Cinta Merentas Demensi

Sulam cinta dengan bahasa isyarat

Oleh ROSMALINA ABD. KADIR
rosmalina.kadir@kosmo.com.my

SUKARNYA mengungkap interpretasi cinta. Barangkali itu isi hati yang tersirat pada diri Hafidah Awaludin, 38, ketika bercerita alasannya memilih lelaki yang cacat pendengaran dan bisu sebagai pasangan hidup.


Tempoh perkenalan selama empat tahun dan bertunang selama enam tahun itu tidak memisahkan pasangan tersebut. Ternyata, hubung cinta jarak jauh itu berbekas di hati Hafidah kerana hatinya sudah terpikat dengan lelaki tersebut sejak mereka mula berkenalan.

Lelaki tersebut, Aqlam Jafri, 41, tidak menjadikan kekurangan diri sebagai penghalang untuk menggapai cita-citanya. Aqlam menamatkan pengajian Ijazah Sarjana Muda Sistem Maklumat di Universiti Gallaudet, Washington DC pada tahun 1998.

Hafidah merupakan jurubahasa sepenuh masa dengan Persatuan Orang Pekak Kuala Lumpur (KLSD) manakala Aqlam adalah presiden KLSD dan Penolong Pengarah di Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) Selangor.

Menurut Hafidah, dia dan Aqlam berkenalan pada tahun 1990 ketika menghadiri Kem Belia Khas di Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan yang disertai oleh orang-orang yang cacat pendengaran dan bisu. Hafidah ketika itu adalah guru di sebuah sekolah anak-anak istimewa di Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.

Tanggapan negatif

"Masa mula-mula nampak Aqlam, saya ingatkan dia berbangsa Cina. Selepas berkenalan baru saya tahu dia orang Melayu kami terus menjadi kawan baik dan selalu berhubung melalui Khidmat Pesanan Ringkas (SMS).

"Kami mula menyedari perasaan suka sama suka tanpa perlu mengungkapnya. Sejak berkenalan juga saya mula belajar bahasa isyarat secara serius bagi memudahkan komunikasi dengan Aqlam," katanya.

Menurut Hafidah, pelbagai tanggapan negatif diterima saat memperkenalkan Aqlam kepada ahli keluarganya. Ramai yang tidak setuju dengan hubungan itu kerana bimbang masalah komunikasi dan kekurangan diri Aqlam.

"Sebelum bertunang, keluarga minta saya fikir masak-masak sebelum membuat keputusan berkahwin dengan suami kerana saya dilahirkan normal tetapi suami pula sebaliknya.

HAFIDAH akan menggunakan bahasa isyarat dengan suaminya untuk menjelaskan perbualannya dengan mereka yang normal.



"Akhirnya, mereka memberi restu selepas melihat kesungguhan saya dan selepas bertegas bahawa saya yang akan berkahwin," katanya yang mengambil masa lima tahun untuk benar-benar mahir bahasa isyarat.

Namun, selepas pertunangan itu, Aqlam menyambung pengajian di Universiti Gallaudet selama lima tahun. Tetapi, hubungan jarak jauh itu tidak memisahkan pasangan ini, sebaliknya mereka lebih mengenali diri masing-masing.




Menurut Aqlam, pada mulanya dia agak gusar untuk berkahwin dengan wanita normal kerana kekurangan dirinya. Dia bimbang ikatan perkahwinan yang bakal dibina berakhir dengan penceraian.

"Pada mulanya saya tidak menaruh harapan. Tambahan, budaya orang cacat pendengaran dan normal berbeza. Tetapi saya anggap memang sudah jodoh saya dengan isteri apatah lagi dia boleh berkomunikasi menggunakan bahasa isyarat.

"Saya bertuah memilikinya kerana selain bertanggungjawab, dia faham dan sudah biasa bergaul dengan orang cacat pendengaran dan memberi banyak komitmen kepada komuniti orang cacat pendengaran," akui Aqlam yang bahagia dengan perkahwinan tersebut lebih-lebih lagi selepas dikurniakan cahaya mata tunggal, Arif Mustafa, 9 tahun.

Menceritakan pengalaman memiliki anak, Aqlam memberitahu, dia sangat bimbang tidak dapat menjaga anaknya dengan baik terutama pada waktu malam kerana dia tidak mendengar anaknya menangis.

DETIK bersejarah Aqlam (kiri) dan Hafidah ketika disatukan sedekad yang lalu.


"Saya tidak ada keyakinan untuk menjaganya bersendirian jika isteri tiada di rumah. Sehubungan itu, saya akan beri emak saya jaga dan selepas dua tahun barulah saya ada keyakinan untuk menjaganya.

"Anak saya juga diajar menggunakan bahasa isyarat sejak usianya dua tahun. Jadi jika dia mahu susu dia akan tunjukkan isyarat menggenggam tangan," katanya.

Tambah Aqlam, dunia tanpa sempadan dan perkembangan teknologi memberi peluang kepada orang-orang yang cacat pendengaran untuk berhubung dengan sesiapa sahaja termasuk dirinya.
"Saya bersyukur dengan adanya teknologi, kerana komunikasi menjadi lebih mudah. Saya dapat berhubung dengan isteri dan anak menggunakan SMS, e-mel dan 3G," katanya.

Hafidah menambah, orang cacat pendengaran lebih sensitif dan mereka yang ingin berkahwin dengan golongan itu mestilah memahami budaya dan sikap golongan tersebut supaya tidak mudah timbul salah faham.

"Walaupun bersembang dengan kawan-kawan normal, saya masih bercakap sambil menggunakan bahasa isyarat jika suami ada di sisi kerana dia juga ingin tahu apa yang dibincangkan dan supaya dia tidak rasa tersisih," katanya.

Saling memahami

Sementara itu, pasangan cacat pendengaran dan bisu, Mohd. Fariz Omar, 27 dan Siti Faraha Abdul Malik, 26, sudah berkawan sejak di bangku sekolah lagi tetapi hanya berpasangan sejak tahun 2008 dan bakal mendirikan rumahtangga tidak lama lagi.

Fariz cacat pendengaran dan bisu sepenuhnya manakala Faraha masih boleh mendengar dan bercakap tetapi kurang jelas dan tidak lancar. Mereka kini sedang mengikuti kursus praperkahwinan.

Menurut Faraha, dia dan Fariz rapat selepas Fariz putus cinta dengan seorang pelajar ketika sama-sama belajar di Sekolah Menengah Teknik Shah Alam.

"Pada mulanya saya simpati dengan Fariz tetapi selepas bersahabat sekian lama dan memahami di antara satu sama lain, kami mula berpasangan. Saya menyenangi Fariz kerana dia peramah, suka melayan saya dan tidak suka marah.

"Kami juga baru berjumpa dengan keluarga masing-masing selepas berbincang untuk berkahwin," katanya yang mengasuh anak abangnya sendiri.

Fariz pula memberitahu, dia mempunyai dua lagi adik yang cacat pendengaran dan berhubung melalui SMS atau nota dengan ibu bapa kerana mereka tidak fasih berbahasa isyarat.

"Dengan Faraha, kami berhubung melalui SMS dan 3G. Saya berharap dapat mencari sebuah rumah yang sesuai selepas berkahwin dan mempunyai anak jika ada rezeki," katanya yang bekerja sebagai pelayan restoran.

Tambahnya, untuk berkahwin, golongan cacat pendengaran mesti meminta pandangan mereka yang berpengalaman supaya rumah tangga sentiasa aman. Faraha pula menegaskan dalam perkahwinan golongan cacat pendengaran kesetiaan kepada pasangan paling penting.

Dalam pada itu, Ketua Pendaftar Bahagian Perkahwinan dan Pembangunan Keluarga, Jabatan Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (JAWI) Che Husain Isa memberitahu, lazimnya pengantin lelaki normal bersalam dengan jurunikah ketika dinikahkan tetapi tidak bagi pengantin pekak.

