The Days are Shorter

Assalamualaikum/Good Day Every Able Bodied Humans
January 26 has always been memorable to me. It is a day when I was legally registered as the citizen of this planet earth. It was on Monday, 26th day of January, 1948 when my late beloved Mum, Hjh Kamsiah Hj Salleh, delivered me to this world in a small village, about 3 km from Bandar Penggaraam, Batu Pahat Johor.

My parents, Hj Salim and Hj Kamsiah, provided the basic necessities for me to grow through the Channels of Life. I attended my primary school, Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Soga, Batu Pahat at the age of 5. In fact I was the youngest baby student of my class and I was the teacher's pet most of my student's life. On the fifth year of my schooling I was selected to attend the Special Malay Class in Lim Poon Primary Boys' School where most of the lady teachers taunted me as everybody' lover.

At 12, I became the student of High School Batu Pahat till I sat and passed my Lower Certificate of Education, Federation of Malaya Certificate and Senior Cambridge. During my studies in High School, I was very active in co-curicullar activities. Among the post that I held was the Football Captain of Ibrahim House, Secretary of Boy's Scout and Assistant Scout Master. My commitment to the scoun was rewarded by being presented with the Royal Scout by His Royal Highness Sultan Ismail, the grandfather of the newly appointed the Sultan of Johor, HRH Sultan Tengku Ibrahim.

My teachers have Managed to coax me as a teacher. The first taste of teaching came when I was appointed as a temporary teacher at Sekolah Menengah Senggarang, Batu Pahat. Then I had a short stint in Sekolah Menengah Jubilee, Kluang. Before my 18th Birthday I managed to secure a place as a Trainee Teacher in Language Institute, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur (1967-69).

While waiting to go to college, I attended the Naval Cadet Selection in Ministry of Defence. I was the youngest candidate ever to attend such interview. Frankly, Abang Naim, was very keen to make me as a naval officer. Surprisingly, after two weeks stint in the camp, I managed to enter the Final Board of Selectors who would send us for two-year Naval training Course in Dartmouth, England. Luckily I was deeply interested to be a uniformed man, and I was among the three, out of nine, who failed the final interview.

In Janury 1967, I registered myself as a Teacher Trainee majoring in Malay and Geography. During my college days I was College Rugby player and I was the singer and drummer for our band, the Rogollers. Our band had performed in many functions, organised by students and the college. We became some sort of celeberity among collegians.

My first posting as a trained teacher was at Sekolah Menengah Ayer Baloi Pontian (1969-1973). Once I was appointed as acting Senior Assistant of that school at the age of 21. I was as popular as ever, I hadv tobsettled down early to my wife Azizah. Our first daughter, Julianaa, RhB Bank Officer, was born during my tenure in Pontian.

In 1974, I was transferred to Sekolah Menengah Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah I Pagoh Muar. I was appointed as the Afternoon Supervisor, Sports Secretary, Scout Master, English Key Personnel and other posts. in 1979, I took up Diploma English as a Second Langyage, University Malaya. After my diploma studies I was transferred to I Sekolah Menengah Jalan Junid Muar.

In August 1982, I was chosen to read BA/MA (English) in USA and managed to complete both degrees in less than three years. Upon the completion of my studies I was posted to ITM Shah Alam in August 1985. After Shah Alam, I was transferred to UiTM Melaka (1985-now). Among the posts that I have carried in UiTM Melaka were: Language Coordinator, Deputy Director, Students' Affairs, Associate Professor.

My commitment and dedication are always high. I was appointed by HRH Agong as an Assistant Superitendent of Police in the Royal Malaysian Police. During my younger days I represented UiTm in bowling, volleyball and tennis.

My days are getting shorter. I celebrated my 62nd Birthday on Tuesday, January 26, 2010. Family and friends asked what did I wish for? Good Mental Alert, Good Health, Strong Iman and Good rezeki.

To the young, especially my children and students - may hay while the sun shines.


Dr Bano
Wed. February 4, 2010