In Memoriam of Kapal Singh 1940 - 2014

17 April 2014, a very sad day for Malaysia when veteran politician, Kapal Singh died in a car crash on the way to a court hearing in Penang.

 

A true champion of human right, justice and equality. His passing would be felt by all fair-minded Malaysians for a very very long time to come.

 

"As long as I am alive, I will continue to struggle to see a non-Malay become prime minister" - Kapal said this in 2012 that the Federal Constitution did not provide that only Malays could be prime minister. Unfortunately, he did not live to see this becoming a reality.

 

"They want to make it as difficult as they can for us here so we'll go away. But we will not go - that would be giving them what they want, and that would be wrong. We have to stay and fight". Kapal said this in an interview with an online news portal in 2014, discussing his guilty verdict on the charge of sedition

Parenting

Following the successful Marriage Enrichment Course held in October last year (Read here), the Church launched a Parenting Course in April 2014.

Parenting courses have emerged in response to growing concerns over child development, rising family stress, and the challenges brought about by changing social dynamics. The Church recognizes that as societies become more complex and traditional support systems - such as extended families - continue to weaken, many parents are left without adequate guidance to navigate the demands of modern parenting.

Research in psychology and education consistently highlights the vital role parenting plays in shaping a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. Increasing rates of behavioral problems, academic difficulties, and mental health issues among children further underscore the need to support parents. In response, professionals in child development, education, and social work have developed structured, evidence-based parenting programs designed to equip parents with the knowledge and skills to raise confident, resilient, and well-adjusted children.

In addition to parents, the Church also encouraged members involved in the children’s Sunday School ministry to participate in the course. 

Interestingly, the majority of attendees were still women - especially mothers - reflecting the ongoing need to involve more fathers and men in parenting and child development efforts.

"The graduates".

Gift package for each "graduate".

New Kota Kinabalu Coastal Pedestrian Walkway and Cycleway

Phase 1 of the Kota Kinabalu Coastal Pedestrian Walkway and Cycleway is finally completed and opened for public use. This is indeed a great facility that allows city dwellers to walk and cycle along this trail to enjoy the scenic coastline.

The many picnic spots are ideal for families who wish to spend a weekend together. For cycling enthusiasts, a cycling trip along the trail as a family would sure yield lasting memories.

Recently, we drove along this coastal highway and stopped to take a few shots of this newly completed trail. Phase 1 trail which is just 5.2 Km starts from the Sabah Port and ends at Likas Bay. According to City Hall, the final trail will be 25.6 Km long stretching from Tanjong Aru Town, passing KK Central Business District and ending at University Malaysia Sabah.

 

From Likas Bay in the evening, one can have this stunning view of part of KK city.

Working Visit to Singapore

Our recent trip to Singapore was more a "working visit" rather than a sight seeing tour. As the boys hardly have the chance to eat home-cooked food, it was the idea of their mom to "bring" herself - the home chef to Singapore to do the job on the spot.

Of course in Singapore, no one would visit the place without tasting some of the many many food that the place can offer. We had a chance to eat the bean sprouts chicken rice which we last ate in Ipoh (read here). I must say that it was authentic and similar to what I had in Ipoh.

At Ya Kun Kaya Toast, I reminisced the old days when I followed my grandfather to the coffee shop. Normally, one cup was ordered. I had to drink from the saucer while my grandfather would drink from the cup!

It Was as if We have Met Before.........

Sam was keen for us to meet up with the Chong's - Rachel's parents. So, when we decided to have a short visit to Singapore in late March, Sam was quick to arrange a meet up in a casual and pleasant environment - Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant of Carlton Hotel.

 

We chatted almost non-stop the moment we met. It was as if we have known each other for years. One thing for sure, we did learn something from their significant travelling experience.

 

We look forward to our next meeting up again!

 

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Quite to my surprise, CHIJMES is just next to the Carlton. The unexpected visit gave us a good feel of the majesty and ambiance of this historical building - a popular place for couples to have their wedding ceremony.

 

 

The long aisle is ideal for bridal march. Hopefully, if Nathan is given the honour to be the Page Boy, he will dutifully complete the long march!

 

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We finally adjourned to "Food for Thought @ 8 Queens Street" which is also at walking distance from Chijmes - the cafe where Sam put his barista skill to practice. Coffee and the unique pancakes were great! Thanks Sam for a great weekend.