"Dalam pernikahan pasangan cacat pendengaran ada orang ketiga iaitu jurubahasa yang akan menterjemah percakapan jurunikah menggunakan bahasa isyarat sebelum dijawab oleh pengantin pekak yang juga menggunakan bahasa isyarat.

"Pernikahan orang pekak juga lebih mementingkan rukun nikah wajib iaitu pengantin lelaki dan perempuan, wali, dua orang saksi serta ijab dan kabul," katanya sambil menjelaskan bersalaman tidak wajib ketika dinikahkan.

Katanya, semua prosedur membabitkan pernikahan cacat pendengaran tidak ada beza dengan pernikahan orang normal kecuali memerlukan seorang jurubahasa dan lafaz terima nikah.

"Bermula dengan kursus nikah sehinggalah khutbah nikah, semua maklumat yang disampaikan sama sahaja. Bagaimanapun kursus nikah orang cacat pendengaran perlu dijalankan secara berasingan dengan orang normal.

"Selain itu ketika dinikahkan, pengantin normal menyebut, 'Aku terima nikahnya...' tetapi jurubahasa yang mewakili pengantin pekak akan menyebut, 'Fulan bin fulan menerima nikahnya...' kepada jurunikah," katanya.

Kosmo.com.my

Our body of water

by Steve Yap

Water is the most abundant ‘nutrient’ in our bodies and on planet Earth. When we were born, our body had 75% of water. By the time we reach middle or old age, our body retains 50% or less water.

Generally, overweight or obese youngsters have less than 50% body water. Women tend to have more body fat than men and so they, too, have a lower percentage of water compared to men. 

Fat cells store no water. Water is stored mostly in muscles. Those with low muscle mass tend to have less body water. The lack of body water is referred to as ‘dehydration’. 

If your body water drops by as little as 2% of your body weight, your physical and mental functions and physical performance are impaired.

Many people do not even notice anything abnormal with such a small loss of water from their bodies. They may not know that some of their mental and physical functions are being compromised by this dehydration.

When water loss reaches 7% of body weight, the body may collapse. 

Due to its crucial role in human physiology, nutritional medicine regards quality water as an essential ‘nutrient’ just like protein, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.

We lose about two litres of water per day depending on our body mass, working/living environment, diet, lifestyle, and physiological problems. Two-thirds of this water loss is through urine. One-third is lost through sweating (skin), breathing (lungs), and in the stools. 

In a state of dehydration, most water loss comes at the expense of our cellular health. Without healthy cells, we cannot have healthy organs for our body to function at its optimum. 

Essentially, nutritional medicine and (more recently) anti-ageing medicine reverse chronic health disorders by targeting these problems at the cellular levels. 

If you do not have adequate body water, you may suffer from one or more of these consequences of dehydration:

- obesity (including youngsters and children);

- constipation; urinary bladder stones; higher risk of coronary heart disease; salivary gland malfunction; sleep disorders;

- thicker blood and poor blood flow; higher level of body toxicity and wastes; weak overall mental performance; early exhaustion during exercising;

- loss of muscle mass after weight or resistance training; increased incidence of lower back pain; and increased risk of cancers of urinary tract, breast, colon, and rectum.

Signs & symptoms

The signs and symptoms of dehydration include the following: dry lips/mouth; feeling ‘heaty’; hard stools; sunken eyes; wrinkles; fatigue; low pain tolerance; poor control over allergies; low mental performance; weight (fat) gain; and low urine output despite adequate water intake.

We all need at least eight glasses of water a day but it may not be adequate to meet the needs of every adult, taking into account factors such as levels of muscle mass and physical activities. 

Recent research suggests that even our DNA and genes are able to perform their functions only with sufficient intake of quality water.

Alkaline/acid water

The crucial acid/alkaline balance is created by the amount of ionisation, which splits water into two parts, namely hydrogen ion (H+) and hydroxide ion (OH-). When both these molecules are equal in number, the water is deemed to be ‘neutral’ and has a pH of 7. 

When the body neutralises large amount of acidic liquids (soft drinks, alcohol, sugary beverages, coffee, and packaged fruit drinks), it may not be able to neutralise acidic wastes generated by its metabolic processes such as lactic acid, uric acid, sulphuric acid, and phosphoric acid. 

When the body’s supply of alkaline buffers is overwhelmed, these toxic wastes accumulate causing chronic health disorders including gout, allergies, diabetes type II, hypercholesterolemia, and cancers. 

Yes, creating an alkaline internal environment is considered in nutritional medicine to be a key cancer-prevention strategy. 

While the kidneys work hard to maintain blood pH at 7.4, we tend to lose minerals in the urine after consuming an acidic meal. 

Alkalinising diet improves bone density, nitrogen balance, and serum growth hormone concentration whereas an acidic diet contributes to bone loss, osteoporosis, and loss of muscle mass (Frassetto et al, 1998). Furthermore, drinking sufficient water with a pH of nine or 10 helps detoxify the body.

Views expressed here are those of the author, who’s president of the Federation of Complementary & Natural Medical Associations, and not necessarily those of the professional bodies and government committees of which he’s a member. Dato’ Steve Yap can be contacted at: steve@ctawellness.com.

thesundaily.com 

Brunei Malay culture: visiting a Malay host's home

Roz Alia Zin
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, May 14, 2010

THE front door of the home may be wide open, as if welcoming the casual visitor to enter, however this is not necessarily the case. The Malays have a warm and welcoming attitude; their homes are open to relatives and friends and doors are often left open as a sign that the host or family is home, but a closed door means that the family is away or not receiving guests.

Malay grandchildren line up to greet their grandparents on a family visit.Picture: BT/Saifulizam
The simple call of "Assalamualaikum!" brings the host scurrying to the door responding with "Wa alaikum assalaam". Upon being invited in, the host may allow foreign guests to leave their shoes on, but it is the height of courtesy to take off your shoes before entering.


A typical Malay home is a space shared by all, and it's not unusual to find that the living room also becomes a dining room or where they conduct their prayers, given the need. As these activities require a clean space, one cannot go wrong entering either barefoot or with socks on, even if there is a telling hole in your sock.

Attire is also important when visiting a Muslim home. Avoid visiting in shorts, sleeveless tops or skimpy dresses as anything that is revealing for both males and females is taboo. They view this as a sign of disrespect. Pants for women are acceptable, but a long skirt is best. Although your Malay host will probably not comment on your attire, it's polite to dress modestly just like how the Malays are expected to dress.

The traditional Malay handshake is known as salam, whereby both parties extend their arms and clasp each other's hand in a brief but firm grip. The man offers either one or both hands, grasps his friend's hand and brings his hands back to his chest to mean, "I greet you from my heart".

Most Malays are aware of western ways, so the handshake is normal. The western way of shaking hands is quite similar to the Malays', although there are slight differences as mentioned above. One thing to bear in mind is that Malay women do not shake hands with men in accordance with Islamic practice. In this instance, a smile, nod of acknowledgement and polite conversation between the man and woman will suffice. As a substitute, men may also bow instead, while placing their hand on their heart in greeting a woman. Malay women can, of course, shake hands with other women. They commonly do so by grasping the hands of the other woman with both of theirs. Of course, a smile is always a welcome accompaniment. The young will often kiss the hands of their elders as a sign of respect and deference.

Buah tangan (literally "Fruit of the Hand") means souvenir or a gift. It's always nice to bring a little souvenir as a gift for your Malay host. It can be a something simple: a bag of fruit, chocolates or a cake, or just about anything "halal".

