What's the Fuss: A Dish or a Snack?

For many of us Malaysians, we are truly blessed to be able to live in this peace and harmonious multi-racial and multi-ethnical country, Malaysia. We are so blessed that every race and ethnic in Malaysia prepares different food everyday. The Malays with their nasi lemak, the Chinese with their yong chow fried rice, the Indians with their roti canai and many other more.

But the problem is that certain food can be classified as a dish or a snack. The question is none other than otak-otak. Otak-otak is a fish cake from Malaysia and Singapore. In Singapore, it is more commonly known as otah or otak. The southern Malaysian town of Muar is particularly famous for it. It can also be found in Indonesia, especially in Sulawesi.

As for me, being born in the town of Muar, Johor (also known as the Empress Town) but now living in the city of Petaling Jaya, I am being blessed to have eaten otak-otak from my hometown. I have also heard of the Peranakan (Baba-Nyonya from Malacca) that they too have their own secret of preparing their otak-otak. They eat it in between meals and also they eat it together with bread.

I have learned that many Malaysians take otak-otak as a snack and what about with rice? Well, just to add that, otak-otak can come wrapped-in banana leaf or even in a frozen packet where it is served for those who wish to preserve longer and eat at other time. They can remove that packet and steam it. It is usually to be eaten with rice or also as a snack. One additional specialty from a Muarian, our family discovered that by beating an egg or two and pour it to the side of the plate before steaming the otak-otak just adds the flavour and the rest of it, you tell the story.

It is very unique that we Malaysians have different cultures and we shouldn't judge each other on how we should consume the otak-otak. Whether it is a dish or a snack, we shouldn't judge each other but respect each other as a fellow Malaysian.

Everyone enjoyed the otak-otak but more importantly, it teaches us a good lesson about muhibbah and living in harmony.

Thus, it can be eaten as a snack or with bread or rice as part of a meal.

P.S. If you want some Muarian otak-otak, do let me know. I will get you some as sample. The rest, you have to order of course.

"Maintain strength in unity"

Sambutan Ambang Merdeka yesterday marks the last day of Malaysia's 48 years old and counting down to 00:00 marks the nation's 49 years of Independence. For a change yesterday, I went to Sambutan Ambang Merdeka in Sunway Lagoon Surf Beach. Organized by Sunway Lagoon and co-organized by Sunway University College, Taylor's University College, HELP University College, Metropolitan College, UiTM and few other private colleges. For the first time, I had a change after 2 years of continuous back to back of KLCC. The rest was history like others used to say.





It was initially of a boring night because I was searching for my right friends to tag along with and guessed who I found? Vincent Pang, the ever famous buddy of my in Leo days. It was a fun night though and met another friend of his Nigel Low whom I know who loves to build up his body.



Me: So, what do you think of the word "Merdeka" means to you?

Mr. X: Hmmm...to me ahh is freedom of me from prison. At last I am out of the jail. It is very tough to live inside there but the "curry rice" that I eat everyday thought me to appreciate the real spirit of Independence and I'm blessed to have lots of food in Malaysia and not curry rice alone. See how I enjoy my night (Refer to the caught in the scene pic of Vincent Pang).

Me: It is great that now you repent and know the meaning of Independence. I hope you have a great night tonight and enjoy your countdown. I will rejoin you after this. As for now, I want to resume searching for more information from others.

Mr. X: I wish you a great time too. MERDEKA !!!

*Mr. X refers none other than Vincent Pang.

It was a very short night for me as I was actually waiting for a friend who came so late. I only managed to enter the Surf Beach ground at 10.00 p.m. So, the night wasn't too long but I met Jakeman of hitz.fm and this great guy entertained us the whole night with his humour and jokes together with guest artiste like Ferhad & the first runner-up for the 1st Blast Off, Siarra performed live for us with many of their songs including a few from International artiste piece as well.

It was closed to the time when Jakeman told us that our nation will be touching its 49 years old of Independence. I realized time passes by so fast and I leave you to ponder the pictures below. As people said that "Pictures tells a thousand words".

