Anak Gen-X

How did Bukit Cheraka get its name? Listen as I narrate the story 😄

On this day in 1942, Singapore fell. After just over two months of relentless advance down the peninsula, Japanese forces completed their occupation of Malaya with the Allied surrender in Singapore on 15 February 1942 . What began with landings in northern Malaya on 8 December 1941 ended in one of the most shocking defeats in British military history . Malaya, then under British administration, had fallen piece by piece. Towns in the north were overrun first. Defensive lines collapsed. The belief that the British Empire was invincible in the East was shattered. The surrender on 15 February was more than a military event. It marked the end of British rule — at least for a time — and the beginning of a harsh and uncertain new chapter under Japanese occupation. But history often turns in unexpected ways. The fall of Malaya and Singapore broke the aura of colonial superiority. It changed how people in this region saw power, authority and their own future. In the years that followed, th...

 

  Looking for something meaningful to do with friends and family? The “ Tunku Negarawan Ulung: Pengasas Negara Bangsa ” exhibition is now open at the National Museum until 29 March -- and it’s absolutely worth your time. This exhibition takes you on a powerful journey through our nation’s early days, highlighting the leadership, wisdom and unity championed by #Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj , the man who laid the foundations of an independent and harmonious #Malaysia . From rare archival materials to historical documents, it’s a chance to really understand how our nation was built -- on tolerance, justice and consensus. Open daily 9am–5pm, it’s educational, inspiring, and a great reminder of why unity still matters today. Perfect for the younger generation too. Bring your parents, your kids, your friends -- let’s reconnect with our #History and rekindle that patriotic spirit. Jumpa di #muziumnegara !

The internet is buzzing over the short film 'Sandiwara', written and directed by Sean Baker , starring Michelle Yeoh . The film is already being praised for its quiet intensity, elegant storytelling, and Yeoh’s magnetic presence. It’s set to premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on 13 February, 2026 -- a perfect showcase for a work that proves how powerful simplicity and subtlety can be on screen. But for me, the word sandiwara will always mean something else. Long before streaming platforms and viral shorts, 'Sandiwara' was the name of a beloved Malay drama series on Singapore television that ran from the 1970s through the ’90s. While Malaysia had 'Drama Minggu Ini', Singapore had 'Sandiwara'. For many of us growing up in that era, it was appointment viewing -- the kind of show the whole family quietly gathered around after dinner. One of the key figures behind the series was Bani Buang -- director, producer, and widely regarded as...

The last time we hit this legendary spot was way back in Ramadan 2011 -- our second consecutive year berbuka here, because once you get hooked, you’re hooked. But securing a seat? That’s a whole different adventure. Since they don’t take phone bookings, you literally have to show up by 5.30pm, claim your table, pick your seafood, and then only can you go “ jalan-jalan ” to kill time before Maghrib . Classic Melaka chaos, but worth it every time. And we didn’t hold back. Chili mussels , garlic butter prawns , pahat goreng cili padi , black pepper crabs , deep-fried squid , plus a couple of beautifully grilled fish -- the full battalion. Everything was fresh, flavour-packed, and cooked with confidence. They never skimp on spices, and the balance is always spot on. Best part? Instead of plain rice, they serve rich, fragrant nasi lemak . Trust me: two packets is the bare minimum. We also downed a couple of jugs of tebu ais , the perfect sweet, icy finisher after all that seafood glory. ...

 

  The newly refurbished Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad witnessed a proud moment on 5 February 2026 with the opening of the Royal Selangor Gallery , officiated by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor . The ceremony marked an important milestone for Royal Selangor , celebrating its long-standing legacy and deep roots in the state. Following the officiation, His Royal Highness toured the gallery, taking time to explore the craftsmanship and stories behind the pewter works on display -- a fitting tribute to tradition, heritage, and continuity. What caught my eye that day was how His Royal Highness arrived -- in a black London cab . Unassuming yet dignified, the iconic black cab felt perfectly at home beneath the arches and brickwork of the historic building. Known for its practical design and understated presence, the vehicle carries a quiet sense of formality rather than excess. In many ways, it mirrored the occasion itself: respectful of history, grounded in purpose, and subtle i...