Even if the visit is short or fleeting, a Malay host will still insist on inviting you in for refreshments. Light snacks and drinks will be offered and not to partake is impolite, a mere sip or a small bite of something will suffice. To refuse food, one should just touch the edge of the tray or the plate being served. This is to "jangkau", so that one may not crave the food later on. Food should be taken with your right hand. The left hand should never be used to handle food under any circumstances, as it is considered "unclean".

In the past, hosts were expected to offer "sekapur sireh" (a preparation of betel leaves stored in a box to be eaten with a thin layer of slaked lime, gambier and slices of the areca nut). Today this custom is only practiced by those living in the rural villages.

Unless you're asked to visit at a certain time, it's usually best to avoid the evenings (especially between 7.00pm to 8.00pm) as most Malays, being Muslim, perform their evening prayers during that period.

It is also worth noting other prayer times during the day. Thursday evenings are usually reserved for religious activities or the family, so it is also recommended to avoid this time.


The Brunei Times

Libyan Plane Crash - The Video & News

RussiaToday — May 12, 2010 — A South African news agency has reported that there may be more survivors of a plane crash in Libya's capital Tripoli. It was earlier believed that an 8-year-old Dutch boy was the only survivor. Over 100 hundred people were on board including Dutch, British and South African nationals. The Air Afrikiya plane flying from Johannesburg en route to London crashed while attempting to land.

 Libya plane crash - at least one Briton among dead

 At least one Briton was killed when an Airbus crashed in Libya, killing more than 100 passengers on board.

The Afriqiyah Airways flight from Johannesburg crashed at Tripoli International Airport with 93 passengers and 11 crew on board.

Afriqiyah Airways said two Britons died in the crash, although the Foreign Office has been unable to confirm this so far.
Concerned relatives should call +44 20 3355 2737.
Some passengers were booked to connect to Europe, including seven to Gatwick, South African air officials said.


'Deepest sympathies'
Foreign Secretary William Hague said he was "greatly saddened" by the crash.
"It is now clear that one of the victims was a British national. Our deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of all those who lost their lives," he said.



"We are continuing urgently to clarify whether any other British nationals were on the flight. We stand ready to offer emergency consular assistance."

The British Embassy in Libya said it had a consular team at the crash scene, but it had no information, as yet, of any other British passengers.
Officials were trying to get hold of a copy of the passenger list, a spokesman added.

The passengers on board the Airbus 330 are believed to be of various nationalities, including British, Dutch and South African.
One Dutch child that survived is being treated in hospital for injuries including broken bones, Libyan officials said. Dutch officials say 61 of their nationals were killed.
The BBC's Rana Jawad in Tripoli says it was not clear whether the plane was on the runway when it crashed, but people at the airport told her they could not see the plane.

One survivor
Afriqiyah Airways said 58 Dutch passengers, six South Africans, two Britons, two Libyans, two Austrians, one German, one French national and one Zimbabwean were on board.
The nationalities of 19 other passengers has not yet been confirmed but the airline said the 11 crew were all Libyan.
A statement on the airline's website said: "Afriqiyah Airways confirms as per the information received from the Libyan authorities the death of the 103 passengers on board flight 8U771 from Johannesburg to Tripoli May 12, 2010. Only one survived the accident (a Dutch child)."
The Foreign Office said Afriqiyah Airways Flight 8U771 from Johannesburg had been due to land at 0610 local time (0410 GMT) and the plane crashed close to the airport.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "Libyan officials have informed us that Afriqiyah Flight 8U771 from Johannesburg crashed at Tripoli International Airport.
"Afriqiyah Airways have set up a helpline for those concerned about relatives."

News.bbc.co.uk

Woman With No Arms Aims For Black Belt

A US woman who was born without arms or kneecaps is hoping to gain her black belt in taekwondo.
Sheila Radziewicz is to take her test next month at Bruce McCorry's Martial Arts in New York State, reports the Salem News.

The 32-year-old brown belt, who was born with TAR syndrome, has been training in martial arts for three years.

Ms Radziewicz, who lives in Salem and works as an advocate for victims of domestic violence, said she has never let her disability stop her.
"I grew up with the phrase, "The impossible only takes a little longer"," she said. "They never let me say I couldn't. They told me that I could." Her training is adapted to accommodate her limitations.

"They show me the regular form, and when we get to a point where I can't do it, we find a way to change it," she said.

Mr McCorry, her teacher, said he had never seen a student like Ms Radziewicz. Despite her condition, she can use nunchucks and break boards with her kicks.

"She is a very motivating person for myself," he said. "There are no excuses, in other words."- Courtesy of orange.co

BruDirect.Com 

Between Japan and America: time, space and remembrance

By RAY TSUCHIYAMA

Special to The Japan Times

About a century ago, my grandfather departed economically depressed Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu for Hawaii, followed by my grandmother. Then came the birth of two sons, the younger my father, on the island of Maui.

My grandfather believed that his children's futures would benefit from a schooling in Japan in that open-minded Taisho Era (1912-26), so at age 4 my father and his older brother were sent back across the Pacific to live in Kumamoto.

Fast-forward a century, and on a fall day in New York City last year, my wife and I accompanied our daughter as she moved into a college dormitory with 550 other women. When we left her that day, it was with mixed and tearful emotions that we returned on a 13-hour flight to Tokyo.

A day later, and by then 11,000 km apart, we made our first Skype video call with our daughter. My wife burst into tears when she saw our daughter's face on the screen. We quizzed her on her courses, her meals, and whether she was warm enough or not (she was).

During our Tokyo mornings we would exchange text messages with our daughter until she fell asleep, then pick up where we left off after our dinner, when she awakened. After a couple of weeks of continuous grilling like FBI interrogators, we probably knew more about what she was doing on the other side of the world than we did about all of our Tokyo friends.

In contrast, once the ship carrying her two sons disappeared over the shimmering blue horizon, my grandmother never knew how long she would wait to meet them again. Letters took months to arrive, if at all; a trans-Pacific telegram probably cost a week's wages to send. Then, when my grandmother's third son was born in Maui, she must have cried silently for joy when he was not sent to Japan; it is absolutely forgivable that, as the third son, he was spoiled by his parents throughout his idyllic childhood.

Nowadays, though, with cell phones, e-mail and Skype, we receive daily updates of our daughter's new adventures in New York (saw Jude Law in "Hamlet" on Broadway! Went to a Halloween parade in Greenwich Village!). In fact, we are insatiable for more details; her recounting of new friends met and reporting on changing foliage hues in Central Park.

Struggling in an unfamiliar, blazing- hot sugar-plantation town in Maui, my grandmother's loss of two sons must have weighed upon her daily — even though the pre-World War II population of Maui was nearly half made up of Japanese immigrants. During her daily manual labors she spoke Japanese to her coworkers; imported Japanese rice and condiments such as miso and soy sauce were plentiful — and there were even Japanese silent movies (with benshi narrators speaking all the parts). But her boys were absent, and she would miss every birthday, every school sports day and, in fact, their entire childhoods.

In the early 1930s my grandfather, whose life's ambition was to return to Japan as an overseas success, died unexpectedly, triggering my father and uncle's homecoming to Maui, their American birthplace, in the then Territory of Hawaii. How emotional and bittersweet a reunion it must have been, since my grandmother had long dreamed of being with her boys, though their return was due to my grandfather's passing.

Ironically, if my grandfather had lived, my father would have graduated from an Imperial high school, then would probably have been drafted into military service in Manchuria. He likely would not have survived the war (and I would not exist). Instead, my father's abrupt return to Maui set his life on an American trajectory: learning English from scratch; studying auto-mechanics in Detroit when the Pearl Harbor attack occurred in December 1941; then volunteering for the U.S. Army and being sent to Europe — and then to Japan when the Korean War broke out in 1950. Afterwards came his marriage to my mother, from Hokkaido — and I was born.

My own trajectory would move our family to Japan from Hawaii when my daughter, born, like my father, in Hawaii, was barely 8 months old. It would culminate with her entrance to that New York college last fall.

