Finding Comfort Outside Our Comfort Zone

2010-02-09T16:07:00.003+13:00

Tabik Untuk Mantan Penghulu Northshore

Being elected as the Penghulu of MAPSA Northshore certainly wasn't what I wanted as a welcome-back present (for me to give to myself) after a 3-months holiday in Malaya. After all, the plan was to put Wan Hasnee as the new Penghulu replacing Azwan Iskandar Azmi aka AIA aka Tok Wan. Allah is the ultimate Planner!

Dengan berat dan rendah hati saya menerima tanggungjawab ini. Moga dapat menjalankan tugas sebaik Mantan Penghulu AIA.

As one of the seniors among Malaysian students in Northshore, I adore the maturity shown by the previous Penghulu (and wife)in handling issues presented to him (them). They've both executed their official and unofficial tasks most gracefully and made decisions beyond their fairly young age. Several other senior Bros in Northshore share this opinion on them. Being a PG student, everyone need to balance their family needs and their academic needs. Tok AIA accepted his job as the Penghulu given the fact that his wife is also a PhD student (in a different uni from him) and he had to travel several hours a day to and from his home. Given all these, who am I to say that I don't have enough time to accept the responsibilities given to me. If Tok AIA could put aside his personal responsibilities juggling it with his social commitments in MAPSA, and could still be a Champion Penghulu as well as a Loving Hubby and Daddy ... who is also a competent PhD student... Mate you deserve my Salute!

To all my MAPSA friends, Brothers and Sisters, children on the Shore, lets make MAPSA a Wadah bagi mengasah minda, memantapkan ukhuwwah, mendidik anak2, memper-erat silaturrahmi, mendokong aspirasi, saling membantu menegur dan memperkuatkan satu sama lain. Bagaikan kata perpatah ... Bersatu kita teguh Bercerai kita roboh. Persatuan ini bukan milik individu tapi milik kita bersama dan saya (& isteri) hanyalah pemudahcara (& koordinator).

Tabik Tok AIA.

Salam Ukhuwwah.
Suhaimi sekeluarga

2009-12-02T23:27:00.006+13:00

I made it!

I received an email from the GRS saying that "the Graduate Research School has received all three examiners’ assessment reports". That was on Friday 27th November 2009. I immediately reply the email and requested the oral exams to be done before 8th December as I will be leaving NZ on that date. GRS admnistrators quickly responded to my email saying that they will try to organize the exams soonest possible. On the following Monday I received an official email informing me that my oral exams will be on Wednesday 2nd December 2009. In this email names of the Convernor and Examiners were revealed. Very excited but nervous. I got 4 versions of the MS Powerpoint slides ready, each carrying around 30pages of explainations. Late Monday afternoon I received an email from the Convernor telling me to prepare a 10minute verbal-only presentation. He even gave me his mobile number in case I need to contact him afterhours. So I did txt him just to confirm about the 10 minutes presentation. I was a bit worried cause if I were to downsize my 30minutes MSPowerpoint presentation to 10minutes, I will have to drop some of the slides. I received a reply txt soon after, he wrote that I had only to prepare 10 minutes verbal-only, no slides as a PC will not be made available to me on that day. Arggh, I have to talk for 10 minutes then. That few hundred pages of Thesis in 10 mere minutes. That is quite a challenge in itself. My lovely wife told me to put points on small pieces of paper and practice it out so that I wont go beyond my 10 minutes mark. And I did just that.

Come Wednesday ...very nervous. Nerve recking. It was drizzling. My wife and Sara accompanied me to the venue. It was in IIMS room 3.32. I am pretty familiar with the building as I used to have an office there when our department was under IIMS back in 2005. It was 30minutes to 11am, the door was locked. I told my 2 girls to wait for a minute while I go to the receptionist to get the door open. When I arrived at the reception counter I saw Prof. Merrick the convernor. He immediately recognized me as I took my hand out to shake his. Very jovial man he is. We went up to the room where my lovely girls were waiting.

The convernor briefed me a bit about hour the viva will be conducted. Soon after that I heard my supervisor's voice down the corridor followed by the 2 examiners. At that moment only Allah knows how i felt. I felt like my knees almost gave way. LOL. Here, I would say that I appreciated the kind motivating words by the converner. It helped me build my confidence and strength to see this true. After hugs and kisses from my lovely girls I went in the room to start my Viva Voce.

As expected, I barely looked at the pieces of paper I prepared for my 10 minutes verbal-only presentation. Words just went gushing out of my mouth keeping eye contact with the 2 examiners. They looked very focused with occassional glimpse of tiredness (or maybe boredom) on their faces.

"With that point .. I thank you". That was the last thing I said before I looked at the Convenor indicating I finished my speech. He said "Well done Suhaimi, 10 minutes exactly!".
He then gave full control of the exams to the examiners and the "shooting" began. They concentrated on the Mathematical that I have adopted from someone else. Pin-pointing the fact that I've only taken it and extended it a bit. One of the examiners even said that it is too little a contribution for a PhD award. At that moment I managed to make a 2 second glance at my Advisor, he was calmly writing something on the piece of paper in front of him. I remembered his and the convernor's advice to remain calm and professional in aswering the examiners' questions. The examiners are there to find "holes" in the research. They even tried to doubt the results obtained and models used. But I told myself that I had to stand my grounds. The convernor told me before the viva began "The viva is also called a defense for the obvious reasons .. ". So I did just that. Almost one hour was dedicated to that Mathematical model ... and what more ... the model is only one of the many (3 other) contributions I have in this research. I think I managed to get the message across and they agreed after making sure that I will make necessary changes and addition to explain the model a bit more. That was the only major point that we "argued" about. The rest are explainations of the results, traffic and application types, and typo/grammatical errors. The convernor concluded the examination and asked me and my advisor to leave the room so that the could discuss on the outcome of the exams.

I was pretty upset at that time, thinking that I might be asked to make major emendations and present my results and findings again. However, my advisor told me that the examiners are just doing their jobs to provoke and see if we confident enought to defend what we have presented in the thesis. He also said that Phd Award and the report (thesis) are 2 different things. They can pass you for the PhD but still ask you to make emendations for the thesis. And the fact that they only concentrated on one particular thing in thesis shows that they agree with all the other contributions I've made in my research. About 10 minutes after we were called back into the room.

The convernor started by saying, "Ok Suhaimi you have to make all the necessary emendations stated in the reports by the examiners ontop of all the suggestions made during the oral examination. Oh I forgot to say Congratulations you passed!" and he stood up and shook my hand. And so did the others. Its surreal... teringat pengorbanan isteri dan anak, airmata, keringat, masa .. senyum, tawa,... Ya Allah Tundukkan hati ini, Moga Aku menjadi Hamba yg merendah diri .. Ameen."

After the handshakes and congratulations the convernor took us to the Mossimo Cafe for lunch. I had cuppacino and went back to my 2 lovely girls who were waiting for me at Norazlina's office.

I made it .. Alhamdulillah.

2009-10-20T12:08:00.002+13:00

Salam friends .. been ages since I wrote on here. Mostly been updating info on facebook. Asiah has defended her proposal yesterday, Monday 19th October 2009. Her supervisor said she did very well. Alhamdulillah all the efforts she put in, the sleepless nights the perseverance while in confinement (after birth). Sara was so cooperative yesterday. Asiah fed her at home and Sara went to sleep from 10am right through 1.30pm. I took Sara outside on Queen street in her buggy where she slept quietly. So proud of these 2 girls in my life (Asiah & Sara). What more can a man ask for than these blessings. Oh my other girl Humaira just turned 5 a couple of days ago and we made a celebration for her (together with Anis) at Azhar's get-together. This morning, Mrs Sauders, Humaira's teacher showed me her writing book. Her teacher said that she is so impressed of Humaira's capability and intelligence. I went thru the book and saw her very clean precise handwritting. Ya Allah ku syukuri nikmat mu. Of course I am ever proud of my boys too ... they're mischieveous but obidient. Signing off now taking a break from my ppt and postdoc proposal. Later ya all. wslm.

2009-08-17T18:49:00.003+12:00

26 Sha'aban 1403

Assalamu'alaikum.
Just a couple more days till we meet Ramadhan again. NZ will be looking out for the cresent (hilal) on Friday 21st August. I can still remember last year's 1st Ramadhan when I fell sick. Wasn't too of what caused the illness but I reckon it was sugar(glucose) withrawal coupled with lack of sleep. We had guests on that day and I had to excuse myself to take a rest while they continued with iftar and tarawikh after. I pray that my family and I have good health this Ramadhan and could complete the ibadah with the best way possible, InsyaAllah.

Best wishes to all. May this month of blessings be a rewarding one. Ramadhan Mubarak!

2009-07-01T20:51:00.002+12:00

Submitted!

3pm today all the 4 copies required by GRS were bounded. My supervisor signed the relevant forms and submitted them together with my theses. All done! My 3 years of work encapsulated in that 130page thesis. Hope the examiners find it sufficient enough to award me with a PhD. We will know 1-3 month(s) from today.

"O Allah open my chest, make my task easy for me and untie the knot in my tongue so that they may understand me."

2009-06-21T19:37:00.002+12:00

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious Most Mercifull ...

Been abit since i wrote anything on here. Got my hands full with stuff from studies to families. I have to admit, I have been taking many quiet moments to myself as of late perhaps to keep my sanity and patience. As my age approaches 40 I noticed that I have to struggle more to keep my health. The body succumbs to the forces of nature so does the soul. Constant reflections about life is essential for me to remind myself what I really look for in life. My children growing our lifestyle will change. Their needs and our needs will evolve. Practices and family culture will change. God willing we will cope and evolve accordingly.

Recently I have lost the person that I respect and loved much. He has touched my life and that of my family so much that this lost seemed unbearable. I try my very best to endure and let him rest in peace. My next concern is my Mum. And for that matter I decided to bring her here to stay with us in NZ. Thats the least that I could do. She means too much to me to see her live her life alone. I am gratefull to my wife and family for allowing me to share our home with mum. InsyaAllah we will make her stay beneficial to all. One thing for sure is food will be in abundance when she is around. NB. not that we dont have enough now but well you know ... wink wink at my wife.

I hope to submit my thesis to the examiners by 1 July 2009. Its long overdue. I have got it completed some 2 months ago but its only lately that it got reviewed by my supervisor. Its all good, no major editing to be done. Hope the examiners would not disagree too much with it. Please make du'a for me.

Till my next entry. Wassalam.

2009-03-10T12:46:00.005+13:00

First time ever I saw your face (today @ Horizon)

2009-01-20T08:48:00.002+13:00

i-Charge for Cars

We are seriously considering to market the above product. Did a bit of research on it. i-Charge is a kind of voltage stabilizer. Details can be found here:

Voltage stabilizer. (2008, November 25). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 19:47, January 19, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Voltage_stabilizer&oldid=254014097

Jika ingin bertanya berkenaan produk ini, untuk mencuba dan/atau meng-order. Sila hubungi kami dengan meletakkan comment disini atau hubungi terus ke nombor talipon kami di rumah.

