At press time, she was at tha Jalan Travers police station, he told Malaysiakini.
She will be holding a press conference at 3.30pm at the DAP headquarters in Petaling Jaya.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Teresa Released
DAP Seputeh MP Teresa Kok was released at 1pm today, after being held under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for a week, said her lawyer Sankara Nair.
At press time, she was at tha Jalan Travers police station, he told Malaysiakini.
At press time, she was at tha Jalan Travers police station, he told Malaysiakini.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Blogger Sheih Kickdefella Arrested
Update:
When Bariah spied a dark-tinted Pajero passing by their house several times today, she knew the police had come for Sheih.
Three plainclothes policemen picked up Sheih about 5pm. He is being detained under the Sedition Act.
Bariah said Sheih was calm when he was taken away from their home in Demit, Kota Bharu.
"The policemen were nice enough to play along with us when we had to tell our four children that their father was going to KL for work," she said.
The couple had no heart to tell their children the truth although Bariah said their eldest (11 year-old) son sensed something amiss.
Asked how the police officers treated Sheih when arresting him, Bariah said they were polite and treated him well.
Sheih is said to have been taken to Bukit Aman but Bariah said until about 8pm, it was uncertain whether or not he had actually left Kelantan.
"I was told that he was still at the police headquarters here," said Bariah who is preparing to leave for Bukit Aman tomorrow.
"I pray for the best, for his well-being," she said.
Meanwhile, when contacted by Bernama today, Kelantan deputy police chief SAC II Amir Hamzah Ibrahim could not confirm the matter as the Kelantan police was not informed about it.
Got this from Rocky's Bru.
No further details. But will try to get an update soonest.
Sheih and his wife Bariah Ishak had been expecting the arrest when they were told that plainclothes police officers came by the Kelantan Menteri Besar's office in Kota Bharu in a dark-tinted Pajero yesterday.
The couple had been waiting for the police to pick up Sheih since.
"He just wanted to get it over and done with.. he was just so tired," Bariah told me (over the phone) this evening.
Sheih, 38, is the Kelantan Menteri Besar public relations officer.When Bariah spied a dark-tinted Pajero passing by their house several times today, she knew the police had come for Sheih.
Three plainclothes policemen picked up Sheih about 5pm. He is being detained under the Sedition Act.
Bariah said Sheih was calm when he was taken away from their home in Demit, Kota Bharu.
"The policemen were nice enough to play along with us when we had to tell our four children that their father was going to KL for work," she said.
The couple had no heart to tell their children the truth although Bariah said their eldest (11 year-old) son sensed something amiss.
Asked how the police officers treated Sheih when arresting him, Bariah said they were polite and treated him well.
Sheih is said to have been taken to Bukit Aman but Bariah said until about 8pm, it was uncertain whether or not he had actually left Kelantan.
"I was told that he was still at the police headquarters here," said Bariah who is preparing to leave for Bukit Aman tomorrow.
"I pray for the best, for his well-being," she said.
Meanwhile, when contacted by Bernama today, Kelantan deputy police chief SAC II Amir Hamzah Ibrahim could not confirm the matter as the Kelantan police was not informed about it.
Sheih, 38, is the Kelantan Menteri Besar public relations officer.
****************************
My earlier report:
Got this from Rocky's Bru.
No further details. But will try to get an update soonest.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Give Me Just A few Days....
Anwar Ibrahim wants his meeting with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to take place before he goes ahead with the power transition.
He told a 2pm Press conference today that more than 31 Barisan MPs have agreed to cross over to Pakatan Rakyat but declined to reveal their names.
He told a 2pm Press conference today that more than 31 Barisan MPs have agreed to cross over to Pakatan Rakyat but declined to reveal their names.
He said that he would give the list of the names to the PM when he meets him.
Read the rest of the Star online report HERE.
Meanwhile, De facto Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim is sticking to his guns -- quit the Cabinet.
Today's THE Day......
Or is it?
Today is Malaysia Day. It is also September 16, the day Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim is supposed to take over the leadership of the country from Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Here's the Bernama report:
He also claimed to have sent a letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Monday afternoon on the list of Barisan Nasional members of parliament who would cross over to Pakatan Rakyat.
However, Anwar who spoke before some 12,000 supporters at a 45th Malaysia Day celebration at the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium in Kelana Jaya here, did not name the MPs involved.
Anwar, who is also the Opposition leader in parliament, said he would later be meeting the prime minister to discuss the change of government.
So, is today's Anwar's new dawn?
Can it possibly be?
Today is Malaysia Day. It is also September 16, the day Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim is supposed to take over the leadership of the country from Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Here's the Bernama report:
PETALING JAYA, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim Monday night claimed that he had sufficient majority to form a new government.
He also claimed to have sent a letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Monday afternoon on the list of Barisan Nasional members of parliament who would cross over to Pakatan Rakyat.
However, Anwar who spoke before some 12,000 supporters at a 45th Malaysia Day celebration at the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium in Kelana Jaya here, did not name the MPs involved.
Anwar, who is also the Opposition leader in parliament, said he would later be meeting the prime minister to discuss the change of government.
So, is today's Anwar's new dawn?
Can it possibly be?
PM Tells Zaid To Rethink....
KUALA TERENGGANU, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Monday advised Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim to take a leave and rethink his decision to quit the post.
Abdullah said Zaid met him at Seri Perdana, the prime minister's official residence in Putrajaya, Monday afternoon and conveyed his intention to quit the post.
"He mentioned the matter to me but I said, think carefully.
"If he is tired, he can take a leave... a short one will do," Abdullah told reporters after breaking fast and performing the Maghrib prayers with the people and state leaders at the Abidin Mosque here.