My grandmother would have smiled at our incessant communications with our daughter; by using new technologies we had magically availed ourselves of shortcuts through time and space. She would add that we were oya-baka, or overbearing, crazy parents — which is true. Then her head would drop and her eyes close, as she realized her irrevocable sense of loss.

Ray Tsuchiyama is a member of the President's International Advisory Committee of Barnard College at Columbia University in New York. He recently lectured at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Californis, and formerly headed the Japan office of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

Japantimes.co 

Ramli Sarip Soft edge to hard rocker

2010/05/06
NURSHUHADA RAMLI

Rocker Ramli Sarip has a heart for the less fortunate. That’s why he’s holding concerts in aid of a charity fighting hunger and poverty, writes BIBI NURSHUHADA RAMLI

He may be a hard rocker but there is a softer, serene side to Ramli Sarip.

This was evident at a recent press conference when Ramli, one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent performers, shared his affinity for nature and humanitarian causes.

“Sometimes during my walks, I notice oddly-shaped tree branches, as if someone designed them that way,” Ramli says in his signature raw, gritty voice.

“I also love to look at the moon. When it is still in the clear night sky, or when it dances between the clouds, it’s mystical and more beautiful.” He continues: “ When birds chirp, it sounds like they’re trying to tell me something.

“As a lover of Mother Nature, it is imperative to interpret her and share it with others, which I do through my songs and music.” This he will do in a concert titled Tafsiran Alam: Wisdom Of Nature on Monday and Tuesday nights at the Petronas Philharmonic Hall (DFP) at 8.30pm.

They will give an overview of Ramli’s four-decade career in music and celebrate his philosophy of life.

The concerts will benefit Muslim Aid Malaysia Humanitarian Foundation, of which Ramli is the ambassador.

The audience will see the diversity of Ramli’s work as songwriter, singer, arranger and producer — from his years with rock group Sweet Charity to when he was “Papa Rock”, and finally to world music. In 2008, Ramli was a guest performer at Khadijah Ibrahim’s concert held at the same venue.

“When young, I loved following my father around as he initiated funds for local mosques and sports teams. So I learned a lot from him.” During Sweet Charity’s early years, Ramli did not forget his father’s charitable works. He supported the National Kidney Foundation, organisations for the blind and old folks homes and the building of mosques.

“In 1987, I released a solo album called Perjalanan Hidup. I think I was the first local artiste to place a logo with the words “Beware Of Drugs” on an album cover,” he says.

Ramli was also involved with Mercy Malaysia when he went to Aceh after the tsunami in 2004. He and some 50 other artistes, took part in the Ribut Damai concert to raise funds for the victims.

“It gives me great satisfaction to be able to help in some way, regardless of race or religion of the victims.” Since the concerts will be held at the DFP, his repertoire will be featuring orchestral sounds. There’ll be a string section for half of the songs. “Some songs will have an ethnic sound, while the rest will have a rock touch. Then everybody will be happy,” he says with a laugh. He worked hard to select the repertoire. There are many songs that have not been performed in public before, while the rest are all-time favourites.

Ramli also says that 80 per cent of his songs are his interpretation of nature and his connection with God.

One of the two new songs is based on a poem, Nyanyian Cinta, written by Pian Habib. Ramli composed the melody and the poem is now a song titled Kekasihku, the theme song for Muslim Aid. The other new song is also from a poem — Ziarah — by Zainal Abidin Ahmad who drew inspiration for this work when he was in Africa.

Ramli will have two guest artistes for his concerts. They are veteran singer of Malay music Andre Goh (Monday) and talented singer Misha Omar (Tuesday). Goh and Ramli go way back to the latter’s days with Sweet Charity. Then, the group performed in Singapore alongside singers such as DJ Dave and Goh.

Composer and arranger Eddie Marzuki is the musical director leading 17 musicians from Malaysia and Singapore. The band includes Man Kidal and Mohd Rafi on guitars, Din Safari (bass), Tom Anuar (drums) and Kudin (keyboards). The band also highlights a string sextet.

Muslim Aid, founded by British singer Yusuf Islam, is an international charity organisation aimed at eradicating world hunger and poverty.

Tickets are priced at RM80, RM120, RM150 and RM180. Call DFP at 03-2051 7007 or visit dfp.com.my.

“Some songs will have an ethnic sound, while the rest will have a rock touch. Then everybody will be happy,” ­– Ramli Sarip

Original title: Soft edge to hard rocker NST

Teratai by Ramli Sarip during his day with Sweet Charity
 
cekguarun — March 02, 2007 — Sweet Charity Reunion in Konsert Sejuta Wajah

Turtle Shell turn to Musical Instruments

Published on: Sunday, May 09, 2010

Kota Kinabalu: Almost every visit to Sabah Museum's Heritage Village during the ongoing Sabah Fest 2010 seems to yield surprising new cultural elements. The latest "bomb shell" has to be the use of turtle shells as musical instruments - a string of eight shells in the kulintangang of the Paluan, a sub Murutic tribe that hails from Sook.
Everybody in the kulintangang fraternity uses brass but the Paluan use the land (forest) turtle shell and this sets them apart.

For the Daily Express which has been reporting extensively on cultural matters, seeing a turtle-shell kulintangang was also our first.
And the only reason we got to know this was because of Judeth John Baptiste, Assistant Senior Research Curator. Most visitors who venture into the Murut replica house would come away missing this specific piece of information, for two reasons.

First, the Paluan group won't tell anybody because to them there is nothing unusual since this is an age-old tradition going back how long nobody seems to know.
Secondly, the guys beating the kulintangang for the frontline dancers are placed right at the dark background behind the lansaran trampoline platform.
One more surprise. Instead of using the carapace (upper side of turtle shell), they literally turn-turtle by beating the plastron (lower shell which covers turtle belly) instead.
For what reason we don't quite know but they certainly arrange shells of varying sizes to produce the desired tune variants, noted Judeth.
Today (Sunday May 9) is the last day to see this living heritage at the Heritage Village in conjunction with the Sabah Fest 2010.
Watch them also perform their Amamutus - a healing ritual (10.30am & 3pm).


Look out also for the Bajau Kubang mock wedding which is quite a dramatic sight especially the groom carrying procession trailed by gift bearing maidens (11am & 4pm).
The Papar KadazanDusun are also on hand at the Dusun lotud House to perform the Moddsurung doh Tuhunan - a traditional appeasing the river spirit ritual.
At the Tambunan House, the friendly and hospitable Nabai, a sub-Murut group from Keningau will also do a lot of dancing plus the Moguripas - a traditional healing ritual.
But one of the most popular destinations would be certainly the Rungus longhouse where visitors can see priestesses wearing outrageous traditional leg and neck brass coils, as they perform the moginum, a traditional household cleansing ritual.
But hurry, May 9 is the last day for this year's authentic living heritage demo from real ethnic groups brought in from their remote home villages.

Original title: Turtle shell orchestraDailyexpress

Cheng Ho

By Matt Rosenberg, About.com Guide

Decades before Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in search of a water route to Asia, the Chinese were exploring the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific with seven voyages of the "Treasure Fleet" that solidified Chinese control over much of Asia in the 15th century. The Treasure Fleets were commanded by a powerful eunuch admiral named Cheng Ho. Cheng Ho was born around 1371 in China's southwestern Yunan Province (just north of Laos) with the name Ma Ho. Ma Ho's father was a Muslim hajji (who had made a pilgrimage to Mecca) and the family name of Ma was used by Muslims in representation of the word Mohammed.

