Lim Family Reunion Cum Driving Tour in West Malaysia

Six years ago in October 2016, we had a driving tour in West Malaysia covering the states of Kelantan and Terengganu (Read here). This October, we took advantage of a family reunion and decided to have another tour of some parts of Malaysia. The family reunion was organized to celebrate my mother-in-law's 92th birthday. Family members of my wife's original family who have migrated to Australia also flew back for the occasion.

Our latest tour covered a total distance of 1,170Km. Starting from Kuala Lumpur, we went south to Batu Pahat and then Ipoh at the north. 

After the family reunion at Ipoh, five among the whole group detoured to Fraser's Hill and spent two nights there on 21 October and 22 October 2022. The five are My wife, her eldest sister Yong Kiow, second sister Alicia, my MIL and me as the driver.

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In Batu Pahat, we stayed at OTM BP Homestay. This is a 6-room double-story bungalow. It has a huge living room, a large kitchen, dining area, play area (with a billiard table) and six double-bed bedrooms. This proved to be a suitable place to host a family reunion for almost thirty people.

For this reunion, thing has changed significantly. Unlike the last gathering in February 2018 (Read here), the generation who used to organize and prepare food has been granted "retirement". This time, the oldies were given the privilege to relax, watch TV, chit-chat, play mahjong and wait to be served.

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Barbequing and food preparation at the kitchen were done by the new generation.

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The reunion also set aside time for the belated Chinese Tea Ceremony for my niece and her husband, Mr. X (whom she likes to call him). They were married in Sydney Australia earlier this year in March (Read here).

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The married couple is now privileged to dish out angpows to the yet-to-be married generation.

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A group photo of the grand reunion taken
at the living room.

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Another reunion lunch was hosted at a local restaurant, Sea View Restaurant.

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Beside the newly-wed couple, Lim Min and Mr. X (Dr. Cheah Xuan Ping), we also met the "friend" of another niece, Suan for the very first time. Her friend just introduced himself as Ah Siong.

A Season for Reunions

The author of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 aptly describes the season in life: 

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

October 2022 will be remembered as a special season of reunions. It was a time when many who had migrated overseas chose to return to their home town, rekindling old ties and reviving cherished memories.

On 06.10.2022, we gathered to celebrate a joyful reunion of classmates from Lok Yuk School KK, Class of 1967/1969. It was a nostalgic moment that brought back echoes of our youthful days spent together in the classrooms and corridors of our beloved school (Read here).

Just a few days later, on 10.10.2022, another heartwarming gathering took place - this time among a group of badminton buddies from the 1980s. We came together over food, laughter and storytelling, exchanging memories and celebrating the enduring bonds of friendship. The event was filled with joy as we caught up on more than thirty years of life’s journeys, shared stories of career paths and family milestones. We were all grateful to continue enjoying the gift of good health.

This particular reunion on 10 October was organized to mark the long-awaited return of one of the buddies, Vun Kai, who had migrated to Vancouver back in 1992 - exactly 30 years ago. Although he had hoped to return earlier, the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting global travel restrictions forced him to postpone his trip. His eventual return added a layer of meaning and emotion to the gathering, reminding us how precious time and friendship truly are.

Breakfast at Lok Tien Dim Sum

Before returning to Kota Kinabalu, Vun Kai specifically requested that I organize a reunion of all surviving members of our beloved badminton gang - those who played actively during the 1980s and continued well into the early 2000s. Out of the original eleven members, eight of us managed to gather for this long-awaited occasion. Sadly, three dear friends were no longer with us, having completed their earthly journey. 

Peter Lee was the first to leave us, passing away in March 2019 (Read here). Earlier this year in March, John Wan also departed (Read here). Most recently, we lost Tai Nyuk Kiong on 6 July, just over three months before the reunion (Read here). Their absence was deeply felt, and as we reminisced, it was as if their presence lingered quietly among us - in the stories, the laughter, and the unspoken memories.

Among us, it is nothing short of remarkable that Shau Kee, now 78 years old, continues to play badminton twice a week - a testament to his enduring passion and enviable fitness. Meanwhile, Joseph Wong and Shau Lam have taken to golf, and I have embraced cycling since late 2017.

Our reunion lasted over two and a half hours, filled with animated conversation, laughter, and the delicious Dim Sum. As always, the stories flowed - some hilarious, others deeply poignant. Among the most unforgettable was Yap Shau Lam’s dramatic recollection of his recent brushes with mortality. He “boasted” with his signature humor that he had been rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in KK by ambulance twice, and once more in Perth while visiting his children in Australia.

He recounted his latest health scare, during which he was hospitalized and witnessed two fellow patients in neighboring beds passed away within just two days. Overwhelmed by illness, work stress, and the proximity of death, he feared he wouldn’t make it out alive. In his desperation, he pleaded with God to spare him - asking for just two more years to settle his affairs. “And how long has it been since that prayer?” someone asked. With a grin, he replied, “Only a month!” Judging by his cheerful demeanor and infectious sense of humor, we’re convinced he’ll get far more than the two years he asked for. Shau Lam remains a true joker and a joy to be around.

