Wednesday, November 29, 2006

The Pathtatic Stage

Hmmmmm...sorry for the long absence.I was away to Jakarta and Surabaya over the week to visit my Papa and family.He had a by-pass operation.
hmmm..and now a long cold and flu.

I am in sort of organising my year calander for 2007.
I was in Jakarta Bus Metro from Kedoya to Tanah Abang.I enjoy the bus ride in Jakarta.
Yes Tanah Abang has change tremendously,its the centre of the textiles industry.
You could find reasonable cheap and quality Batik here.

Tanah Abang is the centre of the Minang bisness net working.You find ample garment what ever you need here.Before Tanah Abang was a tough area only cowboys is brave enough to venture in that area after 4pm.

Me ever since my student days I love having a stroll and have a deep thought of what Indonesia is from Tanah Abang prespective.It give me the insight reality of life to fellow Indonesia.
The man on the street version.I was able to dwell well in Tanah Abang because chieflyly I do not pretend to be a tourist either do I shops in 'Kodi's' at Tanah Abang.
Its a place where I lingger and observe the very fabric of the society.I do it still up till today.Having my Ais Teler of MengoKopi di warong Si Anu sambil 'mingrong' my Sempurna Mild Hijo.

The reasons for my entry was question pose by someone I met during the bus ride to Tanah Abang.
This Om is pretty cool and lively.
We end up chatting along the way to Tanah Abang.
He ask me a very sharp question which caught me right to the mark.
Knowing well I'm from Malaysia
The question post was about the UNMO General Meeting held while I was away in Jakarta.
I am not politician neither do I ever attend any political meeting's.

It was a sharp observation and question.
He ask:

Om: Di Kuala Lumpur sedang berlangsung persidangan UMNO ya Pak?

Me: Ya Om.

Om : Kapan tamat nya persidangan itu?
(Obviously he is a guy whom do enjoy political conversation and well read)

Me: Ma'af Om saya enggak tahu kapan selesainya.(He continues asking me)

Om: Apa benar Bapak Menteri Abdullah TERTIDUR waktu berlangsungnya persidangan itu Pak?

Me : ???????@@@@@@+++++++$$$$$^^^^^^^(((((()))))))))

As they said dah...lah tu Kaduk.......

I was rather stunt by the question.
I immediately look for a War-Net to seek for an answer!

The truth is yes..it is true......

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Attaining and Maintaining World Class University Standards

Hmmm....as a Prof own words..mana ada !! ujud !
As all rank and file,I wonder about our dear children's future.The Prof.do have some words of advise here.
Which direction?
How?
Why?
As my mum's complaining about my son level of English?
I must say hers is better than his.I quite agree with her remark.
As per conflict of identity.Ages ago the fear of missionary school by my fellow country man sparks a bit of controversial.Negative comment been thrown at to parent whom sent their children to English school during the Malaya day.
The fear was basically due to the low esteem and passion for education by my fellow country man as compared to other races.

As a result when we pick up,they already went up!

I went to a Catholic Kidergarten when I was 5 years of age,but it does not a bit fades away my believed in Allah Al Mighty.

Even my Kak Long, when she got a scholarship to do Engineering in the UK in early 1970's,yes that was the 'Golden Generation'and according to sources some even commented her absence from Malaysia would either end her up either with an European hubby or she would abandoned her own religion.It does not happen at all.
My oh my .....such a shallow thinker.

Probably the wisdom of Assoc.Prof Azmi do specks by it self.Its a refelection of the worries and the vision and hope of a every man on top of 'Clapham Ommini Bus'.
Do read it its thought provoking.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Republish with permission from the Prof.himself.
His concerned by any 'other Beast of Burden'sholdered responsibility.
I feel your concerned Prof.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Presented at:
The Star/Asian Centre for Media Studies Conference 2006
Kuala Lumpur
18 – 19 August 2006


Dr. Azmi Sharom
Associate Professor
Faculty of Law
University of Malaya

This paper shall begin with a disclaimer. I do not, in any way pretend to be an expert in Higher Education Theory. Neither am I a holder of any high management posts either in my university or the government, which would have put me in the forefront of higher education policy making. This paper therefore is about the view from the bottom. It is the opinion of an ordinary lecturer based on the experience of working in a Malaysian public university for the past sixteen years.

The question here is can Malaysian universities attain and maintain world class university standards? This begs the preliminary question: what is this “world class university standard”? It is submitted that such a university would have to have the following qualities:

a. Graduates who are employable and who are desired by employers, not just domestically but internationally.
b. Academic staffs that are recognised world wide as authorities in their fields. This is achieved through the publication of research findings in international forums; be they internationally subscribed refereed journals, books published by reputable publishers and international conferences.
c. An academic programme that attracts students from all over the world
d. An academic atmosphere that attracts staff from all around the world

However, I am uncomfortable with the term “world class” simply because it is the type of term that Public Relations people and politicians love to bandy about. It is the type of term that could easily lead to empty sloganeering. It appears obvious that the qualities mentioned above are what make a university good; full stop. But then having a poster saying “Our University is good” does not make for a particularly enticing poster.

What shall be discussed here then is whether Malaysian universities have the elements needed for them to be recognisably good universities, what are the problems or obstacles which could get in the way of that ambition and what can be done to overcome them.


How Good Are We?

It would be tempting at this juncture to refer to some ranking or the other to determine how good Malaysian universities are. I shall not succumb to that temptation for the simple reason that I believe rankings to be a dubious exercise and to celebrate or commiserate over them is folly. This is because depending on the differing criteria and values put in place by the organisation doing the ranking, one’s results can be very different. And, as we have learnt in the University of Malaya to our great embarrassment, sometimes glaring mistakes are made. Such as when we were mistakenly ranked in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education Supplement because the rankers did not know that in Malaysia students are classified by ethnicity and so when a student is classified Chinese, it does not mean he is from China; hence the number of “foreign” students were unnaturally high.

Therefore, using the absolutely non-empirical method of listening to the people, it is submitted that Malaysian universities face something of a confidence problem. That is to say, there is a lack of confidence amongst the Malaysian people about how good we are. To a certain extent this is reflected in the high number of unemployed graduates that we have. The numbers vary depending on who you listen to but it is at least 50000 of them. This does not include the number of under employed graduates, those in employment but doing work that does not need the paper qualification they have.

From the point of view of a UM law lecturer, although our students are all employed almost as soon as they graduate, there is the usual bemoaning of their standards. What is telling is that their knowledge of the law and their ability to do research is by and large accepted as being fair to good; however, the usual complaint is the lack of confidence and the poor communication skills. And by communication skills, it is meant mastery of the English language. It would appear therefore that at least for our young lawyers, it is the intangible “soft skills” that is lacking.

With regard to academic staff in general, it would be unfair to say that we do not have members who are recognised the world over. There are many throughout the University of Malaya, and I am certain surely in the other public universities as well, who are given due recognition by being head hunted by international organisations; through collaborations with highly reputable institutions at home and abroad; invitations to present findings and opinions at international forums and journal citations. But the numbers are not very large and more can be done to attract the bright and the able to not only join the institutions but to stay.

Malaysian universities do not have a very large population of foreign students, but there are some, especially at the post graduate level. There is also a fairly small number of expatriate staff (with the exception of The International Islamic University Malaysia). The issue here is if we were to try to attract more students and staff from other countries, what would be the objective and bearing that in mind, how should it be done?

It would be fair to say that Malaysian universities are really not in the big leagues, with regard to our recognition amongst academics world wide. But perhaps more importantly we are not seen in a favourable light amongst the people of this country. So, to answer the question “how good are we?” the answer would probably be “not very”.

Student Quality

It has been a popular opinion in Malaysia that foreign graduates are somehow better than local graduates. Assuming this is true, it would put to test the argument that the reason our local graduates are so poor is simply because our primary and secondary schooling system has failed them. The argument goes along the lines of not having certain basic skills like public speaking and critical thinking properly infused into them at a young age, they come to higher education ill equipped and the universities are then burdened with having to be remedial centres.

This is not to deny that much can be done at the primary and secondary school level to move away from rote learning and memorizing, but if all our woes are to be placed on the early and mid level education of our young people, how then does one explain the supposed higher quality of those who graduated from abroad. After all, they have by and large shared the same primary and secondary experience as their counterparts in Malaysian universities.

Perhaps things have changed since when I was in a student in England, but I never once had to attend a soft skill class. I doubt many if any of my generation educated there had to either. Furthermore, having studied in three British universities and having worked for so long in a Malaysian university, at least in the Faculty of Law, I can see little difference in what goes on inside the classroom. Where then is the difference?

It is suggested that the difference is in the university experience as a whole. A university life which exposes a student to different experiences and opinions, along with one where they are empowered to govern themselves and their lives, would lead to a more mature and worldly graduate. Such experiences are sadly lacking in local campuses.

If there is one word that can be used to describe campus life in Malaysia, it is “stifling”. It would be easy to blame the woes on the Universities and University Colleges Act, but one has to be more specific than that. Looking at the parent Act itself, the only real limitation placed on students is the restriction from joining political parties and to show open support for any of these parties. This by itself is a blatant breach of the constitutional rights of students, but it is nothing compared to the regulations made under the authority of the Act by universities themselves.

Students do not have a Union; instead they have a fairly toothless Student Council which acts as a middle man between the student body and the university. It has none of the powers that a Union would have, such as the power to strike. The elections of this seemingly harmless Council have been plagued with accusations of vote tampering, and blatant biases shown by university authorities for one group of students over another; what has been conveniently labelled as Pro-aspiration (read government) and anti-establishment groups. These accusations have yet to be properly investigated by an impartial third party.