When Ma Ho was ten years old (around 1381), he was captured along with other children when the Chinese army invaded Yunan to take control over the region. At the age of 13 he was castrated, as were other young prisoners, and he was placed as a servant in the household of the Chinese Emperor's fourth son (out of twenty-six total sons), Prince Zhu Di.
Ma Ho proved himself to be an exceptional servant to Prince Zhu Di. He became skilled in the arts of war and diplomacy and served as an officer of the prince. Zhu Di renamed Ma Ho as Cheng Ho because the eunuch's horse was killed in battle outside of a place called Zhenglunba. (Cheng Ho is also Zheng He in the newer Pinyin transliteration of Chinese but he's still most commonly called Cheng Ho). Cheng Ho was also known as San Bao which means "three jewels."
Cheng Ho, who was said to have been seven feet tall, was given greater power when Zhu Di became emperor in 1402. One year later, Zhu Di appointed Cheng Ho admiral and ordered him to oversee the construction of a Treasure Fleet to explore the seas surrounding China. Admiral Cheng Ho was the first eunuch appointed to such a high military position in China.

First Voyage (1405-1407)

The first Treasure Fleet consisted of 62 ships; four were huge wood boats, some of the largest ever built in history. They were approximately 400 feet (122 meters) long and 160 feet (50 meters) wide. The four were the flagships of the fleet of 62 ships assembled at Nanjing along the Yangtze (Chang) River. Included in the fleet were 339-foot (103-meter) long horse ships that carried nothing but horses, water ships that carried fresh water for the crew, troop transports, supply ships, and war ships for offensive and defensive needs. The ships were filled with thousands of tons of Chinese goods to trade with others during the voyage. In the fall of 1405 the fleet was ready to embark with 27,800 men. The fleet utilized the compass, invented in China in the 11th century, for navigation. Graduated sticks of incense were burned to measure time. One day was equal to 10 "watches" of 2.4 hours each. Chinese navigators determine latitude through monitoring the North Star (Polaris) in the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Cross in the Southern Hemisphere. The ships of the Treasure Fleet communicated with one another through the use of flags, lanterns, bells, carrier pigeons, gongs, and banners.
The destination of the first voyage of the Treasure Fleet was Calicut, known as a major trading center on the southwestern coast of India. India was initially "discovered" by Chinese overland explorer Hsuan-Tsang in the seventh century. The fleet stopped in Vietnam, Java, and Malacca, and then headed west across the Indian Ocean to Sri Lanka and Calicut and Cochin (cities on the southwest coast of India). They remained in India to barter and trade from late 1406 to the spring of 1407 when they utilized the monsoon shift to sail toward home. On the return voyage, the Treasure Fleet was forced to battle pirates near Sumatra for several months. Eventually Cheng Ho's men managed to capture the pirate leader and take him to the Chinese capital Nanjing, arriving in 1407.

Second Voyage (1407-1409)

A second voyage of the Treasure Fleet departed on a return trip to India in 1407 but Cheng Ho did not command this voyage. He remained in China to oversee the repair of a temple at the birthplace of a favorite goddess. The Chinese envoys on board helped to ensure the power of a king of Calicut. The fleet returned in 1409.

Third Voyage (1409-1411)

The fleet's third voyage (Cheng Ho's second) from 1409 to 1411 consisted of 48 ships and 30,000 men. It followed closely the route of the first voyage but the Treasure Fleet established entrepots (warehouses) and stockades along their route to facilitate trade and storage of goods. On the second voyage the King of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) was aggressive; Cheng Ho defeated the king's forces and captured the king to take him to Nanjing.

Continue reading from the source

Earth Day - Places to Remember before Disappear

The Newsweek has released a list of 100 famous spots in its latest issue and predicted all of them might disappear because of global warming and tremendous changes of geography.

The most famous of them are:

Bering Sea, Russia and U.S. (Photo Source: huanqiu.com)

The Bering Sea provides almost half the seafood caught in the U.S. and is also home to sea lions, walruses, polar bears, endangered whales, and more than 30 species of seabird. Warming up of the oceans has severely impacted the biodiversity in this region. The ice laver in the northern part has already reduced now than just a few decades ago, and it melts earlier.

Sulu-Sulawesi Sea (Photo Source: huanqiu.com)

The Sulu-Sulawesi Sea, with neighboring Indonesian Seas and South China Sea, lies at the center of the world's tropical marine biodiversity. The coral ecosystems here are some of the most diverse on Earth, with more than 450 species of scleractinian, or stony, corals -- compared to 50 in the Caribbean and approximately 200 in the western Indian Ocean.

Encircled by three populous, developing nations, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia, the Sea and its adjacent coastal and terrestrial ecosystems support about 33 million people, most with subsistence livelihoods heavily reliant on their renewable natural resources. But these resources are being impacted severely by rapid population growth and over-fishing.

Rub' al Khali desert, Saudi Arabia (Photo Source: huanqiu.com)

The Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert, covering about 250,000 square miles (650,000 square km) in a structural basin lying mainly in southeastern Saudi Arabia, with lesser portions in Yemen, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. It is the largest area of continuous sand in the world. It occupies more than one-quarter of Saudi Arabia.

For several centuries, the Bedouin communities have been the only people with the skills to survive in Rub al-Khali's wild desert. They raise livestock with the local vegatation. But the ecological systemhere is very fragile due to the surging temperature.

Indus River, Pakistan (Photo Source: huanqiu.com)
The Indus River derives from the glaciers of Himalaya and is more than 3,000 kilometers long. It breeds the forests, plates and villages along the way, which makes it become the most important source of irrigation water.

The shrink of glaciers and irregular changes of rainfall could intensify the problem of local water shortage.

Islands of Komodo, Indonesia (Photo Source: huanqiu.com)

The islands of Komodo in Indonesia is best-known for its clear sea and multitudinous tropical marine life, which makes it become the Mecca of global divers. What more famous on Komodo is the largest lizard in the world -- Komodo Dragon.

The rising of sea level has already threatened the existence of the costal mangrove and beach. Meanwhile, the acidification and temperature changes of sea water might kill the coral around the islands.

Maldives (Photo Source: huanqiu.com)

Maldives is an archipelago country, which consists of 1,200 islands, in the Indian Ocean. It is best-known for its picturesque scenery:　White beach, swaying palm trees, colorful corals and abundant sunshine.

80 percent of average elevation of Maldives is lower than one meter. If the sea level keeps on rising for global climate change, this beautiful paradise might disappear underneath the sea water sooner or later.

Panama Canal, Panama (Photo Source: huanqiu.com)

When Panama Canal opened in 1914, it revolutionized the history of shipping by providing an alternative to the southern route around Cape Horn. About 4 percent of yearly world trade now passes through the canal. Due to 26-meter-high altitude difference between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, raising and lowering ships require vast amounts of increasingly scarce fresh water. Shortages have forced several closures in recent years.

Chacaltaya, Bolivia (Photo Source: huanqiu.com)

This snow-covered peak of 5425-meter-high Chacaltaya towers over than La Paz, the Bolivian capital.

The Chacaltaya Glacier has existed for more than 18,000 years. Its melting water is the important water resource for residents in La Paz. But in the past 20 years, the volume of the Chacaltaya Glacier has reduced 80 percent. With temperatures expected to continue to rise, the glacier could eventually disappear completely.


Columbia River, U.S. (Photo Source: huanqiu.com)

Forming much of the border between the states of Oregon and Washington, the Columbia River is the largest North American river, by volume, that flows into the Pacific Ocean. Every year, salmons hatch in the river, migrate downstream to the Pacific Ocean. After growing up, they will return against the current to breed. To meet with needs of electric energy, people construct dam on the Columbia River, which severely threatens the existence of salmons. Meanwhile, as the rising temperatures, salmons will face more challenges.

Trinidad, Cuba (Photo Source: huanqiu.com)

The town of Trinidad is renowned for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architectures. It has been declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Including Trinidad, the whole Cuba lies in the path of hurricanes, which always threaten the safety of local residents and colonial architectures. Now the Cubans are making efforts on reinforce buildings against more severe storms.