Also present were Abdullah's wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek and Umno Secretary-General Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.
Zaid was reported to have tendered his resignation as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and that the resignation letter was handed over to the prime minister in Putrajaya at 2pm Monday.
Abdullah confirmed that Zaid had sent the resignation letter to his office Monday.
However, the prime minister said he had yet to see the letter and that he did not know the reasons for Zaid's action.
"The letter is not with me. Zaid met me at home; the letter was sent to the office," he said.
Asked on what he thought of Zaid's decision, Abdullah said Zaid was free to do so and that his action would not weaken the cabinet.
Sunday, Zaid, the de-facto law minister, said he was prepared to be sacked or ordered to quit for speaking out against the government's use of the Internal Security Act (ISA).
He said the act should be used specifically to stem the activities of terrorists, communist subversives and those attempting to topple the government by force.-- BERNAMA
Monday, September 15, 2008
Zaid Ibrahim Quits In Protest Against ISA Arrests.
Zaid, you're de man!
Zaid has tendered his resignation as the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department. He has just submitted his letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
He has a meeting with the Prime Minister this afternoon.
The de facto Law Minister yesterday threatened to resign if the government continues to use the Internal Security Act, which allows detention without trial, against any individuals.
He had also called for the immediate release of DAP MP Teresa Kok and controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin who were arrested under the ISA last Friday.
Sin Chew Jit Poh senior journalist Tan Hoon Cheng who was also arrested the same day, was released yesterday.
Zaid feels that the use of the ISA to arrest these individuals "dealt a blow to his six-month-long task of trying to regenerate the judiciary".
*you can say what you like about Zaid. You can doubt, be suspicious of his action. Is there a hidden agenda?, you may ask.
Well....he spoke up, he protested and he quit in protest.
Do you see anyone else willing to do the same?
He may not be the first (nor the last) to speak up against the ABUSE of the ISA, but he sure is the only minister to have quit in protest against the use and abuse of the ISA.
For that, Zaid, you're de man.
Zaid has tendered his resignation as the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department. He has just submitted his letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
He has a meeting with the Prime Minister this afternoon.
The de facto Law Minister yesterday threatened to resign if the government continues to use the Internal Security Act, which allows detention without trial, against any individuals.
He had also called for the immediate release of DAP MP Teresa Kok and controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin who were arrested under the ISA last Friday.
Sin Chew Jit Poh senior journalist Tan Hoon Cheng who was also arrested the same day, was released yesterday.
Zaid feels that the use of the ISA to arrest these individuals "dealt a blow to his six-month-long task of trying to regenerate the judiciary".
*you can say what you like about Zaid. You can doubt, be suspicious of his action. Is there a hidden agenda?, you may ask.
Well....he spoke up, he protested and he quit in protest.
Do you see anyone else willing to do the same?
He may not be the first (nor the last) to speak up against the ABUSE of the ISA, but he sure is the only minister to have quit in protest against the use and abuse of the ISA.
For that, Zaid, you're de man.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Isn't This A Crackdown?
Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar has said that the government is "not making arrests just for the sake of arrests."
So, since the minister couldn't be straight, let me be -- this is a crackdown.
And this is intimidation.
In the first place, I wasn't aware that there was any disturbance to public peace and order.
I am shocked that the ISA is being used to "deal" with RPK and Teresa.
And on Hoon Cheng? I am very disturbed by this.
Arresting a journalist under the ISA for a report she had written? How can the government ever justify this?
But --oh, detaining her for 16 hours was for her own good because she had received threats to her safety?
Repeat that, please!
So does it mean that after 16 hours, from now on, her safety is assured?
(Hoon Cheng's controversial four-paragraph report quoting Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Ahmad Ismail calling the Chinese community ‘squatters’ sparked an outcry among the Chiense, including the Chinese political parties in the ruling Barisan Nasional.)
Was Hoon Cheng a threat to public/national security? Isn't that THE basis for any ISA arrest? That said -- not that ISA arrests in this country were made on that basis, in the first place.
For as long as the ISA is in existence, it will continue to be abused.
"We will not make any more arrests under the ISA as long as there is no more disturbance to public peace and order," he told reporters in Johor Baru yesterday morning, hours before Sin Chew Jit Poh senior journalist Tan Hoon Cheng was released.
Malaysia Today editor and blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok are still being detained.
All three were arrested under the ISA on Friday.
So, since the minister couldn't be straight, let me be -- this is a crackdown.
And this is intimidation.
In the first place, I wasn't aware that there was any disturbance to public peace and order.
I am shocked that the ISA is being used to "deal" with RPK and Teresa.
And on Hoon Cheng? I am very disturbed by this.
Arresting a journalist under the ISA for a report she had written? How can the government ever justify this?
But --oh, detaining her for 16 hours was for her own good because she had received threats to her safety?
Repeat that, please!
So does it mean that after 16 hours, from now on, her safety is assured?
(Hoon Cheng's controversial four-paragraph report quoting Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Ahmad Ismail calling the Chinese community ‘squatters’ sparked an outcry among the Chiense, including the Chinese political parties in the ruling Barisan Nasional.)
Was Hoon Cheng a threat to public/national security? Isn't that THE basis for any ISA arrest? That said -- not that ISA arrests in this country were made on that basis, in the first place.
For as long as the ISA is in existence, it will continue to be abused.
Friday, September 12, 2008
RPK Arrested Under ISA
Malaysia Today editor and controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin (or known as RPK) was arrested this afternoon under the Internal Security Act.
Three newspapers - Sin Chew Daily, The Sun and Suara Keadilan - were also issued show cause letters by the Home Ministry.
