Retirement?

As the official retirement age in Malaysia is 60 years, that means I have met the official retirement age, and been 'out' of official duties. However, what actually is retirement? With so much to do, and to contribute, with the body of knowledge one has, there is no such thing as 'retirement'.

I have been re-engaged in a contractual position as a special officer to look into heritage ,matters at the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak. The mandates for heritage are provided for in several ordinances, inter-alia, with the specific mandates of several organisations, covering the heritage institutions as well as natural resources-related organisations in Sarawak. Heritage spectrum covers not just material culture but also those knowledge embedded in the intangible living practices of the indigenous people of Sarawak.  There are gaps, in the implementation of these mandates as stipulated in the ordinances, as well as the need to 'weave' these mandates together as collaborative efforts.

The main aim, is to have one specific 'window' which can display who has what where on Sarawak's rich heritage, in multivarious formats and from various platforms. Technology is there as an enabler, but this needs a willing, open-minded, non-territorial attitude to make this happens.

 Happy New Year for 2026!

Google prompted me for my inactivity for more than two years, and it would close down my libraryontwos gmail account. Thank you, Google, for the prompt! In my busyness, I have almost totally forgotten this little treasure of some of my life memories. Reading back all my previous entries, I questioned myself where I got those ideas to write? 

Come to think of it, there's a lot to write on, it just needs a little coaxing of the will and starting to crack the mind for the creative juices!

Last night was one example. My eldest son is now away off shore in an Africa country for his job,  texted me, with a queer question "Mama, is there space in your freezer ?" and I asked him back (as mothers always do) with a "why". Only then he said, please buy durians and freeze for him.

So, off my bubby and I went to the usual durian selling spot in Matang. Such a merry making crowd with loads of promotional callings from the sellers, making it not easy to choose or buy from which ones. there's durian from names of several places - Taee, Padawan, Pasir Pandak - for the durians. And Dabai Sibu for the dabai, an olive like fruit which is also a seasonal delicacy amongst Sarawakians. Asked one of the sellers, what's the difference in the durians from the various names of originating places ? and he mentioned, there are differences, in the taste, the flesh, and pulp presentation. This is one matter which can be taken by the State to protect these species on intellectual property geographic indicators.

Getting the feel of blogging again!

 Feb 23rd 2023

From the last post I wrote in June 2020😉💃😅😆, in the middle and thick of the Covid19 pandemic, I promised to write again.

After almost three years, with so many happenings, I still have yet to put them in writing.  In summary, on the home front, we now have three beautiful granddaughters, one by each three of our children. What a joy, to be able to enjoy watching them grow, reading to them, and reliving my memories of raising my own children at their age. The beauty of being grandparents, one gets to enjoy them at their best times, and we get to hand them over to their parents when the babes are grumpy. 

My garden flourished during the curfew of the pandemic, as my attention was more focused on them. We were blessed as we had the help of Sumiyati Asnan, our domestic helper, during the pandemic. She was God sent! I would not have been able to fully manage the household if not for her presence. With 5, sometimes 7, adults and two babies in the house! 

On the work front, 2020, although it was a tough time, I was entrusted with several roles, at the state and federal levels. There were more learning curves, with the new norms, of mostly online use and discussions, to think beyond the 'business-as-usual', bringing the normal to new ways of doing things. To lead in trying times unfurl several opportunities, as well as optimize what we already have, to new dimensions.

Am back!!

It has been a long sojourn for me. A lot has happened in my life since my last posting here. Will fill in the gaps soon. Whatever those were, the happiness, the challenges, all I took in. And for everyone who came along the way, who were part of my journey, the kind, the pushers, the cynics, the sympathizers, those who guide, those who sent love and prayers, my utmost appreciation!
Those narratives will fill my writings.

Vic U Graduations

The clock at the Old Government House strikes 12 noon, and the1km parade to the Michael Fowler Hall at the Wellington Civic Center, commences for faculty members and the new graduates.They will be receiving their scrolls after their ardous academic journey.This is Vic U's tradition. This morning, our school had a graduation tea party before the parade, a good idea, as the graduates, their families and friends, get to be feted before the walk.

The graduates would all assemble in front of the historical Old Government Building, the biggest and oldest wooden building in the Southern hemisphere. Families and friends gather, mingle with the members of the academia, picture taking is a must, flower bouquets, hugs and congratulatory wishes are in abundance.The sun decided to come out today, adding a merrier atmosphere to the surroundings.