But it is the day to day running of student activities that see such a tight rein being placed on campus life. Everything, even the most banal activity needs the approval of the Student Affairs Department. If putting up posters to celebrate the lantern festival needs a Student Affairs stamp of approval, what then the joining of NGOs or the organisation of talks, or even the ownership of books deemed pro opposition. To say that our students are fettered is an understatement of the saddest kind.

What then needs to be done? Ideally, the University and University Colleges Act should be repealed altogether, at least the parts which do away with the constitutional rights of students. However, realistically, this is unlikely to happen. The ball then is firmly in the court of the university authorities themselves and it is for us to look at they way things are run and to ask ourselves truthfully what this sort of governance is doing to the quality of our graduates.

The following can be done if there is a will to do so:

- Review all university regulations with regard to students with the ultimate aim of providing for student autonomy
- Ensure that the Student Affairs Department is a totally non political body whose ambit is purely the welfare of students
- Allow for independent self governance
- Place the absolute minimal restrictions on the freedom of association, expression and assembly

The paternalistic way our campuses are run at the moment has the effect of producing meek, inexperienced and timid graduates. It also has the further effect of making our universities completely unattractive to students from abroad, unless of course they live in totalitarian dictatorships.

Another issue which is rather sensitive is the matter of meritocracy. It has been the policy of the Government to have a merit based system of intake. With the exception of UiTM, all public universities are practicing this. It has been rightly pointed out however that there are two main avenues to a university education. One is to sit for the sixth form exam which takes two years (open to all) and the other is to do the Matriculation Programme which usually lasts a year (open primarily to Bumiputra fifth form leavers). The question is therefore, how can the system be based on meritocracy when the two avenues are not merit based? Furthermore there are questions as to how comparable are these two programmes in the first place.

These are valid concerns. The entire idea of having a merit based system of entry is to ensure that only the best students enter university and also to ensure a degree of fairness. However, if there is a perceived need for affirmative action, then things can get complicated.

It is submitted that if there is going to be affirmative action, then let there be affirmative action. But, let it be done openly. Calling a system a merit based system, but in fact setting it up in such a way as to be affirmative action through the back door is ultimately going to do more harm than good.

Whatever the ultimate aim is, be it a true merit system or one with affirmative action incorporated, a single avenue for university entry is the only way that the applicant’s true ability can be gauged; this along with perhaps further aptitude testing to be done by the individual faculties. Testing which can be openly assessed by independent, preferably international bodies.

In a true meritocracy, a single avenue system will mean greater fairness. In a system with affirmative action, it would mean that it is easier to judge the minimum standard required for an applicant to be able to withstand the academic rigours of a chosen course. For example, one may wish to set a quota for a particular group. That quota however can only be filled by those who actually obtain a minimum grade. If not enough achieve that grade, then the extra spaces should be open to competition.

Let me state here that personally, I think at this point in our development a university entry system has to be based on merit and merit alone. But my point here is that even if the official policy is otherwise, let us please call a spade a spade and make sure that affirmative action does not damage the quality of the university because a class populated with students of vastly differing abilities is a class impossible to be taught well.

Lest it is forgotten, universities have to ensure that what does happen in the classroom is of the highest standard, based on academic vigour (we must not be afraid of failing students) is relevant and current. Things like reading lists with a majority of books older than the students should be a thing of the past (with the exception of courses such as Shakespearean literature). In this the private sectors too have a role to play. Feedback from the private sector, at least in my experience has been of the generic sort. It is absolutely pointless to the lecturer to be told that his course is not relevant if some sort of idea as to what relevance means is not provided.

Lecturers must not take the easy way out by spoon feeding students. And if they ask to be spoon fed, as I am led to believe does occur, then it is the duty of the lecturer to ignore such calls. After all one comes to university to be intellectually challenged and if some are misguided enough to think that it is merely a certificate which is on offer, then they must be shown the error of their ways. To conclude, students must be treated as adults if we want mature graduates. They must be empowered with responsibility of self within and outside the classrooms.

Staff Quality

The pay is not the main attraction for people wishing an academic career. This is perhaps more true here than many other places. Now, with many faculties demanding at least a PhD before a person can be a lecturer, it makes it even harder to attract capable people; particularly in professional faculties.

It is of vital importance therefore that job satisfaction has to be high. In order to achieve this there are two things that a university must do. Firstly provide the sort of atmosphere where good teaching and research is encouraged. Secondly to properly reward those who strive towards and achieve academic excellence.

The matter of an academic atmosphere is one which has to do with attitude more than anything else. It needs a fundamental belief in academic freedom, integrity and autonomy. Academics must be free to explore fields of research and to express that research in their teaching and writing without fear or favour, secure only in the knowledge that as long as the work is of rigorous academic quality it would be treated as such.

There are of course practical ways to make this process less burdensome. Easy and generous access to funding is perpetually on the wish list, but seeing as how money is never easy to come by, perhaps what is more important is the knowledge that the university is sparing what it can for research and that resources are directed towards such ends as opposed to being squandered on unnecessary frivolities. Another boon would be the lessening of red tape for applications for such funds as well as for activities such as organising and presenting at conferences.

Reward comes in the form of recognition and this takes the form of promotions. As such it is important that promotions are given based on academic merit (i.e. excellent research and competent teaching) and nothing else. To take into consideration matters outside academic work not only means having poor Professors, but also would encourage unhealthy practices. For example, if being Dean is more important than having papers published, the post would be seen as a legitimate avenue to promotion and would become highly politicised.

A sound promotion exercise should be a transparent one. The method is simple. Publish the curricuilum vitae of those who are promoted. Let the campus community scrutinise them in order to see if they truly merit such an honour. In fact, the curriculum vitae should be published before confirmation of promotion to ensure that there can be no doubt a person’s accomplishment is true. If things are open to scrutiny, then irregularities can be seen and honesty becomes best practice.

We have also reached a stage where attracting sound academics should be of primary concern. This means there can no longer be race based appointments and promotions. The pool of talent is not so large that such societal gerrymandering can be tolerated any more. This goes for the appointment to leadership posts as well. If any of the above ambitions with regard to staff and students is to be achieved then the appointment of leaders is essential. A Vice Chancellor who is an academic, a diplomat, an administrator and someone who understands what academic values are, is invaluable in setting the tone of an institution.

Like the students, Malaysian academics too have certain laws hanging over our heads. The one that I wish to raise here is the Statutory Bodies Discipline and Surcharge Act and its off spring the “Aku Janji” or “Oath of Allegiance”. This Act basically states that a lecturer (who classifies as a statutory body employee) can not say anything for or against government policy without permission. It does not take much to see that such a provision is unworkable and is potentially abused as a blunderbuss of a deterrent against any one who may have views contrary to the government of the day. It is hardly a piece of legislation to encourage academic endeavours, especially in the social sciences and humanities.

This, on top of the laws that apply to all Malaysian citizens like the Internal Security Act, the Official Secrets Act and the Sedition Act, has created a culture of fear on campuses. A culture where it is hard to get an opinion from those who should have an opinion, whose job is to have an opinion. Instead the atmosphere on campus becomes one where the tendency is for parochialism. It is after all safer.

Research

Research needs funding and being an academic lawyer who has never had the need for large sums of money to do research, I would leave this issue to those more qualified to discuss. However, there are some developments that have to be addressed, namely the creation of new universities and the policy of increasing student numbers.

If the numbers of universities are increased without the necessary resources, in terms of money and personnel, then how can we expect any good research to be produced? Similarly if universities are burdened with huge student intakes, the staff would be unable to research because they will be too busy teaching. As such, tough decisions have to be made with regard to whether we want quality universities (which imply quality research) or merely teaching institutions.

International staff and students

The first step towards attracting international students and staff is to have small short term joint projects. Visiting professors should be encouraged, as long as the visitor has value to add to the university. Short courses with transferable credits can also be conducted in co-operation with foreign universities to expose their students and faculty to ours and vice versa.

To achieve this, the following have to be improved or changed:

- The infrastructures of universities have to be improved. By this it is meant not just the teaching facilities and the libraries, but also accommodation facilities.
- Bureaucracy has to be streamlined and efficient
- The timing of our semesters must be looked at. It is quixotic to think that universities with a semester or term system (which is what most universities are using) are going to adapt to ours. If we want to play with the big boys, we have to play by their rules, at least by their rules of timing
- English should be the medium of instruction

If we are honest, it is unlikely that students from the developed world would make a bee line for Malaysian universities for their complete undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Neither would we have large numbers of quality foreign academic staff clamouring for the chance to earn so little money. It is better as a start, to have these smaller short term type courses to inject that sort of foreign student and staff interaction rather than to try grandiose plans of attracting full time staff and students which won’t under the present circumstances work.

In the very long term however, it is of course desirable to have a healthy overseas student body. This can be done most effectively through post graduate programmes. We should therefore be looking to ensure that the standards of our programmes are high and that they match the types and the structure of programmes in top universities. Even better would be to identify niche areas where expertise can be found only here. An example would be an LLM in South East Asian law. Sound and unique courses, along with the attractions of studying in a foreign country with all the new experiences (and low costs) it entails, can be our selling point. But, it is absolutely vital that the programme must be academically very good and recognised first.