RPK's wife, Marina Lee Abdullah told Malaysiakini that 10 police personnel from Bukit Aman came to their home in Sungai Buloh at about 1.10pm to arrest him.
They also confiscated a computer, some books and VCDs.
Three newspapers - Sin Chew Daily, The Sun and Suara Keadilan - were also issued show cause letters by the Home Ministry.
RPK's wife, Marina Lee Abdullah told Malaysiakini that 10 police personnel from Bukit Aman came to their home in Sungai Buloh at about 1.10pm to arrest him.
They also confiscated a computer, some books and VCDs.
At 1.50pm, the police personnel took RPK to an unknown destination.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Tuesdays Without Bapak
Told Kak Olin the other day that I feared the day Bapak would leave us. I feared the moment. I feared what I would have to face. I feared the morning after.
We were talking about it the evening Bapak breathed his last at the ICU of Pantai Medical Centre.
But when that moment came, I was too numb to feel anything, much less fear.
I think we all went through the motion of getting things done for him -- you know, to get him home, to prepare his grave...nothing actually sank in.
Did we weep?
A TV reporter, when interviewing me after Bapak's funeral, asked me whether I was keeping it all inside? Actually, it was not a question. It was a statement. He said I was keeping it all inside.
He could be right. But I told him that if the interview went a little longer, I'd probably be too weepy to say anything. I didn't think he believed me.
There were several occasions when I "sebak" and silently wept -- when I first saw him lying motionless, tubes in his mouth and limbs, on the hospital bed, then again at his bedside when he it was so clear that he was not ever going to get better, the evening he died, when I took part in pouring water over his covered body during "mandi jenazah" and later, when his shrouded body was lowered into his grave.
But those were brief moments.
It is during my "doa" after prayers that I weep over our loss. An aching loss. Over how much we miss him. The emotions come flooding, gushing, when I "sedekah "Al-Fatihah for him, for Allah SWT to bless his soul.
Of course, one day Bapak would leave us. We knew that.
But, I thought I would be prepared for the eventuality.
After 12 days going in and out of the ICU as Bapak laid critically ill, we all thought we would be prepared. How wrong we were.
But we are thankful that when he left us, it was on a blessed day of a blessed month. We thank Allah SWT for that.
I remember talking to Nina the day before Bapak passed away. We were looking, gazing into the glass door, at our Bapak. We were wondering how long he'd be that way.
I told her about a friend's father who was in hospital for three weeks before the doctors asked the family to make a decision.
We shivered. What a horrible thought.
Nina's eyes teared.
"Ya Allah," she whispered, her hands in supplication, "please, please, don't let us have to make the decision, If papa has to go, You decide and You take him...", and she wept.
Bapak (Nina calls him papa) died peacefully the next day. He was unconscious. His eyes opened slightly as Nina completed reciting the Yassin, and then, slowly shut. The the monitor triggered the red alert.
My step-mum was also there, reciting the Fatihah.
The nurses rushed in and said "Tan Sri is no more"....
Both my step-mum and Nina were in a daze, trying to absorb the moment as the nurses rushed to Bapak.
"He went so peacefully just as I finished reciting the Yassin," Nina kept saying. You could sense that she found much comfort in that.
Ramadhan this time, is, of course. different. But it is not sad, in a sorrowful way.
We've been warned that we'll feel the aching loss during Aidilfitri.
We feel it now.
We lost our mother in 1990. Then, our eldest sister, Kak Piah in 1994. And only last year, we lost Kak Eda.
We grieve. People do not quite get over the loss of their loved ones. They heal in different ways.
I know I can never quite utter the word "arwah". I could not for Mak, Kak Piah or Kak Eda.
We were talking about it the evening Bapak breathed his last at the ICU of Pantai Medical Centre.
But when that moment came, I was too numb to feel anything, much less fear.
I think we all went through the motion of getting things done for him -- you know, to get him home, to prepare his grave...nothing actually sank in.
Did we weep?
A TV reporter, when interviewing me after Bapak's funeral, asked me whether I was keeping it all inside? Actually, it was not a question. It was a statement. He said I was keeping it all inside.
He could be right. But I told him that if the interview went a little longer, I'd probably be too weepy to say anything. I didn't think he believed me.
There were several occasions when I "sebak" and silently wept -- when I first saw him lying motionless, tubes in his mouth and limbs, on the hospital bed, then again at his bedside when he it was so clear that he was not ever going to get better, the evening he died, when I took part in pouring water over his covered body during "mandi jenazah" and later, when his shrouded body was lowered into his grave.
But those were brief moments.
It is during my "doa" after prayers that I weep over our loss. An aching loss. Over how much we miss him. The emotions come flooding, gushing, when I "sedekah "Al-Fatihah for him, for Allah SWT to bless his soul.
Of course, one day Bapak would leave us. We knew that.
But, I thought I would be prepared for the eventuality.
After 12 days going in and out of the ICU as Bapak laid critically ill, we all thought we would be prepared. How wrong we were.
But we are thankful that when he left us, it was on a blessed day of a blessed month. We thank Allah SWT for that.
I remember talking to Nina the day before Bapak passed away. We were looking, gazing into the glass door, at our Bapak. We were wondering how long he'd be that way.
I told her about a friend's father who was in hospital for three weeks before the doctors asked the family to make a decision.
We shivered. What a horrible thought.
Nina's eyes teared.
"Ya Allah," she whispered, her hands in supplication, "please, please, don't let us have to make the decision, If papa has to go, You decide and You take him...", and she wept.
Bapak (Nina calls him papa) died peacefully the next day. He was unconscious. His eyes opened slightly as Nina completed reciting the Yassin, and then, slowly shut. The the monitor triggered the red alert.
My step-mum was also there, reciting the Fatihah.
