The Clock Stops Here

Monday December 1, 2008

Oh No It's Monday is the famous quotation among the lazy career person of the corporate world.

Monday is the noble day among us because it was the great day when our beloved Prophet Mohammad was born. Whereas Monday is the first day of the Gregorian Calendar, and it is the 3rd day of the Hijrah Calendar.

The campus scenario is totally quiet because more than two thousand should are staying away to be with their loved ones. These souls are now enjoying their semester holidays from now till January 2009. Hopefully these intelligent beings will utilise their free times to relax, gain some working experience; read novels; help doing house chores; or do whatever will be beneficial to themselves, families, society and the world.

Happy Holidays to my students: Ben Yusoff, (Batu Pahat), Mohd Muzroffe, Lidiawati, Azizah, Nur Hadi, (Benut), Nor Jamilah, Aina and the many whom I could not recollect from my memory.

Dr Bano

Moody Blues

Monday November 17, 2008

November and December, or NoDC to me, are the two fredaulant months to Malaysians. Malaysians must be prepared to experience rain, examination, holidays and weddings within these two months.

Malaysians must be prepared to face wet weather because the North East Monsoon would bash Peninsular Malaysia from November 2008 till March 2009. The weather would be unpredictable. On a lucky day, Malysians would be able to socialise normally but most of the days within these months Malayisans will be showered with thunderstorms and torrential rains.

The month of November would always instill fear and terror in the hearts of 17-year-old Malaysians because these two months are the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia and Siji Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia Examinations. Parents and their children are damned worried and traumatised by these examinations. The former and the latter know that their future lies in the outcome of these examinations.

To children and parents who do have children who are not taking SPM/STPM, November will alaway be awaited for. This is the time the children and parents can sped thier times languishing on the beautiful beaches of Peringi, in Penang, Perdana Beach in Langkawi. Meanwhile to the affordable families, November would be spent going downunder, Australia or New Zealand.

November and December would also be the best times for lovebirds to tie their nots. Everywhere you go would be able to see colourful wedding tents being erected to celebrate weddings.

Well November and December will come and go and we must be able to plan our life for the coming months because the world would be facing economical hardships comes January 2008.

Enjoy yourself in liue of the coming of January 2009.

Dr Bano

Oh Bump Ma

Friday 14 the November 2008



It's been nearly two weeks that Barack Obama has legally won the post of the 44th Presidents of the United States of America and Barack can brag to being able to chater a new Historical Fact that USA took 232 years to elect a non Anglo-Saxon to be their master.



Should Obama's father is an Anglo-Saxon and his mother is non-Anglo-Saxon breed, he would not have been labelled as a black, but a true American. That's how Americans consider an American, a species from Anglo-Saxon stock, other than that you will be labelled as Afro-American, Japanese-American, Red Indian American etc.

The notion of this blog is to share my reasons and possibilities how a Blcck American was elected democratically as the 44 th President of USA.
1. Hate for Bush
Americans cannot accept beaucratic execuses from the White House for staging two stupid wars - against Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 3000 parents have lost thier children in both wars. Inaddition, White House, under Bush, of couse has faile in overcomning the falls of Economic Giants such as Lehman Brothers and others.
2. Presidential Changeover after 2 terms.
The Americans usually do not elect a President from the ruling part after serving two terms. Bill Clinton, serverd two full terms as President. So when Al Gore tried to become Clinton's successor, the Americans denied this. This year it happened again. McCain tried his political best to be Bush's successor after the former had served for two terms, the American threw McCain out of the White House.
3. Hillary is the wrong choice.
Hillary, the former 1st Lady, Clinton's wife, should not have stood as A PRESIDENTIAL CONTENDER, BECAUSE AMERICANS CONSIDERED HILLARY IS THE CLONE OF CLINTON who have his shortcoming during his 8-year-tenure as the president. Obama would have tougher times to with the Democratic Nominations had his opponent is a male Anglo-Saxon
4. Disorientated Anglo-Saxon Americans
When Bush was heavily critised for his shortcomings, the Anglo-Saxon Americans were not serious of choosing a Republican or Democracts to be his replacement. Tradition has it that whoever wants to the next president would be Anglo Saxton. It's never their wildest dreams that the 44th US President is a Afro Americans. Both parties areto be blamed for making this to happen.

Congratulations Oh Bump Ah for creating an American History. Can a non-Malay be the Prime Mister of our country? The chance is there but it is very remote because Malaysia is practisting Constituitional Democracy, in line with the Westminister Laws in UK. Can a non-Malay party garner the most number of seat in parliament? Only the leader of the party with the most number of seats in the House may be appointed as he PM by the again. Until the law is repealed, the non-Malay keep on dreaming.

