Universiti Malaya in the 60s

As a first year student at University Malaya in 1965. Photo taken at Third Residential College.











Convocation Day with my father and mother on 29 June 1968.











With some friends in Third Residential College, UM. I am sitting on the grass, right (1966)






My parents and siblings were proud that I was going to be a university undergraduate, the second member of the family who was able to do that. It was quite a big event then. Very few Malay girls from Malacca were able to go to university at that time. Many joined the Malay Women's Teachers Training College in Durian Daun, Melaka or joined the Language Institute in Kuala Lumpur. Being quite well-known in Malacca, some of the Malacca boys whom I have not met were curious to see how I looked like. Sorry to disappoint them that I was not a Miss Malaysia - not even a Miss Malacca or a Miss Tg. Kling! But I had a good time knowing them and one or two tried to pursue me but they had no luck.






Ground floor residents of Third Residential College in UM. I am sitting 3rd on right, 25 Sept 1967.











I lived in the Third Residential College in the dorm during my first term at UM.It was quite bewildering to meet so many girls from all over the country and some were really beautiful. Khalipah Mastura was one of them who became a Freshie Queen that year (1965) and became a cover girl. The last time I met her, she was teaching in Politechnic Ipoh - years ago. Now like me, I am sure she has retired too, having grandchildren around her.






Tea time at Third Residential College, UM. Khalipah Mastura (left) , me (centre) and Harison (Allahyarhamah, right), 1967.
















My favourite past time at Third College - playing carrum. I am second on the right.














University life at UM at that time was more free. The social life was unbelievable. Every week there would be a ball or dance somewhere in the campus. Those with steady boy-friends or girl-friends had no problem going to these dances. Unattached girls had to wait to be asked. That was quite stressful as life could be lonely when you were left in the hostel with a bunch of unattached girls without dates. In my mind, life at UM at that time was about finding a mate, not so much about academic excellence. I love the life but at the same time hated the pressure. I had no desire to be tied down to one person as I enjoyed the attention given to me. In fact, I was basking in the glory of having different dates at different events but they were just dates. Of course some did try to be funny but I was equipped with a leathal weapon - my tears!!

As in Human Development Theory, the twenties are time to find life partners and gratification of sexual needs. Some of the girls were married when they joined university. It was quite rare for girls to be married while studying. I wasn't aware of this and found the married girls were more knowledgable about relationship and sex. Many of us, unattached girls, were so ignorant about sex. Sex was taboo. The Medical students made fun of us and indicated our ignorance through human figure that babies came from the navels. Girls were scared to hold hands for fear of getting pregnant. Ignorance was bliss then. There was hardly any news or rumours of Malay girls getting pregnant out of wedlock at that time. It was just not acceptable. The culture, the religious practices and the values in self-respect were too strong to make girls succumbed to illicit sexual relationship though it did happen but it wasn't common. Girls and boys mixed freely with no sanction from religious authority but we knew our limits. Thank God!

Every year, during Orientation Weeks, the female freshies recieved a lot of attention. The boys feasted their eyes and attention on the girls and made a beeline on the girls of their choice by asking them out for dates. Some were lucky but some failed. There was an analogy among the boys that the first year girls were like Red Spot Books in the Library. You have to book and Q to get it. By the second year, the girls became Open Shelves Books, anyone can pick up and borrow and, by the final year, the girls were said to be forgotten Old Books on the shelves, not even given a passing look. When girls graduated without having a life partner, they were destined to be old maids. So the boys 'advised' the girls to get attached as soon as possible especially in the first year. I was furious and felt insulted at this analogy. To me, I didn't go to university to find a husband but I wanted to study and graduate. I didn't care whether I got married or not, I would do it on my own term. In my mind, there was nothing wrong being single. Who cares about what people say.





At Fraser's Hill with Zalilah (left) and Zubaidah (right)








In my 3 years studying in UM, I had dates but was never keen on anybody until I graduated and did my Diploma in Education, then I decided to go steady and later got married. I am sorry that I've hurt one or two guys but I never promised anything. Unfortunately, at university I didn't shine nor joined any activities. I was buried in studying and in social culture and too wrapped up with myself. This was a period in my life where I could learn a lot more about becoming a leader and a social activist in my working life but I failed to do this. It is my regret now as I would never be able to go back to that period of my life again. That's why I encouraged my students to get involved in university activities as this is the time to learn and to experience real adult life.





At Christmas party at Third College on 22 Dec 1967. I am on 3rd, right. Zubaidah Abdul Rahman is 4th, right.









