TUMPAT OLD FRIENDS

This blog is long overdue, way too long overdue.

6 classmates from our vintage (?) of GEST (Government English School Tumpat) had a short reunion over lunch several months ago. It was on occassion of Rita visiting KL to see her parents. These were my primary classmates, who generally remained communicable with one another.

WEE BENG GEE

Now must call Dato' Wee. Soon to be retired senior Police Officer. Used to be attached to the Malaysian Police Contingent in Songkhla, Thailand. I used to frequent his spacious bungalow in Songkhla for overnight stops during my motorcycling forays into Thailand. He's one of the active one initiating get-togethers amongst classmates.

Recently hosted a wedding for his daughter, who now resides in USA. I guess we know where he will end up after retirement - touring the golf courses in US.

RAZAK MOHD

An athlete and sportsman in his heydays. Razak is the the unofficial secretary of this loose gathering of classmates.

Lives nearby in Kelana Jaya and already a datuk. Notice the spelling!

AMNOI (RITA)

Came to Tumpat in Form One (I think), daughter of the OCPD R.N. Walker who got transferred to Tumpat City. As kids, we had always been scared of the police. With her as classmate, we went to the OCPD quarters to play! What a 360 degree turn. Then she later stayed with the Headmaster, Mr Ragavan.

We have not lost contact with her inspite of her living in Germany for a short spell of time and later in beautiful Chiengmai. In Chiengmai, my family visited her in her nice bungalow. Now she lived in Songkhla, where we used to visit her

ANG LIAN LIAN

An ardent adventurer, following the footsteps of her husband. Once, she traced or attempted to trace her roots in China. I believed she had a stint working in UK, hence her current English-speaking accent, which is a pleasure to listen to for kampong folks like us.

She had trekked in Nepal, gone to South America, done China, covered Borneo and God knows where else.

KAMARUDDIN ABU BAKAR

A man with a very positive outlook, inspite of some challenges he faces. Always laughing, a good friend to be with, especially when you feel down.

Owed a fair bit to this man for suggesting my youngest daughter to study in Dublin, where 2 of his daughters are currently studying/working. My daughter is now pursuing her ACCA in Dublin and had just recently been offered a job. Thanks a trillion Din.

Like Lian, also a traveller. Currently residing in South Africa, following his wife who works with the Malaysian foreign service. Used to stay in New York for several years when his wife was transferred there. Prior to that, I believe he followed his wife to India.

RAMLI ZAKARIA

Notice I don't have Ahmad in front of my name. Back in the school in Tumpat, I was known only as Ramli. The "Ahmad" came later, after I furthered my studies in RMC. Fully retired but currently enjoying sharing whatever experience I have with the younger generation.

So there we are. Hope to keep meeting them and many others in the future.

IN PASSING

A flurry of events happened these last few weeks.

On 20th July, I celebrated my 30th wedding anniversary.

A day later on 21st July, I have gone through 57 years of good life. Alhamdulillah. My youngest daughter penned in her blog her growing up experience with her dad – a birthday gift of sort to me.

Then, a participant in my training program, who later became a special friend, presented me with his e-book “Menunggu Puncak”. It’s special. Firstly it’s his story of his conversion to Islam. Secondly, he promised completion and delivery of the book on my birthday, almost a year ago. And he delivered, on time, true to his goal setting target. I’m touched.

Sadly a day later, on 22nd July a close friend was called back to the Lord. Allahyarham Zubir Zainal Abidin, popularly known by us as Kutu Zoob, drowned while challenging himself in his first ever International Triathlon in Port Dickson. The news came as a great shock to everyone who knew Zoob, a strong athletic guy. To date, I’m still recovering from shock as I flip through fond memories of Zoob in my archived cycling photos. Good-bye my friend, we will always remember you as the great challenger.

Closer to the heart are the turn of events and the sudden twist of fate. While I celebrate and rejoice, others mourn. While I mourn another friend’s passing away, life passes on. And we all continued on our journey, most times in haste and seldom stop, to smell the flowers and to be thankful to God Almighty for all the blessings.

Semoga Roh mu sentiasa dicucuri rahmat, Zoob