The Day My Dad Shifted....

Dad's old place

His new home

Ah Fai taking dad out

Dad's ashes to be transfered to his new home

Last Sunday, 30th November 2008 was an emotional day for me and my family. For it was the day my dad moved to his new residence in Sendayan and leave behind his old "flat" in Seremban.

My dad practically 'stayed' at Seremban for almost 23 years. That's how long he left us, 23 years we lived without his love and affection. Going at a young tender age of 45 means we were left fatherless when we are still kids; more so my youngest brother.


His new place was a short distance from my sister's house. Located at the Sendayan area, half way to Port Dickson if taking the Labu-Sendayan way. While his old place was a bit crowded and stuffy, the new resting place is indeed much more refreshing and open. I'm sure my dad will be most pleased with his new 'condo'.


We reached Seremban for a simple buddhist ceremony to transfer my dad's ashes out. The monk took a snap shot of Ah Fai taking my dad's urn away as prove. Then we chanted 'Nam-myo-ho-reng-ge-kyo' while the monk did some ceremonial thing. After a short few minutes we were on our way to Sendayan! Debbie drove while I held my dad's urn tight.


On the way, it was interesting to mention that Xu Hom was so curios about the whole thing. He asked me and Debbie a lot of questions about his Grandpa that he never met. One thing that shot out from his mouth is that he would like to see his Grandpa's ashes! While, he got his wish!


Upon reaching Sendayan, we met the sales person and he co-ordinates the whole proceess of transfering my dad's ashes to a new urn (so it fits his 'condo'). This is the time the whole family get to 'see' my dad after a long 23 years. Xu Hom got to see him, finally.... not to mention us too! I was going to cry but I held my tears because I don't want my mom to feel sad. It was her decision after all to transfer my dad because she herself has already bought her place along side my dad. I know it was her wish all this time to be with the person she loved so much when she leaves us some day.


The whole process is hassle free and everything was done in a jiffy. We chanted for a while for my dad before we call it a day. I know my dad will be happy moving to a bigger and better environment. Maybe he'll feel sad leaving behind some friends and neighbours after 23 years. But he knows it will be worth it for its a double lot for him and mom.


Rest well, dad! We all missed you so so much!

Melaka asking for 'Divorce"

World Heritage Listing No More?

The controversy surrounding the high-rise hotel projects in Penang that may jeopardise its World Heritage Site listing has now become more and more politicised.

Melaka's CM has now voiced his displeasure at the Penang State Government for allowing the developers involved to build high rise hotels in the Heritage zone and its surrounding. Maybe he's jumping into conclusion and try to score a few cheap political points (UMNO election round the corner). I believe the Penang State Government is still studying all aspect of solutions that will be acceptable to all.

Ali Rustam seemed to be baffled why Lim Guan Eng couldn't reverse the decision made by the previous adminstration. He must be joking! Things are not that easy, as the statement made by the previous admin had made it clear that they are afraid that the big players like YTL might just pull out from the state if the agreement is not being honoured. It will take great effort and a lot of good will to make a compromise for all to be happy. I reckon, reversing the decision might involve huge payout as compensations. Who will bear the cost?

As the norm in Malaysia's politics, it always adopt the 'I take credit, you take blame' stand. I'm sure everyone will harp that they are the one who got Melaka and Penang listed but when there are signs of troubles ahead, 'it's you who got me into this mess' accusations flying all over town. Why don't Ali Rustam give constructive views on how to solve the issue with Lim. Asking for a 'divorce' is balless! I don't think Melaka can claim to be a Heritage site based on its own merit because like it or not they need Penang and Penang needs them too.

Put politics aside, work on a solution. That will be the best way forward rather than talking rubbish and act like a hero. Maybe he thinks SRK can help Melaka maintain the listing even without Penang when he receives his Datuk title. DREAM ON, PAL!

A loss for Penang will be a loss for all Malaysians; not just Melaka!

Into the Last 16!

Steven Gerrad, Captain Marvel!

Well, it was really great news when I heard that Liverpool has qualified into the last 16 of the UEFA Champion's League with a 1-0 home win over its French rival Marseille. Didn't watch the match coz its early morning and I don't have Astro's service. Considering the pressure from the outside for our home draw against a lowly Fulham (others always think that these type of matches always gives you 3 points), it was a huge relief.

Who else but captain marvel, Stevie G to put us into the next stage? He was sorely missed during the weekend match against Fulham due to a groin injury...... Fabio, he WAS INJURED! When he plays, the whole team plays. If he perform, Liverpool is a world beater!

