Alone in Thought

A lone passenger in contemplation in the serene and quiet end of one of Kuala Lumpur's International Airport's many waiting area during the slack early hours of the morning before the crowds arrive.

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Okonomiyaki

The view of the open kitchen of the Hiroshima Okonomiyaki stall.

There are countless Japanese food that I've heard of but never had a chance to indulge it. From all those anime we often see Parfait with their varying themes and flavours, of takoyaki (there's a stall here in Damai but there aren't any octopuses in them so I don't think that counts) or any other assortment of delictibles. Well I finally managed to try some okonomiyaki (which I've been fanthoming what it was ever since I first heard about it from Ranma 1/2) when I was down in Kl. Went to this little shop, Hiroshima Okonomiyaki, down in Low Yat Plaza and got to taste it. Not bad, its different with the egg and dough fried with noodles in the middle and basted with a sweet hot sauce and washed down with herbal green tea. Well next time I drop down that part of town again I'll remember to try it again.

Here is a closeup of the cook while she was preparing the noodles for the okonomiyaki. It's always nice to be able to see how your food is being prepared, unless of course the kitchen looks like it is one step to being condemned which in this case is far from it.

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Falling Leaf

An old leaf turning yellow.

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Unexpectedly Stranded in the Middle of the Sea

When on my journey in Banggi I've seen many sights that would not have been apparent elsewhere. One of these interesting stumble was during a field survey heading to Teluk Lung where the UMS seaweed farms were located, on our way we passed these group of stranded sailers whose wooden boat hit a reef during one of the island's norotious storms and were now awaiting help and tow from their comrades who paddled out to fetch help. Pulau Banggi, Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia, 2005.

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Sunway Night Life

Outdoor coffee joints at Sunway Pyramid at night, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, 2004.

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Manik Patterns on Sarong

This flower shaped by laborious sewing of sequences and beads decorated the woven fabric of the sarong, Kota Kinabalu, 2006.

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Selamat Hari Raya to All Malaysians

Thousand Words would like to wish all Malaysians a very happy Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

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The long MAS queue

I finally got my ticket back home a few days ago and the countdown timer has started its one month ticking. Having a dateline to settle things can be disconcerting since my room has yet to find a tenant and scores of other stuff have yet to be settled to the point that its weighing heavily on my mind now. I always thought that going home by MAS would be easier and did planned it long ago to use MAS to fly back when all my studies are done here in KK. For one its more liberal 20 kg luggage requirements is an improvement of the Air Asia's 15kg but I still wish they would give allocations to students travelling to and fro Peninsular to Borneo more leeway especially at the start of their studies and end of it.

After many long hair pulling sessions from Air Asia's online booking payment and unsent confirmation bookings supposedly getting a MAS ticket would be simpler. Another reason for MAS would be the easier transfer from Kl to Kuantan that I have to take which eliminates the need to rush Air Asia budget terminal and the off chance that flights will be delayed nullifying my transfer to MAS since Air Asia does not fly to Kuantan (now why is that when Terengganu has a route?).

Imagine my surprise at first when I learnt that the MAS booking counter at Wisma Sabah was closed down and now the only two ticketing offices are at the Airport terminal (read too far off for students without transport) or at Kompleks Karamunsing (also entails several bus changes). Even is rationalizing their offices should bring profits, getting rid of one at the center of town really inconvenienced people. Never mind, I forgot it was near Deepavali and Raya and even when I reached there at noon, there were already 40 people ahead of my and not helped for the fact that only 3 of the 8 counters were opened. Suffice to say that it took 3 hours to just get a ticket issued which took under 10 minutes.

Compounded to the chaos was several foreign babes who were arguing for their transfer tickets and blocked one of the counters for near an hour sheesh. Also I find funny that several people even had the audacity to try and skip their turn by heading straight to the counter even as they got their number. It is commendable that the MAS officers didn't pay them any heed. It wasn't just anyone but even a navy man tried to skip queue, what is the world coming to. Lesson for future, it is easier to get the MASET transaction codes and pay through Maybank, else go when there is no long string of holidays in the near future. The good news is that I managed to get a reduced rate for my KK-KL ticket at RM375 instead of the RM550 but the downside is I'll not be able to make the connecting flight to Kuantan since it only reaches at 10p.m. thus necessitating a night at KLIA.

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I didn't do it!

"Whatever it was it wasn't me". Cats get away with everything by acting cute and innocent.