The New Moon and the New Plight

1 November 2008 0725 hours

Today is the maiden day for the new month of November 2008 of the Gregorian Year which is equivalent to the first day of Zulhijjah of the Islamic Calendar 1429.

It's quite rare both calendars share the same platform. In this month of Zulhijjah, about two million Muslims all over the world would make their journeys - on foot, horses, bicyles, motorcycles, cars, lorries, buses, boats, ferries and aeroplanes, to Mekah in order to perform their holy matrimony, i.e. to make their haj which is the fifth Islamic Commandment.

Being a Muslim means one has to carry out the five basic tenets of Islam, i.e.:
1. To pledge that There is no God except Allah
2. To perform Five obligatory prayers daily
3. To fast in the Month of Ramadan
4. To give alms to the poor and the needies
5. To make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Mekah, (To those who are financially and physically healthy in the month of Zulkaedah
The first batch of about 350 Malaysian Muslims left for Mekah yesterday, Thursday, 3th October 2008. The pilgrims were being sent off by the HRH the King of Malaysia at Kelana Jaya. They will be away for about 40 day, during which they have to perform some religious rituals in Mekah, Arafat and Medina. The act of performing Haj needs physical and spiritual commitments and dedication.
To all pilgrims we pray for their safety and submissioon to Allah.

Whilst the Muslims are heading for Mekah, the Christians will be experiencing the cold temperatures of winter; the Hindus have just celebrated their Deepavali; the Buddists have no religious activties this month.
Whatever your belief is, we are all the children of one God, Allah.

Dr Bano

Good Morning Malaysians

1 November 2008 0340 hrs

Good Morning All.
In the new hours of this Saturday morning, I am still awake. My wife is away in Saujana Impian, Kajang, to be with our lovable and intelligent grand kiddos. TV is currently showing the normal police story, Gerak Khas.
I
In one and a half hour's time, it would be the time for Fajr prayer where I plan to perform it at Al Sabirin Chapel. Then I am planning to to go golfing at Tanjung Emas Golf Club and I'd be home at around 11. By noon I'd expect to attend a wedding reception at the Muar Fire Brigade Quarters.

Once the noon is over, I'd be expecting to hug and kiss my grand kiddos who would be coming to visit me this evening.

Well it's time to bid adios for now.
Dr Banoo
0415 hours

The Day the Sky Cries

Friday 31 October 2008

We, Rahim and I, were just going to sip our favourite driks, Teh O, in Peringgit, when the sky turned murky. While sipping our favourite beverage, we chatted on many topics when suddenly the gloomy sky started to sprinked the planet earth with carbon dioxide.

Sprinkles of water later turned to rain. We moved our seating to a drier place. Rahim had Mee Kari and I had Nasi Goreng Kampong. Rahim revealed his new found interest of raring crab. He was dead serious in this new commercial paradigm. Surprising, an IT trained professional for decades, had shown keen zest in biology. He emphasised that the new found industry would generane hansome income in future, and his potential customers would be his colleagues in the university he is teaching.

Albeit, polio striken, Rahim is a dedicated, ambitious, and a businessman. He dedicates his life to God, family, career and the society. He is a good philantropist though. On numerous occasions he had donated, in the form of money and service, to his siblings, as well as, the members of the Handicapped.

I am proud to be a part of his socialites. We will always be driving together to our brunch grottos. The whole town would know the normal and the handicapped partnership. This partnership will share the common platform on education, politics and education.

Hopefully this partnership would last.
Dr Bano

Last Days of Ramadan

Saturday: 27 Ramadan 1429/27 Sept 2008
On a rare occasion both the Gregorian and Hijah Calendars are on the same footing. I could not recall of any sharing of the same date among the two in the last few decades. I might be wrong though.

Yesterday, Friday was the last day of lectures for UiTM students for this semester before they headed home to be with the loved ones. Malaysian students, primary and secondary schools, polytechnics, community colleges, private and public universities, are given a speacial Aidil Fitri Holidays from 27 Sept to 4th October.

Fortunately I had only one two-hour lecture with the BBAM 1A students and I didn't dread to see empty lecture rooms because quite a big number of students have already bolted from campus due to trasportation schedules. Three of my students, including Md Kahiri, the Class Representative, stayed away from the lecture. The remaining 25 faces in the room looked gloomy and dejected for having to hear to my lecture.

The slot was well spent to encourage and anticipate questions from the floor. Intially the students were slow in forwarding their questions. In order to motivate them to ask any question, I told them that I would be giving them some marks as their students' participations grade. Gradually I received some mind boggling questions from Fatiyyah, Fathur, to name a few.

