An Edited Version of THE ROADSHOW DOWN MEMORY LANE WITH USAF '77

This project was originally meant to be in conjunction with Aidilfitri 2015, but now in addition to my roadshow then and continual changes, the USAF '77 roadshow project as it was, may now...
become fluid with editions, as those who've read earlier versions may now come to realize.

For starters and for the sake of all you interested readers out there, USAF '77 stands for Class of 1977 Upper Six Arts Four, a final year class in a sort of pre-university school from Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan, a state in the east of Peninsular Malaysia. This story, would be dedicated directly to my long, lost and found classmates.

Photos texted courtesy of Wan Aziz

By now, all you classmates would've had similar privy to what's coming, the only difference is, you wouldn't know what's happening with the other members of the group yet. And I'll bet you'd be wondering, what on earth would the outcome be.

Well let's put you guys, you great guys that is, out of misery (as if you actually were) by recalling my roadshow in its' entirety.

In the beginning, I thought it would be something quite far fetched, but in the end, I got to a place where I've pleasantly uncovered facts and fancies, beyond my imagination. It was something worth all the while, every minute of it, the preparation, anticipation, the sharing, and newfound knowledge at which I'd never thought existed, had you guys not cooperated.

Above all, you guys presented me with your time, no matter how busy you were, whilst some, provided me with invitation (or should I say 'self-invitation', hee hee) into your domain and family. And all that, I must say, could never be replicated, and forever I shall remain grateful.

Okay, enough with the mushy stuff and let's get down to business.

Before proceeding, let me clarify that the order of presentation on you guys, are at random (no order of importance) except according to my usual inherent ramblings (as always).

Outdoors indoors?

Here we have Suhaini, our 'big', but youngest member who's also a grandpa. Maybe Zurina could be the youngest, considering her birthday is in December, on the 28th. Yes?
Except that she's NOT in our chat group. So, we couldn't really send her annual birthday wishes, could we? Oh no! Now we've got no excuses for not sending an alternative greeting, since her birth date is globally published here. No? Yes? Oh well... we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Wouldn't we?

Suhaini with you-know-who

Hotel's lobby

But, coming back to Suhaini, he's had to build bridges to cross his rivers. And this time, he's got hundreds of 'millions' on his mind for his latest bridge, yet he can only cross but one river at a time.

Sometimes, crossing the river is not the answer? Just a thought.

This venue he invited me in, was a first for me. It wasn't there the last time I was in KL, which shows the time it has taken for me not to have been to that part of the world, and to think it was that neighborhood that I started my phase of life in marketing, which brought me full circle to that same area then, trying to start another phase of our lives, which perhaps could be the final chapter in this lifetime.

However, for Suhaini, this chapter in his lifetime, could be somewhat different than what he would've been through. This chapter could be one where what he'd been working on for most of his working life, would finally be in the stages of fruiting. I'm not saying that his fruit bearing stages haven't come of age before, it's just that the fruits could've turned sour or worst still, infested with worms that intruded at those final stages of fruiting. Such are the tribulations of a businessman who deals in hundreds of millions, what more billions. Ask him and I'll bet he'd say, "Been there, done that".

In all fairness, he owns a business in servicing train engines for the Malaysian railway, KTM. Let's pray he treads on to laying new railway tracks and supplying locomotives and engines in the near future.

To you, Suhaini, I pray the best for you and hope your mark stays on target, intact this time around. All fruits bearing goodness and sweetness without 'external contamination'. If it does, I'm convinced that you'd have the right 'pesticide' to combat 'em.

Next, our 'newly medalled' Dato' (the real thing) Nik Azman. The diplomat of sorts.

Dato' Nik Azman (extreme left) at an international ministerial conference

Azman & USAF '77 classmate, Owi

Notice the closing-up-for-the-night shop in the background?

Now you see him, now you don't. He hasn't changed a lot, from last we parted ways in 1977. Photos of him really do not do justice here, for he looks so much better in person than he does in photos. From his style, to his youthfulness, he exuberates the friendliness that was familiar from our school days. In fact, he's the only one from our group that portrays at least a ten year's younger image than his actual age. "Whatever you're doing, for yourself, or for your country, keep it up. You're doing good, Azman".

