Make new friends but keep the old ones ...

Away from home on this Fathers' Day, I must thank my colleague in Kota Kinabalu Newmond for keeping me company. We were at the waterfront just as the sun was going down. It was a fantastic view that would remain vivid in my mind for sometime.
I had arrived in the Sabah capital this afternoon for the 1st Joint Committee on Information and Communication Technology (JC-ICT) Meeting between Malaysia and Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Bernama was roped in as the PNG side had proposed to have exchange of programmes and news between its National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) with us.

As I look forward to meeting the PNG representatives, I cherish the evening chat with Newmond, who has been heading our KK bureau for the last three years.
We spoke about work and non-work stuff. In the process, I learn more about him.
While I get the chance to meet new people as I carry out my job, my friends will always be important in my life. Just as the saying goes:
Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.

Starting a friendship with flowers ...

Browsing the internet, I came across this article about friendship. I thought I should paste it on this blog, more so after a friend emailed me the photo today -- well ahead of friendship day.
Though many of us have little problem of making new friends, some struggle just to get near people they are interested to know.
Here's what the article says:

Starting a friendship is a social skill that takes years to learn. Doing it successfully, like with most skills, involves a lot of trial and error on your part. Knowing when to approach a person, picking the right topic to start a conversation, and finding the guts to start it may come naturally to some people.
Others find making friends difficult due to shyness and the lack of confidence in their verbal skills.
Whichever the case is, one good way to start a friendship without some of the awkwardness is to give flowers on the right occasions.

Flowers can sometimes be more eloquent than people. Different roses, for instance, have varying shades of meaning for every affair.
Also, giving flowers mean that you value a relationship (or future relationship) enough to go out of your way to make the person feel special.
Starting a friendship involves confidence, trust, and effort. Giving flowers certainly makes the person appreciate your efforts more in trying to be friends.
However, before giving flowers to people you'd like to be friends with, make sure that you know the right flowers to pick. They should be appropriate to the occasion.
For example, if you're attending a birthday celebration for a person that you are not that closely acquainted with, giving orange roses says that you want to know her better.
If you're at a wedding, giving yellow roses to the newlyweds mean that you are glad to share their happiness.
Peach and pink roses convey admiration, so if you want to start a friendship with an officemate (or anyone whose work you appreciate), pink or peach flowers are the best choice.

Sketching a new dimension ...

The National Art Gallery's latest display sketches a new dimension -- tourism through art.

Entitled "Mosaics of Malaysia", the exhibition showcases the wide-ranging work of China's renowned artist Zhang Zhou.
National Art Gallery director-general Dr Mohamed Najib Ahmad Dawa said the exhibition was significant as it commemorated 35 years of friendly relations
between Malaysia and China, capped by the recent visit of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to Beijing.
"What makes it special is the sharp observation of a foreign artist to transform the beauty and prosperity of Malaysia's rich culture and landscape into enthralling art pieces," he said as we walked along, admiring the display.
Zhang Zhou has captured not only a number of popular tourist destinations in
detail on canvas but also the country's flora, fauna and habitat. Commissioned by a Malaysian collector, the artist took six years to produce the 100 paintings on display.
The panoramic night view of Kuala Lumpur city centre, Penang Bridge, the Putrajaya mosque, the Siti Khadijah Market in Kota Baharu and the national day parade are among scenes illustrated by the 52 year-old Beijing-born artist.
At the centre of the magnificent spectrum of artworks is a huge, delicate touch entitled "Keranamu Malaysia".

The exhibition, which began yesterday, will run until Aug 31. Admission is free and the opening hours are from 10am to 6pm daily except on public holidays.
"This is something not to be missed as the uniqueness of his artwork illustrates the perspective of a foreign artist towards our surroundings which we often take for granted," Dr Najib said showing Zhang Zhou's fine drawing of rubber trees.

Peace of mind ...

Din 'discovered' this place in Semenyih and jokingly told me that I would cry if I miss it. He told me about its clear stream, clean air and serenity.
Getting to the place was not difficult as it fringes a residential area. But not many people know about it except for those who were bold enough to take the risk to clear the area and turned them into orchards. Apart from matured durian trees, starfruit, banana and papaya were being cultivated.

We bumped into an elderly man on a motorcycle, carrying a basketful of durian which he had just collected from the area.
"This is good durians from the jungle," he said, happily selling us the whole lot for RM40.



A sight to remember ...

Success is an inside job …

Just as someone had tried to boost my sagging morale with words of encouragement, another emailed me about the importance of self-esteem to achieve success.
“It can be hard to identify what exactly healthy self-esteem is.
The signs of an unhealthy self-esteem are usually obvious. Someone who cuts themselves down a lot and is always afraid to make big decisions or use their talents doesn't have healthy self-esteem.
Arrogance and boasting are also signs of a poor self-esteem, even though the person comes across as supremely self-confident. I think we all know our fair share of braggarts. It's hard to spend time with them," he wrote.
"To trust one's mind and to know that one is worthy of happiness is the essence of self-esteem," he remarked.
He goes on to say that someone with high self-esteem is able to persist in the face of difficulties.
And the more one perseveres, the more one is likely to succeed.
"Self-esteem doesn't let us simply feel better...it lets us live better.
And to respond to challenges and opportunities resourcefully.
We usually tend to feel the most comfortable with people whose self-esteem level is similar to ours.
So if you think you have low self-esteem, start seeking out people with healthy self-esteem.
Take note of how they think and behave and try to emulate that. We all need role models and mentors.

P.S. Success is an inside job because success starts from within, with your self-esteem.

Strength within ...

Someone I met a few days ago took the trouble to visit this blog after I told her about it. She had came to see me in the office on Tuesday to explain about the unit trust which she specializes in.
"You don't have to take it, just give me time to explain," she said on the phone prior to the meeting.
I told her it was not only the lack of money that has kept me away from such savings but the anxiety of committing myself into a long-term undertaking at this ripe age.
To this, she spoke of three regrets that most people have when they reach their twilight years: They regret:
* they didn't pursue their dream,
* they didn't show enough love to the people they love and care,
* they didn't let go by not being forgiving enough.