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Mosque Week - Sabah State Mosque

This is the final instalment of myMosque Week series, i hope everyone that came to view them enjoyed some of the photos and wishing you all selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maybe I'll be back next year with another series when i am able to visit the other notable mosques present in Malaysia. Till then, enjoy this photo essay on the Sabah State Mosque.

Geometric design of the fences surrounding the mosque, view from Wisma Muis.

The Sabah State Mosque (1975) is a study in geometry and Islamic building style, simple yet intricate. It's bare concrete struture gives its a rock hard strength signifying the solidy of the Muslim faith while the subtle and intricate decor speaks of refinement and a high standard of geometric art forms, both qualities that are highly regarded in the faith. It is situated along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman within walking distance to the Sabah State Museum and Sutera Harbour Resort and Gold Course. The aurrounding area consists of mostly squatter housing and offices of the Sulaman area. Also the SANZEC school is adjacent to the mosque.

The main dome is honeycombed in design and rests at one end of the building.

The mosque is the state mosque for Sabah while its newer counterpart is more spacious and artistic, the mosque remains a central focus of the religion in the state with most major religious events centering within its walls. The architecture is pure geometry, consisting of a huge gold and grey honeycombed design for the dome while the area surrounding the minaret is in the form of a hexagonal walled area consisting of the abulation pool. The supports are in the shape of a cut off conical ramparts topped with golden miniature domes. Golden khat writings with holy verses ringed the outer walls.

The concrete ballustrades are of a cut off conical make capped with golden miniature domes, islamic verses encircles each pillar.

The outer lying areas are surrounded by a garden and wide open spaces for parking, it would have been better of more greenery was planted since it does look quite barren at times but mosques are not usually known for sculptured gardens so this is not the exception. The central minaret dominates any view of the mosque, rising high into the sky. It is a purely concrete construction with three ringed levels capped with a golden cone top.

One of the entrances leading to the abulation pool and prayer halls, the minaret prominently takes the center stage.

The minaret is multi levelled with three circular floors capped by a golden conical top.

The central minaret is made of sturdy concrete lending it an aura of strength, its off central position also ensures it prominance.

The marble stepping stones leading to the minaret.

The hexagonal form is heavily incorporated in the mosque's design. The central forum is thus designed with the minaret in the middle, encircling it is the abulation pool where the faithfuls wash their extremities before prayers. The site is marbled with stepping stones leading to the minaret for maintenance of the PA systems of for the mufti's use. Decorative lighting are also present in hexagonal shaped circular ornaments.

View of the main prayer hall.

Stone steps leads into the main prayer halls which is situated on the first level, the lower levels are mostly administrative offices as well as lecture rooms for religious studies. The prayer halls can accomodate 150,000 worshippers with another separated alcove for female worshippers to pray in. Atop is the dome with a giant glass chandelier in the center.

Bottom view of the chandelier below the mosque's dome.

The interior design is once again geometric, intricate lattice works with the hexagonal theme are evident all around and khat writting is prominently displayed throughout. Standing there is quite an imposing view with the dome rising high above. Carpets are strewn around to worshipers. Once again visitors have to abide by a dress code before being allowed in.

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Happy Deepavali to All Malaysians

Happy Deepavali to all and may you all have a blessed festival.

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PTPTN and Our Towering Mistake

Yesterday I got a bit worked up and decided to write two opinions for the Star's Opinion page. These two are of several issues I take seriously. Scholarships and Conservation. The first entails of my fruitless quest (believe me calling their phone line often is futile and unanswered) in getting aid from PTPTN and when I decided to turn into a good little citizen and dutifully pay my debts to society, I get bitten instead. My first grouse is with PTPTN our national fund for higher education which often tout themselves as the student's saviour by extending cheap loans at 4% to needy students for pursuit of higher education, a noble goal and one much lauded. Certainly the RM3,500 per semester is a great help, it relieves the burden parents have of sending monthly cash to students and also afford some modicum of liquid cash flow to pay off expendiatures such as food, books and daily neccessities not to mention some bit of luxury such as hand phones, motorcycles and the likes.

