325. PERAK LOST LIVING HERITAGE

A friend of mine, Pak Peter forwarded this e-flyer and requested for the event to be promoted. I took the liberty to paste it on this blog for public viewing.

Please make a date for this event.

324. FROM US IN KELEDANG…TO YOU THE KIDS OF THE FUTURE

It started from observations and conversations among members and familie during the recent Ramadhan breaking fast ceremony at a few orphanages. There seemed to be a common character among the residents of these orphanages viz, timid, low esteem and lack of self confidence.

These observations made through the trained eyes of a medical specialist in the form of none other than our club President, Dr Hj Zakaria and concurred by many other members and families who felt obliged to address the matter in the best possible manner.

Hence, the idea to conduct a motivational course was mooted and Dato' Azmi, the Head of the club's Welfare Bureau was tasked to formulate a motivational course plan including identifying the suitable age group, ideal training location and reasonable budget.

Kem Dato' Sagor, a training centre in Kampung Gajah which Dato' Azmi was very familiar was identified as the right location within the reasonable prescribed budget.

Once, the motivational course module was place in proper perspective, the task of fine tuning and identifying the candidates was handed over to the club's Education Bureau to set the motion. Dr hj Murshid, the Head of the Education Bureau must be commended for his relentless effort in pursuing the orphanages to send the right numbers of participants.

One hundred students who are residents of ten orphanages age ranging from 14 to 16 years old were targetted to attend a full boarding three-day course on character building, motivation and career guidance.

Facilitators from the camp, universities, corporate leaders and professionals among club members were roped in to conduct the course.

On Friday, The 12 NOVEMBER 2010 afternoon, 83 participants turned up at the camp. Regrettably a few participants could not make it due to several reasons including transportation. Registration went on smoothly.

The ice breaking session that followed was interesting despite most participants were new to each other.

After tea, they adjourned to their separate assigned dormitories for a good bath and break before dinner.

Ustaz Amir from Sek Men Lambor Kiri who acted as the Imam for the Maghrib prayers gave a kuliah in between the Maghrib and Isyak prayers.

The official opening ceremony that followed the Isyak prayers was conducted by our club President, Dr hj Zakaria who whizzed his way from Ipoh I less than one hour. It was short but very meaningful. This is the first time in the club's 33 years history that such a course specially designed for residents of orphanages in Perak was ever conducted. Credit must be given to the President who envisages such a noble project.

A short paper was presented after the opening ceremony.

It was a long and hard day of listening endurance for the participants and they were release at 11.00 p.m for a decent rest.

Day two on Saturday started as early as 5.30 a.m for the Subuh prayers and a short tazkirah followed by a good healthy breakfast.

Back to the dormitory for a change in uniform suitable by morning drill at the field. A good exercise is always good for the body. Under the command of able instructors, the participants were taken through various rigorous routine to ensure that they are alert and at attention during the talks.

The session that followed was an eye opener.

It was heartening to see the participants reacted warmly to the 'heart to heart' session conducted by Pn Hjh Ainul, the wife Sdr hj Sazali, one of our former presidents.

Sdr Tan Sri Ahmad Azizuddin took over the afternoon session. As a Merdeka veteran, Tan Sri is the most appropriate person to take the participants through the memory lane of independence, the sacrifices and the true meaning of merdeka.

Tan Sri and Puan Sri must have been very pleased with the program and the response to warrant them to give raya to each participant.

Our club member Sdr Cikgu Hj Zabidi, a true educationist made his contribution by following up the Tan Sri's merdeka spirit.

Saturday night was reserved for career talk on various professions ranging from medical, architecture, engineering and accountancy.

Sdr Dr hj Zakaria, our club President who is a renowned neurologist took about half an hour to give an overview on the medical profession. His academic success was built on blood, sweat and tears. A true kampong boy who rose from poverty and a very supportive mother who toiled the morning suns and broke the evening lights to see her kids achieved excellence in life.

Datin Fairuz Hassan 'Adli was tasked to brief on the legal profession. She handled her session with poised and grace. The motherly tone adopted by her charmed the participants.

Our 2002 club President, Sdr Hj Sazali, an established architect in Ipoh came in next shedding some sparks on the architectural profession. Judging from the response, some participants seemed to pay attention.

By the time Ir Khairul Anwar, the immediate past President who is a civil engineering consultant took over the mike it was already 10.50 p.m. In the simplest language possible, he explained the intriguing world of engineering and how our lives are affected.

The last speaker, Dato' hj Mansor Ahmad, the 2000 club President and a chartered accountant with 33 years experience was given the task of explaining the accountancy profession. The time on the wall clock was 11.10 p.m. It was normally bedtime for the participants. Most of the participants in the hall were already half awake.

Observing the situation, he opted to simplify the presentation on accountancy profession through the character of a duck i.e a Peking duck or a Cherry Valley.

The duck was dissected into various components and products generating tremendous potential income for accountants to count. Slowly and surely then the hall came alive again…at least for the next 20 minutes giving enough time for a good wrapping up. Through the duck, the work of an accountant was given a light overview.

