THE IDENTITY OF JOHOREAN

CERITA ORANG JOHOR

Standard 'Bahasa Melayu' is 'Bahasa Melayu Johor-Riau'

Also known as Johor-Riau Malay and originally spoken in Johor, Riau, Malacca and Singapore, has been adopted as the basis for both the Malaysian and Indonesian national languages, Malay and Indonesian respectively. Due to Johor's location at the confluence of trade routes within and without the Malays Archipelago, as well as the former economic might and influence of Malacca and Johor, the dialect spread as the region's 'lingua france' since the 15th century; hence the adoption of the dialect as the basis for the national languages. And, we, JOHOREANS proud of it.

11 Things you should know about Johorean

1. They end 9 out of 10 sentences with Ekkk...

Ekk is trademark of the Johorean. This word 'ekk' uses at the end of each conversation sentence, normally in tems of question amark?.Eg: "Ni awak punyer ekk?", "Nama awak saper ekk?", "Kenapa kite kaler tak cantik macam awak ekk?", "Ini gambo adik awak ekk?" and 'macam-macam 'ekk' lagi. ek ek ekkkkkkkkk...

So, please observe your friends when they are talking to you. If he/she uses so many word 'ekk' ...comfirmed 'Orang Johor".

2. The Johorean refers 'bandar Johor Bahru' as 'Johor' and not JB.

If your friends (stay outside from Johor Bahru) said that "tomorrow we all want to go to Johor to visit your uncle" it means they want to go to Johor Bahru (JB), the city not 'Johor', the state. Eg; Eh, Beb, esok pagi gua nak turun Johor laa. Lu nak ikut tak?....

So, if you are already in Johor, regardless in which district, and you hear the locals said they want to go to Johor, please do not ever to counter them with the question or joke, "Eh, kan sekarang kita dah ada kat Johor?" and worse enough, do not try to 'memandai-mandai' to add word 'ekk' in with that question unnecessary. "Eh, kan kita dah ada kat Johor ekk?"

3. They pronounce Muar as 'MUO' by pouting your lips (kena juih bibir)

In fact the Johoreans pronounce everything that ends with "AR" as "O". .... eg: 'keluo', 'ulo', 'seluo', 'tiko', 'beso', 'selipo' and 'beluko'. Eg : "Suruh keje mengulo je, kata nak pegi bando Muo kejap je, tapi keluo pagi balik lepas Aso. Kena marah terketo-keto, memang nak kene penampo dia ni"

4. Most Johoreans are brash with a CRAZY sense of humour.

Very difficult to meet a Johorean that really serious and couldn't take a joke. Eventhough they are reserve or a quiet person but their sense of humour are OK. Almost all of them are either 'kelako', loyo buruk' or 'bigo'*. The sense of humour is unique that sometimes we find thet the outsider (non-Johorean) afraid with the brashness of the Johorean.

(*'bigo' is not the word from 'bigar' but it mean 'bodoh-bodoh dan gila-gila' sikit).

If you watch Majalah 3 (TV3), you can see how Tunku Yem (nickname for Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail) was talking about his son (Tunku Ismail Ibrahim) doing the army cadet training in Dehra Dun (India). Haha.... that is exactly the Johorean is.

5. Kecik-kecik dah "BERENDUT!" dengan budak BEGETAH!.

'Endut' mean 'lover' or 'buah hati' or 'kekasih', and 'berendut' mean sedang berkasih' or in couple.

Eg: "Haa...kau dah ada endut ekk? Kau pergi berendut kat mana ekk? Tu la ko, orang berendut ko pun nak berendut jugak".

'Bergetah' or 'begetah' means sticky refers to pretty or attractive gals. 'Budak tu begetah ekkk" means 'that girl is pretty/beautiful and attractive" atau... "eeee...makcik tu dah umo 50 tapi masih begetah ekkk!"

6. Johor Specialty: 'Sagun' and 'Botok' (not Botox).

Today, very difficult to find 'sagun'. However if you go to Ayer Hitam or some of the 'PLUS R & R', you may find it. 'Sagun' is one type of light food made from the mixture of grated coconut, flour, and sugar. Packed in the plastic or scrolled paper. One rule to be followed when you eat 'sagun' is don't talk while eating, otherwise the 'sagun' will be spurted to the face infront of you!. See picture below for how sagun looks like and how to eat it.

