Penang Mohamedan Advisory Board 1934

The Straits Times, 16 February 1934, Page 12
Untitled

Members of the Penang Mohamedan Advisory Board 1934:

Mr AV Aston, MCS (Chairman)
Mr Hafiz Ghulam Sarwah, MCS (retired) (Vice-Chairman)
The Hon. Mr Mohd Rouse bin Chee
Syed Mohd bin Syed Hashim Alsagoff
Syed Mondar Idid bin Syed Hassan Idid
Mr PK Shakkarai Rowther
Haji Noh bin Haji Ahmad
Haji Hashim bin Haji Md Sakaff
Mr Md Sheriff bin Chanda
Che Hussain bin Abdul Halim
Haji Ibrahim bin Haji Kechil
Mr Hamid Khan
Haji Shamsudin Md Joonos
Mr MA Pitchay Gunny
Dr K Md Ariff bin Kader Mustan (Secretary)

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Note: Malik Al-Habshi (tulisan Jawi in Facebook) has the original Mohammedan Handbook, and the names above are mentioned in the book.

---

Hafiz Ghulam Sarwar is the FIL of Dr Abdul Karim bin Nawab Din, an early dentist. Dr Abdul Karim is the father of Prof Wazir Jahan, formerly of USM and then UM.

---

Syed Mondar Idid bin Syed Hassan Idid. The spelling for Mondar is probably Mohdar or Mohdzar?

---

We are uncertain of the identity of Haji Shamsudin Md Joonos. He could be the half-brother of Dr MJ Che Lah. We are still working into this matter and finding evidence if Md Joonos had indeed married 2 ladies.

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Dr Kamil Md Ariff bin Kader Mustan (Mastan) was knighted in 1956.

First Malaysian King's Birthday Honours List 1964

The Straits Times, 3 June 1964, Page 1
KING HONOURS 240

Seven new Datos in birthday list

33 Awards go to Sabah, Sarawak

Seven new Datos have been created by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in his first Malaysian Birthday Honours List. They are among 240 people, including 10 women, who have been honoured.

Thirty-three of the recipients are from Sabah and Sarawak.

The new Datos, who receive the title of Panglima Mangku Negara, are:-

1. the Chief Justice, Malaya, Dato Syed Sheh Barakbah, --- note: he was with the Pilgrimage Board 
2. the Minister for Sarawak Affairs, Dato Temenggong Jugah Anak Barieng,
3. the chief of the Armed Forces Staff, Lieut.-General Tengku Osman bin Tengku Mohamed Jewa, --- note: Kedah royal family
4. the Governor of Bank Negara, Inche Ismail bin Haji Mohamed Ali, --- note: elder brother of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah bt Mohd Ali
5. the Chancellor of the University of Singapore, Dato Lee Kong Chian, --- note: he had 2 previous Dato honours from Johor and Kelantan
6. the Alliance Secretary General, Senator T. H. Tan --- note: he accompanied the Federation delegation to the Merdeka talks in London
7. the UMNO Secretary-General, Syed Ja'afar Albar. --- note: father of minister Hamid Albar

---

Johan Mangku Negara:

the Prime Minister's personal physician, Dr R. P. Pillai.

---

Panglima Mangku Negara:

Dato Syed Sheh Barakbah, the Chief Justice, Malaya
- he was the first to hold this position in July 1963
- he joined the legal service in 1946
- he was made a judge in 1956
- he represented Malaya at the Law Council of Australia convention in Sydney
- he was awarded the State title of Dato by the Sultan of Kedah earlier in 1964

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Inche Ismail bin Haji Mohamed Ali
- was made Deputy Governor of Bank Negara in November 1960
- has been Governor of Bank Negara since March 1964
- Selangor's first Malay Queen's Scholar --- note: check Coco's status on Queen's Scholar
- graduated in law and in economics with honours
- held the post of Controller of the Trade Division in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- became Minister in the Malayan Embassy in Washington
- spent 2 weeks inspecting the Federal Reserve Bank and industrial and development projects in Australia

---

Dato Lee Kong Chian
- multi-millionaire philanthropist
- head of Lee Foundation --- note: Lee Rubber, KL
- rubber magnate
- community leader
- installed as the first Chancellor of the University of Singapore in June 1962 --- note: UM started in Malaya separately after 1962
- long associated with King Edward VII College of Medicine
- long associated with the Raffles College
- leading local benefactor of both institutions (KE VII and Raffles)
- bestowed State title of Dato by the Rulers of Johor and Kelantan

---

Syed Ja'afar Albar
- UMNO secretary-general since October 1963
- gave up post of Assistant Minister of Information and Broadcasting in 1961
- was an executive in a printing firm
- UMNO publicity chief
- returned unopposed in the 1959 and 1963 Parliamentary elections

---

Johan Mangku Negara:

Inche C. D. Ismail, Penang (for political services) --- note: he lived behind Dr MJ Che Lah's house

Inche Mahmood bin Ambak, KL (for public services) --- note: Endon's father; Tun Ahmad Badawi's FIL

Inche Melan bin Abdullah, editor, Utusan Melayu, KL (for public services) --- after Said Zahari was imprisoned for 17 years in Singapore, without trial since 1963

Inche Mohamed Sanusi bin Baki, Ministry of Health, KL

Dr Omar bin Din, General Hospital, KL --- note: originally from Kedah

Dr R. P. Pillai, General Hospital, KL

Dr Syed Mohamed bin Syed Alwi Alhady, General Hospital, KL --- originally from Penang

Osman bin Samsuddin Cassim, Ministry of the Interior --- originally from Ipoh, son of Dr Samsuddin Cassim. Tan Sri Osman operates the Berjaya Group of companies.