Malay students, at all educational levels, primary to university, are non-paticipative in class. They are either unwilling or hesistant in voicing their problems openly. On numerous occasions I have already reminded them that There is nothing wrong with not knowing, but it is very wrong for not asking. My noble attempts in all these years of teaching in UiTM came to no avail. Malays students must undergo a shift in their learning paradigms in order to achieve academic excellence. If the students are willing to share their problems, then the teachers would be able to comprehend their inabilities to absorb whatever is being taught. Besides whenever a student is daring to ask question in public, in class to be specific, he or she has let known his handicap to the society. This effort will trigger a brainstorming session to derive with an answer or decision. He or she would become more confident, in his daily life. Malays, like the Third World Country Students, are timid and are non-participative in class. This maybe one of the reasons that Malays are weak in English and other foreign languages beacause they would like to stay numb during language lessons. So buckle up in order to achieve higher academic performances by asking many questions during lectures.

By now, students and parents are busily preparing for the Aidilfitri. Some Muslims have the wrong concept about religious and cultural diversities. They have the wrong priority about Puasa. Instead some prioritise Aidil Fitri rathan than Fasting. This perspective must be put in the right order from now. Muslims must put Fasting ahead of Aidil Fitri. Allah has promised to reward all good deeds in the of Ramadan with handsome bonuses. We must grab this opportunity once a year. In encouraging His servants to achieve maximumum rewards, He has imprisoned all the negatives forces, Satans and devils. Muslims will not be cowed or influenced or distracted in performing their obligatory and supplementary rituals by the opposing forces.

We have 4 days more to grab this offer, so spend the remaining days of Ramadan by doing all chores totally for Allah. Besides studying and doing house chores, the remaining time should be filled with reading the Quran or reciting the wirids and doas. The night should be spent by performing the Trawih, Tahajjud, Taubat and Hajat prayers. Insy'Allah we will get the blessing from Him.

Insy'Allah, Aidil Fitri would be celebrated on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Wake up prior to the Azan of Subuh and perform your Subuh prayer together with the other Jemaahs in suraus and mosques. Join in the Takbir Hari Raya before having your heartious breakfast, which has eluded us for one month, with our beloved ones. Finally, don't you ever fail to perform the Aidil Fitri prayer in the suraus or mosques because if we fail to do so, is jus like having conquered the enemy but we lost the war.

To all my students, Aina (BACC 1A), Kelana (BBAM 1B). Azizah (BBIB3B), Megat (BBAF5D), Jamilah (BBAF5E), and Ben (BAS5A, just to name a few, and the rest of my July - October 2008 students and to all Muslims all over the world I wish Happy Aidil Fitri and please accept my humble apologies.

Assoc. Profesor Hj Sa'aban Hj Salim
0123630698

Happy Days are Here Again

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

It has been 24 days that Muslims have fasted in this holy month of Ramadan. Today is the last Wednesday that Muslims will fast as the next upcoming Wednesday, Muslims would be celebrating their joyous day, Aidilfitri.

Let us walk through the remainings days with pride and dignity. Do not let the days pass without committing wholelly to Allah. Fasting does not only mean to abstain and deprive our bowels from food and beverages, it should also to deprive the eyes from seeing and watching things that are forbidden by Allah; it is also to deprive the ears from listening the audios that would not enhance your belief and fate to Allah; it is to deprive your mouths from uttering words that does not recite the words of Allah; it is also to deprive the brain from planning and thinking of doing somethings that Allah forbids; it is also to forbid other parts of human body from doing something that derail their conviction and submission to Allah.

The remaining days should be treasured wholeheartedly because we could never know that we will ever be in this world in the next Ramadan. Go through the days with more serious and sincere submission to Allah. We must perform our obligatory prayers on time; read our Quran; recite all the doa; read some hadis; have an early breaking of the fast; perform the Tarawikh prayer; go to bed early so as to enable us to wakke up early and perform or Tahajjud and Hajjat Paryers. Then have a late supper, 10 minutrs befor Fajr prayer, and head to the mosque or surau to join the morning prayer.

Allah has always been and will always been benevolent and kind by offering a solitary moment, called Lailatul Qadr, in one of the last 10 nights of the month of Ramadan. We have 5 nights to grab this golden and spiritual opptunity. Hence you ever waste the nighty hours without doing something to submit to Allah. The reward to be offered to His subservient servant would be something that will be equivalent to 1000 months or 33 years and 4 months. Don't let these last days gone by without trying to do something to redeive the blessings of Allah.

The schools, colleges, politechnics and universties would be giving special Hari Raya Breqk from September 27 to Octoeber 5, 2008. Muslim students would be allowed to share their joy with thier loved ones for a week and they will business will be back as usual on Monday October.

A word of advice, Hari Raya comes every year, Final Examination will only come when you maintain your CGPA. Enjoy when you can, Study when you must.