Those words stuck deep in my mind as I slowly picked up the courage to confront my persistent fear of failing health as I get older.
And yes, I've been asked to remind myself from time to time of the inner strength that I have.

"Rule No 1: U are consciously a strong person.
Rule No 2: Don't forget Rule No 1."

A Walk In The Mountains...

A son and his father were walking in the mountains.
Suddenly, his son falls, hurts himself and screams: "AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"
To his surprise, he hears the voice repeating, somewhere in the mountain:
"AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"
Curious, he yells: "Who are you?"
He receives the answer: "Who are you?"
Angered at the response, he screams: "Coward!"
He receives the answer: "Coward!"
He looks to his father and asks: "What's going on?"
The father smiles and says: "My son, pay attention."
And then he screams to the mountain: "I admire you!"
The voice answers: "I admire you!"
Again the man screams: "You are a champion!"
The voice answers: "You are a champion!"
The boy is surprised, but does not understand.
Then the father explains: "People call this ECHO, but really this is LIFE.
It gives you back everything you say or do.
Our life is simply a reflection of our actions.
If you want more love in the world, create more love in your heart.
If you want more competence in your team, improve your competence.
This relationship applies to everything, in all aspects of life;
Life will give you back everything you have given to it."
YOUR LIFE IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. IT'S A REFLECTION OF YOU!

The worth of our lives …

Once I attended a talk by a well known speaker who started off his lecture by holding up a RM100 note.
In the room of 200, he asked: "Who would like this RM100?"
Hands started going up.
He said: "I am going to give this RM100 to one of you - but first, let me do this."
He proceeded to crumple the RM100 note up.
He then asked: "Who still wants it?"
Still the hands were up in the air.
"Well," he replied, "what if I do this?"
He dropped it on the floor and started to grind it with his shoe.
He picked up the note, now crumpled and dirty.
"Now, who still wants it?" he asked.
Still the hands went into the air.
"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth RM100.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way.
We feel as though we are worthless; but no matter what happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.
Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you.
The worth of our lives comes, not in what we do or who we know but by ...WHO WE ARE.
"You are special - don't ever forget it," he said.

The Seven Wonders of the World ...

A class of primary school students was studying the Seven Wonders of the World.
At the end of the lesson, the students were asked to list what they considered to be the Seven Wonders of the World. Though there was some disagreement, the following received the most votes:

1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
2. The Taj Mahal in India
3. The Grand Canyon in Arizona
4. The Panama Canal
5. The Empire State Building
6. The Colosseum in Rome
7. China's Great Wall

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student, a quiet girl, hadn't turned in her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list.
The quiet girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many."
The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."
The girl hesitated, then read: "I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:

1. to touch...
2. to taste...
3. to see...
4. to hear... (She hesitated a little, and then added...)
5. to feel...
6. to laugh...
7. and to love.


The room was so quiet, you could have heard a pin drop.
Somehow the things we overlook as simple and ordinary are often the most wonderful - and we don't have to travel anywhere special to experience them.
Enjoy your gifts!

The windows ...

A young couple moves into a new neighbourhood.
The next morning while they are having breakfast, the young wife sees her neigbour hang the wash outside.

That laundry is not very clean, she said.
"She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap."
Her husband looked on but remained silent.
Eevry time her neighbour would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband:
"Look! She has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this."
The husband said: " I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows."

And so it is with life: What we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look.
Before we give any criticism, it might be a good idea to check our state of mind and ask ourselves if we are ready to see the good rather than to be looking for something in the person we are about to judge.

Counting our blessings ...

A friend reminded me to always count our blessings and be a blessing to others.
Along with her email was a heart-wrenching short film about hunger and poverty brought about by globalization. This award-winning film shows a forgotten portion of the society. Please watch the film .

Media, dialogue and mutual understanding ...

The potential of media in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding and reconciliation will be the topic of UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2009 to be celebrated on 2 and 3 May 2009.
As the only UN agency with a mandate to defend freedom of expression and press freedom, UNESCO has placed mutual understanding, and dialogue through media at the core of its mission.
UNESCO’s Constitution, adopted in November 1945, states that the Organization will "collaborate in the work of advancing the mutual knowledge and understanding of all peoples, through all means of mass communication” and “promote the free flow of ideas by word and image".
At this year’s conference and celebrations, UNESCO invites participants to explore the enormous potential of media to serve as a platform for dialogue and a vehicle for understanding.

With age comes wisdom ...

A guy is 70 years old and loves to fish. He was sitting in his boat the other day when he heard a voice say, "Pick me up."
He looked around and couldn't see any one.
He thought he was dreaming when he heard the voice say again,"Pick me up."
He looked in the water and there, floating on the top, was a frog.
The man said: "Are you talking to me?"
The frog said: "Yes, I'm talking to you. Pick me up, then kiss me and I'll turn into the most beautiful woman you have ever seen. I'll make sure that all your friends are envious and jealous because I will be your bride!"
The man looked at the frog for a short time, reached over, picked it up carefully and placed it in his front breast pocket.
Then the frog said: "What, are you nuts? Didn't you hear what I said? I said kiss me and I will be your beautiful bride."
He opened his pocket, looked at the frog and said: "Nah, at my age I'd rather have a talking frog."
With age comes wisdom.

Of blogging and 1Malaysia ...

Information, Communications and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim has called on Malaysian bloggers to help inculcate the 1Malaysia concept and make it a success.
He said this genre of writing which had become increasingly popular via the Internet could spur members of society to work with sincerity and forge unity through responsible blogging.
Besides presenting critical views, he hoped that bloggers could also be positive of the right things being done by the government.
In his meeting with local bloggers in Kuala Lumpur last night, Dr Rais said that as the minister concerned, he wanted to extend friendship and not to cause difficulties to any group that could help develop a thinking society.