Well, we didn't expect them to understand much anyway. The objective was just to give an insight or an overview into the various professions so as to provide a guiding light into the future.

Sunday, the 14th November 2010, the last day was reserved for Dato' LAT's session. IN his usual relax manner, LAT took the boys down his memory lane in explaining that a career in cartooning is possible provided one is willing to work hard, has sharp observation and sincerity in the heart.

It was a long and tiring three day session for participants, the Dato' Sagor's facilitators and the club.

Thanking every single one who contribute towards the success of the program, the club President performed the closing ceremony just before lunch.

Summing up, the motivational program for the students from the orphanages was worth the efforts, the money, the time and resources.

The spirit of KELEDANG shone like a beacon through the program for it was the combine effort of every single member of Keledang family that pulled us through.

WELL DONE KELEDANG, WELL DONE KEM DATO" SAGOR…WELL DONE KIDS.

323. A BEAUTIFUL PANERAI BUT WHERE’S THE CROWN…

This fascinating Panerai caught my eyes at the first glance a few days back...but where's the crown?

Bro Nazri was right. This is a special model release by Panerai specially for the left handers.

Besides Panerai, other watchmakers like Seiko has also released a kinetic professional diver model for left handers needs as per earlier posting no.74 @ LT Watch Gallery

More pictures, specifications and availability @ LT Watch Gallery

later...much later

by:muzill.mansor

322. THE FLOOD IS RECEDING BUT...

The flood situation in Kedah state in the northern part of peninsular Malaysia has improved according to local press. 

During our Keledang club's meeting on Sunday, it was decided that the club extend some assistance to the flood victims. I was tasked to visit the flood areas and report back to the club's committee who then will make the final decision.

Monday morning I called my dear friend and former classmate, Dato Mansor Ismail, the President of Langkawi Recreation Club( LRC), an NGO active in helping the flood victims. I was informed that the flood situation has improved but certain areas are still under water.

When told that our club would like to contribute, he was very appreciative. He said, "Any help no matter how little would most certainly be welcome." LRC has together with several other NGO in Kedah together launched a Flood relief Fund to mobilise funds for the needs of flood victims.

I made a call to the flood hotline at the Kedah State Secretariat. Upon inquiry, a lady politely answered the phone and informed us that donations can be forwarded to the natural disaster Fund under the State Secretary office.

We also got to know that donations can be forwarded through the Kedah State Welfare Department.

Well, at least we have three conduits to channel our donations and aids.

We set our journey back to Alor Setar after the Zohor prayers. The weather was kind although heavy rain started to pour by the time we reached Gurun. Exited at the Alor Setar South toll Plaza, we noticed that indeed the flood has receded. The road leading to the city is cleared although the Kedah River is still swollen.

We proceeded to Taman Golf where the federal minister of housing family home is situated near our kampung(village). Part of the road in the housing estate was still under water.

There were many cars parked along the road leading to the kampung. Jalan Dato' Syed Ahmad Shabudin in front of our family's house in still flooded to knee high. 

There was a small lorry loaded with boxes of food and mineral water. We were told that every day this lorry from the Buddhist Society will come to distribute free food and bottled mineral water to the flood victims in the kampung. All help are most welcome. So, a big thank you to the Buddhist Society.Keep up the good work.

I waddled through the flood to reach my parents house. The water was foul with stinking smell.

We surveyed the area around our house. The water mark left by the flood indicated that the flood reached just below the window level. Though water was still ankle- deep around the compound, we were quite relief and thankful that it was receding.

Some of the houses at the lower ground were still flooded. 

We then proceeded to the main relief centre at the Stadium Sultan Abdul Halim in Suka Menanti amid heavy donwpour.

Despair and empty faces awaited us at the stadium. 

The numbers remained at the relief centre has dwindled to just about 300 from the initial 2,436 on the 03 November 2010. Most of them are from Seberang Pumpong area nearby.

Much need to be done at the stadium especially keeping the compound clean from litters and the toilets hygienic.

No activities were organised to keep those at the centre occupied. Perhaps  gotong royongs could be organised to pick all the plastic containers and trash littering the compound.

From the stadium we moved to the paintball court where Muzill and his gang normally practised. The rice fields around the court resembled a huge lake.

Taking the route through Pantai Johor and Mentalun, we proceeded to Alor Setar on the way back to Ipoh, wet but happy that Muzill has made a wise decision to move out his grandparents just at the right time.

This morning, I was on telephone conversation again with Dato' Mansor Ismail, the former Langkawi Municipal Council President and now the President of Langkawi Recreation Club (LRC) to get the updates. Really happy that he is spending his retirement time doing the noble community services through his NGO in reaching out to help the needy including the flood victims. 

Well done Dato'...

Keledang Club will be very happy to extend our assistance to the flood victims through the LRC. I pray that my fellow club members will give generously...

321.Kelab Rekreasi Langkawi Lancar Tabung Derma Bantu Mangsa Banjir Di Kedah

LANGKAWI, 5 Nov (Bernama) -- Kelab Rekreasi Langkawi (Kerel) bersama beberapa badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) di Kedah melancarkan tabung derma kilat untuk membantu mangsa banjir di negeri ini.

