Thursday, December 16, 2010

It's a Small World...

I just came back from Taiwan last week. Went for a tour round Taiwan island with my friend and her niece. We went from Taipei - Hualien - Taitung - Kaohsiung - Taichung and back to Taipei.

Guess who I met there? Mr. Mey and his family! It sure is a small world. Here's a photograph that I took with him.

When I told some friends that I was going to Taiwan for a holiday, some of them said that they had been there and Taiwan was not that great a place.

Funny... I had a good time there. Food was good. I especially enjoyed the beef noodles and sweet taro balls. And I loved eating the local fruits, especially persimmons. There was also this fruit - I don't know its name - a cross between the custard apple and pineapple. It tasted simply delicious. :)

The Taipei International Floral Expo 2010 was awesome. I did not have time to visit all the pavilions. Here are some photographs that I took.

All in all, I had an enjoyable time in Taiwan. I did a few things that I wouldn't normally have done - like setting off Kong Ming lanterns and going for a few theme park rides (at the tender age of 57, duh!)

By the way, I picked up a few more Mandarin words... :p

I paid RM2899 for the tour. I'd say that the money was well-spent.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Discovering the Joys of Piano-Playing

During my younger days, learning to play the piano was like learning other subjects in school. I studied hard and practised hard so as to pass the ABRSM exams. Get distinctions, if possible.

My piano teacher put me to work on scales and Czerny's exercises so as to acquire "agility, independence, strength and perfect evenness in the fingers as well as suppleness of the wrist." My wrist must be kept high, my forearm stiff and the back of my hand flat enough to rest a coin on.

Oh yes, I possessed dexterity and technical skill. Sadly, because I was young, I lacked the power to interpret the music that I played.

After retirement, I have discovered the joys of piano-playing. I now have a greater capacity for working at details. I also have the time to practise.

Nowadays, I enjoy taking a difficult passage apart and playing it over and over until I get it right. There is so much pleasure in creating "a beautiful sound".

Hehe... I hope my neighbours feel the same as I do, and not complain of headaches because of the noise I am constantly making. :)


Sunday, October 17, 2010

A Sixty/Forty Proposition

When I was in college, one of the professors said to us, his students, “The secret of a successful marriage is this: Marriage is not a 50/50 proposition. A 50/50 proposition is one where nobody is giving anything.”

“Rather, the secret of a happy marriage is 60/40. The husband gives in sixty percent of the time and expects his wife to give in forty percent of the time. The wife gives in sixty percent of the time and expects her husband to give in forty percent of the time. In a 60/40 proposition, you don’t clash in the middle and say, ‘Now, it’s your turn.’ Instead, you intersect and overlap, because you’re each giving sixty percent.”

“Give and it will be given to you.”


It’s the secret in business ; it’s the secret in interpersonal relationships.

[from Be An Extraordinary Person In An Ordinary World by Robert H. Schuller]


My son, Matthew and his fiancée, Michelle registered their marriage at the ROM in Putrajaya on Sunday, 10.10.2010.



I thank God for bringing them together.

May they be blessed with happiness and may they feel His presence and peace in their home.

The above wisdom by Dr. Schuller will certainly be of use to them in their married life.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Church Outing

My good friend, Anna, and I organized a trip to Malacca last Saturday for the parishioners of our church. The participants were a good mixture of East Malaysians (students from UTHM and ADTEC), Filipinos, Chinese, Indians and Eurasians.



Our Parish Priest allowed us to collect only RM20.00 from each participant (because quite a number of those going were young children, students and migrant workers). The amount that we collected was not enough to cover even the cost of the bus!!! Fr Lawrence told us that the church will come out with the rest of the money.

Anyway, Anna and I tried to raise some funds. God certainly worked His way into the hearts of many people. Donations were aplenty. More than enough, actually. There’s something in the Bible that goes like this: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." -Matthew 7:7

Our first stop was the Air Keroh Botanical Gardens. We had our breakfast of epok-epok, bananas, nasi lemak and mee siam over there - under the trees and observed by a lot of hungry monkeys. Next on the itinerary was the Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary. We then proceeded to Melaka Raya for lunch at Restaurant Ole Sayang (Peranakan Cuisine). The afternoon was spent exploring St Paul ’s Hill, The Stadhuys and shopping along Jonker Street . I bought the famous Madam Goh Nyonya pineapple tarts and Nyonya bachang and then headed for a shop selling Nyonya laksa and iced cendol. Aah… simply delicious. I wanted to eat chicken rice balls, too – but the queue was just too long.