For the past 2 years, these parades in May were wet occasions. Vic U has graduation ceremonies in May and November. Most would choose the November session, as it is nearer summer time, but then again, Wellington has a fickle weather. I went to the parade just now, not that I know anyone in the parade except for my supervisor, but just to get the feel of it, sharing the happy feelings of people there, feeling the happiness in the faces of the family members, and the relieve in the faces of the students too after gaining the fruit of their labor. Then I start to wonder whether I will get to experience this too in a year or two? Will I be able to come for my graduation? Unlike other levels of academic achievements, the conferment of PhD is not that straight forward after you submit your thesis. There are PhD cohort members that were conferred after a year of submission. If, for whatever reason I am not able to come for my graduation, I would want at least one of my children to get the scroll for me, hear the recitation of my research, and absorb the gratitude of Allah Almighty for His Blessings, that that part of my journey in life, difficult, frustrating at times, challenging and exciting, has finally come. InsyaAllah.

Friends...

written on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 7:07pm

Today is my friend, Negara's birthday. We fondly call her Arot.She was my closest frriend in my secondary school years, and has been ever since then. We cycled to school together, through the red earth road in Matang, then walked on the Jambatan Gantung, then cycled all the way from there to St Teresa Secondary.Though we have gone through life, have our families, we are still bonded by our humble beginnings. Amongst the things I love about her, she is one of the best cooks in the world, and she chose to get married on my birthdate, as I was not able to attend her wedding then.Happy Birthday Arot!!

Safety and kindness

written on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 5:45am

As usual, at this time of the year, Wellington's weather is much to be desired, raining, windy and cold. Today, I was assigned to supervise an exam session for two special needs students, one girl, with diabetes, and another guy who is in wheel chair. The exam, at School of Law, was held at the Old Government Building, situated next to my office.The session was from 5.30 to 7.50pm. The session went well, each student has different needs, rest time, extra time, facility set up, etc. My bus home was scheduled to arrive at 8pm, and after clearing all the administratives with the school administrator, i dashed to the bus stand, just about 150m outside the Government Building. At this time of the night,the bus stand is eerily quiet .There was just me and another guy at the bus stand. People in Wellington go home for dinner as soon as office closes and peak hours at the bus stand are between 5-6pm.The drizzle has not stopped since morning and as the Grand Clock on Old Government Building striked 8pm, my bus approached.Traffic was light, so the bus ride was breezy to the next bus terminal at the suburb near where I live. School boys back from their games alight the bus at this terminal. The last of them was searching frantically in his bag for his money, i supposed. He called out to his friend that he forgot to bring his money, and he said he'll just walk home,and went down from the bus. The Driver closed the door, and slowly moved, but then he stopped, slide open his window, and called out to the boy" Hey Buddy! come on board!" The boy was so relieved, as the rain was getting heavy then. We moved on with the journey, and when the boy stopped at his destination, he took out the money that he managed to find in his bag, and wanted to give to the Driver, but the Driver just waved him off. The boy was just so thankful to him as he said " You saved my day, Driver!" Such acts of kindness just melt your heart, and for his kindness, I gave the driver a piece of chocolate, which I make a point to have in my school bag everytime, in case of hunger attacks.

Providing facilities for people with special needs gives them equal opportunities for their right to education. Knowing kindness abound, such as what the university provides to those who need it, and by such acts of kindness by the people around, in a not so familiar land, makes you feel safe.

The sad situation...

written on Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 10:35pm

Quoting from Dr Jeniri Amir in Pengalaman menganalisis perlakuan pengundi by Sarawak Update

"Menyusuri sungai dan meredah denai

Pada satu peringkat saya menggunakan khidmat lebih 50 pembanci untuk menemui pengundi yang terpaksa menjelajah penduduk kampung di pesisiran dan penghuni rumah panjang di pedalaman. Mereka menyusuri sungai dan meredah denai untuk menemui pengundi.

Mata saya semakin terbuka apabila melihat sendiri keadaan hidup mereka, kedaifan dan kemiskinan yang masih membelenggu di sesetengah kawasan. Selepas hampir 50 tahun merdeka dan dengan kekayaan yang bukan sedikit, saya kadangkala terkedu.

Apakah yang sudah berlaku kepada negeriku ini? Ke manakah mengalir sebahagian kekayaan dan sumber asli negeri? Mengapakah masih ada masyarakatku terpinggir? "

If elected politicians have still a long way to improve this situation, what can social activists do to "purge or ambulate" this matter? Or even the people themselves?