Please plan your trip home. If you fail to plan your trip, there would never be anymore trip home.

Happy Hari Raya. Maaf ahir Bathin.

Dr Bano

Ramadan AlMubarak

Sunday September 21, 2008
Selamat Berpuasa and get ready to celebrate Selamat Hari Raya.

Well, what have you aquired or experienced after abstaining form food and beverages in duration of you fast? Allah has promised to His servants that thosewho fast will experience two golden moments in their quest to submit to Him i.e. the moment you want to end your fast and the moment of meeting Him in the YaumilAkirah.

As His humbleand suservient servants, we are to change our lifestyle and our submission to Him. Firstly, as promised, Ramadan is the Holy Month whereby all the negative forces, the satans, are being locked away theroughout the month from carrying out their terms of references - to distract humans from obeying the commands of their Creator.

Fasting, not only be deprived of food and beverages, means to abstain from doing the act ofmunkar. Munkar can derive from you eyes, ears, mind and body. Hence, Muslims are offered tremendous rewards for guarding their acts of munkar. The month of Ramadan ensures Muslims that good deeds will be rewarded from 70 to 700 times.

Hadis, has it said that by having a late sahur, supper, Muslims will be accorded with rewards from Allah. Upon waking up, he would then perform his Tahhujud prsyer; had is last supper and headed to mosques or suraus to perform his ubuh prayer. Having answered Allah's call to perform Subuh prayer, he would then read a few verses of the Holy Quran.

The day begins with his normal jobs in whatever that he is involved in. Then during Lunch Break he would be congregating with the other Muslims in the performing of Zuhr prayer in a mosque or surau. While waiting for the afternoon session to start, he is advised to read the Quran and Hadis. By 5 his day would be over and he heads ome to be with his family. On reachng home he must perform his obligatory Asr prayer, either alone or with his family.

The Asr prayer is the mid-prayer of the day i.e. the middle prayer between Subuh and Zuhur and between Maghrib and Isy' prayers.his is the testing time during the fasting. It is only about 2 hours before the beaking of the fast but it will be the most challening minutes of the 12 hours fast. You would feel the the second-arm of your watch or clock, moves slowly than the normal movement. Even second of the 24 hour system is meaningful. Some people would use this challeging time to help his wife prepare food for the breakfast, while some would be reading the verses of he Quran and some would be languishing in front of TV.

Usually the last 300 seconds to the breakfast time would be really the most difficult test of your spiritual endurance. Hold your desire because as Prophet Muhmmad (pbuh) once stated that The most difficult thing to do is to fight against desire. Humans differ from the other creation of Allah is their ability to control and master thier emotional and spiritual quotients. Both quotients would be uncontrollable or unmanagable without the intelligent quoutient. islam is a religion the evolved around Intelligent Quotient, Spritual Quotient and the Application of both.

Finally, the breakfast time is here. Azan would signal the end of one's fast. This signals he success of one's spiritual effort to gain Allah's blessing. Children and adults too would instanly gargle and swallow whatever food and beverages on the dinner table. No ne woud be able to describe the thrill and excitement of tasting the first drop of liquid after 12 hours of thirst and hunger.

Hold and behold. Islam has it made that once Azan Maghrib is filling the air, we must pronounced our thanks to Allah for having successfully performed our fast. Then before sipping our first drop of liquid through our mouth, we must offer ourdoa to Allah for providing the food for our consumption. Quench your thist and tasted the delicaries that Allah has provided for you and at the same time we must also bear in mind that Muslims all over the world are not so lucky to have lavish food o quench their thirst and to fulfill their hunger.

That's the rationale of having to fast is to understand the difficulties and hardships of other fellow humans who are starving to live in this planet earth. As Muslims we are to pay Zakat and Fitrah so that the fund could be used to help the sufferings of others.

Does our fasting process end hee? No. Don't eat as if that is the last meal of your life. Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) once said Stop eating before your are satiated because someone with full stomach would be hesistant or worse would be unable to perform his obligatory solat. That would be the worse thing to happen to someone who has managed to perform his fast but fail to perform his utmost obligation, to pray. of course Maghrib prayer. Fortunately most Muslims who have fasted during the day would not fail to perform his oher Maghrib prayers.

Is that the end of our routine in he month of Ramadan? Not yet, though. Take a break after Mahrib prayer beafor preparing yoself to attend Isya' and Tarawikh prayer at home or at the surau. A day in Ramadan would only end once you have performed your Witr prayer which is usually performed at around 10 pm.

Time to sleep and ready to roll he same routine throughout Ramadan.

Selamat Meneruskan Puasa and Selamat Hari Raya Ailfitri.

Maaf ahir Bathin.