Explore hundreds more photos of the places should be remembered from all over the world from my source:
http://search.news.cn/language/search.jspa?id=en&t=1&t1=0&ss=&ct=&n1=Places+to+remember+before+they+disappear+&x=31&y=16

Alcohol drinking during pregnancy raise risk of acute myeloid leukemia in children

LOS ANGELES, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Drinking alcohol during pregnancy could lead to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in children, a new study suggests.

Researchers at the Research Center for Human Nutrition (RCHN) in France based their findings on analysis of 21 case control studies.

The study was published in the latest issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

The study results showed that alcohol intake during pregnancy, defined as a response to a yes or no question, was associated with a 56 percent increased risk of AML in children.

The risk of AML was higher in children up to 4 years old at diagnosis, according to the study.

"Despite the current recommendation that pregnant women should not drink alcohol during pregnancy, alcohol consumption during pregnancy is 12 percent in the United States, 30 percent in Sweden, 52 percent in France, 59 percent in Australia and 60 percent in Russia," said Latino-Martel, research director of the RCHN.

Julie Ross, Ph.D., director of the division of pediatric epidemiology and clinical research at the University of Minnesota, said there are about 700 cases of AML in the United States in children each year.

"It's quite rare, so we want to be careful about worrying parents too much," said Ross, who was not involved in the study, but is an editorial board member of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers& Prevention.

She said these findings should strengthen the public health recommendation against alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Editor: yan
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/health/2010-05/08/c_13282515.htm

The Mosque of Djenne, Mali

Paradise Found: A Documentary on Islamic Architecture and Art
shakirshuvo — March 10, 2007

                                                           The Mosque of Djenne, Mali

Djenné, the oldest known city in sub-Saharan Africa is situated on the floodlands of the Niger and Bani rivers, 354 kilometers (220 miles) southwest of Timbuktu. Founded by merchants around 800 AD (near the site of an older city dating from 250BC), Djenné flourished as a meeting place for traders from the deserts of Sudan and the tropical forests of Guinea. Captured by the Songhai emperor Sonni 'Ali in 1468, it developed into Mali's most important trading center during the 16th century. The city thrived because of its direct connection by river with Timbuktu and from its situation at the head of trade routes leading to gold and salt mines. Between 1591 and 1780, Djenné was controlled by Moroccan kings and during these years its markets further expanded, featuring products from throughout the vast regions of North and Central Africa. In 1861 the city was conquered by the Tukulor emperor al-Hajj 'Umar and was then occupied by the French in 1893. Thereafter, its commercial functions were taken over by the town of Mopti, which is situated at the confluence of the Niger and Bani rivers, 90 kilometers to the northeast. Djenné is now an agricultural trade center, of diminished importance, with several beautiful examples of Muslim architecture, including its Great Mosque.
In addition to its commercial importance, Djenné, continue reading from the source

The Great Mosque of Djenné is the largest mud brick building in the world and is considered by many architects to be the greatest achievement of the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style, albeit with definite Islamic influences.
The Great Mosque is located in the city of Djenné, Mali on the flood plain of the Bani River. The first mosque on the site was built in the 13th century, but the current structure dates from 1907. As well as being the centre of the community of Djenné, it is one of the most famous landmarks in Africa. Along with the entire city of Djenné it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988.

History

The Great Mosque is unusual among West African mosques in that its site was not sacred prior to its establishment — the location was previously occupied by a palace. Other mosques were built on the same locations as conical, mud-brick or stone spires representing the protective spirits of ancestors. Some scholars of Islamic architecture, such as Labelle Prussin, believe that these conical spires were integrated into the design of mosques throughout Mali, and point to the Great Mosque as the most prominent example.
The site has been the location of a mosque since the original building was commissioned by Koi Kunboro in 1240, before Djenné emerged as a major city of the empires of Mali and later Songhai. Amadou Lobbo, who conquered Djenné during the Tukulor War, ordered the original mosque demolished in 1834. He considered the original structure, which had been modified from a palace, to be too lavish. The only portion of the original building that still survives is an enclosure containing the graves of local leaders. A re-creation of the original was completed in 1896 but was subsequently demolished to make way for the current structure.
continue reading from the source

Lieutenant Adnan bin Saidi - Unforgettable Muslim Warrior

Adnan bin Saidi, (1915 - 14 February 1942), was a Malayan soldier of the 1st Infantry Brigade which fought the Japanese in the Battle of Singapore. He is regarded by Malaysians and Singaporeans today as a hero for his actions on Bukit Chandu.

  
Personal life
Adnan was born at Kajang, Selangor and was a Muslim of Minangkabau descent. He was the eldest in his whole family. His younger siblings, Ahmad Saidi and Amarullah Saidi, were soldiers as well. Ahmad was killed in action after his ship, HMS Pelanduk, was sunk by the Japanese en route to Australia. Amarullah survived the war and he now resides in Kajang, Selangor.
Adnan was married to wife Sophia Pakir, an Islamic religious teacher. She died in 1949. They had two sons and a daughter, who died soon after birth. Their sons, Mokhtar and Zainudin Adnan now live in Seremban and Johore respectively.

Adnan bin Saidi
1915 – 14 February 1942
Place of birth	Kajang, Selangor
Place of death	Pasir Panjang, Singapore
Allegiance	Royal Malay Regiment
Years of service	1933 - 1942
Rank	2nd Lieutenant
Unit	7th Platoon, C Company, 1st Malay Brigade
Battles/wars	Battle of Pasir Panjang
Awards	Best recruit in the Malay Regiment (3 British medals)

“

My father did not talk a lot. He was a firm man and believed in discipline. He was always serious and fierce… yet had a good heart. There seemed to be a ‘light’ illuminating his face. - Mokhtar, Adnan's son

”

  
Battle of Pasir Panjang
Adnan led a 42-strong platoon from the Malay Regiment in the defense of Singapore against the invading Japanese. The soldiers fought at the Battle of Pasir Panjang, at Pasir Panjang Ridge in the Bukit Chandu (Opium Hill) area on 12 February-14, 1942. Although heavily outnumbered, Adnan refused to surrender and urged his men to fight until the end. They held off the Japanese for two days amid heavy enemy shelling and shortages of food and ammunition. Adnan was shot but carried on fighting. After the battle was lost, the wounded Adnan was taken prisoner by Japanese soldiers, who tied him to a cherry tree and bayoneted him to death.
Because of his actions Adnan is currently considered by Malaysians and Singaporeans today as a hero. In their textbooks, he is also credited as the soldier who caught the disguised "Indian troops" marching error in four abreast (Japanese marching style) instead of a line of three (British style of marching).^[1][2][3][4]
When Singapore surrendered, the Japanese Kempeitai attempted but failed to find and murder Adnan's family in revenge.
Kent Ridge Park, close to the site of the battle, now bears a plaque in commemoration of Lt Adnan Bin Saidi. A museum at Bukit Chandu stands in memory of the bravery of Malay Regiment soldiers. This regiment would later become the Royal Malay Regiment of the Royal Malaysian Army.
The Malaysian version of the Turkish-designed ACV-300 infantry fighting vehicle currently in service with the Malaysian Army was given the name "Adnan" in honour of Lt. Adnan.
  
Portrayal in film
Adnan was portrayed by actor Hairie Othman in the 2000 film Leftenan Adnan. He was also portrayed by an unknown Malay actor in the TV series A War Diary. Aaron Aziz is the latest actor to have portrayed him in Life Story, which also covers his personal life.^[5]
  
References

1. Lieutenant Adnan bin Saidi and The Malay Regiment
2. A bit of history: 13 February 1942; The Battle of Pasir Panjang
3. History Blog
4. The Battle at Pasir Panjang (Singapore)
5. Life Story, Channel 5 2006-09-12. Retrieved on 2007-09-18.