In Closing

Some good has been done in recent times. The appointments of Vice Chancellors are slightly more open than they used to be. The process needs now to be properly institutionalised and made more accountable than it is. The government has identified research universities and it is hoped that what this means is that for these universities at least there is a greater focus of purpose. Those not classified as such should now be given the kind of assistance and values to reflect their primary purpose.

But, it is submitted that looking at all the issues above, more has to be done. Political expediency must take the back seat to academic principles if our universities are to improve and improve they can. In the final analysis, it does not really matter if we are classified as “world class” or not. What matters is that we are “good” and we have a long way to go. Once we can say with confidence that we are good and it can be backed up by evidence of the four qualities mentioned in the beginning of this paper, then titles and rankings can be ignored, that is because we will be too busy being proud of our graduates’ ability and our staffs’ academic integrity, honesty and excellence.

Friday, October 27, 2006

Raya's Open House Questionairs !!!!

Yeah.....as usual the 'Open House'is on air again.
The 'Open House' trend catches up fast in past 20 years particular among the urban semi's and detached housing area.
Guest or unexpected guest arrive in various style.Not to mention the icons host will be expecting tons of guest arriving at their door steps.Thus,you will find the extra allowances given to our YB's and to selected Senior Civil Servant to cater for such occassion.

Shoulder rubbing,spinning,ear dropping and gossiping are common dominating factors to catch the current issues of the day, particularly if the resources comes from a prominent member.Rival and open house clashes are common.

So and so open house wah....got extra special.showlah ....a Belly Dancer and an Ghazal Partylahperforming.
Better than Mr.X house... so boring....Mr Y house got BBQ 'daging kuda you?
Well....what ever it is in the sprit of Malaysian togetherness is an honorable intention.

Beware folk you might be the unwelcome guest of honour on that particular day or most probably your presence would be the host worst nightmare of the year.
Ethic are to be observe and show.

Its the show of the year folks......so make sure you turn up decently dress and not with your season bermuda shorts and T-Shirt written 'I LOVE PHUKET' bought some 10 years ago but then if you purposely wanna be the 'clown of the day' than go ahead....be my guest.
Take my advise better dress in a sarong pelekat is better instead of a bermuda shorts and sleveless T-Shirt looking like you jes' completed a 300kg weight lifting from the gym!
The very least you tutup aurat beb!

Eating:hmmm.....don't wallop all lah...you might need an ENO later.

What to talk,any warranted or unwarranted comment? or just be a dumbo,
like Forrest Gump!
Buat don't know aje !

Host :Dah makan?
Guest : Dah.
Host : dah minum?
Guest : Dah.
Host : 'apa lagi baliklah?
Guest : #%&#@()!!

Unless your list of credential goodness me !!! shows you got impressive
string of Oxford or Cambridge U or Harvard with a First,like our neighbour minister,then it is better to shut up !!!

Believe me, those are the least known people shoving their accent in slight mieo....www..slang.What we call them "The Sloane Ranger."
Those are the people who know nuts about other people misery.
Take my advise.Let the devil does the talking!
Unless you want to be known as the best orator of the day,by all means go ahead.

To some hosts its Showwwww............time.
Probably you are on a mission to fulfil your mum wishes to wed you off immediatedly after Raya,then this is a good spot to check up for the lastest available in the market.Cash and Carry Agreement !!
Hmmmm......maka datok punyanya lawa kau!!!! tapi sopfisketot !!!

However,intresting issues raises during the first Hari Raya
The whole nation I suppose(only the concerned one) was dumb struck with our t.v's news at 8 pm on the main channel.
I am not too sure whether I heard it correctly but after a while I ponder, how could those pre production cast 'tergamak' mengeluarkan berita sedemikian on the first day of shawal?
(Kalau dah..... punya episod!)

First day of shawal beb...!.
God's forgive the sins of his slave on this particular day only if you are a believer.Tak masok akal betul !!

Anyway,political antedotes and good pantun always comes in handy at Open Houses gathering.Bahasa Kiasan will determine your level of social standing,either you are highy look up as a mad scholar or just any lame Mamat,Samy Mucho or Ah Chong.

So guys,for the first timer be prepared.You don't want to remembered as a 'Stoggers' don't you?.
Look sharp and have the b***s to stick up your neck out in name of honor.
Get a copy 'Adap for Idiots'Special Edition preparing for the big occasion.
Is there such a book? or if you are highly powered 'think-tong-tank' answer the questionairs given as a check list on your current knowledge based on our present political senario,before you embark to any serious talk at any Open Houses gathering you wishes to attend.
Least you know the level of your social standing among the crowd!!!

Happy Raya's Open House To All.

To all those siting for SPM/STPM examination 2006
Pak Tuo wishes you all the best.
Particularly my dearest Aimi.hmmmmm........

OPINION POLLS ON OUR PREMIER FITTING ACCORING TO AL-FARABI DEFINATION 15 CHARACTERISTIC OF AN IDEAL LEADER.

WHICH OF THE TWO ARE CLOSEST TO THE DEFINATION.
TIPS: JUST ASK YOURSELF AND TICK THE NUMBERS YOU FIND WHICH CANDIDATE BEST SUITED BY THE DEFINATION.CIRCLE OR TICK THE NUMBERS FOR YOUR PREFERENCES
No.1 for Pak Lah
No.2.for Tun
No.3.for Don't Know

a. Excellent understanding and
the abilityto quickly observe
and grasp what he is told.
1 2 3

b. Possesses the power to recollect
what he hears,reads, senses is not
forgetful.
1 2 3

c. Highly intellectual; can understand
the direction of a group from which
an idea is generated.
1 2 3

d. Eloquence, and ability to express
what is inthe heart.
1 2 3

e. Passion for education and seeks its
benefits for all citizens.
1 2 3

f. Must not tire easily and be
exceedingly patient.
1 2 3

g. Not greedy for food and drink.
1 2 3

h. Efficient and effective in
addressing the physical needs.
1 2 3

i. A lover of the truth and its supporters;
a hater offalsehood and its supporters.
1 2 3

j. Quickly recognizes duplicitous people.
1 2 3

k. Extremely generous, above stinginess.
1 2 3

l. Worldly wealth must not be a factor;
whether it is possessed or not should
be of no concern.
1 2 3

m. Loves justice and freedom.
1 2 3

n. Rejects oppressors and oppression.
1 2 3

o. Firmly decides the course that will
benefit society, despite intense opposition
1 2 3

Saturday, October 21, 2006

School of Hard Knockers


TO ALL DEAR FRIENDS WISHING YOU
'Selamat Hari Raya Adil Fitri'

Monday, October 16, 2006

Dah lah tu...Baliklah - Student Nostalgic 1978-1984

I feel nostalgic today,looking back at the long and winding road which I took over the years.The memories came running after Fahmy my eldest came home yesterday with a couple of his band wagon from campus.Yes,Fahmy is reading Law at Ahmad Ibrahim Kuliyyah of Law IIU,Gombak.Seeing those fresh faces,determine and daring to go remind me of my hey days including Zees's at UKM where else I go abroad.
Well,actually they came for Mak Su's home warming tahlil cum berbuka at her new house.Congratulation Mak Su,those back aching days are over.In matter of fact Mak Su's bought the house as a gift to apak and mak.She and Mak Teh boards with apak all this while. Mak Su's decided to get a spacious space,after considering current Apak's and Mak's health condition.
Well Apak,it a long story.I will tell about this great man later in the blog.
Keep in tourch bloggers.The story of The Unsung Hero.

Seeing Fahmy's mate from campus brings back memories of 1980's, when I first steps the shore of good olde England.As George Bernard Shaw once wrote 'if you are tired of London,you're tired of life' how true.
London remind me of the laughters ,cries and friendship I developed over the years and uptill today I am still the 'God Father' to my buddy Julian daughter Zsa-Zsa.
Those memories are precious.I might take the wrong steps but it was a learning how to learn process and learned it I do.
How could I forget the cold winter Raya's,hot summer raya, queing for a plate of mee siam and a twick of kueh raya at Malaysian Hall 42,Bryston Sq.W1
How could I forget sitting for exams in the middle of Raya?
How could I forget sleeping at Forgensee Lake,Black Forest Germany,the free flow of River Rhur and the auto bahn trampping during Raya 1983 with Tajam.

Hmmmm..it is part of me. In this bless month, I ask forgiveness from friends where ever you are.Some of them are still in Europe and USA for the reasons they themselves knows best.
All I can say.'...BEB..DAHLAH TU BALIKLAH !,ayam itik pun ada reban tau!!'
When meeting with friends when asked:'......amacam?
my standard answer is '..alahai....umur makin meningkat tapi amal tak kemana pun!

To my mates over there and here:
Rommel(USA),Daud mamak lu kat mana ni?,Jamal Oxford (merajuk with the living situation in Malaysia after serving well for the country),Azam Kuntek and Bababra in Zurich dah lah tu..kuntek,Boe,Jamil Balham,Zaini (aircraft designer),Apek Zul.Tajam,Ajim Warwick,Amok Super Tank,Man Cowboy (alah.. lu dah kaya cowboy lu lupa gua eh!!),Tadjri,Sheila London,Ramlah Sarawak,Kamik,Dollah Ce'Lagi,Tajul,Zak,Mus Guitar,Badak.. (lu macam tu jugak Badak?),Jamil Alor Star,(how could I forget you!)Sharifah,Nadjwa,Ija,Puspha Hempstead Heath,Nor Light,etc..etc...

