Remembering Nelson Mandela (1918 - 2013)

Nelson Mandela's death brought back memory of our trip to South Africa. His life was summed up by what Muhamad Ali says about this man:

 

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"His was a life filled with purpose and hope; hope for himself, his country and the world. He inspired others to reach for what appeared to be impossible and moved them to break through the barriers that held them hostage mentally, physically, socially and economically.

 

He made us realize, we are our brothers' keeper and that our brothers come in all colours. What I will remember most about Mr. Nelson Mandela is that he was a man whose heart, soul and spirit could not be contained or restrained by racial and economic injustices, metal bars or the burden of hate and revenge.

 

He taught us forgiveness on a grand scale. He was a spirit born free, destined to soar above the rainbows. Today, his spirit is soaring in heavens. He is now forever free". 

Unquote.

On racial discrimination, Nelson Mandela once said, "We must ensure that colour, race and gender become only a God-given gift to each one of us and not an indelible mark or attribute that accords a special status to any"

 

Indeed, our Malaysian government of the day who so often in the past spoke highly of Nelson Mandela should truly adopt what this man advocated about genuine acceptance and tolerance of all people in our land.

 

Sadly, when some far-right individuals in the ruling party who only recently promoted the idea of "1 Malayu" instead of "1 Malaysia", "Malaya is the land for the Malays"; there was dead silence on the part of the top leadership on such intolerance and exclusivity. 

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We were unable to see Nelson Mandela in person in South Africa, but we were able to have a glimpse of an image of him at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in Cape town on 27 May 2013.

Pause to Remember Thousands who Perished in Typhoon Haiyan

The Philippines has been pre-warned about the arrival of Typhoon Haiyan, thanks to the latest technology and satellite imagery. Yet, its destructive power is unprecedented and way beyond the imagination of everybody.

With a wind speed of 315Km/hr, this rendered Hurricane Katrina to become just a little sister with a wind speed of 215Km/hr. Timber dwelling houses are just simply structurally incapable  of withstanding the might of  this super typhoon. Coupled with waves generated at a height of 13ft to 15ft, houses erected along coastline would be flattened like stacks of cards.

To a meteorologist, the occurrence of typhoon can easily be explained. But to a survivor of the aftermath of Haiyan, its killing spree is simply unjustifiable. This is more so when some refer to this natural disaster as an act of God!

Lok Yuk KK Class of 69 Reunion

An ex-classmate of the Class of 69 of Lok Yuk Secondary School who now resides in Hong Kong told us earlier that she would be back to KK on 5 Nov. I offered to have the reunion at my house.

 

Part 1 was dinner followed by Part 2 - a powerpoint presentation entitled "Down Memory Lane".

Class of 69 (Form 5)

Bridge Class 1964 (Colourized).

Bridge Class 1964 (B/W).

Three among the Bridge Class of 1964 finally made it to the Class 69 - Chin Miao Ling, Helen Chiam and myself). Two of these three attended the reunion that night.

Nine of the original Class of 69 attended the gathering.

The wives joined in for the photo session.

Browsing my old autograph.

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Part 2 of the programme that night evoked much laughter and nostalgia. Everyone had a great laugh to see how each of us has changed over 44 years since 1969.

 

Of course, we were reminded that some of our ex-classmates had already passed away and some are now in poor health. As we are all advancing in age, we are aware that time is less and less on our side. Though most would like to meet again, we know that this may prove more and more challenging to some of us.

I also took the opportunity to introduce my family. When they saw my grandchildren, I heard the spontaneous exclamation, "His grandson just looks like Lee Teck Kiong when he was young!". But, seriously, I could not see the resemblance!

Breakfast at Lorong Seratus Tahun, SS2

On the morning of our flight home on 26.10.2013, Min and her husband Leon kindly took us to Lorong Seratus Tahun (LST) in SS2 for a late breakfast. This well-known restaurant is famed for its authentic Penang cuisine, and it truly lived up to its reputation.

I finally got to enjoy the Penang Prawn Mee, Penang Fried Koay Teow, and the much-anticipated Penang Cendol - dishes I had missed during our earlier stop in Kuantan. Each bite brought back memories of Penang’s vibrant street food culture, rich in flavour and history.

Ryan did the order for all of us.

Prawn Mee and Cendol.

As it turned out, everything fell perfectly into place. Whatever needed to be seen was seen, and whatever needed to be eaten was eaten. We left with full hearts, full bellies, and no regrets.

This journey reaffirmed the timeless Chinese proverb:
"讀萬卷書不如行萬里路"  which means "Reading ten thousand books is not as beneficial as traveling ten thousand miles."

Amen.

Sate Kajang Hj. Samuri

One of the items on our travel itinerary before beginning our tour to Pahang on 20.10.2013 was to enjoy satay at Sate Kajang Hj. Samuri in Damansara Uptown - a renowned spot for satay lovers. However, I was advised to skip this plan, as the outlet might not be open so early in the day, and potential traffic jams and long queues could cause unnecessary delays to our departure. Reluctantly, I decided that satay would have to wait.