As mentioned in the letter, it seems I have been screwed by this oh so 'charitable' foundation leaving me high in debt by a single change in rules without prior notification. If you read the news, lately many people have been questioning why PTPTN is charging all the extra 'administrative costs' when technically it should just charge 4% over the total loan with repayment spanning over 15 years. It is seriously no wonder that many are taking the option of repaying by lump sum and paying cash to their parents instead (who must have dug into their EPF or savings for this) rather than letting money flow into the void that is now the cash strapped PTPTN. I really wonder if they are trying to help students or are they more in it for the profit else they are so desperate to recapitalize that they penalize abiding payers instead of defaulters. Sometimes I emphatize with those that skip their payments, if I get sucked dry like this I would consider that option, but the money will be used to fund more students and for that I think I'll pay them off even if it's a rip off.

The second is my constant concern about the state of conservation for Malaysia's cultural, natural and historical heritage. No matter what Rais Yatim is saying, our efforts are akin more to degrading our heritage rather than conserving and re-invigorating them. The latest folly must be the audacious proposition to build a tower in the heart of Melaka's cultural enclave. Maybe they're thinking they can erase our past colonial masters by staking a giant 'Malay Keris' into what must be a colonial administrative center. Surely Hang Tuah's Taming Sari will right centuries of foreign rule in Melaka and reclaim it for our Bangsa Melayu, is what some quarter believe. I feel that the public must make themselves vocal to show that we Malaysian do care about how the government treat conservation in our country and if we keep silent, then we are going to lose it more and more. We need more victories such as the effort to save the Coliseum. It would be folly for the government to think that they can brush what are real concerns from citizens, we all have a stake in our country and should have a say about it as well. Here are the two unedited opinions if the Star decided not to publish them.

PTPTN changes rules without notification

I was lucky enough to obtain a PTPTN loan for my undergrad studies and it really helped to supplement expenditures while studying for my undergrad course and I am thankful towards PTPTN. Yet even with this latest grouse, disregarding the numerous past problems like delayed payment, loss agreements and such, I was not going to skip my monthly payment. Problems began when I decided to pursue my masters degree and when enquiring at the PTPTN counter was told that payment can be differed for the duration of two years while I am still studying. Regretfully even after sending my differment letter twice (the first they said wasn't received) I was still constantly billed for my monthly repayment in addition to the administrative charges (which amounted to nearly RM190). Repeated calls to their office was not helpful and only yesterday was I told by an operator that they have approved my differment but that administrative costs will still be applied. I cannot understand the sudden change in policy without any notice and so the accumulated payment in addition to the late repayment interest increased my RM17,500 loan to a staggering RM22,000 as of now. I think it is unfair to punish those that wish to study further and is without means of a job to repay their loan and I hope that PTPTN will look into this matter. No wonder people are opting to pay a lump sum rather than face the "additional" costs not stated when signing the initial agreement. If I've known better I wouldn't even have applied for funds.

Towering Mistake

Building a modern tower in the heart of old Melaka must surely be a big mistake. It's akin to a 'keris' piercing though the very fabric that makes Melaka the historical city it is. Whereas people would have no objections to development, there must surely be a limit when such incompatible development such as an observation tower, which from the looks of the model looks too out of place and does not harmoniously blend into its surrounding, should be reconsidered as public opinion is surely against such a venture. It is even more callous to blame Melaka and Penang's joint listing into UNESCO's heritage list for biased standards and criteria rather than facing some introspection at what we are doing wrong. If so how could Asian countries like the Philippines have several listings under the world body? Instead of tearing down our heritage and erecting unsightly edifices the money could well be spent elsewhere for real conservation purposes. Don't let examples of reckless modernity and redevelopment for cheap tourist attractions like the Masjid India walkway and bazaar be repeated else we lose more of our ever diminishing cultural treasures.

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Darkest Before Dawn

Early sun rise at about 5 a.m. as viewed from our lodge in Crocker Range National Park, Sabah, Malaysia, 2006.

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Mosque Week - Masjid Putra

A sight when one enters Putrajaya that cannot be missed since it is so prominent in the landscape is the pinkish hued Putra Mosque, one of the biggest mosque in the new Federal administrative center as well as boasting in typical 'Malaysia Boleh' sentiment, the tallest minaret (116 meters) in the region. It was named after our first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj. The mosque can be clearly seen aflot on the man made lake from most direction since little construction has been built that can block its view by the lakeside, adding to its viewing prominence. Crossing the various Precincts and bridges one can view a panaromic view of the mosque and certainly it offers a photo moment no one can resist.