My High School buddies : Juara Pendek,Isa Majid,Nuraddin,Amran,Rosman Benggali,Yazid Kadok,Yazid Alias and Yazid Kassim and those whom I know but did not mention here:

'SELAMAT HARI RAYA Dan Maaf Zahir dan Batin'

I know some of you won't be reading this rubbish....

Zee's:all mates at UKM 1978-83 graduates of Komsis 'A' :Che Rahim,now a Prof.Shidah,Rose,Nan,Rosie,Soria,and the list goes on........

tiada junjung sebarang junjung,
junjung duli paduka seri
tiada gunung sebarang gunung
gunung bonda anakanda tak terdaki.
First Day To School B.H.E.S 1966

Balik kamponglah hoi...On the way home for Raya 1985 after missing 5 Raya's in a row.

Raya Student Nostalgic 1978-1984- Vol 2


**Yes,that's the beauty of being a student.Trouble and worry free.From Left to Right:Scottish Steve,Iqbal(South Africa)Kamal Khan(Pakistan),Long John Simon(Eng)Anna Fardingo(Portugal)Rozy(M'sia),Caroline Hawthrope.Taken on Urban Renewal Comparative Planning Study Tour with City of Amsterdam 1984.

**It all started 32 years ago,1974 to be precise.Taken 1977 on a school field trip.

**same as anywhere,girls does the studying the boys does the thinking!

**I suppose like any student era,there will always be flockers.(Mat Ampit)

**I suppose other places means of travelling differs from one another.Zee's campus mates,crusing on a tongkang.God knows where they were heading.

**Rayas on the Road with Daud 1984.If Iam not mistaken somewhere near Bois France.

Raya Student Nostalgic 1978-1984- Vol 1


**Arwah Gaffar,Yours Truely,Carlo Italian neighbour and Rozan taken University Village,Old Kent Road 1981.

**Nor Light the Star.Taken Raya Haji trip to Hasting 1883

**Rommel Sidek and Daud where are you man?

**First Winter Raya 1980 with house mate Eja.She's doing very well indeed now.

**Yes,Julian Rota my flat buddy,Eddy and Ely my neighbour at 10,Westbourne Park Villa,W9 London.Taken at Rayas B-B-Q 1984.Eddy your African word of wisdom still do apply today man!

**A small gathering at Oxford with Jamal,Meor Me,Daud and a few of Jamal's neighbours,Raya's 1983 Oxford.Jamal is quite a think tank at Oxford U now so I hear.Meor operated his Akitek firm with MAA last I hear.Daud,yes mamak where are you?

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Raya Nostalgic Vol.3 - My Kebaya Queen


**Bonda ku tahu apa sebenarnya perjalanan anak-anknya.Tidak perlu diperjelaskan padanya.Tanpa kata-kata hikmahmu Bonda siapalah aku.

**Bonda ku,letih perih mu biarkan aku tanggunggi supaya perjalanan ke AlKautar mu lancar tanpa sebarang halangan.Cuma satu permintaan anak mu ini waktu pulang kerja jangan suroh saya buat teh petang lagi dan set table untuk kita kalian bersantapan.
Ya...itu my tugas saban hari waktu membesar,tanggung jawab ku preapare Teh for all.

**Sunggoh aku nyatakan ibu adalah 'Kebaya Lady'.Collectionnya tidak berlebihana sekira dinyatakan boleh dimuatkan satu lori kecil.Batik Jawanya Halus and Asli. Estatic valuenya sekarang sehelai boleh mencecah ribuan ringgit.Kerana pembuatan Batik Jawa dahulu yang begitu harus.Mungkin saperti Persian/Turkish silk carpet on parnya valuenya sekarang.

Raya Nostalgic Vol.2 -Kasih nya Ayah dan Ibu


**Long before ujudnya 'My Teamnya'ayah aku udah punya his team and a good team player too.

**aku daif waktu dilahirkan biarlah aku mati didalam kedaifan tapi Kaya dalam perbuatan bak kata pujangga 'manusia mati meninggalkan nama'.Taken Hari Raya 1960

**Papa JAK and Ibu Emma My God Father.Taken Hari Raya 1953 - baru kahwin

**Ayah dan Ibu Emma plus nenek and Atuk.Taken during Hari Raya 1938 at Bukit Tinggi,as usual studio photography was mostly operated by Japanese immigrant as per this one.From recorded it noted at Galari Sutdi Potograpi Katmisan.Bulit Tinggi

**The Iron Lady-Firm but Loving Till death Depart.

**Bonda pun boleh tahan,bersocial hebat!!!

Hari Raya -Down In Memory Lane Vol.1


**It's mambo and Cha-Cha time.Ayah 'The Bachelor Boy'

Ayah and his Gang at one of the Rayas mind you he's quite a play-boy.

**Bonda ku Gadis Sunti celebrate her Eid at her Garanny's house I think its take some where 1952???

**Bila Papa Pakai Baju Raya - Al Fatihah to both of them On The Left Pak Sharif man with the camera I mean real camera freak back in the 60's name it his camera collection amazing ...all the old nikon a the getz made..Right my Papa Idrus at one point in time his dreams was to be Kassim Selamat..no joke a sax blower and dammed good at it.I have always call him Papa Nandung coz'of his sax blowing.

***other people has other reasons to celebrate Eid,so do all deed and creeds.

Ya Haq Ya Qayull Qayum- Hasbin Nal Allah Ya Nikmah Wa'Akil




Terasa Sejuk dijiwa ini
bila mendengar takbir mu
lalu aku sahut dalam senyum sinis..
kau yang haq
menggigil aku mencari pengertian mu
merantau kami untuk mengenal mu
berlapar kami diajar oleh mu
terdengkur kami mengenang mu
bersyhadu kami teringat kalam mu
tersungkur kami mengenang dosa terdahulu
bertabur kami memberi kerana mu

Tanpa kau aku ....mati
Tanpa aku pasti sangsi

Aku lari.. mencari
aku nari.. menyerah diri
aku tantang penoh kemanjaan
aku lindungi saban semalaman
supaya mengenal hanya yang hakiki
supaya tubuh mu ini akur
dan tidak pernah dengkur dalam dengungan

Monday, October 09, 2006

A Minang Joke


I bet as any social group there plentyfull of jokes, witty one I mean to explain the social fabric of the society.
Yes I am 'Minang Murtad' but I am able to understand the conversation pretty well.
When I was growing up when arwah atuk converse to me in his thick minang accent I will aswer in Malay.

It happens to me now.
Two of my nephews are in London grew up there.They specks English as any English does with a slight accent.
Every time I phone I will conversed in Malay but he would answer me in English.
Lah.... terkena kat batang hidung sendiri sekarang.

Anyway back to a minang joke..see this guy complaining to his friend,

'keceliak mato..karajo..karajo hingapan malam
omak den kabari,apo karajo,
ni lallui mato karjo hingapan malam.
goyang..goyang kaki den kapiti sanggag diurang.

kapulang karumah si padusi manyo bara
piti bawok pulang.he......lah sipadusi kaceriak dilabur hai.

Its a joke about the gender domination of women over men in the society of 'Adat Perpatih'.

Well,bloggers you have to have that minang time frame to caught the hilarious meaning.

Anyway do share with me any joke about any anything from various race craddle.I do need any jokeor antedotes from Boyan,Jawa Pekat,Madura,Batak,Siam,Betawi and mind you, Betawi has awesome good jokes,Always about Pak Kiai or abot Pak Kiai Batawi pergi or pulang aji,even tha late Alahyarham Benjamin S himself a Betawian is as good as Bob Hope.His stand up comedy is class.Wish Aflin Shyki could pick up.
Anyone whom wishes to share, the line is open.
Ileave my email open and all are welcome.

Alfatiha to Allayarhama Seha.Such a pity her cute little daughter is alone this Hari Raya so do all the anak yatim piatu all over the world.Spare a thought to them is a noble practice.

Once a tickel thought wrote 'I love myself better when I laugh'.

Selamat berbuka.

Saturday, October 07, 2006

10 People I Knew who doesn't practice Poligami - a ticker thought


1. My father in law - youooooo...man....what a man !

2. My Papa & in Jak with 10 children - yes ......a BIG YES !

3. My Bang Long - maaaaaaaaaan !

4. My papa - smooth guy...many years of marriage with the only child.Full Moon Guy.
My other papa even with 3 disable children yet with full force maintain as
sole bread winner and still going strong even have to work at 60.

5. My Uda & Uni ....hmmm my love and devotion

6. My Atuk Alym.Temenggong Pakeh .....remain a bachelor till death depart

7. My Alym.Tok Ngah - Loving and Caring.Well remember for his badminton jumping smash at 65 years of age.

8. My adap teacher - Alym.Tuan Hj.Ibrahim Bongek

9. My saksi on my nikah - Alym.Tuan Hj.Manan

10. off course........... My AYAH.....yours truly.

the List could go on
yes benda tu Halal but.........

Al Fatihah to my beloved one.

Count Down to Al Qadri



Count Down to Laitul Qadar...Yallah ya.yaakhir

Grap it and do Hit and Run.Home Run they call it!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, October 05, 2006

20 Dalils Why Dr M is a Real Malaysian Hero


==============================================================
**copy and paste WITH PERMISSION from owner :
'The Superman - THE CREATIVE MIND' - What and How do you Think?
http://amirhafizi.blogspot.com/2006/10/20-reasons-why-dr-m-is-real-malaysian.html
***** Untuk Terjemahan Ke Bahasa Melayu sila lawat ke
http://amirhafizi.blogspot.com/2006/10/masukan-bahasa-melayu-20-dalil-mengapa.html
==============================================================

1. Whenever Dr M has an idea, an electro-magnetic pulse is discharged from his head, damaging all electronic devices within a 100km radius.