'Botok' or 'botok-botok' is another famous traditional food of Johorean. Brought over here by 'Javanese immigrant'. This food is good for those who concern about nutritous food because the ingredients consist of various type of herbs such as chillies, shallots, turmeric leaves, lemon grass, and mengkudu leaves. The main ingredient is fish (spanish mackerel) and grated coconut white flesh. This mixtures will be wrapped with banana leaves or 'daun mengkudu' steam. The longer you steam, will be more delicious. (see pictures below)


7. Johore and Mat Rock

Because of the proximity in location between Johore (especially JB) and modern Singapore, most probably the western culture (yellow n blues) penetrated Malaysia through Johore. Many 'Mat Saleh' live in Singapore doing business. If you read the history of Johore, Sultan of Johore was the first Sultan from Malay States married to 'Mat Saleh'. Almost all Sultan of Johore married to 'Mat Saleh'. Our almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar, almarhum Sultan Ibrahim, almarhum Sultan Ismail and the present Sultan iskandar married 'Mat Saleh'. The mother of present Tunku Mahkota Johor is also Mat Saleh'.



So, no wonder most of the Rock Groups in Malaysia are originated from to Johore. Top rockers like Amy Search, Zainal Abidin, Tam Spider, Hurricane, Crossfire and Nash Lefthanded are Johorean. Even 'Kumpulan Lawak Sepah' is also Rock! Dato' Shake??? Is my theory applicable?

Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar (1862 - 1895)
one of his wives was Cecilia Catherina Lange (Che Puan Zubaidah), a Danish

Sultan Ibrahim (1895 - 1959)
two of his wives was Lady Helen Bartholomew (Sultana Helen), a British and
Lady Marcella Mendl (Sultana Marcela @ Fawziah), a Romanian

Sultan Ismail (1959 - 1981)

Sultan Mahmood Iskandar Alhaj (1981 - today)

his first wife was Josephine Ruby Treverrow (Che Puan Kalsom) of British.

8. Wedding Festival/'Kenduri' and 'Telur Pindang'

'Telur pindang' or herb boilled egg' is another specialty of Johorean. Telur pindang ialah telur ayam yang direbus dengan segala macam rempah dan dedaun untuk mendapatkan that special taste. Lepas rebus, telur akan berwarna cokelat. Both kulit dan isi. I don't like to eat telur pindang, so I cannot to describe the taste. Normally orang buat telur pindang ni for special occasion, seperti majlis perkahwinan. Zaman dulu-dulu, you can tell the social class of the tuan rumah - normally orang kaya-kaya jer buat telur pindang ni sebab ianya rumit dan makan masa berjam-jam therefore menggunakan kos yang tinggi.

9. Keep Your Clothes in the 'GEROBOK'.

Johorean do not use word 'almari' for wardrobe. We called it GEROBOK or GOBOK. But not GUBOK (pondok rehat di kebun-kebun). 'Gerobok' is special to keep folded clothes. Eg: "Pegi simpan baju ni dalam gerobok mak!

10. Johorean Don't Watch TV Malaysia.

This character is mere to people from Johor Bahru, Kulai, Kota Tinggi and Pontian. They never watch RTM/TV3 for imported programmes. Semua dah ketinggalan zaman. TV Singapurer dah tunjuk lamer daaaaa.....

11. Epok-epok andonde-onde.

Before leaving Johore in 1977, i did not know what is 'karipap' or curry pup. In Johore it is known as 'epok-epok'. And also 'buah melaka' or sometimes people called it 'kueh bom'. When i was small, i called it 'onde-onde'.


Curry-puff (karipap) is one of the famous traditional food in Malaysia. Ia terdapat dalam pelbagai perasa, bergantung kepada inti di dalamnya. Bahan utama inti karipap ialah daging, ubi kentang or sardin. Ubi kentang sering digunakan sebagai inti karipap selain inti ubi keledek. Jenis-jenis karipap bergantung kepada intinya. Bahan utama yang digunakan sebagai bahan perasa ialah serbuk kari. Selain itu inti karipap juga kini menggunakan lada hitam. Terdapat beberapa jenis antaranya karipap daging, karipap ayam, temosa (karipap ikan), karipap sardin dan karipap pusing.

In Johor, 'karipap' is known as epok-epok. In English it is called 'curry puff', tetapi bezanya ialah bentuk curry puff tidak semestinya seperti karipap. Perhaps, in terms of baking curry puff and 'karipap' is also different. Baking process of 'karipap' skin need the sound skill to fold the pattern or in bahasa Melayu 'kelim'.I am not sure, which one isolder 'karipap or 'curry puff'.

