Last day of 2010.

Its Friday and a declared public Holiday by the Prime Minister for winning the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Friday prayer and the khutbah were delivered by Ustaz Haji Fauzi Sahar on the topic of “amanah” (trust). The content is available at Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor website on khutbah 31 December 2010.

Expecting an announcement regarding the revival of the Kampong Khairat Kematian but I was disappointed. The announcement of the revival is for the best interest of the kampong residents especially at this Friday where the kampong residents who work out of the kampong on normal Friday were presence in the Mosque today, being a public holiday.

Last night before the communal recitation of surah yasin, the Mosque Secretary took the microphone and made several announcement. It was announced that the credentials of Ustaz Rosli had been withdrawn by Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor (JAIS). The reason given was something that I refrain from emphasizing here because I do not know the factual details. The Secretary also touched on a letter written by someone alleging that the New Mosque Donation as collected was removed from the Safe. It had been clarified during the Mosque Committee Meeting with JAIS that the money was transferred to a safer Safe in the Mosque. Therefore, the letter written was malicious. On the subject of RM 17,000 which was said to be mishandled by the Nazir as alleged was also clarified during the meeting with JAIS. Official announcement was also made that the Mosque Treasurer, Haji Zainal had resigned and names had been submitted to Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (MAIS) for vetting and appointment. The reasons for the Treasurer’s resignation were not given but off the record the kampong residents know.

Agreed on what the Mosque Secretary clarified and announced for the interest of the jemaah. BUT why the revival of the Khairat Kematian which is also of prime importance to the kampong residents was not announced? The simple presumption by the kampong residents, the Secretary of the Khairat Kematian is also the Secretary of the Mosque. It would be a personality setback. Back to the Friday khutbah, the gist of the khutbah when trust is given to someone, it is the responsibility to fulfill. Failing which the final episode is answerable to Allah.

I close the 2010 posting by wishing everybody Happy New Year for 2011. Let us all “berdoa” that the coming year will be a better one. Let us all sit for a while and think for the future of this country or the community we live and the generations to come. Do not spoil what we have today. We can (will) go anytime and our children have to shoulder the bit and pieces if we make a wrong decision. This country is Allah’s bless. If we profess the word “amanah”, insyaalah we are saved and everybody will. Sometimes we tend to overlook, a simple example, if we allow our children riding a motorcycle without a valid license, that mean we teach our children from the young age to break the law and not being “amanah” to Allah for not teaching our children about discipline. We have therefore broken our “amanah” to Allah.

Happy New Year 2011.

Two (2) days away to close the year of 2010. Nine (9) years to 1.1.2020. At the rate where Malaysians are politicking every day, I doubt we can be there. We will be there all right but not fulfilling the vision of 2020 coined by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

Why can’t the Malaysians stop politicking soon after election? Let all political parties work together and come to a General Election then we can be different and air our political ideologies. In between we all work and develop Malaysia together. No Government in the world is perfect. Perfection is only at the Kingdom of Allah, thereafter.

Last General Election was in 2008 and now coming to 2011, we are still quarrelling and loggerhead with each other. Malaysia is unique in all sense, multi political, multiracial, multi lingual and multi religions. Tolerances are the call of the day among the various multi. For 52 years since Merdeka we have been living in peace except for one hiccup on May 13 1969 where we learn a lot from it. I had lived before the Merdeka era and went through 13 May. I know the progress of Malaysia development and had benefited indirectly to it. I am grateful.

HAPPY 2011 everybody and let us all make Malaysia a better place to stay in the years to come. Use your brain and eyes not the emotion, my sincere personal opinion. As a democratic country and a Malaysian citizen by birth, I am entitled to my opinion. I was born in PERSEKETUAN TANAH MELAYU during the British Malaya Administration (BMA). .

Malaysia lost but won the trophy.

History created on 29 December 2010 when for the very first time Malaysia won the Suzuki Cup and closed the year 2010 Malaysia soccer calendar.