2. Dr M’s right hand is also his left hand.

3. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Unless it’s Dr M. In that case, you’re on your own, sucka.

4. Dr M’s bush-jackets are made from real bush.

5. Dr M once went to hell. He managed to get elected as Prime Minister and organize enough funds to put out the fires and air-condition the damn place.

6. Dr M’s brain can be seen from outer space.

7. Dr M uses Cerebro as a pocket calculator.

8. Every night, Dr M smoothes out the wrinkles on his brain with a National iron set at ‘linen’.

9. Dr M once ‘out-spreadsheet’ Microsoft Excel.

10. When Dr M goes on a war of words, the casualty list would be equal to the first and second world wars.

11. Dr M never curses. If he did, a 1000-megaton thermonuclear explosion would happen.

12. David Blaine once performed his famous levitation trick in front of Dr M. Unimpressed, Dr M bought David Blaine, tied him to a string, and used him as a balloon for his granddaughter’s birthday party.

13. Dr M once had a headache. He went into a room and everybody’s head exploded.

14. Tornadoes happen when Dr M tries a new tongue twister.

15. Dr M uses only 0.05% of his brain. Any more than that, and another Big Bang would happen.

16. Dr M’s mouth is classified by CIA operatives as a weapon of mass destruction. NASA calls it a ‘World Killer’.

17. Dr M beats Gary Kasparov in chess with a single move – King to your ass.

18. Getting into a debate with Dr M is considered by all insurance companies as suicide. The man himself is classified as an ‘act of God’.

19. Dr M can combine to form Voltron.

20. Before Dr M got through with them, My Little Pony was called My Big Ass Dinosaurs.


Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Diantara Hati ,Keiklasan dan Pengorbanan -Kisah Benar

Maaf dan saya meminta izin dari Apak untk meluahkan pandangan yang tersirat begitu lama disanubari saya melalui laman web Apak.
Permisi ya.

Pelajaran saya tidak lah seberapa tetapi saya boleh menilai sesuatu tanpa menggunakan emosi yang keterlaluan.

Saya rakyat Malaysia dan pekerja bawahan.Insiden ini berlaku sekitar tahun 1996-97 iaitu sewaktu Republic Indonesia bergelora dengan gerakan Reformasi untuk menjatuhkan Presiden Suharto dan GOLKAR nya.

Saya bertugas disebuah Hypermarket waktu itu.Di waktu masa bergeloranya Indonesia saya saksikan begitu ramai tetamu berbangsa China Indonesia di sekitar Kuala Lumpur.
Maaf sekali lagi,ini tidak sekali-kali bermaksud yang saya ini seorang yang menganut fahaman'Racistma'.Hanya sekadar menganalisa keadaan semasa pada waktu itu.
Seluroh hypermarket dari pagi hingga ke malam di hujani oleh tetamu kita dari INDO.

Berbelanja mewah, malah sales pada waktu itu begitu memerangsangkan.

Saya membuat penelitian selama seminggu, saban hari begitulah keadaannya.
Jestru telah seminggu berlalu,saya bertemu seorang customer dari Indo,menanyakan padanya akan di Indo.Perbualan kami hanya secara casual,dari iras rupanya dia berbangsa China Indonesia.Agak mewah kayaknya bersama-sama keluarga,

Begini soalan saya padanya.

Saya : Bapak dari Indo ya?

Bpk : Ya?Kenapa?

Saya : Kapan bapak libur kemari?(sambil tersenyum sinis)

Bpk : Udah kurang lebih sebulan?

Saya : Dimana ginap?

Bpk : Di Apartment Sunway

Saya : Keadaan tenat ya di Djak?(saya mengatur soalan)

Bpk : Kurang lebih begitulah penjelasannya.(saya terus ke persoalan pokok)

Saya : maaf ya pak? yang menjadi tanda tanya saya ialah,Indo negara'TUMPAH DARAH' bapak,dimana bapak dilahirkan dan mengali emas ketulan sedang bergelora,bagaimana bapak bisa meninggalkannya begitu sahaja bukankah ia seolah-oleh boleh diertikan bahawa bapak hanya merampok disiang hari dibumi sendiri walhal diwaktu-waktu negara bapak memerlukan bapak,bapak meninggalkan nya tanpa sebarang nota Good-Bye?
Itu tidak partriotic bukan?Itu namanya menderhaka kepada negara bukan?
(Tergaman dia dengan soalan tersebut)

Bpk : dia dan keluarganya terus meninggalkan saya segera dan tidak menjunjungi lagi di hypermarket tempat saya berkerja.

Begitulah Pak kurang lebih pengalaman untuk renungan kita bersama.
Saya tidak bermaksud menyalahkan sesiapa.

Tetapi teringat saya,sewaktu Rasullulah sedang diambang siratul maut,
Baginda berterusan menyebut,umati,umati,umati,

Terus....bagi saya bangsaku,bangsaku,bangsaku......
Bak kata pujangga Charil Anwar
'Aku ingin Hidup seribu tahun lagi'

Wassalam.

Friday, September 29, 2006

Monday, September 25, 2006

Setahun lagi Ia menjelma.........


To all fellows humans where ever you are,
If any one could translate it please do....thank you,

tiada indah secantik indah
indah lagi malam purnama
tiada sudah penyeri penyudah
penyudah penyeri rahmat al'Qadri

bukan usul sebarang usul
usul istihad berfatwa pujangga
bukan renong sebarang renong ,
renongi diri kenal marifat

pakaian disalut kulit bibiri
buatannya kasar penutup aurat
buatlah diri ini hamba sejati
mengenal kalam alhaq sepakat

Buatlah diri hamba sejati
mengenal kalam alhaq sepakat
kita tersenyum serta bertaubat
mendengar dan itikaf mendapat berkat.

Wassalam.

Selamat Mengerjakan Ibadah DiBulan Ramadan alMubarak

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Wir.........Sekolah wir..........ya...Bok



'sang bulan menghinggap di jendela mu tapi malam,
siapakah dia yang ingin duduk setara dengan mu,Bonda?
-Jalaluddin Rumi-

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Antara Ibnu Farabi dan Tun


“Kita dipilih untuk bekerja, jika kita tidak menjalankan kerja kita, kita boleh disingkirkan.”

-Tun Dr.Mahatir Mohammad

adapted from :'Persidangan Agung Umno tahun 1983'
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Wahai anakku!...Barang siapa memperbaiki batinnya,Allah tentu akan memperbaiki lahirnya. Barang siapa memperbaiki akhiratnya, Allah tentu akan memperbaiki urusan dunianya."

"Anda harus menunaikan jihad akbar, yakni memerangi hawa nafsu Anda. Allah Swt berfirman, Wahai orang-orang yang beriman, perangilah mereka yang kafir (ingkar) di sekitar kalian! Padahal tidak ada yang lebih kafir daripada hawa nafsumu, karena ia selalu mengingkari nikmat Allah yang dikaruniakan kepadanya."

Itulah kutipan ringan dari nasihat Ibn Arabi kepada salah seorang murid terdekatnya, yang beliau sapa dengan panggilan "wahai anakku". Ringkas, praktis, tapi penuh makna dan amat medalam.

-Ibnu Farabi-

hmmm....fikir-fikirkanlah

Saturday, September 02, 2006

Gua Hantam Sama Lu....12 Stupid Comment


I opened my blog yesterday and found twelve comments by very stupid people who were obviously pissed off with the country, the Malays or whatever. I just had to laugh. Whoever it was that intiated this prank was silly enough to air his/her grouses on this blog. He/she cannot be very smart, eh? Does this look like a blog that's politically inclined? I don't think so. Naturally, I deleted all of them. Go play silly buggers elswhere.

What can I say? Some people are just so dumb that it makes us SUFI's look like quantum physicists.

And thanks Esah GRO for your support on this matter. I appreciate your comment on my previous post.

Any nonsense ....gua hentam lu punya belakang!!!!!

Help Our Local Bomoh..........!!!!!!


hmmmm...another budget day right after Merdeka Day?

What in store lah PM?
Dah tersurat dah..........
This is a truth about life in the hustling buzzzzing city.
A bore Laywer cum Financial Consultant cum Software Consultant,name it he does it decided to open up a new joint call after the unpredicted the socio economic climate lately

This guy mannn....is trying to make a decent living out of it and I envy him for being brave and stood up the fight.Imagine having to face the world with old ties whom are rather doing well in the social ladder.
Bravo man.

http://www.duroilwellnesscentre.com

Check it up bloggers.This joint is a must.
All I can say after Merdeka stop bragging,complaining and work we do.

Please help by helping yourself.

Thus, probably you could become like

http://www.kisahesah.blogspot.com

Happy Hunting.
Help Our Local Bomoh !!!!!

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Alhamdullilah Papa 47 Today Boys but.....

Watch it and you will understand why !!!!!!!!
a bit nostalgic after reading a blog by our Tok A Kadir Jasin

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Do we have the Quality?

Hmmm...
why doesn't someone does like what Allahyarham Tan Sri Nordin Sorpee did to Al Gore or even braver face The US Senate hearing over the bombardment of Qana Lebanon

Watch this.......this is not half past six MP specking !

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Dari Generasi Ku Buat Generasi Mu.........