Dr Bano

D-Day for Politicians

Friday March 7, 2208

Less than 24 hours, Malysians will go to the polls to elect a new government of the day. To developed countries like, US, UK, France, Japan, Italy, just to name a few, election to them is just a formality whereby the government of the day will be thrown out from power at the most for a period of 8 years.

To a lesser developed countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea the governments are being ruled by Prime Ministers who sometimes go beyond 20 yerars, while the least developed countries in Asia, Africa and South America the Prime Ministers and Presidents were actually dictators of the world.

The unique issue of the Malaysian government is that the country is being ruled by a bunch of politicians who represent a coalition of more than 10 political parties whose ideologies are knotted into one theme the National Front. Hence, these politicians, on elected would not only serve his party, but also his constituents, as well as the electors of other parties.

Another uniqueness of Malaysian politics an the unfair treatment among the winners of this election is the allocation for development of RM 400,000 are only allocated to the Ruling Party winners. The MPs from the opposition are unable to develop the infrastructure of his constituency due to the deprieval of the fund. The government, National Front, must change this unfair treatment to the people because they are the obedient tax-payers who deserve developments evethough they elect the opposition parlimentarianns.

Use your rights in accordance to the law of the land and elect the best candidates who represent political parties than can bring freedom, happiness and tranquality to this beautiful country.

Happy Voting. Kamousta.

Election Fever is Here Again

Saturday, February 23rd, 2008

It's been some days and hours that I have lost my touch in writing for D Banos due to family, work and society commitments and obligations.

As an academic staff, we were allowed to go on leave from February 3rd to 9th, in junction with the Chinese New Year Holidays. My wife and I were ready to spend 4 days and 3 nights in Medan from Feb. 7th to Feb. 11th. Our tickets were orcestraed through UTAS Travel Kuala Lumpur.

On Tuesday, Feb. 5th, we were shopping at Giant Muar hen my wife received a call from Shaik, our second son, relaying his health condition that he felt to experience a mild stroke while driving home from his golf session. I saw my wife was in ears and asked or my response. Oh Allah! What sould we do? My instinct directed me to order him to park immediately while waiating for hisbrother's presence.

We called and told Adik to send his sibling to Damansara Medical Centre. Adik, with Shafik's PA, did as was told. Hurriedly we headed home and started calling everyone in Kuala Lumpur and nationwide. We were unable to head to KL because TND, who were to fix our 3 phase connection to our house, would only be coming at around 4 pm.

UTAS Travel was contactd to cancel our plan and we could only head o KL at around 5.30 pm. Meanwhile my wife had cried her soul. Finally, we mananged to see our beloved Shafik, at around 8.00 pm at MC. Alhamdullilah, Shafik was physically stable. At around 100pm Shafik was awake and from his statement we concluded that he had experience a terrible stress due to family and business commitments. We lft DMC at around 1230 pm and spent the night at Saujana Impian.

At 1030 am, Wednesday morning we headed back to Damansara to be with our son. The good news came with the doctor's positive report that Shafik cleared of Heat Case, Cholestrol and mild stroke. Everyone, Pak Long, Uncle, Pak Li, Pak Aziz, Pak Moed, with the excepton of Pak Ngah, were present to hear the good news. We stayed around till 830 pm before heading for Kajang.

Thursday, Feb. 7th, Kong Hee Fatt Choy, my wife and kiddos headed toDamansara, while I headed for Muar at around 1030 am. he traffic was bad from Kajang to Seremban. I managed to be safe and sound at the comfort of home at around 230 pm.

Friday and Satuday were spent on marking students' assignments. At around 430 pm, Saturday, my wife called and wanted me to be Shafik's house immedately. After my Maghrib prayer,at around 830 pm, Jais, my close friend, and I, headed for Damansara and we reached Damasaradamai around 1145 pm.

Many people were there to settle Shafik' marita status. Besides my wife and I, Moed, Mak Nah, Pak Aziz, Hj Mahzan, Noi, Anja, Linda, Julianaa, Atuk Linda, Jais, Adik, and Emi wer e there. After much deliberataion we ended our discussion with Shafik and Linda were irreconcilable at around 100 am Sunday morning. The rest was history.

In the time of bad taste I mananged to watch Nigeria to beat Ivory Coast. Jais and I left Damanasara for Muar at around 500am Sunday morning, Feb, 10th. After breakfast at Pak Hussin I reched home.

Well, Leoprdas never change their spots.

Xong Hee Fatt Choy

Friday February 8th, 2008

Chinese New Year,Xong Hee Fatt Choy, is here again. This celebration is associated with traditional, rather than religious, occasion. 2008 is called as the Year of the Rat. Rat, or sometimes called rodent, envisages negative attributes. Rats brought diseases and cause losses to human economy. Chinese believe that those born in the year of the rat are involve in unstable economy.