We have qualified with a match remaining. Still 2nd in the group behind Atletico Madrid on goal difference. While it's important to top the group to avoid meeting with a seeded team next round, I don't think any Liverpool fan cares. The remaining match should and must be used by Rafa to field his 'second team' to gain invaluable European experience. Anyway, its common knowledge that we ARE the team in Europe.

So, with the credit crunch biting hard and the Yanks still stubbornly holding on to LFC, the qualification is indeed a relief to the owners for the monetary benefits it gives to the qualifiers. Another windfall is much needed in a club suffering from huge debt, no thanks to our two very dedicated owners!

So, with the next round secured, it give us some real breathing space and concentrate on our push for the EPL title. Maybe, just maybe we can pull a bit further from Chelsea with their draw in Europe. A little distraction for them can do us a world of good.

C'mon Reds! You'll Never Walk Alone!

Good to be back....

World Heritage logo

Well, it has been a long long time since I've touched my PC. Was away for a job for almost 2 weeks. 2 weeks of living on board a ship..... bored to death!

Urmmm... just in case you guys are wondering, I've not joined a shipping company as a sailor or something. Just that my tour assignment brings me to a 6D5N Star Cruise tour on board of the Gemini. 2 consecutive tours... so almost 2 weeks of floating in the Straits of Malacca. Not hard work, just 5 meals a day ma..... just boredom for being alone. At least for my second tour, I've got KK as my companion.

Our cruise tour made a tour stop at Penang, Krabi and Phuket (Thailand) and Langkawi before back to Port Klang before disembarking. When in Penang, KK and I made a short tour on our own. Went for a walkabout in George Town; the World Heritage Site. It was an easy walk since all those fantastic sites were near each other. Then we stopped at PTGA and met up with Leow and had a simple lunch with him.

George Town is a pretty remarkable place and can only be truly appreciated when on foot. Exploring the place needs some walking but not taxing on the feet. If you're too tired or hungry, there's always a coffee shop near you as Penangites loves to eat!

Places of interest that really struck us are like the Khoo Kongsi (and there are quite a lot of Kongsi in Penang), Dr Sun's residence, Kwan Yin Temple etc... I can't imagine how much sweat and effort are being put in to build these magnificent buildings. Surely a world heritage.

How pity it is for Penang to lose its World Heritage Site because of some development dispute in the Heritage zones. While the current state government has pointed that the previous administration for approving the projects, fingers and accusation are now being pointed to everybody except oneself for the blunders.

As quoted from the Star Online:

State Gerakan chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said yesterday the status could be revoked as a 23-storey hotel project in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah was approved without the knowledge of World Heritage Committee (WHC).

The former state Local Govern­ment Committee chairman said the Low Yat Group project was first appro­ved in 1995 but in 2005, the Barisan Nasional state government asked that the hotel be lowered to eight stories from 24, in accordance with the 18m height control set by the Penang Muni­cipal Council.

“Our decision incurred the wrath of group executive chairman Tan Sri Low Yow Chuan who threatened not to invest in the state any more.

“I am now questioning the current state government’s decision to fast-track the approval without the knowledge of the WHC. If we ever lose the heritage site status, it will be due to this project,” he said. So much for being in charge the last time. No wonder no one took them seriously when they are in power.

So it seems that big developers are holding their balls!? Succumbing to threats? It seems now Penang might have to fork out some compensation to the developers if the high rise buildings were indeed need to be scrapped or redesign to meet the WHC standards of below 18m. Current Penang Government might lose money but Penang might lose more because of the previous State Government error.

It will be a pity indeed.

We survived a weekend!

We missed Deci....

Last weekend was the 1st time in 2 years that we had to 'endure' without a maid at home. 'Endure' may sounds drastic but believe me; our two boys are really a hands full especially the lil' adorable monster called Si Qian!

How I wished Deci is still with us. I was so used to laze around the house on weekends. Don't have to worry about anything; except preparing lunch or 'ta pau' something to eat. Deci is always there to take care of the rest. Juggling between house chores and looking after the two brothers seems to be next to impossible but she seems to be able to take care of everything.

Maybe we need to get used to these type of days fast. After 2 years of rest, it's hands on again! I've not touch the washing machine for so long it seems so alien to me. I'll need to clean the bathroom and mopping the floors again. Even our vacuum cleaner had taken a 2 years rest! Debbie will now need to iron our cloths; something she seldom does when Deci is here.

