Tronoh...quaint, yet ecstatic....

Having completed my task as an external examiner for four solid hours, I stopped for a while at the peaceful lake right across the main gate of Universiti Teknologi Petronas. There was a café then. But there were only ruins now, pieces of wood and a glimpse of its past glory, lay scattered in the sands…

My heart was mesmerized, at the familiar sight of the desolate town of ‘Toronto’ (Tronoh). The ancient post office still stands as it was. So was the quaint, little police station. These evoked me of my birthplace, Sungai Nibong Police Station, Penang. This might have been how it looked like when my parents ventured our of their kampung to a place in Johor when my father was posted there on his first assignment in the 1950s. The scenes of which were captured and presented to readers of my book, “Seungu Lavendar”. I wish that this place is left untouched for years to come. The surroundings are so enthralling and intriguing! For those who intend to relive scenes of Malaya/Malaysia in the 50’s and 60’s especially for the filming industry, this is the place. I just love it!

But my real intention of getting to Tronoh, which was meeting my mentor was not meant to be…He, who had played a great part in shaping my mindset as an academic, always kindling my ongoing interest in the quest for knowledge and lifelong learning, who was one of those responsible for and made a great impact in letting me become what I am today is Professor Paruvachi Ammasai Venkatachalam (his contract with Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) for the past 8 years was coming to an end). For he was with USM Engineering Campus for 12 years before serving UTP. I was told, he and his wife were away in Australia, visiting their children and family for 10 days. Alas!

I really hope to get to see him before he leaves for India, his homeland for good, God willing…There are so many things that I would like to say to him....

Sleepy Hollow....

USM Perak Branch Campus (Engineering) was formerly situated at the Ipoh Padang, near the Main Hall, (Dewan Bandaran), just across the Ipoh Railway Station. When we first started to move from Penang to there in 1986, most of USM’s staff from Perak were overjoyed at the prospect of getting back to where we could get closer to our hometowns.

When the permanent site of the campus at Seri Iskandar (near the town of Tronoh) was ready in the year 1990, we began our next exodus. The place was deserted and so remote, akin to the images in cowboy films of yester years…

My husband, who at that time, happened to be the project manager (we moved because he was appointed as the Deputy Director of the Department of Development, USM) was responsible for the setting up of the temporary campus in Ipoh and then the permanent one at Seri Iskandar. We were on our way back to Ipoh from my parent’s place at Kampung Gajah and decided to just drop by at the site. We had to get into a four wheel (quite unlike the comfortable SUVs of today, it was a Mahindra a tough seater!) to really venture in. My daughter, aged eight then was really shaken. Her face ashened and then, threw up profusely. My small son (aged 3) had a question to ask, “Mum! The thing we rode just now, was that a horse?” That goes to show how rough the ride was!

The soil, much barren and arid, was a bit harsh. The gleaming white sands of the ex- mining land under the glaring sun, was an excuse for most of us to put on our stylish dark glasses. Absence of cafes inside as well as out of the campus walls forced most of us to bring our own food. I, in particular, cooked and brought my own food in a tiffin carrier (which reminded me of my childhood days when my mum would prepare food in the same sort of containers for my dad, a policeman, while on duty from 6 in the evening right through 10 at night).

Days on end, we would have one or two cars stranded as a result of punctured tyres. The campus was not quite ready and there were nails astray, here and there. Most of us deferred possession of new cars. The main road from Ipoh to Lumut was constantly being upgraded. Driving on layers of rocks the size of your rolled up palms was never easy. I imagined the rides were much like the ones you get while riding ‘Boneshakers’ in the 1860’s. Your body ached all over! Imagine this kind of journey twice a day, tens of kilometers a day! Some of us opt to take rides on the local bus network – the Perak Roadways (owned by the family of one of our ex-graduates while studying at the temporary campus in Ipoh), the owner was kind enough to allow the bus to get right into the campus until the roundabout just after the masjid.

During the early years, foliage was such a rare commodity. The trees just could not survive. Until the staff of my husband’s office engaged help from MARDI (Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute) whose officers suggested digging holes around the new trees and placing gunny sacks (made from jute) around the roots. Through the years, greenery then started to sprout and prosper. The view around became more picturesque. Shades of green were everywhere.