MY NZ Lemon Cake

written on Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 3:16am

Cake

250-300grm butter, beat with 1/2cup sugar till soft.Add, one by one, 5-6 eggs, depending on size.Then add rind and juice of 2 lemons. I like to use potato peeler to peel the lemon skin, then chop them finely.Fold in 1 1/2 cups self raising flour, which has been mixed with 1/2 cup powdered milk. Bake 150C for about 40-50 mins or till it is cooked.

once baked, leave it to cool before transferring on plate. Then drizzle with warm lemon glaze.

Glaze

put in a pot 2-3 tablespns of brown sugar, with juice of abt 2-3 lemons, and thin slices of another 2 lemons. Simmer till sugar dissolves. Arrange slices on cake then drizzle the syrup over the cake. Serve. Enjoy!!!

Our Beloved YBs, we request for a Swimming pool in Petra Jaya area

written on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 6:43pm

Every morning I send my son off to the train station at 6.30am. This morning, after dropping him off, my daughter and I proceeded to the community swimming pool, and we reached there just before 7am. The pool's swimming lanes were already full, and at the diving pool, which is 3.4m deep, I saw three elderly ladies already in there, doing their aqua jog.I have a really bad phobia of the water but I like to exercise in it, as the bouyancy of the water helps with my hurting feet. I refuse to go in at first as it is really deep, and I was looking for shallow waters, which left me with the kids pool. There was this kind lady, who encouraged me to go in the diving pool, BUT i need to put on a float belt first. I did just that, and joined her in the water but I was not ready to let my hands off the edge. She then told me that she has a phobia too, as her sister and brother always pulled her down into the water when they were younger. After much confidence boosting from her, I managed to get on with my aqua jog for about 45 minutes! I wouldn't exert myself yet as that is the first time in 2 solid years I took out my swimming suit. What I noticed at this pool in Johnsonville, is that it is part of the Local authority initiatives. You do have to pay, but there are discounts for school going children, students like me and the golden age groups of people.Complete with shower facilities and locker rooms, it also has a sauna and spa facilities. Equipment like floats, dumbbell floats, and all that are needed for swimmers and non-swimmers are available. They also have lifeguards on duty too, young college age kids looking after the facility.

It is high time Kuching, especially Petra jaya area to have a public swimming pool of its own, where the ladies,for example, after their subuh prayers, can go and exercise in the water befoer they go to work.Children from nearby school can come for swimming lessons, as part of their curricula. Elderly men can go for exercise in there as well, and others can swim for their exercise too. As it is, swimming, to an extend, is accessible to the affluent and advantaged groups, ie, those who have subscribed membership to the golf clubs, or those who attend the international school.My children were introduced to swimming when they attended Tadika Sri Keria, which offers swimming as part of their lessons. Sarawak is a powerhouse for swimming or water sports events, surely we can have one for our community there. For a population that is reaching almost 600,000, we need more public pools, and there is only one PUBLIC pool in a city like Kuching! Former YB Puan Dona Babel did request for one in the 1990s when she served as an ADUN member, but it never saw the light of day. I hope this is a reality soon, not having to wait the next Malaysia Plan.

Museum of Wellington City and Sea

written on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 11:44pm

This three-storeyed building is situated at Wellington's Waterfront, and the displays and contents tell the stories of and about Wellington, the making of the city from the end of the 19th Century till the present. Display techniques range from the conventional to contemporary, with a multi-mix of media used. My favourite of all is the show on Maori legends "A Millennium Ago", which uses the 19th Century theatrical technique called a "Pepper's Ghost, named after 'Professor' Henry Pepper. At first I thought it uses the hologram technique, but it is not.Namali, my office mate and I asked the Museum staff, and they explained the techniques used. It is created with mirrors and a projected image.This Museum is a MUST see for visitors to Wellington.I rate it the best Museum I have ever been to. The clever use and mix of content display is refreshing, both educating as well as entertaining, stimulating your thinking senses.

www.museumofwellington.co.nz

Exam Time II

written on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 12:36am

Exam time is a stressful time for all, not just students, but also the whole University community. The Students' Association kindly provides free breakfast at the Library courtyard, simply, by putting hot water, Milo, hot chocolate,tea, coffee, sugar, milk, bread, butter, jams, cereals, paper cups, plastic bowls, spoons and knives on the table, and the students help themselves to the food! The peak exam week would have this breakfast, open to all students. It is FUN! And the students clean as they go, as trash bags and bins are provided nearby.