We spent quite some time after 'Terawih' (terawih is a prayer, muslims perform at night after 'Iftar' in the month of Ramadan) at a coffee house near his home, which went on till about 2am, and that too, because the shop was closing for the day. Imagine the catching up we had of each other, utterly amazed at each others journey.

I discovered that he is currently serving the government, in the Economic Planning Unit. His experience had gone as far as being an aide to the country's former finance minister, the infamous financially successful Daim Zainuddin. It seemed that Daim never had anybody stand to serve him for more than 2 years, until Azman came along, where he stood to last about 12 years. Impressive. He must've done something right. Daim has retreated to his ever financially wealthy corner, whilst our Azman keeps pushing on forward to the centre of the country's financial rink, headfirst, a think tank if you will.

Then, it was Ku Jae. That's short (no pun intended) for Tengku Azamiah, a royalty from Kelantan.

Tengku Azamiah (Ku Jae), sitting of course

Being a royalty, it's uncanny how if you want VIP treatment, she'd be the go-to person where VVIP parking was concerned. It may sound corny. But if you'd go to her majestic office in majestic Putrajaya, Precinct 1, to be exact, you'd see that only VVIPs could park juxtapose to her building, and that's the ministry of health. We, mere citizens, would've to park like seven blocks away, and that too if you could find a parking space. I sympathize with those others who have no choice but to make their daily routine there.

What's she doing there? I learned that she is currently the Secretary-in-Chief to the country's ministry of health. She too had been serving the government all her working life when earlier on, she was sent to work and stay in Los Angeles for a couple of years. Then, upon returning she served in the country's Economic Planning Unit too and until recently in 2015, took on this new role at this majestic place in the ministry, which I would say, to be her last stop before retirement.

So what would've she done for you, if you're a member of USAF '77, that is? She'd have gotten her abiding staff to go down and look out high and low for your car, guide you to a reserved space, just next to the lobby, most likely meant for a minister or two, then cordons off the area so nobody could do no harm to your car. What would happen next is how Michael Jackson would have been ushered, if he needed to be protected from a madding crowd then. Ku Jae's staff would then lead you through all the secret-looking, winding back and side entrance, which, I believed, were meant for only 'those who knew'.

Wow! Even billionaires may not give you that kind of treatment. Nad, my one and only loving daughter, who was just freed from her internship stint, whom I got to tag along for exposure, was utterly amazed. She said, "It's kind of being in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland", and how much more befitting could you get, because of late, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle ... Oops!... have been affectionately associated with two similar characters in class. Here, I shall refrain from naming names - for we have all grown up, but sometimes, naughtiness persists and teasers still prevails. That's what old friends are for, right?

Here then, is our famous GST 'G-man', Owi Teong Chun.

With Owi

Harry Potter would've cringed if he'd been there. One way or the other, Nad and I ended up in the midst of the 'Malaysian Customs GST Open House Day' at the lobby of this somber looking building around the Kuala Lumpur International Airport or better known as the KLIA area. And true to his spirited self, Owi was scurrying around some stall exhibits there, trying to look out for me. Well, that was how Nad described it to me because I had to answer to nature's call then. In fact, if not for Nad seeing this very highly ranked looking officer, with the name tag conspicuously pinned on his chest, he'd have nearly tapped on another bespectacled man whose probably about 15 years my senior, presuming that, that guy was me. Luckily Nad, upon recognizing 'Uncle Owi', stopped him to say, "My dad will be out shortly" (she would've thought, "it must be the weak bladder").

Souvenier pack from Owi

Later, after our very interesting meet and exchange of stories, he toured us around to his department's exhibit booth to present us with a 'Malaysian Customs momento' of Pulut Kuning, a yellow glutinous rice, frequently served in a Malay wedding feast, with delicious authentic rendang, a meaty, thick-gravy accompaniment that finishes with you asking for more. Here, I must apologize for taking up his office time, because since we got carried away, I noticed him having to postpone another impromptu appointment with another businessman, perhaps of GST related issues. Oh well, GST is here to stay, it's not going anywhere, anytime soon, so no hurry I guess.