Onde-Onde is one of the traditional kuih in Malaysia. They are either made from sweet potato or glutinous rice flour.

The cute little onde-onde (or also spelled as ondeh-obdeh/ are infused with pandan (screwpine leaf) juice and filled with 'gula melaka' or palm sugar and then rolled in with some fresh grated coconut. The palm sugar that’s in it literally bursts in your mouth when you take a bite. They are sweet and delicious.

12. "Aku 'JAKI' betul tenguk perangai dia.."

Jaki ni, maknanya kurang lebih macam 'meluat' atau 'tak suka' atau 'benci' atau 'heran'. Kadangkala juga boleh memberi makna 'dengki' dengan pencapaian seseorang.

SOME MORE ABOUT 'JOHOR SPECIAL'

Mee Bandung Muar
I have been in Bandung before but I can't find this mee recipe down there. The Indonesian do not like eat mee. This mee (noodle) is famous in Johore, especially the west coast districts. How 'Mee Bandung Muar' became so famous, I do not now. But if you wanna try, please go to Warung Mee Bandung pak Abu Bakar, at Jalan Abdullah, Muar. Taste and enjoy it.

Otak-otak Muar
Otak-otak is a fish cake, can be found throughout Malaysia, but the popular 'otak-otak' among the Malaysian can be find in Muar or Kluang, Johor. 'Otak' means brains, and the name of this dish is derived from the idea that the dish somewhat resembles brains, being on the soft and squishy side. It can be eaten as a snack oe with bread or rice as part of a meal.

Pasu (Hiasan) Ayer Hitam

Pisang Salai Parit Raja

Kerepek dan Rempeyek Parit Raja

Nanas Pontian

Nasi Beriani Gam Batu Pahat

Lontong Daun Pisang Batu Pahat

The common 'lontong' (you find in KL) is actually 'nasi empet' (pressed rice) but the shape 'lontong Johor' is cylinder like 'lemang' but it wrapped by banana leaves (not bamboo). This 'lontong' wiil only be found during Hari Raya (Syawal) only (not everyday in any 'warung' or canteen which normally sell for breakfast). 'Lontong Daun Pisang' is an alternative to 'ketupat' and 'lemang' (lemamng is not familiar for Johorean). The 'kuah' for this lontong are 'kuah lodeh' and 'sambal satay' or 'rendang daging' or 'sambal tumis'.
The MOST IMPORTANT thing i would like to tell you is, this lontong is
"MY MOTHER SPECIAL"


(normal 'lontong' or 'nasi empet' that you can find throughout Malaysia)

Keropok Mersing

Mee Racun Batu Pahat

Asam Pedas Parit Jawa

Halwa Maskat

Laksa Johor

After Raya 2009, one of my friends read my blog and called me, she (she is Trengganuan) said in Johore there is one more famous food namely; Nasi Penyet.... (penyet is Javanese word mean 'deflated caused by strong hit'). She 'sms' me the picture of 'nasi penyet'. Aku orang Johor pun tak pernah merasa nasik penyet niiih....., tapi aku rasa ni, makanan baru yang dibawa masuk oleh pendatang-pendatang Indonesia nii.... ye la, sekarang kat ramai orang Indon kat sini...tu yang ada bakso, gado-gado dan lain-lain tuuu...

MILITARY LIFE PT 2: FLIGHT CADET

FROM PORT DICKSON TO ALOR SETAR

NO 1 FTC, ALOR SETAR

The Air Force Cadets in SPK were divided into 2 groups. The non-flying cadets will be commissioned with their army comrade on 24 jan 1981. Those who were selected for flying has to proceed for their flying training in Alor Setar. Very unfortunate, they would not be commissioned together with their intake. The previous intakes, all air force cadets would be commissioned together with their intake and then they will be going for their flying training. We are very unfortunate!. What we can do, this is a new policy from MINDEF.

Therefore, we (about 30 of us) were ordered to pack up our kits whilst the rest of our comrades commenced their commissioning parade training and rehearsal. Tearful moments. After hardly 9 months went through the hardship together, now is the time for us to leave them. We do not know, when we will meet again.