As I was about to leave after the countdown and the fireworks, throngs of Malaysians are about to leave Sunway Lagoon Surf Beach. From what I see in an earlier moment that many Malaysians are so patriotic singing "Negaraku", "Tanggal 31", "Kerana Mu Malaysia", "Jalur Gemilang" and other patriotic songs. BUT what I realized is that are they truly a real Malaysian or are they just merely coming for the fun of it? If they are really patriotic, where is their respect for the nation's flag, the JALUR GEMILANG? I can easily said that there are roughly tons of flags being dumped at the beach area right after the event concluded.

TELL ME WHERE ARE THE PATRIOTISM BEHIND OUR NATION'S PEOPLE ???

A poem for everyone to ponder:

Freedom is a way of life responsibility chosen.
Independence is a state of life responsibility lived.
Responsibility is choice freely & independently made.
May our destiny be moulded by all three.

Selamat Hari Merdeka!

A Day as a DeeJay

Hitz.fm Campus Takeover has kicked off officially with the 1st & 2nd week with Taylor's College Students showing off their pride as a DeeJay.

Invading the hitz.fm station is my long term dream but never thought that this very day would become a reality.

Signing up via its website (http://hitz.fm), I submitted to them 10 of my favourite songs and a short comment on why I want to invade the station.

About a week later, I was approached by hitz.fm on my mobile phone. Realizing the common number +603-9543xxxx, I knew it is someone from Astro calling me up for some reasons. Came to my surprise, it was regarding the hitz.fm campus takeover thing.

So, when all things are settle, I went to the radio station on 25th August 2006 with Yew Keong (TCPJ) and oh came to my surprise, being a deejay wasn't that simple. Ours was a pre-recorded on air thingy so that we do not really screw up on air. Well, just to add a few more things. Who says you must be a mass commer to become a deejay. Even Hospitality and Tourism student and Architecture student can become a radio deejay.

It was damn fun as we get to see how Ean & Adam run all the advertisement promos recording as well. Jakeman was on air when we were there. So, we gotto hear all sorts of funny things callers are calling in.

We had a great laugh & what's more the deejays forced the hitz.fm Merdeka Man to work for something instead of getting it free from people. Yeah, I guess that should be the way it should be.

Anyhow, to conclude this thing, it was a great experience to be a deejay. Not that it is hard but it is whether you put your effort in it or not. Well, you guys can do it too via hitz.fm by going to their website (http://hitz.fm).

GOOD LUCK IN INVADING THE RADIO STATION. HITZ.FM ROCKZZZ !!!

MERDEKA EVE CELEBRATIONS (30 AUG 06)

What are your plans this 30th August ? Do you have any plans? If not head down to any of the following location for countdown to the 49th National Day of Malaysia. 31st August 2006 marks the countdown of 1 year anniversary to Malaysia's Golden Jubilee of Independence on 31st AUGUST 2007.

Isn't it amazing to show our patriotism this National Day? If you have more updates on the latest activities in town, please message me. Thank you.

MERDEKA ! MERDEKA ! MERDEKA ! MERDEKA ! MERDEKA ! MERDEKA ! MERDEKA !


Happenings for Ambang Merdeka 2006


~ Sambutan Ambang Kemerdekaan ~
Date : 8/30/2006 - 8/30/2006
Venue : Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon
Contact Persons :

Sunway College Student Services Department +603-79418622
Taylor's College Extra-Curricular Activities +603-56362641 (TCSJ) +603-78779777 (TCHT)
Metropolitan College Subang Jaya +603-56344711

Keranamu Malaysia 2006 - Misi Nasional Penjana Wawasan. There will be perfomances from local artistes and college students. Watch out for the fireworks display. Free tickets available at Sunway Lagoon or from respective participating organising colleges.