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak propagated the 1Malaysia concept when he took office on April 3, calling on the people to embark on a "great journey together" to transform the country.
He had promised the country that his administration would place priority on performance and the people. "One Malaysia. People First. Performance Now".

Dr Rais said while he was still searching for suitable Malay words for blogs and bloggers, Malaysian culture had changed with the advent of the Internet which created a borderless cyber world.
The young generation were becoming less interested in the print media but turning more to the blogs and Facebook through the Internet, he noted.
He hoped that bloggers would use accurate facts in their postings and not use their blogs to make baseless accusations and defame others.
"Their reputation will be eroded if they present untruths because as bloggers, their credibility is important," he said.

Work begins...

When I visited his workshop this morning, Awang had removed my MM's engine. The front compartment of the old car was literally bare to the floor. The 36 year-old mechanic says he will have to do some welding work before fitting in the replacement engine.
The old, worn-out engine which he had taken out, was lying on the floor. Instead of discarding it for good, Awang said he intend to restore the engine so that he could showcase it.

Malaysia's World Heritage Sites...

Eight stamps depicting World Heritage Sites in Malaysia were issued today. The stamps, valued at 50 sen each, reflect the country's pride to have the four sites being declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Melaka and George Town were declared as historic cities of the Straits of Melaka while the natural sites of Kinabalu Park and Mulu Natural Park earned the title because of their exceptional universal conservation values.


A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a specific site (such as forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building or city) that has been nominated and confirmed for inclusion on the list maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
The goal of the programme is the conservation of sites considered to be of outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humankind.

New lease of life ...

Going by record, my Morris Minor is 56 years old today.
It was registered on April 8, 1953 in the then Malaya. Originally in green, the 800 cc, petrol-powered beauty was registered as “JE 1143”.
After seeing the car at a workshop in Batu Pahat, I eventually bought it for RM2,500 on New Year’s day in 2001. It cost me another RM2,000 to have it painted in dark blue and tailored seat cover in light yellow.
Having scouted around for the car, it was a dream come true when I finally got to own one. I don’t know why I was so passionate about the car. Maybe because of it’s unique shape or the fact that the MM was no longer in production.
If at all there was a nostalgic feeling about the car for me it was because my late father had learnt to drive in a Morris Minor back in the 1960’s in the small town of Kuala Krai in Kelantan.
So having the chance to be behind the big steering wheel of the MM myself, I treasure every minute of the experience.
It was sheer excitement when I drove the car from Batu Pahat to Kuala Lumpur along the North-South Highway. It did not give me any problem at all although I was apprehensive at the start of the journey whether it could take me home to KL.
Fast forward, I remember the time when a motorcyclist flagged me to stop after trailing my MM. As I got to the side of the road, he came to me and and asked if I wanted to sell the car.
Then there was the time when my son, who was then in Primary One, was so embarrass to ride in the car when I went to pick him up from school. I saw from a distance how he tried to hide behind his friends when he saw the car coming. After waiting for a while, I had to get down and persuade Adam to get into the car.
As my dear MM turns a year older, it’s about time to give it a new breath of life.
I’m looking forward to drive the car again with a replacement engine that comes with an automatic gear and air-condition installed.
Awang, my new-found mechanic friend, is just as excited to get the ‘old guy’ up and running again

Traditional wedding costumes...

Malaysians value the rich legacy of their traditional costumes worn during important occasions such as weddings. The colourful attire are highlighted in a set of five stamps issued by Pos Malaysia today.

The seed ...

My friend, Abdulaziz Alhendi, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) correspondent in London emailed me this thoughtful piece:

A successful businessman was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.
Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to do something different.
He called all the young executives in his company together.
He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you. "
The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued:
"I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO."
One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed.
He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story.
She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed.
Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.
Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew.
Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing.
By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.
Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot.
He just knew he had killed his seed.
Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing.
Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however.
He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - he so wanted the seed to grow.
A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection.
Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot.
But she asked him to be honest about what happened.
Jim felt sick to his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right.
He took his empty pot to the board room.
When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives.
They were beautiful -- in all shapes and sizes.
Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!
When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives.
Jim just tried to hide in the back.
"My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown," said the CEO.
"Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!"
All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the Financial Director to bring him to the front.
Jim was terrified.
He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"
When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed.
Jim told him the story.
The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim.
He looked at Jim and then announced to the young executives:
"Behold your next Chief Executive Officer! His name is Jim!"
Jim couldn't believe it.
Jim couldn't even grow his seed.
"How could he be the new CEO?" the others said.
Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today.But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow. All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you.Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer!"

* If you plant honesty, you will reap trust
* If you plant goodness, you will reap friends
* If you plant humility, you will reap greatness
* If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment
* If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective
* If you plant hard work, you will reap success
* If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation
* If you plant faith in God , you will reap a harvest

So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.
"Whatever You Give To Life, Life Gives You Back"

Being part of the 1st ASEAN Media Forum ...

Remember Maria Ressa? Formerly with CNN, she is now managing director ABS-CBN News Channel, Philippines, the station that produced hit television dramas like 'Pangako Sayo'. Maria and I sat in the panel to discuss "An ASEAN Voice In The Global Media" at the 1st ASEAN Media Forum organised by the Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC) in Bangkok today. Others in the panel were Kyaw Min Swe (Chief Editor, Living Colour Magazine, Myanmar), Yuli Ismartono (Editor, Asianviews, Indonesia) and Philip Bowring (International Herald Tribune correspondent, Hong Kong). The discussion was moderated by Dr Nattha Komolvadhin, senior and anchorwoman, TPBS, Thailand).
Held under the theme of "Harnessing The Media for ASEAN Integration", the one-day forum is being organised just prior to the ASEAN Summit taking place in Hua Hin, some 150kms from Bangkok. The media forum is expected to be the first of an annual event which would be organised in conjunction with the ASEAN Summit each year in collaboration with a local media partner such as the national television channel.
The panel discussion in this first media forum is conducted in the style of a television talk show. It is filmed by the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (TPBS or Thai PBS)for broadcast and packaging as an educational resource. The audience also get to ask panelists questions.

