Father's Day 2006

The night before Father’s Day, I received a delightful surprise - a special email all the way from Australia with an invitation to high tea at a local hotel. Thanks to Serene and MH for their thoughtfulness!

When we arrived at the restaurant, we were warmly ushered to a beautifully prepared table awaiting us. With a “crowd” of just two, the celebration was intimate yet meaningful. We took our time, pacing ourselves carefully so we could savour every treat displayed before us.

On Father’s Day itself, I had the joy of chatting with both the boys. The world truly feels smaller now - with SMS, email, Skype, and phone calls - distance hardly diminishes the warmth of family connections. This year’s Father’s Day was no exception; the miles between us could not take away from the closeness we felt as a family.

To crown it all, I also received a touching message from a close friend that day:

"Of all the vocations that men may pursue in this life, no vocation is fraught with as much responsibility and attended with as much boundless opportunity as the great calling of husband and father."

I couldn’t agree more. I cherish every minute of this vocation - and count it one of life’s greatest blessings.

Scenic Bridge/Crooked Bridge

When I read about MH and Serene's trip down south and was told of the scenic railway and scenic cable car, I was reminded of our proposed Scenic Bridge in JB which some refer to as the Crooked Bridge. Fortunately, this has been scrapped. It could have been another great civil and structural engineering feat or architectural wonder. But then, the damage to the future generation probably will far outweigh the benefits that can be derived.

How is one to explain such a weird bridge design if a child is to ask the parents for an explanation. As I see it, It would reflect none of the cooperative spirit between two neighbouring countries that we so often boast about in all the political talk. It would also reflect the pursuit of one's personal agenda irrespective of what the other say and feel. It is a lasting symbol of arrogance and non-cooperation in short.

Thank God, beside the millions of Ringgit saved, many Malaysians would not have to face the eternal consequence of an unwise move.

Tip of Borneo

Finally, we made it to the Tip of Borneo on 30 May 2006. This reminded me of our trip to Agusta, the Southern Most Tip of Australia. Unlike Agusta, there is something lacking here. Yes I mean the light house. It would be nice to have one. The bare and worn-out massive rocks do remind us of the great forces of Sulu Sea and the South China Sea ravaging this tiny corner on earth.

 

Harvest Festival 2006

My wife, who is the school principal of SMK St. Mary Papar, is occasionally invited to attend functions outside of her school duties.

SMK St. Mary, located along Jalan Limbahau, falls within the constituency of Papar. Naturally, she would be invited to community events such as the Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival), organized by the KDCA Pantai Manis Branch. Thanks to her courtesy, I had the privilege of accompanying her to this particular celebration. It was, in fact, my very first experience attending a Pesta Kaamatan.

Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted by the Branch Chairman, Johnny Mositun - a familiar figure in Sabah politics. A former State Assemblyman during the PBS administration, he now serves as the Youth Chief and Information Chief of PBS. (He’s the gentleman wearing the traditional Kadazan-Dusun headgear in the photograph.) Coincidentally, he was also the contractor responsible for constructing one of the new school blocks at SMK St. Mary Papar. I found him to be a genuinely pleasant, approachable, and down-to-earth person.

The afternoon grew even more memorable when I was given the rare honor of being photographed with none other than the former Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who was also at the function. It was an unforgettable moment, adding a special touch to an already meaningful occasion.

1st left: Johnny Mositun,
2nd left: Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan.

This is One You Will Smile

Our greatest natural resource...........................Our youth

The greatest "shot in the arm"..........................Encouragement

The greatest problem to overcome...................Fear
The most destructive habit................................Worry
The greatest joy...................................................Giving
The greatest loss.....................................Loss of self-respect
The most satisfying work...................................Helping
The ugliest personality trait...............................Selfishness
The most endangered species..................Dedicated leaders
The most effective sleeping pill..........................Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease.....................Excuses
The most powerful force in life...........................Love
The most dangerous pariah................................A gossiper
The world's most incredible computer..............The brain
The worst thing to be without.............................Hope
The deadliest weapon...........................................Tongue
The two most power-filled words......................"I Can"
The greatest asset..................................................Faith
The most worthless emotion................................Self pity
The most beautiful attire......................................Smile
The most prized possession..................................Integrity
The most powerful channel of communication...Prayer
The most contagious spirit....................................Enthusiasm

I am Not Stupid 2

I have been going around quite a number of the video shops looking for the authentic non-pirated copy of "I am Not Stupid 2". Somehow, I had not been successful. This morning, My wife and I were in a Coffee Shop in old Inanam having kon low mee breakfast. A peddler came along and offered a stack of pirated DVD's to us. It has not been my habit to look at these CD's or DVD's because it's not my policy to buy these pirated stuff. Somehow this time, I scanned and I found one and only one copy of "I am Not Stupid 2" inside the stake. After much struggle, I bought it.

