It has been quite a while since my last posting in February 2011. I was quite busy with Umrah in March and my new posting in April 2011.
This post is done with purpose...
I bough a news paper and there it was NATO's strike in Tripoli, Libya killed Saif the youngest son of Muammar Gadaffi and his thee grandchildren. I am not going into the issue of whether Gadaffi is a tyrant or not - that issue should be left to the people of Libya not the United States or Nato for that matter.
The last time the States bombed Tripoli in the 80s, Gadaffi's adopted son (or is it daughter) was left dead but Gadaffi survived.
The question is what the bombings got to do with protecting innocent lives of the people of Libya?
Then, today CNN, BBC and al Jazeera reported that about 7 hours ago, Osama Ben Laden was killed in a town about 60 km from the capital of Pakistan in a joint operation between the States Special Operation Force and the Pakistani Intelligence.
Again, I am not to delve into the issue of extremist or radical et al....
What saddened me the people of the States was shown celebrating outside the White House - they may have their own valid reasons but where is the decency and respect for the dead no matter from which opposing side or ideology they might come from.
This reminds me of the almost "obscene" scenes of a certain quarters of the Iraqi people dancing in the streets outside the main jail when they heard Saddam Hussein is hanged to death...
At least Saddam Hussein did recited the Shahadah right before he was hanged amidst the profanities remarks thrown at him by his detractors inside the main jail when he was about to be hanged...
We as human kind has become so cruel and insensitive ....
Going back to Osama, it was reported that his body is being taken into custody by the United States - for what reason/purpose.
As a Muslim, my only pray and hope is that Osama would be given a proper burial in accordance with the Islamic law and rituals....
Let's hope the what happened to Che Guevara - the Cuban Revolutionary - who was caught and shot dead by the States Operatives - again and don't be surprised - was incapacitated and buried at unknown place until his remains was dug and flown back to Cuba for a proper States burial...
My last note is let's recite al Fatihah to Osama, Saif & the three grandchildren of Gadaffi so as to all Muslims out there whose passing away hopefully would be accepted by Allah the most merciful as only He knows what we the mortals not know ....
Till we meet again ....
Monday, May 2, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Cupid Struck at Tahrir Square, Egypt
I could not help but grinned widely as I look at a picture of a couple tying the knot at Tahrir Square, Egypt as appeared in NST @ 10 February 2011.
The caption reported that Abdullah Al Qadi and Sonia Al Beali were celebrating with other protesters after tying the knot at the said Square. They apparently met for the first time last week while demonstrating against the regime of Hosni Mubarak and the rest is - as they said - is history. So far, it is reported that four couples have got married at the Square.
This is awesome and quite 'mind boggling" ... This only leads to several inferences, one of which is that the protest is a protest full of love, peace and passion!!!. In fact, the protesters - as reported in the news - are encouraged to bring with them flowers and encourage to "hug a soldier" at every possible opportunity ...
I supposed perhaps Abdullah Al Qadi gave the flower to Sonia on the day they first met and that made it easier for the Cupid to "strike" ....
To those couples: "Selamat Pengantin Baru!!"
The caption reported that Abdullah Al Qadi and Sonia Al Beali were celebrating with other protesters after tying the knot at the said Square. They apparently met for the first time last week while demonstrating against the regime of Hosni Mubarak and the rest is - as they said - is history. So far, it is reported that four couples have got married at the Square.
This is awesome and quite 'mind boggling" ... This only leads to several inferences, one of which is that the protest is a protest full of love, peace and passion!!!. In fact, the protesters - as reported in the news - are encouraged to bring with them flowers and encourage to "hug a soldier" at every possible opportunity ...
I supposed perhaps Abdullah Al Qadi gave the flower to Sonia on the day they first met and that made it easier for the Cupid to "strike" ....
To those couples: "Selamat Pengantin Baru!!"
Eh!!! Dah Start Campaigning @ Merlimau?
I just checked into the hotel in Kota Kinabalu this afternoon and immediately turned on the TV ... Buletin 1.30 TV3 had just started and guess what?
t
It was reported that a fishing village in Merlimau would be getting a new and said to be the most sophisticated jetty soon. I couldn't get to hear the costs but heard the word "millions" .... This was announced by the Melaka Chief Minister who was shown on TV visiting the old jetty at the fishing village. The CM said this project had been approved by the YAB PM himself.
The CM said the jetty would benefit the local fishermen and would also act as a tourism attraction in the state of Melaka.
Several villagers (local fishermen)were interviewed and expressed their gratitude for the generosity ... In fact, one was heard saying " ... Saya macam tak percaya.." as it was indeed a surprise to him...
Better believe it guys .....