Tahnniah Kepada semua yang terpilih keIPTA.
The Struggle has just begins
Its a 'Long Walk To Freedom'

Buat semua, hayati Sajak ini.


Dek,
Kami dilahirkan didalam fitrah
anugerah maha azali
Kami serba kekurangan tanpa bantuan kecanggihan,
Tanpa 'online' untuk menambahkan pengetahuan am.

Dek,
Kami dilahirkan tanpa ucapan singkatan abdja membolehkan
semua tawa riang
duka ditagih
simpati diraih
hanya untuk pasarana manja

Kami hanya diam
memperbetulkan permainan pistol-pistolan kayu kami yang usang
pelepah-pelepah nipah menjadi sorotan
roda-roda rim berputaran
Kami terhibur
Kami menhibur Kami bertempur
Kami akur pada waktu-waktu pilihan

Dek,
Berita kami terima hanya dari sumber yang satu
Lagu didendeng dari corong-corong mono usang
Teriakan azan hanya dari rumah-rumah azali usang
tanpa ulaman-ulaman keserian
tanpa sejadah tebal hingga menenggelamkan kaki-kaki hitam
tapi kami masih menyerah dalam redza

Dek,
Mimpi yang dikejar diselit oleh kata-kata fatwa dari hati yang pasrah
keakrapan kawan bukan diselitkan dengan piti jutaan
kekaguman jati diri sesama insan,kami pelajari sesama sendiri,
supaya dapat memperbetulkan langkah-langkah kami yang sumbang
melalui indra kami yang serba sederhana.

Kami masih boleh mendabik dada mesti pun
kami letih....
kami perih....
kami tidak secanggih tapi terus menabur benih-benih putih
untuk kalian menikmati keindahan dengan nyaman tanpa gangguan
berserta ketulan-ketulan rebutan
supaya kalian dibekalkan tanpa bebanan.

Dek,
Jangan kau leka
hanya alpa dengan Iswara
Jangan kau tawa kecacatan kami yang ada,
semasa kami cuba sedaya
semasa menyediakan pasarana yang ada
....nah Menara Angkasa
....nah Putrajaya
....nah Cyberjaya
....nah Mercu Tanda
....nah Kahzanah Bangsa atas nama yang terukir.

Eeeeiiii.....yaaaa,
keringat kami cuma setitis
tapi masih ada peninggalan kami untuk mu bukan?

Dek,
Teruruskah engkau?
Menguruskah engkau?
Terbagikah engkau?
Membagikah engkau?
segala-galanya?

Usah dicari erti negeri
sekiranya hati kau masih sangsi
Sekiranya mata kau belum suci
Hanya Maha Azali
pembuka diri melalui pintu-pintunya yang suci.


-akusufi-
April 13,2004

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Keretek -Tak Nak Ke ?



Some 50 years ago at a diplomatic reception in London,one man stood out.He was short by European standard and thin and he wore a black fez ie. songkok over his white hair.And from his mouth he breathed a stream of aromatic smoke that permeated the reception hall.

This man Hj.Agus Salim,the Republic of Indonesia first ambassador to Great Britian,refers to in his country as the 'Grand Old Man'.
Pak Agus, was among the 1st.generation of Indonesian to have recieved a western education.In this regards he was a 'rare spicies' for at the end of the Dutch hegemony over Indonesia in 1942,less than 4% of the country population could read or write.

Not surprising,Pak Agus appears and demour not to mention the strange smell of his cigarettes - quickly turned him into the centre of attention.One gentleman put into words the question that was on everyone lips,"What is that thing you are smoking ,sir?"

Replied candidly and sharp by Pak Agus,"That,your Excellency?"
Pak Agus is reported to have said,it is the reasons for which the West conqured the world".

In fact,he was smoking a Kretek,an Indonesian cigarettes spiced with cloves which for centuries was one of the worlds most sought after spice.

Hmmm....I remember watching 'The Tengku' a chain-smoker, on the 31st August 'Merdeka Day' state of address to the nation before live TV telecast,Sipping Kopi 'O' and a few puff of John Players unfiltered.

I am sure the Film Negara or Akib Negara film archives has the reels to prove my point.
Again not only Proton or Petronas could be a National pride,cigarettes too could be our main exported to sell the countrys name and image.

So...what so special about the Tak Nak programme?
Nak Tak Nak aje?
Me a 'Sempoerna Mild' guy.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Football.....The Curi Ayam Game

**ayah 1952**

Yes..yes the football fever is on again.
Me like any others male species are hook to the game and could not resist to watch the live telecast.

Wow....hang on a minute,anyone has any interesting tale to tell about football?
Yes the 'curi ayam'slang meaning a foul play by footballers every time a players cross over before the ball reached the line.
What ever it means, it does mean something to our local foot pundits.

Me basically,my daily pocket money comes from football.
Yeap..ayah is a football umpire and active one too,
'Joe Play Go'- The Football Umpire the locals nick name him.
Call it a shot he will be there on any afternoon at the Bandar Hilir padang,that is before the Padang turns into a concreate jungle by the State Government,turning the Padang at first as a 'Sound and Lighting Arena' and later I don't know what other mall they wanted to build for a population of a small city of 100,000 population.
Gone with the playing fields supposed to dig the talented Malaccan football players and up the mass super shopping mall.
Well,any newly decorated so call city needed a brand new shopping mall,I supposed

Yes, being a football freak the Imam of my kampong,the late Iman Hj.Sapau is one freak of a footballer.
There was on one occasion,the Malacca Team led by 'The Towkey aka Soh Chin Ann" was playing for the FA Cup.It was the was the semi-finalist game,if I may recall.He refuses to leads the Fridays prayers solely to enable him to see the match at the Kubu Stadium.I wonder when will the new state Stadium would be ready?
It seems it take ages to built one.

The Padang do have historical significant.
Firstly, it was the first Padang where the Proclaimation of Independence was hail by 'The Tengku' in 1956 arriving back from the pre independence discussion with the English Authority.
During its hey day, the padang not only breezees with cooling air from the seas of the Straits of Malacca but fill with leisure activities in the evening.
After a football match ayah will walk with me to the nearest stall for supper of Rojak and Satay not forgetting Air Tebu at Wak Temu stall under the 'Old Gum tree' right facing the famous 'A Famosa'.Fresh food off course.
Arwah Wak Temu is the dad of the National Hockey player Kamaruddin Temu.


It was from this field the birth of our National Skipper, now a Dato Soh Chin Ann aka 'Towkeh' is born.So does the national hockeys players Tam Kuan Seng,Haridas,Zamani Othman,Razak Leman,Zulkifli Bakar and Adnan Bakar both are sibling is groom.
Those were the days we play football and hockey for the love of the game not for the sake of money.The pride to be able to represent the state was a honour and be look up at,since under 12 MSSM competition.

Ayah, an avid sportman ever since his young age till now has instill a high level of sportmanship in me ever since I was a wee lad.
Even though I do not excel in any sports but I do enjoy watching a good game.
It haves been instilled in me and it comes naturally.

That was how ayah got his extra money, by being a football umpire in the evening.
All the amature clubs matches, he will be there,umpiring the games.Ayah keep fit by running up and down the football feild.
Malacca has vast amount of amature football clubs, those days.Name it, Kubu United,Dunlop United,Lee Sports Club,MCI United,Kg.Morten F.C.
They were the pioneers in the minor league.

Each match the umpire service charge WAS RM5.00.Saturday and Sunday is a full schedual for ayah.At time he has to matches one in the morning and one in the afternoon.Thus if there is 5 games in a week there is an extra RM20.00 a week for ayah.
RM5.00 in early 60's is a big amount.
Considering a goverment clerk pay was only R150 a month and that is how he managed his finance to feed all four of us,educate,and dress us decently.

I bear witness to Allah Almighty, ayah is not a 'CORRUPT' government servant.
He leads his life decently and earn his piece of bread to feed us in a likely manner, far from the the element of corruption.

Anybody dares to challege this statement please do so 'BUT' beware the court is all hearing!

The evening collection will goes to his LP collection of Titik Puspha,Ernie Djohan,Lilie Suryani,S.Affendi.Bing Selamat,Gersang etc.etc.etc.Not to forgetting Matt Monroe,Big Brother Frank,King Nat etc etc.

It was from ayah I learn to appreciated collectable items.
Ayah has amazing oldies LP's and still in his possession at home.
The umpire fees, goes to his little collectable space nice and neatly arrange

His sportmanship brought him everywhere.He plays tennis for the RISDA sport club,and still plays tennis right up when he is retired up until he met with an fatal accident which causes him to limp.
A handicap man,now but he still does 'senamrobik' everyday.
You find him doing his routine at the Bukit Serindit Park everyday except when it is raining.

May Allah protect my beloved Ayah.
May be one day I tell the story how ayah tried to groom me to be a national tennis player and match me with Adam Malik the first Tennis Pro from Malaysia.Its a long to brag and it begins way back in 1970 when I was in Standard 5.

In the mean time there is only one Dad,that is My Ayah that has 'NEVER EVER'
"Curi Ayam To Feed His Entire Family"
Syukur Lillah my families purely tummy is clean.

Saturday, May 27, 2006

3 Eggs in one Basket - Is it Possible?


“ Adalah suatu hairan lagi tercengang aku sebab melihat dan memikirkan hal orang melayu ini belum sedar akan dirinya, dia tinggal dalam bodohnya itu oleh sebab ia tiada mahu menaruh tempat belajar bahasanya, maka mustahil pada akal adakah orang yang tiada belajar itu boleh menjadi pandai dengan sendirinya. Bukankah segala bangsa di dunia ini masing-masing ada belajar bahasanya?.”