 

To my great surprise, when I returned from the Pahang tour, my thoughtful nieces had prepared a special satay feast just for me - ordered directly from none other than Sate Kajang Hj. Samuri in Damansara Uptown! They had arranged a generous spread of 140 sticks of satay, including beef, chicken, and lamb.

The satay was absolutely delicious, with the beef standing out for its tenderness. The skewers were noticeably larger than the typical satay portions, a signature of Hj. Samuri’s style. To complement the satay, there were two kinds of peanut sauce: one sweet, the other spicy - both equally rich and flavourful.

Despite our best efforts, we only managed to finish about half the satay. I was humorously declared the "biggest eater" of the night, having devoured 13 sticks - a personal record! I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so much satay in one sitting, nor enjoyed it quite as much.

Later, I found out there was a lovely synergy behind the scenes:

Sze calculated the number of sticks needed,

Suan made the trip to pick them up,

and Min generously picked up the bill.

Thank you, girls! Your kindness, planning, and teamwork made this a truly unforgettable meal.

Tour of Pahang - Kuantan

Our drive to Kuantan on 24.10.2013 was sparked by the curiosity of my wife, her mom and her SIL - they were eager to explore the local seafood products outlets the town is known for. It was a minor detour in our overall travel plan, but one made with high hopes.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go quite as planned. We discovered upon arrival that the main outlet we had intended to visit was closed, as it was a public holiday in Pahang - the Sultan of Pahang's Birthday. It was a bit of a letdown.

Thankfully, a quick internet search led us to a smaller outlet in town called Hoi Hen Seafood Products. While it didn’t quite meet the ladies' expectations - the selection was modest and less varied than they had hoped - I found myself pleasantly surprised. I was genuinely impressed by what they did offer: quality over quantity, it seemed to me.

In the end, even though the outing didn’t go exactly according to plan, the detour offered a glimpse into Kuantan’s local charm - and a reminder that sometimes, it’s the unexpected discoveries that stay with you the longest.

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Since we were already in Kuantan, we had hoped to try the much-talked-about Cendol Air Putih, a local favourite often promoted online as a must-try dessert spot. The promise of cool, creamy cendol on a warm day was certainly appealing.

Unfortunately, just like the seafood outlet earlier, Cendol Air Putih was also closed - another casualty of the public holiday. With the shutters down and no cendol in sight, my craving had to be put on hold.

It was a small disappointment, but I reminded myself: sometimes, the anticipation makes the next opportunity even sweeter.

Tour of Pahang - Brief Stop at Bentong

On our way back from Sungai Lembing to Kuala Lumpur, we made a deliberate detour to Bentong - a small town with a big reputation - for one specific purpose: to let the ladies buy the famous Bentong ginger.

According to its promoters, Bentong ginger is no ordinary root. It is said to be cultivated in a “heavenly environment” - with fresh mountain air, crystal-clear spring water, and fertile, moisture-rich tropical soil found in the highlands of Bukit Tinggi. This unique combination, they claim, produces ginger that is spicier, more aromatic, and more potent than regular varieties. In their words, it is “the best of the best.”

Whether it was the allure of the health benefits or simply the thrill of getting a sought-after local specialty at its source, the ladies were all in - and so our journey gained another flavorful memory.

While in Bentong, my ever-reliable Garmin GPS led us to a well-known roadside stall next to the wet market, reputed for its taufu fa (soybean pudding). Without hesitation, we stopped to try it - and we weren’t disappointed.

The elderly vendor, friendly and full of character, shared with me that his family has been running the stall for over 50 years, passing down the craft through generations. The taufu fa was smooth, delicate, and subtly sweet - a simple dessert, yet perfected with time and tradition.

It was one of those unexpected little gems that make a trip truly memorable.

The smiles speak for its quality.

 

Post note: Thanks to my wife’s industrious efforts and green thumb, Bentong ginger is now growing in the backyard of our home. With any luck - and a bit of patience - our future supply of this prized ginger will be just 10 to 20 feet away from the kitchen, instead of a road trip to Bentong.

Here’s hoping for a bountiful backyard harvest in the not-too-distant future!

Tour of Pahang - Sg Lembing, a Half Way Station to Ancestral Home

Apparently, someone once counted 21 things to do in Sungai Lembing. I can’t say for certain what all 21 are, but judging by our experience, I believe I’ve managed to cover nearly all of them - with the exception of the Rainbow Waterfall and perhaps one of the hanging bridges.

While I may not have ticked off every item on the official list, the journey felt complete in its own way - filled with history, nature, local flavors, and quiet moments that made the visit truly memorable.

Perched on top of a small hill, the Sungai Lembing Museum was once the residence of the mine manager during the town’s tin-mining heyday. Today, it has been thoughtfully converted into a museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of Sungai Lembing, with a strong focus on its once-thriving underground mining industry.