The nurses rushed in and said "Tan Sri is no more"....
Both my step-mum and Nina were in a daze, trying to absorb the moment as the nurses rushed to Bapak.
"He went so peacefully just as I finished reciting the Yassin," Nina kept saying. You could sense that she found much comfort in that.
Ramadhan this time, is, of course. different. But it is not sad, in a sorrowful way.
We've been warned that we'll feel the aching loss during Aidilfitri.
We feel it now.
We lost our mother in 1990. Then, our eldest sister, Kak Piah in 1994. And only last year, we lost Kak Eda.
We grieve. People do not quite get over the loss of their loved ones. They heal in different ways.
I know I can never quite utter the word "arwah". I could not for Mak, Kak Piah or Kak Eda.
May Allah bless your soul, dear Bapak....gone, but always in our hearts, in our prayers.
Al-Fatihah.
Al-Fatihah.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Farewell, Bapak..
Bapak has been laid to rest at the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery.
Yesterday, the weather seemed inclement, threatening to rain. But it held up all day until long after the funeral. It only began to drizzle in the evening.
Bapak's body was taken to the UIA Mosque (Masjid Al-Malik Faisal) at about 11.35am for prayers to be performed . How blessed that it was a Friday when there would surely be a full congregation.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was at the mosque to join the congregation in performing the prayers.
After prayers, Bapak's body was taken to the cemetery.
It was very kind of Pak Lah to have his outriders accompany Bapak in his final journey to his resting place.
When we were making burial arrangements, we were hopeful that there was still space at the cemetery which is already almost full to the brim.
We were thankful when the cemetery managers said there were still "one or two" plots available.
It did not matter where the plot was because the other alternative would be in Kota Damansara or Puchong. Too far. Mak and Kak Piah are in Bukit Kiara.
We had no idea which spot had been given to Bapak. At least neither Lalin nor I did.
We (Lalin, our nieces, my daughter and I) arrived at the cemetery early and made our way to the burial plot. We followed some people ahead of us.
My friend, blogger Bernard Khoo (Zorro Unmasked) had already arrived and he walked along with us.
The route seemed to take us deep into the older part of the cemetery that made me think that we had made a mistake.
I saw Lalin waving at us, indicating that we were not mistaken, after all.
We made our way and found a crowd, including the media, had already gathered.
My step-mum, my sisters and their daughters as well as my good friend, Mia and her daughter, Liyana were already there.
As I stood there, I thought that Bapak's spot seemed to be near Mak's. I looked around at the gravestones to locate Mak's. It'd be good if they were near each other.
I looked down at the spot where Bapak's grave had been dug, shifted my eyes a little and Mashaaallah! I saw that it was just "above" Mak's, in the next row.
How amazing was that? So so close to each other. Almost touching each other.
Alhamdulillah!
Soon, Bapak's remains arrived, along with a group of men. The crowd then grew bigger. I spotted many familiar faces.
Bapak was then prepared for burial. I watched as they lowered his shrouded body into the ground.
My heart missed a beat. My eyes began to tear.
Thank God, I had my sun glasses on.
The funeral proceeded in fine weather -- warm and a little balmy, at times.
I could hear the rustling leaves, teased by a playful breeze. I could feel the coolness of the moment. I felt a depth of emotion.
After the funeral, we took turns to sprinkle rose petals, bunga rampai and water on Bapak's new home.
It was then time to leave our beloved Bapak to his eternal rest, promising him that we would return...often.
May Allah bless your soul, Bapak. Thank you for those wonderful years. We are eternally grateful to you and we love you forever.
Al-Fatihah.
Amin, Amin, Amin....
Yesterday, the weather seemed inclement, threatening to rain. But it held up all day until long after the funeral. It only began to drizzle in the evening.
Bapak's body was taken to the UIA Mosque (Masjid Al-Malik Faisal) at about 11.35am for prayers to be performed . How blessed that it was a Friday when there would surely be a full congregation.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was at the mosque to join the congregation in performing the prayers.
After prayers, Bapak's body was taken to the cemetery.
It was very kind of Pak Lah to have his outriders accompany Bapak in his final journey to his resting place.
When we were making burial arrangements, we were hopeful that there was still space at the cemetery which is already almost full to the brim.
We were thankful when the cemetery managers said there were still "one or two" plots available.
It did not matter where the plot was because the other alternative would be in Kota Damansara or Puchong. Too far. Mak and Kak Piah are in Bukit Kiara.
We had no idea which spot had been given to Bapak. At least neither Lalin nor I did.
We (Lalin, our nieces, my daughter and I) arrived at the cemetery early and made our way to the burial plot. We followed some people ahead of us.
My friend, blogger Bernard Khoo (Zorro Unmasked) had already arrived and he walked along with us.
The route seemed to take us deep into the older part of the cemetery that made me think that we had made a mistake.
I saw Lalin waving at us, indicating that we were not mistaken, after all.
We made our way and found a crowd, including the media, had already gathered.
My step-mum, my sisters and their daughters as well as my good friend, Mia and her daughter, Liyana were already there.
As I stood there, I thought that Bapak's spot seemed to be near Mak's. I looked around at the gravestones to locate Mak's. It'd be good if they were near each other.
I looked down at the spot where Bapak's grave had been dug, shifted my eyes a little and Mashaaallah! I saw that it was just "above" Mak's, in the next row.
How amazing was that? So so close to each other. Almost touching each other.
Alhamdulillah!
Soon, Bapak's remains arrived, along with a group of men. The crowd then grew bigger. I spotted many familiar faces.
Bapak was then prepared for burial. I watched as they lowered his shrouded body into the ground.
My heart missed a beat. My eyes began to tear.
