Thursday, January 31, 2013

Memoirs - Part 1

His early primary schooling was at Telok Panglima Garang. Thereupon, he continued on to Batu Road School, Kuala Lumpur. The did his secondary education at the Victoria Institution and obtained his Senior Cambridge. He then worked at the Majlis.

He was sponsored by the Akhbar Harian Majlis to study journalism at the Foreign Language Department, London Polytechnic. On 15th September, 1949, he set foot on English soil.

From his journal entry of 1st January, 1950: "My 109th day in UK. Sent news home. News at Piccadily." So began his life in the U.K. By the way, his scholarship was worth Sterling Pounds 26, XX shilling, YY pence.
 

 

 

 
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72 Forever

He and Siti Hajar moved to Taman Tun Dr. Ismail in 1976. The link house was at 72 Persiaran Za'aba. They were one of the early residence there. Going to Taman Tun in the 70's was an experience in itself. There was no 6-lane highway back then. From the Federal Highway, you have to take a winding road flanked by rubber trees.

You would never want to go to Taman Tun at night, really. not only is the road winding, but it is dark, with little street lighting. Images of ghostly beings standing by the roadside would run through your mind.

Anyway, Persiaran Za'aba was the main street during that time.

Yes, even his final resting place is reminiscent of 72 Persiaran Za'aba.

Hajah Siti Hajar (1929-2013) - Al-Fatihah

Hajah Siti Hajar joined her husband in eternal life on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 9:00am. Prayers were held for her at Masjid Al-Taqwa, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Kuala Lumpur after 'Asr prayers. She was laid to rest at A2206, Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery, Kuala Lumpur.

Siti Hajar was born on December 11, 1929. Asma Ahmad Faizal share the same birthdate with her. She grew up at 27 Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur. After WWII, she went to Bukit Bintang Girls' School, a stone's throw away from her home. She must have lived a comfortable life as her great-grandfather, Haji Muhammad Taib bin Haji Abdul Samad (1858-1925) is the local businessman and trader. A street in KL is named after him in recognition of his contribution to the early economic development of the city.

Her grandfather, Haji Abdullah, owned properties in the Pudu area and runs the family business. Her father, Haji Othman was more into publishing and can be considered a political activist. Haji Othman went to Mecca to study religion when he could not register as a student at the Victoria Institution because he was overaged.

After he completed his studies in Mecca, he left for Cairo to study politics at Al-Azhar University. That was where he provided funds to publish "Seruan Azhar".  He later left for Paris and London before returning to Malaya.

to be continued ...

Thursday, October 22, 2009

| 72 | Bukit Kiara

From Babah's final days



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From Babah's final days

Happy 50th Anniversary


A loving couple indeed.

Al-Fatihah

Hj. Mohd. Zain bin Abu was born Talip on 16 September, 1923 in Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor. He grew up in Telok and did his secondary schooling at the Victoria Institution. He furthered his studies in journalism in London in early 50's. He left this worldly life for eternal peace on 20 October, 2009, at the ripe age of 86. His departure at 10:00am was witnessed by his beloved and dear wife, Siti Hajar, his grandchildren, Fariz Azam and Iqa Rasol. May Allah Bless his soul and place him amongst the righteous in Paradise Al-JannatunNaim.

Babah, to his children, Pak Alang to his nephews and nieces on his side of the family, Pak Bibik, on the side of Hjh. Siti Hajar's family, or plainly Atok to his grandkids, married Siti Hajar on 29 September, 1951. They were blessed with 7 children, 6 boys and a girl. The eldest son died at birth. He has 36 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.



to be continued...