In the evening, we went to St Peter’s Church for sunset mass. There was tea waiting for us when we arrived. After mass, the Parish Priest and parishioners of St Peter’s gave us a delicious buffet dinner. Such hospitality.



I am very sure the participants enjoyed themselves. More importantly, after spending one whole day together, we became closer to each other. And that was the primary objective of organizing the trip.

So, what’s my next agenda?
Australia….. here I come !!!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Memories...

MEMORIES

As we go through life,
we generate memories for ourselves of people
and events that have positively influenced us. These
memories are powerful
and can bring us comfort and happiness
when we think of them.

They serve us very well as situations change
or people are no longer in our lives.

Wouldn’t it be nice to think
that other people’s memories of us
are also positive, and give pleasure
when we are not around?

(Soul Food - Recipes for a Happier Life)

I was invited to a gathering of old SDBL students on 7th August 2010 (which coincidentally happened to be my 1st year retirement anniversary). I was their Form Six Chemistry teacher 16 years ago. Below are some photographs which my son took.

All of them are now about 46 years of age. Most of them married, with children. Quite a number of them have put on some weight. One or two are starting to have receding hairline...

Time really flies. But I can still remember very clearly the times I spent with them as their Chemistry teacher. They were hardworking and disciplined, ever willing to attend extra classes. I enjoyed teaching them. Classes were fun, full of laughter. But there were a few scary moments – an accident in the laboratory, when a broken pipette went into a girl’s face; a few times when frogs went hopping happily around the class and I screamed. Hehe...

To be invited to their gathering, I guess I must have created some positive memories for them. I know that some of them follow my blog and so I take this opportunity to say, “Thank you for remembering me. And thank you for the beautiful memories that you have given me. God Bless.”

Monday, July 5, 2010

Growing Old

The whole of last week my church friends and I were helping an old lady shift house. She is 92 years old and stays alone in a big bungalow with an enormous compound. Her husband is dead. Her children are residing overseas. Since December 2009, her house has been burgled 3 times. The third time, which happened 2 weeks ago, was bad. Two men forced her into her house. She sat and watched as they ransacked her home. They even took away her car! Time for her to move to a smaller and safer place.

While helping her pack her personal belongings, we came across many photo albums. Pictures of old times spent together with her late husband and children.

“I don’t want them!” she said. She only took photographs of her late husband with her.

I looked at her and wondered, “What thoughts are running through her mind?”

Suddenly, I remembered an article which I had read in The Star. It was about a man who found and read his mother’s dairy after she had passed away. One of her entries was addressed to her grandchild...

“To my beloved grandchild, Rahul.”

“Rahul, I love you very much. We all love you very much, especially your parents. And my child, don’t ever do anything that will hurt them.”

“Rahul, I hope that you grow up to be like your father. However, do not make the mistakes your father made. I know, Rahul, that your father is a very good man. He just forgot to do something that was important to me.”

“Rahul, after some time, a person experiences emptiness in her or his life. As parents grow old, a certain fear comes into their mind. Are they a burden to their children?”

“Rahul, if ever your mother or father have no one else to turn to, make sure you are there. Make sure you have time for them.

Go to their bedroom and talk to them. Look at old albums and talk about old times spent together. They will feel good and wanted. Sometimes hug them as they hugged you when you were young. Call out your mother’s name just like you did when you were young.

“God will always take care of you. Those who take care of their parents will always be taken care of. Your mother and father have always taken care of me. You too must take care of them and remember the things I have written to you.”

“My child, when someone grows old, their biggest enemy is loneliness. In their old age, make your parents feel wanted. Take extra care of them. Every day, make them feel their presence in the house. Each day say ‘mum’ or ‘dad’ six or seven times because they love to hear that...”

I then thought of my late father. He lived in Penang while I settled down in Johore. Yes... I am also guilty. “Pa,” I called out to my father. But it is too late.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

A Good Book for Contemplation - The Prayer Of The Frog

Education

The family settled down for dinner at the restaurant. The waitress first took the order of the adults, then, turned to the seven-year –old.