Thank God, I had my sun glasses on.
The funeral proceeded in fine weather -- warm and a little balmy, at times.
I could hear the rustling leaves, teased by a playful breeze. I could feel the coolness of the moment. I felt a depth of emotion.
After the funeral, we took turns to sprinkle rose petals, bunga rampai and water on Bapak's new home.
It was then time to leave our beloved Bapak to his eternal rest, promising him that we would return...often.
May Allah bless your soul, Bapak. Thank you for those wonderful years. We are eternally grateful to you and we love you forever.
Al-Fatihah.
Amin, Amin, Amin....
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Bapak Has Left Us
Alfatihah. My dad passed away at 5.58 pm today.
Thank you for all your prayers for him.
May God Bless You.
We are taking Bapak's body back from the hospital to the house at 2, Lorong 16/7C, Petaling Jaya now.
The kebumi will be at Bukit Kiara after Friday prayers tomorrow.
Thank you for all your prayers for him.
May God Bless You.
We are taking Bapak's body back from the hospital to the house at 2, Lorong 16/7C, Petaling Jaya now.
The kebumi will be at Bukit Kiara after Friday prayers tomorrow.
We Pray For A Miracle..
UPDATE:
-----------
5.30PM: Second dialysis failed. Blood pressure dropping. He is losing the fight...
--------------------------
My earlier posting:
Bapak's kidneys have grown weaker and he needs another dialysis today.
This is not good news.
Yesterday afternoon, he was put on a dialysis because his kidneys were very weak.
Because Bapak had breathing difficulty, a tracheotomy was also done on him earlier yesterday.
(Tracheotomy is a surgical procedure to open up the windpipe.)
During the dialysis yesterday, we were told that Bapak was "tolerating well". And his heart remained okay.
We were hopeful.
It has been 12 days now.
Only twice were we hopeful. The first time was after being admitted, when the respirator was taken off him as well as the sedation as he appeared to be stronger.
The second was yesterday when he was "tolerating well" during the dialysis.
But, really. I don't know what we were hopeful for.
Wasn't Bapak already critical so please call our relatives, then he went downhill, and now on palliative care.
Deep inside, we all wish for a miracle....that he'll just open his eyes, sit up, rip those tubes out of his limbs, and just get out of that horrid hospital bed...
"Bawa aku balik...." I can just imagine him saying to us.
Oh....how we pray for his recovery. And now, for a miracle.
Miracles do happen, didn't someone say?
And if none happens, it is by His grace and His will..
We redha...Amin.
-----------
5.30PM: Second dialysis failed. Blood pressure dropping. He is losing the fight...
--------------------------
My earlier posting:
Bapak's kidneys have grown weaker and he needs another dialysis today.
This is not good news.
Yesterday afternoon, he was put on a dialysis because his kidneys were very weak.
Because Bapak had breathing difficulty, a tracheotomy was also done on him earlier yesterday.
(Tracheotomy is a surgical procedure to open up the windpipe.)
During the dialysis yesterday, we were told that Bapak was "tolerating well". And his heart remained okay.
We were hopeful.
It has been 12 days now.
Only twice were we hopeful. The first time was after being admitted, when the respirator was taken off him as well as the sedation as he appeared to be stronger.
The second was yesterday when he was "tolerating well" during the dialysis.
But, really. I don't know what we were hopeful for.
Wasn't Bapak already critical so please call our relatives, then he went downhill, and now on palliative care.
Deep inside, we all wish for a miracle....that he'll just open his eyes, sit up, rip those tubes out of his limbs, and just get out of that horrid hospital bed...
"Bawa aku balik...." I can just imagine him saying to us.
Oh....how we pray for his recovery. And now, for a miracle.
Miracles do happen, didn't someone say?
And if none happens, it is by His grace and His will..
We redha...Amin.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Tuesdays With Bapak
Say A Prayer -- September 2 2008
I am remembering the time we were all at the Intensive Care Unit of Pantai Medical Centre in June 1990.
Mak was lying on the bed with all sorts of tubes in her mouth, needles in her arms. It was not how we wanted our mother to be but she was very ill.
Bapak visited her regularly, holding her hands, whispering in her ears, reciting prayers.
But Mak succumbed to a heart attack after a week.
This time, we watch Bapak, frail and motionless -- tubes in his mouth, nose and arms.
It has been eight days since Bapak was admitted to the hospital for lung infection. He was treated for lung and blood infection.
There was that brief period last week when he was conscious and communicating with us. Then the infection came back and he was put on a respirator and sedated.
We were still able to be with him to recite the Yassin.
When his condition worsened, he was not allowed any visitors. Only family members were allowed in . They must don the mask and apply antiseptic on our hands before entering and after leaving his room.
When his condition did not improve, Dr Ridzwan allowed only one family member to be inside the room. It seems logical that my step-mum be with Bapak.
Dr Ridzwan wanted to make sure his infection is contained.
We are happy that at least a family member is with Bapak to comfort him and recite the Yassin and read the Quran.
When my step-mum steps out for meals or prayers or when she goes home to freshen up and rest, Bapak is alone. A nurse sits outside, keeping watch.
Since his condition worsened, he has been allowed visitors. But they can only see him from outside, through the glass panel.
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah visited him early last week when he had already regained consciousness after being admitted.
Dr Ridzwan briefed Tun on Bapak's condition. All the while, Tun held Bapak's hand.
I was thinking how youthful Tun looked. He is just a year younger than Bapak.
He stressed on one thing -- he never smoked.
Bapak's heavy smoking had always been Dr Ridzwan's bone of contention with Bapak.
"I have been quarreling with Pak Samad about this for the past 15 years," he remarked.