~ AMBANG MERDEKA 2006 ~
Date : 8/30/2006 - 8/30/2006
Venue : Merdeka Lane, Genting Outdoor Theme Park, Genting Highlands
Contact Person : Resorts World Berhad
Tel: +603- 2718 1118
Web Site: http://www.genting.com.my

This year, Merdeka Carnival celebration’s concept is the combination of Carnival, Bazaar, Show and Fireworks Display The parade consist of brass band, colorful costume clown, show performers, Mysteria dancers and theme park mascot. There will be some booths and stalls providing the typical Malaysian flea market shopping & food galore. The Seasons and Amy Mastura will be the main artistes for the show time. Fireworks display commences from 12midnight onwards after the countdown.


~ Merdeka Eve Celebration 06 ~
Date : 8/30/2006 - 8/30/2006
Venue : Negeri Sembilan Field, Seremban
Contact Person : Negeri Sembilan Tourism Action Council
Tel : 606-765 9870
Web Site : http://www.tourismnegerisembilan.com

An annual event to commemorate the countdown of this year's Independence Day.

A fairytale wedding that came true - Datin Siti Nurhaliza

KUALA LUMPUR: Come to the reception in Kuala Lipis on Sept 3. That was the message from Datin Siti Nurhaliza to her legion of fans across the country.

Tears rolling down her cheeks, she blew kisses and waved to hundreds of her ardent fans in the gardens from a balcony of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Dressed in a Cinderella-like wedding gown, pop princess Siti was greatly touched by the show of affection from the fans who repeatedly called out her name.

It was her wedding day and hordes of fans had turned up to greet her, although the much-hyped horse-and-carriage ride through the gardens had been scrapped.

Newlyweds Datuk K and Siti
look like the perfect couple.

The cream satin silk she wore that was laced with thousands of pearls of various sizes was planned for the carriage ride.

“I hope my fans can come to our reception in Kuala Lipis,” she said at the meet-the-fans session, ahead of her glittering bersanding (sitting in state) ceremony with husband Datuk Khalid Mohamad Jiwa at the convention centre, touted as the Wedding of the Year, yesterday.

Many of the fans were Indonesians who were either working or studying in Malaysia or had travelled here just to be part of the glitzy event.

True-blue fan Rekha, 25, who had met Siti a number of times at her concerts in Jakarta, took a month’s leave from work and came all the way from Irian Jaya to arrive here on Aug 8.

“I attended her akad nikah ceremony on Aug 21 and am here now for the bersanding,” said Rekha, who sent a wedding gift to Siti and was there in the crowd to hand out flags to the fans.

“I will go to Kuala Lipis and then rush back to Jakarta on Sept 6 so that I can attend the event for Siti’s fans in Indonesia on Sept 9.”
Three friends from Kuching who are studying here, claiming to be big fans of Siti, were among the excited gathering.

Siti feeding her husband a piece of cake after the cake-cutting ceremony.

Nadia Azwan Julaihi, her friend Viviana Mohd Daud and another girl who did not want to give her name screamed out: “Siti, we love you.”

Hidijah, 29, who came from Medan with a daughter and five friends said: “We are disappointed to learn that the horse carriage ride was cancelled. That was one of the reasons we came.”

Wedding planner Datuk Raja Rezza Shah had given the occasion a romantic touch that blended with the garden setting of the ballroom of the convention centre, the main venue of the couple’s bersanding ceremony.

Soft lilting music in the background, fresh baby’s breath, pink and white roses and soft green and white orchids plus abundant pastel colours of pink, green and white decoration reflected the joyous mood of the event.

For the bersanding, Siti looked resplendent in her wedding attire and looked every inch a princess with a dazzling tiara and matching accessories.

The 27-year-old diva wore a classic songket creation in a champagne shade while her 47-year-old Prince Charming was in a matching outfit.

The guest list included royalty, politicians, luminaries from the entertainment and fashion worlds as well as close friends and family members of the couple.

Are we worthy to be a Malaysian?

To address this issue, it is not as easy as you might think? It really involves a lot of things within you. The question is not saying you are not a Malaysian but addressing us that "Are we worthy to be a Malaysian?"