Zubaidah (right) and Rosenah (left) as my bridesmaids on my bersanding ceremony in Tg. Kling, Malacca on 2nd July 1969.
























With my closest friend, Sofiah Hamid at a PRS exhibition on 19 Nov 1991.


























I had very close friends at university but I was not the type who hang on to close friends for anything. I wanted space for myself and I was fortunate enough to find friends who felt the same. So, Sofiah Hamid, Zubaidah Abdul Rahman and Rosnah Ahmad from Kuching became my close friends. Our friendship was different. We were there when anyone of us were in need. We didn't stick together like glue. We did our own things as we had different likes and dislikes and had different set of friends too. That suited me. I couldn't tolerate friends who expected me to be with them all the time - to lectures, outings etc. I felt suffocated. I was more of a loner who was happy with myself. Of course, there were girls who liked me and some detested me. I remember one particular girl badmouthed me for not sticking to one boy. I purposely talked about going out with different boys within her hearing. I didn't care, it was her problem. We were never close though we came from the same state.


I was an average student at university, scoring one or two As but mostly B+ and B and managed to get Honours in my degree in 1967. I just achieved a Pass in my Diploma in Education course in 1968. That was no good. Married life made me feel so complacent. Thank God I graduated first before I got hitched or I might get just a General Degree.




The Convocation Day on 29 June 1968 at the Great Hall, University Malaya. I am 4th on right, second row.














I have plenty of fond memories of my university life - so many stories to tell!!

Paradise Lagoon

It has been a year since I live in this resort. I liked it at first but now I have some reservation about continuing living here. The name is so nice but it is not paradise at all. Sometimes it is sheer hell - at weekends and public holidays when irresposible and selfish holiday makers come. They make so much noise and litter the place like a dump. I am Ok seeimg groups of young people having fun by organising games at the lagoon. Sometimes I watched and smiled to myself looking at the funny activities they played. I appreciate that once magrib comes, everbody stops playing and the place is quiet again.

I can tolerate the barbeque and the singing etc at night. The barbeque smelled good and after midnight everything is quiet. Usually these are the Malays and the Chinese groups or families but hell broke loose when there are groups of Indian guys They are the ultimate kurang ajar and most selfish. They come in group, rent an apartment, played Indian music as loud as possible, talk loudly and they get drunk. When they are drunk, they disregard other people and behave as if the world belongs to them alone. I don't know what their parents and their religion teach them. At the same time they become violent and fight among themselves, screaming and yelling at the wee hours in the morning. Complaint after complaint were made but to no avail. They are quiet for a while but the banging of the music continues. They are the most disgusting people I know.

A resort is a place where people go to relax but not so in Paradise Lagoon in Port Dickson. So if you intend to get away from the bustle of the city and want to enjoy the tranquil seaside, please don't come here as you will be disappointed and you will only waste your money. Come if there are no Indian guys staying, if you see many of them there, find other place. They are bad news. A few times I was unfortunate to be tortured with this selftsh and barbaric behaviour. Last week on Sunday,the level of noise was so unbearable. The owner has warned them to tone down the noise, it happened just for a while after that the banging music became louder. I couldn't take it anymore, I had to leave the apartment and went somewhere in the morning and came back late evening when they were gone. I feel sorry for my Japanese neighbour who had to leave as well. He needs the Sundays to rest but it seldom happens. I hope he recommends to his company not to rent apartment for their staff in Paradise Lagoon anymore. Last weekend both upper level and lower level apartments were rented by Indian guys and they played head-banging Indian music so loud. No human ears would be able to tolerate it too long. Such disgusting behaviour!!! I am really disgusted with this drinking culture among young Indian guys. What do they learn in school? Haven't they learned about being considerate? Who teach them to be so selfish, barbaric and arrogant?

On top of that, theft is rampant now. The Japanese professionals who live here experience their apartments being broken into and expensive items being stolen. I have been complaining about the lack of security. The Indian security guards blatantly sleep at night duty. No supervision, no checking. I have written letters of complaints to the management but no improvement at all. My apartment has been a target as well. I don't know what the intention is. Twice, my electricitry supply was cut off - once the fuse was stolen and the second time the fuse wire was purposely pulled out. Another complaint to the management was made. I really don't trust the workers here and suspect the theft is an inside job. You can make a guess who they are. Though police report has been lodged, no improvement so far. And owners like me are forced to pay maintenance fee every month without fail.