From: wikipedia.org-wiki-Adnan_bin_Saidi 

Lieutenant Adnan bin Saidi and The Malay Regiment

The Unforgettable History

Between 13 and 14 February 1942, Singapore witnessed one of its fiercest battles ever known in her history. Amongst those who fought valiantly in that Battle for Pasir Panjang and lost their lives was a 27 year-old infantry officer, Lieutenant Adnan bin Saidi. Adnan Saidi and his 42-man contingent from the 1st and 2nd Battalion of the Malay Regiment fought fearlessly to defend Pasir Panjang Ridge. The ferocious fight put up by the Malay Regiment came for special mention in Lieutenant General A.E. Percival’s Despatch on the Operations of Malaya Command from 8th December 1941 to 15th February 1942.

Mentioned by Major General A.E. Percival (GOC Malaya 1941/42), from foreword to 'The Malay Regiment of 1933-1947' which was published in 1947 by Mubin C. Sheppard;- "When the war broke out in the Far East(Southeast Asia), the regiment was in process of expansion. In consequence, like many other units of our Imperial Force, (it) was not fully prepared for the ordeal which it was to face. Nevertheless, these young and untried soldiers acquitted themselves in the way which bore comparision with the very best troops in Malaya. In particular, by their stubborn defence of the Pasir Panjang Ridge at the height of the Battle of Singapore, they set an example of steadfastness and endurance which will become a great tradition in the Regiment and an inspiration for the future generations."

"After two hours of heavy shelling and mortaring, the Japanese attacked the Malay Regiment which was holding Pasir Panjang Ridge. The latter fought magnificently, but suffered heavy casualties, and by afternoon the enemy had reached the Gap (Pasir Panjang Ridge)…"

At this historic site, Singapore’s last stand for defence was made in an epic 48-hours battle, culminating in the only (recorded) fiery hand-to-hand combat against the Japanese Army.

Early Days in Malaya

Born 1915 at Kampung Sungei Ramal, Kajang, Selangor, Lt. Adnan Saidi was the eldest in his family. His younger siblings, Ahmad Saidi and Amarullah Saidi were soldiers too. Ahmad Saidi was killed in action after he joined the navy in 1939. The Japanese sank his ship, the HMS Pelanduk, enroute to Australia. The younger Mr. Amarullah Saidi survived the war and is now retired and resides in Kajang, Selangor.

Lt. Adnan Saidi received his education in Pekan Sungei Ramal in the English medium. He was a diligent student and excelled in his studies. Upon graduation, Adnan was chosen to be a trainee teacher and taught at his alma mater for over a year. Fate however had other plans for him. A firm man who took discipline seriously, Adnan Saidi chose instead to pursue the military vocation.

In 1933, when he was 18 years old, Adnan Saidi joined the Malay Regiment. A year later, he was chosen as best recruit. In 1936, Adnan was promoted to the rank of Sergeant – a promotion that came fast for a bright young soldier. In 1937, he was chosen to represent his platoon in a military ceremonial parade in London to honour the ascension of King George VI to the throne. Shortly thereafter, Adnan Saidi was promoted yet again to Company-Sergeant-Major and headed for Singapore for an officers’ conversion course. Upon graduation as 2nd Lieutenant, Adnan Saidi became the leader of the 7th Platoon, ‘C’ Coy(Charlie Company).

The Family Man

Upon his return from London, Lieutenant Adnan Saidi married an Islamic religous teacher from his village. Madam Sophia Pakih Muda(name spelling's may not be precise) bore him three children: two sons, Mokhtar and Zainudin (now living in Seremban and Johore respectively), and a daughter. Youngest of the three siblings, the baby girl died in her early infancy shortly after Singapore fell.

Despite his hectic schedule as a career soldier, Lt. Adnan Saidi settled down quickly as a family man. He loved his boys and would always try to find time for his kids. He brought them for walks or played games with them. The games that he played with his boys were rough and rugged. Adnan wanted his sons to grow up tough. In an interview with Berita Harian (9 Sept `95), Mokhtar Adnan described his father as thus:

"My father did not talk a lot. He was a firm man and believed in discipline. He was always serious and fierce…yet had a good heart. There seemed to be a ‘light’ illuminating his face."

In late 1941, Lt. Adnan Saidi was posted to Singapore and brought with him his family. They lived in a big house off Pasir Panjang, in an area reserved for the families of the Malay Regiment. When the rumblings of the war grew nearer and the Japanese began preparations to invade Singapore, Lt. Adnan sent his family back to their hometown in Kajang. It was a trying day for Lt. Adnan - his wife, Sophia was carrying their third child. The young boys kissed their father’s hand and he reminded them to be good. It was to be their last time together.

The Battle of Pasir Panjang

The battle of Pasir Panjang is better known as the ‘Battle of Opium Hill’. Opium Hill or Bukit Chandu in Malay, was named after an opium-processing factory which used to be at the foot of the hill. Fierce fighting had preceded days earlier. The battle-hardened Japanese soldiers of the famed 25th Army had rapidly overwhelmed strategic defensive positions in Singapore. Opium Hill demarcated the final defence perimeter. It was a key defence position in Singapore for two strategic reasons: it overlooked the island of Singapore to the north and second, if the Japanese gained control of the ridge, it gave them direct passage to Alexandra area. The British Army had its main ammunition and supply depots, military hospital and other key installations situated there. The stout defence of the ridge was therefore critical at any costs.

The Malay Regiment soldiers started to fight the Japanese on Reformatary Road. They had dug slit trenches but they didn't have a lot of weapons. They started fighting the Japs just with rifles virtually. And when the Japanese broke through them, the Malays took to them with bayonets, they put bayonets on the rifles and with a bayonet charge they drove the Japanese back across Reformatory Road. They were very brave and they fought very hard. Moreover, for every Malay soldier there was about 10 or 12 Japanese soldiers.

The defence of the Pasir Panjang ridge had been entrusted to the Charlie Company(‘C’ Coy). ‘C’ Coy was part of the 1st and 2nd Malay regiment which made up the 1st Malay Infantry Brigade, the British 2nd Loyals Regiment and the 44th Indian Brigade. On February 13 1942, the crack Chrysanthemum Division of the Japanese Imperial Army under Lieutenant General Renya Mutaguchi turned their attention to the southern coastal part of Singapore - Pasir Panjang Ridge. On that morning, the ridge was heavily bombarded with aerial support, heavy mortar and artillery fire. ‘C’ Coy and Lt. Adnan Saidi were stationed at Pasir Panjang Village. The Japanese forces were forced to retreat in the face of stiff resistance from ‘C’ Coy. Adnan and his men had built a wall of defence for the Regiment in an area of highland, known as the Gap. Though greatly outnumbered, the Japanese troops under Major Kimura could not breach the Gap’s defence perimeter.

At midnight, 14 February 1942, ‘C’ Company received instructions to move to a new defence position - Point two two six(Pt.226), or Bukit Chandu. More soldiers were added to Adnan’s regiment – 42 in all. After a careful area survey, Lt. Adnan Saidi ordered his men to further strengthen their wall of defence with sandbags. The hill was surrounded with sandbags.

In the early afternoon of 14 February, the Japanese launched a sneak attack. From Pepys Road leading uphill to Pt.226, Adnan Saidi observed a contingent of "Sikh soldiers" from the British-Indian Army approaching. Distinguishing himself yet again, Lt. Adnan’s sharp eyes and quick mind noticed that something was amiss when he observed the troops in turbans, advancing in groups of fours instead the usual threes of the British Army. Seeing through the ruse, Lt. Adnan Saidi and his troops opened fire and mortally wounded about 20 soldiers at close range. The Japanese troops retreated.

Two hours later, the Japanese launched an all-out assault in great numbers. The attack overwhelmed Lt. Adnan Saidi and his troops. Greatly outnumbered and short on ammunition and supplies, the Malay Regiment fought its grisly battle to death.