“What will you have?” she asked.

The boy looked around the table timidly and said, “I would like to have a hot dog.”

Before the waitress could write down the order the mother interrupted. “No hot dogs,” she said. “Get him a steak with mashed potatoes and carrots.”

The waitress ignored her. “Do you want ketchup or mustard on your hot dog?” she asked the boy.

“Ketchup”

“Coming up in a minute,” said the waitress as she started for the kitchen.

There was a stunned silence when she left. Finally the boy looked at everyone present and said, “Know what? She thinks I’m real.”


Service

A beggar saw a banker coming out of his office and said, “Could you give me a dime, sir, for a cup of coffee?”

The banker felt sorry for this man who looked bedraggled and distraught. He said, “ Here’ s a dollar. Take it and have ten cups of coffee.”

The next day the beggar was there again at the steps of the banker’s office and as the banker came out, the beggar punched him.

“Hey,” said the banker. “What are you doing?”

“You and your lousy ten cups of coffee. They kept me awake the whole of last night!”


Authority


A centipede consulted the wise owl about the pain it felt in its legs.

Said the wise owl, “You have far too many legs! If you become a mouse you would have only four legs – and one-twenty-fourth the amount of pain.”

“That’s a very good idea,” said the centipede.

“Now show me how to become a mouse.”

“Don’t bother me with details of implementation,” said the owl. “I only make the policy in this place.”


The above tales are taken from the book “The Prayer of the Frog” written by Anthony de Mello, S.J. There is much wisdom in this book - silent teachings that awaken and transform us.


Sunday, May 30, 2010

The Father's Eyes

This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. His father never missed a game. This young man was the smallest in his class when he entered high school. His father continued to encourage him, but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn’t want to. But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every practice. Perhaps he’d get to play when he became a senior.

All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game, but remained a bench warmer all four years. His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him. When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team. Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept the young man on the roster because he always puts his heart and soul to every practice, and at the same time provided the other members with the enthusiasm and spirit they badly needed.

His father was sent season tickets for all the college games. This persistent young man never missed practice during his four years at college, but he never got to play in a game.

It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field, the coach met him with a telegram. The young man read the telegram and became silent. Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, “My father died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?” The coach put his arm gently around the young man’s shoulder and said, “Take the rest of the week off, son. You don’t have to come for the game on Saturday.”

Saturday arrived and the game was not going well. In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful teammate back so soon. “Coach, please let me play. I’ve just got to play today,” said the young man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted his worst player in this close play-off game. But the young man persisted.

Finally, feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in. “All right,” he said. “You can go in.” Before long, the coach, the players, and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before, was doing everything right.

The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked and tackled like a star. His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds, this kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown. The fans broke loose. His classmates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you’ve never heard.

Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed the young man sitting quietly in the corner, all alone. The coach came to him and said, “Kid, I can’t believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?” He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, “Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?”

The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile. “Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!”

I must confess that I got a bit teary-eyed when I read the above short story.

I pray that parents will stand by their children, cheering them on and inspiring them to do their best. And I pray that children will appreciate all the sacrifices their parents have made to give them the best in life. Amen.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

I'm Back!!

Hello everybody. I’m back in Batu Pahat after an enjoyable week in Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Terengganu.

Watching West Side Story at the Istana Budaya was great. Hehehe… I had a hard time controlling myself – felt like singing along when the performers belted out songs like Maria, Tonight, I Feel Pretty, etc. Too bad the cast did not give any encores. While watching Mamma Mia last year, the audience sang along during the encores!!! Some of them were on their feet, practically dancing!

I also had a very nice time at Tasik Kenyir. The Tasik Kenyir Resort and Spa offered many activities. My children and I enjoyed ourselves – swimming, boat cruise, climbing up to a waterfall and bathing there, cycling and kayaking. If we had stayed for another day, I would have tried to do some fishing. Wonder what is used as baits? Worms? Ugh!!! Food at the resort was expensive, and there wasn't much variety either. Most of the guests ate out during lunch – there were two shops just nearby which offered good food and delicious keropok lekor. Prices were reasonable.