The hurry however, would be his emerging deep thoughts if I may, his retirement date, looming over his near future, in less than half a year, by end December of 2015. Apparently, this would be an earlier retirement date by at least 3 years where he'd opted for this earlier retirement on his own free will. He's probably made a wise choice, bearing health issues. By then, being a Director of the Malaysian Customs Department, he would've served the government for more than 30 years.

Owi (centre) with family

Good job! Well done, Owi old fella. Had you had your name changed to a malay name, (quite common for some nowadays) and of course that'd entail a creed conversion, you'd be retiring higher in rank. That's how things seemed to go these days, but then again, that would be a different issue for a different story. As of now, you have what you have, your pensioned retirement, your course in life, your beloved family, and with such exuberant beauty too.

Yeo Keng Un, the now nonchalant, philosophical, share market player of a gazer.

Although we should never live with envy, I'll bet you guys would still turn ivy green with envy, when you see where he resides.

With Yeo at his resort-like home retreat

From his house, at the end of what looked like a street leading to nirvana, you'd suddenly be met with the hustle and bustle of city traffic. He's really got the best of both worlds. Two minutes out of his house, you'd get the city, if you wanted to escape the city life, just get back to his house.

I wondered why he needed to go all around India to do his soul searching. Being a practitioner of philosophy, he could've easily found it right there at home. Or maybe, he did? Or did he?

Yeo in India

Talking about home, upon entering his peaceful house, my memories were instantly hurled back to those childhood days, where ornaments not of this era, were quaintly placed decoratively around his lounge area. Seats were positioned in such a way that you'd never want to leave, once you got comfortable in that naturally cool interior domain of his. It was the knowledge of his prior schedules that found me back on my feet to continue with my roadshow.

But prior to that. Prior to way before he became a gazer of sorts, he was a managing director of a huge semi-government conglomerate. He had it made, but chose to leave it all behind, to not continue being a 'yes-man' to heartless corporations that chopped employees and in tow, dependent families. It just wasn't in his soul to continue, hence his turnaround towards gazing of sorts.

Next, our "man-of-the-party, man-about-town," photogenic ACP Wan Aziz.

Aziz, is an Assistant Commissioner of Police, heading the Criminal Investigation Department or CID, in Terengganu, a state on the east coast of the peninsular, in between Kelantan and Pahang, a four to five hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. Initially, before he began his career in the Police Force, he dabbled employment in the private sector for a few years. Moving on to the police force was a good move as he stated, had he not joined, he wouldn't have had the chance to experience work and stay in many parts of the world, like the Balkans, Europe and Australia. But we'll never know, would we? If only we could turn back time and chance out the 'what ifs', what would life be then?

Like any true blue patriotic hero, getting to meet him after all these years meant being around Malaysia's PM, and shaking hands with Najib, as a treat. I'm not sure Aziz shook hands with the PM, but I guessed he's had his fair share.

While shaking hands with Najib, an opportunity of videoing it myself appeared, and it seemed, having such a video momento would become historically valuable, that is if or when he steps down (no political innuendoes intended here).

Aziz, apart from being the country's crime fighter, is also a true sanguine, especially around get-togethers. Every turn he made, he'd recognize someone, from the top, right down to the bottom. Genders of the fair kind, would approach requesting photo takes, a picture as follows, may tell a thousand words.

Aziz in the Balkans ("with translators", he said)

This one... erm... you've gotta ask him yourself

Through no fault of anyone but me and my short term memory loss, the following, regretfully, had no photos taken during the roadshow, But folks, the moments shall remain forever locked in my long term memory, so, no losses, whatsoever - or until I lose my long term memory. Albeit, to compensate, I've accompanied their photos sourced from their respective medias.