But then! The bomb was dropped! We had to move. Yet again. This time, back up north, Seberang Perai Selatan. Imagine the frustration and anger. I had just acquired a new home, amongst lush green hills near the Jelapang highway. For a few years, two universities were sharing the same premise. Never before in history and in the world. USM Perak Branch Campus and Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP). Days of ‘fighting’ – for lecture halls, tutorial rooms, food at the cafes were never enough. So, we had to go out – the one cafe across the road from the main entrance, beside a small lake became our favourite haunt.

Unhappy faces were everwhere. Most of which belonged to those who have decided not to be relocated. Yet again….these were but some of the happy times and the sad moments while becoming pioneers at ‘Toronto’. Yes! The name we coined to refer to Tronoh. While presenting papers or attending conferences, I was often asked where USM Perak Branch Campus was. When I answered Tronoh, this was the response I used to get, “Tronoh? Where in the world is that?” I used to be very irritated but after a while, I would ask the question for them before I was even asked! So, ‘Toronto’ was a symbolic name (so was ‘Paris’ for Parit), to make ourselves feel good about a place which most people do not even realize it existed. That was very necessary to boost up our morale, since our location constantly became the subject of ridicule by certain quarters; referred to as – ‘no man’s land’, ‘Sleepy Hollow’ amongst other things….(…continued…)

Note: Pictures were taken in 1991

Down memory lane..'Toronto' Perak (2)

A week after that, I hit the new road towards Lumut from Ipoh. All along, I could see there were lots of changes. The elevated ‘highway’ at the Siputeh junction replaced what was once a very low lying road prone to flooding, (even after a slight downpour) sometimes as high as your waistline!

I could still recall vividly during those early years (beginning the1990’s) when the Perak Branch Campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia was there. Days of misery…laughter too!

I was on my way to the campus and then discovered that the waters were too high after heavy rain. My car was one of those stranded by the roadside. A few of us were desperate to be at the campus…semester examinations were in full swing.

Then suddenly, “Honk! Honk!”

The sound of lorry laden with timber stopped in its tracks, just at the rim of the brown murky waters.

“Where are you going?” the driver high up on his vehicle asked.

“To the campus!” shrieked my colleague, Dr. F (School of Civil Engineering) and another, Dr. KA (School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering) spontaneously and synchronously. They had to be the invigilators for the examinations that day.

“Come right up! But there is only enough room for two!” said the driver.

“Wah! Thank you!”

Both their panicky faces turned cheerful. The driver’s assistant jumped to the back of the lorry while both my colleagues hoisted themselves up to the seat beside the lorry driver amid cheers and sounds of laughter from the rest of us. It was a delightful sight, watching the lorry braving past the high waters. A dull and miserable morning had turned into something so heartwarming…

“Good thing your friends did not get themselves stuck up there, near the door of the lorry. What with their slim-fit sarongs and high heels too!” a male staff member quipped mischieviously from behind me.

“You and your big mouth!” I said, frowning.

“What next then?” he asked, a hopeless look on his face.

“A round about ride for me! Back to Siputeh junction, to ‘Paris’ (Parit) and from there out to the campus through the town of Bota! ” I said.

“That far?” he frowned.

“Well! It is much better than sitting here, waiting and doing nothing!”

“You know, you are right!”

This was one of the few instances that I quoted in my entry entitled “My Days with USM”, a piece which garnered the third prize for an essay competition in conjunction with USM’s 35th anniversary celebrations in 2005. (..continued..)

Down Memory Lane...’Toronto’ (Tronoh), Perak

“Would you be kind enough to be an external examiner for our postgraduate student?” said the voice from the other side of the line.

“What is the field of study?” said I.

”Something to do with Biomedical Engineering.”

“Certainly! Just send me a formal letter, addressed to my office, which is..” my voice trailed.

“It is quite alright Doctor. We have your address in our database!”

“Is that so? Great!”

“Thank you so much. Doctor!”

“You’re very much welcomed!”

As I put down the phone, my heart was filled with joy. My mind drifted to the bygone days. An old place full of memories…sweet and bitter…

The period of time that was less than a week given to me to scrutinize the postgraduate thesis did not deter my spirit from undertaking the task of an external examiner. I was looking forward very much to be there. To feast my eyes again to the familiar surroundings. Most of all, to meet my former mentor and academic supervisor when I was pursuing my M. Sc and then the early important years, when I was embarking on my journey of a lifetime…My Ph.D.