We looked at the memorable parade square (padang pawai) beside the beautiful beach of Kem Segenting. Start from learning how to 'sedia', 'senang diri', 'kanan lurus', 'pandang depan', 'kanan pusing', 'kiri pusing', 'belakang pusing' 'cepat jalan', 'angkat kaki paras, hentak padat' and all kinds of drill commands until we completed the foot drills, weapon drills and sword drills. That parade square witnessed us being punished both day and night. Forward rolls, slide rolls (sometimes with FSMO), changes parade etc.

We (flight cadets) get into the 3 tonner accompanied by SSjn Rahman (we called him Staf Rimau) to Seremban Railway Station. We travelled to Alor Setar by train. Staf Rahman was very nice to us that day, totally different compared to the passed 9 months. Upon arriving infront of the Officers' Mess of Pusat Latihan Terbang (FTC), Kepala Batas Alor Setar, numbers of officers were 'hungrily' waiting for us. Staf Rahman 'looked wistfully' handed over our group to one of the officers there. That day (i couldn't remember the date - roughly about 1st or 2nd week of January 1981) our 'horrible and miserable' life as flight cadet was inaugurated.



Two weeks after reporting to No 1 FTC, again we received a new order. Out of 30+ flight cadet, seven (including me) were selected to go for rotary wings training in No 2 FTC, Kluang Air Base. Again we were split into smaller group. But, 2 weeks in Alor Setar was a 'scaring nightmare'. The 'ragging' session which will last until the student were elevated to be a senior was horrifying. What sort of routine life?. Daytime we were required to attend ground school and afternoon games. After dinner we were required to report to the bar (Officers' Mess). By 8pm, we must be back to the room for study prep. At 10pm the seniors (Intake 36) will come to do the room inspection. What was happening? What 'discipline and tidiness' we learned for 9 months in SPK was not sufficient and couldn't fit the air force requirement.

The clothes must be folded square and staked straight up. The bed sheet must always well-stretched and square, blanket, pillow cover, the shoes etc must be properly placed. If the seniors dissatisfied (off course they will never get satisfied), you could see all sort of things flying over to the ground. End up, everybody (by nature of espirit de corps) will be called and ran down to the grass compound infront of our accomodation block. We were punished (one to another type of punishment) for our mistakes until 2am. Normally, toward the end, no clothes were left at our body. We were consider very lucky, if at the end of the session we still had our drawer (military term for underwear) left at ourbody. Most of the time, the last punishment was 'sea-hunt'. Do you know what is this? You carry the fire extinguisher (like the brand of scot emulsion bottle). But naked.

'King Cobra' Competition

What is 'King Cobra???? Haaaaah.... satu malam, kami semua dikumpulkan dalam bilik audio visual, dalam mes Pegawai. Masa tu, semua cuma berbalut kain cadar putih sahaja. Maknanya dalam kosong laaaaa. Ada satu acara khas yang WAJIB dilakukan oleh semua pelatih juruterbang di PULATIBANG 1.

Kami semua duduk atas kerusi, sebaris......

Lampu bilik dipadamkan. Senior buka video ' XXX Film'. Masa tu, mana ada internet, jadi tenguk video XX tu dah kira exclusive sangat la tuuuu. Tengah sedap layan syok dengan aksi Mat Salleh denganMinah Saleh tu....tiba2 senior buka lampu. Seorang senior menjerit.

" Bangun semua, tanggalkan kain!"

"Poooohhhhhhh".......

Masing2 segera mematuhi arahan.

Bayangkan bro!. Semua pedang tengah tegak terhunus!...SEMUAAAAAAA.....

Apa lagi,sang-sang senior yang telah siap dengan tape pengukur masing-masing segera mengukur semua pedang yang sedang terhunus tuuuhhhh....

'King Cobra' adalah juara yang mempunyai pedang yang terbesar dan terpanjang dalam intake itu.... uh uh uhhhhhhhhhhh.

Who is the 'King Cobra' in my batch? Ohhhhh, demi untuk melindungi maruah individu berkenaaan ia adalah RAHSIA.

NO. 2 FTC, RMAF KLUANG

My tour in No 1 FTC, RMAF Alor Setar was very short. It was about 3 weeks for Basic Ground School. However, my 3 weeks in AS was full with red dotted. I couldn't imagine if the present RMAF cadet officers were entertained like that.

One day, I and another 5 flight cadets were called by our Adjutant and he told us that we were selected to go for helicopter flying training at No 2 FTC in RMAF Kluang.