The exhibits feature a variety of tools, equipment, and paraphernalia used in deep-shaft tin mining - some of which date back to the colonial era. Informative displays and models also help visitors understand the geological aspects of mining, including the structure of the earth and the process of extracting tin from deep beneath the surface.

While compact, the museum does a commendable job of bringing the town’s mining legacy to life, and is well worth a visit for anyone curious about Malaysia’s industrial heritage.

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Just a few kilometers from Sungai Lembing lies the Sungai Kanau picnic area, nestled along the riverbank. This charming spot attracts many visitors who come to collect pebbles as souvenirs - millions of smooth, colorful stones scattered along the river’s edge.

Besides pebble hunting, Sungai Kanau is a popular destination for picnics and leisurely swims in its shallow, clear waters. One unique feature is that cars can literally drive right into the river, allowing families to park close to their picnic spots and enjoy a relaxed day by the water without the hassle of carrying supplies far.

It’s a simple yet refreshing retreat, perfect for unwinding amidst nature’s soothing sounds and scenery.

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We left Sungai Lembing after enjoying breakfast at the town’s bustling food court. As I savored the authentic san sui tau fu (bean curd) and noodles - made with the famous Sungai Lembing san sui, water drawn from the pristine mountain streams - I was immersed not just in the flavors but in the atmosphere around me.

The gentle hum of conversation filled the air, mostly in the familiar Hakka dialect, which instantly transported me back to the ancestral home of my grandfather. For a fleeting moment, surrounded by the taste, sounds, and spirit of the place, it felt as if I had stepped through time and was home again.

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Just before departing this old town, we stopped to look at this majestic old tree at the heart of Sungai Lembing. With its sprawling branches and thick, weathered trunk, it has likely witnessed the rise and fall of the tin-mining boom, the daily rhythms of town life, and generations of families passing beneath its shade.

Liked many locals and visitors who paused - not just for photos, but perhaps to admire the tree’s enduring presence, a living monument in a place where much has changed, yet something essential remains. Nestled between rustic shop houses and framed by misty hills, it adds a touch of quiet grandeur to the town’s simple charm.

In many ways, this tree is more than just part of the landscape. It feels like a symbol of Sungai Lembing itself: rooted in history, resilient through time, and quietly dignified.

Tour of Pahang - Crystal House in Sg. Lembing

Mr Lee Yon, a former miner at the Paching Quarry with a deep passion for collecting unique crystalline stones, never imagined that his hobby would one day make him a well-known personality in Sungai Lembing.

Over the past 21 years, he has amassed an impressive collection of more than 3,000 crystalline stones, now proudly displayed in his home - affectionately known to tourists as the Crystal House. Recognizing its growing popularity, the government has paved the previously rough, winding 3-kilometre trail from the town to his home in the suburbs, making it more accessible to visitors.

Admittedly, Mr. Lee’s collection may pale in comparison to those housed in grand museums or galleries in China. Yet in a quaint former mining town like Sungai Lembing, the Crystal House has become a must-see attraction for many.

How can one tell if a rock is just an ordinary stone or one containing valuable minerals? During our visit, we learned a simple trick - rocks with mineral content such as tin or iron ore tend to be noticeably heavier than regular stones. A small but fascinating insight into the world beneath our feet.

Tour of Pahang - San Sui in Sg. Lembing

If there are two Chinese words you’ll hear most often among traders and food vendors in Sungai Lembing, they are undoubtedly "san sui" (山水) - meaning mountain spring water. Nearly every food product in town proudly carries this label: san sui tau fu, san sui soya bean drink, san sui noodles, san sui jelly - and the list goes on.

During breakfast at the town’s food court, a noodle stall owner told me that practically every household, shop, and even hotel in Sungai Lembing uses san sui instead of treated tap water from the local water supply. The source? A natural mountain spring. In fact, if you look closely, you can spot the network of pipes that carries this crystal-clear water from the mountains directly into homes and businesses throughout the town.

Curious, I asked why no one had taken the opportunity to bottle and commercialize this natural treasure. The stall owner didn’t hesitate - he told me that a Japanese investor had once proposed building a mineral water bottling plant, but the idea was rejected by the local community. Their concern? That commercialization would lead to overexploitation of the source, leaving insufficient supply for the town’s daily needs.

And I must say - it was the right decision. If anyone truly wants to taste Sungai Lembing’s legendary san sui, they should come to the town itself - not drink it from a plastic bottle labeled “premium spring water” in Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu. Here, the experience is authentic - fresh, direct, and shared with the people who live by it every day.

You won’t find air-conditioned or four-star restaurants in Sungai Lembing - at least not in the traditional sense, though some of the newer hotels may now offer more upscale dining. Most people eat where the locals do: at the food court next to the wet market or in humble kopitiams (coffee shops) that serve hearty, homemade fare - with a generous splash of san sui, of course.

Breakfast in the food court.

Dinner in Hoover Restaurant, supposedly the most well known in Sg. Lembing.

San sui tau fu - firm yet very velvety and soft

Hakka Moi Choy Kew Nyuk

Making of Sg. Lembing noodles

San sui jelly