife was at the house balcony hearing all the commotions and I was glad I don’t have to relate to her what was happening. It attracted a lot of people and they crowded the road to listen the heated debate between the present and the former. The other Committee Members dare not open their mouths as there were plenty of cats waiting for them. They sat at the front row like frightened mice. What I understand, prior to the AGM, there was no Committee Meeting held and everything decided by the Nazir and the Secretary. It’s a two man show managing the Mosque.
What the Nazir and the Secretary should do was to play a defensive game not an attacking playmaker. Most of all, the Nazir and the Secretary should learn to control their temper as it was a General Meeting not a warong discussion. A very big blunder was created by the Nazir during the solat sunat Aidilfitri and the Kampong folks were not happy about it. What the Nazir should do, immediately after the opening speech, walked up to the former Nazir shook his hands and apologize. I am sure the qariah sentiment would cool off. Every qariah I talked to doesn’t care who manage the Mosque but it must be manage properly and ethically. For as long as the Nazir and the Secretary remain to be cocky and “environmental unfriendly” the qariah, the Jemaah and the Kampong Residents would continue to go after them. During the last Committee election the qariah gave way to the present elected Committee hoping that it would be better than the previous Committee. Since majority of them are PAS sympathizers they would be more Islamic on their approach. Haji Ismail Arshad Yang DiPertua PAS Klang, the Kampong resident often quoted what they are doing is reflective of the new state government administration under Pakatan Rakyat. This is what the Kampong get?? To me it is more reflective towards vengeance and that is unislamic.
After all settled, some gathered their own opinion of the AGM, the Mosque Committee Members held a private Meeting among themselves at the Kampong Markas PAS. When BN was in power, the Mosque Committee Members never met at Bilek Gerakan UMNO to discuss about the Mosque affairs. The Mosque has been turn to a political arena and may I warn those concern, the Mosque is the House of Allah. All are facing the same kiblat unless of course to reflect the new state government they decide to change the kiblat.
I am anxious to see who has the last laugh.
Time & Location: 2030 hours KRU Mosque.
The Meeting Hall could not accommodate the attendees and it was shifted to the lean to covered area adjacent to the Mosque and we had to sit cross legged for the Meeting. Originally the Nazir decided to hold it in the Mosque Prayer Hall but was objected strongly by the attendees.
The Imam started with the doa and followed with the opening speech by the Chairman, the Nazir. He was proud of the overwhelming attendees. However he did not realized that the attendees who came for the AGM was for the sole purpose to target him. (The reason: During the solat sunat Aidilfitri he warned the former Nazir not to be “bongkak” and “angkuh” during his speech in the Mosque prior to the solat sunat).
The next agenda was passing the minutes of the previous AGM. One of the Committee members highlighted that the attendees of the previous AGM was only 33 and did not meet the quorum required. The Nazir commented that the previous AGM was null and void. The previous Nazir took the microphone and explained that it had been a standard phenomena that KRU Mosque AGM did not received a good response. It had to be conducted anyway and further emphasized that the overwhelming presence tonight was because the Qariah wanted an in depth explanations from the Nazir of several outstanding issues arising from the lack of poor management and misbehaved on the part of the Nazir since taking over the Mosque affairs for the past four months. Haji Bakar commented that not even one of the present Committee Members attended the 2008 AGM, including the present Nazir or the Secretary. If the Minutes of the previous AGM could not be passed the AGM could not proceed. I was presence at the 2008 AGM attendee recorded as number 24, therefore I proposed the Minutes to be passed and seconded by Haji Bakar. The Meeting proceeded as per Agenda.
Financial Account: Nazir brought up why the need to allocate RM200 each as souvenir to the previous Committee Members? It should be the present Committee Members to decide whether souvenirs should be given to the previous Committee Members. The former Nazir once again took the microphone and told the qariah that the matter was referred to the Ketua Kampong cum Advisor of the Mosque and that the Ketua Kampong proposed the RM200 allocation. Incidentally the Ketua Kampong who was sitting at the Committee row could not disagree more with the former Nazir. The qariah clapped their hands in jubilant as the Nazir was shot point blank by the former Nazir answer which substantiated by the Ketua Kampong statement. Another goal scored.