Friendship treaty ...

The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) was signed on 24 February 1976 in Bali during the First ASEAN Summit. The signatories were the five founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

It aims to "promote perpetual peace, everlasting amity and cooperation among their peoples which would contribute to their strength, solidarity and closer relationship".

The remaining five members inked the TAC later.
Brunei (7 January 1984), Laos (29 June 1992), Vietnam (22 July 1992), Cambodia (23 January 1995) and Myanmar (27 July 1995).
Fifteen countries that are not ASEAN member states have acceded to the TAC:
1. Papua New Guinea (5 July 1989)
2. China (8 October 2003)
3. India (8 October 2003)
4. Japan (2 July 2004)
5. Pakistan (2 July 2004)
6. Republic of Korea (27 November 2004)
7. Russian Federation (29 November 2004)
8. Mongolia (28 July 2005)
9. New Zealand (28 July 2005)
10. Australia (10 December 2005)
11. France (13 January 2007)
12. Timor-Leste (13 January 2007)
13. Sri Lanka (30 July 2007)
14. Bangladesh (30 July 2007)
15. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (24 July 2008)

Asean Secretariat

Change the world ...

Driving to the office today, the words printed on the T-shirt of a motorcyclist in front of me caught my attention -- "Change The World".
Instantaneously, the question "How?" popped up in my mind.
Yes, how can he or me or we change the world.
I related about this later in the afternoon at the start of my talk on "The Role of the Media in Public Diplomacy" at the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations.
Public diplomacy has been widely seen as the transparent means by which a country communicates with publics in other countries aimed at informing and influencing audiences overseas to promote its national interest and advancing its foreign policy goals. The task is primarily handled by the Foreign Ministry.
At its best, journalism or the media can build bridges to change the world by promoting understanding between nations.
Journalists can no longer afford to just tell who, what, when and how as these essential fact-gathering tasks are increasingly redistributed among a growing number of online users who represent new voices that are being heard loud and wide.
Today journalists are the moderators of global conversation in which they provide context, nuance, commentary and enhanced understanding of events.

A friendly advice from Down Under...

A school-mate from our VI days, who’ve made it big Down Under, gave me a friendly advice on how to become financially-sound in life.
“Don’t worry about the money, somehow it’ll find you,” he told me as we chatted on Facebook.
With only $200 in his pocket when he set foot in Australia years ago, Derek now owns several properties including a beautiful home in Melbourne which he ‘humbly’ displayed on his FB.
“You’ve got to do it because you’re passionate about it, not because you want to make $3 million in 2 years.
“You’ve got to believe in your work too.
So whenever I take on a project, I always live in it, I eat, sleep, drink and do nothing but become the object of what I’m trying to do,” he said.

VI becomes national heritage site ...

After being known as Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Victoria, the school was today accorded national heritage status and reverts to its old name of Victoria Institution (VI).
"The world already knows its name as Victoria Institution so it is my pleasure to announce that its name, beginning today, will remain as Victoria Institution," said Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal.
Speaking at a ceremony to declare the school's national heritage status, Shafie said the school was chosen as it met the criteria of the National Heritage Act 2005.
Shafie, an alumnus of the school, said VI played a role in the country's history when it was used as the administrative headquarters by the invading Japanese army during the Second World War.
The school was also the first English secondary school in the country that had produced important personalities from Sultans, leaders, ministers, corporate figures, politicians to sports luminaries and professionals.
He said the school was the first in Southeast Asia to have cadet corps and a school band.
Shafie called for the school's heritage to be conserved as each characteristic "be it a wall, a window, balcony, roof, tower or its field has its own story."
Founded by Sultan Abdul Samad, William Hood Treacher, Loke Yew, Thamboosamy Pillai and Yap Kwan Seng on Aug 14, 1893, Victoria Institution has steadfastly maintained a record of academic excellence and produced many leaders and luminaries.
VI ParentTeachers Association (PTA) chairman Raja Amir Shah Raja Abdul Aziz said now that the school had been bestowed national heritage status, with its illustrious name restored, a strategic plan needed to be formulated to chart the school's future direction.
"After the heritage do and getting back the VI name, all of us the PTA, old boys, the teachers and community should make VI the best in everything,” he said.

"I love my healthy active childhood"...

4 February is World Cancer Day and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) is launching "I love my healthy active childhood" campaign for this year.

UICC says the prevalence of overweight and obesity is rising dramatically among adults and children around the world.
According to the World Health Organization, 1 billion adults are overweight, and at least 300 million of these are clinically obese.
The International Obesity Taskforce estimates that one out of every ten school-age children is overweight. Of these, around 30-45 million children, that is 2-3% of children aged 5-17, are obese.
Being overweight or obese has been shown to increase the risk of cancer among adults.
World Cancer Day 2009 marks the start of a year-long campaign, where UICC will work with parents, teachers and decision-makers around the world to encourage kids to eat a healthy diet, be physically active and maintain a healthy body weight.

Silver Jubilee Sultan of Perak ...

Today marks the Silver Jubilee of the Reign of Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak.

Be Yet Wiser …

Ex-students of Victoria Institution would recall the phrase “Be Yet Wiser”. It was the school motto. My thoughts were taken back to those words of wisdom after reading this e-mail from a friend:

“We begin this New Year with dampened enthusiasm and dented optimism. Our happiness is diluted and our peace is threatened by the financial illness that has infected our families, organizations and nations. Everyone is desperate to find a remedy that will cure their financial illness and help them recover their financial health. They expect the financial experts to provide them with remedies, forgetting the fact that it is these experts who created this financial mess.
Every new year, I adopt a couple of old maxims as my beacons to guide my future. This self-prescribed therapy has ensured that with each passing year, I grow wiser and not older. This year, I invite you to tap into the financial wisdom of our elders along with me, and become financially wiser.