The mosque is divided into 3 distinct areas, the prayer hall, the 'Sahn' or courtyard and lastly the learning center and functional areas. 12 columns supported the prayer hall with the highest point below the dome standing at 250 feet above ground. The courtyard is landscaped with water featured and is surrounded by colannades. The mosque has a capacity to hold 150,000 worshippers at a time. It's architecture is modeled after the Persian Islamic style of the Safavid period with a touch of local Malay flavour. The main entrance is a rectangular gate with arched features and khat writing on the top modelled again after Persian elements.

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Outhouse by the Sea

I stumbled onto this outhouse as I was on a field trip along the ODEC beach (it has since been demolished as the squatters were evicted). Can't imagine having to do my business here into the open ocean, actually its more shuddering to think of having to wade around the surrounding beach with unexpected treasures awaiting your discovery. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 2003.

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Beer Girls on the Run

Alcohol sponsorship for events in the Philippines is big business, a rare sight here in Malaysia where advertising rules forbid alcohol and cigarette companies from doing so. Well here a bunch of hot chicks with the San Miguel brewery are taking part lively during the Viva Vigan festival, Vigan City, Philippines, 2004.

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Borneo Big Biker Club - Meet the People Involved

More pictures taken during the Sabah Big Bike Festival whereby bikers and their mean machines from all over Borneo gathered to display and show their machines to the publis. This time a more intimate look at the people involved and the wide range that is.

The Bikers posing with their motor bikes in front of the DBKK building before the start of events.

A final check by a friend before the started up his bike.

One cool dude at the starting point chatting with the other participants.

Biker with his Harley Davidson posing for the crowd along with his mates.

Not all bikers are dominated by males, the female counterparts were visibly seen and in deep in the action, many are wives to the bikers but many at the same time are ardent ethuists that hold their own with their giant rev machines.

This trio were sharing a light moment in between, recounting some of their previous experience riding together in similar events held often by the bike club.

Surveying the motorcade which was waiting patiently under the hot Sabah sun before the main event.

Closeup of one of the motors seen at the festival.

Biker with his personalized leather riding jacket stating him to be part of the Malaysian Chapter of the Harley Davidson group of riders.

This guy had all the gear needed for his ride, helmet, eye shades, leather gloves and much more.

Masked man, stating his ardent preferrence to the daddy of all biker culture, the Harley.

Thumbs up for the gathering by this more than happy participant.

One mean machine and cool rider, macho does not need any other poster child than whats present here.

The golden eagle symbol, prestige and class for the Harley Davidson.

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Sabah Big Bike Gathering: A better model than Mat Rempits

The bikes lining up at the starting line before the flag off near the Dataran Desoka and DBKK building.

I was very intrigued with the Sabah Big Bike Association when I first heard about that as I first started studying in Sabah. The first glimpse I had was a gathering they had during the Tamu Besar Kota Belud, whereby bikers with bikes of all sizes and make gathered there and even offered people to take shots with their bikes. I next noted their presence when I visited a hair stylist where Laura went to get her hair done, adorning the saloon were picture of her (yes she is a biker) and her boyfriend with their bike all over Sabah from Tawau to Kudat. I never really had the image of bikers akin to this, a peaceful social club and gathering with activities very conducive in their own right not unlike the noisy, reckless, death defying bikers always appearing in the news, the so called Mat Rempits. I believe this is a better model for them to adpot than their current illegal activities, maybe they should take a page out from our Borneo cousins.

Rear view of the motorcade of bikes during the line up.

About a month ago, the Borneo Big Bike Assocation in conjunction with DBKK and Visit Malaysia Year campaign decided to organize a rally of bikes from all over Borneo here in Kota Kinabalu. I stumbled upon them and after walking about give it a thumbs up for positiveness. Truly the Borneo Big Bike Festival could add a colourful element to the festivities and liven up the town a bit. With bike exhibitions consisitng of large scale motors, Harley Davidsons, modified bikes and other from the familiar to the truly amazing machines. People were all seen taking pictures with the bikes some dwarfing the kids that weren't any taller than the seats.

Bikes parked at the side of the square for onlookers to see.

Another image I had shattered was that of the biker, looking at them they are not the thuggish and rough people that I would've imagined to associate with such a culture. Most were normal people with jobs ranging from the professional to store workers but all shared the love for their machines. Most are even married and their spouses were there with them, sharing the same passion, I wouldn't have thought there were many woman riders before this. They looks all geared up for the event and the camaraderie was infectious, many joking about, jealously comparing the bikes, stores were set up to sell accesories such as jackets and branded gear. The atmosphere was liven up with music playing from the DBKK building and food served to the participants.