• PK (U) Selvaraj a/l Muthu (ex-airman)- from Ipoh
  
• PK (U) Saib bin Saiin - from Felda Gedangsa, Tg Malim
  
• PK (U) Lokman bin Abd Rahman- from Muar
  
• PK (U) Raveentheran a/l Raman Kutty- from Kluang
  
• PK (U) Abd Rahman bin Mohamed- from Segamat
  
• PK (U) Toharudin bin Abd Rashid- from Batu Pahat
  

So, we were asked to get prepared to travel to Kluang (by train). We had about 2 weeks leave before reporting to another 'tiger cage' at RMAF Kluang.

The life in RMAF Kluang was not as worst as in AS, but the torturing part was, our seniors were double to us. Further more, we were cadets but they are commissioned officers.

Those who I could remember were LtM Hassan Azahari (anak Datuk Azahari -film producer- dia ni kemudian kawin dengan anak Mat Salleh- he left as a Kapt), LtM Muhammad Abdul Latif bin Endut (later chopped but did well in business and got his Datukship), LtM Rosni Aziz (he was ex-Army- now Kolonel attached to APMM), LtM Idris Yusof (left Kapt- and died in road accident 2009), LtM Sugudev Dass (died in Kuching- suffered from ragging), LtM Jaafar Hassan (left as Kapt- he was together with Sugudev reported to Kuching in 1982), LtM Ridzuan Ahmad tajuddin (left as Kapt), LtM Ong Ong (chopped- converted to Muslim- Muhammad Muzammir Ong- now Lt Col), LtM Sulaiman Idris (chopped- joined Logistic- left as Kapt), LtM Mohd Noh Nordin (chopped- joined Engineering and retired as Lt Col), LtM Roslan (left as Kapt).

I also had super senior flying batch from intake TJP 35. Only 5 of them, they were Lt Prabhakaran Nair (intake 27- retired Lt Kol), Lt M Yusoff Shariff, Lt M Koh anak Ajap, Lt M James Tingom (died in air crashed), Lt Merejok anak Nueng (later converted to Muslim became Mohd Merejuk- left as Kapt and died in air crashed in Sarawak) and Lt M Roslan Bujang. Other than Prabhakaran and Yusof, the rest are Sarawakian.

After completed our Ground School, we were allocated with our personal flying instructor; I and Rahman got Kapt Syed Busri, Lokman (Kapt Nasrun), Kamaruzzaman (Kapt Adnan), Ravi (Kapt Ghaffar) and Selvaraj (Kapt Nordin).

We flew Bell 47G5-A helicopter. The life of future RMAF pilot began.

The practical flying started with doing the pre-flight check on aircraft. Students have to memorize the check list. Check the engine, fuel tank, all the piping, main and tail rotor blade and the cabling etc.

Next, will be reporting to the Control Tower. LATIH 123 (trainee callsign)... POB bla bla bla... request start up over. Control Tower will answer and give the location, weather, wind and etc. Hahaha, this was my weakest point. The AT Controller spoke English very fast. We have to repeat whatever transpired to us.. but.. managed to catch 40% only.

start-up Bell47G5A

Masuk tilawah wakil pegawai semasa di PLTB 2

First day flying session- one hour ride was just an introduction. Everything shown by the instructor. I just listen and observe. Woooooooooohhhh.... My dream to be a pilot was coming nearer.

posong in the crew-room

Second day also looked okay. The third day onward was not as what I expected. The situation has changed. Syed Busri started showing his colour. Every single mistake will be followed by shout (with the vulgar word) ... his favourite was "p**i", punch or hit. Every time I got down from my flight, some parts of my body were swollen and painful, especially my right chin (being punched). Sometimes my lips were also wounded. Why? I because he also like to slap at my microphone (of my bondome). So, my mic will hit my lips. Torturing.

I also experienced flew with Kapt Ghaffar, another character of instructor. He like to pinch/squeeze at your waist. If you did a mistake you will get his pinch at your waist. After flying, my right waist was swollen, reddish and painful.

Those things were demoralised me, made me lost my confidence and interest to fly. I couldn't focus my flying well because so scared and fear with my instructor.

After crossing the hours where I supposed to go for solo flying, I was given an extra hours to help me to improve my flying. They changed me to the softer instructor, Kapt Adnan, later my OC , Mej Musa Hassan himself handle my case. However, it was too late. I had lost my interest. Now, I knew that I was not born to be a pilot.