* Hard work: All hard work brings a profit but mere talk leads only to poverty.

* Laziness: A sleeping lobster is carried away by the water current.

* Earnings: Never depend on a single source of income. [ At least make your Investments get you second earning ]

* Spending: If you buy things you don't need, you'll soon sell things you need.

* Savings: Don't save what is left after spending; Spend what is left after saving.

* Borrowings: The borrower becomes the lender's slave.

* Accounting: It's no use carrying an umbrella, if your shoes are leaking.

* Auditing: Beware of little expenses; A small leak can sink a large ship.

* Risk-taking: Never test the depth of the river with both feet. [Have an alternate plan ready]

* Investment: Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

I'm certain that those who have already been practicing these principles remain financially healthy. I'm equally confident that those who resolve to start practicing these principles will quickly regain their financial health.
Let us become wiser and lead a happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful life.”

I've learned...

My friend Satya Prakash emailed me the following quotes.
They were written by Andy Rooney, a man who has the gift of saying so much with so few words.

Enjoy.......
I've learned....That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned....That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned.....That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
I've learned....That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I've learned.....That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on windy nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned.. That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned.... That when you harbour bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my mother that I love her one more time before she passed away.
I've learned..... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

Man, doctor and bee...

A man comes running to the doctor shouting and screaming in pain.
"Please doctor, you've got to help me. I've been stung by a bee."
DOCTOR: "Don't worry; I'll put some cream on it."
MAN: "You will never find that bee. It must be miles away by now."
DOCTOR: "No, you don't understand! I'll put some cream on the place
you were stung."
MAN: "Oh! It happened in the garden where I was sitting under a tree."'
DOCTOR (in anger): "No, no, you IDIOT! I mean on which part of your
body did that bee sting."
MAN (still screaming in pain): "On my finger! The bee stung me on my
finger and it really hurts."
DOCTOR : "Ok.Which one?"
MAN (innocently): "How would I know? All bees look the same to me."

'Diwaniya' helps promote Malaysia among Kuwaitis...

More Kuwaitis are visiting Malaysia because of the good words from relatives who have been to the country for holidays, says Malaysian ambassador to Kuwait Ashaary Sani.
Last year, the number of Kuwaitis visiting Malaysia shot up to 17,000.
Most travelled in families with some staying up to a month, he said.

"The regular family get-together among Kuwaitis called 'diwaniya' where the men talk among themselves has helped to encourage the people here to visit Malaysia," he told Malaysian reporters who are in Kuwait City to cover the just-ended Arab Economic Summit.
The good facilities in Malaysia, the weather and the favourable currency exchange (one Kuwaiti Dinar could hit about RM13), were among the pull factors, he said.
"Although the impact has been positive, there is still room for improvement," said Ashaary.
Saying most Kuwaitis know about Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi, he suggested more tourism promotion be made to attract Kuwaitis to states like Sabah and Sarawak as well as those in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
"Of course, we should continue to provide good service and hospitality," he said.
He said bilateral relations between Malaysia and Kuwait were solid with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan making an official visit here last November.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was also in Kuwait last year as well as the Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah who came in October last year to promote Malaysia as an International Islamic Financial Centre.
Ashaary said some 160 Malaysians are living in Kuwait, mostly professionals working in the telecommunications and financial sectors and their families.
A Malaysian heart surgeon and an anesthetist are also working in Kuwait.
On the two-day Arab Economic Summit which ended yesterday, Ashaary said it was a good effort to solidify economic cooperation and integration among the Arab countries.

Saudi Arabia donates US$1 billion for Gaza...

Saudi's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz announced in Kuwait City today the contribution of US$1 billion for the reconstruction of Gaza, which is devastated after three weeks of Israeli relentless bombardment.

Speaking at the first-ever Arab Economic Summit, the Saudi monarch said that no matter how vital economic issues were, they could not equate life and dignity.
"In the past few days, we have witnessed images that are so repulsive, bloody and painful, massacres committed in full view of the world by criminal hoodlums whose hearts know no mercy," he said.
While granting the donation for the Gaza reconstruction fund proposed by the summit, King Abdullah said he realised that "one drop of Palestinian blood is dearer than all riches of the earth".
The Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who chaired the two-day summit, had earlier led the barrage of condemnation by the Arab leaders against Israeli aggression on Gaza.
He said Kuwait would donate US$34 million to enable UN Relief and Works Agency's (UNRWA) honour the urgent needs of the Palestinian people, and would also contribute to international efforts of the donor countries.
He described the Israeli invasion as a "war crime and a crime against humanity".

More than 1,300 Palestinians were killed and 5,300 injured while some 4,000 residential buildings were reduced to rubble after Israel launched the attacks on Dec 27.
Israel declared a unilateral ceasefire Sunday followed later by Hamas, which gave the regime a week to pull out its troops from the impoverished strip.
The Israeli war machine had also bombarded UN facilities in the besieged Gaza Strip, derailing the work of the UN staff in the strip.
Speaking after the Kuwaiti leader, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad called on the Arab states to adopt the term "terrorism entity" to describe the Jewish state.
Al-Assad, who is the current chairman of the Arab round, said although the ceasefire had been secured, this was in no way an indication of the end of violence as the Israeli forces remained in Gaza.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said his country showed clear and strong support for the Gaza Strip since the first day of Israeli aggression on it.
He said Israel should put in mind that achieving peace in the Middle East was an urgent need and that the regime should consider the Arab peace initiative more seriously.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, meanwhile, called on Palestinian factions to overcome their differences and meet under Egyptian sponsorship.
He said the Palestinians were invited to meet in Egypt to reach an agreement after hours of discussion.
"If the bloodshed in Gaza is not enough for us to agree, then when will the time come?" asked Abbas.
He said should an agreement be reached, what was needed then was a unity government that worked to end Israeli violence, lift the siege on Gaza and open its crossings and hold elections.

Ceasefire boost for Arab Economic Summit...