Dr Ridzwan never gave up. But Bapak is a stubborn old man.
Nina intimated, and to Dr Ridzwan's horror, that Bapak was still having his last puff about a month ago, before he became bed-ridden.
"There's nothing we could do," Nina said, forlornly.
When Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak visited Bapak yesterday, he seemed familiar with Bapak's notorious habit.
"And he was still smoking ......", Najib, said, smiling and shaking his head.
And I believe if Bapak could hear our conversation, he'd probably --- well, he is a stubborn old man.
So, the stubborn old man is now frail, listless and helpless.
We are hopeful for his recovery. We continue our do'a, our prayers.
Allah SWT knows best.
*I wanted to write a happier "Tuesday With Bapak" but Bapak did not get better. Please bear with me.
My family would like to thank all the people who visited Bapak including his old friends - Aunty Lin, PC Shivadas, Ibrahim Ngah, Philip Mathews (and wife), Tan Sri Mazlan Noordin, Wahab Majid (and Family), Syed Husin Ali, Datuk A Samad Said (and wife), Datuk Abdullah Abdul Rahman (and wife), Tun Daim Zainuddin, Tun Musa Hitam, Datuk A Kadir Jasin (and wife), Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad, Zainuddin Maidin, Datuk Nazri Abdullah (and family), Datuk Khalid Mohd, Datuk Zahid Hamidi, Datuk Idris Tulis, Datuk Manja Ismail (and wife, Noorzita), Datuk Shukor Hassan and wife, Datuk Rejal Arbee and Datin Noraini, the family of the late Usman Awang, Datuk Ng Poh Tip, as well as former NSTP journalists Ahirudin Attan, Shamsul Akmar, Kee Thuan Chye, Aishah Ali, Rose Ismail, Hisham Harun, Baidura Ahmad, Saleha Ali, Wahti Maidin, Rusdi Mustapha, Tengku Sharifuddin, Ashraf Abdullah, Saiful Azhar and Rosidi Daud. Also Ann, Aman Ali, Hardev Kaur, Zainul Arifin, Theresa Manavalan, Kamarulzaman Salleh and Suraya Alatas.
Thank you also to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and PKR leader Datuk Dr Wan Azizah who visited Bapak yesterday and Information Minister Datuk Shabery Cheek who came by on Sunday.
And also to Lim Kit Siang and Dr Tan Seng Giaw as well as Datuk Shaziman.
And to all my brothers and sisters in and outside of blogosphere for their prayers and their well wishes.
UPDATE: (3pm, Sept 2, 2008)
Bapak's kidneys are not too good and they need to put him on a dialysis. They need to make an insertion in his trachea because he has difficulty breathing.
I saw that he was getting blood transfusion. Again.
It's downhill,I was told.
I pray for a miracle.
I am remembering the time we were all at the Intensive Care Unit of Pantai Medical Centre in June 1990.
Mak was lying on the bed with all sorts of tubes in her mouth, needles in her arms. It was not how we wanted our mother to be but she was very ill.
Bapak visited her regularly, holding her hands, whispering in her ears, reciting prayers.
But Mak succumbed to a heart attack after a week.
This time, we watch Bapak, frail and motionless -- tubes in his mouth, nose and arms.
It has been eight days since Bapak was admitted to the hospital for lung infection. He was treated for lung and blood infection.
There was that brief period last week when he was conscious and communicating with us. Then the infection came back and he was put on a respirator and sedated.
We were still able to be with him to recite the Yassin.
When his condition worsened, he was not allowed any visitors. Only family members were allowed in . They must don the mask and apply antiseptic on our hands before entering and after leaving his room.
When his condition did not improve, Dr Ridzwan allowed only one family member to be inside the room. It seems logical that my step-mum be with Bapak.
Dr Ridzwan wanted to make sure his infection is contained.
We are happy that at least a family member is with Bapak to comfort him and recite the Yassin and read the Quran.
When my step-mum steps out for meals or prayers or when she goes home to freshen up and rest, Bapak is alone. A nurse sits outside, keeping watch.
Since his condition worsened, he has been allowed visitors. But they can only see him from outside, through the glass panel.
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah visited him early last week when he had already regained consciousness after being admitted.
Dr Ridzwan briefed Tun on Bapak's condition. All the while, Tun held Bapak's hand.
I was thinking how youthful Tun looked. He is just a year younger than Bapak.
He stressed on one thing -- he never smoked.
Bapak's heavy smoking had always been Dr Ridzwan's bone of contention with Bapak.
"I have been quarreling with Pak Samad about this for the past 15 years," he remarked.
Dr Ridzwan never gave up. But Bapak is a stubborn old man.
Nina intimated, and to Dr Ridzwan's horror, that Bapak was still having his last puff about a month ago, before he became bed-ridden.
"There's nothing we could do," Nina said, forlornly.
When Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak visited Bapak yesterday, he seemed familiar with Bapak's notorious habit.
"And he was still smoking ......", Najib, said, smiling and shaking his head.
And I believe if Bapak could hear our conversation, he'd probably --- well, he is a stubborn old man.
So, the stubborn old man is now frail, listless and helpless.
We are hopeful for his recovery. We continue our do'a, our prayers.
Allah SWT knows best.
*I wanted to write a happier "Tuesday With Bapak" but Bapak did not get better. Please bear with me.