---

Ahli Mangku Negara:

Dr Lakhmir Singh Sodhy, Municipal Health Department

Inche Lokman bin Musa, principal, Language Institute, KL --- Dato' Mahadzir Lokman's father; kawan baik Bapak

Inche K. Mushir Ariff, Penang (for public services) --- husband of Dato' Zubaidah. Bank Bumiputra head who looked into the money scandal involving Jalil Hamid's death in Hong Kong.

Dr Raja Ahmad Noordin bin Raja Shahbudin, Ministry of Health --- note: interviewed in May 2007; 3rd Director-General of Health after Dr Din bin Ahmad (1st DG) and Dr Abdul Majid bin Ismail (2nd DG); passed away on 22 December 2008

Inche S.M. Salim, Radio Malaysia, KL --- note: Malay singer of Malay traditional songs

Nik Mohamed bin Nik Man, Kota Bharu

Nik Mustapha bin Haji Daud, Kota Bharu --- note: Muzium Kelantan in KB?

Raja Ariff bin Raja Chulan, KL

Dr Ibrahim bin Haji Mohamed Yassin

I found another early Malay doctor's name. His name is written in full as Dr Ibrahim bin Haji Mohamed Yassin, from Ipoh. I have not seen this name before in my research on The Early Malay Doctors. 

His name appeared in The Straits Times of 8 June 1966 (page 8), along with names which I have mentioned before: Inche CM Hashim, a Penang JP who was connected to Dr KM Ariff, (Tan Sri) Syed Hassan Aidid who was UMNO Penang Chief, Dr Abu Bakar bin Ibrahim who was the 17th Director of IMR in KL after Dr Ungku Omar passed away, and was the late husband of Tan Sri Salma bt Ismail, and Syed Kabeer bin Syed Ahmad who was previously with the Pilgrimage Office based in Penang before Tabung Haji existed, and who married the eldest daughter of Dr KM Ariff.

The Straits Times, 8 June 1966, Page 8

King's Birthday Honours for 505

Inche CM Hashim, Penang - Panglima Setia Mahkota

Syed Hassan Aidid, Penang - Johan Mangku Negara

Dr Abu Bakar bin Ibrahim, KL - Johan Setia Mahkota

Dr Ibrahim bin Haji Mohamed Yassin, Ipoh  - Johan Setia Mahkota

Syed Kabeer bin Syed Ahmad, Penang - Ahli Mangku Negara

Dr S. H. Aljunied

Full name: Dr Syed Hassan bin Alwee Aljunied 
Shorter names: Dr S. H .Aljunied, Dr S. H. Al-Junied

Qualifications:

1. King Edward VII College of Medicine, Singapore, LMS diploma, 1928 

2. Medical studies course, University of Edinburgh, LRCP and S (Edin.) postgraduate diploma, 1929

3. Anaesthesia, University of Glasgow, LRFP and S (Glasgow) postgraduate diploma, 1929

Portraits/photos and events:

1. The Malayan Saturday Post, 6 December 1930, Page 16  featured his photograph (Pic 3 with  Mr S.I. Alsagoff, Mr Mohd. Hassan, Mr S.A. Aljunied, and Haji Manjoor Shaib) when Mr & Mrs Fitzmaurice, a couple from the British Consular Service in Java, visited Singapore, and was hosted by the Malay Football Association at Mr A.M. Alsagoff's home.

Institutions/places served and contributions: 

1. Malay Football Association (MFA) 6 December 1930; 3 Sept 1946
2. Arabic Social and Literary Club of Singapore 18 August 1931
3. Singapore Medical Practitioners' Society 31 August 1936; 8 Sept 1936
4. Singapore Amateur Football Association (SAFA) 3 Sept 1946; 12 January 1960
5. Singapore Hospitals Board 1949; 1950; 1951
6. Singapore Board of Management of the Teaching Hospital Sept 1949
7. University Court 23 Sept 1949
8. Opening ceremony of the children's playground at Siang Lim Park Estate,(housing estate) in Singapore 1 August 1949
9. Island Club 1951-52 16 April 1951
10. SAFA sub-committees - Appeals Board and Benevolent Fund 6 January 1956 

Colleagues 1949: His medical colleagues were Dr M. J. Che Lah, Dr Mustapha bin Osman and Dr K. M. Ariff. The Straits Times, 23 September 1949 (page 6).

Politics 1953: Dr S.H. Aljunied contested in the East Ward in the December City Council elections as a Progressive candidate. His campaign involved two meetings, one at the Geylang English School, and another at Geylang Serai, in Singapore. The Straits Times, 26 November 1953.