As Kuwait prepares to host a first-ever regional economic summit, Israel's decision to cease its offensive on Gaza may provide a boost for the meeting to seriously focus on economic and social development issues besetting the Arab world.
Described as the first-of-a-kind, the Arab Economic, Social and Development Summit which opens Monday is seen as a platform to pave the way for future and growing cooperation between governments and the private sector.
The two-day summit, called by Kuwait two years ago, had garnered the involvement of experts from various economic sectors.
It is taking place at a time when the Arab world is reported to have suffered some USD2.5 trillion within four months due to the global financial meltdown.
Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and acting Oil Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Al-Sabah said the summit would address daily concerns of Arab citizens like poverty, hunger, health, education, railway network and electricity linkage.
At a forum held yesterday as a prelude to the summit, Arab government and business leaders agreed that economic and social development could be achieved with greater cooperation between governments and civilian sectors.
They stressed the importance of the involvement of the people in the Arab world's development, not only as a tool for success, but also as steps towards a stronger democracy.
The summit is expected to produce key resolutions dealing with the development of education, improving health care, fighting unemployment and poverty.
It was also expected to establish the custom union and linking the Arab countries' networks of roads and railways, as well as food and water security.
The Israeli aggression on Gaza which had drawn international concern would still be high on the agenda.
The leaders will address the situation in Gaza, which has seen a slight progress with Israel embarking on a unilateral ceasefire after declaring victory in its three-week offensive that has cost 1,200 Palestinian lives.
But despite the ceasefire, Israeli troops would remain in Gaza for the time being with orders to return fire if attacked.
Officials said the Arab leaders will be discussing two draft resolutions which include showing support for the Palestinian people through establishing a fund for the rebuilding of Gaza, opening of border crossings, lifting the siege, urging the UN Security Council to ask Israel to stop its aggression and backing the Egyptian ceasefire initiative.
All 22 Arab League countries are expected to attend the summit.
United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon, who is on a tour of the region to deal with the Israeli offensive on Gaza, is also scheduled to attend the summit.

Spotlight on Arab Summit to halth Israeli onslaught...

With no end in sight of Israeli's onslaught on Gaza, the Arab world is banking on their leaders' summit in Kuwait City on Monday to act decisively to stop the aggression.
Arab foreign ministers who met here yesterday approved a draft resolution calling for an immediate halt to the Israeli aggression which has killed more than a thousand Palestinians in Gaza.
The ministers approved a proposal calling on Arab countries to "pledge financial aid for Gaza reconstruction estimated to cost US$2 billion" and another US$500 million of extra aid to the Palestinian Authority.

The draft will be tabled to the Arab Economic, Social and Development Summit to be held in Kuwait City on Monday and Tuesday.
United Nations and Gaza health officials have estimated that some 1,100 Palestinians have been killed since the Israeli began its merciless attacks on Dec 27.
Apart from underlining the urgency of stopping the Israeli aggression on Gaza, the draft calls for the reopening of all Gaza's border crossings.
It holds Israel responsible for all the atrocities in Gaza and the violations of the international humanitarian laws.
It urges the UN human rights agencies to probe into serious crimes against humanity committed by the Israeli army against the Palestinian people during the brutal aggression on Gaza and bring to justice those who are responsible for such crimes.
While thanking the countries which have been sending humanitarian aids to Gaza, the draft renewed condemnation of "the brutal aggression on the defenceless Palestinian people in Gaza Strip."
It said the Israeli army had used all kinds of lethal weapons including internationally-banned ones since the start of the aggression.

Tribute to alma mater ...

Pos Malaysia concludes its stamp issue for the year with a set of four entitled "Premier Schools" released today. Present and former Victorians would definitely take pride that their alma mater -- Victoria Institution -- is among the schools featured.
Pos Malaysia says premier schools are those over 100 years which have been identified as cluster schools for their academic and co-curriculum achievements.
"These schools have produced many national leaders, corporate figures, professionals, sportsmen and scholars who have contributed significantly to the growth of Malaysia is this era of globalisation," according to details accompanying the First Day Cover.

Rekindling decades-old friendship ....

After 30 years, the fifth formers of Victoria Institution in 1978 got together tonight for a long overdue reunion. A good number of our former teachers made the evening more meaningful with their presence.
A friend said he knew about the planned gathering through Facebook and suggested everyone present to join the network.
I have kept this class photo of 5 Science 2 with our class teacher Mrs Foo for a long time.

With three decades gone, some of us who turned up for the reunion were beyond recognition. But we all agreed that Mrs Foo, who taught us biology, remains gorgeous as ever.


Looking closely at the photographs, I realized that those seated had held their hands in almost similar position even after all these years. Some things don't change, I suppose!
Here's the group photo of all who attended the reunion.

Journalism in a complex environment...

Over 40 journalists from the Asia-Pacific region are gathering in Jakarta to discuss how the media play both a positive and negative role in how diverse cultures inter-relate especially where politics and religions intersect.
The three-day forum entitled “Asia-Pacific Regional Media Programme” is being co-sponsored by the European Union, Norway, and New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Speakers included former Indonesia foreign minister Ali Alatas, Griffith University's Prof. Michael Wesley, general secretary of International Federation of Journalists Aidan White, Indonesia's former assistant minister/state secretary of foreign affairs Prof. Dewi Fortuna Anwar, and 'the father of the Indonesian media' journalist and author Goenawan Mohamad.
The forum explored how in a time of rapid globalisation and increasing contact – and conflict – between cultures, journalism often has to straddle the 'fault lines' that separate us as peoples.
At times, the media, and journalists themselves, choose simplicity and conciseness over accuracy – particularly where time constraints and available space restrict one's challenge to report on conflict accurately.
The conference being held at the Hotel Mulia Senayan will be followed by a one-day workshop discussing "The Role of Media in Muslim-Western Relations."
The workshop is organized by the New York-based Alliance of Civilizations Secretariat and the Search for Common Ground, a non-governmental organization.