On the way back to Kuala Lumpur , we stopped by Kuala Terengganu and wandered around Chinatown . We found a small nonya restaurant (Madam Bee) and had our lunch there. It’s located just opposite the Ho Ann Chinese Temple that was burnt down. The food was delicious. I had nasi kerabu (blue in colour) while my children had Sarawak laksa and nasi lemak, This restaurant serves good bubur chacha. There was a donation box at the restaurant – collection to be used to rebuild the Ho Ann Temple. So we gave a small donation before we continued our journey back to Kuala Lumpur .

Well, I am back in Batu Pahat and guess what? I just received a phone call from Ms Siew. Another farewell dinner?

In my earlier blog, I had commented on Pn Wong’s retirement dinner – to be held early next year. Looks like I spoke too soon! She has been transferred to another school! Pn Wong is one of the best SPM BM teachers I have ever come across. Her lessons are lively, class control excellent. She marks her students’ books so meticulously, and makes sure every student passes up his book. She’d always manage to produce a lot of A’s from the best Form 5 class. As Guru Kanan Matapelajaran (GKMP), she carried out her responsibilities very well. Also, she does not take sick leave (when sick, she’d go to the clinic during her free periods).

All the best, Pn. Wong. Be happy.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

My Favourite Hymn

There’s this beautiful story about a small boy who was helping his father. The father asked him to pick up all the rocks in a certain part of the garden. Father looked over and saw the son struggling to pull up a huge rock buried in the sand. The boy struggled and struggled . The father watched…

Finally the boy gave up and said, “I can’t do it.”
The father asked, “Did you use all of your strength?”
The little boy was hurt and replied, “You know I did! I used every single ounce of strength I had!”
The father smiled and said, “No, you didn’t. You didn’t ask me to help.”
The father walked over and then the two of them pulled that big rock out of the sand.

Life is a continuous journey beset with problems. As long as we live in this world, problems and troubles will always be a part and parcel of human experience. All of us in one way or another would have experienced loneliness, rejection, exhaustion, depression. It is so comforting to know that God is always there, waiting to lift our burden. Ever so willing to lighten the load on our backs. All we need to do is ask….

That’s why I love this beautiful hymn:

What A Friend

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and grief to bear,
What a privilege to carry,
Everything to God in prayer.
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry,
Everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden?
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour still our refuge,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer,
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou will find a solace there.



Mr. Lian Meng Fatt's Retirement Dinner

An-nyung-ha-se-yo! (Greetings)

I was in South Korea when Miss Siew messaged me: Mr. Lian Meng Fatt’s Retirement Dinner, 23.04.2010. Fortuna. 7.30pm. Please reply, joining or not.

Straight away I replied: Yes, I’ll be there.

Mr. Lian was a very hardworking and dedicated teacher. Of course, I want to be there to wish him “Happy Retirement!“

It turned out to be more than just a retirement dinner. It was also a gathering of old SMS teachers. There were many retired teachers. They retired long before I went to Munshi. Retired principal Mr Lee Chang Ngee also came along. And then there were teachers who are now teaching in other schools (like Ms Kang and Pn Chua).

Of course, the present batch of SMS teachers turned up, full force. I saw new faces among them and I was introduced to the new teachers.

Good food. Laughter. Catching up with old friends. It felt great, like a gathering of one big happy family.

Below are some photos that I took:









I asked Miss Siew, “When’s the next gathering?”
She replied, “Next year. Pn Wong’s retirement.”
Looks like the school will be losing another hardworking and dedicated teacher……..

Anyway, since I have just come back from South Korea , I would like to share some photos that I took while I was there.

Click here to view my South Korea photo album

Retirement life is simply awesome. So what shall I be doing next?

Well, in May, I’ll be going to KL to watch the musical “West Side Story” at Istana Budaya. Then I’ll go with my children to Tasik Kenyir for a few days.

In June, I’ll be going to Shanghai for the much publicised 2010 Shanghai Expo.

And then, in September, I’ll be going to Melbourne to spend some weeks with my daughter. While there, I’ll also pop over to Sydney and Tasmania .

As one teacher recently said to me in his sms... Seronoknya!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Dying

Yesterday I was told that a teacher from SMK Tun Sardon passed away and it got me thinking about death. After all, I am almost 60 years old.