2008-12-30T12:31:00.003+13:00

You are "Everything"

Michael Buble - Everything lyrics







You're a falling star, You're the get away car.



You're the line in the sand when I go too far.



You're the swimming pool, on an August day.



And you're the perfect thing to say.







And you play it coy, but it's kinda cute.



Ah, When you smile at me you know exactly what you do.



Baby don't pretend, that you don't know it's true.



Cause you can see it when I look at you.







[Chorus:]



And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times



It's you, it's you, You make me sing.



You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.







You're a carousel, you're a wishing well,



And you light me up, when you ring my bell.



You're a mystery, you're from outer space,



You're every minute of my everyday.







And I can't believe, uh that I'm your man,



And I get to kiss you baby just because I can.



Whatever comes our way, ah we'll see it through,



And you know that's what our love can do.







[Chorus:]



And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times



It's you, it's you, You make me sing



You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.







So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La



So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La







[Chorus:]



And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times



It's you, it's you, You make me sing.



You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.



You're every song, and I sing along.



'Cause you're my everything.



Yeah, yeah







So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La



So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La, La, La, La, La







Michael Buble



Everything lyrics











Lyrics  Michael Buble lyrics - Everything lyrics

2008-11-15T09:06:00.002+13:00

Stressed Out

I got back my thesis-1st draft from my supervisor. He has pointed out numerous mistakes in writing styles and organization of my thesis. I am very glad he actually read through major parts of it within 1 week. He is off to Hajj now and I pray Al-Hajj Mabrur to him and his wife. I am also chasing after 1st December deadline for Eurasip Journal submission. This is a reputable journal and I found many useful papers published in this journal. I really hope I could meet this deadline.

Given these and the pretty hot 21 deg Celsius outside, I feel rather stressed out. Without knowing I take it out on my family. I am sorry, love. I'll try to be a better dad and husband.

Allah gives me strength and patience, Ameen.

2008-10-24T08:16:00.002+13:00

Happy Birthday Darling ... may the days, months and years to come bring happiness to our hearts. For the life you have, for more you will be having, for the love you showered, for the time you spent, for smiles and tears you shed, for the comfort and companion you provided, for the sacrifices you braved, for mistakes you corrected ... I owe you much. I cherish every single moment of it and eager to share more in years to come.

Good luck in your studies, the family and I, will be here to support you till you achieve your dreams.

Heaps of love from the family.

2008-10-23T09:28:00.002+13:00

Not here to pick fruits

... and yes i know how to use the shower and toilet!

Yesterday a senior National MP made a remark with regards to Asians and Pacific Islanders. Quoting from NZHerald:

"He told the Marlborough Express that Asian workers were better at picking fruit "because their hands are smaller."

Dr Smith said employers should not be solely responsible for teaching or funding training that prepared workers for life in New Zealand.

"Some of them are having to teach them things like how to use a toilet or shower...I don't think the employer should have to pay for that work."

This comments sound racist. Generalizing people like that shudnt be made by an educated person like Dr. Smith. He said his comments was taken out of context. He should have anticipated that and gave proper explaination during the interview. Even better not to give specific examples like that. The irony is, he is holding the Immigration Minister protocol for Nationals. Now its clear which party I would vote in the next election.

2008-10-02T16:08:00.002+13:00

Syawal 1429

1 Syawal this year fell on the 1st of October 2008. The dawn of the new Syawal morning marks the first day Ramadhan has departed from us. Happiness in my hearts for the auspicious opportunity in this holy month to perform various ibadah with my family. Hoping and praying that all our deeds are accepted by Allah, and we live to meet Ramadhan again next year.

Kullu 'Am wa Antum bi Khair to readers of this blog. Thank you for sharing 1 Syawal with me and family.

2008-09-23T11:24:00.004+12:00

Peluang 'Last Minute' & Lailatul Qadar

Sedar tidak sedar, kita telah menamatkan separuh bulan Ramadhan, berbaki lagi 15 hari sahaja. Allah s.w.t sahaja yang mengetahui samada prestasi kita dalam 15 hari yang berlalu adalah cemerlang atau temberang. Kita juga mungkin mempunyai sedikit 'clue' tentang prestasi kita sendiri.

Article selanjutnya di sini.

Oleh
Ust. Dr. Zaharuddin Abd Rahman

I came across this vid today... thought I might want to share it

2008-09-15T21:05:00.006+12:00

Touch - Albany Primary SpeedStars

Yesterday was our 7th Wedding Anniversary. I am blessed with a good 7 years of blissfull marriage. It is not a bed of roses but I have much to be thankfull for. The most wonderfull wife aka companion aka best friend aka soul mate aka manager aka mommy to the kids aka phd student aka spokesman of the family aka ustazah for the family aka much more. Alhamdulillah...

Today was the SpeedStars first game after 2 practices. We arrived at the Northcross Intermediate School field at 3.40pm. Ashraf was all so enthusiastic to play the game. He has been asking me when would the game start, weeks ago. The field was full of kids from various schools. All the different colours of their uniforms. Jo (the coach) was busy giving final briefing before the games began. I showed Ashraf "two thumbs up" and he smiled with confidence in his eyes. Thats my boy! A dad's proudest moment. I remebered 6 years ago when I held him in my arms the moment he came to this world. He was already eager to explore the world, his eyes wide open, curiously looking at me and around the delivery room. He is one very active chap, one very adventurous soul, who knows how to be the centre of attention. Back to the rugby field. Ashraf was one hell of a runner. He gave so many trys. Putting the opponent, (by the way the opponents are year 2 students and the SpeedStars are year 1 students with only 2 sessions of practice) hot on their feet. Their opponents definitely had the experience and strategies, but the little SpeedStars have courage and swift. Ashraf was awarded "Player of the Day" along with his mate Jesse. Here's some pics of them. Am one proud dad a spendid 7th Anniversary gift for me.

2008-09-10T20:48:00.002+12:00

Ramadhan, Fatigue & Classes

Recently I have received an email from the University Chaplaincy. A snippet of the message is as follows:

"The biggest issue facing the University regarding Ramadhan is the inability of students to rise before dawn and therefore the difficulty with lectures / classes in the afternoons. A number of students have already visited the Health Centre complaining of severe headaches as they have failed to drink sufficient liquid to be faced with staring at computer screens or data projections.
I believe what we need is an educational leaflet which can be made available to Muslim students (especially International Students and those living away from home) which details how to care for yourself during Ramadhan. This would probably discuss the medical difficulties no food or water for a whole month can cause and some simple ways of preventing these - especially rising early enough each day to consume water and food before dawn prayers, and then returning to sleep if you have no morning lectures.
NZ Universities are not going to change lecture times etc during Ramadhan although some schools are more open than others to allowing movement between lecture and tutorial option times, and neither are scheduled tests going to be re-scheduled. It is up to Muslim students to make both their religious obligations of Ramadhan and their University study work together. This must be possible !! But they do need some help."

One thing I can be sure of is the Muslim students referred to above are not Malaysian students as there are only 3 Muslim Malaysians at MU in Albany. There are quite a large number of Middle Eastern Muslim students here and they are mainly doing foundation programmes and a handful of Muslim Indonesian. This being the “biggest issue” is something that has to be dealt with. The Chaplaincy, at least, have a wrong perception of Ramadhan as a burden to our students. My immediate reply to the email message is as follows:

“…I understand how difficult it might be for some students to cope with Ramadhan and classes/lectures especially without the support of their families. However, fasting in Ramadhan isn’t an excuse to re-schedule exams and classes. Things should go as normal as outside the Ramadhan month. Talking from my experience, I performed best when exams are conducted in the Ramadhan month. Dawn (Fajr) prayer is already a routine, so waking up just half an hour before Fajr prayer to eat will not be a major adjustment to a student’s daily routine. A short nap during lunch break i.e. before the Noon (Zuhr) prayer could help too. Its sad that this has become “the biggest issue” … something, indeed, needs to be done and I am willing to assist wherever I can. Islam, like any other religion, isn’t a religion of hardship what more to burden. Please do let me know of what I can do to help.”

Even my 6 year old son managed to wake up for Sahur and fast (though till 2pm) and still be as energetic as ever. Comments welcomed.

2008-09-08T19:30:00.004+12:00

Lacto-ovo Vegetarian

Seventh day of Ramadhan today. I progressed slowly towards completing another chapter of my thesis. I aim to complete Chapters 2 & 3 by end of next week. Ya Allah, give me perseverance and clear mind.

In between writing and searching for materials for Chapter 2, I recalled that my wife has a plan to send Humaira and Danial to Kindercare Learning Centre, http://www.kindercare.co.nz/. I composed an email which was eventually sent to their head office, enquiry about the vegetarian menu they provide to children under their care. Less than an hour after I sent the email, I received the following reply:

"Yes, Kindercare Learning Centres serves a lacto-ovo vegetarian menu to the children we care for. The children receive mid morning and mid afternoon snacks and a cooked midday meal - all of which are vegetarian, including dairy products and egg."

According to wikipedia:

"A lacto-ovo-vegetarian is a vegetarian who does not eat beef, pork, poultry, fish, shellfish or animal flesh of any kind, but is willing to consume dairy and egg products."

I told my wife that this would be a suitable place to send our children as we will not have to worry about the food they are providing (i.e. non-halal). Hoping that they've got vacancies this October. Meanwhile here's some snap shots of Ashraf's first touch rugby practice.

2008-09-04T21:15:00.002+12:00

Solat Tarawikh: Salawat dan maksudnya

Di blog zamz ini ada terdapat salawat yg di baca semasa sembahyang tarawikh beserta maksudnya, buat saya sendiri, keluarga dan rakan2:
http://zamzontheblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/salawat-tasbih-dan-doa-sembahyang.html

2008-09-01T21:31:00.002+12:00

Ramadhan Kareem

Here in New Zealand, the month of Ramadhan will begin on Tuesday 2 September 2008. My family and I would like to wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters Ramadhan Kareem. We would like to seek your forgiveness for our shortcomings. Lets embrace this month of mercy and blessings. Lets seek the night of Qadr. Lets recite the Quran. Lets give sadaqah.

As a reminder to me and my family:
"The first ten days are of mercy, second ten days are of forgiveness and the last ten days are of being freed from Hell. "

It is the month of patience and the reward of patience will be Jannah, InsyaAllah.

2008-08-26T09:50:00.005+12:00

Ahlan Wa Sahlan Ya Ramadhan! Maaf Zahir Batin dari kami...

The month of Ramadhan is just around the corner. Alhamdulillah, I get to meet Ramadhan again. I pray that my family and I would be able to make it a better one than last year, Ameen.

These past few weeks were fairly hectic for me. Still working on Chapter 4 of my thesis, hoping to wrap it up by this week. Next week, I'll move on to Chapter 3, which I have actually started with the framework last week. My supervisor is on one week leave outside NZ inconjuction with the mid-semester break. My co-supervisor has summoned me today to do a final check and hopefully send out our first journal paper. Am a sceptic tho. I had spent so much time with him on the paper, too much. I cant bear to spend another minute on it. But I reckon I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and meet him today.