Survival Course at Tioman Island (1981)- after ground school

at Tioman Island with Alouette AQM, FSjn Yasser

Finally, they officially chopped me from the flying training. After being interviewed by the 'Board' I opted to change to Supply Branch. They attached me at Supply Wing under Mej Mohamed Hussein (OC Supply). And, sometime in Oct 1981, I was selected to attend a short Air Movement course at Kinrara. Upon completion my a month course, I was posted to RMAF Kuching.

Just to recall some memories. Among the officers in RMAF Kluang who I could still remember were; Lt Kol Hussein Supian (Commandant - retired as Brig Jen Datuk), Mej Abd Razak Abd Aziz (CI- retired Mej Jen Datuk), Mej Din Yati Dahalan (SEngO), Mej Abd Jalil (died in his Lt Kol- heart attack), Kapt Shahidan Abd Razak (EngO- retired Lt Kol), Kapt Hadi Khattab ((left service as Brig Jen Datuk), Kapt Yahya Abd Rahman (left Kapt - now Datuk- one of the Director in DCA), Kapt Tengku Adnan (left Lt Kol), Kapt Hashim Hamzah, Kapt Bakar Said (now Brig Jen Dato), Kapt Jamal (now Kol), Kapt Karim Abdul (now Brig Jen Dato), Kapt Hashim, Kapt Wee Ho Chong, the Base Adjutan was Kapt Ainuddin. The SEATCO was Mej Chin Yoon Sem, later replaced by Mej Quek S C. Other ATC officers were Lt Tarmizi Yom, Lt Mustapha, Lt M Khairul Kamal and Lt M Jegathesan.

Mej Musa Hassan (my OC Basic) was very nice person. His wife (Kak Dalila) also nice. His daughter 'Farah' was so chomel..... I first met Mej Musa in 1979 when I attended my Cadet interview at Majidee Camp. He was in TK 'C' at that time. I couldnt remember when he left the service, but in the rank of Major. He joined private flying firm. I met him (after his retirement)once in LIMA in early 2000. Sadly, I heard that he already divorced with Kak Dalila.

In 1994, RMAF Kluang was handed over to Army in conjunction with the establishment of Army Aviation Unit (PUTD).

the late Lt Gen Datuk Mohamed bin Taib, the Chief of Air Force (1977-1984)
He is the Chief when I was in TUDM Kluang, he came down once to launch and deliver the present for Flight Safety poster competition. I got 4th and 5th position.


Inilah Bell yang sama dengan yang aku terbangkan di TUDM KLuang dulu. Anakku Heikal mencuba merasai memegang cyclic stick control. di Muzium TUDM pada 20 Jun 2010.



KEGAGALAN BUKAN SATU NOKTAH. IA ADALAH SATU TAPAK UNTUK TERUS MAJU KE HADAPAN

MY IDOL

Idola

Apa itu idola?? Idola adalah dari perkataan Inggeris 'idol' yang bermaksud ' is a man-made object that is worshiped in some way'.

Setiap orang ada mempunyai idola masing-masing. Kadangkala kita sebut sebagai 'role model'.
Idola pun macam-macam jenis atau kategori. Idola pemimpin, idola seni/artis, idola falsafah
dan sebagainya. Idola, kadangkala boleh membakar semangat untuk maju ke depan, ada
juga yang sekadar jadi pujaan atau ikutan sahaja.

Who is my Idol?

Siapa kata zaman sekarang ni je, artis jadi idola muda-mudi. I was growing up in 1960s, most of the youngsters at that time were influenced by 'Pop Yeh Yeh' syndrome. Almost every kampong had their 'KUGIRAN' acronym for Kumpulan Gitar Rancak. The singers' name like A.Ramlie, L.Ramlee, J.Sham, Jaafar O, M.Ishak, Kasim Selamat, Salim I, Jeffrydin, J.Kamisah, S.Roha, Fatimah M.Amin, Rafeah Buang, S.Rohani, A.Rahman Hassan, A.Rahman Onn and other were running on the youngsters' lips. Their songs were in the air throughout the days. One of the famous radio programme (at that time my kampong still do not have electricity, mean no TV) was 'Lagu2 Permintaan'. So, morning, noon, afternoon, evening, night and midnight were enlighted with this programme. Varieties of 'lagu permintaan', eg: dedicated for 'kaum ibu', for perajurit, open and etc.

Who is my favourite singer. Hehehe. A.ROMZI from The Hooks. Among his famous songs are Lagu Tiga Kupang, Dendang Remaja, Katakan Padaku And Zunika. A.Romzi married to S.Roha (later divorced). However he was not my idola, just my favourite singer.