Customer feedback

written on Monday, November 1, 2010 at 1:21am

Victoria University Library in Rankine Brown Building is undergoing some refurbishment. They have added the Kiwiana corner, with a beautiful view of Wellington Harbor, complete with a masterpiece Kiwi-designed carpet center piece, which students, tutors/lecturers often use for group study on the floor (at one time I saw the whole group lying down on the floor - yes, group study session!)near the check out desk, quiet areas and "noise" areas have been provided for, to meet different 'lifestyles' of the students in Vic Uni.

While the physical refurbishment is still an ongoing process, the services are also being reviewed. Posters and emails were sent to students, inviting them, on a volunteer basis, to participate in what they termed as "Library Services Review Panel". There were several undergraduate groups, as well as postgraduate groups. The groups will have their say regarding the library services and the physical environment, what they want to be improved, what we can do away with etc etc. It is an open session, with the Librarians facilitating/asking the Panel members.The session took 40 minutes. The motivation to encourage participation from students,was a lucky draw for an iPod worth abt $350. During the session, on the table was bowls of mini chocolates, and each panel member received a paperbag full of goodies, chocolates, energy bars, a small bag of chips, a bottle of water, post it notes.

"Openess" & Accessibility

written on Monday, November 1, 2010 at 1:01am

This morning, as I was sending some documents to the School of Law, housed in the Government Building, I noticed a group of tourists, busy taking pictures of the beauty of the building's interiors. Government Building is a heritage building, apparently the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. The School of Law is there, so are some government departments, though some of the judges and the members NZ's judiciary have moved to the new High Court next door ( grand opening of the High Court was by HRH Prince William earlier this year :)) ).

The Beehive, NZ's parliament is just opposite Government Building. But, I don't see any sentry post, or guards at all. The building is under electronic surveillance, of course, as members of the public are allowed into government buildings. Victoria University's buildings and facilities are open to the public. Members of the public are allowed to go in and use the University Libraries, except for borrowing materials. Most of the public universities I went to back home, have sentry posts, where you have to leave certain kind of IDs before you can set a foot into the University grounds. When can an ordinary member of the public be able to use the facilities developed from tax payers' money, such as a public university, without feeling as if you are under heavy observation?

favourite foods in exam halls

written on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 4:17am

the favourite food students bring into exam halls are, chocolates, energy bars. favourite fruit is banana as it is also an energy booster, and you don't make much noise when you eat it. :)

favorite drinks are the energy drinks and water. for a 3-hr exam, you need to sustain your energy while you 'pour' your mind onto paper.

Cultural Fests in Wellington

written on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 3:48am

Wellington is an artsy city. All around the year, there are arts festival, cultural events, performances organised, and being the capital City, Wellington has the advantage of Embassies and High Commissions based here. Recently, the Embassy of Brazil launched the Brazilian Festival, with The Ambassador launching it with a musical performance by musicians from Brazil, performed at the Wellington City Hall, followed by a series of Brazilian events the entire week. The Italian Fest was launched with an Italian food fair, and a series of Italian movies. I went to one movie " The wind blows around"yesterday with my university colleagues, and we enjoyed the movie, though by comparison, Yasmeen Ahmad's movies are way better! I am positive our Malaysian High Commission can organise one Malaysian Fest par excellent, with support from Malaysia's Tourism Ministry and Malaysia's corporate sector, as well as the Malaysian coommunities in New Zealand. The Malaysian students here are already making headways in introducing Malaysia to their colleagues, especially using Malaysian food as the major "channel".

Exam time

written on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 3:29am

You wouldn't hear grumbling tummies during exam time here, as students are allowed to bring food and drinks into the exam halls. Food wrappers are to be the 'noiseless' types, and students are not to make noise while eating to respect other students. I had a discussion with some of my PhD friends from Malaysia, who are mostly academicians, on this matter. I asked whether this is practiced in our universities. The answer was a complete "Not at all!" The reasons being, our students in Malaysia will write the answers on the bottle labels, food labels etc.How can we build trust in our future leaders if trust is not build early on during their studying years? And to think that Malaysia is an Islamic, as well as religious-based society? I hope my fellow friends here can observe this and bring back these values in their academe, besides achieving flying colors in their studies.

Eaton Mess , Ambrosia, Pavlovas

written on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 10:01pm

Spring is in the air, and fruits associated with it are in the supermarket. Simple summery desserts are definitely ontop of the menu! :) The common ingredients in these desserst are cream and fruits! so, balance up the calories.