Ah time to get back to work.

2008-08-17T10:41:00.004+12:00

Wet Sunday

Has been a week of hail, gail and rain. I was working on the framework for my thesis. My external hard drive has been ordered, thanks to Jenny and folks at IMMS for making this possible. My supervisor has been very instrumental in guiding me through my thesis writing. Thank you Dr. Rashid, you've been so helpfull from the start of my PhD journey. Thesis writing has its a mind of its own at times. Steering me into bigger and different questions in the area of research. Its more important to remain focussed this time more than ever. Having the framework drawn up now, its time to fill in the gaps. I've put my simulation works on hold for the meantime. My supervisor has indicated that I could go for a conference next year. Perhaps my final one before I complete my PhD studies. I want it to be in the UK but he suggesting me to go to the US. We will see how things go.

Meantime here's some pics of the recent hail.

2008-07-28T09:17:00.002+12:00

How Sad!

Here is a piece of news I read on Malaysian Insider, on 28 July 2008.

UIAM doing away with songkok for convo
KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 —The International Islamic University of Malaysia is doing away with the songkok and special scarves during convocation for its graduates. Instead, from this year's convocation, to be held from Aug 23 to 25, graduates will wear their graduation robes with mortar boards. UIAM deputy rector (Academic and Research) Prof Datuk Dr Tahir Azhar said the change was made to standardise the dress code for university convocations nationwide. He said yesterday that this year 4,112 UIAM graduates would receive their scrolls. He said there would also be a change in the colour of the graduation robes, from turquoise green to turquoise blue. "The songket pattern on the sleeve of the new graduation robes will be that of the 'pucuk rebung' (bamboo shoot)," he added. He said UIAM was spending RM2.1 million for the new graduation robes. — Bernama (source: http://themalaysianinsider.com)

My first reaction to this was: HOW SAD!
We (IIUM) was setup to lead! Now we are merely the followers.

University convocation ceremonies here in NZ, see the Maoris proudly putting on their traditional (related to their believes i.e. religion) outfit, but we would want to hide our identities away.

2008-07-24T12:56:00.004+12:00

Full Steam Ahead!!!!

After two days of suffering, I am on my feet picking up where I left last week. I started off with a meeting with my supervisor. Like the meetings I had for the past 3 years, he is always calm and supportive. A visionary person I should say. I left the one hour meeting with a full list of tasks to do. One of them is to come up with a write up for the "core" of my thesis. I got an idea of what to write. Now to come up with a draft. Some pointers to share:

1. Thesis is not a diary
2. 150-200 pages
3. Write everything (easier to size it down later)
4. Brush up the lit. rev.
5. Make sense out of the findings
6. Reason things out
7. Find the core!
8. Discussion, discussion, discussion
9. Structure (can fill in the gaps later)
10.Write something
11.Welcome criticisms
12.Style in academic/scientific writing
13.The thesis IS the PhD
14.Spell check
15.Explain
16.Backup
17.Consistency in active and passive voice (an important stylistic choice!)
18.Talk to others about your research (even if the person you talk to doesn't have a clue of your research area!)
19.MATLAB presents graphs better than MSEXCEL (in engineering)
20.Start now not later!

dash!!

2008-07-18T15:59:00.004+12:00

Is that the light at the end of the tunnel?

It has been a good-three-year journey. I feel I am approaching the end of it now, at times I could see, though dim, light at the end of a long (Phd) tunnel. It was a long, difficult journey. Last week, my supervisors was pleased with my findings and today they repeated that I have made good contributions in my research. That means I need to "pack" the findings properly and put it in a nice presentable "box" to present to the examiners. I see this would be materialised by January 2009. Alhamdulillah, the support from my wife and children, prayers from parents and friends, I made it through so far. Time to work triple hard to make sense out of it all.

Here's the world from Ashraf's eye ....

2008-07-14T11:04:00.002+12:00

Qibla locator

Put in your address and it will show the Qibla from you location...
http://www.qiblalocator.com/

Thanks abg Yo for the link.

2008-07-07T20:29:00.007+12:00

Bon Voyage and Welcome

Today as i complete another chapter of my PhD thesis and another chapter of my life, we had to bid farewell to Syam and Jannah. We threw a small get together for them an dpray for their safety, comfort and well-being in Christchurch. InsyaAllah, we will visit you guys oneday. We will certainly miss the laughter and warm you brought to us.

Welcome to my lovely wife to the academic circle. I pray that your PhD journey be a wonderfull experience. Me and the kids will be by yourside to keep you company, through this long journey.

2008-07-04T08:42:00.003+12:00

4th July 2008: Ku Syukuri NikmatMu

Ku syukuri nikmatMu

Bahagia

terhampar seluas tasik Taupo

sedalam jurang Manuatu

Ku syukuri nikmatMu

Isteri

cerdik yang solehah

penyejuk mata, penenang hati, penajam aqli

Anak-anak

taat, penyejuk kalbu, bakal pemimpin orang-orang yang bertakwa

Sahabat-sahabat

semasa suka dan duka

Ku syukuri nikmatMu

Ibu yg melahirkan

Ibu yg membesarkan

Tiga puluh delapan tahun

Ku syukuri nikmatMu

Suhaimi Abd Latif
Auckland

2008-06-09T14:35:00.000+12:00

Congrats to Dr. Effie and family on the arrival of Ammar Abdillah, pics ->http://www.flickr.com/photos/effiezal

2008-05-12T08:26:00.002+12:00

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

To my wife and the UMMI of our children. You are stronger than you ever know you are! Thank you for your love and care.

To my mum, you brought me up to what I am today. I owe you the world and more.

UMMI ya Ruhi wa Hayati ..
Ismuki manquusyun fi qolbi
Hubbuki yahdini fi darbi
Wa du'a-i yah fazhuki Robbiy
Wa du'a-i yah fazhuki Robbiy

2008-04-15T14:47:00.008+12:00

KD SRI INDERAPURA

She is the fourth US tank landing ships and first of its class (i.e. LST) operated by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). Commissioned to RMN on 31 January 1995, she has a displacement of 8500 tons and overall length 567 feet (i.e. 173 meters). We had the opportunity to tour this true majestic eight-storey-high monster of steel and iron. Here are some of the pictures.

Bow RampRescue Boat
View from the stern gate

Sri Inderapura is designed to transport troops, tanks amphibious vehicles and heavy equipment of Assault Landing Forces and to land them as offensively capable forces. These forces can be delivered directly to the beach using the ship's bow ramp or by AAVS exiting via the stern gate while the ship is underway. The ship is capable of offensive assault operations in war and humanitarian rescue and support mission.

2008-04-14T09:22:00.002+12:00

Don't know how far this is true ... there should be more answers to the questionaires rather than just 2 choices.

You Are An ESFJ

The Caregiver

You are sympathetic and caring, putting friends and family first.
A creature of habit, you prefer routines and have trouble with change.
You love being in groups - whether you're helping people or working on a project.
You are good at listening, laughing, and bringing out the best in people.

In love, you value harmony and mutual understanding.
You will apologize or give someone the benefit of the doubt, if it means getting over a fight sooner.

At work, you are good at building relationships and connecting with people.
You would make a great nurse, social worker, or teacher.

How you see yourself: Organized, dependable, co-operative

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Opinionated, critical, and know-it-all

What's" Your Personality Type?

2008-04-10T07:52:00.002+12:00

OF JOURNEY and TOOL

I have embarked on the Mathematical journey for a month now. The route hasnt been smooth. Often that I found myself stopped by a brick wall, unable to climb over nor strong enough to walk through it. Walking around it wouldnt be a smart alternative. I discovered that MATLAB has a built-in toolbox which implements the Barrier Method algorithm. Quickly, I initiated the process of procuring the software. Had a few glitches here and there, but after 1 week of emailing and phone calls, yesterday we managed to sort it out and get the toolbox installed. Alhamdulillah, now I have to move on to the next major task i.e. to learn the software and start implementing my objective function and constraints. May Allah guide me.

2008-03-19T11:16:00.003+13:00

Butterfly kisses ~ for mum

by Bob Carlisle

2008-03-19T09:06:00.002+13:00

Dehydration

Yesterday, 18th March 2008, I received an email from home that was sent at 4.14am nz time. It was from my brother-in-law.

"Mie,
Bad news. Mum was just hospitalised at SGH because she had been having diarrhoea for almost a week. As you can understand, she is not in good shape. I'll give you a further update tomorrow once your sis & Shima gets back from hospital.
Abg Yo"

I hold myself as much as I could, against this news. Anxious to find out more of mum condition, I had to wait till it gets morning in Singapore so that I could phone my sister. Time went very slowly, leaving me to recall the sacrifices my mum has made to raise me to what I am today. She was a single parent for more than 10years. We lost the my dad, when I was 17, and she has been mum and dad since. She had to work night shifts at a plastic factory to put me in school and bring food on the table. I used to be afraid of staying alone at night so mum arranged for one of my male cousins to accompany me through the night. Soon I grew out of it and could sleep on my own. Mum would come home everyday at 8am with groceries for the day. She would sometime cook lunch before catching up on the sleep she lost the night before. 9pm she will get ready to go to work. Since she walked to work everyday and had to stand through the night manning the plastic machines, she has started to feel the effects of this on her legs. Now she often gets cramps on her legs whenever she over exert via over standing or walking. The effects of not having proper sleep over the years of night duty has caught up on her. Not many would know the challenges she had to put up with being a single parent going out at night to work. Don't have to elaborate on this, surely you would understand. Finally, its 7am in Singapore, I immediately pickup the phone to give my sister a call.

She confirmed that mum had diarrhoea for several days before and wasn't eating and drinking properly. On Monday she was so weak that she cant even carry herself to walk to the toilet and my brother sent her to the hospital. She was re hydrated by the drip and doctors noticed some abnormalities in her blood. They are yet to confirm the abnormalities.

That afternoon I got to speak to mum. She sounded sad. But I tried to console her as much as I could. Trying to hold back the tears from my eye. I wish I could be there with her, when she needs me most. Like when she was there for me when I needed her most, when dad passed on. She could speak to me without saying a word, and the phone call went beyond words. I could feel the pain she is feeling. I have never in my entire life saw her shed a tear, but that phone call did. I know she is in pain, not only physically....

All I can do here is to pray to Allah for His mercy. Lighten her sufferings and bring joy to her heart.

2008-02-19T08:18:00.003+13:00

Cervical Myelopathy

Today I received another heart breaking news from home. I have pasted the email from sister here to share it and seek your Du'a. Jazakallah Khair.
My dad had undergone an open heart surgery due to the clogging of 3 arteries in his heart, 9 years ago. And now this, May Allah bestow upon him and my mum patience in facing this challenging period.