By the way, the actual nomination day for the Merlimau by election is yet taking place yes? This is interesting indeed or is it so predictable and expected as a norm every time by election is held? So, a word of caution to all the "Surau", "Dewan Orang Ramai" and the like as there would be lots of "pembukaan rasmi" - you know "potong riben"!! - in the weeks to come ...
My wish: " Happy campaigning in advance ...."
t
It was reported that a fishing village in Merlimau would be getting a new and said to be the most sophisticated jetty soon. I couldn't get to hear the costs but heard the word "millions" .... This was announced by the Melaka Chief Minister who was shown on TV visiting the old jetty at the fishing village. The CM said this project had been approved by the YAB PM himself.
The CM said the jetty would benefit the local fishermen and would also act as a tourism attraction in the state of Melaka.
Several villagers (local fishermen)were interviewed and expressed their gratitude for the generosity ... In fact, one was heard saying " ... Saya macam tak percaya.." as it was indeed a surprise to him...
Better believe it guys .....
By the way, the actual nomination day for the Merlimau by election is yet taking place yes? This is interesting indeed or is it so predictable and expected as a norm every time by election is held? So, a word of caution to all the "Surau", "Dewan Orang Ramai" and the like as there would be lots of "pembukaan rasmi" - you know "potong riben"!! - in the weeks to come ...
My wish: " Happy campaigning in advance ...."
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Big Gesture by a "Small" Guy With A Big Heart
I have been suffocated with the brutalities of the city folks for the last 20 years or so and this posting really reminds me of the good old days ... during my childhood days as a kampung boy.
Lat week I was on a business trip to an Estate in Layang Layang, Johor for 2 days.... On the 2nd day, before I left for KL I dropped by at the Estate's surau ... As it was late in the evening, nobody was there but a gentleman and his son (about 12years old) I supposed ...
I noticed that this gentleman was busy preparing something - a drink - and was then sitting at the rear end of the surau prayer main hall attentively listening to his son reading the Holy Quran...
As I was about to leave the surau, I over heard him calling for me - "Encik... Encik ...". I then walked back into the Surau and went to him. Apparently, he had poured me a small glass of "teh tarik" and invited me to have a drink with him...
In the course of our conversation, I came to know he aws the Estate Contractor -"Saya ni kontrak potong rumput kat Estet ni..." He is also the Imam of that surau...
"Saya baru lagi jadi Imam - masih belajar lagi!' What a humble statement - at least he is an Imam as opposed to me a mere "Makmum"!!!
After about 45 minutes or so, I told him that I have to leave as my journey was a long affair ... I thank him and almost "unavoidably" said "Alhamdulillah" ... On my journey home, I kept thinking of that "small" guy - an Imam - with a very big gesture and for sure has a very big heart .... And guys, that was the best "teh tarik" that I ever had!!!!
How I missed the old days ......
Lat week I was on a business trip to an Estate in Layang Layang, Johor for 2 days.... On the 2nd day, before I left for KL I dropped by at the Estate's surau ... As it was late in the evening, nobody was there but a gentleman and his son (about 12years old) I supposed ...
I noticed that this gentleman was busy preparing something - a drink - and was then sitting at the rear end of the surau prayer main hall attentively listening to his son reading the Holy Quran...
As I was about to leave the surau, I over heard him calling for me - "Encik... Encik ...". I then walked back into the Surau and went to him. Apparently, he had poured me a small glass of "teh tarik" and invited me to have a drink with him...
In the course of our conversation, I came to know he aws the Estate Contractor -"Saya ni kontrak potong rumput kat Estet ni..." He is also the Imam of that surau...
"Saya baru lagi jadi Imam - masih belajar lagi!' What a humble statement - at least he is an Imam as opposed to me a mere "Makmum"!!!
After about 45 minutes or so, I told him that I have to leave as my journey was a long affair ... I thank him and almost "unavoidably" said "Alhamdulillah" ... On my journey home, I kept thinking of that "small" guy - an Imam - with a very big gesture and for sure has a very big heart .... And guys, that was the best "teh tarik" that I ever had!!!!
How I missed the old days ......
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Filthy Rich ..... A Short Note
I watched Al Jazeera the other day and was in a state of dazed when it was reported that President Hosni Mubarak's wealth is estimated at between USD 10 billion to USD 40 billion.
His youngest son Gamal is estimated to be "valued" at USD 10 billion and the President's wife, Suzanne is a billioner .... It is reported that all these wealth and money are deposited at several Banks - Swiss, US and other European countries.
What about the average "rakyat"? The inflation is high and the unemployment of the young population is at an acute ratio not to mention the low income per capita... Hence, the pro democracy movement for the last 11 days or so which was basically triggered by the youths/young generation of Egyptian people....