The Death of a Patriot

Fierce fighting followed on Bukit Chandu(Opium Hill). All kinds of weapons was used, including grenades and automatic weapons. Lt. Adnan himself handled a Lewis gun. In many instances, the soldiers engaged in fierce hand-to-hand combat using their bayonets. Yet, they stood their ground frustrating their enemy. In the ensuing battle, men and officers fell. Adnan was mortally wounded yet refused to retreat and instead emboldened his men to fight to the last. It was this disregard of danger that inspired the company to stand up gallantly.

Tan Sri Dato’ Mubin Sheppard, an ex-officer and former POW, says of his friend the late Lieutenant Adnan:

"He was heavily outnumbered by the Japanese…they bombed him but he fought on fiercely and inflicted heavy losses on them…. Adnan would have never surrendered under any circumstances. He was absolutely dedicated. In fact, just before fighting, he adopted a motto for his platoon, ‘Biar putih tulang, jangan putih mata’ - death before dishonour."

Corporal Yaakob, who won a Medal of Gallant subsequently, was one of the few who survived Opium Hill. In the chaos of the battle, he fell and landed on top of the bodies of the dead soldiers. He escaped death by laying motionless amongst the pile of the dead bodies and witnessed the gruesome death of Adnan Saidi. The triumphant enemies captured Lt. Adnan. Angered by his fierce battle resistance, the platoon leader was dragged and pushed into a gunnysack. The Japanese soldiers then hung him by his legs on a cherry tree. Angered by the death of their fellow comrades, the Japanese bayoneted him again and again. In some instances, his throat was slit repeatedly. In Corporal Yaakob’s state of ‘death’, he witnessed these gruesome deeds. In the aftermath of the battle, no one was allowed to bring down his body for burial. No one dared. Some sources claimed that Lt. Adnan Saidi's mutilated body was burnt to ashes.

Years later, Haji Burhan Muslim, who had lived along Bukit Chandu, recalled going up the hill with his cousin few days after the battle. In one of the white bungalows that stood on the hill at Pepys Lane, he witnessed the dismembered bodies of Malay soldiers everywhere. In one of the rooms, laid the body of a Malay soldier. His throat had been slit several times. His uniform was soaked with blood. Judging from the badges he had on his uniform, Haji Burhan believed that he was a high-ranking officer. He felt that the body could have been that of Lt. Adnan Saidi.

The Nightmare Continued

Lieutenant Adnan’s family was informed of his death through a telegram. A few days earlier, Madam Sophia had delivered their third child. Shortly thereafter, the baby girl passed away.

The nightmare did not end there for Lt. Adnan’s family. The Japanese began hunting down his family. A neighbour had warned that the Japanese were looking for Adnan Saidi's family. They were to be killed too. Worried that the Japanese would be able to track down his family, Mr. Amarullah Saidi had to give away his brother’s photographs and belongings. No one dared to keep Lt. Adnan’s belongings. Today, the only things of his father which Mokhtar Saidi has are three medals which were awarded to Adnan by the British.

In 1949, Madam Sophia became ill and passed away. Her sons were fostered out.

War Memorial

In 1995, a war memorial plaque at Vigilante Drive, Kent Ridge Park, was erected to honour the fighting spirit and patriotism of Lt. Adnan Saidi and his Malay Brigade.

Some however felt that the site of the plaque was not the exact spot of the battle. Haji Burhan Muslim, a former resident of Bukit Chandu, believes that the actual battle took place a kilometre away from Kent Ridge Park.

The heroic patriotism of Lieutenant Adnan bin Saidi and his Malay Infantry Brigade will be hard to forget. Those spirits will be our common memories of the past and an inspiration for our future generations.
May ALLAH forgives their sins and makes them rest in peace till Day of Judgement.. Amin..
All praise and thanks are due to ALLAH s.w.t., and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Rasulullah s.a.w.
Amin.. Ya Rabbal Al Amin..

 

This Article owned by Singnet.com.sg-nainz-malayregiment

 

The Vogue of hijab by N-ti

By HASSNA’A MOKHTAR, HASSNAA.MOKHTAR@ARABNEWS.COM

Published: Apr 28, 2010 16:51 Updated: Apr 28, 2010 18:00

N-ti — the Arabic pronoun meaning “you” — was chosen as a brand name by Dikra Ait Nancere for her practical, yet fashionable hijab designs that cater to the modern Muslim woman in Montreal, Canada.

Nancere, who is of Canadian-Moroccan origin, says that the hijab exists everywhere in the world and each country has its own unique style. “There’s the Saudi, Moroccan, Egyptian and Canadian style hijab,” says the 29-year-old CEO of N-ti.
However, the Canadian market only has heavily-embroidered cloaks available, she says. “There is a lack of casual, practical and everyday clothes for Muslim Canadian women.”
As a result, she decided to design casual Muslim clothes in her basement in 2007. She invited friends and formed a focus group to get their feedback on the designs she had created.
“They liked the idea and I saw that there’s business potential. Indeed, there was. In May 2008, she celebrated the grand opening of N-ti’s first boutique for trendy and simple Islamic clothing.
Nancere says that there are many working Muslim women in Montreal. As a result, she wants to provide them with a variety of clothing options. “I’m obliged to provide choices for working women that are also practical for their jobs,” she says.
Her success didn’t come easy, however, as she faced financial difficulties and branding problems after listing her store as a shop for Islamic clothing. “There are plenty of Islamic stores that sell food, groceries and books; however, it’s the first time that an Islamic clothing store was established in Montreal,” says Nancere.
Nevertheless, the hurdles didn’t discourage her. Close family and friends generously donated sums of money to help her and her brand, N-ti. And, in 2009, she started her own company, N-ti Inc. with the help of her husband.  “It was very risky, but I know now that it was a good decision,” she says.
Within a year, N-ti was already preparing its third collection of spring and summer couture — not just for customers to buy from the boutique, but also for models to display on the catwalk.
The clothing collection titled, “Wind of Sand,” was displayed in N-ti’s first organized fashion show gala on April 3 in Montreal. The show — which will become a regular event — showcased trendy and simple hijab couture.
Non-Muslim French Canadian models wore loose trendy pants, long-sleeved, funky shirts and colorful head scarves, along with chic accessories and bags. Fashion models — Audrey Gueria, Elsa Desloges and Mariam — described the experience as very interesting.
“I come from the suburbs, so by participating in the show, I had the chance to learn about a new culture. It was very interesting,” said Audrey.
Elsa said that the choice of colors went very well with the spring and summer collection. “Modeling the clothes was a very interesting experience, especially that we’re not used to wearing long pants and loose fitting clothes,” she said.
The ladies walked the catwalk while Islamic music for artists like Outlandish and Sami Yusuf played in the background. Olita, the DJ, was occupied with her music, yet she caught glimpses of what she described as “an amazing and beautiful presentation.”
Olita had no idea what to expect and wanted to choose appropriate lyrics. She said she was challenged and had to call up her Arab friends to ask for their advice. “It was an honor to deejay for this event and I loved that it was women-focused,” says Olita. “The audience was very supportive and attentive, and I would absolutely do it again.”
Shaima Mahmoud, a 33-year-old banker, said the fashion show was a successful event. “N-ti is definitely for active women and mothers who seek elegance while remaining modest. It shows that we, as Muslims, can have our own style too,” said Mahmoud.
What is the future like for N-ti? Nancere says she is working to make her own franchise — a process that requires a lot of legal work.
“I’d like to open a store in Toronto in a year from today,” she says. “My dream is to have a store in each big city.”
Interested in N-ti’s couture?
Visit www.n-ti.com or call (+1)514-748-9333

 Original title: N-ti: The Vogue of hijab
Arabnews.com-lifestyle