Chinese New Year 2008 was on Wednesday, February 7th. On Monday, February 4th, my wife and I planned to make a trip to Medan, Indonesia through UTAS ravel Agency. While we were shopping at Giant Muar, at noon on Tuesday, Shafik, called my wife that he had mild stroke while on his way home afer a game of golf. My wife was dillusioned and made frantic calls to our third child, Mohammad Asshad to attend o his brother's medical problem. Immediately we cancelled our flight and left for Kuala Lumpur after Asar prayer.

We safely reached Damansara Medical Centre at about 2000 hrs. Alhamdulillah!Our beloved son was physically stable. We stayed around until 2230 before we headed for Kajang. It was already 0030 hrs, Wednesday, February 5th. I performed my Maghrib and Isya' prayer before ending my day at around 0130 Wednesday Morning.

At about 1030 Wednesday Morning, we headed to Damansara to be at my son's bedsite. We were informed by the medical staff that Shafik was cleared of heart case and he needed fuher investigation till Saturday. The joy of receiving the news made me to call for a treat. All my in-laws were treated for free food at the cafetaria. We left Damansara for ajang at around 2230 hrs. I managed to perform my obligatory prayers before I fell asleep at around 2300 hrs.

On Thursday, Chinese New Year Day, I performed my Subuh Prayer at 0630 hrs and read my Yassin. We had our breakfast at around 0830 hs with Nasi Lema, Mee and Tea. My wife, daughter Juliana and her husband, Udin, and our kiddos left for Damansara at around 1100 and I headed for Muar alone at the same time.

The journey from Kajang to Seremban was really testing my patience. I could hardly accelerate up to 40 km per hour. The traffic flow was clogged. After reaching What a journey!

Well that's all for now. Kamusta

Semester Break is ere Again

Sunday, February 3rd, 2007

Tomorrow, Monday 4th to Sunday 10th February, 2008, MARA University of Technology students would be enjoying heir short break. It's the time for the students to back with their loved ones after a separation of about 4 weeks. Students must be wise to manage the leisure times by playing around with their younger siblings, or by visiing old friends and relatives and at the same time not to forget their books and assignments.

As a lecturer like me, it's time for me to obtain fresh materials to be imparted to my students after the break. It's also the best time for me to exchange ideas, to have breakfast and lunch and dinner outings ad lastly to visit our beloved grandchildren in Kuala Lumpur. Perhaps we may make a 4-day trip either to Medan or Jakarta.

The break is also the best time for both of us to spend quality time together. This is m 39th year of my service with the government. On any working day we would have about 1 to 2 hours of quality time. Usually I would leave home for more than 8 hours and I would be hme at arund 1700 hrs. On reaching home, I would perform my Asr prayer, had my tea and read my newspaper and took my bath. At 75 hs I would be heading to the surau from my Maghrib prayer and I would be home at around 1945. My wifewould be praying in her room for her Maghrib and Isyak rayers. Upon reaching home I would read Yassin then I headed to the surau for Isya' prayer till 2105 hrs.

At aound 1920 we dined together and went separate ways. I would be engrossed with my academic chores, while my wife would be engrossed wih her Quran reading or she wuld be watching her favourite tv programmes. Sometimes I would only in bed at around 1000 hrs. At 0530 I would clean myself and prepared for the Subuh prayer either at home or at the surau. After Subuh I was ready to leave for lectures either at 0645 hrs or )745 hrs at the latest.

The daily routine would go on until Friday where I would be home at around 1430 hrs, immediately after Friday pray. My wife and I would lunch together and we would be able to chat anything at the lunch table. Usually I would take a short siesta for 1 hour and then I would perform my Asr prayer and soon afte that the rountine spin again.

On Saturdays and Sunday mornings, ether I played golf till 1130 hrs or I would be having breakfast with my wife in town. Sometimes Saturdays and Sundays were spent attending wedding receptions r meeting fiends.

Since the break will break the daly routine, we would be planning to visit our beloved kiddos or make a trip overseas.

Well that's life to be managed wisely and meaninfully.

Happy Holidays to Shaipul and Kamarul (BTSL, Fa'iq (BBIB), Hamsyah, Saveas, Hafis, Iqbal, Hakim and many others whose names are yet to be recorded in my RAM.

Birthday Blues

Saturday, January 26 th, 2008
According to Gregorian Calendar, at midnight 0000 hrs I have managed to to attain my 60 th Birthday. At exactly midnight I offered prayer to Allah swt for extending my life to 60 years.