Residence: Singapore
Marital status: Married
Wife's name: Sharifah Hilmiah Almasauwi Alkazimy

Children: 5 (3 sons and 2 daughters): 

1. Syed Alwi Aljunied, 

2, 3. twins Syed Hamid Aljunied and Syed Mahmud Aljunied, 

4. Sharifah Faridah Aljunied and 

5. Sharifah Zubaidah Aljunied

Grandchildren: 6

1. Syed Alwi Aljunied's daughter, Sharifah Hilmiyah Aljunied

2. Syed Alwi Aljunied's son, Syed Negaib Aljunied

3. Syed Mahmud Aljunied's elder daughter (unnamed)

4. Syed Mahmud Aljunied's younger daughter (unnamed)

5. Sharifah Faridah Aljunied's son, Syed Syafik

6. Sharifah Faridah Aljunied's daughter, Ummahani

Notes from author:
There is a new doctor's name which I found tonight, and that is Dr S. H. Aljunied. He was listed under the Singapore Board of Management of the Teaching Hospital. I guess this referred to the University of Malaya based in Singapore in September 1949. This was after WWII. His name was listed with a few other doctors whom I have included in my books published in 2012. I have not come across his name before in my research on The Early Malay Doctors. I wonder where the family members are today; they should be in Singapore. [2023: The families are in Singapore, Penang, KL and Indonesia.]

Newspaper searches

The Malayan Saturday Post of 6 December 1930 (page 16) featured his photograph when a couple from the British Consular Service in Java visited Singapore, and was hosted by the Malay Football Association at Mr A.M. Alsagoff's home. In The Straits Times of 18 August 1931 (page 12) and The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942) of 18 August 1931 (page 10), he was listed as a committee member of the Arabic Social and Literary Club of Singapore. The Club comprised Arab men of the Alsagoff, Aljunied and Alsree clans, of whom 5 were re-elected. The Singapore Free Press mentioned the club house was located at No. 114, Tanjong Katong Road, and the club meeting was held on 15 August 1931. The Straits Times of 8 September 1936 (page 13), and The Singapore Free Press of 8 September 1936 (page 3) reported he was a member of the Singapore Medical Practitioners' Society when it held its 4th AGM on 31 August 1936.

Newspapers before WWII

Malayan Saturday Post, 6 December 1930, Page 16

MR. & MRS. FITZMAURICE ENTERTAINED BY MALAY FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION.

Mr & Mrs Fitzmaurice entertained by Malay Football Association.

Mr & Mrs H. Fitzmaurice of the British Consular Service, Java, were the guests of the Malay Football Association last Saturday at the home of the President Mr A.M. Alsagoff.

Pic 1. Mr R.J. Farrer, Mr A.M. Alsagoff, Mrs Fitmaurice, Mr Fitzmaurice, Hon. Inche Unos, Lieut. Jewa, Mr C.W. Dawson, Haji Manjoor Sahib, Mr and Mrs R.L. Hastie.

Pic 2. Haji Hassan Dawood, Mr Che Onn bin Jaffar, Mr H.A. Alsagoff, Mr Abdullah Mahood, Lieut. Jewa.

Pic 3. Dr S.H. Aljunied, Mr S.I. Alsagoff, Mr Mohd. Hassan, Mr S.A. Aljunied, Haji Manjoor Shaib.

Pic 4. Mr & Mrs Fitzmaurice.

Pic 5. A group photograph. Seated in the front row, left to right:- Dr Paglar, Mr R.L. Hastie, Mr C.W. Dawson, Mrs Hastie, Mr & Mrs Fitzmaurice, Mr R.J. Farrer and Dato Abdullah.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 18 August 1931, Page 10
ARABIC SOCIAL AND LITERARY CLUB
The following were elected office bearers of the Arabic Social and Literary Club for the ensuing year at the last general meeting held at the club house No. 114, Tanjong Katong Road on August 15th.
President Mr S.I.O. Alsagoff;
Vice-President Mr S.A. Kader b. A. Rahman Aljunied (re-elected);
Hon. Secretary Mr H.A. Alsagoff (re-elected)
Hon. Asst. Sec. S. Ahmad Bafageeh (re-elected);
Treasurer S. A. Rahman b. Omar Aljunied (re-elected).
Committees:-
Mr S.A.O. Alsagoff (re-elected),
Mr S.H. Almenoar (re-elected),
Mr S.Ahmad b. Mohd. Aljunied,
Mr S. Salim Alsree,
Mr S. Alwi Alsree,
Dr. S.H. Aljunied.

The Straits Times, 18 August 1931, Page 12
Untitled
The following have been elected office bearers of the Arabic Social and Literary Club for the ensuing year:-
President, Mr. S.I.O. Alsagoff;
vice-president, Mr S.A. Kader b A. Rahman Aljunied;
hon. secretary, Mr H.A. Alsagoff;
hon. treasurer, S.A. Rahman b Omar Aljunied.
Committee:
Mr S.A.O. Alsagoff,
Mr S.H. Almenoar,
Mr S. Ahmad b. Mohd. Aljunied,
Mr S. Salim Alsree,
Mr S. Alwi Alsree,
Dr. S.H. Aljunied.