It turned out, this 2nd series of "I am Not Stupid" is really a very moving movie. I found the part when the father pleading with the school principal at his dead bed for a 2nd chance to be given to his son to go back to study most touching. His son was earlier expelled for beating up a teacher.

I must confess, Mediacorp does produce good movies!

By the way, we recently bought a DVD/CD/MP3 player. Reason: To play the DVD on "The Da Vinci Code - Fact or Fiction" in the Cell meeting in our house.

Jesselton Condominium

Sam, does this look familiar? This project was finally launched in the local newspaper on 12 May 2006.

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The following is added on 5 September 2025:

This 15-storey condominium completed in 2009 is considered one of the earliest condominium projects in Kota Kinabalu. Situated adjacent to Taman Kim Leng, where I once stayed, it offers views over Teluk Likas Bay and Mount Kinabalu for those facing the east.

Google photo of the finished condominium.

Just For Laugh

George Clooney.

Sean Connery

Da Vinci Code - A challenge to Christian Faith

It's Easter Sunday today.

I noted a very significant departure in the way the pastor delivered his sermon this morning. He put great emphasis on the need for attendees to bring along their own Bibles for the worship service. The pastor has decided that from now on, any Bible verse quoted would not be posted on the overhead screen. Everyone must turn to the Bible in his/her hands and pinpoint the correct texts being referred to. Anyone found not bringing a Bible with him when he comes to the church would be given a copy of the church Bible for personal reference throughout the service.

I guess the sudden emphasis in the Bible has to do with the Da Vinci Code and other "new gospels" now surfacing like the Gospel of Judas. The impression is that for a long time, the church has not put enough emphasis on the grounding and understanding of the Words of God. Now that Da Vinci Code is due to be shown in the cinema next month and it can be worrying to think of its impact on Christians.

The pastor did make reference to Da Vinci Code in his sermon and stressed the importance for believers to be able to defend their faith by correctly knowing the content of the Bible.

He did admit he has not read the book Da Vinco Code personally. I think it would have been better if he has read it first before shooting arrows at the book. Not that I am defending that book, I think one needs to really understand the content so as to be able to nail it and correct the misconception created by that book.

KK, A Well-Planned City?

The other day, I was surprised to read a letter to the Editor in the Stars from a reader praising the KK City. He was particularly impressed by the way KK has been planned and developed.

Personally, I do not quite agree with that assertion. This is probably because I have seen nicer city than KK. I wonder whether he has seen hawkers carrying out business on the walkways and illegal kids begging to wash cars!

The other worrying thing is safety in KK. Let just hope nothing untoward incident that he may encounter would change his perception of KK.

KK folks, make sure you always put on your lovely smiles.

Growing Up Pain

This morning, the Bible lesson in the Praise Kids Church was about the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. When I met up with my Primary 6 kids in the separate classes. I was truly shocked to discover certain phenomenon among these kids of which I was quite unprepared for.

On the subject of death, one shared his experience in his attempt to commit suicide. On why he tried to kill himself, he said it was because of family problem. He told us he actually tried to hang himself from the door closer. But he freed himself when the choking became unbearable. He also said once he put his head into a pale of water and tried to drown himself. The choking forced him to pull his head up.

Another told the class he actually ran away from home and spent two hours in a KFC before deciding to go home. This arose because of what he considered very severe punishment meted out by the father.

Another girl from a manifestly model home told of her desire to run away from home due to study stress and expectation.

They told me that none of the family members knew about these. All these happened in the afternoon when the parents were away working. We all promised that we would keep this as a secret within the 4 walls among ourselves.

At the end of the sharing, I could feel wetness in my eyes. At such a young and tender age, they have already considered such an option.

I assured them that no matter what happen, their parents' love for them is 100%. They disagreed. One said that he is only being loved 99% but the other kids in his family 100%. Another said the parents love the younger one more than her.

Although I knew that this kind of feeling did cross every kid's mind one time or another. But, if this is not handled properly, it does have a bearing on his/her self-esteem and the perception of his/her standing in the family.

At the end of the session, I prayed for them and hugged some of them. Deep down, I hoped this session has been of help to them and I knew there is still a long way to go in life. I prayed that God would be merciful to all these kids who are just trying to grow up.

Another Dream Becoming a Reality at STS

Last night, we attended a launching dinner for the proposed new Multi-Purpose Education Centre for STS. This is another massive project costing RM10m-RM12m to build. A new auditorium will be part of this building that can accommodate 800 people.

On design, this building will be a challenge to us as structural engineers. Column-free upper floor and sloping seating platform spanning 26.5m.

The programme for the dinner was rather interesting. We had the Basel Church Tenom Children Choir (The Malaysian version of the Vienna Boys Choir); Solo Guitarist performance, Violin-Piano combined performance as well as the Tshung Tshin Chinese Orchestra.

I was talking to my wife about the chances of Paul and Sam performing in the Chinese Orchestra. We guess their reply: " No way, hean tor oh!"