In 1970s, my appetite in music was also changed. From pop-yeh-yeh to sentimental. New singers made a debut. One of them was Uji Rashid (Fauziah Harun AlRashid) with his song, Tangisan Semalam, Semakin Hari Semakin Sayang, Kali Terakhir Kulihat Wajahmu, Ku Ingin Selalu Disampingmu etc. Any new record disc (piring hitam) from Uji, I will buy. The trade mark of Uji is her eyes. Sampaikan ada satu jenis ikan 'bermata bulat'orang namakan 'Ikan Uji Rashid'. Dulu pun ada gosip juga, Uji ni orang gosip dengan Hail Amir dan D J Dave. Tapi akhirnya Uji kawin dengan seorang yang mengaku sebagai jutawan....namanya...Harahap. Dapat lah anak bernama 'Chico'. Walaupun dah ada cucu, aku ada terserempak Uji kat pasar Keramat, masih manis. Kak Uji.... Semoga Allah kurniakan Kesejahteraan mu.

Antara nama penyanyi 60an yang aku masih ingat ialah: A.Ramli, L.Ramlee, M.Ishak, A.Halim, Jaafar O, Kassim Selamat, Jeffrydin, Ismail Harun, A.Rahman Hassan, A.Rahman Onn, A.Karim Jais, Adnan Othman, M.Osman, J.Sham, Rukimin Judi, Rickino Bajuri dan A.Rymie.

Manakala penyanyi wanitanya ialah J.Kamisah, Fatimah M.Amin, Maria Bachok, A.Nandung, Sanisah Huri, Rafeah Buang, Helen Velu, S.Rohani, Afidah S, Alina Rahman dan Norsiah A.Hamid.

Masa tu...ramai la orang-orang kampung yang menamakan anak-anak mereka dengan nama penyanyiatau nama-nama lagu yang dinyanyikan oleh penyanyi berkenaan. Tak terkecuali nama sepupu dan anak sedaraku.

When i was in primary school (1966-1971), one of my favourite was collecting ministers' pictures from newspaper. At that time, the only papers available in my house was UTUSAN MELAYU in Jawi. My mother cannot read roman only Jawi. My father can read both but he preferred Jawi. The price of the paper at that time was about $0.25 only!.

At that time i could remember all the ministers' name. Tunku, Tun Razak, Tun Dr Ismail, Tun Tan Siew Sin, Tun Sambanthan, Tan Sri Sardon, En Khir Johari, Rahman Yaakub, Lee Siok Yew etc. My favourite cum idola was Tun Dr Ismail (allahyarham, he died on 2nd Aug 73- i was in Form 2).

Almarhum Tun Dr Ismail bin Dato Abd Rahman

Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman (November 4, 1915 – August 2, 1973) was a Malaysian politician from them UMNO. He held several Malaysian ministerial posts and was appointed as the second Deputy Prime Minister in 1970 by then Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak. Three years later, Tun Dr Ismail died in office due to a heart attack. Ismail has been called "the man who saved Malaysia" for his actions as Home Minister after the May 13 Incident of racial rioting in 1969"

I did not know why i like him. At that age i knew nothing about integrity, incorruptible or what not. May be because of I am Johorean, and he is from Johore, and potential first PM from Johore. Anyway, later, i found out that i did a right person to be an idola.

Generally, Almarhum Tun Dr Ismail has been regarded as reliable and incorruptible, "remembered for his deep dislike of incompetence and bigotry, his strict adherence to the virtues of hard work and honesty, and his belief in the principles of national independence and multi-racialism".

I bought and always willing to buy any book about him. The latest and most comprehensive' is The Reluctant Poltician, written by Ooi Kee Beng.

Sehingga hari ini, aku tak pernah terjumpa atau 'cross in my mind' ada mana-mana pemimpin politik Malaysia yang setanding dengan Almarhum Tun Dr Ismail. I think not even 50% of him. Semoga Allah mencucuri rahmat dan mengampunkan dosanya. Amin

Salam taazim saya untuk Toh Puan Norashikin (Neno) and his children Taufik, Badariah, Zailah, Tarmizi, Zamaqshari and Mohd Ariff.

Nota terbaru: Toh Puan Norashikin telah pulang ke rahmatullah pada 2 Julai 2010.