The presentation of the Financial Account during this AGM was rather unique. It was the operating financial year of the previous Committee but tabled by the present Committee.
Financial account of the Saham Wakaf account: No argument.
Financial account of the Saham Wakaf Van Jenazah account: This matter was regarding the Van jenazah and it was pointed that the Van Jenazah has nothing to do with the Mosque. However the Mosque Committee took away the Van Jenazah and handed over to the JKKK. The Chairman of the JKKK who happened to be the Ketua Kampong agreed for further discussion and would hand the Van Jenazah to the right custodian. It was requested to be minute and the qariah agreed to stop the matter there. During the topic heated discussion, OTK the Van Jenazah Driver ran out of the Meeting.
Budget forecast for forthcoming financial year: The qariah was not interested.
Other Matters / Issues discussed:
1. It was agreed consensually and with majority that the Nazir and the Secretary of the Mosque to resign from the Committee or to hold an EGM within 2 months from the date hereof. Failing which, a Memorandum with at least 40 signatories would be submitted. Both the Nazir and the Secretary refused to resign or refused to hold an EGM. During this topic in discussion, the Secretary lost his temper and shouted to the qariah that he was elected and authenticated by JAIS. His shouting gave a passport to the qariah and from thereon there was plenty of jeering and booing from the qariah every time the Nazir or Secretary opened their mouths. It was a clear indication that the qariah do not want the Nazir and the Secretary to pursue their positions and I wonder why they still wanted to stick on. If I were any one of them, since I know the qariah dislike me, I might as well pack off. What the heck!!
2. The two sujud sahwi was asked to the Nazir. During his answer he evaded the topic and crossed over about the New Mosque. This was what the qariah waited. The former Nazir referred the situation to Ustaz Farid, JAIS Representative. Ustaz Farid said that the Protem Committee can carry on until a final decision made by JAIS. The qariah received Ustaz Farid statement in jubilant and satisfaction. It was further requested that the Nazir to unlock the New Mosque Donation Safe and put back the Notice Board. The former Nazir pleaded sarcastically to the Committee not to go to Bank Muamalat and transfer the New Mosque account to the present Mosque account. The qariah laughed. A big thunderbird blow to the Nazir, Secretary and the Treasurer. Regret to mention here, as far as the Nazir as concern the Protem Committee is still illegal. In spite of the statement by Ustaz Farid the Nazir was still adamant. I fail to find a word to describe about this Nazir. I think he only listens to Nik Aziz or Hadi Awang instructions and clarification, and then only he understands.
3. It was brought up why Siak 2, Encik Osman bin Tanda was suspended and under which clause that he could be suspended just like that, without a warning or without anything in writing. The Nazir told the qariah that he requested Osman bin Tanda to go for urine test of which he refused. Osman bin Tanda took the microphone and told the qariah that the Nazir was bullshitting. The Nazir never approached him. Again the true color of the Nazir was seen. The niece of Osman bin Tanda stood up and told the Nazir that everyone in the Kampong recognizes who is Osman bin Tanda but it is unethical for the Nazir to run down her Uncle in the Mosque. A young lady has the brain to lecture the Nazir about Mosque ethics.
Other issues were brought up but I failed to hear the details as there were jeering and booing all round.
Before the Nazir could adjourn the AGM, the qariah already stood up and started walking off from the Meeting area.
During the Meeting in full sessions, the PA system was switched to general and it was audible miles away. My wife was at the house balcony hearing all the commotions and I was glad I don’t have to relate to her what was happening. It attracted a lot of people and they crowded the road to listen the heated debate between the present and the former. The other Committee Members dare not open their mouths as there were plenty of cats waiting for them. They sat at the front row like frightened mice. What I understand, prior to the AGM, there was no Committee Meeting held and everything decided by the Nazir and the Secretary. It’s a two man show managing the Mosque.