A story to live by ...

A friend emailed me this story today:
There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind.
She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend.
He was always there for her.
She told her boyfriend: "If I could only see the world, I will marry you."
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her.
When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.
He asked her: "Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?"
The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind.
The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that.
The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.
Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying:
"Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine."

This is how the human brain often works when our status changes.
Only a very few remember what life was like before and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.
Life is a gift.
Before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out for a companion.
Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who died too early on this earth.
Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us is without sin .
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and still around.

Food for thought ...

Rising prices have plunged an additional 75 million people below the hunger threshold, bringing the estimated number of undernourished people worldwide to 923 million in 2007. As the World Food Day is observed today, UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director-General Jacques Diouf called for a political and financial push to boost sustainable agriculture in the world’s poor countries, double global food production and free the world of hunger and malnutrition.
"I wish to reaffirm that we know what needs to be done to eradicate the hunger of 923 million people in the world. We also know what needs to be done to double world food production and feed a population that is expected to rise to 9 billion people by 2050," he said at a ceremony in Rome marking World Food Day, the anniversary of FAO’s foundation in 1945.
Noting that $US22 billion was pledged to promote global food security earlier this year, but that only 10 percent of this has so far materialized – mainly for emergency food aid – Diouf declared:
"What we need ... is political will and delivery on financial commitments, if we are to be able to make the essential investments that are needed to promote sustainable agricultural development and food security in the poorest countries of the world."
The theme for this year celebration is "World Food Security: the Challenges of Climate Change and Bioenergy".
FAO estimates had put the number of people suffering from chronic hunger worldwide in 2003-05 at 848 million, an increase of 6 million from the 842 million in 1990-92, the World Food Summit baseline period.
Soaring food, fuel and fertilizer prices have exacerbated the problem. Food prices rose 52 percent between 2007 and 2008, and fertilizer prices have nearly doubled over the past year.

New stamps, new friends...

When I wrote last Sept 16 about a man who got started on collecting first day covers (FDC) after an unexpected visit to the philately section at Kuala Lumpur general post office, it drew a response from the man himself.

Signing his name as ‘Din’, he said he had since collected many stamps and was getting hooked to it. Like most collectors, 'Din' was looking forward to the next issue of FDC, which happened to be today in conjunction with World Post Day.
By coincidence, we bumped into each other again. What's interesting was that ‘Din’ brought along a friend whom he had encouraged to take up the hobby.
As any other day when new stamps are released, the place will be a meeting point for collectors. While you get to see familiar faces, there will be new friends to make like Mr Ho and retired Major Ranjit Singh.

Being a seasoned collector, Ho took the trouble to explain to us the ‘secrets’ of stamp collecting.
To think that we were total strangers who could sit together to talk about stamps and become friends is most satisfying. Surely this kind of interaction should be encouraged especially among the young generation.
Everyone is free to join this friendship circle. All you need to do is go to the philately section of the KL main post office whenever new stamps are issued.
As for the latest stamps offering, Pos Malaysia has showcased some of the country's unique flowers in conjunction with World Post Day 2008. The collection is to increase awareness of such flowers that are attractive and unique because of their shape or fragrance.
The collection features four flowers -- kembang songsang (climbing lily), kenerak (kenerak), akar dani (rangoon creeper) and cempaka pisang (banana shrub) while the miniature sheet depicts the bakawali (gooseneck cactus).

Footnote: World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October, the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Berne. It was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969. Since then, countries across the world participate annually in the celebrations. The Posts in many countries use the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services. In most countries philatelic exhibitions are organized during this period and special stamps and date cancellation marks are issued on 9 October.

Despite doom prediction, postal services remain relevant.…

Billions of parcels, letters and express items are sent by post to people all over the world. Goods or important documents, migrants’ remittances to their families, newspapers and books -- the list goes on.
Director General of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Edouard Datan says despite predictions of their demise not so long ago, postal services are alive and well and now more relevant than ever.
"E-mail and the Internet have not replaced them, but have instead created new opportunities," he said in his message to mark World Post Day today.
"We live at a time where the different means of communication complement each other. The postal sector provides a precious service, not only to anyone who buys or sells online, but also to people not yet able to make full use of the new technologies and for whom the mail is a vital link with the outside world. With growing international and inter-regional trade, the development gap between postal services around the world needs to be narrowed so that businesses and individuals can benefit more from them," he said.
It is worth recalling that the UPU this year is celebrating its 60th anniversary as a United Nations specialized agency. Since 1948, the postal sector has contributed in meaningful ways to the noble mission of the United Nations, assisting development, reducing poverty and the digital divide, promoting health, environmental protection and sustainable development, to name just a few.
Owing to their universality, postal services provide a link between people all over the globe. This is especially important at a time when millions of people do not enjoy the right to communication. In a constantly changing world, postal services make it possible to establish and maintain this contact and this link, both of which are vital.

Smile…you’re on World Smile Day!

"Smile an everlasting smile, a smile can bring you near to me…"
I recall the opening lyrics of the Bee Gees hit ‘Words’ as the World Smile Day is celebrated today.
There are hundreds of languages in the world but a smile speaks them all. It is perhaps the only thing that unites us and bonds us together as human beings.
It is rare that a smile fails to get a friendly response. Say it with a smile, no matter what language you speak and you will communicate. A smile may happen in a flash but the memory of it can last a lifetime.
The World Smile Day was first celebrated in 1999. As usual, the theme for the day is "Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile". And as ever, the image that leads the way on this day is the iconic Smiley Face.
Harvey Ball, co-owner of an advertising and public relations firm in Worcester, Massachusetts designed the irresistible Smiley Face in 1963 to help ease the acrimonious aftermath following the merger of two insurance companies.
The logo was to accompany a "friendship campaign" that the company came up with to encourage employees to smile as they went about their work or interacted with customers. Thinking about what would inspire employees to smile, he decided the most simple and direct symbol would be a smile itself and that is what he drew.