Looking back down my memory lanes from the days I was born to Hj Salim Hj Sirat and Hjh Kamsiah Hj Salleh, 60 years ago, I always Allah swt for making me a man, a father, a husband, an uncle, cousin, brother, lecturer and a humble servant to Allah. According to my late mother, I was bor on a Monday, coincentally the day when our Beloved Prophet Muhammad was born. My early life started with sickness and at one stage I was prononced dead. Thanks to Allah swt for giving me a second chance to be in this temporary world.

My first 7 years of my life was a beautiful one. As Sayedina Omar said that children at this age must be treated as toys. In factI went outside the toy era by attending Sekolah Umum Bukit Soga, Batu Pahat at an early age of 5. My classmates were 7-year-old children and that experience of being with older boys later has transormed me to be a matured person.At Standard 4, 9 yers old, I sat the Entrance Examination for the Malay Students to enter a special programme for top Malay Students, Special Malay Class. I was succeesful and I had to repeat standard 4 in Lim Poon Primary Boys' Schhol to continue my Standard 4 - 6. When I was in Lim Poon Primary Boys' School I became a teacher's Pet especially Miss Teo and at one stage I was adopted by my headmaster, En Zainal Abidin.

I left LPBS to join High School, Batu Pahat in 1960, at a tender age of 11. Here again I was a teacher pet to Indian Lady Teachers. When I was in my early teen I started to be active in social services by joining Boys ScoutGroup. My involvement in this association has led me to be what I am today. Baden Powell, the founder of Bys Scout had made a man out of me. He once said,"Once a Scout is Always a Scout." Scouting acivities have me friendship, loyalty, honesty, obedience, resilience, accountable, responsible,commited and decidication. My activess in scounting had made a Royal Scout,bestowed by HRH Sultan Ismail when I was barely 16 years old.

This early experience had later repeated itself when I was awarded the Melaka State Award, Bintang Kepujian Tertinggi, by the Governor of Melaka.
In 1963 I sat and passed my Lower Certificate of Education and I attended the Science Steam. Unfortunately I was undecided whether or not to pursue my studies in Arts or Science stream. Finally I decided I joined Form 5 Arts. Some of my former Form Fourers becane doctors or scientists while I became a college train teacher from Language Institute, Kuala Lumpur in 1968.

My first posting as a teacher was Sekolah Menengah Air Baloi, Pontian from 1968 to 1973 teaching English, Mahematics and Physical Education. I ended my bachelorhood by marrying Azizah Ab Rahman, a Muarian, on December 24 th, 1970. Our marriage is blessed with three wonderful children, Julianaa, a Business Graduate, Dato'Shafik Rizaal, a corporate figure, and Mohammmad Asshad, computer scientist working in his brother's firm.

In 1974 I applied for a transfer to Muar and I was posted to Sekolah Menengah Pagoh from 1975 to 1979 teaching English and Geography. Later in 1980 I was transferred to Sekolah Menengah Jalan Junid Muar. Besides teaching in these schools was actively involved in Boys' Scout Association, as Scoutmaster and as I was an avid footballer, I held the post of Secondary School Football Secretary for many years. Apart from that I was the English Key Personnel for the Muar District for many years too.

In 1979 I was selected to pursue my studies for the Diploma in Ensglish as a Second Language in Universiy Malaya. Then in 1982 I was managed to get a scholarship, under the Young Lecturer Scheme, ITM, now currently known as UiTM, to pursue mys BA and MA in Northen Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA. Upon my completion of my studies, I was posted to ITM Shah Alam on 19 August 1985. After serving Shah Alam for one semester, I was posted to ITM Melaka on December 1 st, 1985. During my service in Melaka, I held the post of Language Coordinator, English Proficiency Course Coordnator and the Deputy Director of Students' Affairs until I officially retired on January 26 th, 2004. I duly served the Malaysian Government for 35 years.

Now I am a contract lecturer from 2004 till 2010. My family is now made up of 3 children, 2 in-laws and 5 grandchildren. On my 60th birthday I pray to Allah swt to offer me with Iman, Takwa, Good Health, Healthy Children and Grandchildren and be a Good Muslim.

Till my next birthday I will sin off now.

The Beginning of a New Era

Monday January 21, 2008

It has been quite some time I didn't write in my blog due to work committment and I had had not nothing much to share with fellow bloggers.

Yesterday, Sunday, January 20th, 2008, YAB Prime Minister announced that Thaipusam would be declared a Holiday to KLites and Dato' Seri Samy Valu has appealed to other states, particularly Melaka and Kedah, to follow suit. Sincerely I hope Thaipusam should be declared a national holiday rather than sates holiday.

