Life is more than just doing whatever pleases us. It is also more than just fulfilling our basic needs such as eating, drinking, sleeping, being happy and having sexual relationship.
Being free is everyone's ultimate dream. But believe me complete freedom is not something that you want. It brings chaos, complete the opposite of what we are striving for in the first place.
I will take having sexual relationship as an example. Sexual relationship must be regulated, controlled and disciplined. Many will argue that sexual relationship between consenting adults is okey. It is not!
Sexual relationship should only happen after a man and a woman is legally married, not before, not even after they were engaged or after they fell in love, as thought by many these days.
It is sad to see how some people who called themselves modern and sophisticated place marriage in such a lowly place. They get married only after living together for years and having babies!
To some of these people having sex is just like having breakfast or lunch!
Marriage should once again be respected and valued.
I have seen how family and society crumbles when marriage becomes just a ceremony rather than an institution. I too have seen how children, who were well looked after before, are let loose as soon as they reach puberty.
They are so free that a virgin is looked down and labelled as unpopular and even a nerd among friends.
I never want to see this scenario here: " Summer is approaching. Please get your supply of contraceptives from the university health centre."
But from the news that we all read and see everyday, I am afraid that we are going there if we do not take heed.
Free relationship between members of the opposite sex is the real culprit. It all begins with a simple chat. Then the two of them start holding hands. Little that they know the simple and innocent looking act of holding hands between a girl (woman) and a boy (man) who is not muhrim can lead to zina (illegal sex).
Strange as it may seem, now there are parents who encourage their children to have boy-friends or girl-friends and openly allow them to go out unchaperoned.
We have to go back to the basics. Follow the teachings of our religion closely. See that our culture is adhered to and stop the influence of the Western world from polluting our young ones.
Love has to be redefined. A man never really loves a woman when he coaxes and seduces a woman into illegal sex. A man who really cares about the woman he is in love with, should take care of his woman and preserves her virginity and purity.
A woman should also maintain her self-esteem and be strong enough to refuse herself being the object of lust of an irresponsible man. Preserve your most valuable crown.
Only when a man really loves and respect a woman the issue of innocent babies disposed and murdered that is occuring regularly of late will stop.
Parents should teach their children to respect the opposite sex, not to abuse them, from small.
Never make marriage very difficult for their children. Help them whenever their time of marriage comes.
Observe and respect marriage if we want our coming generation to be pure and healthy.
Remember, we are here for a purpose. Not just to live aimlessly, doing whatever we like. Not everything that we like is good for us. Just like food, some food items that are bitter are medicinal!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
THE RED GIANTS OF THE DEEP SEA
As a Terengganu guy I'm no stranger to squids and cuttlefish. Besides enjoying the squids' mantle, the heads and of course the delicious eggs I am always fascinated loooking at both of these creatures in their domain.
Still vivid in my mind how I spent hours in the sea at Perhentian island (then it was still in its pristine state) just watching a cuttle fish play acting. It knew that I was watching, so it did many colour versions right in front of me.
But Discovery's Squid Invasion was something extraordinary, even for me. The Humboldt squids, or the red giants as they are also known as, are huge squids.
There are still much unknown about the deep-ocean creatures. They are very intelligent. We can tell by their brain size.
When they are in feeding frenzy, they are known to gobble up their own kind, what more us humans! Their beak-like mouths are just awesome and awfully sharp.
They are now invading US shores, causing much damage to other sea creatures.
They have three hearts, thus explaining their ability to dive very deep into the sea in search of food and also to escape predators - whales.
So, whenever you are enjoying grilled squids, just remember deep in the sea somewhere there are the red giants just waiting for unwary divers.
Still vivid in my mind how I spent hours in the sea at Perhentian island (then it was still in its pristine state) just watching a cuttle fish play acting. It knew that I was watching, so it did many colour versions right in front of me.
But Discovery's Squid Invasion was something extraordinary, even for me. The Humboldt squids, or the red giants as they are also known as, are huge squids.