Let's look further back during the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) ... He was at the apex of the Islamic State of Medina (then liberated the Holy City of Mecca)... Was he filthy rich? Nope - it was even related that the Prophet only eaten half a date for breaking fast ...
The Prophet's companions - The Amirul Mukminin Caliphs Abu Bakar, Umar al Khatab, Uthman Affan and Ali - they were the great Caliphs of the great Ismaic Empire and yet lived in a modest state of life and leave almost nothing except for what they wore on them ....
Another example is Salman al Farisi who was famous with his quotation " I am the son of Islam from Adam". He was once the Amir of City of Madain ... He died poor with and refused to take any salary for being an Amir not even a Dirham ....
What a contradiction ... The Prophet (SAW), his companions may be poor but filthy rich in their "akhlak" and "iman" ....
Let's ponder and if anybody were to say this balsphemy remark: "Zaman Nabi mana ada Bank nak simpan duit banyak-banyak macam sekarang/zaman moden ni! ... Hmmmm -sounds familiar? Well, I would say to that person " Jangan laaa jadi bodoh sangat!!! Shut your mouth up!!! Those days the banks might not be there but the State's wealth are fully secured at the Baitul Mal" ...
Till we meet again .....
His youngest son Gamal is estimated to be "valued" at USD 10 billion and the President's wife, Suzanne is a billioner .... It is reported that all these wealth and money are deposited at several Banks - Swiss, US and other European countries.
What about the average "rakyat"? The inflation is high and the unemployment of the young population is at an acute ratio not to mention the low income per capita... Hence, the pro democracy movement for the last 11 days or so which was basically triggered by the youths/young generation of Egyptian people....
Let's look further back during the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) ... He was at the apex of the Islamic State of Medina (then liberated the Holy City of Mecca)... Was he filthy rich? Nope - it was even related that the Prophet only eaten half a date for breaking fast ...
The Prophet's companions - The Amirul Mukminin Caliphs Abu Bakar, Umar al Khatab, Uthman Affan and Ali - they were the great Caliphs of the great Ismaic Empire and yet lived in a modest state of life and leave almost nothing except for what they wore on them ....
Another example is Salman al Farisi who was famous with his quotation " I am the son of Islam from Adam". He was once the Amir of City of Madain ... He died poor with and refused to take any salary for being an Amir not even a Dirham ....
What a contradiction ... The Prophet (SAW), his companions may be poor but filthy rich in their "akhlak" and "iman" ....
Let's ponder and if anybody were to say this balsphemy remark: "Zaman Nabi mana ada Bank nak simpan duit banyak-banyak macam sekarang/zaman moden ni! ... Hmmmm -sounds familiar? Well, I would say to that person " Jangan laaa jadi bodoh sangat!!! Shut your mouth up!!! Those days the banks might not be there but the State's wealth are fully secured at the Baitul Mal" ...
Till we meet again .....
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Egypt, Tunisia et al - any surprise?
It started with the 'Jasmine Revolution" in Tunisia then spread through the African/Arab countries - Yemen. Jordan, Algeria, Oman, Sudan, Mauritania and Egypt..
This post will not touch on the "heavy issues" - most of which are not a surprise to any sane people on this earth!!! Examples, it's not a surprise that President Hosni Mubarak "agreed" to step down but only in September - he's a man living on his own island & detached from the reality. It is also not surprising that he made such a decision after chit chatting over the phone with the States' President Barrack Obama..
It is also not surprising that China - almost half of the world apart from Egypt - had blocked the word "Egypt" from microblog searches!!!
In Tunisia, a doctor Souha Naija aptly described the Tunisian Revolution as " a kind of birth" - the doctor said ;" For me this is a birth ... There is blood, there is pain. But after, there is birth" ...
There is also a 21 year old Tunisian rap star, Hamada Ben Amor a.k.a. "El General" took to the stage for the first time after being banned by the Tunisian regime. His crime? He wrote lyrics earlier month of January as the revolution exploded which earned him the ban and a spell in the jail ...
The lyrics go like this: "We live in suffering/Like dogs/Half the population is oppressed and living in misery/President of the country/Your people are dead" ... When he took the stage on Saturday late January, opposition activist Atia Athmouni, 59 broke down in tears and said " He talked about the dictator and about the fallen heroes".
Wither the status quo anyone? ....
This post will not touch on the "heavy issues" - most of which are not a surprise to any sane people on this earth!!! Examples, it's not a surprise that President Hosni Mubarak "agreed" to step down but only in September - he's a man living on his own island & detached from the reality. It is also not surprising that he made such a decision after chit chatting over the phone with the States' President Barrack Obama..