The Straits Times, 8 September 1936, Page 13
SINGAPORE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS.
Dr. Heron Elected Chairman of Society.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 8 September 1936, Page 3
DR. J. HERON
New President of Medical Practitioners' Society
The fourth annual general meeting of the Singapore Medical Practitioners' Society was held at the G. H. Cafe on Aug. 31. Office-bearers elected for the year were as follows:
president, Dr J. Heron;
vice-president, Dr A.J. Lim;
hon. secretary, Dr T.H. Oh;
assist. hon. secretary, Dr A.M. D'Cotta;
hon. treasurer, Dr Cheong Chee Hai;
members of the committee:
Dr S.H. Aljunied,
Dr Dexter Allen,
Dr K. Ando,
Dr Y.H. Kwan,
Dr S. Nagalingam,
Dr A.G. Williams.

The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942), 29 October 1938, Page 11
Untitled
H.R. Aaron. This suggestion will be referred to the incoming committee. Office-bearers elected yesterday were:
President, Mr Tay Lian Teck;
vice-presidents, Messrs. Y. Afifi and C. Reubin;
committee,
C.V. Miles,
R.M. Meyer,
G.H. Kiat,
Cheong Hock Chye,
Ong Yan Keng,
Dr S.H. Aljunied,
Syed Hassan Almenoar, ..... note: he was featured in Who's Who.
R. Jumabhoy,
N. S. Hogan,
Credit Foncier D'Extreme-Orient,
Rm. N. Sathappa Chettiar,
Lim Kian Beng,
Daud bin Mohamed Shah and
D.K. Walters;
hon. auditor, Mr H.C. Reilly.

Newspapers after WWII

The Singapore Free Press of 3 Sept 1946 (page 7) reported he was the vice-president of MFA and a SAFA delegate in 1946. The Straits Times of 21 December 1948 (page 5) reported he was elected to the Hospitals Board for 1949. The Straits Times of 1 August 1949 (page 1) mentioned him (pic) at the opening ceremony of a children's playground at a housing estate in Singapore. The Straits Times of 23 September 1949 (page 6) listed him along with Dr M. J. Che Lah, Dr Mustapha bin Osman and Dr K. M. Ariff. The Singapore Free Press of 28 December 1950 (page 5) reported he was an elected member of the Hospitals Board (for 1951). The Straits Times of 27 February 1951 (page 7) reported Dr S.H. Aljunied was elected by the unofficial members of the former Legislative Council to be a member of the Singapore Hospitals Board for 1951. The Singapore Free Press of 16 April 1951 (page 6) reported he was a committee member of the Island Club for 1951-52. The Straits Times of 26 November 1953 (page 7) reported Dr S.H. Aljunied, was contesting the East Ward in the December City Council elections as a Progressive candidate and his campaign would involve two meetings, one at the Geylang English School, and another at Geylang Serai, both in Singapore. The Singapore Free Press of 6 January 1956 (page 19) reported he was is the SAFA sub-committees - Appeals Board and Benevolent Fund. The Singapore Free Press of 12 January 1960 (page 10) reported he was a member of the Singapore Amateur Football Association (SAFA).

The Straits Times, 3 September 1946, Page 8
M.F.A. GENERAL MEETING
The general meeting of the M.F.A. was held at the Istana Kampong Glam on Sunday.

The Singapore Free Press, 3 September 1946, Page 7
M.F.A. GENERAL MEETING
The general meeting of the M.F.A. was held at the Istana Kampong Glam on Sunday. The following were elected office-bearers for the year 1946,
President: Abdul Rahman bin Aziz;
vice-Presidents:
Sidik bin H. Hamid,
Tungku Hussain,
Dr S.H. Aljunied,
Mohamed Taha.
Hon. general secretary: M.A. Kadir;
hon. treasurer: Sharif bin H. Hamid;
football secretary: Eusooff bin Nawawi;
cricket secretary: Ibrahim Isa;
junior league secretary: Mahmood bin H. Eusoff;
S.A.F.A. delegate: Dr S.H. Aljunied;
representative for the S.A.F.A. disciplinary board: Hamid bin Omar;
hon. auditor: Nyar bin Haroun

The Straits Times, 21 December 1948, Page 5
Hospitals Board
Members elected by the Unofficial Members of the Legislative Council to be members of the Hospitals Board for 1949:
Dr. S.H. Aljunied
Mrs. L.C. Goh

The Straits Times, 1 August 1949, Page 1
Untitled
(Pic) Dr. S.H. Aljunied distributing sweets and fruits to the children living in Siang Lim Park Estate, at the opening ceremony of the children's playground on 31 July 1949.  Mr A.G. Dobb is on his right.

The Straits Times, 23 September 1949, Page 6
FULL UNIVERSITY COURT MEETS
Dr M. J. Che Lah (KL) .......... note: before he went to work in Kelantan.
Haji Mohamed Eusoff bin Mohamed Yusoff (Cooperative Societies Dept., KL)
Dr S. H. Al-Junied (Singapore Board of Management of the Teaching Hospital)
Sir Hussein H. Abdoolcader (Penang) ..........note: he was the first Penangite to be knighted.
Dr Mustapha bin Osman (Kedah State Council) ......... note: he worked in Kedah and Penang.
Dr K. M. Ariff (Penang in SS, FoM) ......... note: he worked in Penang. He was knighted in 1956.

The Singapore Free Press, 28 December 1950, Page 5
HOSPITALS BOARD
Members of the Hospitals Board:
(i) Members elected by the Unofficial Members of the Legislative Council:
Dr S.H. Aljunied
Mrs Tan Chin Tuan
(ii) Members appointed by the Governor are:
Mr Kwa Siew Tee,
Mr A.P. Rajah,
Dr L.E.C. Davies, and
Dr Mary Tan.