There are still much unknown about the deep-ocean creatures. They are very intelligent. We can tell by their brain size.
When they are in feeding frenzy, they are known to gobble up their own kind, what more us humans! Their beak-like mouths are just awesome and awfully sharp.
They are now invading US shores, causing much damage to other sea creatures.
They have three hearts, thus explaining their ability to dive very deep into the sea in search of food and also to escape predators - whales.
So, whenever you are enjoying grilled squids, just remember deep in the sea somewhere there are the red giants just waiting for unwary divers.
NEIGHBOUR'S HOUSE ON FIRE!
It was the morning of Chinese New Year 2010. The year of the Tiger. It was very quiet, perhaps many were still in bed.
Then I smelled smoke. It was from my closest neighbour's house. I saw black smoke coming out of the living hall. Within minutes I saw something caught fire - I guessed it must be the curtain.
Diyana called the Fire Department. She was irritated at the way the people there received her call. So many questions asked - her name, the address, so on and so forth and they also asked her to repeat the facts that she had already given.
Minutes, very precious minutes, passed but there was still no fire department's engines showing up.
The fire was getting bigger. I could now hear the sound of glass popping and electrical sparks from the house.
I then called again the fire department. Again they elaborately took my facts. Again I gave them what they wanted. Losing my temper, I introduced myself: " Well, I'm Dato' Dr Azahar bin Idris reporting...what more do you want from me?"
The man on the line seemed startled and said," Ok Dato', we're coming...."
I said," Yes, please hurry up...the house is burning..."
After more than twenty minutes, the first engine came. They looked a bit clumsy at first. I did not blame them. Perhaps the long holidays, you know.
Big crowds began forming. They came as soon as they saw black smoke. Children of the houses next door were called to vacate their houses.
Then the Electrical satff came. They cut off the house electric supply.
A few minutes later, two more engines arrived. They managed to douse off the fire. The living hall was completely razed down to pieces.
The Fire Department then took over the house and staffs took turn guarding the house till a full fire investigation was carried out.
The owner, after the fire was completely put out, said," Well, I think the house needs renovation. Five years were long enough for another renovation."
Then I smelled smoke. It was from my closest neighbour's house. I saw black smoke coming out of the living hall. Within minutes I saw something caught fire - I guessed it must be the curtain.
Diyana called the Fire Department. She was irritated at the way the people there received her call. So many questions asked - her name, the address, so on and so forth and they also asked her to repeat the facts that she had already given.
Minutes, very precious minutes, passed but there was still no fire department's engines showing up.
The fire was getting bigger. I could now hear the sound of glass popping and electrical sparks from the house.
I then called again the fire department. Again they elaborately took my facts. Again I gave them what they wanted. Losing my temper, I introduced myself: " Well, I'm Dato' Dr Azahar bin Idris reporting...what more do you want from me?"
The man on the line seemed startled and said," Ok Dato', we're coming...."
I said," Yes, please hurry up...the house is burning..."
After more than twenty minutes, the first engine came. They looked a bit clumsy at first. I did not blame them. Perhaps the long holidays, you know.
Big crowds began forming. They came as soon as they saw black smoke. Children of the houses next door were called to vacate their houses.
Then the Electrical satff came. They cut off the house electric supply.
A few minutes later, two more engines arrived. They managed to douse off the fire. The living hall was completely razed down to pieces.
The Fire Department then took over the house and staffs took turn guarding the house till a full fire investigation was carried out.
The owner, after the fire was completely put out, said," Well, I think the house needs renovation. Five years were long enough for another renovation."
Friday, February 12, 2010
TELAGA SIMPUL (KNOT WELL)
Once there was a freshwater well near a beach. Its water was always fresh (tawar) despite of its vicinity to the sea.
This is nothing strange if you care to look around you. I have read how Jacques Cousteau, the legendary French diver, was amazed when he came face to face with a stream of freshwater deep in the ocean he was diving in.