=========
Mie,
I sent dad for a medical review at SGH today because he has problems with his motoring skills esp his nerves. According to the doctor, dad is diagnosed as having Cervical Myelopathy (http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000901/1064.html). Basically, it's a compression of the neck bones that affect his nerves. Surgery, the best solution, is out of the question because of his current medical condition. The doctor rates only a 20% rate of a success. Side effects of a bad outcome from surgery would be stroke or being bedridden. We certainly do not want to take that risk.
The only recommendation that she gave was to make dad lose weight [part of the problem that gave rise to this] and to let him make the most of his life. As you can see, we don't have many options. We're trying to get a second opinion from Dr Teo from Raffles Hosp. I will update you when I have all the info. In the meantime, just pray for his well-being and hope for the best.
Send my regards to all your kids and Asiah. Fyi, mum & dad are staying with me for the next few days.
=========

2008-02-15T17:38:00.002+13:00

Pergi dalam Tidur

Today I received an email from my sister that my paternal aunty has moved on while in her sleep, Wednesday 13th February 2008. She was my late father's elder sister who was very close to me like a mum. I remembered her always asking my mum to send pictures of me, Asiah and the kids every once in awhile. Her youngest son was sleeping by her side when she passed away.
Alfatihah, May Allah Bestow upon her Jannah.

2008-02-13T08:16:00.000+13:00

Application for Extension of Study Leave

For the records, on Friday 8th February 2008, I have submitted an application for extension of my study leave to IIUM and Malaysia High Comm of NZ. Both bodies has responded and will process my application accordingly. Awaiting the outcome of application.

As for the progress of my studies, my supervisor has given the assurance that we will seek the help of a mathematician with regards to the theoretical model. We are giving ourselves 2 months for this i.e. till April. Come May, I will start the cross-layer optimization part of the research which will take me till August. InsyaAllah, I'll start (or rather continue) writing my thesis. Ameen.

2008-02-11T17:02:00.000+13:00

Uncle Zoo

On Sunday, 10 February 2008, Ummi decided that we take the kids to the Auckland Zoo. I quickly agreed as I think they will benefit much for the visit. Ashraf is a fan of the big cats so is Humaira. I don't Danial has any preference since he is still young. Eventually I found out that he is also a fan of the Lion.
The weather was forecasted as occassional showers, we were cautious of how the day would turn out. We reached the venue at around 11am and the weather was promising. Quickly got to the ticket booth and stopped at the zoo souvenier shop to get me and Ashraf a cool cap. Here are some pictures I'd like to share.
Overall it was a very nice, highly educational trip. But Humaira kept on saying "bila nak gi rmh Uncle Zoo", while we kept on telling her that "Ni la Zoo"! That was so hillarious.

2008-02-05T12:59:00.000+13:00

Of Phd And Me

Firstly I would like to congratulate to friends of mine for completing their PhD studies, namely:
1. Dr. Effiezal Abd Wahab, of Auckland University, New Zealand
2. Dr. Anis Norashikin Noordin, of George Washington University, USA
Your success brings motivation to me to pursue this quest though how hard it gets.

Secondly I am now struggling to make sense of a paper I found in an effort to justify my results obtained from my simulation work. I have proven via simulation that my scheme worked but my supervisor thinks that its best if I could proof it using a mathematical model. So double justifications. This means an extra time required as I did not anticipate this when I drew up my research time-table. I hope I could meet someone at the Maths dept and get my problem sorted. It really feels running thru a brick wall, am giving myself till march to get a solution to this problem. Hope everything goes well.

2008-01-10T23:02:00.000+13:00

Selamat Tahun Baru 1429

2007-12-18T22:21:00.000+13:00

Weekend at Russell (14 - 16 December 2007)

We were fortunate to get invited to join Azhar at a bach in Russell. The weekend was full of fun, beach, sea, fishing, barby, fruits and food. We had good company too. The pictures explain it all.

2007-12-04T14:49:00.000+13:00

Lesson for today

Salam semua ... Apa Khabar….semoga anda dalam keadaan LUAR BIASA BAGUS !!! trademark Dr.TUAH http://www.drtuah.com/3em.html

Today I read a transaction paper that might be of much relevance to my research. Its a paper by Chou et. al.: UPCF: A new point coordination function with QoS and power management for multimedia over WLANs. The mathematical model that Chou uses is of some relations to what I investigating. Some studies on this paper would give favourable outcome, InsyaAllah.

X --snip-- X

2007-11-23T15:44:00.000+13:00

Luahan Kami Yg Baru Ingin Membina Sebuah Keluarga.

Akhirnya setelah lama menanti, kami menerima berita yang kunci bagi rumah kami, Taman Desa Gemilang, di Sungai Pusu, Gombak, sudah boleh diambil. Namun begitu kami perlu membuat bayaran sebanyak RM3358.87 sebelum kunci itu dapat diserahkan. Apa bila ditanya apa butir2 untuk bayaran tersebut, ini yg diberitahu pihak pemaju, Koperasi Malaysia Airports Berhad:

Bunga (interest) kerana lambat membayar duit progress – RM 1381.24
“Quit Rent”: explained – RM 537.63
Maintenance for rubbish collection – RM 1440

Item number 2 is acceptable. But for 1 and 3, I reckon is a trick by the developer to con us out of our hard-earned money. The interest that they are charging in item 1 is the 10% charge everyday that the do not receive payment from the bank according to the progress schedule. For example:

(a) Komab claims for payment of stage 1 on 27/5/2005
(b) Bank pays for the claims of stage 1 on 10/6/2005
So that is 10 days difference of (a) and (b). KOMAB charges 10% from the amount claimed on each of the 10days late.

The question here is, why are we forced to pay for something that is beyond our control. Its the bank that has made late payments to the developer. But we had to pay.

As for item 3, this is maintenance fee for rubbish collection over 2 year period. The developer had to arrange for rubbish collection as the Certificate of Fitness (CF) has not been given so council will not collect rubbish. It’s the developer that has not fulfill the requirements for a CF, again we have to pay.

They are taking our hard-earned money. Its us individuals middle-income earners against a company with lawyers by their side.

Let this be a lesson to us and others, there are dishonest developers who prey on helpless people, cheat them out of their savings.

2007-08-27T20:20:00.000+12:00

Nisfu Syaaban

Alhamdulillah, 15th of Syaaban marks the countdown to Ramadhan has begin. Much joy in my heart as the days draw nearer to the end of this month. I pray to Allah, that He would unite us with our families during this most auspicious month of tranquility and hasanah. Numerous reminders I receive for my fellow brothers and sisters about nisfu syaaban. Some reminded us to fast on the 15th of the month and others about the various rituals during the nights. Here are some links that I would like to share from a quick google search

http://www.matri-perlis.com/forum/index.php?topic=221.msg3396
http://www.darulkautsar.com/pemurniansyariat/NisfuSyaaban.htm

Indeed nisfu Syaaban is a clear indicator that the blessed month of Ramadan is around the corner. What I could gather is one can fast as many as days as one likes before Nisfu Syaaban. But after Nisfu Syaaban, the 15th Syaaban, one should not fast, except for those who are used to fast on certain days, every Mondays and Thursdays for example.
But if one is not used to that pattern, and he wants to fast after Nisfu Syaaban, then it is not advisable for him to do so. In hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad, Rasulullah s.a.w said:
Which means: When Nisfu Syaaban comes, stop fasting until Ramadan.Since Nisfu Syaaban is a sign to us that Ramadan will be coming shortly, it is well advised that we take that seriously. We should begin our preparations for Ramadan. I want to remind myself and my family to increase our general acts of worship, such as performing sunat prayers, tahajud prayers, reciting Al-Quran, remembering Allah through zikir, and to seek his forgiveness. And welcome Ramadhan with open arms and hearts... Ahlan Wa Sahlan Ya Ramadhan!!!

2007-08-24T09:10:00.000+12:00

To my dear wife

Though 22nd August 2007, tried to pin you down from embracing your dreams. I know darn well that you would stand right up and continue chasing it. You carry on your back the divine intentions of seeking knowledge and experience, ultimately sharing it with your fellow nations. To be an educator, mentor and nurturer of your own and children of others. I can see in you the purity of your intentions, humbleness in accepting your weaknesses, and enthusiasms to better your potentials. The spirit of serving your Alma Matta, giving back what she has given you. But not all speaks of the same, my Love. Not all believe of chasing after a dream, what more to encourage. Last year's Ramadhan brought us into this new paradigm, a new mind set for our family, a new challenge for us to face, InsyaAllah though the route has been hard, I believe the fruit of success is sweet. "Every cloud has a silver lining" never feel hopeless because difficult times always lead to better days, InsyaAllah. The children and I are here for you.

2007-08-16T11:14:00.000+12:00

Windy Thursday

Just when I thought winter will be over, the weather turned gloomy, windy and cold. Looking out the window from my office, I can see the trees succumbing to the might of the wind, my colleague pointed out the the rain seemed to fall at an angle of almost 45degrees, indicating that the very high wind speed. Situation indoors are much much calmer than that outside.

Am making quite good progress with this journal paper. My supervisor wanted me to make 2 tables to summarize the state-of-the-art that I have reviewed. I now visualize the table that is going to be constructed, InsyaAllah I'll get it done by early next week and submit it to my supervisor.

Its more or less 2 weeks to our vacation in Malaysia. Dah terbayang muka gembira mak dan bapak and sahabat handai semua. Ya Allah selamatkan perjalanan kami, Ameen.

2007-07-27T10:12:00.000+12:00

Another week has gone

Been awhile that I've written anything here. Gosh time really flew by so fast! Its end of another week. I am still taken my own sweet time, preparing this journal paper. Still stuck at the mathematical model to implement my solutions. Sometime I feel that I am so close to solving it but at times I felt lost in its complexities. "Ya Allah, guide me thru this, Amen".

A bit about what my research. I have zoomed in to the focus of my research. I have discovered that there is a promising scope to improve the QoS of service of multimedia traffic travelling on WLANs. The variation of CFP and SF in PCF-based WLAN transmission would affect the QoS of the applications travelling on it. If I could dynamically change/vary these parameters according to the QoS required by the applications, I would be able to provide better multimedia transmission and have enough bandwidth for data traffic as well. I could proof this my simulation but for the purpose of my PhD, I have to have a mathematical model to confirm the outcome. The simulation and mathematical models should tally. Need to research on suitable mathematical model to solve the problem and tune it to suit the scenario I am looking into.

I pray that next week would be a better week for me with my studies InsyaAllah.

2007-07-13T11:17:00.000+12:00

Melbourne 10th - 12th July 2007

Alhamdulillah I am back with my beloved family after a 3-day conference in Melbs. The 6th IEEE International Conference on Computer and Information Science (ICIS 2007) held at Rydges Hotel, Melbourne, Australia, was a valuable experience to me. I met many researchers and exchanged knowledge and experiences in doing our PhD studies. 180 papers were presented throughout the 3 days, most presenters were from Australian universities. 3 tracks run in parallel with wireless communications as one of the tracks. Tiring but beneficial indeed.