My family would like to thank all the people who visited Bapak including his old friends - Aunty Lin, PC Shivadas, Ibrahim Ngah, Philip Mathews (and wife), Tan Sri Mazlan Noordin, Wahab Majid (and Family), Syed Husin Ali, Datuk A Samad Said (and wife), Datuk Abdullah Abdul Rahman (and wife), Tun Daim Zainuddin, Tun Musa Hitam, Datuk A Kadir Jasin (and wife), Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad, Zainuddin Maidin, Datuk Nazri Abdullah (and family), Datuk Khalid Mohd, Datuk Zahid Hamidi, Datuk Idris Tulis, Datuk Manja Ismail (and wife, Noorzita), Datuk Shukor Hassan and wife, Datuk Rejal Arbee and Datin Noraini, the family of the late Usman Awang, Datuk Ng Poh Tip, as well as former NSTP journalists Ahirudin Attan, Shamsul Akmar, Kee Thuan Chye, Aishah Ali, Rose Ismail, Hisham Harun, Baidura Ahmad, Saleha Ali, Wahti Maidin, Rusdi Mustapha, Tengku Sharifuddin, Ashraf Abdullah, Saiful Azhar and Rosidi Daud. Also Ann, Aman Ali, Hardev Kaur, Zainul Arifin, Theresa Manavalan, Kamarulzaman Salleh and Suraya Alatas.
Thank you also to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and PKR leader Datuk Dr Wan Azizah who visited Bapak yesterday and Information Minister Datuk Shabery Cheek who came by on Sunday.
And also to Lim Kit Siang and Dr Tan Seng Giaw as well as Datuk Shaziman.
And to all my brothers and sisters in and outside of blogosphere for their prayers and their well wishes.
UPDATE: (3pm, Sept 2, 2008)
Bapak's kidneys are not too good and they need to put him on a dialysis. They need to make an insertion in his trachea because he has difficulty breathing.
I saw that he was getting blood transfusion. Again.
It's downhill,I was told.
I pray for a miracle.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Ramadan Mubarak
A poem for Ramadan
Ya Ramadan!,
In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Kind
A blessed month is casting its shadow upon us
A night of this month is better than a thousand months
Bear with patience for the sake of Ar-Rahman
It's a continuous training to strengthen our Imaan.
Glory be to Allah who sent Ramadan as a mercy to mankind
Its a purification of our soul, our heart, and our mind
With the most sincere devotion and love we fast
To be cleansed and free from sins of the past
Glorified is He, who choseth this holy month,
To test our sabr and fill our hearts with warmth
Of his Divine Light, His blessings shall glow,
The Seer of the unseen, all He does know
Ya Allah! For thee, let my breath be more pleasant than musk
Ya Allah! For thee, let me be thankful when day turns to dusk
My thoughts and heart are purified, my eyes truly see'
This blessed month, the month of spiritual rhapsody!
Ya Allah! For thee, my life I shall live!
Ya Allah! For thee, my soul I shall give!
In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Kind,
Praise be to Allah, who sent Ramadan as a gift to mankind
I wish everyone a happy and blessed Ramadan.
Peace .....
Ya Ramadan!,
In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Kind
A blessed month is casting its shadow upon us
A night of this month is better than a thousand months
Bear with patience for the sake of Ar-Rahman
It's a continuous training to strengthen our Imaan.
Glory be to Allah who sent Ramadan as a mercy to mankind
Its a purification of our soul, our heart, and our mind
With the most sincere devotion and love we fast
To be cleansed and free from sins of the past
Glorified is He, who choseth this holy month,
To test our sabr and fill our hearts with warmth
Of his Divine Light, His blessings shall glow,
The Seer of the unseen, all He does know
Ya Allah! For thee, let my breath be more pleasant than musk
Ya Allah! For thee, let me be thankful when day turns to dusk
My thoughts and heart are purified, my eyes truly see'
This blessed month, the month of spiritual rhapsody!
Ya Allah! For thee, my life I shall live!
Ya Allah! For thee, my soul I shall give!
In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Kind,
Praise be to Allah, who sent Ramadan as a gift to mankind
I wish everyone a happy and blessed Ramadan.
Peace .....
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Selamat Menyambut Hari Merdeka!
I wish all Malaysians a very happy Independence Day!And to our beloved country -- "A happy 51st Merdeka"
Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!
Bapak's Turn For The Worse....
"We're making him as comfortable as possible....just pray (for him)...." Dr Ridzwan said when I asked about Bapak's condition since he he took a turn for the worse this morning.
"Should we be prepared for the worst?," I asked.
Dr Ridzwan hesitated momentarily. Then, almost whispering, said: "We're doing our best....just pray for him.."
Bapak's lung infection has made a comeback and has spread to his other organs.
He was ok up until 7am today. Then he had trouble breathing and his blood pressure went low.
He can breathe on his own but is on respiratory support.
Bapak has been at the ICU (Pantai Medical Centre) for almost a week now.
He showed some improvement earlier, but today his condition worsened.
But we remain hopeful...
"Should we be prepared for the worst?," I asked.
Dr Ridzwan hesitated momentarily. Then, almost whispering, said: "We're doing our best....just pray for him.."
Bapak's lung infection has made a comeback and has spread to his other organs.
He was ok up until 7am today. Then he had trouble breathing and his blood pressure went low.
He can breathe on his own but is on respiratory support.
Bapak has been at the ICU (Pantai Medical Centre) for almost a week now.
He showed some improvement earlier, but today his condition worsened.
But we remain hopeful...
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Big Mistake, MCMC..
..for blocking the the popular news portal, Malaysia Today.
“Because we found that some of the comments on the website were insensitive bordering on incitement," -- Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission chief operating officer Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi.
Big bad mistake, Sharil.
And you know why!!
Now, meanwhile, check out Rocky's Google, Go Away!
“Because we found that some of the comments on the website were insensitive bordering on incitement," -- Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission chief operating officer Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi.
Big bad mistake, Sharil.
And you know why!!
Now, meanwhile, check out Rocky's Google, Go Away!
Anwar Sworn In As MP..