The Straits Times, 27 February 1951, Page 7
HOSPITAL BOARD
Mrs Tan Chin Tuan and Dr S.H. Aljunied have been elected by the unofficial members of the former Legislative Council to be members of the Singapore Hospitals Board for 1951.

The Singapore Free Press, 16 April 1951, Page 6
ISLAND CLUB OFFICIALS
Office-bearers of the Island Club for the year 1951-1952 are:
President-Mr Malcolm MacDonald;
vice-president-Mr Tan Chin Tuan;
captain-Mr Yong Loon Chong;
vice-captain-Mr M.B. Brash;
committee members-
Messrs. Loke Wan Tho
R. Jumabhoy,
San Kwok Thye,
Yong Loon Chong,
M.B. Brash,
J.A. Chippindale,
G.P. Howell,
R.G. hill,
K.S. Murray,
Chia Cheng Guan,
R.H. Fox,
N.R. Mistri, .... Note: Mistri wing at hospital.
Dr N.A. Canton,
Dr. S.H. Aljunied,
Dr C.J. Paglar and
Dato S.Q. Wong;
secretaries-Messrs. Rennie Lowick & Co.,
auditors: Messrs. Chan Sze Onn & Co.

The Straits Times, 26 November 1953, Page 7
East Ward campaign
Dr S.H. Aljunied, who is contesting the East Ward in the December City Council elections as a Progressive candidate, will hold two meetings. A meeting at Geylang English School tomorrow at 5.30 p.m. will be presided over by Mr Chan Kum Chee (Prog-East). Another meeting will beheld at 5.30 p.m. at Geylang Serai on Sunday.

The Singapore Free Press, 6 January 1956, Page 19
SINGAPORE AFA SUB-COMMITTEES
S.A.F.A. sub-committees for the 1956-57 season are:
* Financial and Administrative:
Soh Ghee Soon (chairman),
N.S. Hogan,
Kee Yew Leng,
R.B.I. Pates,
G. Cruickshank.
* Rules:
R.B.I. Pates (chairman),
N.S. Hogan,
A.H. Frew.
* League and Cup:
R.B.I. Pates (chairman),
Kee Yew Leng,
Choo Kwai Low.
* Commission of Inquiry:
N.S. Hogan (chairman),
Dr C.E. Smith,
H. Wanschers,
K.E. Meyer,
Choo Kwai Low.
* Youth:
R.B.I. Pates (chairman),
A.H. Frew,
P. Appavoo,
R. Sattar.
* Referees:
A.J. Vaz (chairman),
C. Wilson,
S.R.P. Naidu,
Wong Jue Deng,
Dew Parry,
R. Smith,
John Then,
S.N. Samy,
Ibrahim Isa,
S.A.A.A. Allapitchay,
M. Eusoff,
P. Menon,
S/Ldr. Sizzer,
Dr Wong Ah Fah,
Gopal,
M. Shah.
* Appeals Board:
W. McGregor Watt (chairman),
J.H. Weatherburn,
A.T. Oliphant,
Dr S.H. Aljunied,
A.H. Frew.
* Grounds:
Rahim Sattar (chairman),
S.J. Kandasamy,
Puteh Mohd Ali,
Ismail Mohd Ibrahim,
Mr Krushna,
Ibrahim Angullia,
Ismail Salleh,
Chong Poh Chuan,
Ismail Jabbar,
Idros Albar,
A.S. Ishak,
Abas Abdullah,
G.M.H. Ariff.
* Reception:
Soh Ghee Soon (chairman),
Yam Hock Kee,
K.E. Meyer,
H.A. Rodrigues,
Tay Soo Yong.
* Bar:
A.H. Frew (chairman),
G.J. Cruickshank,
K.E. Meyer.
Invitation and Pass:
Soh Ghee Soon.
Benevolent Fund:
W. McGregpr Watt,
Soh Ghee Soon,
Dr S.H. Aljunied.
* Hon. trainers:
R.B.I. Pates,
John Then,
Harith.
* Asst. Hon. Sec.:
Ho Ah Hong.
* Selection:
R.B.I. Pates (chairman),
Kee Yew Leng,
A.J. Vaz.

The Singapore Free Press, 12 January 1960, Page 10
These men will run Singapore soccer
Committees appointed last night by the Singapore Amateur Football Association (SAFA) are:
* Finance and Administrative-
Mr Soh Ghee Soon (chairman),
Dr S.H. Aljunied,
Messrs J. Pillai,
N.S. Hogan and
N. Mohan;
* Appeals Board-
Messrs W. McGregor Watt (chairman),
Mr N.S. Hogan,
Dr Aljunied,
Maj. Ramsay and
Mr McLeod;
* Selection-
Mr Soh Ghee Soon (chairman),
Mr J. Pillai and
Inche Ibrahim Isa;
* League and cup-
Mr Andrew Clarke (chairman),
Inche Sulaiman Osman,
Mr Low Wing Kee and
representatives from
S.G.S.F.A. and
S.B.H.F.A.,
Joint Services and
three senior Clubs.
* Commission of inquiry-
**Invitation and passes-
Dr Aljunied (chairman),
Messrs Adnan Isa,
Tan Lip Boon,
H. Edgar and
Captain Watts.
**Benevolent fund-
Mr McGregor Watt (chairman),
Mr Soh Ghee Soon and
Dr Aljunied.