Malaysia went to Jakarta with three (3) goals in the pocket and the Indonesians had to score four (4) goals against nothing to win the Cup. The Indonesians got a penalty but saved. It was a relief to Malaysians who watched the live telecast by RTM TV 1. PAS supporters also watched the live telecast even though they ban RTM. They put aside their principle for the sake of Malaysia. Malaysia started the second half with a bang and scored a goal. It rattled the Indonesians even more with five (5) goals to score to win the game outright. However the Indonesians managed to sneak a goal and it was level at 1-1. Towards the full time they got another consolation goal, a deflection from the Malaysians. The score stood at 2-1 when the game ended. Even though Malaysia lost the game but in total Malaysia won with 4-2 aggregate. The Suzuki Cup flies to Kuala Lumpur and belongs to Malaysia.

The only goal scored by Shafee Saleh of Malaysia was a replica what late Mokhtar Dahari used to score goals before. This guy has potential given the right coaching and refrained from swell headed. The average age of the team is 23 and I look forward for their development and the potential glory of Malaysian soccer. I hope their performance can recall the era of Super Mokh, Towkay Soh, Spiderman and the Flying Singh. Let Malaysians switch their attention from the Red Devils, Liverpool, Chelsea and the Gunners.

Whatever, I respect the Indonesians fans for whatever situation their team were in, they strongly supported their team. Malaysians should learn to do that.

Congratulations Malaysia. You have proven me wrong.

Kampong khairat Kematian.

The above kampong Registrar of Society (ROS) registered Society was deregistered by ROS on 26 August 2009 due to the failure of certain Committee members for not submitting any annual report to ROS for several years. It was an unfortunate incident as deregistration only came to the kampong resident knowledge only on 11 May 2010. Why certain parties kept it away from the knowledge of the kampong residents, only Allah knows. Was it deliberate? Also only Allah knows. However, the kampong residents are not dumb and they make their own judgment and presumption.

Immediately an appeal letter was made by a member to ROS Putrajaya by Tuan Haji Samsuddin Razak dated 21 May 2010. In the meantime a Protem Committee was formed chaired by Encik Ali Termizi to ensure the Society remain operational and of assistance to the kampong residents in time of demise. The Protem Committee also filed a new application to ROS Shah Alam in case the appeal letter would be rejected.

By grace of Allah, the appeal was accepted by the Internal Affairs Minister through letter by ROS Putrajaya dated 8 December 2010 addressed to No 4 Jalan Melikai and a fax copy dated 15 December 2010 to Encik Aziz, Secretary of the Protem Committee.

Syukur alhamdullillah, the defuct Khairat Kematian is now back in business. However there are certain parties in the kampong who were not happy about the revival. In this situation, It is not a question of who finally the winner. It is a case of justice. “Nahi munkar, amal makruf” – simply no to wrongdoing and do to the good. Someone got to be answerable to the fiasco and they should not just washed their hands unconcerned and got away scotch’s free. This is a matter of obligation and being responsible to the kampong welfare. Accepting a position to serve the kampong is a good noble intention but to fulfill it, is another matter. If the intention (nawaitu) is negative and vengeance, Almighty Allah will not bless for Almighty Allah alone knows what is within. I was very disappointed when a comment was made by certain people that the kampong residents “deserve it” when ROS deregistered the Khairat Kematian.

Present situation: The story of the Khairat Kematian revival is only spreading to the kampong residents by mouth. It has not been announced at the Mosque during Friday prayers as yet. When it was deregistered, it was also not announced. Why? The kampong residents knows and Almighty Allah keeping record. Things that are primary importance could be announced but for the Khairat Kematian, they kept numb. Allah treats all human beings as His servant and does not distinguish human beings by color, red, blue, green or purple.

As a member and a concern kampong resident, I look forward to the coming Khairat Kematian Annual General Meeting. The wagon has to be put on the right track and this time we got to choose the right, trustworthy and capable Driver otherwise in no time it would again derailed.

A very long evening.

17 December 2010 - my 65th Birthday. At 1730 hrs the weather looked gloomy. Dark cloud hanging over and rain was expected to pour at anytime. My wife and I had planned to meet Haji Farid and Hajjah at Damansara Heights, KL. I quickly got myself attired with the complete set of Baju Melayu and left the house at about 1800 hrs.