Right now, I'm hoping that Deci's sister will come here sooner, rather than later. Deci told us that her sister has voiced her intention to come over and work for us but only after they celebrated X'mas. They haven't been together for 4 years already; so a family reunion is a must.

Anyway, I think I'm addicted to Kakak! X'mas, please come earlier!

Si Qian's Deci kak bids Bye-bye!

Deci and Si Qian

Today is the day where my maid of 2 years bids bye-bye to us. Only I alone sent her off since her flight to Jakarta is a 7am flight (too early for the boys to follow).

Time flies for us all. We are indeed glad to say we got ourselves a good maid; not the brightest but at least honest and hard working,she took care of our boys really well. I think she bonded very well especially with Si Qian. Deci came into our home when Si Qian is about 6-7 months old. So you can imagine that Deci really liked him and the feeling is mutual.

When I saw her this early morning, her eyes were really swollen; a result due to not sleeping and I suspect she cried. She told me she didn't sleep because she wanted to accompany Si Qian and Xu Hom for one last time before she goes. The she finished the house chores and laundry around 2:45am before leaving to the airport around 3:30am. I don't think not many people can say thay had a maid that work until the final minute! Only Debbie sees her off at our door step.

I still remember when Deci first arrived, she was still like a country bum, skinny,dark and looked very 'dry'. I couldn't understand her 'Bahasa' because of her accent. She comes from East Nusa Tenggara. A lot of patience were needed to communicate with her and teaches her on what to do. We were her first employer as this is her first job. I remember telling her that we are easy people and told her that she can always talk to us if she needs help. I told her that her main priorities are our 2 boys especially Si Qian. House chores can wait....

Horror stories about maids running away, lazy, stealing or getting pregnant with some Indon men always linger in our mind. However, we're lucky because Deci knew what and why she is here for; definately not fooling around.

So, today we lost a great pair of hand and I believe that we (esp the boys) treated her as one of the family. We wanted her to extend her work and she too would like to stay but her family has been urging and begging her to go back. Maybe her daughter is missing her mom (she came here when her baby is 1 year+)

At the LCCT, I checked her in. Then I offered her to have a breakfast before she boards but she declined. Maybe she's too tired to eat. I saw her going through the immigration check point. Then she proceed to the X-Ray machine to have her hand carry luggage examined. That's the last time I see her.

Take care, Deci Dorince Taemnanu. Thank you for taking good care of us. Remember us always!

Get Your Priorities Right!

To the Home Minister, please get your priorities right! Beef up security in this country because right now, criminal are like kings; not helped by your comment on the Chow Kit beat base!

Yesterday I had the shock when I received a call from my colleague, Janet to confirm the way to HUKM. Not suspecting anything, I told her she's on the right direction. Then, another colleague of mine, Claudia told me she's in hospital. Thinking that she's trying to pull a trick so, I told he "Sorry Wrong Number"! Then, I sensed something was wrong. Her voice is trembling..... the reason? Her elder sister was robbed by a Malay guy in front of her terrace house. Losing your valuable is OK, after all it's only money and stuffs but these maniac resorted to slash a hapless victim! As a normal reflex, her sister used her left hand to block the blow. The result? Her little finger was almost severed; just the skin attached!

It was a painful experience for her and her family. My wife and I were both very angry and at the same time felt the pain. When the doctor showed us the wound, my knees became weak, my legs felt like jelly. When we were at the hospital, the lady doc told us that she was the second victim of the day. The doc was at that time in a middle of a very tiring operation; try to save a guy's thumb; a result of being slashed after he was robbed! And the worrying news is that there are cases like these every week!

So, Mr. Home Minister. You are full of bullshit in carrying out your duties. Going after innocent people and your political foes seems to occupy you more where else normal people are now living in fear! We need protection against thugs, thieves and crooks that seems to be bolder each day. Stop going for Hindraf and its leaders. We, the people need solid and affirmative actions to combat crime; not trying to fend for ourselves. We are not living in cowboy town, are we?

Please do your job. Strengthen the police force. Stop talking bullshits because anything that comes from your mouth are nowadays considered as nation jokes! If you can't do it right, the the hell out of here and hopefully our PM can see some one better to take up this job. I doubt we can ever see a Home Minister lousier than what we have right now.

To Claudia, please send our best wishes and warmest regards to your sister. Tell her to rest well, be strong and we are sure the operation will be a big success.

God save us all!