First we have Ku A, officially known as Tengku Bahariah, a former accountant, also a royalty and a niece of Ku Jae actually. As it turned out, she and her family were neighbors within the same town section where my parents were since the nineties, but sadly, I was not aware of it, not until now. In fact, Ku A and hubby Sonari, were and still are committee members of the same congregation with my late dad, at their neighborhood mosque. I wasn't a member there because since 1991, apart from short visits to parent's place, I would always be away on the islands most times, whether locally or abroad, where and when I switched my profession from the corporate world to a corporation of the aquatic kind, also since 1991 like so:

Ku A was absolutely kind as to invite me to join her family's regular dinner outing at a Thai fine dining restaurant in the vicinity of our neighborhood. It was one of those upmarket restaurants where quality and not quantity was the order of the day.

At the start of the event, it was amazing to see how, when Sonari ordered the dinner courses, I distinctively observed that he needn't have to specify any specific dish. All he needed do was utter to the friendly waiter with just, "the same!", and the next thing you knew, a myriad of dishes would arrive, all according to her royal tastes.

I presume you just don't mess around, where the royalties were concerned.

It was wonderful sharing that moment getting to know her family, especially being able to meet two of Ku A's grown up children, the actuarist son, and the researcher daughter, I think…(oops, there goes my short-term memory - apologies Ku A).

Ku A with family

We stayed on enjoying each others company (well I did tremendously) exchanging histories till the shop people had to chase us out to close for the night. If I was the Queen of Hearts from Alice's Wonderland, then it's "off with the shop people's head". Even her children excused themselves earlier, missing dessert and coffee. Perhaps, pressing matters were at hand where the Y-generation was concerned. We, the baby boomers were just booming along till the wee hours of the night.

Then it was Roslan Marican's turn. His usual unassuming, warm friendliness could never be mistaken, from thence until now. He would show excitement and agreement to you, and intuitively get you to agree to his agreement. Hmmm… bankers, are bankers. You don't know what you've signed up with, till long after you've been filed.

Roslan (front left)

He gets you all excited about plans and future projects, then... well you know how the story goes.

But that's as far as the banker in him goes. The real Roslan I knew, and the banker that now I know, is a friend any of us could count on. He'd be there when you least expected it, thinks very highly of everyone else and has secrets, best known only to himself. Yes? In fact, if you get to know him really well, you'd be surprised that there's more to him than meets the eye. It was interesting meeting him again, after all this while, finding my way through the now strange roads across KL, to a coffee shop near his office. The fact is, he was the first I felt compelled to call upon to meet up with, just to get the ball rolling.

Then, it was Izani. Oh yes Izani. The hurried guy who's just as busy as a bee. Prior to the meeting, he'd be dead specific (as always) right down to how many minutes he could afford for you. Still, it was a historic meet at his office, considering that he's with a pioneer engineering company in the country.

Izani with family

The other historic event came about when he said, "I trust you, so, could I get my son to first sign-up for an insurance policy with you, then explanations could be followed up later. OK?"

I couldn't believe my ears, definitely extremely thankful to him, but felt sorry for his son Wahid, when you imagined Izani dropping a bomb of a news on his son later, and especially when the bill would be to his son. A word of caution here. The reality could also be backfired if the insured would one day find that the economies were not up to his or her budget. Payment of premiums or contributions might differ, lapsed and eventually only the insurance company might stand to gain from past contributions, especially when no claims of compensation would be made prior to the insurance policy being no more in force. Therefore, a bit of forethought and knowledge of the impending commitment would do one a lot of good before taking the leap of faith.

Whatever it was, I knew he meant well making that decision on the spur of the moment for his son, because then, his son, Wahid, would be well insured of any maladies or unexpected incidents that might happen (God forbid), especially when Wahid, being too occupied, regularly traveling abroad, to be looking into these issues. Besides, had Izani left that decision to Wahid, a pilgrimage protection plan, compensation and investment plan, wouldn't have materialized, considering that meeting and shaking hands with the country's Prime Minister earlier, was much easier. I shouldn't be so daft about such occurrence actually, that shaking hands bit.

On hindsight, I would wish my late dad was as concerted as Izani was, to his son, but then, Izani is Izani, and my dad was my dad.
Hmm... That's three times I mentioned Izani in a row. I wonder what else goes three times in a row by him? (Just pulling a fast one Izani)

In our lives, we may have good friends, or we may have better friends, or even best friends, but then, there's only one knight-in-'shadowy'-armor, our Dato' Farid. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for the ... well I guess I can't spell it out less I might be branded under the official secrets act. All I can say is, perhaps when he orders his 'teh tarik' (our local frothy tea), he'd want it 'shaken, not stirred'.