Update 16 October 2014 (from Anonymous 12 Oct 2014):

1. Dr S. H. Aljunied's full name is Dr Syed Hassan bin Alwee Aljunied. 
2. His family is still living in Singapore and elsewhere.
3. He left behind 3 sons and 2 daughters, and 6 grandchildren.

Update on 26 June 2023. Contact persons are:

1. Sharifah Zahrah Aljunied
2. Syed Hamid Aljunied

External links:
Football Association of Malaya

Genealogy:

Geni - Dr Syed Hassan bin Alwee Aljunied (1900-1975)

British Families Chinese Amahs

I browsed the web pages of singas.co.uk the whole day today. What did I learn from the web pages? The photo contributors were former students of the St Johns school in Singapore. Most of the contributors were men. They attended the school sometime between 1964-67. Then they returned to the UK by air (British Eagle) or by ship (P&O Cathay or SS Oronsay). Many lived with their families in Singapore. A few families lived in Penang and the students boarded at St Johns.

I looked at the houses meant for the British families who came to Singapore. Many houses were rather small. There were a few double-storey bungalows. Most interesting is the little booklet made for the newcomers. It spelled out everything for the newcomers to take note of. Most interesting are notes about mosquitoes, mosquito nets, hot weather, taking salt tablets, and suntan.

A feature in some of the photos was the female Chinese amahs (maids). They had simple names and they looked hardworking. Ah Yang, Kim, Ah.... And many more are the names of such amahs. In one photo it showed 2 amahs washing clothes outside by the drain. In one photo the amah climbed a papaya tree! In many photos, the amah stood together with the British family members in the garden, and with the house in the background. They looked shy, but had friendly smiles. Only one amah had a white top and loose black pants. Most amahs had floral 2-piece Chinese-styled clothes.

I have no clues how much amahs were paid back then, or what was covered and paid for by the British families for their respective amahs. I supposed the British families were fond of their amahs. There was one amah who took her British family to visit the Chinese temple on Wesak Day, with permission from the monks.

There was British interest in many of the local beliefs, festivities, and rituals of the Asian settlers. Even Ramadan fasting is detailed and respect called for when dealing with the fasting Muslims.

The British continued their lives in their way, shopping at the local markets, night market, and get together, celebrating Christmas and life at the officers' mess or clubs. The schoolchildren helped raised funds for their school by running school plays, including the Wizard of Oz, the Midsummer Night's Dream, etc. The boys even drove from Singapore to camp in Malaysia. Overall, it looked like the British families enjoyed themselves in Singapore in the post-independence period.

Descendants of Tok Nadhok @ Datuk Keramat

Tok Nadhok's daughter is Sona Bee. Sona Bee's daughter is Siti Kulsoom / Khulthum / Khulsom.

Siti Kulsoom's eldest son is Aladdin Merican Noordin. At the time her husband was Mashurdin Merican Noordin (MM Noordin).

From Ayah Wan Merican Noordin in Facebook (May 2014): Aladdin Merican Noordin adalah anak sulong Siti Kalthum. Semasa itu, suaminya adalah Mashurdin Merican Noordin (MM Noordin) https://www.facebook.com/wanmericannoordin

Ku Den Ku Meh (group photo)

Ku Den Ku Meh

Mashurdin Merican Noordin (MM Noordin)

Wan Naseruddin Wan Noordin (Ayah Wan)

1. The Merican doctors' families

The Merican family includes an early Malay doctor, Dr Ali bin Othman Merican (Dr AO Merican) and his 2 doctor sons - Dr Carleel Merican and his half-brother Dr Ezanee Merican. All 3 Merican doctors moved from Penang to work in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Dr AO Merican passed away and is buried at the royal graves at Langgar in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Dr Carleel Merican passed away in Malacca. Dr Ezanee Merican passed away in PJ and is interred at Sg Buloh.

2. Wan Nordin Merican families

There are 12 siblings. Datin Hajjah Wan Norsiha bt Wan Nordin, Ayah Wan Merican Noordin, and his siblings are descended from Tok Nadhok. Datin's daughter is Dina Sujak on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/dina.sujak

3. Malek Alhabshi

He owns Ben's Antique Toy Museum in front of Masjd Melayu Aceh in Penang.
https://www.facebook.com/max.ben.5

4. Dr Che Lah's families

Ayah Wan Merican Noordin called on 31 January 2014 (CNY). He said he found the family tree of my mother. According to him, my mother was descended from Tok Nadhok @ Datuk Keramat of Jalan Perak in Penang. My mother's father is Dr Che Lah bin Md Joonos, an early Malay doctor from Kg Dodol in Jalan Perak. Dr Che Lah and wife are interred at the graves of Masjid Sg Gelugor.

5. Pak Zan's families

Arwah Pak Zan (suami arwah Bikwa) and his children are NOT descended from Tok Nadhok.
https://www.facebook.com/baizura.mohdzan
https://www.facebook.com/mastura.mohdzan
https://www.facebook.com/Capt.Shawalludin
https://www.facebook.com/kamarulakhir

6. Zanariah's family

Zanariah Ahmad (cousin of Ayah Wan Merican Noordin and Baizura) is NOT the descendant of Tok Nadhok.
https://www.facebook.com/zanariah.ahmad.90

Tok Nadhok @ Datuk Keramat of Penang

The eldest of the 12 siblings is Aladin bin Wan Nordin.