-Abdullah Munshi

"It puzzle and makes me wonders thinking of the Malays whom hasn't changed.They live in their stupidity and do not want to learn languages.
It it impossible to learn without learning and it is impossible to be self taught.
Doesn't all nationality learn their own language?

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


"Bak kata pepatah Cina “busuknya seekor ikan bermula dari kepalanya”, inilah senario yang kita hadapi dimana pada masa yang sama kita sibuk melaungkan dan mempromosikan penggunaan bahasa Melayu dikalangan pengamal undang-undang tetapi dipihak Badan Kehakiman pula masih ada hakim-hakim yang tidak yakin dengan kemampuan, kekayaan serta keindahan bahasa Melayu sehinggakan ada yang enggan bertutur bahasa Melayu semasa prosiding apatah lagi mengkaryakan penghakiman mereka dalam bahasa Melayu. Malah, kadang-kadang pepatah atau perumpamaan Inggeris yang di sebut dalam penghakiman mereka amat tidak difahami oleh masyarakat tempatan".

UCAPAN YAA KETUA HAKIM NEGARA
BAGIPERASMIAN PERTANDINGAN DEBAT DAN MAJLIS PENYAMPAIAN HADIAH PERTANDINGAN MENULIS MAKALAH UNDANG-UNDANG 2005
ANJURAN JAWATANKUASA BAHASA MELAYU, MAJLIS PEGUAM DENGAN KERJASAMA DEWAN BAHASA DAN PUSTAKA SERTA INSTITUT TERJEMAHAN NEGARA MALAYSIA

11 MAC 2006

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Amendment - Is There a Need for It or Just Paranoid !


Laillahaiiallah...........

Am I being a pest to my society?
Am I living in fear in my own backward?
Am I living in a city of Living Death?
Am I living in a city with the similarity of Belfast,Dublin,Gaza,Modagishu,Paris,New York,etc.etc
I feel its better to live in the Planet of the Ape,where Urko is more just following the right intrpetation of the Quran in Surah Al Maidah ayat 44,45,and 47

'..janganlah kamu tergulong daripada golongan orang-orang yang
ZALIM,FASIK ATAU KAFIR.

Allah love justice.Does using justified ACTION makes our action Just?
I wonder what a reasonable man on a daily KTM commuters thinks about it?

read the site and you understand why?
http://www.aliran.com/oldsite/monthly/2004b/10h.html

Another amendment of the Criminal Procedural Code is on it way.
hmm....Allah sees each intention with a microscopic lens.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Advertiser and For Name Sake


aha......browsing the NST today I found this advert.
'Pisang Tanduk' - APHRODISIAC.

hmm..I wonder what Aphrodisiac is? and the answer ...
"something for the Willie and Sally"
you knowlah that one!
that make you smile when you wake up in the morning feeling happy.
Yalah !!

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Well....after all the Fuss on Article 11 !!!

It's shooo....w...time!!
Article 11 is either you rock it or rack it!!

Budi Seketek Lurah diberi,Nila ketitik hitam sebelanga.
- Minang Proverb

Take A Test Before You Decide To Be 'First Among Equal'

1.You are in a buffet (free or otherwise), do you

A.Pile your plate with as much food as you can carry regardless of whether you can finish them off
B. Pile your plate with only the expensive stuffs
C. Take only what you can consume
D. Take a doggie bag and bring home as much food as you can

2. You are driving your car during the rush hour and you are at the tail end of a long queue, do you
A. Stay in the queue
B. Move ahead, find a spot, give your signal and cut in
C. Cut in without giving your signal
D. Find a legal parking space and take the LRT

3. When manning a service counter, your mission is
A. To be as intimidating and unpleasant as possible
B. To frustrate customers until nearly your lunch time
C. To confuse as many people as possible
D. To serve everyone to the extent of going the extra mile

4. As far as your job is concerned
A. You are passionate about it
B. You do the minimum so that you don't get sacked
C. It is something you do to avoid staying home
D. It is something you do to get blind salary
5. Pursuit of knowledge is


A. A waste of time and money
B. A lifelong endeavour
C. Not as much fun as other pursuits
D. I do not know the meaning of pursuit


6. Books to you are


A. Sources of entertainment and enlightenment
B. Very expensive
C. Things I borrow and never returned
D. I will wait for the movie to come out


7. If you were a public official caught lying


A.You save yourself by lying further
B. You humbly apologize and face the music
C. You humbly apologize and resign honourably
D. You mumble jampis and wait to be sacked


8. On the LRT
A. You give up your seat to a senior citizen
B. You give up your seat only when the senior citizen hits you with his tongkat
C. You give up your seat only to pregnant ladies
D. You give up your seats only to ladies you made pregnant

9. If you want to show off your brand new expensive phone in cineplexes you
A. Get friends to call you every 10 minutes during the show
B. Call yourself every 10 minutes in between shows
C. Send videos of yourself via Bluetooth to everyone within range
D. Pay for slides announcing your acquisition of the said new phone


10. When your son/niece/friend/anyone asks you about, say, "nanotechnology" and you do not know the answer, you


A. Look it up
B. Look blurred
C. Look pained and insulted
D. Look at the fellow and ask for a simpler question

Sunday, May 14, 2006

The Pencil


The pencil maker told his pencils five important lessons.

1st. everything you do will always leave a mark.

2nd. you can always correct your mistakes.

3rd. what is important is what is inside you.

4th. in life you will undergo painful sharpenings which will make you a better pencil.

5th. to be the best pencil you can you must allow yourself to be guided by the hand that holds you.

Friday, May 12, 2006

The Mestro-Al Fatiha


It was past two Ramadan ago,I wrote a story of an extra ordinary old man "Pak Sako" yes,name it, the Nationalist,the easy going novelist to a walking dictonary.Pak Sako earns it.The witty nationalist.Dare to challenge the BMA till was put to cold storage by the master at that time era.
The strong feel for his simple novel approx.200 pages thick but fullfill my quest to a write about him.It was 'Putra Gunung Tahan', a witty political staire novel.
In a sudden, the feel came and I just couldn't stop the strong desire to find and buy the book.

Today,I just couldn't stop the urge to write about a man,"Peoples Man" if you could name it.It has been 2 weeks since he 'pulang ke ramatullah' meets his lord.I haven't met him personally neither do have a chat with him.I do not have any family connection with his family neither,either have asked any direct favor from him.
Very influential figure and am able one.Victim of circumtances at time during his tenure.

Why do I decide to write about this man?
I don't know him only in news headlines
either asked a favour 'BUT' I am a fair person.
'Credit and Honour' given where it is due,I suppose.

About two years ago ibu, told me this story and the story was confirm by a close friend of mine,treated like a son by my mum and members of the family.The event took place while arwah apak was still alive.They were having supper at the famous Nasi Lemak Berlauk Ujung Pasir Melaka.The meeting took place approx 10 years ago.

This old giant man in size and status walk towards my mum's table.
Asking her,"...awak Shamsiah anak Cikgu Dollah Pucung ya?
To ibu suprise, she answer sheepishly answered "Ya".
Tok Wak aka. Cikgu Dollah Puchung met his Lord 15 years ago.He retired as Nazir Sekolah-Sekolah Melayu in Melaka way back in the 50's at ripe age of 88.
Goodness me,this man remember Cikgu Dollah Puchong and asked all his children.
He asked each and everyone of my mum sibling.Mind you, he remember all the 10 names.

So when the news of his death reached the public,I took the steps to pay a respect at his home at Bukit Bandar Raya and his burial ground at'Makam Pahlawan'
BECAUSE:

'A man whom who could remembered a small retired school teacher from A Solok', retired late 1950's and all his 10 children names
'Stood A Great Statemanship Skills and Stands Tall Among Peers of the Nation.'


'Budi seketek Gunong Selembah,Nila setitik Hitam sebelanga'. - Minang Proverb

AlFatiha.

TUN ABDUL GAFFAR BIN BABA.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Good Old Imam


Several years ago an imam moved to my area. He often took the bus from his home to the downtown area. Some weeks after he arrived, he had occasion to ride the same bus. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him twenty cents too much change.
As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, you better give the twenty cents back. It would be wrong to keep it. Then he thought, oh forget it, it's only twenty cents..
Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company already gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from Almighty Allah and keep quiet.
When his stop came, the Imam paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the twenty cents back to the driver and said " Here, you gave me too much change." The driver with a smile replied,
" Aren't you the new Imam in this area? I have been thinking lately about going to worship at your mosque. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change."
When the Imam stepped off the bus, his knees became weak and soft. He had to grab the nearest light pole and held for support, and looked up to the heavens and cried
"Oh Allah, I almost sold Islam for twenty cents!

Remember, we may never see the impact our actions have on people. Sometimes we are the only knowledge of Quran someone will read, or the only Islam a non-Muslim will see. What we need to provide, Insha Allah is an example for others to see. Be careful and be honest everyday, because you never know who is watching your actions and judging you.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Angkasawan Nak Ke Bulan !! oh! nasib Fakulti Sains Ku


hmm..nak pergi ke bulan. Lihat majallah Budiman Universiti Malaya

Bila di tanya kepada Dean Fakulti Sains apakah wawasan Fakulti Sains and harapannya and matlamatnya Fakulti

dipetik Daripada majallah Budiman Keluaran Universiti Malaya Januari 2006.Bil.77

*Fakulti Sains berhasrat untuk melahirkan graduan yang serba lengkap, sama ada dari aspek akedemik ataupun 'softskills' yang akan menjadikan mereka pilihan utama majikan.