2007-06-07T09:34:00.000+12:00

PhD Journey

Here i would like to quote the speech made by Hon David Cunliffe as reported in http://beehive.govt.nz on 06/06/07. The said:

"... to address these goals (aspiration of the country) and to contribute to the transformation of our economy we must have three things:

a piercingly clear vision of where we want to get to
a realistic appreciation of the challenges we face
a robust strategy to get us from here to where we need to go "

These three things are seen to be most relevant to my journey in the quest for PhD. A crystal clear vision of where I want to be in this research. What I would like to achieve at the end of this research. Keyword here is “piercing crystal clear vision”. I can only work my way to achieve if I know what I want. Secondly, a realistic appreciation of the challenges, be it personal/family, societal or educational challenges. Facing them head on, and at the same time appreciating its presence (i.e. not avoiding or running away) is sometimes difficult. But I believe these challenges are there for a reason. I’ll be a better me, InsyaAllah. Thirdly, a strategy to get from here to where I want to be. In my context, a successful research with thesis bounded ready for submission (i.e. after viva) by July 2008. Thanks to the Hon. Minister, I am reinforcing my morale. May Allah guide me through. Also to my lovely wife, who is starting her journey, All the best to you.

2007-06-01T08:32:00.000+12:00

Winter 2007

Cold misty morning. Winter is almost here.
This year's winter brings with it several feelings to me.
Firstly, in Spring my family and I will be going home to Malaysia for the first time after 3 winters here in NZ.
Secondly, at the end of winter I want to get my algorithm running and some clue in the Mathematical model.
Thirdly, my wife will be starting her journey for a PhD ... its another new begining in a new place around new people.
This winter brings challenges and new experiences. I pray to Allah to guide us all and place Sabr' in our hearts. Ameen.

2007-05-15T08:48:00.000+12:00

Aqiqah

Last Sunday 13th May, Br. Rozaidi (Roy) and Sr. Helwa had announced the arrival of their daughter Afrina in an aqiqah ceremony. More in Asiah's blog.
Congratulations to Roy's family may Allah guide them in the upbringing of their children.

2007-05-14T10:31:00.000+12:00

Been a while now since I wrote in this blog. My life has evolved ever since. My children are getting bigger by the day, more intelligent, more independent. My wife has moved on towards her route to pursue her dreams of a PhD.

Yesterday we met a Malaysian family of three who has just arrived 2 weeks ago. They reminded us of ourselves when we first arrived on this foreign land. InsyaAllah, through time they will get settled and be apart of this blessed land of long white clouds.

2006-12-04T12:43:00.000+13:00

A New Beginning

On the 1st of December 2006, we have moved to a new flat closer to Ashraf's kinddi. Soon my department will shifting there too. Moving house is such a tiring affair. We've started packing weeks before i.e. the moment we sighted and signed the tenancy agreement. On Thursday 30th November 2006, we have started transporting car-loads of stuff. We slept in the new flat that night. The next day I rented a 2-ton furniture truck from North harbour rentals and moved the truck load of furnitures and stuff. I never thought that we have so much stuff. The fun didnt stop there, we had to clean the old flat. Just imagine the dust that have accumulated behind the bed and furnitures. 1 year ++ of dusts. Gosh! I never thought we accumulated so much dust ... lol.
To add more fun, we had to clean the new flat too. I rate it as "filthy" with a capital "F". On Sunday, we met Petro and Richard (our landlords) to return the key to the old flat. They were pleased with the cleanliness of the flat. They better, considering the effort we've put in to achieve it. Asiah and me were so flat out after that.
Now the new place is generally pleasing. Bigger lounge, our own garden, bigger masterbed room, carpark just infront of the unit, infront of Ashraf's kinddi, pleasant neighbours. Hope we won't encounter too much unpleasant experiences. InsyaAllah.
For some photos. Check out http://photos.yahoo.com/airtehdeh/ , album name: Norfolk Pines

Later... guys

2006-11-17T15:17:00.000+13:00

Back online

Setelah berkurun di-hacked, now we are back online.
Heaps to write but have to finish this conference paper first. I'll get back to this soon. So watch this space.

wassalamu.

2006-10-03T08:34:00.000+13:00

PhD Full Registration - Proposal Defense

Alhamdulillah, I have completed this preliminary examination on 28 September 2006. I had spent almost a month preparing, collating and updating information for the full registration report. The report is actually the first 4 chapter of my PhD thesis. Prof. Mick Roberts and Assoc. Professor Dennis Viehland, congratulated me for a job well-done on the thesis. They barely find mistakes in the thesis. They also said that the thesis was very well organised and clearly explained. There were some comments about the methodology and proper highlight of the contribution of the research. The presentation went on well. I took almost 45minutes to actually finish the 35ish pages of ppt slides. The panels asked questions during the presentation and after it.
Thank you to my wife, Asiah, and kids for their prayers. To mum and dad for the dua. To my friends, in ITD, Kulliyyah of Engineering and Library IIUM, your words of encouragements gave me more confidence and courage to complete this examination. Syukran.

2006-09-27T12:09:00.000+12:00

Ahlan Wa Sahlan Ya Ramadhan

25th September 2006 witnessed the first day that Muslims here in New Zealand began the fasting for Ramadhan. A day later than the rest of the world, my family and I, followed the decision of the local NZ syura. This year is our 2nd Ramadhan in the land of the Kiwis. It feels like any other day, when I get on the road or in uni. We try to create the awareness in our children, though they are still too young to understand. Our fellow brothers and sisters, like Br. Muhammad and Br. Zulkarnain, are putting on some activities relevant to this holy month. InsyaAllah, if time and energy permits, our family with participate. On the 4th day of Ramadhan, I will be defending my PhD proposal in a viva voce. Scheduled at 2.30pm on a Thursday afternoon, I will be presenting my case to my 2 supervisors and 2 other panels from IIMS. I have all necessary preparations and pray to Allah that He makes things easy for me and grant me suceess, Ameen.

2006-08-27T15:40:00.000+12:00

Note to self: Learnt my lesson

Recently life has thought me an important lesson. No matter how good your intentions might be, a twist of fate and bad command of English would change your words of friendly reminder into a bolt of lightning strike at a tree stump on a barren land called "EGO".

I've learnt my lesson. Got to keep my comments to myself (no matter how well intended they are) as close-mindedness does not stay within the boundaries of Malaysia, it follows where ever its hosts go.

2006-07-31T11:26:00.000+12:00

Trip to Mt Ruapehu, Whakapapa

We started journey at 3am on Friday 28th July 2006. Preparation started as early as Wednesday, with groceries at Pak n Save. Ummi started making sambal and fish cakes right after. I packed the bag with clothes for the kids. Need to have enough clothes in case kids get all wet from playing with snow. Cleaned the car. After the long preparations, finally the time has come to set out to Whakapapa. We made a stop at the Auckland city to join 2 other families, i.e. Zul/Aidora and Mohd/Afidah, to of our closest friends. It was 4.05am when we actually started the journey. Excitement was in the air, despite the early hours, kids were all awake, curious of what to come. The journey was smooth. We stopped at a Bp petrol station at Ngaruwahia, for Fajr prayers. By this time, kids are fast asleep. Journey continued as dawn broke in. We were presented with an entre of beautiful scene, breathtaking! Very soon afterward, the sun was shining strong. The weather forecast, promised a fine sunny day and the promise was kept. We reach the town of Turoa at 9ish am, the effect of lack of sleep has started to torment me, but I sheer excitement has managed to put it undercontrol. We started driving up the slope of Ruapehu, gradually showing here majestic peaks covered with satin white snow. Awesome, Subhanallah. A sight that no one can easily forget. We were showed to a parking lot, by the helpfull parking attendance. No ... we don't have to give them a single cent! Our capable group leader cum organiser, Zul, said that we have to leave our cars and take a bus to the top. The bus ride is free. Ashraf was all excited having to ride on the bus. Just a 5 minutes ride, bombarded with beautiful scenery all around, brought us to the activity area. The kids are all excited. Ashraf was continuously asking my permission to play with the snow as his friends were knocking themselves out with the snowball fight. I finally gave him a 'yes'. The place that we were at, was a ground station for the Turoa Ski Area.
Our 3 hours, flew by in a flash. We had great time playing in the little slope. We did not take the ski lift up to the top of Ruapehu, in fear of the children safety. Perhaps our next trip we would. Anyhow, Ashraf and Ummi, were having their time on the sled. Humaira was not enjoying as she was not in favour of the cold snow under her feet. So I had to piggy back her throughout. Danial obviously don't whats going on around him, but was enjoying his long nap thanks to the cool snow breeze. Around 3pm we headed back to parking lot we left our trusty old car. Had our long delayed lunch and drove down to the town of Torua for solah zuhr and asr. We waited a while for maghrib and prayer isya accumulated. The journey back wasn't as exciting. I had a terrible headache. We had to stop and I requested one of our undergrad brothers, who is travelling with us in 2 vans, to drive our car. Brother, Shafiq was kind enough to do the honour. We reached home at 12midnight, with the memories of Ruapehu engraved in our hearts.
more pix at http://photos.yahoo.com/airtehdeh

2006-07-21T10:52:00.000+12:00

Your Song

It's a little bit funny this feeling inside
I'm not one of those who can easily hide
I don't have much money but boy if I did
I'd buy a big house where we both could live
If I was a sculptor, but then again, no
Or a man who makes potions in a travelling show
I know it's not much but it's the best I can do
My gift is my song and this one's for you
And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world
I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss
Well a few of the verses well they've got me quite cross
But the sun's been quite kind while I wrote this song
It's for people like you that keep it turned on
So excuse me forgetting but these things I do
You see
I've forgotten if they're green or they're blue
Anyway the thing is what I really mean
Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

Music by Elton John

Lyrics by Bernie Taupin

Available on the album Elton John

2006-05-08T10:50:00.000+12:00

I Love U

Subhanallah, a beautiful Monday morning. I walked to uni today. Had an enjoyable walk. I plan to take the Massey Uni shuttle bus in the afternoon. I have to begin an intensive regime in order to reduce using the family car (to save $$ on petrol) and to keep fit inorder to stay healthy. Today I have to grasp and understand clearly the concepts in Round-robin. Got to present to Dr. Alam tommorrow. As I was reading the articles on WFQ, the screen-save on my PC started to play. It showed the pictures in my "my-picture" folder. Pictures of my family striked me most. I am so thank full to the Al-Mighty for giving such a beautiful and loving family. A caring wife, whom I love so much, who is also the "Ummi" of my children. Three beautiful healthy children, who are teaching me on how to be a good "Ayah" to them. Allah knows I have not succeeded in becoming a good "Ayah" to them, but I keep on trying. The conversation I had with my wife last night came to my mind. She said she felt that our daughter is not getting enough of our love since the arrival of Danial, 5 months ago. I disagreed with her. She quickly corrected her words by saying that what she meant was, Humaira is not getting enough attention since the arrival of Danial. That I agreed. Our attention is undoubtedly divided amongst our routines and non-routines in our lives. But our love has grown together with the number of children we have. I can feel these especially when I watch them sleep, or when I watch Ashraf and Humaira playing. Their laughters and tears, simply adds to my joy of having them as my children. Allah has allowed our hearts to grow the fruits of love, enough to quench the thirst of our family. I acknowledge Asiah's effort in educating the children and nursing them everyday at home while I go to study at the uni. I wish I could do more in helping her but I have to put effort into the progress of my studies. Being in a foreign place with our family and relatives, has educated us to treasure our family members even more.