Later he told his friend about his strange finding. His friend then told him that this phenomenon was clearly described in the holy book Quran. Cousteau then read the verses and some said that he converted because of this.
Fishermen passing by the area would stop there to collect fresh water for their long fishing. But there was a catch. Anyone collecting the freshwater must, I repeat must, tie a knot before leaving the well.
Any knot would do. Usually they did it with the leaves, twigs or grass blades found nearby.
Failing to do so, one would not find one's way back. In other words, one would be lost.
For this reason, the well is called knot well (Telaga simpul).
This is nothing strange if you care to look around you. I have read how Jacques Cousteau, the legendary French diver, was amazed when he came face to face with a stream of freshwater deep in the ocean he was diving in.
Later he told his friend about his strange finding. His friend then told him that this phenomenon was clearly described in the holy book Quran. Cousteau then read the verses and some said that he converted because of this.
Fishermen passing by the area would stop there to collect fresh water for their long fishing. But there was a catch. Anyone collecting the freshwater must, I repeat must, tie a knot before leaving the well.
Any knot would do. Usually they did it with the leaves, twigs or grass blades found nearby.
Failing to do so, one would not find one's way back. In other words, one would be lost.
For this reason, the well is called knot well (Telaga simpul).
THEY ARE GOING...
It looks like peace and tranquility that I hope in the remaining few months does not materialize. I do not want to sound ungrateful for all the blessings that Allah has given me so far. I am just voicing my frustrations.
Imagine, for a big state like Pahang I will soon have only 1 Veterinary Officer to assist me. That too will be fully attached to horse works. Now I have two, but come 11 March one will attend a 9-month long course.
Then, all of a sudden one of my senior officers fell sick. He could no longer do much of his usual works. And he too has just been approved optional retirement.
Works are coming, one after another and all need equally urgent attention. There are 10MP, Rolling Plan 2011-2012, KPI, 5S, ISO, 1 Malaysia, People First, Performance Now zooming in the near horizon.
What more can I do under such physical constraints? It is now just like pulling a cloth that is just too short to cover your body - it does not matter whether you pull up or you pull down, your secret parts will still be exposed!
I am not going to overly stress myself now. Let it flows and let time sees it flows.
The pouring-of-milk-down-the-drain is almost settled. The factory is now begging for the supply of milk. Now it is realized that Jersey cattle's milk is of premium quality. The normal usage of alcohol test as the sole criterion whether the milk is accepted or rejected is unfair.
The illegal planting of oil palm in our permanent poultry production area is still in limbo and I think I will not fight anymore. Let it takes its due course.
Let my remaining days be filled with happiness and good memories. My visits to the districts have been both fruitful and educational. The sight of swiftlets diving in a 60K plus house offered great promise to Mr Baharum of Felda Keratong.
The sight of me wearing a kangaroo skin cowboy hat cleasing the pig house added colour to my life. It brought in calls from friends all over Malaysia. At least they still recognise me.
To Allah I pray that He give me faith, peace, tranquility and excellent health so that I could continue contributing to mankind...Amin!
Imagine, for a big state like Pahang I will soon have only 1 Veterinary Officer to assist me. That too will be fully attached to horse works. Now I have two, but come 11 March one will attend a 9-month long course.
Then, all of a sudden one of my senior officers fell sick. He could no longer do much of his usual works. And he too has just been approved optional retirement.
Works are coming, one after another and all need equally urgent attention. There are 10MP, Rolling Plan 2011-2012, KPI, 5S, ISO, 1 Malaysia, People First, Performance Now zooming in the near horizon.
What more can I do under such physical constraints? It is now just like pulling a cloth that is just too short to cover your body - it does not matter whether you pull up or you pull down, your secret parts will still be exposed!
I am not going to overly stress myself now. Let it flows and let time sees it flows.
The pouring-of-milk-down-the-drain is almost settled. The factory is now begging for the supply of milk. Now it is realized that Jersey cattle's milk is of premium quality. The normal usage of alcohol test as the sole criterion whether the milk is accepted or rejected is unfair.