Took the NKVE Highway and as soon as I passed the Sungai Rasah toll gate it started to drizzle and traffic coming from KL had their lights on. That indicated KL was having a heavy downpour. I got smacked into a traffic snarl bumper to bumper from Bukit Cheraka Agricultural Park all the way to the Damansara exit. The exits and intersections of Bukit Jelutong, Subang and Damansara abrupted the highway smooth flow. The rain became heavier. I stopped at the NKVE Petronas to refuel in anticipation for the traffic jam ahead. Decided to take the long route, vide Bukit Lanjan and exiting at Jalan Duta toll to get to Damansara Heights, avoiding the jam.

Haji Farid was waiting for our arrival and at 1930 hrs we immediately left for Jalan Maktab off Jalan Gurney destined for Felda Dewan Perdana. We arrived late at about 2030 hrs and fortunately the reception yet to begin. Haji Nageeb and Hajjah Zaiton were there to welcome us. It was the matrimonial reception of Najihah Nageeb and Megat Danish. In the meantime it was still drizzling outside the Hall and guest still streaming in.

We joined the same table with Puan Shamem Jalil ex Guthrie PRO and her family. The table allocated mainly for friends. The spare two seats were taken by Haji Tarmizi and wife, another close buddy and my ex golfing partner. Looking around the tables, I went to greet Christie Roberts, Yeo Siow Poh, Harchan Mohd Reza, Rahim Hassan, Haji Abu Hanipah, Haji Zakaria Osman, Aminah Wahid, Hajjah Juanita Khir Johari, Haji Zainal Ahmad, Shameem Jalil and a few others whose names I had forgotten. Those were the invitees from the defunct Kumpulan Guthrie. I also met those who are serving Sime Darby, Azlan, Haji Mahmud, Mohamad Koda, Khairul Anwar, Mohd Alwi and a few whose names I had also forgotten. I retired ten (10) years ago. On the way out, I met Dato Mustaffa Ali and Rosli Ujang.

The reception was grand with all the VIPs from Sime Darby, family members, golfing kakis, business associates and Haji Nageeb’s ex Kumpulan Guthrie close colleagues. It was the first time at a Malay wedding reception that the “Doa Selamat” was recited in English for the benefit of the Non Muslims. The food was served by the famous Felda “De Saji” Catering Services. Though it was held on a Friday evening, the invitees managed to make their way into the Hall barring the rain and the aftermath of traffic jam.

After the cake cutting ceremony, it was all over. We all drove back to Bukit Damansara for a nightcap and the recapping of Tuan Haji Farid adventurous Hajj rituals. I collected my “habatus saudah” honey and the small gift they brought from Mekah. I was happy that the tips given prior to his Hajj proven useful. Haji Farid told me that the demolition of the Royal Palace complex is in the master plan to make way for the Masjidilharam expansion. Alhamdullillah, if it materializes then more pilgrims can pray inside Masjidiharam. During the last Ramadan I had to be exceptionally early to get a place inside the Mosque. The present space within Masjidilharam just could not sustain the Pilgrims. Just ask anybody who had perform the Hajj or the Ramadan umrah they will relate what it is like just to occupy a small space inside the Mosque. Patience is the call of the day otherwise you may either get a cardiac arrest or land in Saudi Jail for assaulting.

The long tell tale could last till morning and it was closed to 0100 hrs that we had to excuse ourselves. We finally touched base at 0200 hrs accompanied by the drizzle all the way from Bukit Damansara to Port Klang. I presume the weather must be very conducive to the newly wed.

It was a very long evening until the next day early morning. I had no time to blow any candles this time around but I received several well wishers through handshakes, email and face book.

The train.

The smile on her face melted me. Shasha wanted a train set and we obliged. It took me three (3) attempts to get the track right. The pamphlet and guide given by the Made in China was too small for me to interpret. Shasha was too excited to get the train moving and confused the Old Man. It was ages ago I meddled with toys of this kind, setting and fixing.

Leaking again.