Bomb Hoax at Basel Church, Likas

We first heard of this on Friday night in the Cell meeting. We thought it was an April Fool joke. The next day, it came out as news in the local papers.

Interesting News for Reflection

 Lately, 2 incidents set me thinking.

1st case. A man is demanded to be executed because he converted to another faith which is deemed an insult to the god of the accuser.

2nd case. A woman reported to the religious authority that she heard the husband in his sleep ushering 3 times his intention to divorce her. The religious authority ruled that the marriage is therefore void and the couple is deemed divorced. However, the couple insisted that they are still in love and has no intention to be separated. The religious authority ruled that if the wife wanted to be reunited with the husband again, she must first marry another man and stay with him for one night after which the 2nd man would divorce her. Only then, she can go back and be married to the 1st husband again.

This is truly a subject for reflection.

Another Couple is Considering Tying the Knot

We have been leading another couple in the premarital counselling, considered a very "matured" couple, Vincent Lee and Fung Yun Fon. Sam and Paul definitely know the lady - a History teacher in All Saints. I can visualize Sam's surprise in knowing this teacher of his getting married! Well, it's better late than never.

We have already covered 4 sessions namely Covenant of Marriage; Understanding Each Other; Roles of Husband and Wife and Communication. The remaining sessions will be on Anger and Conflict Resolution; Money Matter; Sexuality & Family Planning and finally In-Laws and Wedding Planning. The tough one which will be both interesting and challenging and not easy to conduct will be on the subject of sex.

Hot News about SMK St. Mary, Papar

Get the latest hot news from the Daily Express dated 15 March 2006! The highlight features none other than Steve Sulis, a brilliant student from SMK St. Mary, Limbahau, Papar - the very school where my wife serves as the school principal.

Steve made headlines for scoring an outstanding 10A’s in the SPM examination, a feat that brought pride not only to his family but also to the entire school community. When interviewed, Steve humbly attributed his success to the guidance and inspiration of his father, a C&S consulting engineer.

With such strong academic foundations and family support, Steve aspires to pursue a degree in civil engineering, aiming one day to follow his father's foot step.

Funny Road Names

How do you like to stay in a place with these funny road names :

Case 1 : There was this chap who went to see a doctor to treat his vomiting sickness. The doctor asked, "Where do you stay?". He answered, "Jalan Muntahan " - translated as Vomiting Road in English. The doctor looked at him in awe and speechless, "...............".

Case 2 : There was this couple who had been married for the last 10 years and had been trying hard to have a baby. Finally, they decided to consult a fertility doctor. At the clinic, the doctor asked, "What's your problem ?". The wife answered, "We like to have a baby but has not been successful for the last 10 years". The doctor asked, "Where do you stay ?". The husband answered, "Jalan Family Planning Centre". The doctor looked up speechless.

According to the Director of JKR, the funny road names were due to engineers giving funny names to some of the newly completed roads. Come on, engineers, not again !

"Sablish" on the Rise

Just now during our jogging in Tun Fuads Park. I overheard a little girl probably about 10 years old talking to her mother who is in her early 30's.

"Hot must be used what oh ?" Said the little girl. Amazing "English" or rather Sablish!

From the mother's response, I think this was what the girl meant: I am feeling hot. What do I use to wipe the sweat ?

The unique thing is that the mother understood her. Why? Because the mother also spoke Sablish.

It is really incredible how English has "progressed".

Shortage of Engineers of Calibre

After the resignation of my young engineer, we finally put up an ad for new engineers. This time, we identified ourselves by inserting our company's name in the ad. So far, only 2 applicants applied for the Design Engineer post while a number applied for the RE posts.

I called the 1st applicant for DE post who faxed his application to our office the same day the ad came out. He happened to be currently working with a similar consulting firm not far from our office. I asked him during the interview what made him decide to apply for a job in our company. To my amazement, he told me that a draftslady who once worked in our firm and now working in this other firm strongly encouraged him to apply. According to him, these are her words, "This is a once in a life time opportunity, don't miss it, grab the opportunity". The reason: This is a good firm to work with and the staff are pleasant. I could sense that the draftslady spoke highly of her ex-bosses! That's nice to hear :) Another reason: For the past two years, he has been doing the same drainage design over and over again. He hoped to be given opportunity to do a variety of design work.

He was recruited on the spot. But we have to wait for another 2 months before he can report for duty. He needs 2 months notice.

Through this recent recruitment plus our previous similar exercises, the picture we gather is that there aren't many engineers of reasonable quality around. Sad for Malaysia. The lack of emphasis on English has destroyed a whole generation of people!

Trying Out My Nike

I managed to get my wife to go for a jog at Tun Fuads Park this afternoon. This was essential for her after a heavy lunch at Promenade. This also gave me the opportunity to try out my Nike that has been lying there for quite awhile.

Unfortunately, we went a bit too late. By the time we did a round, it was dark and Kampong Nelayan Restaurant was all lighted up for business. No mood to carry on the 2nd round.