"I made a circle with a smile for a mouth on yellow paper, because it was sunshiny and bright," Ball recalled in a 1996 interview with The Associated Press. Turning the drawing upside down, the smile became a frown. Deciding that wouldn't do, Ball added two eyes and the Smiley Face was born. He was paid a $45 fee for his timeless creation.
"Never in the history of mankind or art has any single piece of art gotten such widespread favor, pleasure, enjoyment, and nothing has ever been so simply done and so easily understood in art," said Ball. He died in April 2001.
In Malaysia, we had a song about smile that was aired over radio and television:
Here's the lyrics of the song Senyum Seindah Suria:
Senyum Seindah Suria,
Yang membawa cahya,
Senyumlah dari hati,
Duniamu berseri,

Senyum umpama impian,
Dalam kehidupan,
Kau tersenyum ku tersenyum
Kemesraan menguntum...

Senyum..kepada semua,
Senyumanmu amatlah berharga
Senyum..umpama titian
Dengan senyuman terjalinlah ikatan...

And here's the English version:

A smile is quite a funny thing
It lightens up your face
And when it's gone you'll never find
Its secret hiding place
Far more wonderful it is
To see what smile can do
You smile at me
I smile at you
And so one smile makes two

Smile
Smile
It isn't hard to do
Smile for a while
And let one smile catch two...

New friend on Facebook ...

Yasmin Ahmad, my new friend on Facebook, is in South Korea to attend the screening of 'Muallaf' at the Pusan International Film Festival. One of Asia’s top, the festival kicks off today in the beach resort city. It will show 316 movies from 60 countries.
Like many others who commented on Facebook, I hope Yasmin will have a good trip.
From the comments given, many love her Petronas Raya TV commercial which I had wrote about on this blog.
While Hari Raya enters its second day in Malaysia, the Malaysian Embassy in Jordan emailed me some photos of the Aidilfitri celebrations in Amman which was attended by visiting Tengku Muda of Pahang, Tengku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ahmad Shah. The celebration was held at the residence of ambassador Hasnudin Hamzah on the first day of the Aidilfitri on Tuesday. Hasnudin said there was the usual spread of Malaysian food such as lemang, rendang, satay, nasi dagang, nasi tomato and lontong.
On the second day of the Aidilfitri Wednesday, the celebration was held at the Malaysian Students Department attended by the Tengku Muda, Hasnudin and over 500 Malaysian students throughout the kingdom.

Surprise ‘Hari Raya’ visitor…

Talk about working on festive holiday, Bernama staff on duty had a surprise visitor when Information Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek turned up at Wisma Bernama today to personally convey his Hari Raya greeting.
Accompanied by his family, the minister made stops at Radio Bernama24, NAM News Network (NNN), Bernama TV and the editorial department on the 1st floor.


Interviewed by the radio station, Shabery highlighted about Malaysia’s unique Hari Raya ‘open house’ which livens up the festive atmosphere.
He was just back from the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) where the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, his Cabinet colleagues and their wives jointly held a Hari Raya open house.
"Seluruh lapisan masyarakat mengunjungi rumah terbuka itu dalam suasana ceria yang mungkin tak ditemui di negara-negara lain...inilah suasana yang membuatkan Malaysia indah.
(Malaysians of all walks of life were there in a cheerful mood that is uniquely Malaysia...this is the kind of atmosphere that makes Malaysia beautiful)," said Shabery.
He gave credit to the media for cheering up the festive occasion.
"Apalah hari raya tanpa TV dan radio? (What is Hari Raya without TV and radio?)" said Shabery who later attended the Hari Raya ‘open house’ organised by the station.

Of Hari Raya eve and 'balik kampung' ...

KL is relatively quiet with many of its residents going back to their hometown for the Hari Raya celebration tomorrow. For those who remain in the city, they are bound to be asked: "Tak balik kampung ke?" (Aren’t you going back to your hometown?). I was asked of the question not less than five times today alone – at the bank, hypermarket, petrol station and at the roadside stalls selling ketupat, lemang and rendang along MRR2 near Zoo Negara. Its not the first time for me and my family to celebrate Hari Raya in KL. So, we are quite used to it. I’m going to take the opportunity to visit my friends especially those who grew up with me at the long demolished Asrama Dr Latiff.

Thank you to friends who sms me Raya greetings. I do hope everyone will have a wonderful time. Some advised me to drive safely, probably thinking I might be going somewhere out of the city. As far as driving is concerned, I’m having a breeze driving around KL with less cars on the road.
But not all ‘balik kampung’ journey ended in joy when 12 Indonesians – eleven women and a man -- drown after their wooden barge sank off Port Klang this morning. 112 others were rescued. Klang district police chief ACP Mohamad Mat Yusop said all the dead were in their 20s. One of the women was pregnant.
The barge sank 10 minutes after setting sail from a forest area in Pulau Che Mat Zin, near Westport for Tanjong Balai in the Sumatra at about 7am.
Mohamad said the 5m-long barge had capacity for 70 passengers but was carrying about 130 people.
All the Indonesians were believed to be on their way home to celebrate the Aidilfitri.
It is unexpected events like this that requires media organizations like Bernama to be on alert despite the festive mood. For this, my thoughts go to all who have to work during Hari Raya. They are the unsung heroes – men and women – who keep the organization going. Since Bernama started operation 40 years ago, it has never once ‘close for holiday’.
My colleague, Muin Abdul Majid, who is based in Dubai, is celebrating the Aidilfitri far away from his family. Like other Muslim Malaysians across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), he joined other Muslims in the Gulf nation and many other countries in the Middle East in celebrating Aidilfitri today.
In Dubai, the Malaysians converged on the Matrade centre for the Aidilfitri prayers led by Shushilil Azam Shuib, the Malaysian Education Promotion Centre (MEPC) regional director.
The UAE Moon Sighting Committee announced Monday night that the UAE was to celebrate Aidilfitri Tuesday.
Selamat Hari Raya. Maaf Zahir Batin.