Something that I read….

When you have to act in a play or perform in a concert, you spend many hours rehearsing or practicing beforehand. If you stumble or forget your lines, you have another chance – dozens more chances. That is what rehearsals are all about.

However when the curtain goes up and those rows of empty chairs are full of people, you have no more chances to practice. Now your performance is for real, in full view of the public. The show must go on.

Dying is like that.

Your life is like the rehearsals. When you stumble, you have another chance to make good. You are given many chances but when the curtain of your body is withdrawn and you are left face to face with GOD, there will be no more rehearsals to go back to. You cannot go back to the beginning and start again!

That’s why the late Fr. Simon (my former parish priest) used to say, “ Live every day as if it were the last day of your life.”

Fr. Lawrence (the present parish priest) said, “ Before we die the big death, let us die many little deaths first:

Death of pride, Death of covetousness, Death of impurity, Death of insincerity, Death of anger, Death of injustice, Death of worship of false gods, etc….”

As for me, I pray for many more years of ‘rehearsals’.


Sunday, March 7, 2010

A Cracked Pot

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on opposite ends of a pole, which he bore across his neck. One of the pots had a small crack in it. The other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water from the stream to the master’s house. The cracked pot always arrived half full. This went on for many years, with the water bearer delivering only one and a half pots of water to his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishment. The poor cracked pot was ashamed of its imperfection. One day, it spoke to the water bearer while he was collecting water by the stream.

“I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.”
“Why?” asked the water bearer. “What are you ashamed of?”
“Because of my crack, water leaks out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaw, you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot replied.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot. In his compassion, he said. “ As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.” Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot saw beautiful wild flowers dancing merrily in the sun.

The water bearer then said to the cracked pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known of your flaw , and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the master’s table. Without you just the way you are, he would not have beauty to grace his house.”


Beautiful story, eh?
Actually, all of us are cracked pots, each with our own flaws. But that does not mean we should be ashamed of them. We acknowledge our flaws, our imperfections. We tell ourselves that despite our imperfections, God has a plan for us. All of us have our roles in making the world a beautiful place to live in.

Cheers!


Sunday, February 28, 2010

QUR'AN AND CRICKET - Travels Throught the Madrasahs of Asia and Other Stories

THE NOMAD’S PRAYER

Dear God,

I thank you for these feet, these eyes, these hands;

I pray that wherever I go I will be able to see you in the

world around me,

and to always see honestly; let no sight be too terrible to bear;

let nothing and no one be ugly;

I pray that whatever I touch will remind me of your eternal

presence in all things;

Let nothing be repugnant to me;

And I pray that every step I take I will be getting closer

to you;

God, take me home. And let my home be everywhere.


Farish A Noor

I was attracted to the book because of the above prayer, found in Chapter One. I said to myself, “Hey, when Muslims pray in English, they sound like me when I pray.” And I just had to read it! The book became my constant companion during the first three days of Chinese New Year.

I have always enjoyed reading Farish Noor’s travelogues. My admiration for him grew as I followed his journeys through the madrasahs of Asia where he lived, prayed and interviewed people – locals,students, ustazs, professors, etc. He even managed to interview Ustaz Abu Bakar Ba’ashir, the man described by the Western press as the ‘monster’ behind the Bali bombing.

There are other stories, travelogues to be exact, in Qur’an and Cricket. For example, he wrote about his experience in Kashmir , where he helped with post-earthquake relief efforts. Forgotten Nation (Kashmir 2006). Why, Farish even wrote a chapter on our March 2008 election. Another Country, Another Election (Kelantan and Terengganu, March 2008).

Qur’an and Cricket is the second non-fiction book I have read about madrasahs of Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson was the first. This book is about the author, a mountaineer, who got lost in the Himalayas and ended up dedicating himself to build schools in the most dangerous, remote and anti-American parts of Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

By the way, have you read the two novels written by Afghan writer Khaled Hosseini? The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns are must-read books!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Bad Memories

Sometimes you just don't know what hit you. It is so unexpected, and after that, you are left reeling...

I was asked by Tuan PPD to do the 2009 performance appraisal for the staff of SMK Munshi Sulaiman because I was the principal there until August 2009.