Honestley, find another resort that can give you peace. As l.ong as the management cannot do anything, the kurang ajar behaviour will go on. The individual rental operators couldn't care less. They only want money. Guess who they are! Paradise Lagoon is HELL Lagoon at times. Stay away!!!! or stay at Corus Paradise Resort. Maybe there, there is more control.

Selfish behaviour is poison to society.

Historic Malacca - Reviving Old Memories 3

One of the traditional Malay houses in Kampung Morten, Melaka.






Kampung Morten is the only traditional Malay village survived amidst the bustling city of Malacca. Thank God, the Malacca government realised this and revived the Malay village to become a tourist attraction. This was the kampung I used to visit where my friends, Zubaidah Abdul Rahman and Azhari Md. Alif lived. Azhari was a year senior to me in sixth form. His father, Cik Gu Md. Alif, was teaching in SITC, Tg. Malim with my father and our families became close friends. Since the village is on the river meander, there were always floods during rainy seasons. Many owners sold their houses to live somewhere else. Those who braved the floods year after year, now enjoyed the development and attention given to this small Malay village.



Another beautiful traditional Malay house in Kg. Morten, Melaka.









I remember, to go out from this village to town, the villagers have to pass at the back lane of rows of Chinese shops where tragedy occured on 13 May 1969. During the racial riots in Kuala Lumpur between the Chinese and the Malays, the Malays here were under attack by the Chinese even though they were familiar with the villagers. This was a lesson to be learned where trust cannot be taken for granted. Even close friends can betray you when they have their interest to protect.


As always, I am fascinated with traditional Malay heritage and am proud of it. The traditional Malay houses in Kg. Morten were given a facelift. The Malays are houseproud people and their houses are well-decorated, well-maintained and well-kept garden. Those houses facing the river were lighted up at night, making a glittering sight for the river cruises. I was not able to go for river cruise this time but will do it some time in future when I return to Malacca.


The river cruise boats.







For Those who are interested to stay at the homestay in Kg. Morten, you can contact Penghulu Hj. Rahim Hj. Alimat at 012-2290848 or go to Lorong 2, Jalan Tun Mamat, Kg Morten, Melaka. I have the opportunity to visit the homestay which is clean and cozy and met the caretaker Puan Juriah Ismail. The rate is around RM55 per person.


Visiting Kg. Morten is so delightful. There is no more flood now. The embankment has been raised to make way for safe river cruise. The traditional Malay houses are restored to their former glory. There is also a traditional muzeum which houses Malay heritage called Villa Sentosa - the Malay Living Muzeum. It is worth visiting.





Air Keroh is a fairly new township which has grown into a suburb of its own. Air Keroh did not exist in the 60s. It was jungle and unaccessible to people. Today it holds a number of attractions such as golf club, Botanical garden, the recreational lake, crocodile farm, the famous zoo etc. The Botanical Garden was superb and beautiful. It was beautifully landscaped. Rumour said the wife of the present Prime Minister criticised the landscape when she came for the opening. It was an unbecoming behaviour of a wife of the Head of the country. Just wish that she could keep her mouth shut if she is not qualified in landscaping. Must be as stupid as her husband! Positive remarks would be more helpful.



Botanical Garden Air Keroh.







Anyway, the Malacca government has done a good job in developing this Botanical Garden. I enjoyed the walk but the heat was a bit too much and Juriah and I went for shelter at the Book Village. Much to my surprise, this is a serene place. I hope more people, especially students, came to visit this place. It was so quiet and an ideal place to write, ponder and create. There is also chalets for rent and camping site. I really felt like I was somewhere in a national park surrounded by trees, plants, birds and insects. This is a place worth visiting and to stay a day or two. I might do just that one day. To get more information, you can call the Manager, En. Amiruddin, Tel 06-2519181 or email kampung_buku@yahoo.com.my


We didn't go to see the zoo but we drove around Air Keroh. I like the lake view. There are so many other places I have to see but time was short and I have to make a move to see the mini muzeum in Padang Temu.