Presiden Kerel, Datuk Mansor Ismail berkata NGO terbabit termasuk Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Malaysia (Perkim) Langkawi, Koperasi Pembangunan Komuniti Pelancongan Langkawi, Kelab Penerbangan, Kelab Fotograf, Persatuan Basikal Bukit Langkawi, Persatuan Menembak Langkawi, Kelab Sepak Raga Tuju dan Langkawi Motorsport Club.

Tiada sasaran kutipan ditetapkan untuk kempen itu, katanya kepada pemberita selepas melancarkan tabung itu di Kompleks Latihan Perahu Layar Kebangsaan di sini malam tadi.

Beliau berharap orang ramai dan pelancong akan menghulur sumbangan kepada tabung itu yang akan dijalankan selama sebulan sehingga 5 Dis ini.

-- BERNAMA

320. RUMAH TOK WAN BANJIR LAGI…

Petang Selasa bergegas pulang ke Alor Setar setelah mendapat panggilan telefon daripada Tok Wan pada waktu pagi. Kata Wan, jalan masuk di depan rumahnya sudah dinaiki air. Air sungai di belakang rumah juga sudah mula melimpah…

Saya maklumkan kepada Wan, insyaallah selesai satu dua tugas, saya pasti pulang untuk tinjau keadaan dan buat keputusan.

Wan cakap dia tunggu di rumah sambil berpesan supaya kala balik nanti pandu dengan cermat di jalanraya.

Kurang lebih jam 2.30 petang mula perjalanan dari Ipoh. Sampai di Alor Star hampir jam 5.00 petang. Semua kenderaan dialihkan melalui Plaza tol Alor Setar Utara. Lebuhraya PLUS dinaiki air dekat UUM.

Meluncur terus ke rumah Tok Wan. Sememangnya air telah mula membanjiri jalan di depan rumah. Kenderaan orang kampong berderetan di bahu-bahu jalan di taman perumahan yang berdekatan yang agak tinggi.

Anak-anak kecil riang bermain air limpah.

Nasib baik bawa Nissan Frontier, boleh redah masuk kawasan rumah Wan yang agak tinggi. Ada jiran tumpang letak kereta di garaj Wan. Kalau air naik lagi kereta-kereta tu pun pasti terjejas.

Sungai di belakang rumah Wan sudah senak. Air mengalir laju melimpahi kawasan rumah-rumah di tebing sungai.

Air sungai terus mengalir deras mencecah kekawasan reban ayam di belakang rumah Wan.

Jalan-jalan di depan dan kanan rumah Wan juga mula digenangi air.

Dari amatan, memang banjir besar akan tiba, harap-harap jangan sebesar banjir 2005. Letih membaiki perabut yang rosak dan mencuci lantai-lantai yang penuh dengan lumpur.

Saya bincang dengan Wan. Wan lebih suka tinggal di rumah. Tunggu dan lihat keadaan dan kemudian baru buat keputusan. Saya bimbang…

Saya lebih minat bawa Wan dan Tok pindah sebelum air bertambah besar. Perabut-perabut yang mampu diangkat ke tingkat atas rumah, dipindahkan segera. Wan kata, dia ikut saja keputusan saya.

Lepas solat Maghrib dan makan malam, Tok Wan dan Tok tawakkal tinggalkan rumah dan ikut saya pulang ke Ipoh kerana air naik dan terus naik…

Catatan: muzillmansor

Berita terkini: Khamis-jam 9.30 malam 4.11.2010

Dapat berita daripada Jiran di kampong. Air sudah membanjiri rumah-rumah kampung termasuk rumah Tok Wan. Berapa tinggi paras air yang masuk tidak dapat diketahui kerana jiran-jiran sudah mula pindah semalam.

319.OF BLINK, RADAR NUMBERS AND RAYMOND WEIL…

Nothing much has been written worthy of mention on currency and notes lately. Come to think of it, I don’t recalled writing anything on watches or clocks as well for quite a while. What more a book review.

This book ‘BLINK’ was a present received some time back but never managed to haul myself to complete reading until recently. For those who are looking for some material to loosen up the mind, this book suits you.

What I want to jot down is not the book review rather a preowned piece of RM100 Malaysian currency note tucked in between the pages of the book. I must have placed it there some time back during those initial glances at the book contents.

Turned out this currency note carries a radar number with a ZA series. Placing interesting currency notes in books surfaced from ATM, from a bank counter or a shopping change is supposed to be temporary but most of the time the transit period seemed permanent.

I remember clearly about this RM100 note bearing number ZA 1495941. 

The note was handed to Muzill to make a payment over a counter when he realized that it carries a radar number. Returning the note with a smile, he casually mentioned that I might want to keep the note and requested me to have a second glance.

Indeed it might not be an UNC, still it has a special value…and by the time I took another note, he has already settled the bill. 

I just returned the smile…

Oh yes, what has the book and the radar note got to do with the Raymond Weil? Well, I was wearing this watch when the radar number was rediscovered recently in the BLINK. This RW is a special gift from my better half many years ago and I’ll always treasure this priceless timepiece…