To my family I LOVE YOU!

2006-04-19T09:11:00.000+12:00

Anjungku was borned

On the 14th April 2006, at the Railway Campus, Auckland, the 1st Malaysian-Auckland PG Gathering was conducted. Anjungku at http://anjungku.blogspot.com charts the current and future activities of the group. Sila-lah ...

2006-03-07T15:45:00.000+13:00

My Malaysia

This was my responds to the email I received, forwarded from a friend, written by I presume a Malaysian Malay living in London ....

Salam all,
Just to comment on this email. I've not been in London, what more live in that city. However, I lived in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and now in Auckland New Zealand. I still have my parents and siblings living in Singapore. I've got comments on the senders email, with regards to my experiences living in the above countries...

> Singaporeans (average) earns around S$3000 to S$4000 and nearly everything> is half the price of Malaysia. Eg clothes, computer parts, electronics> etc. But the average Malaysian still earns M$2000 plusand goods are double> the price> of Singapore.

I assume the figure given was earnings per month. Average Chinese might earn that much ... average Malay earns lesser. You don't find many Malays working as high corporate figures. Singaporean Malays work as office boys, counter clerks, highest as Malay Language teachers in primary schools. Malaysian Malay, working in the public sector, may earn an average monthly wage of RM2000, but the same may earn an average of RM5000 in the private sector, I personally know some.

> 1) Good terrace house> It is more or less the same. If you want a house in KL, it would most> probably be in Puchong and not> Damansara Heights. So your house would be RM$200,000. In UK, you can get

I know many average earning uni graduates working with the public sector buying descent house (if not houses) in Gombak, Templer Park area, Kepong, and even in Damansara. It is a matter of preference and how near the house is to your work place, after that the price.

> outside London. The same also applies to buying a house in Seremban,> Kajang etc. You can buy a nice house for RM200,000 below.

Got my house in Gombak for RM150K.

> 2) A car> A good Wira is RM$55,000. Most Malaysians have to take 7-year loans and be> in debt all the time. If you are> earning RM$2000 a month, you take nearly 3 years saving the RM$2000 with> not eating at all just to buy a Wira.

I have to admit, cars are very expensive in Malaysia. And even more expensive in Singapore. However, more of my family members in Malaysia can afford to buy a car (if not cars) than my siblings in Singapore. My brother, in Singapore, had to sell his family car as he can't afford it, after the arrival of his 3rd child.

> In UK, the average local earns about 2000 pounds. He saves 3 months, he> can buy outright a good Ford Fiesta> or a Vauxhall Corsa without being in debt.

Here, in New Zealand, even as a student, I can afford to drive cars that I couldn't imagine I can afford to drive. I know friends in US can afford to buy big cars that they can't afford back in Malaysia.

> If buying a second hand car, even better. A 1990 Mercedes 190E cost 500> pounds. My 1996 Mercedes E220 cost 2000 pounds. My friend just gave me his> 1989 Honda Accord (Auto) for free because he said he could only get 30> pounds for it.> > I used it for a few months and decided to give it of for free too.> > That alone speaks for itself.

Like New Zealand, London is a dumping ground. Heaps of second hand cars, in Auckland. You name it, you get it. You see cars sold by the road side. Recently my friend bought a Toyota for NZD60. In Malaysia, you can see more Malaysians are driving NEW MPVs not old 1996 mercedes even if they cost like a loft of bread!

> Even if you are kuli or an office boy, you still can drive a Mercedes or a> BM. Yes, kuli's and office boy's get paid quite well.

Yeap dude... that is what you have to do ... a kulli to the "mat saleh" in order to drive a mercedes.... I'd rather work for my fellow citizens selling nasi lemak than scrub the toilets for the "mat saleh" ... for all u know .. mak cik jual nasik lemak tu pun bawak merc mata belalang ....

> Average temp/office boy in London can earn about 7 to 10 pounds and hour.> Overtime is 1.5 times or double. A brick-layer can earn 20 pounds an hour.> The same Indon who lays bricks in Malaysia earns RM$50 for the whole day.

Indon kat Malaysia ... boleh buat rumah banglow ... come to Gombak I'll show you ... (tapi come after 2008, only then I'll be back in malaysia ler)

> Before I became a doctor, I used to be an office boy and I earned near 300> pounds a week working about 70 hours a week. My makan was 30 pounds a> week. My rent was 70 pounds a week for a room but I still drove a BMW back> then. I bought the 10-year old BMW 3 Series car for 200 pounds. Amazing> how an office boy can drive a safe and luxurious car.

Apeler yg dibanggakan sangan naik BMW tu ... Only if that is your measure of success ler ...

> 3) Petrol.> For a UK person earning 2000 pounds, 80 pence a litre/gallon is cheaper> than RM$1.52 paid in Malaysia.> If you don't convert, it is like paying 80 sen a litre in Malaysia

Minyak tu kat NZ ni NZD1.50 per liter ... kalau convert dlm RM4 per liter ... NZ pun complain to their government gak ... so tu samer aje ... kat sini ramai org jln kaki ... lebih healthy. Tengok ler cuaca tak der ler macam Malaysia ... kalau kat Malaysia nak jln kaki ... pakai nampak cair ler make up ...hehe

> 4) Shopping> 20 pounds (which is 1% of 2000 pounds) can buy you 1 week's worth of> groceries in Tesco.> > RM$100 (which is 10% of RM$2000) can also buy you 1 week's worth of> groceries in Giant or Carrefour.

Back in Malaysia, with a family of 2 children ... I spent around RM300 a month for groceries ... we have enough to buy life insurance policies for the whole family, buy a house, pay rent, drive a descent car, put the kinds in child care, save for hajj, sent money to our parents, buy shares and save for the children education ....

> 5) Utility Bills (This is what I pay in UK)> 1. Virtually non-stop heating the whole day only 20 pounds a month. (Only> 1% of the 2000 pounds earned)> > 2. Electricity, I use my electricity maximum only 20 pounds a month. (Only> 1% of the 2000 pounds earned)

Masa kat malaysia ... we wash using the fully automatic washing machine every day ... with a fridge, fan every nite ... our electricity bill is never more than RM30 a month ... 20.00 GBP United Kingdom Pounds = 129.556 MYR
Kat New Zealand ... in winter kami kena bayar NZD140 a month for electricity140.00 NZD New Zealand Dollars = 339.015 MYR
Even the Kiwis are complaining ... eat that ...

> 3. My water bill also comes to about 20 pounds a month (Only 1% of the> 2000 pounds earned)
Bill air masa kat Malaysia ... RM5 kat New Zealand water is FREE! > 4. My internet - I get 2Mbps for about 25 pounds (Bulldog DSL) (Also> slightly above 1% of the 2000 pounds earned)

I don't dial up at home (in Malaysia) ... coz in the office with use leased line ... can't beat that ... in NZ i pay NZD50 for phone+internet access

> 5. Astro Equivalent (NTL cable or Sky) - 30 pounds per month (Also> slightly above 1% of the 2000 pounds earned)

Never need the cable or SKY ... a waste of money any way ... after all don't watch tv that much ... other than news ...

> In Malaysia, this is what I used to pay> 1. Tenaga Bill comes to RM$200 to RM300 a month with 3 air-cons. This is> more than 10% of the RM$2000 earned)

Kalau tak tahan panas mmg tak leh duduk kat Malaysia ...

> 2. Water (Puas) comes to RM$40 (This is about 2% of the RM$2000 earned)> > 3. Astro RM$100 (if you take Chinese package) (This is about 5% of the> RM$2000 you earn)> > 4. Internet Streamyx 512K RM 88 per month (This is about 5% of RM2000 you> earn)

Ni dah comment tadi ...

> 6) Books> A good book is about 10 to 15 pounds in the UK. This is less than 1% of> the 2000 pounds you earn. In> Malaysia, you have to spend RM$75 to RM$100 for a decent book in MPH or> Kinokuniya in KLCC. This is> about 5% of the RM$2000 ringgit you earn.

I work in a university ... can just borrow books at the library

> 7) Education.> I think it is about RM$20,000 per year to do a degree in Sunway Monash and> about RM$12,000 per year to send your kid to UM, UKM, USM etc. I am not> sure about this.

A ah ... the early education u got in Malaysia ... brought u to UK kan?

> Even worse for the poor non bumi's not given a place in local university.

I wouldn't want to go to that area ... it is complicated ... but I got my early education in Singapore until A levels ... they said it is free for malays .. but actually it isn't ... i couldn't get into NUS although I am qualified ...

> Even if they can afford, they won't get a place because of the quota> system. Unfortunately, the> Chinaman and the Indian who gets 5A's in STPM have to be sacrificed and> not given a place to let the Malay> fellow with 2E's and 3 Fail's to enter the Medical Faculty or Law Faculty.

JPA is sending more non-bumis than bumis to NZ ... i am sure you'll say that they are more qualified that Bumis ya? I have never seen anyone with 2E's and 3Fs in any uni what more the Medical Faculty ... u got to get your fact straight Mister PhD holder ...

> So the non-bumi's have to save RM100,000 per year to send their kid to the> UK. In the UK, at least the white man still can go into university based> on results and merit and only pay 3000 pounds per year.

I know many "mat saleh" in NZ are very angry coz their gov. are giving more uni seats for these chinaman children as they can afford to pay high education fees. The locals here can get in as their seats are given to them ... and u don't see many good chinese students either ...

> 8) Luxuries> Panasonic Plasma TV in Malaysia about RM20,000. If you are earning RM$2000> a month, memang mahal! You have to save 2 years your monthly salary to buy> it. In UK, the same Panasonic ironically, Panasonic plasma is made in> Japan and Japan is close to Malaysia, so the plasma should be cheaper in> Malaysia) is only 2000 pounds. And this is only 10% of the 2000> pounds earned.

Dunno about UK ... but I don't see much plasma TV here in the NZ homes ... coz they expensive ...

> 9) Health> NHS is free. Though the service is slow, quality is still there. You still> can get a top quality by-pass> for free although you may have to wait many months.
> In Malaysia, IJN charges RM$30,000. SJMC charges RM$50,000. GH is free but> as many people know, GH and UH have clown doctors. For example doctors who> wear tudung and use a pen to touch the patient because scared dosa).

That is not a fare judgement ... i have Muslimah friends who are doctors and specialist. They are professionals and still abide by the religious ethics .... ever heard of gloves before?

> 10) Assessments to local councils> I may pay high council tax but at least my council assures my streets are> clean and safe, got no holes> (pot holes) on my roads, and they jump and attend to me whenever I call> them.> > When I stayed in Malaysia, I paid my assessment and quite rent but MPSJ I> lived in Subang) told me to> "podah" whenever I asked them to come and fill up the pot holes, cut the> long lalang, put street lighting> etc.> > The councils, especially MPPJ and MPSJ, were more interested in eating> nasi lemak and going for 10 teh> tariks in a day during office hours and hardly did anything for their> residents.

Subang Jaya is never a good place to stay ... come to Gombak or Melaka ... u will live life like you never live before. I know Shah Alam is very good place to live too ...