A medallion investiture for Datin Asmawati at the Agong's palace, accompanied by Dato Farid

He had graciously brought me into his home a couple of times, and this time, in addition to his lovely daughter Fairuz, (standing, right, in photo below) Nad and I got to meet his elusive hunk-of-a-handsome son, Fazrayl. You must get to meet with them, and his son. Google up the similarities of Bollywood's hunk-of-an-actor, 'Tiger Shroff', and you'll know what I mean. Didn't get to meet the youngest daughter though. She was studying abroad.

Not forgetting Farid's wife, Datin Asmawati, they are such a refined family with such bubbly disposition. I suppose that's what you'd get when you have a 'lion tamer' in the family.

Sometimes, it's nice to involve immediate families with spouses in reunions. When we have singles, and as sure as we do - perhaps we could invite someone close at heart to such functions?

Oh, by the way, don't you dare think of attempting to spy on his house unless you want to have a run-in with their trusty 24-hr security guard. If you used the directional phone app Waze to get to his address, you'd be met with serious 'lion' guards, who'd refuse you entry until they get the 'roar' of green light from the Dato himself.

Finally, but not the least, we have no other than our one and only 'Cleopatra Nash, or Nashimah. Being Cleopatra in our group entailed her having most of us being in her absolute control of her whims and fancies. When she tells you to jump, you'd better ask, 'how high?' Otherwise be prepared to face 'hell that hath no fury like a woman scorned'. She'd unleash her Egyptian cloud on you in no time at all.

On the other hand, she'd have a heart of gold, the only problem is, the gold would frequently get misplaced, if you know what I mean. If you say I'm pulling a fast one, just look deeply into her gaze at her photo below.

Nope, not the one on the left, that's Era Fazira, a Malaysian celebrity

Cleopatra Nash in all her glory

A meeting with her was sadly not possible. But rightly so. Because to meet a 'Cleopatra' should never be easy,  albeit where our Cleopatra was concerned, applying an out-of-body experience would've been useful. If frequently applied, you'd begin to realize that physical presence could surely be superseded by mind presence if you'd truly believe the advent of 'conscious presence'.

Readers, here I'd caution you to really read between the lines. Somewhere in 2015, she made a trip to the Balkans. To me, her experience unfolding itself around her was just a Hogwart's Express 'ticket' away. If you could be looming around her then, you wouldn't need to be there with her physically.

Out of sight, but never out of mind. That's what I'm talkin' about.

To the recent group chat additions, Azrul@Daniel and Kamarulzaman, then there's Fauziah, Nasir, Rostina, Zurina, & others inaccessible in our group chat, my thoughts and prayers remain with you.

From left: Rostina, Zurina and Tengku Azamiah

Nasir is that dashing guy on the right foreground

From left: Suhaini (with grandchild) & wife; Azrul@Daniel & daughter, Tg. Azamiah and Tg. Bahariah, during a hospital visit for Daniel's other daughter Nurul's surgery.

With that, let these brief but wonderful, memorable accounts with most of you, be my representation now or in time to come, where my circumstantial frequent physical absence would be necessary.

I've always believed, faults committed should be confessed and apologized immediately with deserving forgiveness given on the spot. Do not wait for the end of the year, or having an annual confession-repentance-forgiveness-giving ritual become a passport for us to have a free reign of unabashed mistakes repeated throughout the year.

Yet, for the sake of the festivities solidarity, régime and creed;

I call upon all '77 USAFs;

Here's wishing you, many happy festive seasons to come of benevolent AIDILFITRIES, past, present and future.

Since at the time of writing this edited version, it is around Chinese New Year, I'll take this moment to also wish GONG XI FA CHAI to Owi and Yeo and most of us who celebrates Chinese New Year harmoniously together, have a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year.

From four corners of the world, the four of us, that's Bushee the Norwegian Forest Cat, Finnée, Nad and me.