Comeback kid Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in this morning at the Dewan Rakyat.
The Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser and de facto leader is now officially parliamentary Opposition leader.
Read Tok Mommy HERE.
The Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser and de facto leader is now officially parliamentary Opposition leader.
Read Tok Mommy HERE.
If Bapak Had The Strength.....
..he'd get himself discharged from hospital this very minute.
The minute he regained consciousness and was able to open his eyes, he showed his displeasure at being bed-ridden at the ICU (Pantai Medical Centre).
Still weak, but that message he managed to get across to us yesterday.
Dr Ridzwan told us that he's made further progress today. He is still too weak to eat on his own. So, he's still fed nutrition using a stomache tube.
Although his lung and blood infection is under control, it is not cleared yet.
Well, any improvement, no matter how little, is good news.
Dr Ridzwan is still not allowing visitors because Bapak is still weak and sometimes, confused.
When he is not (confused), Bapak shows his absolute exasperation with all the tubes in his arms and neck, and the mask that is helping him with his breathing.
He is still unable to talk but tries very hard to.
So, he uses his hands to express himself.
He is weak but is able to move his hands, though quite slowly. And we can see him mustering all his strength to use his hands to communicate with us. Like telling us that he doesn't like to be in hospital.
"Bapak nak balik rumah?", Kak Olin gently asked him.
He nodded, his eyes glazed. Teary almost.
"So, you must get better...the tubes and the breathing mask will help get you better and Bapak boleh balik...ok?"
He nodded. This time, he smiled, his weak hand firmly gripping Kak Olin's.
The minute he regained consciousness and was able to open his eyes, he showed his displeasure at being bed-ridden at the ICU (Pantai Medical Centre).
Still weak, but that message he managed to get across to us yesterday.
Dr Ridzwan told us that he's made further progress today. He is still too weak to eat on his own. So, he's still fed nutrition using a stomache tube.
Although his lung and blood infection is under control, it is not cleared yet.
Well, any improvement, no matter how little, is good news.
Dr Ridzwan is still not allowing visitors because Bapak is still weak and sometimes, confused.
When he is not (confused), Bapak shows his absolute exasperation with all the tubes in his arms and neck, and the mask that is helping him with his breathing.
He is still unable to talk but tries very hard to.
So, he uses his hands to express himself.
He is weak but is able to move his hands, though quite slowly. And we can see him mustering all his strength to use his hands to communicate with us. Like telling us that he doesn't like to be in hospital.
"Bapak nak balik rumah?", Kak Olin gently asked him.
He nodded, his eyes glazed. Teary almost.
"So, you must get better...the tubes and the breathing mask will help get you better and Bapak boleh balik...ok?"
He nodded. This time, he smiled, his weak hand firmly gripping Kak Olin's.
PKR's Win In Permatang Pauh Won't Be Repeated Elsewhere...
So, if you people think that the victory of Parti Keadilan Rakyat in Permatang Pauh will set a trend nationwide, you sure have another think coming.
That would pretty much sum up the view of our Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He said:
The result of the Permatang Pauh by-election, which was won by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, cannot be interpreted as a trend that can happen in other constituencies.
The prime minister, who is also BN chairman, told this to reporters after sending off Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at the Senai Airport in Johor Bahru yesterday.
Here's the rest of his remarks in NST:
"Barisan Nasional (BN) which won 140 parliamentary seats in the March 8 general election still commanded strong support from the people.
“The Permatang Pauh by-election is one by-election that cannot be interpreted as something that can happen in other constituencies. I believe we can still continue the government.”
So looks like you people have to simply banish any illusions of grandeur for PKR's future.
That sweet victory in Permatang Pauh?
Well, it will remain in Permatang Pauh....
Indeed, indeed. Of course, the PM has a point.
But you know, the "impossible" happened in the March 8 GE. FOUR states fell to the Opposition. And, oh dear, the BN failed to capture Kelantan.
Looks like nothing has changed. Or perhaps, all these remarks are just for the record.
Now, if that's (actually) the BN thinking down the line, I think that's delusional that can be so suicidal.
*In the Aug 26 by-election, Anwar, who is PKR de facto leader, won the parliamentary seat with a 15,671-vote majority, garnering 31,195 votes against the BN’s Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah, 51, who obtained 15,524 votes.
The other candidate, Hanafi Mamat, 61, of Angkatan Keadilan Insan Malaysia (Akim) lost his deposit as he only received 92 votes.
That would pretty much sum up the view of our Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He said:
The result of the Permatang Pauh by-election, which was won by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, cannot be interpreted as a trend that can happen in other constituencies.
“What happened in Permatang Pauh was not something so big as to change the situation that exists after the last general election."
Here's the rest of his remarks in NST:
"Barisan Nasional (BN) which won 140 parliamentary seats in the March 8 general election still commanded strong support from the people.
“The Permatang Pauh by-election is one by-election that cannot be interpreted as something that can happen in other constituencies. I believe we can still continue the government.”
So looks like you people have to simply banish any illusions of grandeur for PKR's future.
That sweet victory in Permatang Pauh?
Well, it will remain in Permatang Pauh....
Indeed, indeed. Of course, the PM has a point.
But you know, the "impossible" happened in the March 8 GE. FOUR states fell to the Opposition. And, oh dear, the BN failed to capture Kelantan.
Looks like nothing has changed. Or perhaps, all these remarks are just for the record.
Now, if that's (actually) the BN thinking down the line, I think that's delusional that can be so suicidal.
*In the Aug 26 by-election, Anwar, who is PKR de facto leader, won the parliamentary seat with a 15,671-vote majority, garnering 31,195 votes against the BN’s Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah, 51, who obtained 15,524 votes.
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