Today, on Tunku Abdul Rahman ’s birthday, it’s worth remembering a story not many Malaysians know -- a quiet chapter of compassion that rarely makes it into the headlines of history. Long before Merdeka speeches and stadium crowds, before the title Bapa Kemerdekaan , there was simply a man moved by the suffering of his own people. During the dark years of the Japanese occupation , when survivors of the Siam–Burma Death Railway staggered home as living skeletons, Tunku did not look away. In Alor Setar , he saw them with his own eyes -- emaciated, sick, covered in sores, men who had once been young and strong but now looked decades older than their age. They had no homes to return to, no money, no strength even to beg. Where others saw a problem too big or unpleasant to handle, Tunku saw human beings who needed dignity. Instead of waiting for the authorities, he acted. Quietly, personally, without fanfare. He found a vacant space, hired a carpenter, and paid from his own pocket to build...

If you’re in PJ and haven’t been here… you’re missing out 😄 

  Kalau lalu Ayer Hitam, singgahlah. Bukan sekadar masjid — tapi warisan dan jiwa komuniti.

They say you never forget your “first”. Mine just happened to involve Mee Kolok and satay -- so yes, quite a love story. When I first landed in Miri from Kuching back in 1996 to take up my post in the judiciary, my maiden meal in “ The Oil Town ” was at none other than Madli's Restaurant. A fellow magistrate took me there, and I still remember thinking, “Satay in broad daylight? This is serious business.” Until then, the only other place I knew that did satay in the daytime was Muar, Johor . Miri clearly wasn’t playing around. At Madli's in 2023 Madli’s , as it turns out, isn’t just a restaurant -- it’s a story that goes back generations. It began as a humble satay stall in 1970 near the Miri library, run by Suut bin Hassan , the great-grandfather of the current owner. After his passing, the business was carried on by his daughter, keeping the family flavour -- quite literally -- alive. Eventually, the family took the big step of opening their first proper restaurant at Jal...

Sempena lawatan Diraja , DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong , Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah ibni Sultan Zainal Abidin III Mu’azzam Shah ke Negeri Sembilan .  Kredit video: FINAS

Pernah dulu aku terbaca satu artikel di dalam akhbar The Star tentang proses pemilihan dan temuduga yang agak getir bagi kemasukan pelajar baru ke kolej penuh prestj, Maktab Tentera Diraja , atau Royal Military College (RMC, juga dikenali sebagai “ Sandhurst Malaya ”). Tersenyum aku membacanya kerana itulah antara pengalaman manis yang aku sendiri pernah lalui 40 tahun yang lampau.  Buat yang bertanya, oh tidak, langsung tiada unsur paksaan oleh sesiapa pun dalam hal ini. Sejak aku menerima keputusan Penilaian Darjah 5 (4A, 1B) pada tahun 1982, niat itu telah tertanam di dalam hati; yang aku ingin mejadi seorang RMC boy, dan berkhidmat untuk negara sebagai seorang perajurit. (Selain daripada cita-cita nak masuk universiti. Biasalah budak-budak, macam-macam dia nak jadi.) Proses permohonan bermula ketika aku di dalam Darjah 6 . Setiap calon perlu melalui ujian bertulis dan juga pemeriksaan kesihatan (termasuk “ujian batuk” – yang tahu, tahulah). Kedua-dua ini diadakan di daerah a...

  For generations, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad has stood quietly by Dataran Merdeka , watching Kuala Lumpur grow from a colonial town into a modern capital. With its copper domes , clock tower and Moorish arches , it has been the backdrop to countless memories — from Merdeka celebrations and school trips to evening walks and historic moments like the raising of the Jalur Gemilang in 1957. Once the seat of British administration and later a symbol of national pride, the building carries the echoes of speeches, ceremonies and everyday life, reminding Malaysians of how far the nation has come. Even as skyscrapers rise around it, this timeless landmark continues to anchor the city to its past, standing as a quiet guardian of history, identity and shared memory. After 11 months of careful restoration, the building officially reopened on 31 January 2026, marking a new chapter in preserving this beloved national treasure for future generations.

  Dari lombong terbiar ke permata kota -- Taman Tasik Titiwangsa adalah bukti bandar boleh bernafas hijau .