What the Nazir and the Secretary should do was to play a defensive game not an attacking playmaker. Most of all, the Nazir and the Secretary should learn to control their temper as it was a General Meeting not a warong discussion. A very big blunder was created by the Nazir during the solat sunat Aidilfitri and the Kampong folks were not happy about it. What the Nazir should do, immediately after the opening speech, walked up to the former Nazir shook his hands and apologize. I am sure the qariah sentiment would cool off. Every qariah I talked to doesn’t care who manage the Mosque but it must be manage properly and ethically. For as long as the Nazir and the Secretary remain to be cocky and “environmental unfriendly” the qariah, the Jemaah and the Kampong Residents would continue to go after them. During the last Committee election the qariah gave way to the present elected Committee hoping that it would be better than the previous Committee. Since majority of them are PAS sympathizers they would be more Islamic on their approach. Haji Ismail Arshad Yang DiPertua PAS Klang, the Kampong resident often quoted what they are doing is reflective of the new state government administration under Pakatan Rakyat. This is what the Kampong get?? To me it is more reflective towards vengeance and that is unislamic.
After all settled, some gathered their own opinion of the AGM, the Mosque Committee Members held a private Meeting among themselves at the Kampong Markas PAS. When BN was in power, the Mosque Committee Members never met at Bilek Gerakan UMNO to discuss about the Mosque affairs. The Mosque has been turn to a political arena and may I warn those concern, the Mosque is the House of Allah. All are facing the same kiblat unless of course to reflect the new state government they decide to change the kiblat.
I am anxious to see who has the last laugh.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Karak Kuantan Highway.
It was the best opportunity for me to try out this new Highway when I had a wedding invitation on 4 October 2009 at Beserah Kuantan. Hj Wan Ismail Embong an acquaintance of 2007 Ramadan umrah invited me to his daughter’s wedding at Kampong Balok Beserah Kuantan. An invitation card was delivered sometimes during Ramadan while I was away in Mekah.
We left for Kuantan mid morning Saturday. On the way we make a surprise visit at Hj Faharudin’s house for Hari Raya in Gombak. Hajah Rogayah insisted that we stayed for lunch but we begged to decline since we had a long way to go.
It was the first time that I took the Karak Kuantan Highway and my friend warned me that the Highway is a little bit bumpy. It is a good Highway but rather monotonous. Jungles and Felda scheme span along both sides. We stopped for lunch at Temerloh R&R and I enjoyed the “gulai tempoyak” and the bamboo shoot. It was ages since I tasted a well cooked “gulai tempoyak”. We exit at Gambang Kuantan and looking for car air condition service centre as my Perdana air condition piping was frozen and emitting warm air instead. The Kuantan Chinaman whacked me for RM 30 for gas refilling and defrosted the piping. We headed for Teluk Cempedak but Hyatt Hotel was fully booked. We settled for MS Garden Hotel which is adjacent to Parkson Grand. We were not familiar with Kuantan and we just bulldozed our way with the road sign as indicator.
Since it was early evening we decided to survey where Kampong Balok Beserah is and took a slow drive. I called up an ex Guthrie colleague, Hamzah Ibrahim and since he was somewhere around Kuantan he promised to meet me at the Hotel later at night. From the attached map at the wedding invitation I found Kampong Balok and Hj Wan Ismail address. I was surprised to see a huge beautiful two storey bungalow with tents all spread within the compound in ready for a wedding carnival. Hj Wan Ismail that I know in Mekah was a simple old man, soft spoken and acted like just an ordinary Kampong Imam. I wasn’t sure I was at the right house and stopped to inquire. I was spot on and Hj Wan Ismail who happened to be very busy at the frontage suddenly got a glimpse of me. He came running excited to greet me and invited the family into the house to meet his family. We were very happy to see each other again and Hj Wan Ismail least expected that I would come all the way. I inquired about his oversize son, Bob. Bob came in from nowhere but Bob was no more that oversized compared last seen at KLIA. I could hardly recognize him. We sat for a while as we had to back track to Kuantan for the night and would return to attend the wedding reception the next day. Hj Wan Ismail was upset that I did not forewarn him otherwise he could get me a Hotel or Chalet somewhere near Beserah. Swiss Garden Hotel is just nearby.
It was a grand wedding and I was given an exceptional reception. A special friend when he introduced me to his Kampong mates. I remember the last night in Mekah before we left for home, I saw him meticulously roping the various boxes very neatly. Jokingly I asked him what he wanted to do with all the rope back home and he told me he could use it to tie up the cows. He laughed when I told him it could also be used to hang someone.
