So why do we do it? Why does anyone do it?
I guess it's nothing more than your own self worth. Only you and you alone would know why.
This project was originally meant to be in conjunction with Aidilfitri 2015, but now in addition to my roadshow and ongoing revisions, the USAF '77 roadshow project as it was… may now become perpetually fluid with edits. So now, you can come back anytime you like, to explore latest findings and additions.
By now, all you great classmates of USAF'77 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 this roadshow in its' entirety.Here we have Suhaini, our 'big', but youngest member who's also a grandpa (so he's also a datuk?). Maybe Zurina could be the youngest, considering her birthday is in December, on the 28th. Yes?
| 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.![]() |
| Datuk Seri Nik Azman (extreme left) at an international ministerial conference |
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| Azman with classmate Owi - Director of Malaysian Customs |
| 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 great, Datuk Seri Nik 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.Being on the receiving end from 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 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 also had been serving the government all her working life and later, sent to work and stay in Los Angeles for a couple of years. Then, upon returning she served the country's Economic Planning Unit too and finally, in 2015, took on this new role at this majestic place in the ministry, which presumably, would be her last stop before retirement.So what would she do 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 vehicle, 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 get anywhere near your vehicle.
Except, ministers don't actually drive and park, do they?
What would happen next is how Michael Jackson would have been ushered, that is 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 the very top.
Except, again, MJ would be surrounded by bodyguards, followed by scores of uniformed personels.
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's description was to me, because ironically, nature's call was beckoning 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, presumably thinking that guy could have been me.
Luckily Nad, upon recognizing 'Uncle Owi', stopped him to say, "My dad will be out shortly" (she would've gone on but wisely thought, "It must be the weak bladder, or something").
Later, after our very interesting meet and exchange of histories, he toured us around to his department's exhibit booth to present us with a 'Malaysian Customs momento' of Pulut Kuning - a golden 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 to Owi for taking up his busy schedule, because when we got carried away down memory lane, I noticed him having to postpone an 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.
But, in a few years, with a complete change of government in the political scene, GST is not here to stay. Then again, that's a different story.
The hurry however, would be his emerging deep thoughts, if I may, of his retirement date, looming over his near future of 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 a retirement on his own decision. He probably made a wise choice, bearing health issues. At the pinnacle of his career, being a Director of the Malaysian Customs Department, he would've served the government, no less than 30 years.
Good job! Well done Owi old fella.
Had you had your name changed to maybe, Nawi, (quite common for some nowadays) and of course that'd entail a creed conversion, you'd be retiring higher in rank, or not. Just kidding.
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.
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.
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, 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?
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 head" to the shopkeeper. Even her children excused themselves earlier, missing dessert and coffee. Perhaps, pressing matters were at hand where the Y-generation were concerned. We, the baby boomers were just booming along till the wee hours of the night.
He gets you all excited about plans and future projects, then... well you know how the story goes.
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?"
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| A medallion investiture for Datuk Asmawati's datukship at the Agong's palace, accompanied by Dato Seri Farid |
He had graciously brought me into his home a couple of times, and this time, in addition to meeting his lovely daughter Fairuz, (standing, right, in photo below) Nad and I got to meet his elusive hunk-of-a-handsome son, Fazrayl. Those of you who knows Farid, 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. Unfortunately we didn't get to meet the youngest daughter though. She was studying abroad then.
Not forgetting Farid's wife, Datuk 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. Though retired, he is now the Chief Security Advisor to one of the top ten richest man in Malaysia.
So, 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 a directional phone app 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.
By the way, when have reunions, wouldn't it be nice to involve spouses or plus ones? If one is single, perhaps a partner could be invited to such functions?
And talking about singles, it brings me to our last but not least, our one and only 'Cleopatra Nashimah, or Cleo Nash. 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 eye of the left beauty, that's Era Fazira, a Malaysian celebrity, her cousin |
| Cleo 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 promising. 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', that is.
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 hovering around her on a magic broom, 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.
Some people have asked about my update, since there's none about me here.
Well, that is some people, but many others have not asked. So perhaps not. Besides, if it's about me, then the title will be different, and surely, that would be my autobiography, an upcoming book of a two books project.
So, to the recent group chat additions, Azrul@Daniel and Kamarulzaman, and others inaccessible in our group chat like Rostina, Zurina, and the siblings, Fauziah & Nasir, my thoughts and prayers remain with you.
| From left: Rostina, Zurina and Tengku Azamiah |
| From left: Suhaini (with grandchild) & wife; Azrul@Daniel & daughter, Tg. Azamiah and Tg. Bahariah, during a hospital visit for Nurul's surgery, Daniel's other daughter. |
With that, let these wonderful, memorable moments with most of you, represent me now or in time to come, when my frequent absence would be necessary.
| My frequent globe commuters |
I’ve always felt that when we mess up, we should own it and apologize right then and there. Waiting for an annual 'clean slate' ritual feels like a cop-out. It shouldn't give us a free pass to repeat the same old mistakes all year long.
Yet, for the sake of the festivity's solidarity, régime and creed;
I wish all USAF'77, and my first love;
| Photo taken after I had left for university earlier. The image added was when I was elected chairman of The Associated Board of Prefects '77 (SIC and neighbouring SMZ) |
A perpetual many happy festive seasons of benevolent AIDILFITRIES, past, present and future.
The time of writing this earlier edition was around Chinese New Year (revisions not counted) so, I'll take this moment to also wish GONG XI FA CHAI to Owi and Yeo and most of you who celebrates Chinese New Year harmoniously together. Have a healthy, happy, and conscious New Year.From the four corners of the world, the four of us, that's Bushee, our Norwegian Forest Cat (we shared her beautiful life of 18 years), Finnée, Nad and yunohu🫠.