Yesterday after the asar prayer and evening tea, I had to clean up the porch floor. There was an oil leak that could injure someone backbone. The car lubrication oil sump’s screw which I replaced last week was leaking again. Mid morning I went back to the workshop and got it rectified. Hopefully the leak would stop otherwise another mop up housekeeping in waiting. Wikileaks cannot be stopped as it had leaked all over the world.

The leak patch at the porch flooring was crystal clear, and could not be hidden. Failing to clean up the leak, may cause injury to someone, perhaps permanent disability. I could be sued and I could not afford it. First I got lectured by my other half, drove to the workshop, lectured the workshop guy and finally drove home to clean the leak. There was no problem at all and I remember during my school days whenever I solved a mathematical solution, I proudly wrote down QED, Quite Easily Done. For Wikileaks – Damage Done. It’s up to the affected party to prove that it was a lie or the Leaker himself to deny that he was not the source. After all it was just a leak. No big deal.

Leak seems to be everywhere now and it had also affected the region and the world in general. Some took it light and some seriously upset. It jolted a few Head of States, Presidents and Prime Ministers. Everybody is spying at everybody and passing it to Third Parties. It has led to Diplomatic Protest Letter and Road Shows.

The world, particularly Malaysia is getting politically chaotic. I wonder………if everybody wants to become the Head of State or Prime Minister, what will the country be? Who is going to sweep the street and collect the rubbish? No country in this world where everybody (the citizens) is at par with everybody. No President and Prime Minister can satisfy everybody. Somebody somewhere is surely poorer than the other.

To me it’s simple, on the eve of my 65 Birthday, I declared for as long as the country is peaceful, I am more than happy. It is better to back the Devils that I know than the Devils around the corner. GOD knows how my life would be affected with the unknown Devils. I just want to spend the rest of my life in peace, Allah willing. Only this morning, my batch mate, Dr Osman Awang called to inform that another batch mate of 1963–1965 Tuan Haji Nordin Saad passed away on 2 December 2010 at Selayang Hospital. Alfatihah.

KRU New Mosque as at 15 December 2010.

Seen from Jalan Lengkongan.

The courtyard.

Completing the Anjung Besar.

Tiling the Courtyard.

Men wuduk area (right side) adjacenet to the Courtyard.

The main Mosque from behind the Courtyard.

The alleyway connecting to Multipurpose Hall.

Anjung Besar seen from the Multipurpose Hall.

Rear view of the Mosque.

Entrance to Men wuduk area.

Right open space of the Main Prayer hall.

Front right.

Mosque frontage.

Perhaps it is on schedule, I don’t know. As observed, it is rather slow but it is progressing well. Workers still busy here and there. Weather had been kind. Lorries are moving away the extra soil to the Graveyard ground. Wiring work is in progress at the Multi Purpose Hall. They are finishing all the Washrooms including the VIPs’. Most of the work on all completed structures is the smooth plastering.

The New Mosque Donation Safes at the current Mosque – sometimes it is locked and sometimes it is open to the whim and fancy of the Mosque’s Nazir. What I know, the Mosque Treasurer had resigned. The Jemaah elected Treasurer declined the post and now the Nazir elected Treasurer, had resigned. Why? I don’t know. Who is the Mosque Treasurer now? Maybe it is the Nazir himself. He is running out of Committee Members to be elevated as Treasurer. What they do with the money collected in the Donation Safes, I too do not know. There are many speculations going on in the Mosque and it is not healthy. The problem is the lack of transparency. I don’t blame the Jemaah either.

2010 is coming to an end soon and by first quarter of 2011 the New Mosque projected to be ready. It is only about four (4) months away and surely they are lot of planning to be done. Now is the best time to start implementing a new inventory of the New Mosque. Purchasing of furniture, utensils, office equipment, electrical appliances, praying mats and crockery had to be plan and catalogue accordingly. We are dealing with the House of Allah. There are plenty of Philanthropists out there and the kampong residents themselves who are willing to give away their money for the sake of a Mosque. There are many takers provided it is done cooperatively systematic with full of sincerity. Political ideologies should be put aside. Allah does not recognize whether you are green blue or red. Allah only knows one “nawaitu” in one heart and grandeur the Almighty blessings thereafter. Insyaalah.