> 11) Income Tax> My national insurance and income tax also is not wasted. When I was> unemployed in 1997, the government> via social security paid for my 2-bedroom flat for one whole year and I> was given about 100 pounds per week> for me and my wife to live on. I am happy to know that one day if I lose> my job, I can still claim social> security and get my apartment paid and food to eat again for free. It is a> good security to know.

Look at the tax and GST that you have to pay ... that goes in NZ ... tax is almost 30% of your annual income ... it is only logical that you receive such good services from the government ...

> Jonathan, the list goes on. Here alone you can see, the sterling you earn> goes a long way in the UK. So> your quality of life is far better in the UK than a Malaysian in Malaysia.> It is just that Malaysians are> just too content with what they have. But you compare apple for apple.

Itu nama nya bersyukur atas kurnia Allah ... rezeki dari Allah ... bukan dari kita or org lain ... In Malaysia ... letak meja satu tepi jln ... boleh berniaga sara hidup keluarga ... anak belajar sampai uni ...kat London boleh ke? Kat Singapore ... buat macam tu ... sesia kena tangkap .. sama lagi ... "City of Fines". Kat Malaysia ... berbudi pada tanah .. dapat hasil ... kat London boleh ke? I heard of org Melayu .. biler dpt duduk kat negara org putih ni ... mula ler .. semua pasal Malaysia and org Melayu tu buruk ... lupa mana asal ... beras mana yg dia makan ... hasil bumi mana yg sekolah kan dia ... titik peluh mana yg hantar dia ke negara "mat salleh" tu ... lupa semua tu ... Yg problematic tu yourself ... not others ... u can't live in Malaysia ... then don't ... you don't have to point that is not good, this is out of place, the weather is hot, the people like to gossip, jonathan the list goes on ...

> The British just love to complain. They have it made but still they love> to complain. Nothing is good enough for the British. The government gives> the citizens so much but they still seem to want more and more.>

Malays like to complain too ... but most are living outside malaysia ... thank god ... hope they stay out ... To me there is no place like Malaysia ... i've got my children to teach they sense of belonging to the country i call home ... For those Malays esp. living outside the country ... if you think you like living in the foreign land ... go on but don't point out bad things of your the country which received you when you were helpless and knows nothing of the alphabet. At least you owe Malaysia some good words for giving you your primary and secondary education. What you learnt out of it is a different story all together.

My friends who knows me ... kindly don't just read and believe what others has said ... about the beauty and serenity of living in other countries ... i've been in several and talk to many ... Malaysia is still the best ... at least for me and my family. Kat negara mana yg pendatang boleh settle down and make bungalows? Kat Malaysia aje.

2006-02-24T10:49:00.000+13:00

Muharram 1427

Alhamdulillah, I am so blessed to meet another Muharram. Praised be to the Almighty for giving me His blessings. Things has settled after the family's fight with chicken pox. Our new born, Ashraf Danial (right pix), is now gaining weight. He is such a jovial fella, smiling at everyone looking at his hazel-shaped eyes. Humaira has started saying 2-word sentences, like air-susu, an-ju (which stands for uncle zul, our family friend) and ten-chiu (thank you). She is just adorable. My lad, Ashraf is as witty as ever. I think he will grow up to be a sportsman. He is cunning and fast, likes sports and choosy of what he eats. He loves vege and fruits, drinks glasses of water and fresh milk in a day. As for my wife, Asiah, she is ever strong in handling our finance, household and the kids! I pray that Allah gives her the courage and strength to walk through our 3-years here. It is autumn now, I am really looking forward to winter as Danial will be 7 month old and I plan to bring them around Auckland.

I have just submitted a conference paper to the ICCCE06 committee. The paper is actually a literature review and research direction for my PhD thesis. Doing the paper makes me realize that I have much much more to learn and discover. If thinks go well, InsyaAllah, I might go back to Malaysia in May this year; alone though :(

View our latest pix at http://photos.yahoo.com/airtehdeh

2005-11-14T12:59:00.000+13:00

Barbeque at Western Springs

Saturday, November 12 2005. My family and I was invited to Western Springs lakeside, a sanctuary for both people and wildlife, for a barbeque. It was quite a last-minute decision. We were "assigned" to bring nasi lemak, and we topped up with vege salad and potato chips. Preparations started at 7am that morning. Ashraf was enthusiastic to meet his dear friend Ariff Zharfan. Asiah was engrossed in preparing the nasi lemak and vege salad, while my Humaira and me are Ummi's life time "pom-poms". We were expecting Br. Faiz, to come that morning. I've sent him a text very early in the morning, to confirm his arrival time. We receive a text from him that stated his arrival time. Before we knew it, Br. Faiz was already at the parking lot. Actually, Br. Faiz, a ever-smilling Kelantanese, parks his mercedes (mata belalang) at our second parking spot. As tenants of the apartment, we were given 2 parking spaces, and since we only have 1 car, we have agreed to allow Br. Faiz to utilize the second space. Parking at Br. Faiz's apartment (in the city) costs NZ$70 a month. Afterall, he will be going back to Malaysia this summer. Hence, it is more economical for him to park at our place, since it is free. Anyway, after have breakfast my family and Br. Faiz set out to the Auckland city, via the Harbour Bridge, heading towards Br. Zulkarnain's apartment in Hobson St. From there, the 2 vehichles rolled down to the Western Springs. Br. Zul's family brough Sr. Zaidah along with them.

Western Springs surrounds a natural spring-fed lake, one of Auckland's early water supplies. The lake is a refuge for the native orea (eel), who can be seen trailing the swans and ducks. Along with the birds, the orea are tame and can be coaxed to take food. The eels are an original part of the cultural and ecological heritage of Western Springs Lake - a fact that is reflected in the lake's Maori name 'Te Wai Orea', which means 'waters of the eel'. No one attempted to catch the eels out of water as it is prohibited.

We headed towards the space closest to the children playground and city zoo. After awhile we were joined by Br. Fitri, Br. Khairul and Sr. Fara. The 2 blokes are chef at a restaurant in Auckland city. They brought with them a back full of marinated lamb meat. Wow, it was time for BBQ! Chef Fitri made his speciality sauce, the mushroom BBQ sauce. The BBQ pits there are public properties. To ensure that our lamb meat stays halal, we have laid pieces of aluminium foil before BBQ-ing the meat. Aroma of the chef-marinated lamb meat, caught the attention of most visitors of the park.

As for the 2 lads, Ashraf and Ariff, they were having a heaven-of a good time, patronizing the playground. Occasionally they were seen holding hands running from one station to another, while their engineer-daddies put their talents into good use by figuring out how to start the electric BBQ pit. And voila! we are in business.

We stayed there till almost 2pm, and decided to call it a day.

ps. I'll post some pix soon.

2005-11-07T12:34:00.000+13:00

Syawal in the land of the Kiwis
http://photos.yahoo.com/airtehdeh/

This is our first experience celebrating Eid in a foreign land. Malays are an unknown race residing in this land of the Kiwis. The Malays are either mistaken as a Chinese or a Maori. Though some of our comrades have made this land their homeland since more than 20years ago, the presence of the Malays were not significant. I reckon this is due to the natural characteristics of us Malays. We try not to shine too much, or even not to glow at all, for fear of being labelled as a show-off. Any way, lets follow me through my weekend in Eidul-Fitr 1426H.

It was Thursday evening. Asiah (my wife) has started cooking rendang, out of the meat we bought at a Halal butcher in Mount Roskill, around 100kms from our home. The speculations, then, was that Raya would be on Friday, but there were no confirmation until the Federation of Islamic Association NZ makes the announcements, sometimes after 'Isya. We had promised our friend Zul and Aidora, that we will sleep over at their place, the night before Raya. Hence, in case, Raya is on Friday, we will have to cook the dishes on Thursday. And the plan follows, after Eid prayer, Zul/Aidora family and Effiezal/Adibah family will come to our place and celebrate Eid together. In other words, three families combined.

Later that night, Asiah received a text message, from a friend that read "Confirmed esok Raya!". Asiah told me the news and we started started packing our stuff for the sleep over at Zul/Aidora's house in the city.

The moment we got to the doorstep of their condo-like-apartment, we were greeted with some familiar faces. They were the Malaysian undergrads of Auckland Uni and Auckland Uni of Technology. We greeted and went up to the Zul/Aidora's apartment. Later we found out that the boys were there for Marhaban and Takbir. Soon after our arrival at the apartment, the boys gathered in a circle and started reciting Takbir. It was such a beautiful melody, reminding me of the home. After a few rounds of recital, the event was closed with a Du'a. The host was kind enough to provide us with rendang, kuah kacang and kueh raya that she made herself. The boys and my family, together with the host Zul/Aidora enjoyed the dishes.

After the boys left, Zul suggested we go a another friends place, where some are preparing satay for their Eid open house. We accepted and tag along. It was some 5 minutes drive to Br. Khairul and Br. Fitri's apartment. The road infront of the apartment was 45deg inclined. I've never seen such a steep road, and thought my manual Iswara will not be able to take the torment of going up such a hill. We we greeted with beautiful smell of cookies. Br. Khairul and Br. Fitri are both chef in the City of Sails. I knew them through some Petronas undergraduate scholars at Auckland University. They had Br. Faiz with them, Faiz is not staying with them, but he was there to make the satay. We sat in the living room and was served conflakes cookies and they taste wonderful, as they were crafted by Chef Fitri. We stayed there for some 30 minutes and head back to Zul/Aidora's place. It was almost 12am then. The kids were sleepy and went to bed almost immediately. Aidora and Asiah stayed up as they were preparing the Nasi Impit for tommorrow.

Fajr came pass me that morning. I cleaned myself, prayed fajr and put on the baju melayu ready for the Eid Prayer. This year, the Eid prayer was held at the Auckland Showground in Epsom, something lik 15minutes drive from Auckland city. However, we were told that the Ponsonby mosque is also holding Eid Prayer, and decided to go to Ponsonby Mosque. Zul, Effiezal and I, reached the mosque at almost 8am and was greeted by 2 lad dressed in Baju Melayu. We greeted each other and went into the Mosque.

Takbir was recite. It was anything close to our Raya Takbir in Malaysia. The elder gentlemen, recited "Allahu akbar Allahu akbar Walillahilamd" repeatedly with a rather monotonous tune until the Imaam came. The Imaam started giving a tazkirah and briefed the procedures of the Eid prayer. He said 3 takbir will be performed in the first and second rakaah. This is something different from the practice we have back in Malaysia. As foreigners there, we abide. To surprise, the second set of takbir was performed after the recital of surah in the second rakaat. I was told after that, that some of the undergrads actuall went down to rukuu' after the recital of surah not knowing that others are doing the second set of takbir. That was hilarious, but a very good experience.

After solah, we went back to Zul's place and fetch our wives and children, and head to my house in the North Shore. Food from the three families were put on the table and the feast began. The kids are so happy playing in the garden in front of our house. Zharfan, Ashraf and Afiq were enjoying themselves, like the world belongs to them. Though, they don't understand the philosophy behind Eid, they seemed to enjoy their time more than any of us. Nothing makes me more happy to see them smile.