It is also not surprising that China - almost half of the world apart from Egypt - had blocked the word "Egypt" from microblog searches!!!
In Tunisia, a doctor Souha Naija aptly described the Tunisian Revolution as " a kind of birth" - the doctor said ;" For me this is a birth ... There is blood, there is pain. But after, there is birth" ...
There is also a 21 year old Tunisian rap star, Hamada Ben Amor a.k.a. "El General" took to the stage for the first time after being banned by the Tunisian regime. His crime? He wrote lyrics earlier month of January as the revolution exploded which earned him the ban and a spell in the jail ...
The lyrics go like this: "We live in suffering/Like dogs/Half the population is oppressed and living in misery/President of the country/Your people are dead" ... When he took the stage on Saturday late January, opposition activist Atia Athmouni, 59 broke down in tears and said " He talked about the dictator and about the fallen heroes".
Wither the status quo anyone? ....
It's The Lunar Year Again @ Year of Rabbit
This year is the Rabbit Year - the 4th of the 12 animals listed in the Chinese calendar after the rat, ox and tiger.
I was born in 1963 and a Rabbit I am - not too sure though whether I am a Metallic Rabbit or Water Rabbit and wart not - but for sure I am the adorable Rabbit. So as those who were born in 1963 including my Chinese friends ...
So to Eric Cheah, Cheah Fah Thong (wherever you are Fah Thong), Albert, Kevin, Eric Cheah and those I could not recall @ ACS Ipoh - my sincere wish "Gong Xi Fa Chai" ...
Back to the Rabbit, from my readings of so many articles on this creature:
1. Amongst others Johnny Depp is a Rabbit, so is Drew Barrymore, and the best is so is Angelina Jolie (and Brad Pitt) .... So am I !!!!
2. In "Alice Adventure in Wonderland" by Lewis Carrol, it was the white rabbit which lured Alice into the adventure via the rabbit hole. Thus the metaphor - "Down the rabbit hole" which implies the sense of adventure for people.
3. Remember the movie "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" he has a sexy wife Jessica Rabbit
4. Rabbit is also associated with playfulness, not to mention sexual innuendos in modern world. "Playboy" has a rabbit symbol and the Playboy Bunny is to be found almost everywhere in this world [No pun is intended here yea]
5. Rabbit related phrases @ " Breeding Like Rabbits" (producing babies very quickly), "Rabbit Test" (pregnant test), " Like a rabbit caught in the headlight" (too scared to move), " Rabbit on" (talk continuously), "Pull a rabbit out of the hat" (surprising everybody) & "Bunny Boiler" (a woman who is obsessed with a man).
6. Lastly who could forget the playful, cheeky and adventurous "Bugs Bunny" - u really love to hate/adore (whichever way you may wish to judge anyway) this character!!!
A very happy Chinese New Year to all ..... & to Angelina Jolie of course!!!!
I was born in 1963 and a Rabbit I am - not too sure though whether I am a Metallic Rabbit or Water Rabbit and wart not - but for sure I am the adorable Rabbit. So as those who were born in 1963 including my Chinese friends ...
So to Eric Cheah, Cheah Fah Thong (wherever you are Fah Thong), Albert, Kevin, Eric Cheah and those I could not recall @ ACS Ipoh - my sincere wish "Gong Xi Fa Chai" ...
Back to the Rabbit, from my readings of so many articles on this creature:
1. Amongst others Johnny Depp is a Rabbit, so is Drew Barrymore, and the best is so is Angelina Jolie (and Brad Pitt) .... So am I !!!!
2. In "Alice Adventure in Wonderland" by Lewis Carrol, it was the white rabbit which lured Alice into the adventure via the rabbit hole. Thus the metaphor - "Down the rabbit hole" which implies the sense of adventure for people.
3. Remember the movie "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" he has a sexy wife Jessica Rabbit
4. Rabbit is also associated with playfulness, not to mention sexual innuendos in modern world. "Playboy" has a rabbit symbol and the Playboy Bunny is to be found almost everywhere in this world [No pun is intended here yea]
5. Rabbit related phrases @ " Breeding Like Rabbits" (producing babies very quickly), "Rabbit Test" (pregnant test), " Like a rabbit caught in the headlight" (too scared to move), " Rabbit on" (talk continuously), "Pull a rabbit out of the hat" (surprising everybody) & "Bunny Boiler" (a woman who is obsessed with a man).
6. Lastly who could forget the playful, cheeky and adventurous "Bugs Bunny" - u really love to hate/adore (whichever way you may wish to judge anyway) this character!!!
A very happy Chinese New Year to all ..... & to Angelina Jolie of course!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