We left after the Bersanding and hit back the Kuantan Karak Highway. The weather was fine all the way. We stopped at Temerloh R&R for tea and at Genting Sempah Petronas Station for refueling. Hj Adenan called from Kota Kinabalu whether we wanted anything in particular from KK. We told him only to bring back Sabah “udang kering”. We reached home before Isyakh.
It was a successful trip to Kuantan and Beserah. We picked a few salted “ikan tenggiri” and “keropok” but the most nostalgic was the “gulai tempoyak and rebung” at Temerloh R&R. When I was a small kid in the kampong, it was the regular dishes my Opah used to cook. No wonder, my cousin Dato Malek just fancy taking a drive to Temerloh just to enjoy “gulai tempoyak ikan patin”. I don’t fancy ikan patin, anyway.
I hit the sack early, least interested of the Chelsea/Liverpool clash. I was damn exhausted to the bones.
We left for Kuantan mid morning Saturday. On the way we make a surprise visit at Hj Faharudin’s house for Hari Raya in Gombak. Hajah Rogayah insisted that we stayed for lunch but we begged to decline since we had a long way to go.
It was the first time that I took the Karak Kuantan Highway and my friend warned me that the Highway is a little bit bumpy. It is a good Highway but rather monotonous. Jungles and Felda scheme span along both sides. We stopped for lunch at Temerloh R&R and I enjoyed the “gulai tempoyak” and the bamboo shoot. It was ages since I tasted a well cooked “gulai tempoyak”. We exit at Gambang Kuantan and looking for car air condition service centre as my Perdana air condition piping was frozen and emitting warm air instead. The Kuantan Chinaman whacked me for RM 30 for gas refilling and defrosted the piping. We headed for Teluk Cempedak but Hyatt Hotel was fully booked. We settled for MS Garden Hotel which is adjacent to Parkson Grand. We were not familiar with Kuantan and we just bulldozed our way with the road sign as indicator.
Since it was early evening we decided to survey where Kampong Balok Beserah is and took a slow drive. I called up an ex Guthrie colleague, Hamzah Ibrahim and since he was somewhere around Kuantan he promised to meet me at the Hotel later at night. From the attached map at the wedding invitation I found Kampong Balok and Hj Wan Ismail address. I was surprised to see a huge beautiful two storey bungalow with tents all spread within the compound in ready for a wedding carnival. Hj Wan Ismail that I know in Mekah was a simple old man, soft spoken and acted like just an ordinary Kampong Imam. I wasn’t sure I was at the right house and stopped to inquire. I was spot on and Hj Wan Ismail who happened to be very busy at the frontage suddenly got a glimpse of me. He came running excited to greet me and invited the family into the house to meet his family. We were very happy to see each other again and Hj Wan Ismail least expected that I would come all the way. I inquired about his oversize son, Bob. Bob came in from nowhere but Bob was no more that oversized compared last seen at KLIA. I could hardly recognize him. We sat for a while as we had to back track to Kuantan for the night and would return to attend the wedding reception the next day. Hj Wan Ismail was upset that I did not forewarn him otherwise he could get me a Hotel or Chalet somewhere near Beserah. Swiss Garden Hotel is just nearby.
It was a grand wedding and I was given an exceptional reception. A special friend when he introduced me to his Kampong mates. I remember the last night in Mekah before we left for home, I saw him meticulously roping the various boxes very neatly. Jokingly I asked him what he wanted to do with all the rope back home and he told me he could use it to tie up the cows. He laughed when I told him it could also be used to hang someone.
We left after the Bersanding and hit back the Kuantan Karak Highway. The weather was fine all the way. We stopped at Temerloh R&R for tea and at Genting Sempah Petronas Station for refueling. Hj Adenan called from Kota Kinabalu whether we wanted anything in particular from KK. We told him only to bring back Sabah “udang kering”. We reached home before Isyakh.
It was a successful trip to Kuantan and Beserah. We picked a few salted “ikan tenggiri” and “keropok” but the most nostalgic was the “gulai tempoyak and rebung” at Temerloh R&R. When I was a small kid in the kampong, it was the regular dishes my Opah used to cook. No wonder, my cousin Dato Malek just fancy taking a drive to Temerloh just to enjoy “gulai tempoyak ikan patin”. I don’t fancy ikan patin, anyway.
I hit the sack early, least interested of the Chelsea/Liverpool clash. I was damn exhausted to the bones.
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