Eid Mubarak. May Allah Bless us with his Hasana and Barakah.

I'd like to put on record my sincere thanks, Jazakallahu Khairan Kathir to the family of Br. Zulkarnain and Sr. Noraidura for the continuous support through our difficult times and through good times. May Allah reward their family the best that life could offer, as they deserve it.

2005-11-02T14:12:00.000+13:00

Ramadhan & Syawal 1426H

Alhamdulillah, we still have the opportunity to welcome Ramadhan this year. It is our first time fasting outside Malaysia. After 35 years of comfortable, I experienced 30 days fasting around unfamiliar environment. No salam and wishes from people I met. Only prayers from dear family as I leave home to head for school. The nights are rather silent, with my wife and I doing our occassional Tarawikh (separately). Nights during spring are relatively shorter as compared to winter. Usually, we would retire one hour after iftar, leaving Isya' at before eating Sahur. How I miss Ramadhan in Malaysia. Anyway, it is valuable experience for my wife and me. Something that we would treasure throughout our life. Indeed, when we go back to Malaysia, we would appreciate life more.

1 Syawal is yet to be confirmed. FIANZ the Islamic body in NZ will be sighting the moon on Thursday 3rd Nov. We will know on Thursday night whether Eidul Fitri will be on Friday or Saturday. Already NZ has started fasting one day later than the rest of the world. Australia and other countries will be celebrating Eid on Thursday, when NZ is only looking for the moon on that day. It would be hilarious if they don't see the moon, then.

To all my friends in Malaysia and in other countries. I wish all of you and your families, Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir Batin. May Allah accept our deeds in Ramadhan and grant us guidance throughout the year.

2005-10-10T10:34:00.000+13:00

THE ULTIMATUM

I've not been updating this blog for a while now. Alhamdulillah, I have the chance to do so today.

It is Ramadhan, Marhaban Ya Ramadhan, Ramadhan Mubarak to readers of this blog. May this holy month brings nuur to our hearts and brings Rahmah to all that embrace deserve.

Yeap, the past months have been tough. Sometimes I think that Allah has shown me a lesson. That is, to apprieciate the comfort that I have and to be thankful to Him for what he has given. Only that when it is taken away, would I appreciate its presence. Having, real friends back in Malaysia (thank you aeab for your offer), those who are willing to go out of their way to help, those who would not only go thru good times together, but thru bad times too, is difficult to come by. This is a test of us, the whole family.

Alhamdulillah, I have met the property manager that looks after the previous house. He didn't seemed to be happy. With the help from my dear friend Azahar, Aki and Kenji (who happen to visit us from Japan), we have cleaned the house and moved all things that belong to us to our new house. The property manager, lets call him, Bill, brough a list of things that have to be in the house. With the list as a reference, I showed him all things, still well kept. I fact there are more things that belong to the land lord that weren't in the list. He had to add it on himself. Bill was satisfied of the condition of the house and the stuff in it. He said, ok, and walked out of the house. IT IS SETTLED! We got off the hook. Praise be to Allah. For He has answered our prayers and put comfort back into our hearts, especially that of my wife's.

I had Azahar to thank, for helping me with the stuff, and boosting up my morale. We had a great time with the "shopping spree". To Aki and Kenji our "professional cleaners". Also to Erlane of Palmerstone North, for giving me the confidence in handling this case, for calling the Tribunal and city council. I very much appreciate it. To 101 realty, for your assistance in writing the termination request letter and pointing out the clause under the tenancy act. And to all our friends in K.L and family members who constantly pray for our well being here. I am gratefull to Allah that I have these group of people in my life. Jazakumullah Khair.

ps. Do visit our photo website http://photos.yahoo.com/airtehdeh/

Selamat Berpuasa.

2005-09-02T16:36:00.000+12:00

SETTLING DOWN

It has been a while now since I write in this blog. My family and I have been very busy moving house and entertaining our Japanese visitors.

Here is all about it...

If you have been following my blog, you would know that I have rented a house bought by our friends who are residing in NZ for the past 16 years. It is a beautifull modern, open, 4 bedroom townhouse in Albany, Auckland North Shore. The rent was NZ$450 per week. Yar yar that much. Try converting that to RM? You would say: "Why on earth would any one like Suhaimi, who is getting a scholarship from JPA and not working partime, stay in a house, with a rental cost as high as that?!?". I would say, we had not much choices and we were in the state of returning the favour.

The day we arrived in Auckland, we were greeted by a friend I know when he was in Malaysia. I knew him from another friend. Lets name him George (bukan nama sebenar). George is a Malaysian, now working in Auckland for the past 6 years. He welcomed us to the house he is renting in the heart of Auckland. The landlord is staying with him and she has been in New Zealand for 16 years. Both Malays. I am very proud of them. The work their days, to earn a living in Auckland. She has 4 properties and sharing 1 with George. This shared property is the one I had to rent. Keyword here "had". We were much in-debted with the warm hospitalilty, they love my kids, they welcomed us to their home which we stayed for 3 weeks. Introduced us to other Malays in Auckland. Everything went well. My wife, who is our family financial controller, is very worried of the rent that they are going to charge us. When asked, George business partner (who is also his landlord) said NZ$300-350. We explained that we can't afford more than $300 a week, infact that will be very heavy on our budget. Being business minded they gave 1001 ideas of how we can pay the rent, while we were hinting to get another house ourselves. Before we know it, they have signed the papers for the purchase of the house. We got more worried. I managed to console my wife by telling her that we should just take the house and rent a room out to nice female Asian student in my university. After much contemplation she agreed.

Our landlords have a property manager that looks after their houses and tenants. One night this property manager came and showed to me the Tenancy Agreement and said the rent is $450!!! My financial controller shooked her head in opposition. She said we can't afford. However, I was thinking of the trouble we would put our hosts into, if we were to disagree to the signing. I felt obliged of signing. Not knowing that the agreement is a "Fixed Tenancy Agreement". And I have signed my way to trouble!!

That night my wife and I discussed and we thought we should put in our best effort to make ends meet when we move in into that new house. I sent our emails to possible student association to advertise for rooms to let. Called some people to advertise. We even tried to offer boarding for Rangitoto College students. There were know respond until the day we shifted into the house. We continued our effort by putting up notices on notice boards of supermarket and the university. That was when I saw other notices on rooms to let, offering as low as $135 per week fully furnished. How can we beat that? First of all, we barely have furnitures in the house what more broadband internet access.

Two weeks have passed, still know enquiries at all. We began review our status. My wife said lets step-back and look at our financial status if we were to stay there until end of 2005. We will spend $9900 in total for rental, yeap just rental (ie if we can't find flatmates or boarders). We can't afford that.

We decided that we ought to leave the house. So we made an appointment to meet one of our landlords (not George) in the weekend. She gave us more ideas in order for us to pay for the rent including asking another Malaysian couple to stay with us. However, we said we want to look for another cheaper place. She agreed and said to give her property manage a 2 week notice and we can leave. We were so happy. My wife were happy and we started the house hunt that week end. On the following week, I sms the property manager, saying that I need to know the process of evacuating the house. He called back and said that we can't leave because we have signed a "Fixed Tenancy Agreement". I was out of my words. He said we have to stay till the very day stated in the agreement. I told my wife this, and she said, we can't afford it. We will have to use all our savings in Malaysia. This made her very sad. She was very emotional, because it is our life saving. For the kids and our retirement. We tried to talk to our lady landlord again, but she was not available. Heaps of sms and calls we made but we can't get in touch with her. Finally, my wife managed to get hold of George (my friend from Malaysia). He explained that we have to talk to his property manager, because he is paid to solve this kind of problems. That night before I went to sleep, I sent an sms to George, of the basis that he is my friend. And I though I could turn to him for another help. At least a motivation. But he replied with an unexpected sms, that I don't think a friend should say to another. He said words that don't expect out of him. To me, we have put our friendship to a test and that friendship has failed! Big time!

It was a very emotional situation for our family. I had to make a move to secure my family and keep what ever dignity we had left. Through prayers, we met a Real Estate agent who is advertising for a house to rent close to my university. The house is rented out at $280 per week, equipped with a stove, washing machine and dryer, fridge, 2 bdrms, and a nice green patch infront of the house that my son could play on. We immediately liked the house, and told this agent that we are now renting another house but we are stuck with a "Fixed Tenancy Agreement" for 3 years. She couldn't believe it when we said that we have a 3-year agreement. Never in NZ that anyone has a 3-year agreement. She said she would help us out. At the same time we have other friends in Auckland and Palmerstone north, helping us and motivating us to get out of the mess we are in. Allah's will, through the help of the agent, we have given a 3 week notice to the landlord, moved out of the house. There is a clause in the tenancy act, that we could apply in our case.

Now we are in our new house that we can afford. Next week, will be the ultimatum about the old house. I put on this blog, what happens then.

Please pray for our well being. Ameen.

2005-08-15T12:00:00.000+12:00

More Pix of the Kids
Ashraf and Humaira (with special appearance from Alicia)

2005-08-10T14:12:00.000+12:00

NZ DRIVING LICENCE

Today, 10th August 2005 at 12.15pm, I got my NZ driving licence. After sitting for the practical test for the second time, I managed to pull through. The first time round, I was a little nervous, not knowing what to expect and how to react. I was failed, because was not consistent with the speed limits. Anyhow, I think the tester was biased. The second time, I gave much emphasis on speed and the tester, a lady, gave me very good remarks and encouraging comments. Always a smile on her face (unlike the first tester). She gave me several tips on driving in NZ and some matters to pay more attention on. Malaysians (and most foreigners) are allowed to drive with the country's driving licence for their first year of stay in NZ. Since I will be staying here for 3 years, I reckoned it is best that I get the conversion as soon as possible. For those planning to come here and convert your licence, pay extra attention to speed and signalling. NZ drivers are not always courteous but most are law abiding. All in all, Alhamdulillah! Praise be to Allah.

2005-08-10T00:30:00.000+12:00

SETTLING IN AUCKLAND

Auckland New Zealand is purely outside our comfort zone. Different weather, lifestyle, people and definite culture. Asian food, however, is surprisingly easy to obtain. Belacan, cili padi, kicap and even DURIAN! One thing we know, we won't miss Asam pedas, nasi goreng kampung, kari ikan etc. We are lucky to have friends and famlies that are ever helpful and concerned with our wellbeing.

Back in KL, we have my friends in ITD and Kulliyyah of Engineering, Che Din in MSD, Azahar in Japan (who is ever willing to listen to my story), Kak Ani, Joe, Azhar, Kak Saadiah in Auckland whom presence in our life has made this journey a pleasant and ahssle-free one.

Of course my wife Asiah and two children Ashraf and Humaira are my amongst my greatest inspirations. Asiah's positive attitude and views towards every problems we faced, Ashraf's playful smile and Humaira's adorable eyes wipe all troubles away and makes me thank Allah for the joy he has sent to my life. We are learning a lot being here in New Zealand.

InsyaAllah, we will find that Comfort!