Tun Musa bin Hitam

After the death of Tun Dr Ismail, new young face in Malaysian politic admires me. Musa Hitam, also a Johorean was the Political Secretary to Tan Sri Sardon Jubir (former Minister of Transport). He climbed his political ladder from the grass root level, became a Deputy Head of Pemuda UMNO (under Dato Harun Idris), later became a Deputy Minister, full Minister and his highest achievement was Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Tun Musa bin Hitam (born 18 April 1934), is a Malaysia politician and a former Deputy PM of Malaysia, serving under Dato Seri Dr Mahathir. He was born in Johor Bahru in 1934.

Before becoming Malaysian's fifth Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs in 1981-1986, Tun Musa held a number of key government posts, including

• Chairman of the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA)
• Deputy Minister of Trade & Industry
• Minister of Primary Industries (1974-1978); and
• Minister of Education (1978-1981).

He received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Malaya and his Master's degree from the University of Sussex, UK. He has since been awarded with various honours, including an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Sussex and an Honorary Doctorate from Ohio University (in 1980). Tun Musa has held various posts at the international level at various times. These included being Chairman of the Commanwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Member of the Board of UNESCO, Leader of the Commonwealth Observer Delegation to the Malawi general elections and Member of the Commonwealth Ministers Delegations to Nigeria, Pakistan, Fiji and Gambia.

In the 1960s, Musa was briefly Acting Secretary-General of UMNO. He was later expelled from the party in the wake of the May 13 racial rioting for insubordination to then Prime Minister and UMNO President Tunku Abdul Rahman. During his political exile, he obtained his Master's from the University of Sussex.

In 1971, he was readmitted to UMNO under the Tunku's successor, Tun Abdul Razak. He rose quickly, becoming Deputy Whip of the Alliance Party coalition in Parliament, and was elected as a member of the UMNO Supreme Council. He was elected as a UMNO Vice-President in 1978.

When Dato Seri Dr Mahathir succeeded Tun Hussein Onn as Prime Minister of Malaysia, he declared the election for the Deputy Presidency of UMNO open; and thus by extension the Deputy Prime Ministership — was open; he would not support any candidate. Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah joined the fray, and his main opposition was Musa Hitam. Eventually, Musa won the election with 722 votes to Razaleigh's 517 votes, becoming the new Deputy President and Deputy Prime Minister. Razaleigh blamed himself for taking "a rather passive stance" and not having a campaign strategy.

In 1987, Tengku Razaleigh challenged Mahathir for the presidentship of UMNO. Musa Hitam, who was then having a growing rift with Mahathir, resigned as Deputy Prime Minister, citing irreconcilable differences with Mahathir. He then joined Razaleigh's Team B as UMNO deputy president candidate. In the election, Dr. Mahathir and his Team A managed to retain his position and power over the party. However, UMNO was split into two separate entities as Tengku Razaleigh was left unsatisfied with the result.

The split forced the Malaysian court to declare UMNO as illegal. Shortly after the court ruling, Dr. Mahathir reestablished UMNO as UMNO Baru (New UMNO), though the new UMNO was badly weakened. Tengku Razaleigh at the same time went on his own path and found a new political party called Semangat 46 in 1989. The number 46 refers to the year UMNO was originally founded.

Musa, however, decided to retire from politics and has not joined the fray since.

Between 1990 and 1991, he was Malaysia's Special Envoy to the UNO, and since 1995 he has been the Prime Minister's Special Envoy to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG). Tan Sri Musa also led the Malaysian delegation to the UN Commission on Human Rights from 1993 to 1998 and was elected Chairman of the 52nd Session of the Commission in 1995. As a member of UMNO, Musa has held various positions within the party up to Deputy President until 1987.

He also served as the Chairman of SUHAKAM, the Malaysian Human Rights Commission, from 1999 till 2002. In 2007, Musa became the chairman of Synergy Drive Bhd, the entity which arose out of the newly formed merger between Sime Darby, Guthrie and Golden Hope Plantations. He also serves on the International Advisory Council of the BrookingsDoha Center. Tun Musa is currently the Chairman of the World Islamic Economic Foundation.

Tun Musa was born to a Malay father and a mother of Chinese descent, who was adopted by and grew up in a Malay household at the age of five. Tun Musa was married to Datin Ines Maria Reyna, a Peruvian of Spanish descen. They had 3 children: Mariana, Carlos Abdul Rashid and Rosana. Tun Musa is now married to Zulaikha Sheardin, with whom he has one son, Hanif. Tun Musa has three grandchildren: Marisa, Lara and Kaelen.