On my way to visit my brother, Mahir, in Padang Temu, I used to see the sign which says Rumahku Muzeumku ( My Home My Muzeum) and wanted to see for myself. So the next stop was this particular mini muzeum. I was really amazed at the large collection of Malay antiques accumulated through 30 years by Tn. Hj. Nordin Bin Hj. Ali, the owner. The small wooden house is bursting at its seams with brasswares, furniture, Malay weapons, porcelains etc. It was a mind-boggling scene and I was tickled to see the old things that I used to use or see when I was young. The owner does not charge anything for entry but unfortunately some irresponsible and selfish visitors stole some items which are expensive and rare. Hj. Nordin and his wife were not able to keep watch of the activities of the visitors. I wonder what went into the mind of those who stole. Don't they have some guilt feeling? There was a bottle meant for donation but as usual people don't appreciate something free and take advantage of the situation. Hardly anyone donated as a token of appreciation, instead things were stolen. If you are interested to see, please call 06-286 8896 and refrain from pocketing the exhibits. Just appreciate the rich heritage and give generous contribution for him to upkeep the place. We need to cooperate in this so that we don't lose our rich heritage.











The garden of My Home Muzeum, decorated by antiques pot, batu giling.












Part of the garden decorated by antiques pots and batu gilings.












Hj. Nordin, the owner, a former antique dealer. He accumulated his treasures for 30 years but regeretted that some of his visitors stole his valuable collections.












The traditional bridal chamber of the Chinese Straits born - the Baba and the Nyonya.




Some of his collections in the mini muzeum of Hj. Nordin.







My next visit was to St. John's Hill which I have not seen since I left school in 1960s.I am glad to see that it is kept and maintained well with information.

















The cannons at St. John's Hill.

We stopped at the Portuguese Settlement but I think it's a waste of time. There wasn't anything that show traditional Portuguese, unlike years ago. The houses have turned modern and it is just an ordinary village - no significant attraction. There is a Lisbon Hotel built there, so why bother to go and see everyday things that you can find just anywhere? What's there to see and what's there to be proud of? Maybe it's ok on Saturday night when they have Portuguese dance show. All the promotion about Portuguese culture is not so great after all.

We drove to Duyong to see the legendary Hang Tuah Well. The story goes that Hang Tuah himself dug the well and the water never dries up even in severe draught. The water is clear and cool and believed to have healing properties. There is a traditional Malay house there offering traditional massage.
















The traditional Malay house offering traditional Malay massage.



It was quite a tiring day and I was ready to go home to PD but there is one stop I must make. My father's and my oldest brother's graves are situated next to Hang Tuah's Mousoleum in Tanjung Keling. While on my way there, I can't stop but admire the traditional Malay houses that have become tourist attraction and posters for advertisement. These are the traditional Malay house in Lereh, about 2 km from Tg. Keling. Look at the front yard. As I explained in my blog My Adolescence, the front yard is covered with clean white sands bordered with flowers and plants which become the pride of the family. This is what I like about Tg. Kling Malay house. My dream was to have one like this by the river but it was not to be, but a dream.





The traditional Tg. Kling Malay house.








I drove past the mosque in Tg. Kling. This is one of the oldest mosques in Malacca. Pay attention to the design of the roof and the tower. Many new mosques have taken this Chinese influence design, for example the State Mosque, Al 'Azim and the Pengkalan Rama mosque, Fat'hur Rahman, and it has become the Malacca state identity.







The old Tg. Kling mosque.












The Malacca State Mosque, Al'Azim.















The tower of Masjid Fat'hur Rahman at Pengkalan Rama, Melaka.










The roof of Fat'hur Rahman mosque at Pengkalan Rama, Melaka.












The entrace to Hang Tuah Mousoleum in Tg. Keling.

I stopped to pay respect at my father's and brother's graves with Alfatihah and Al-ikhlas, cleaned the area and then visited Hang Tuah's Mousoleum in the same compound. Hang Tuah was the legendary Malay warrior during the golden age of Malacca Sultanate. There were many stories weaved around this worrior and his 4 close friends - Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu.

At Hang Tuah Mousoleum, Tg. Kling, Malacca

My day ended with a drive back to Port Dickson through Pantai Kundor and the highway, tired, satisfied and happy that I have fulfilled my goal.

See you again my lovely Malacca.

Historic Malacca - Reviving Old Memories 2

The old Malacca Club became a historic venue where the signing of Declaration of Independence was penned here by Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister. It's now known as the Independence Memorial.

The old godown turned restaurant and muzeum.

From Taming Sari Tower we walked down the road where there was once a godown, now has become a muzeum and a restaurant. This is the road I used to take after school. Next to it is the Maritime Muzeum, an interesting muzeum which housed a number ship replicas. It also exhibits maritime history of Malacca in 7 eras.

At the Maritime Muzeum or Muzeum Samudra, Melaka.