The riders parking their bikes along the road before the flag off.

Walking through the start line the bikes were fantastic, many of differing make. There were the usual American roadster such as the Harley emblazzoned with their shiny eagle symbols and brand prominently displayed. There were the gigantic bikes that even I would have to straddle to get onto. Racing bikes were also seen among the throngs.

Several of the racing models.

Like I said the effort our local politician are trying to impose on the local Mat Rempit culture would not suceed not without the ethuistic cooperation of their participants, most of which are disrespectful of the law and holds a don't care about what others think attitude. From what I see here is genuine love and interest that is needed to make such a culture exists without the need of force or imposition. That's why my opinion that forcing Mat Rempits to clean mosque and graveyard will not inculcate them into turning into lawful citizens and respective road users since that such activities have no dealings with their interests not does it give them the thrill they are seeking. I believe if they really want to promote their cause they could do it in a better fashion or at least within the law, the image they are generating to the public is one that tarnishes and make enemies out of those that have to put up with their dangerous antics on the roads as well as sleepless nights from their brazen attitude.

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Borneo Books 2

I recently stumbled into this quaint little shop while walking about aimlessly in Wisma Merdeka. I must be forgiven for not finding this little treasure sooner even as I knew they had opened a branch from their previous ground floor lot because the entrance was a little hidden away way back in a corner past several shops where the people traffic was often less. But truly it is a great bookstore cum art gallery cum used and rare book depositary. What makes it unique from all the other bookstores in Kota Kinabalu is that it has taken the concept of reader's comfort and needs as espoused by larger chains such as Popular, MPH and Kinokuniya in KL and made it a tad more personal and welcoming without sacrificing on privacy, also a first in KK. Look at what their brochure offers; their mission is stated as allowing readers a more intimate setting apart from the crowds and making them feel at home, they offer a lounge area with free coffee for readers and book shoppers. Not only that their dual mission is to help promote local artists offering space to display their work and also provide avenue to attract buyers. In addition to being a comprehensive supplier of books on all matter in Borneo, they offer second hand books for sale as well as rare hard collector first editions for sale. To add sugar to the deal, tourists and visitors from abroad can have their purchases sent via mail to them to avoid carrying heavy luggage. Sounds unique, I bet you it is.

The book store consists of two different lots, the nearest one to the entrance holds the rare book collections with various first printings and titles spanning back more than 50 years old, a look through showed several rare books I don't usually see in many more common bookstores with a lot of foreign titles not sold locally. There are also the used books, selling at a fraction of their original price and while some people may scorn over hand me downs, their conditions are mostly well kept. I found a three book set for Lord of the rings from a 1981 print here to replace my lost omnibus volume and for RM44 it was a steal rather than buying a newer version at RM100 plus. a look at the picture below and you can see an old printing of A.A.Milne for several Winnie the Pooh title, illustrated. Even though pricey I think any serious book collector would want to have it.

Scattered around are various artworks as can be seen in the pictures, the store takes a community service by allowing local talents to display and popularize their works, these are in various forms such as oil and watercolur paintings, wood carvings, metal works and art prints. Truly the fusion of these pieces adds to the atmosphere and enhances the homely feel as you browze through the aisles while making purchases. There are a few workers there that are knowledgeable of the store's contents and are ever more than helpful to guide you to a purchase. Besides that anyone looking for old magazines such as reader's digest, penguin hardcover classics and National Geographic can find them here as well.

The second part of the shop houses the more current books with a large sellection of their specialty book on Borneo concerning such topics as natural sciences, travel books, historical publishing, cultural writings and many more contemporary fiction and non fiction books. Also in their collection are rarrer government archives and old editions of books some dating well over a century which are freely made available to anyone wishing to use them for research or viewing. It was nice to be greeted by a giant stone head sculpture as one entered the main entrance and the theme of art is still present throughout. To the left is a small niche furnished with sofas and coffee freely served for patrons. Reading here with a nicely airconditioned atmosphere with a view of the city and Signal Hill leaves one feeling traquil and relaxed if you ever need to escape the weekend shopping crowd. Well if you ever wish to visit it they are open all week and you may just find some nice surprises awaiting you if you're diligent enough to go through their vast selection. I certainly recommend a look from any serious biblophiles.

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