As we parted ways, there was a shared, unspoken hope that we would meet again. Yet, we also know the future is never in our hands. All we can do is cherish these moments - full of warmth, friendship and the gift of still being able to gather.

Lok Yuk School KK Class 67/69 Reunion

With Covid-19 now regarded as endemic in most countries, international travel has largely returned to normal. My former Lok Yuk Secondary School classmate, Robert Lee, was among those taking the opportunity to travel again - returning to Kota Kinabalu for a holiday. Years ago, he moved to Brisbane after his children made Australia their permanent home.

We last had a class reunion in February 2020, just before the pandemic brought the world to a standstill (Read here). So, when we heard Robert was back, we seized the chance to organise a reunion brunch at the Hyatt Hotel on 6 October 2022. Nine of us made it that day. Sadly, three others who had planned to join had to withdraw at the last minute due to illness - a reminder that, at our age, such things are no longer rare.

We have shared over fifty-seven years of friendship since our Form 1 days in 1965 - some bonds going back even further. It was no surprise, then, that everyone who came felt deeply grateful for the good health that allowed us to gather once more, sharing laughter, stories, and the quiet joy of simply being together.

Front row from left: Me, Johnny Loo, Robert Lee, Peter Tan and Eddie Chow.

Back row from left: Lee Nyuk Jin, Jeannie Teo, Ho Nyuk En and Grace Chin.

On 8 October 2022, Robert Lee on his own initiative visited one of our former classmates, Richard Chua who has been immobilized after he suffered a stroke many years ago. I together with some former classmates last visited him in February 2019 when another classmate, Miao Ling came back from Hong Kong for holidays (Read here). 

Sadly, more than three and a half years have passed since then, and it was clear that Richard’s condition had further deteriorated.

8 Oct 2022 vs 26 Feb 2019

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Earlier on on 26 September 2022, I received news from another high school classmate, Teresa who has migrated to Canada that her husband Frankie has finally undergone a kidney transplant on 18 September 2022. Frankie who is also a former classmate is recovering well after the operation. Frankie, a diabetic had to undergo dialysis thrice weekly before the operation. I and my wife last met this couple in Vancouver in August 2017 when we toured Canada (Read here). 

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Going through some of the old photos of the good old days in the high school reminds us of the saying "時光不留人, 歲月催人老!", i.e. "Time waits for no man and age is catching up fast!". Quite a numbers of the classmates had already left us for good for the eternal home!

Colorized photo.

Old photo of Form 2 class in session in year 1966. Grace is in forefront. Eddie is behind Grace. Peter is in the same row at the very back. Robert is in front of Peter. Frankie is at the right of Eddie and Johnny is at the back of Frankie. Robert Chin who is seated behind Johnny passed away many years ago.

Colorized photo.

Photo taken at the same time at another angle. Nyuk Jin is at the forefront in the photo.

Colorized photo.

Form 3 classmates in year 1967. Photo taken at the school compound.

Standing from left: Me, David Liew, Fung Shui Kiong (now living in Taiwan), Richard Chua, Eddie Chow, Peter Tan, Kong Yee Vun, Robert Lee (the tallest in class) and Chin Cheong Pin (now in USA). Squatting from left: Yap Kim Tong, Johnny Loo and the late Yong Chen Chong.

Colorized photo.

Form 3 classmates in Year 1967: From left: Richard Chua, Ho Fui Chong, Peter Tan, Grace Chin, Chin Cheong Pin, Robert Lee and David Liew.

Passing the Baton

It was on 9 August 2019 when the CG leadership of our group was officially handed over to me from Chong Hyen Siong at Sabah Golf & Country Club where the CG meeting was held that evening. 

9 Aug 2019.

Barely eight months later in early March, Covid 19 pandemic struck literally every country in the world. The pandemic has effectively changed the way churches conduct their usual Sunday worship services. Physical gathering was not allowed and online worship service became the new norm. Cell group meetings too switched to online gathering. Zoom became an instant preferred software to connect people throughout the world. It was refreshing for many people to suddenly be able to join in worship services and gatherings held in other parts of the world. But over time, people began to feel the strain of looking at a small screen of a handphone and to concentrate for one or two hours. Soon, Zoom fatigue crept in and people just found it unbearable to sit in front of a handphone and focus for hours. Many longed for the physical meetings of the good old days!

After over two years of online gatherings, it's time to move away from this form of gathering and revert back to physical meeting. 

After three years of taking charge of the group, it's time for a leadership change. On 2 September 2022 at 10am, the group gathered physically at Krugma House to witness the passing of the baton to the new leader, Lee Yuen Ching.

2 Sep 2022.

Quite to my surprise, 23 turned up for the event. Some had to leave early and were unable to join the photo session. 

This group since its inception has been meeting on a regular basis for over thirty years. Throughout this period, it has witnessed change of leadership five times. Hence, this photo is truly historic because all five CG leaders are able to meet together for this latest change of leadership. The first leader Peter Siau (front row right), second leader Thomas Wong (front row second from right), third leader Chong Hyen Siong (front row third from right), fifth leader Lee Yuen Ching (front row 4th from right) and me the fourth leader sitting next to Yuen Ching.