The illegal planting of oil palm in our permanent poultry production area is still in limbo and I think I will not fight anymore. Let it takes its due course.
Let my remaining days be filled with happiness and good memories. My visits to the districts have been both fruitful and educational. The sight of swiftlets diving in a 60K plus house offered great promise to Mr Baharum of Felda Keratong.
The sight of me wearing a kangaroo skin cowboy hat cleasing the pig house added colour to my life. It brought in calls from friends all over Malaysia. At least they still recognise me.
To Allah I pray that He give me faith, peace, tranquility and excellent health so that I could continue contributing to mankind...Amin!
FEBRUARY, THE MONTH OF BIRTHDAYS
If 14 February is celebrated by many as the over-commercialized Valentine's day,to our family February is the birthday month. Why? Because there are three birthdays in that month!
First it is Diyana's birthday - 8 February
Second is Amalia's - 17 February
Third is my beloved wife's - 24 February
Tomorrow all our children, minus Syafiq, will come back for the extra long Chinese New Year holidays.
We will celebrate the three birthdays in one big one...
First it is Diyana's birthday - 8 February
Second is Amalia's - 17 February
Third is my beloved wife's - 24 February
Tomorrow all our children, minus Syafiq, will come back for the extra long Chinese New Year holidays.
We will celebrate the three birthdays in one big one...
SOME PEOPLE
They say luxury makes people selfish. I will add by saying that too much money in the bank coupled with loving them too much (that's stingy, ok) make people arrogant.
They also say it is holier to give rather than to accept, but it is very much holier if the giver gives sincerely without having to talk, write or telling people about it.
And holier still if the giver keeps quiet and not incessantly reminding the receiver to pay back in public!
People with the right attitude and frame of mind knows when to pay or when to settle their debt.
There are reasons for people not to do so. Reasons like not having enough money to go around or there are much more pressing matters to settle, etc etc.
Money is so elusive to many...the more you chase after them the harder to have and keep it. But there are people who have and keep money as if they are the only people who have it. They have excess money or rather disposable money.
Digressing a bit, it is also a lot holier if people trusted to keep someone else's money keep it safely rather than use it freely as if it is one's own. Worst still lend it to some relatives without first informing the owner.
I have met all kinds of people in this life. People who are kind, sympathetic and understand other people's needs.
I have also met some people who forget many things. Forget the very people who have helped them in the past. Forget about the good deeds that other people have done when they were in difficulties.
It is fascinating how fast people forget when they have accumulated material wealth. These people even suddenly lose memory of their own flesh and blood when it comes to money.
Remember, we are not going to bring along all the money that we have accumulated, but people's prayers are the things that we really need once we are there.
They also say it is holier to give rather than to accept, but it is very much holier if the giver gives sincerely without having to talk, write or telling people about it.
And holier still if the giver keeps quiet and not incessantly reminding the receiver to pay back in public!
People with the right attitude and frame of mind knows when to pay or when to settle their debt.
There are reasons for people not to do so. Reasons like not having enough money to go around or there are much more pressing matters to settle, etc etc.
Money is so elusive to many...the more you chase after them the harder to have and keep it. But there are people who have and keep money as if they are the only people who have it. They have excess money or rather disposable money.
Digressing a bit, it is also a lot holier if people trusted to keep someone else's money keep it safely rather than use it freely as if it is one's own. Worst still lend it to some relatives without first informing the owner.
I have met all kinds of people in this life. People who are kind, sympathetic and understand other people's needs.
I have also met some people who forget many things. Forget the very people who have helped them in the past. Forget about the good deeds that other people have done when they were in difficulties.
It is fascinating how fast people forget when they have accumulated material wealth. These people even suddenly lose memory of their own flesh and blood when it comes to money.
Remember, we are not going to bring along all the money that we have accumulated, but people's prayers are the things that we really need once we are there.
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