1. The famed Malacca Sultanate in 15 Century to 1511.

2. The Portuguese 1511 - 1641.

3. The Dutch 1641 - 1795.

4. The British 1795 - 1941.

5. The Japanese 1941 - 1945.

6. The British again 1945 - 1957 Malaysia independent.

7. Independenet Malaysia 1957 - till now.

The Maritime Muzeum or Muzium Samudra is built modeled after the Potuguese galleon (Flora De La mar) which sank in Straits of Malacca on 26 January 1512. The ship carried a great number of Malacca treasure plundered by the Portuguese but the valuable treasures were lost at sea. This is a good reminder to us all who love this country that once we lost our political power, we were nothing - a wake up call to the Malays.

I went looking for the old library which was adjacent to the main Stadhuys building, just below St.Paul's Hill. It is still there but has become the Architectural Muzeum of Malaysia. However fresh memories flooded my mind where I spent a number of hours browsing through books and did my homework there. The library then had limited number of reference books and it was not even airconditioned. But it was heaven to me. Walking up the hill to the Stadhuys, I am glad the State Government is taking good care of these historical buildings. The Victoria Fountain is still there and the place has become so attractive with colourful trishaws waiting for tourists.

Meeting place for locals and tourists at the Melaka Clock Tower.










The old Melaka Clock Tower.

The colourful trishaws waiting for tourists.

Juriah at the old Victoria Fountain near the Clock Tower, Melaka.

The replica of the original 15 century Malacca Sultanate Palace or the Kesultanan Melaka is an awesome wooden complex built with not a single nail used. The building comprises of 7 enclosed porches and sharply sloping roofs. The design is based on the description from the Malay Annals or the Sejarah Melayu. Inside the palace is the history of the Malay Sultanate which came alive. All young Malaysians, regardless of race should go there and read the history so that they realise the reality and be humbled by it.

The main entrance of the Malacca Sultanate Palace.

Nearby is the Malacca fortress, A' Famosa. I remember when I was in school, I used to see a tunnel in the remains of the fortress. Legend has it that the tunnel connected St.Paul's Hill with St. John's Hill in Ujong Pasir. But now the tunnel is sealed and cannot be seen anymore, more for safety reason.

The Malacca fortress or the A'Famosa or the Porta de Santiago with St. Paul's Hill as background.

Portuguese cannon.

We climbed St. Paul's Hill just behind the fort. this was the place where I used to meet boyfriends or girlfriends. The windy hills made it a relaxing place to sit and chat. Bear in mind that dating at that time was a very innocent event in open environment. I bought a water colour painting of Malacca clock tower from the artist, Johari at RM30, a very reasonable price. You can find him there peddling his beautiful paintings which could be a good present for friends or family members.

The water coulour painting by the artist, Johari, at St. Paul's Hill.

The Dutch cemetry on St. Paul's Hill.

According to history, Parameswara, the prince of Palembang who was ousted out by Majapahit in 1389, ran to Temasik (Singapore) Muar and Bertam Ulu in Melaka. While hunting, he sat leaning on a tree where he witnessed his strong hunting dog was kicked into the river by a tiny mouse deer. Then he asked the name of the tree. It was Melaka. Hence he named the state he ruled as Melaka. The Melaka trees are still planted adorning the city.

Actually the historic places in Malacca are mostly centered around Banda Hilir. The big football field has gone, replaced by modern buildings. From the old Malacca Club, a short distance away you can walk to the replica of Malacca Sultanate and pay RM 2 for entry. Just outside the palace, there is the fort and St.Paul's Hill. You can descend St.Paul's Hill either at the fort or at the Library. If you descend the hill at the fort, then a short walk will let you see the rest of the Stadhuys which mostly housed muzeums. There is the Melaka trees where an old plane of the Airforce as exhibited - Twin Pioneer CC MK 1 donated by the Malaysian Airforce. I remember very well the old Hongkong and Shanghai Bank where my former nextdoor neighbour in Tg. Keling (Bang Saleh) worked faithfully until he retired-only as a peon! The bank gave him only a bicycle which he treasured and looked after so well. He was a very loyal worker but was never offered a better post inspite of his long service.

The old Hongkong and Shanghai Bank.

Around this area where you can find the clock tower, crafts, information, art galery, old church etc. In fact from here, you can walk to Jongker Street to see the antique shops, the old Kg. Hulu mosque and other attractions. Getting on foot is easier than driving as parking place is not easy to find especially during holiday seasons. I didn't visit the part across the river but will do it the next time when opportunity knocks.

Malacca, Sleepy Hollow no more!