Eaton Mess: meringue pieces, crushed brandy snaps ( it is the name of a biscuit, no brandy it it! something like the waffle icecream cone, except it is crunchier and sweeter) canned mandarin segments or fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced or quartered, whipped cream. Mix all together. Viola!

Ambosia: cream, mixed berries and marshmallows. Mix all together. Frozen mixed berries can also be used.Defrost first before mixing.

Pavlova: the essential Kiwi dessert (there's always a tussle here, according to my Kiwi friends, where this recipe originated from, or rather who 'owns' this dessert, the Kiwis or Ozzies? Of course the Kiwis always claimed that it is theirs, much to the chagrin of the Ozzies! I stand by my Kiwi friends!). pavs are made of egg whites, beat with sugar till stiff, and put into the cold oven. Then switch it on and bake till lght brown. switch off the oven, an dit has to be left to cool in the oven until the oven is cold. Best done at night time, as you need to leave it in the oven until it is really cold, only then you can take the pav out. If this is not followed, disaster to the pav!

Whip cream, spread on the pav, and arrange fruits to your liking, which can range from sliced kiwis, strawberries, and sometimes i used canned peaches. stawberries' are the best!

Pulang

written on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 5:12am

Sarawak's cultural artifacts travel the world. Most are in the collections of those who appreciate the value, as well as the memories associated with them. Iif the family of the collectors do not understand the meaning of the artifacts, some can be seen at car boot or garage sales, hoping the artifacts can go into new 'homes'. I have the opportunity to meet one gentleman who took the trouble to return some artifacts he acquired during his younger years when he served as a volunteer teacher in Three Rivers School in Mukah in early 60's. He intended to repartriate the artifacts so that they will go to where they belong, where they came from.We hope to see these artifacts 'pulang' to where they belong.

Kindness came, out of no where...the gracious bounty of Allah swt

written on Monday, July 5, 2010 at 10:00pm

My parents instill in us, whenever guests come unexpected, serve them, even though it is just a glass of water.When he was still in service,I still remember, my father would buy the Sarikei pineapples, the best kind of pineapples before the Pada variety was in existence, and would ask my mother, to peel pineapples, to be given to one of his staff who was pregnant then.To him, pregnant ladies will always want to eat such kinds of fruits. This was just not once, but always, whenever there were pregnant staff in his team.My mum loves to cook for people, the more you'll eat, the more she'll cook.And her bingka varieties are just sinfully rich, with the eggs, sugar and santan pekat. We might not be rich in material kinds, but my parents, and their family members ( their brothers and sisters, and our grandparents) are/ were very kind people especially in providing people with food. Our relatives from both my parent's families come from far and wude, and whenever they do come to visit, food is mostly top on the list, even though there is not much, but some how or rather, there's food on the table.

Now, why am I driving home this point on kindness?

Yesterday, unplanned, we (my family, [without Afiqh, as he was in Auckland playing rugby at the UMNO RUGBY CUP], Shah's family and Syahaneim's family) went for an impromptu trip, to Wanganui. Why Wanganui, I also did not know, just that Shah mentioned it one day to me, and I got to know that the last of Sarawak's White Rajah is currently residing here. There's not much to see there, except that Wanganui is situated at a river mouth, just like Kuching. It was just for drive, just to destress our minds from our studies and writings, as Shah said. It was a two and a half hour leisurely drive, stopping at farm fruit shops, a honey shop,pee stops for all. We had lunch in Foxton, at a park with the only windmill (so the man there claimed) in New Zealand. This community has a Dutch population, thus the windmill. Lunch was in the cold weather, so the warm nasi lemak I brought got cold immediately when we were putting the food on our plates.

It was almost Asar, and we went to look for an Islamic center for solat, as Shah found the address on his mobile. When we arrived at the small mosque, it was locked, and we were about to leave, when a car screeched by and stopped. out came two young guys, whom we thought were Maori, but it puzzled me when one of them had a kain pelikat on his shoulder.

Apparently these two guys are Malays from Johor, whose family now resides in Wanganui, working in the halal meat industry here. After we exchanged introductions, they brought us around a couple of interesting places in Wanganui, and then, invited us to their house, as well as for dinner. We planned to drive home by 4pm before it gets dark, but we only managed to at about 8pm.

Now, where did that come from? Out of nowhere, an unplanned visit, unexpected kindness...