It is easy to say that I am a Malaysian but how true are you? Many of the Malaysians today don't even know about their nation.

What are some of the questions I have put out at random to many people that I have met:

1) Do you know your National Anthem - Negaraku very well?
2) Who is our first and current DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong?
3) Who was our first Prime Minister of Malaysia?
4) What is going to happen in 2007?
5) How many times did Tunku Abdul Rahman mentioned?

The answers to this simple questions are as follow:
1) Negaraku,
Tanah tumpahnya darahku,
Rakyat hidup,
Bersatu dan maju,

Rahmat bahgia,
Tuhan kurniakan,
Raja kita,
Selamat bertakhta;

Rahmat bahgia,
Tuhan kurniakan,
Raja kita,
Selamat bertakhta.

2) The Yang Di Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Abdul Rahman Tuanku Muhammad, was installed as Malaysia's first King on Sepy 2, 1957. He died in office on April 1, 1960.

The present King is HRH Yang diPertuan Agung Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail and Queen, Raja Permaisuri Agong Tengku Fauziah Binti Al-Marhum Tengku Abdul Rashid. As the Raja of Perlis he was installed as the present 12th Yang di Pertuan Agong of Malaysia on 25th April 2002.

3) The first Prime Minister of Malaysia is YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj ibni Almarhum Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah. Born as the the seventh (7th) prince and the twentieth (20th) child to both HRH Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah (the twenty-fourth Sultan of Kedah) and Cik Menjalara, was a daughter of Luang Naraborirak (Kleb), a Thai district officer during the reign of King Rama V of Thailand.

4) If you are not aware, Malaysian is approaching its 50 years of Independence. Celebrating together as a proud Malaysian this 50 years of nationhood, Malaysia is opening up our doors to welcome the world as we launched Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

5) To be exact, Tunku cried out the word "MERDEKA" 7 times instead of 3 times as we all knew all this while.

It is indeed that we Malaysians have to keep up with our trivia. You might not know the next day when you walk about the city of Kuala Lumpur or wherever you are in Malaysia, someone (might be a foreigner) might pop-up to you and ask you something about the history of Malaysia or where to go about in the city of KL. Know your facts and make our nation proud.

On the other hand, don't forget to visit Kenny Sia's blog (a popular No.1 blogger lad in Malaysia) on his latest topic "How un-Malaysian Are You?" Check out my results man below

Congratulations William Ng, you are 57% not Malaysian.

That means you're as Malaysian as...

Guy Sebastian !

How Un-Malaysian Are You?

CELEBRATING OUR NATION'S GOLDEN JUBILEE OF INDEPENDENCE

It is our nations 50th Anniversary of our Independence.Have you prepared yourself for the awaited moment? "Kenali Malaysia....Cintai Malaysia" .. "To know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia" ...not the greatest of promos but serves its purpose...

As we countdown to 1 year this 31st August 2006, let us try to make our nation proud by flying the nation's flag up high. MERDEKA ! MERDEKA ! MERDEKA !

Sejak laungan kemerdekaan bergema di Dataran Merdeka pada 31 Ogos 1957 oleh Allahyarham YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, negara kita telah maju mara ke hadapan. Hanya seminggu lagi, negara Malaysia genap 49 tahun dan kita akan bersama-sama menghitung hari demi hari untuk Sambutan Jubli Emas Kemerdekaan Malaysia.

Sama-sama, kita rakyat Malaysia mengibar bendera Malaysia dengan megahnya di ruang angkasa. Ingatlah lagu kebangsaan kita, Lagu Negaraku:

Negaraku,
Tanah tumpahnya darahku,
Rakyat hidup,
Bersatu dan maju,

Rahmat bahgia,
Tuhan kurniakan,
Raja kita,
Selamat bertakhta;

Rahmat bahgia,
Tuhan kurniakan,
Raja kita,
Selamat bertakhta.

MERDEKA ! MERDEKA ! MERDEKA !