This is the 4th week of this semester, Dec. 07 - May 08, and the ball has started rolling at the feet of the students. At 0830 hrs, the BBAIB 3B students would be presenting their first tasks of BEL 492, the Introductory section, which carries 20% of the whole course.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 22, 2008, UiTM Melaka would be having its Quality Day and Maal Hijrah Celebration in Lendu. All lectures for tomorow would be postponed so as to enable lecturers and staff to attend the function. Unfortunately I had to replace 6-hour lecture some time this semester.

This week, to be exact Saturday, January 26 th, 2008, I would be celebrating my 60 th Birthday. Thanks Allah swt for giving me the Iman, Takwa, Good Family, Excellent 3 Children and 5 Grandchildren, Good Health, Beautiful Friends and Good Profession during the last 60 years. I beg and succumb to Allah swt to prolong this beautiful life for some time to go. How Long. Waullahuaklam.

Bye for now.

Two be or not To Be

Mon January 14, 2008

The new semester has already reached for he third week today, Monday. the students' name lists, the exact numberof students and the right group are still in disarray.

Supposedly these things should have been finalised by January 10, with the icoming of the second-intake students. Unfortunately it did not materialised. To add salt to injuey, certain groups were disbanded due to lack of students.

What is really happening to the new members of this instituition? Are we lacking the right number of students to pursue their basic degree? Or are we lacking in he number of students who have form and substance.
Some students lack the form of aspiring to be the intellectuals of the future. Quite a number of the students are still unprepared to be matured students by not dressing well, coming late to class and or staying away from lectures. These students need to change their attitudes now.

Hopefully, the students would change for the better, tomorrow, Tuesday, January 15 th. Insya'Allal.

The Day of the Rekoning

Saturday January 12, 2008

Well, it's Saturday, the day that government workers have been waiting for. For what? Recreation, travelling, wedding reception, social gathering and many many more.

Last night I was invited to atend YB Datuk Dr Harris's daughter's Akad Nikah. Her husband is from Johor Bahru. It was the first Akad Nikah since my own daughter's wedding in 2002. The occasion was colourful, awesome and simple. It was over by 2300 hrs.

Ismail, a close buddy from Aolr Star, called to remind me about our colleague's daughter's wedding in Alor Star, Mohammad Abdullah, today, Jan. 12,2008. I told him i wouldn't be going because I had to attend Haris's Wedding Reception which happen to be today too.

I wouldn' be playing golf this morning because I would be busy peparing for my lectures, shopping at Giant for my beloved kiddos' toys, breakfast with my wife, and I would be attending two wedding functions.

The day sated with my Subuh prayer and Yassin reading and then blogging. Unfortunately I have not much to share with you today.

Kamusta.

New Bottle New Product

Friday December 11th, 2008
The Gregorian Year was celebrated on Tuesday, January 1st, 2008, while the Islamic (Hijjrah) Year was on Thursday, January 10, 2008.

New Year will always be coming annually and do we have to change our personality, character, attitudes and ethics every year too? To some who have no basic pricipals in life will keep on searching for new hopes and aspirations but to the majority who have incalcated the right paths would keepn on trying to achieve their goals.

Happy New Year and Happy Maal Hijrah.

Old Wine in a New Bottle

Monday, January 7, 2008
The Dec. 07 - May 08 started on Monday Dec. 31st followed by the New Year Day on Tuesday.

On the first day of the semester, I was in campus by 0730hrs eager and motivated to embark on my pedagogical assignment. At 0735 hrs I took my breakfast at the MARA Corner alone. By 0820 I was already in DMK 3 to launch my teaching. Unfortunately nobody was around. I fixed the OHP, which I carried from the 15th floor.While waiting for the audience to come in, I scroughed through the notes of BEL 492. It was 0830 hrs when the lecture should have started. Nobody showed up.

Time ticked by. Waiting is not my game. I waited and waited until 0930 hrs when I decided to call of the class carrying the OHP to the next class which should start at 1030 hrs, BEL 422. As usual I was ready for my next lecture. There I fixed the OHP again in Z 13 6. Then the same experience of having an empty class occurred. So I called off the class at 1100 hrs.

Then I started to ponder about the attitudes of the previous and the current students towards the old habits of abstaining from lectures when a holiday is coming. I have been lecturing for the past 23 years in ITM, now UiTM. UiTM is considered a New Bottle and the Students are labelled as the the New Wine, as the Engllish saying goes. With a new terminology I expect the students would have new attitudes. Unforunately, only he bottle is new. The new students still possess the old habits of abstaining from lectures whenever there will be a holiday next.

The attitudes of the Bumi students must change for the better. It's the Bumis themselves who can change, not others. My expectations hat the new students would inculcate new attitudes were high. As mentioned earlier, t's a new bottle with old wine.

Hopefully as the semester moves on, the wine will change and it will take some time because Old Habits Die Hard.