Those were cherished moments. Very enlightening years…How I was counting the minutes when I could be with my old professor whom I respected very much…a bighearted and kind man ... so very humble and soft-spoken…who was always ever willing to share his knowledge….to personally say a big thank you! (..to be continued…)

A precious gift from a special friend....a poem

A few weeks ago, I received this little poem from someone. A very old friend of mine. A very special friend.

We met while attending an orientation programme for students embarking overseas for further studies in 1976, at Alamshah school (back then, it was still in Cheras). We have been keeping in touch ever since.

She did her A-Levels at Southampton while I did mine at Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Then, we were together at Sheffield from 1978 until 1981. Both of us were married in 1979 just after finishing our first years at undergraduate level. Our husbands were mates at the Engineering Department, Mappin Street, University of Sheffield. Back then, we were active members of the Sheffield Islamic Students’ Society.

Our husbands had lent their hands in acquiring the building which is now the Islamic Centre at number 10, Severn Road. The centre is still in operation when I visited it around February 2007 last year....traveling on my own and feeling nostalgic (the pictures here were taken then..). And both of us had our firstborns in 1980, mine in August, while she had hers in October. Of course, we had our hands full...juggling the many different responsibilities...But Oh! I do cherish those moments....And imagine how I felt when I received this little piece from her, just recently....Tears welled up in my eyes....

And so, I would like to share it with you here...(with my old friend’s permission)


For my precious friend…

Remember the times..
When we were in our teens,
Always sharing, always caring..
Stories and gossips
Tales and tips..
Sad ones, happy pieces…
From religious updates and narratives
Right down to delicious recipes…..
Then…. suddenly we became mothers,
Our eyes feasting on Mothercare catalogues…
Hands full, struggling…
Studies, mental blocks… but then still coping..

Sleepness nights..
And the delight!
Attending to the ceaseless crying
And their antiques..
Who else but our babies?
For, we were first time mothers..
Both far from home..
No experience, only instincts…
But we managed…
Exchanging words so comforting..
Through thick and thin..

Nearly thirty years have gone…
Both you and I have ripened....
First, mother-in-law ..then next becoming a grandmother..
Still, holding tightly on to each other..
Sharing our joys and pleasures..
Only… you have ventured to newer pastures..

Even then…you are still sharing
Anything that is new…and tips on writing..
Here and there
And everywhere…
In your words and encouragement..
Already five books in circulation..
How I admire your ways..
Living to share what there is in taking..

Am motivated to try too…
But haven’t the strength to carry through
Only can afford to utter a prayer…
May you be in good health and Allah’s care..
Tirelessly sharing..
Forever caring…

Fond thoughts from your old friend,

*aw*
14 Rabi’ul Akhir 1429

To *aw*:-

Dearest *aw*,

If you are reading this, please be elated. Because you do have talents too..Only that you do not know...Please nurture it...

I do love you very much! ...for Allah....(But I am not so good in poetry...)

From your 'ole friend too.....
~Umi~

A tale from the taxi driver…

“Been in this business for very long?” said my other half to the sunglass clad taxi driver as soon as he pulled the car to a stop at the lobby.

“Yes! Quite a while!” said he, putting our luggage at the opened boot.

“No wonder! I remembered making the phone call to request for taxi just a few moments ago, “ said my husband, half smilingly as he snuggled onto the seat beside the driver while I sat waiting at the rear seat.

“Dont you worry! I know every nook and corner around his island!” the taxi driver said assuringly as he pulled shut the door on his right and stepped his feet on the paddle.

“Other than this, what else do you do?” asked my other half, attempting to further the conversation.

“Watching films. Not Malay ones, English nor Hindustani. Just Tamil films!” said he.

His statement made me turn my head up front from gazing at the outside scenery while my husband was dumbfounded for a while.

“I quite expected that! Your reaction! Am used to it. You see, Tamil films touch a lot on values. I mean real life values and very down to earth too! We can relate to what is happening around us right now in our society. Very realistic!” his voice broke into a laugh from behind the dark glasses.

“How is that?” asked my other half, lines on his forehead.

Suddenly, I too was interested to know!

“The storyline usually evolve around the struggles of ordinary citizens trying hard to make a decent living. The hero who fights for the basic rights and the truth confronts with a lot of obstacles, becomes a victim of tyranny, misdeeds and treachery. A lot of twists and conspiracies by certain quarters who want to safeguard their own interests. If there ever are politicians then usually these are usually the horrible ones who love to misuse their power and condone bribery. In fact, some do not hesitate to commit murder or to hire professional exterminators just to get their way around, to win or to maintain their power!”