Prior to joining this group in 2018, I was with another group for over thirty years. That group did multiply and new groups were formed. But by 2017, only three families remained in the original group and the health of the key members deteriorated. Meetings were irregular. Eventually, we decided to move to this group.

Light at the End of the Tunnel?

The final ruling of the top court of Malaysia, the Federal Court on 23 September 2022 to put former prime minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak behind bars is unprecedented in the history of Malaysia.

Just seven years ago in August 2015, many Malaysians thronged the streets throughout the country to fight for a better country whose government would uphold justice, transparency, accountability and equality through the Bersih 4 Movement (Read here). 

In 10 May 2018, Pakatan Harapan defeated the Barisan Nasional government and took over as the new government of Malaysia. Reform was immediately initiated. This includes gathering of all evidences through the Attorney Office to prosecute Najib Razak, mastermind of the 1MDB scandal. Sadly, barely 22 months after Pakatan Harapan came to power, it collapsed on 22 February 2020 because of collusion of some of the ruling members of parliament to form another government, an act termed the Sheraton Move. It was a very sad day for many Malaysians who had voted for a change of a better government. That incident prompted me to reflect whether there would be light at the end of the tunnel for Malaysia (Read here). 

Fortunately, the legal proceeding against Najib continued despite of the change of the government. Finally on 23 August 2022 which was a week shy of the 59th year of the founding of Malaysia on 31 August, many Malaysians applauded when Najib was finally put behind bars.

With this latest dispensation of justice by the judiciary without fear or favour, there is hope that light may be found at the end of the tunnel for Malaysia.........

Trekking Gunung Tampin

I first climbed Mount Kinabalu in 1972 (Read here), and again successfully reached its peak in 1987. Since then, the most I can recall walking occasionally was about 2.3 km per round at Tun Fuad Stephens Park. So, when the idea of climbing Gunung Tampin was brought up during my stay at Aenon Health Care, I felt a little apprehensive.

At Aenon, daily walking is strongly encouraged as part of the health program. As long as the weather permitted, I followed the routine faithfully. Over five consecutive days, I walked twice daily, each session covering 2.4 km. By the end of that period, I felt physically and mentally prepared to take on the challenge of trekking Gunung Tampin.

The trail from the base to the Telekom tower at the summit is 4 km long, with an average gradient of 12% along a tarred road - a steady uphill climb.

On 2 August 2022, ten of us began the ascent shortly after 4:30 p.m. It took me 84 minutes to reach the peak and another 50 minutes to descend. My average uphill speed was 0.8 m per second (2.86 km/hr) - a clear indication of how demanding the climb was. In contrast, the descent was faster and more manageable, at an average speed of 1.34 m per second (4.82 km/hr). Out of the ten, six made it to the summit - three men and three women.

Undoubtedly, the consistent daily walks at Aenon in the days leading up to the hike played a crucial role in preparing me both physically and mentally for this memorable climb.

Daily walk from the Centre to the main road.

Met the Founder of Aenon Health Care, David Fam (third from left) and his wife in one of our daily walk.

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Trekking at Mount Tampin

Small waterfall approx. midway of the climb.

We saw quite a sizable number of cyclists
cycling to the peak!

Thumb up to the successful climbers!

Transformation from Old Rubber Plantation to Health Centre, Tampin

The transformation of an old rubber plantation into what is now Aenon Health Care is nothing short of remarkable.

For first-time visitors, the location—tucked within undulating terrain and far removed from the city center - can seem both remote and challenging. From a construction perspective, the site posed formidable obstacles. In addition to the hilly topography, the land was strewn with massive boulders scattered throughout, making site leveling an impractical and costly endeavor.

Yet, what stands out as truly extraordinary is the ingenuity and determination of Aenon’s developers. Without removing a single one of these colossal boulders, they successfully designed and constructed the entire facility. The result is not only a functional healthcare retreat, but also a stunning example of how thoughtful planning and respect for the natural landscape can harmoniously coexist.

Sunrise in days of good weather is an awesome sight.

The huge boulder at the back reminds me of
"Ayers Rock" in Australia!

The designer and builder displayed remarkable ingenuity by incorporating some of the massive boulders into the very fabric of the building structures, seamlessly integrating them into the design without the need for removal.

This area has an unusually high concentration of Baya Weavers. I first encountered these fascinating birds in Cape Town, South Africa, in May 2013 (Read here). They are easily recognized by their intricately woven, hanging nests shaped like retorts, crafted from strands of grass and reeds. Two common nest designs observed here include one with dual openings at the base, and another with a long, cylindrical entrance that serves to deter potential predators. Interestingly, it is the males who construct these elaborate nests as part of their courtship ritual to attract female partners.

Freshly made green nest to attract potential female partner.

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Each morning when we did our morning walk, we saw an old Chinese couple tapping rubber in the adjacent estate.

Much of the land is now planted with fruit trees and durian trees. Rubber plantations are likely to slowly disappear especially with the shortage of rubber tapers.