of budget, the 'rakyat' and a reality check

salam alaykum

and so, next year's budget is finally out and announced.

"budget rakyat", they said.

As one who is directly involved in the education sector, my focus was particularly directed on these clauses;

Rewards for students who excel in studies:

- 30 National Scholarships for the creme de la creme of students, strictly based on merit

- Conversion of PTPTN loans to scholarships for students who graduate with 1st class honours degree, beginning from 2010,

- Offer of netbook package, including free broadband service, to university students for RM50 per month for 2 years.

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and that's it.

No news on MARA loans for Bumiputera students in private colleges.

i mean, needy students who each fajr, pray for the ni'mah of education to be blessed upon them for another day.

students who eat rice with fried anchovies or instant noodles almost everyday...not because of a change in taste and appetite, but just because they couldn't afford anything else

students who REALLY appreciate the holistic value of education.

students whose passion for learning, is fueled by a hunger for tarbiah.

students who have seen the worst.

students who deserve a second chance.

students who wants to BE CHANGED...and to CHANGE OTHERS.

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and for that, the blue highlighted lines disgusted me.

yes, they disgusted me.

And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: Indeed if you are grateful, I will bestow more upon you, and if you deny My Favours, know that My punishment is terrible indeed!

(Surah Ibrahim:7)

the calling

Salam alaykum

in this very short period of life, we often stumble upon instances that made us ponder, rethink and reminisce the episodes of life that we have passed behind...

at times, it made us reflect the actions, decisions, and paths that we chose....

those that made us walk along the stretch of road that we go through everyday, each playing its part in making us a more matured individual...a more knowledgeable person...a more humble servant

one would probably wonder, what actually is the 'drive' that made a person choose hardship over pleasure...

or poverty over wealth

or tiredness over a state of relax

what?

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have you ever heard of this?

O believers! Shall I point to you a bargain that will save you from a painful torment?

That is, you believe in Allah and His Messenger and you strive to defend and uphold the religion of Allah with your wealth and your persons. That would be best for you, if you but knew (the truth)!

(If you do so) He will forgive you your sins, and admit you into Gardens underneath which rivers flow. And He will lodge you in pleasant mansions in the Gardens of Eden. That is the supreme triumph.

And there are other blessings which you desire, that is, help from Allah and a speedy victory. And proclaim the good tidings to the believers.

(As-Saff : 10-12)

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some people choose to bargain... and they bargain with God.

they look for the supreme triumph

they seek for the ultimate pleasure

they search for the never ending delight

and the bargain of course, come with a price...a sacrifice of wealth and worldly pleasure... at least, for a while

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"On, Ajib dah beli kereta duhh!"

"Yeke..kereta apa?"

"Toyota Vios!"

(a true story...recorded during this Hari Raya)

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to Mr. KPM, i believe i'd have to say i'm sorry.

i'm here to bargain with Allah, not you.

"ya muqallibal qulub, thabbit qulubana 'ala diinik.....wa 'ala tho'atik"

(wahai Tuhan yang membolak-balikkan hati, tetapkan hati kami atas jalan agamamu..dan dengan ketaatan kepadaMu)

of niqab, bikini and unjustified thought

Salam alaykum

Some readings to trigger some thoughts;

article 1

article 2

* To my UDB1312 students, kindly read through both articles carefully. Should there be anything unclear, please don't hesitate to ask. I might pose some questions in class later ^_^

a first for everything

salam alaykum

there is always a first for everything.


first time wearing a school uniform.

first time licking an ice-cream.

first time calling the azaan (with a full body shiver)

first time being away from home.

and now,

first Ramadhan (and the upcoming Syawal) as a lecturer....

a KTD lecturer.

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it's a whole new perspective.

it's as if you are being sucked into a new dimension, a new realm of thinking....

a new system.

looking at my students, my brothers, undergoing Ramadhan somehow recalls the memories of me myself performing saum during my student days...

only the memories of myself, i presume, were not at par at all with what they are having now.

how lucky you are, my students, my brothers,

to be reminded almost every day, of the barakah of Ramadhan, and to have the drive to prostrate and face Allah at every time you could.

how lucky you are, my students, my brothers,

to be in a place where everyone is rushing...
rushing to grab God's promises, promises of the unthinkable merits one would attain in this holy month.

how lucky you are, my students, my brothers,

to be surrounded by people who would say "Akhi (brother), you are fasting" when you are mad, or when you are doing things that would reduce your merits, or mar the holiness of this month.

how lucky you are, my students, my brothers,

to be echoed by voices reciting al-Qur'an almost everywhere you go, reminding yourself that you should also grab one, and join the melodious tune.


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how lucky you are.

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to all my beloved students, and brothers,

May the barakah of Ramadhan is showered on you (and me), and the coming Syawal becomes a blessed and joyful celebration for us.

a celebration for those who are in search of God's mardhatillah and knowledge.........sincerely.

EID MUBARAK....MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN =)

full blast rojak

salam alaykum

probably this is why working people always whine when chatting with those younger than them.. precisely college students i'd say

i used to always ponder why do all these pakcik2 and brader2 keep reminiscing their olden days, days when a diploma or a degree was only their commitment

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but now i understand.

working life demands and sucks your commitment in many ways..
sometimes on aspects that you never have imagined ever before.

it taps and licks your time as if it is a dripping, melting lollipop....not wanting to see even a drop of that sweet, precious, elixir of life wasted, left astray...

nevertheless,

when RESPONSIBILITY calls,
all of the worries, personal naggings and whinings change into dust,
showing utmost obedience on the more superior call,
one which deserves the fullest attention and care...


responsibility


(remember Irwan, you will be held accountable for everything in the face of Allah)

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Ramadhan kareem! =)

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convocation

the fruit is now reaped

four years of mowing and harvesting sweat and blood...

alhamdulillah!

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and there goes, my full blast rojak entry.
voila!