“Is that so?” said my husband, nodding his head slowly.

“Yes! Tamil films have such a lot to offer. They instill the spirit to fight for justice and to oppose tyranny!” said the taxi driver, his lips curved into a smile as he unloaded the few bags we had from the boot of the car as soon as we arrived at the jetty at Kuah, Langkawi.

I learnt something that day. From the short conversations. Something new…maybe I should allow myself to watch Tamil films, one or two!

The thing that most people fear the most….

“What is it that people fear most? Well! At least according to a survey done in the US!”

I threw this question to participants of a half day event held at the JIM Perak HQ. A few heads shook, some mutterings from lips…but my ears could not catch what were being said.

“Giving a cool speech in front of an audience!” said one – a teenage girl, seated on the second row from the front.

“You got that right!” said I, smiling, “in fact, some said they would rather die than open their mouths when all eyes are transfixed on who else but you, the speaker!”

Smiles…from the participants.

31st March 2008, was a date that I could slot in a short half-day workshop on Public Speaking in between my busy schedule. Participants were from the various districts making up JIM Perak State such as Ipoh City, Kuala Kangsar, Hilir Perak and Manjung). Their ages – ranging from teens right down to the late 40’s.

Halfway through the morning, I shared tips on the theories and facts. After the break, it was show time! Yes! Participants had a “hands-on’ experience.

“Cool! Everbody is excited and trying their best. In their respective groups,” I commented to an observer who decided to attend but preferred not to participate.

If sessions like this may be done periodically, I believe that most of the members would be able to overcome their ‘butterflies in their tummies’ and cold sweats on their palms syndrome; be it in a small group formal discussion or a one to one encounter with a total stranger.

In less than 2 hours, participants were able to evaluate themselves on how good they were and how they should improve themselves based on feedback from other group members. And unexpectedly, someone most demure and quiet (who did not have a clue that she can be a good speaker all this while) was most surprised that she was voted one of the best speakers (Puan Latifah – the wife of our one time YDP JIM Negeri Perak – Dr. Mohd. Fadzil). The rest of the participants looked equally excited and strived to give their best shots during the exercise.

The ability to speak effectively is absolutely necessary for each and every one of us, irrespective of where we are and what we do. The urgency is ubiquitous, in situations such as:

a. whereby effective communications need to prevail. For example, our children - entrance to institutions of higher learning, undergoing the process of interviews,..good diction and clear delivery may heighten and impress would-be employers. An effective speaker may easily get their message across to the people around them, avoiding deadlock and inefficiency in the whole work process, thus ensuring smooth transactions. An NGO like JIM certainly need this plus point!

b. When we are able to make other people understand us and our message gets across, our self esteem would certainly spiral exponentially. “You feel good about yourself”. Self motivation curves up on our personal graph and we certainly feel like contributing more efforts and more often too!

c.Most significantly, communicative skills is paramount for every one of as dai’e (a task incumbent on every Muslim individual regardless who and where we are i.e. the task to dissipate the teachings of Islam). More so, for JIM members.

The least that the participants could gather from this small effort was to gain a few pointers. For example, throwing our voice over and the importance of voice intonations, body language such as hand gestures and how we carry ourselves, eye movements such as sweeping through the audience and focusing on faces and the eyes of audience, as well as facial expressions to ensure more ‘umph’ factor in delivery.

A more consistent group effort would ensure the effectiveness of this type of programme and to maintain the momentum afterwards. I believe that, in trying to wean people out of their comfort zone and to get them to contribute more towards uplifting our society, we need to supply the necessary ‘tools’ to them. In a way, I am very happy to be able to share what little knowledge that I have, in the speaking skills workshop such as this (and writing skills workshop before this)…

It is hoped that this knowledge would be forwarded and shared by the participants in their respective districts amongst the other members…May Allah reward us all…Amin.

Sharing is caring..which in turn may propagate love amongst us. This feeling of satisfaction is difficult to describe. But then again, it is aptly wrapped up in a saying which my other half (Ir. Haji Mohamad Sofian Ahmad) love to quote in his numerous invited speeches:-

“We make a living by earning…
We make a life by giving!”