Datin Hajjah Wan Norseha bt Wan Nordin is the elder sister of Wan Naseruddin Wan Nordin @ Ayah Wan Nordin Merican in Facebook.

The Nordin Merican family are the third generation descended from Tok Nadhok @ Datuk Keramat of Penang. The real identity of Tok Nadhok and Datuk Keramat are unknown. Some said he was a Bugis sufi. Some said he was a famed Indian Muslim in the British military police that arrived in Penang.

The 5th and 6th generations of Tok Nadhok exist today. The Tok Nadhok family reunion was being planned for sometime in May 2014 or later. Interested family members could contact Ayah Wan in FB for more details. (Please note that Wan Mohd Nasseruddin bin Wan Noordin @ Ayah Wan is deceased in 2016.)

Wan Mohd Nasserudin bin Wan Noordin @ Ayah Wan.

 

Datuk Keramat is also the location of the famed tin smelting company of early Penang and where the tram lines ran from there to the pier at Weld Quay.

Datuk Keramat (the sufi saint) is interred at the Muslim cemetery in Jalan Perak, adjacent to Kampung Dodol. Jalan Perak graveyard and Kg Dodol are in mukim Datuk Keramat, and are not in Jelutong. The next nearest mukim is Jelutong, which is nearer to the sea.

A photo of Tok Nadhok is with the Penang Museum and in the FB of Malek Alhabshi (nama dalam tulisan Jawi).

Malek runs the Ben's Antique Toy Museum in Lebuh Aceh, in front of Masjid Melayu Aceh. He also has the Mohamedan Book that details the activities of the early Muslims in Penang. The book will be passed on to Ayah Wan, who will make copies for interested families. (Malik has made a copy for me, but I have not gone to pick it up from him.)

According to Ayah Wan, Tok Nadhok had a masjid on the site of the present Masjid Kapitan Keling. Nordin Merican then expanded the masjid and named it after his elder brother (Kader Merican, first Kapitan Keling), as Masjid Kapitan Keling. Despite this, all the imams of Masjid Kapitan Keling till today, are the descendants of Tok Nadhok.

The First Mayor of Shah Alam in Selangor

Datuk Abu Sujak Mahmud

Shah Alam was granted city status on 10 October 2000 with Dato' Haji Abu Sujak bin Haji Mahmud as the first mayor. He recently served as deputy Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Selangor. Abu Sujak declared the vision of making Shah Alam a modern city with a unique identity of "Bandaraya Melayu" or Malay City, showcasing the achievements of the Malays in all sectors. In line with this identity, Shah Alam was declared the first city in the world with no entertainment outlets to avoid any vice activities. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shah_Alam

Shah Alam was previously known as Sungai Renggam. Sultan Salahuddin bin Abdul Aziz Shah, then Sultan of Selangor, named it after his late father Sultan Alam Shah. Shah Alam was opened in 1963 with the purpose of making it the administrative centre of Selangor. It was proclaimed the capital of Selangor on 7 December 1978. Shah Alam was granted city status on 10 October 2000, with Datuk Abu Sujak bin Mahmud as the first mayor. Abu Sujak declared the vision of making Shah Alam a modern city with a unique identity of "Bandaraya Melayu" or Malay City, and in line with this vision, it was declared the first city in the world without entertainment outlets -- however, this is no longer true. NST 12 Sept 1989 and http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnist/shah-alam-used-to-be-a-place-to-call-home-1.203830

Shah Alam was once known as Sungai Renggam and was noted for its rubber and oil palm estates. Later, the same area was identified as Batu Tiga prior to Malaysian independence, and has been a centre of  rubber and palm oil trade for centuries. Its current name was chosen by the then state Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, after his late father  Sultan Alam Shah. Many other monuments, buildings and even a street are named after the late Sultan. Shah Alam was granted city status on 10 October 2000 with Dato' Haji Abu Sujak Haji Mahmud as the first mayor. https://www.academia.edu/5533823/Green_Infrastructure_as_Medium_To_Enhance_Livable_Cities_in_Shah_Alam_Selangor#

Datuk Haji Abu Sujak was the Deputy Menteri Besar from 1986 to 1994.

He was the Deputy MB AFTER Tan Sri Muhammad Taib's case in Australia went public. He was not the Acting MB during the case; the late Dato' Dr Zainal Abidin Ahmad was the Acting MB then.

From Ayah Wan Merican Noordin in Facebook (21 May 2014): Datuk was the deputy MB from 1986 until 1994. He was never the acting MB of Selangor.

Datuk Haji Abu Sujak bin Haji Mahmud is married to Datin Hajjah Wan Norseha bt Wan Noordin. The couple has 8 children. Their daughter Dina Sujak is in Facebook.