*Fakulti telah menyediakan pelan strategik komprehensif yang akan meghasilkan graduan yang apabila ....dia pergi meminang,sejurus sahaja bakal Ibu Mertua mendengar dia adalah seorang graduan Fakulti Sains Universiti Malaya,
pinangan akan diterima.

Sekiranya P.Ramlee menulis skrip cerita 'Ibu Mertua Ku' hari ini,dialog akan berbunyi saperti ini :

Nyonya Mansor : "Kassim Selamat? Siapa dia Kassim Selamat? Lawyer? Graduan Fakulti Sains Universiti Malaya?"

Sabariah : "Ahli Musik"

Nyonya Mansor : "Ahli Musik? Memang pantang datuk nenek aku ahli musik.Anak tidak mengenang jasa!!"

*Untuk mencapai hasrat in Fakulti Sains telah mengariskan 13 tindakan strategik yang telah dimuatkan dalam dokumen Universiti Maya Strategik Plan 2006.

Hmmmm...so sadlah our future saintist.
Have a peep at the faculty, you know what I am taking about and the concerned of the Dean.

Monday, May 01, 2006

That Is My Inyik.- Sheihk Sulaiman AlRasuli Candung




Memegang Teguh Mazhab Syafi'i

Perkembangan Islam di nusantara tidak bisa dipisahkan dari kiprah para tokoh agama dan ulama besar yang giat menyebarkan sunnatullah serta Hadis di berbagai wilayah. Sejauh ini, Sumatra Barat merupakan salah satu daerah yang melahirkan banyak ulama terkemuka.

Di antara tokoh ulama asal Sumatra Barat terkemuka adalah Syekh Sulaiman ar-Rasuli. Semasa hidupnya, Syekh Sulaiman dikenal masyarakat luas sebagai ulama yang gigih mempertahankan serta mengembangkan paham ahlusunnah wal jamaah dan mahzab Syafi'i. Selain itu, dia merupakan pendiri organisasi Ittihadul Ulama Sumatra (Persatuan Ulama Sumatra) dan Persatuan Tarbiyah Islamiyah (Perti).

Dari buku Ensiklopedi Islam, Syekh Sulaiman lahir tahun 1871 di Candung, yang terletak 10 km sebelah timur Bukitinggi, Sumbar. Oleh karenanya, dia pun lebih sering dipanggil dengan sebutan "Inyik Candung". Dia bernama asli Sulaiman bin Rasul, namun murid-muridnya di kemudian hari, akrab memanggilnya dengan nama Maulana Syekh Sulaiman ar-Rasuli.

Ayahnya bernama Angku Mudo Muhammad Rasul, yang juga ulama di daerahnya. Dari ayahnya pula, Syekh Sulaiman memperoleh pendidikan awal, terutama untuk bidang pelajaran agama. Di samping itu, sejak kecil dia menimba ilmu kepada Syekh Yahya al-Khalidi di Magek, Bukitinggi.

Ibadah haji dijalaninya pada tahun 1930 yang kemudian bermukim di tanah suci Makkah selama beberapa tahun. Di sana Syekh Sulaiman menuntut ilmu dari sejumlah ulama terkemuka. Antara lain Syekh Achmad Khatib Minangkabau. Sedangkan teman-temannya saat belajar di Makkah ialah Syekh Abbas Ladang Lawas dari Bukitinggi dan Syekh Muhammad Jamil Jaho.

Ketiganya tetap beraktivitas bersama sekembalinya ke tanah air dan menjadi tokoh ulama terkemuka. Mereka lantas gigih memperjuangkan dan mengembangkan paham ahlusunnah wal jamaah. Tiga sahabat karib ini dikenal dengan sebutan "tali pilin tiga."

Pulang ke kampung halaman, Candung, segera Syekh Sulaiman membuka sebuah pondok pesantren besar. Dalam waktu singkat, pesantrennya ini mendapat sambutan menggembirakan dari warga masyarakat sekitar. Makin lama jumlah murid-muridnya kian bertambah banyak. Tak hanya dari wilayah setempat, mereka yang ingin belajar di pesantren itu juga datang dari berbagai penjuru Sumbar, Riau, Jambi, Bengkulu, Tapanuli, Aceh bahkan Malaysia.

Materi utama pendidikan di pesantren tersebut adalah pengajaran paham ahlusunnah wal jamaah serta mazhab Syafi'i. Dia sangat konsisten menjalankan paham dan aliran tersebut. Begitu pula ketika ada muridnya yang telah berhasil menyelesaikan masa pendidikannya, maka pada ijazah kelulusan akan dicantumkan pernyataan bahwa si pemegang ijazah, jika berfatwa, harus mendasarkan pada mazhab Syafi'i. Selain itu, masih dalam ijazah tadi, tercantum tulisan bahwa Syekh Sulaiman tidak akan rela bila muridnya berfatwa atau menganut paham selain paham Syafi'i.

Syekh Sulaiman tidak cuma dikenal sebagai ulama, kiprahnya merambah ke bidang politik dan keorganisasian. Tahun 1921, bersama dua teman akrabnya, Syekh Abbas dan Syekh Muhammad Jamil, serta sejumlah ulama kaum tua Minangkabau, membentuk organisasi bernama Ittihadul Ulama Sumatra. Ini merupakan organisasi saingan Persatuan Guru-guru Agama Islam (PGAI) yang didirikan kaum muda tahun 1918.

Tujuan dari pembentukan Ittihadul Ulama yakni untuk membela dan mengembangkan paham ahlusunnah wal jamaah serta mazhab Syafi'i. Dipilih selaku ketua umum pertamanya adalah Syekh Abbas Ladang Lawas. Organisasi tersebut kemudian menerbitkan majalah ar-Radd wa al-Mardud dibawah asuhan KH Sirajuddin Abbas dan H Mustafa Salim bin Syekh Muhammad Salim.

Dalam satu rapat yang berlangsung tanggal 5 Mei 1928 di rumah Syekh Sulaiman, muncul pemikiran bagi pembentukan organisasi persatuan sekolah-sekolah agama yang berpaham ahlusunnah wal jamaah. Sejumlah ulama tersebut secara tegas tidak setuju dengan aliran pendidikan yang dikelola kaum muda, semisal madrasah diniyah serta Sumatra Thawalib.

Selanjutnya, sekolah-sekolah agama yang tergabung dengan Syekh Sulaiman dkk dinamakan Madrasah Tarbiyah Islamiyah.

Syekh Sulaiman seringkali berbeda pendapat dengan tokoh muda lantaran keteguhannya mempertahankan paham ahlusunnah wal jamaah. Kendati demikian, dia sangat toleran dan menghargai pendapat orang lain. Oleh sebab itu, tak aneh bila tokoh ulama ini kerap bekerja sama dengan berbagai pihak meski ada ketidaksepahaman.

Pernah suatu ketika, Syekh Sulaiman berbeda pendapat dengan Dr H Abdul Karim Amrullah, yang pada intinya mengenai tarekat Naqsabandiyah serta rukyat dalam penetapan awal Ramadhan. Akan tetapi, keduanya tidak serta merta mengedepankan perbedaan pendapat itu ke dalam suatu debat kusir. Keduanua justru bekerja sama erat khususnya untuk menghadapi kolonial.

Mereka berdua bahkan acap kali mengisi ceramah di suatu tempat. Dan bersama dengan Syekh Ibrahim Musa --seorang ulama dan tokoh pembaru di Parabek, Bukitinggi-- berjanji untuk membawa semangat persatuan kepada segenap umat di wilayahnya.

Di bidang politik, Syekh Sulaiman pernah pula menjadi anggota Konstituante hasil Pemilu tahun 1955. Dia merupakan salah satu anggota tertua dan sempat ditunjuk untuk memimpin sidang pertama Konstituante. Selain itu, kiprahnya berpolitik sempat mengantarnya menduduki jabatan ketua Majelis Islam Tertinggi Sumatra Barat yang berkedudukan di Bukitinggi. Syekh Sulaiman pun tercatat pernah menghadiri konferensi ulama-ulama Sumatra dan Malaysia di Singapura pada zaman pendudukan Jepang tahun 1942.

Sejumlah karya tulisnya di bidang agama hingga kini masih dirujuk oleh beberapa sekolah agama. Antara lain karyanya adalah Kisah Isra dan Miraj Nabi, Cerita Tentang Maulid Nabi, Kisah Nabi Yusuf dan Yakub, Tassawuf, Ilmu Tafsir, Usuluddin, Doa-doa, Kisah Muhammad Arif-Tassawufdan Perdamaian Adat dengan Syarak.

Demikian sumbangsih Syekh Sulaiman ar-Rasuli untuk mengembangkan agama Islam dan pendidikan agama. Sejarah membuktikan, Perti yang dibentuk bersama dua sahabatnya dulu, kini telah menjelma menjadi sebuah organisasi yang mapan dan memayungi ratusan sekolah dan lembaga pendidikan Islam. Agaknya Syekh Sulaiman hendak menitipkan pesan bahwa dengan memajukan pendidikan, maka umat akan dapat bangkit dan berkiprah lebih aktif dalam usaha membangun bangsa dan agama.

drp.http://www.republika.co.id