NST Online: StreetsJohor
NST Online: StreetsJohor |
| Posted: 25 Sep 2011 10:26 AM PDT 2011/09/25 The Patriot Foundation celebrated the nation's 54th Merdeka by holding a historical showcase and carnival IN their first public event, Sept 17, the Patriot Foundation (TPF) held its "Tribute to Merdeka". TPF is a non-political and non-profitable outfit whose members share the goal of keeping patriotism alive.
It started when Tengku Putra told TPF members of a 45-minute video on Merdeka that he had obtained from Filem Negara. The video showed how Tunku Abdul Rahman worked with Tun Sir Tan Cheng Lock and Tun V.T Sambanthan to secure the country's independence from Britain.
He said they started planing for a carnival-like event, which would support the nationwide Merdeka celebrations. Held at the football field in Taman Setia Tropika, Johor Baru, the event attracted about 300 people.
It was divided into four segments -- the Japanese Occupation, the British era and the pre- and post-Merdeka years. The segment showcased exhibits such as old bicycles (Japanese Occupation) and a 1972 Land Rover and models wearing uniforms of Japanese soldiers, communists and the Royal Malay Regiment. There was also a voter registration exercise, free health screening and blood donation drive. The highlight of the event was the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Abdul Rahman Khamis, 86, who killed seven communists including a bodyguard of Malayan Communist Party leader Chin Peng during the insurgency . Rahman, who was attached to the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, was also on guard when the country's first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, hoisted the Jalur Gemilang for the first time on Aug 31, 1957. Guests were teary-eyed when the "Road to Independence" video was aired after the plaque presentation ceremony. It showed the signing of the Federal Agreement between the sultan of the Malay Federated States and the British Government in 1948, the Japanese Occupation, the formation of the Malayan Union, the negotiations for Independence, the lowering of the Union Jack and hoisting of the Jalur Gemilang at the stroke of midnight on August 31, 1957 at the field in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur and the cry of Merdeka seven times at the Merdeka Stadium on the same day. After the video presentation, TPF members reenacted the cry of Merdeka scene and the hoisting of the Jalur Gemilang. A special prayer on Merdeka was recited. Everybody at the football field also recited the Rukunegara. Some were choked with emotion as they sang Negaraku. The night ended with a three-minute fireworks. TPF is now considering making the Tribute to Merdeka an annual event. "From the rakyat to the rakyat... for Malaysians of all walks of life and political ideologies. Everyone is a VIP," Tengku Putra said. "There will be no politics, no speeches, just a grand show of patriotism and fun. We want to keep patriotism alive." TPF welcomes feedback and suggestions on basic social, political and economic issues, which they can help highlight to the government through open channels. TPF, formed three years ago, is not open for membership but the public can take part in its activities. |
| From secretary to businesswoman Posted: 25 Sep 2011 08:35 AM PDT 2011/09/25 JOHOREANS are known to be fussy about their food. It must taste just right. It is this fussiness that has made the state's dishes, kuih raya and biscuits famous throughout the country. Generally, biscuits and kuih raya made in Johor have a good reputation among the people of Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan. I have also heard compliments from people of other states.
Baking has been my passion since I was 10. My mother told my sibling and I to bake kuih raya as we could not afford to buy them at the shops. I have never stopped baking and it is now my main source of income.
I roped in my 21-year-old niece Fatin Shafiqa Mahadi and my young neighbour, Aishah Kamal, to help out during the recent Hari Raya season. The only downside to my relatives working for me is that they have to take criticism like any of my employees. I am strict when it comes to work.
After that, I will spend a few months planning my ingredients and recipes before starting to work for next year's festive season. I make more than 30 types of biscuits. I have to be innovative to ensure that my biscuits and cakes are in demand. For instance, I recently created almond Oreo-type biscuits as almonds have become increasingly popular in recent years. A few years ago, I began incorporating raspberry jam into some of my creations. However, such experimentation is inappropriate for traditional biscuits such as kuih makmur and pineapple tart. Besides ensuring the quality of my products, I adopt a very specific strategy to market my products. I have a large network of dealers, who act as promoters and distributors of my biscuits and cakes. I believe in sharing my profit with the people who with me. During the Hari Raya Aidilfitri season, each dealer is given a 10 to 15 per cent commission. That is a hefty amount if the sales volume is big. I have not marketed my products in hypermarkets or large stores. I have also been operating a beauty salon in Larkin Perdana for 15 years. I opened the saloon because I believe in diversifying my business. My goal for the next two years is to set up a restaurant which specialises in lontong, laksa Johor and other traditional delicacies. I want to create food for the soul. My restaurant will serve food that is tasty and leave a lasting impression on customers. Mayzathul Jaffar, 40, worked as a secretary for former Tanjung Puteri assemblyman Mohamad Kasbi before she started her own business. Interview by Ahmad Fairuz Othman |
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