For the ten years I was principal, I never once did any appraisal alone - I always called for a meeting with my Senior Assistants and Heads of Departments. We would discuss the performance of every staff and only then will I grade them.

For example, teacher X :
  • How is his work as a form teacher ? (For GPK HEM and GPK Petang to comment)
  • Does he mark his students' books regularly ?
  • What about his students' kerja kursus ? (For Heads of Departments to comment)
  • How's the performance of the club under his guidance ? (For GPK Kokurikulum to comment)
  • etc....
Then, and only then, will I grade the teacher X.

And also, during that meeting, all of us will come to an agreement on who's to get the Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang...

I HAVE A BIG PROBLEM. I AM NO LONGER PRINCIPAL. HOW DO I GET FEEDBACK FROM THE ADMINISTRATORS???

So I requested to meet up with them - to get some feedback from them. I also told Tuan PPD that without feedback from the school administrators, I can't and won't do the 2009 appraisal.

I was wondering why it took so long for the school's administrators to call me. I requested to meet with them before the long holiday started.

Anyway, yesterday I received a call from school to attend a meeting at 12.30 pm today. So I happily went to school this afternoon.

Only then did I realize that I was not welcome!!!!

I waited a long time for the meeting to start. Where was the GPK 1? She should be chairing the meeting. Someone mentioned that she has to attend a meeting outside school this afternoon. So, why ask me to come today ?

Then I was told that two Heads of Departments refused to attend the meeting, and that they cannot be contacted. They had switched off their mobile phones.

I cornered one of them. She then told me that she cannot understand why I still wanted to do the performance appraisal. After all, I have retired. She also questioned what right I have to chair the meeting since I am no longer principal !

I WANT TO CLARIFY:
  • I DID NOT ASK TO DO THE PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL. I WAS ASKED TO DO IT.
  • THIS AFTERNOON, THE NEW PRINCIPAL OF SMK MUNSHI SULAIMAN CONFIRMED THAT HE WILL BE DOING THE PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL FOR HIS PREVIOUS SCHOOL.
  • THERE WAS NO INTENTION ON MY PART TO CHAIR THE MEETING THIS AFTERNOON. I WAS WAITING FOR THE GPK1 TO DO IT.
After a small confrontation inside the principal's office, the GPK 1 said that there was a "miscommunication". My question to the GPK 1 is "Did you try to communicate with me? How come there was no attempt to contact me, to ask me why I wanted to meet up with you all?"

To the two Heads of Departments, I thought we worked so well together. What happened? What made you think that I pandai-pandai want to do the penilaian prestasi? Whoever gave you the idea that I wanted to chair the meeting?

It is very unbecoming for a newly-retired principal to be treated in this manner, especially by fellow administrators. One thing for sure, I won't be going back to SMK Munshi Sulaiman.


Monday, January 4, 2010

10th Year Priesthood of Reverand Father Peter Ng

On Sunday, 3 January 2010, my church celebrated the 10th Year Priesthood Anniversary of Rev Fr Peter Ng. It was a very special occasion for us, parishioners of the Church of St Henry (located opposite Sekolah Tinggi Batu Pahat), because Fr Peter grew up in Batu Pahat and was ordained a priest in Batu Pahat.

It was a special occasion for me, too. I taught Fr Peter when he was in Form 4 and 5, Sekolah Menengah Dato Bentara Luar. I was his Chemistry teacher.

I watched this fine young man finish his Form 5, went for further studies, started working and then.......gave up everything and studied to become a priest.



It is God who chooses certain young men to serve Him by becoming priests. He..he.. God certainly didn't choose my son, Matthew. When he was very young, I remember him telling Peter "I don't want to be a priest. I want to have lots and lots of girlfriends." :)

Though a vocation (or divine call) is something personal between that young man and God, it must be allowed to grow. And vocations can only grow out of happy homes where children are taught a true sense of values, holy homes where children learn reverence for religion.

I am told that there is a special place in heaven for parents who have given a child to God in religion. Even so, would I have protested if Matthew expressed interest in becoming a priest? ;p

Fr Peter is presently studying for his Masters in Theology. I pray for his success and wish him well in all his future undertakings.