From Ayah Wan Merican Noordin in Facebook (May 2014): Datuk Sujak tak menjadi Pemangku Menteri Besar Selangor semasa kes Tan Sri Muhammad Taib (bukan Taib Mahmud) di Australia. Yang menjadi pemangku semasa itu adalah arwah Dato' Dr. Zainal Abidin Ahmad. Panggilan saya ialah Ayah Wan Merican Noordin bukan Ayah Wan Nordin Merican. Kakak saya adalah Datin Hajjah Wan Norseha binti Wan Noordin, bukan Norsiha...

En Abdul Rahman bin Haji Talib (1916-1968) [5], Minister of Health (1962-64)

Visit to Penang clinic, 1961.
En Abdul Rahman bin Haji Talib was the 4th Minister of Health Malaysia.
Matron Mariah Chong Nyet Lin @ Mariah Che Lah was a matron at the Maternity Hospital in Penang.

These photos are from the collection of my maternal grandfather, Dr MJ Che Lah.

Matron Mariah Che Lah (left) and En Abdul Rahman bin Haji Talib (right).

From left: 3 unknown gentlemen, En Abdul Rahman bin Haji Talib, unknown man and Matron Mariah Che Lah.

Group photo: Matron Mariah Che Lah (2nd left) and En Abdul Rahman bin Haji Talib (5th right).

External links

University Split

The Straits Times, 24 October 1961, Page 8

Colonial Secretary: Mr E.S. Hose (1871-1946)

 Written by Walid on rear of ppc: Arrival of the Honorable Mr. E. S. Hose, C.M.G. 1916. Written by Bapak on rear of ppc: Colonial Secretary (was once Secretary for Agriculture Malaya). Photograph belonged to Walid and Bapak.

BIOGRAPHY

Mr Edward Shaw Hose (1871-1946)

Edward Shaw Hose (1871-1946) is the son of the Right Rev. George Frederick Hose, once Bishop of Singapore and President of the MBRAS. Hose was born on 25 November 1871 and entered the Civil Service of the Federated Malay States in 1891 as a Junior Officer in Perak. He served with distinction in several capacities in the F.M.S., mostly in Perak, before being appointed Colonial Secretary in 1924. Hose retired in the early 1930s. Like his father, he was a religious man and was deeply connected all his life with church affairs. - http://www.mbras.org.my/monograph22.html 

1891: Entered Civil Service in FMS as Junior Officer at Perak
         Acting Financial Assistant, Kuala Kangsar

1892: Secretary to H. H. the Sultan

1893: Demarcation Officer for Kinta and Assistant District Magistrate, Kuala Kangsar

1894: (additional appointment) Financial Assistant, Kuala Kangsar

        Collector of Land Revenue at Krian
        Acting Collector of Land Revenue at Larut
        Acting Magistrate, Larut
        Acting Magistrate, Batang Padang

1897: Member of the Royal Asiatic Society (22 Nov 1897)

1898: Assistant Secretary to the Government

Singapore

1904: Class III officer
         Acting Deputy Public Prosecutor
         Acting Second Magistrate and
         Acting Commissioner, Court of Requests Singapore

FMS

1904: Chairman of the Sanitary Board and Superintendent of Prisons  in October 1904

1912: Acting Commissioner of Trade and Customs
         Acting Auditor-General

1913: Acting Controller of Labour
         Acting Director of Agriculture

1916: District Officer of Lower Perak

1917: E.S. Hose, District Officer, Lower Perak (22 Nov 1897) .... refer JRAS 1917

1919: Class 1b officer, Director of Food Production F.M.S. and S.S. in addition

1919-20: Controller of Labour F.M.S. and S.S.
               retaining the Directorship of Food Production;
               then Deputy Food Controller of Malacca, in addition,
               and also Deputy Food Controller F.M.S.

1920: Food Controller in March 1920

1921: Acting Biritish Resident, Selangor and later Acting British Negri Sembilan

1922: Resident of Negri Sembilan on 4 February1922

1923: Chief Secreatry; bestowed C.M.G.


Sources:
Malayan Saturday Post, 29 March 1924, Page 9
The Hon. Mr. E. S. Hose, C. M. G.
http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Article/malayansatpost19240329.2.17.aspx

The Sarawak Gazette
Kuching, Monday, 2 August 1926, Vol. LVI, No. 875
Download from Pustaka Sarawak:
http://www.pustaka-sarawak.com/Pustaka-Sarawak/gazette_uploaded/1370908646.pdf

JOURNAL of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society 
For the Year 1917.
Part 75. Proceedings pp. i — xxxvi; Journal pp. 1 — 54, published; April 28th, 1917.
Part 76. Journal pp. 55—168, published August 30th, 1917.
Part 77. Journal pp. 169 — 276 with title page, published December 29th, 1917.
SINGAPORE: Printed at the Methodist Publishing House. 1917.
http://archive.org/stream/journalofstra75771917roya/journalofstra75771917roya_djvu.txt

The Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society
Monograph 22.. The MBRAS book of 1,600 Malay Proverbs with Explanations in English
Compiled by E.S. Hose. 195pp. Size: 140x220mm. Softcover.
http://www.mbras.org.my/monograph22.html

Malayan Union: Sir Shenton Thomas

I have an old photograph of Sir Shenton Thomas in 1939, before the Malayan Union was formed. This photo belonged to my late grandfather, Mohd Yusope bin Haji Mohd Sharif, who was called Walid by his children. Walid was then an entomologist in Kuala Lumpur, and was a keen photographer. He had photographed a lot of things and events during his lifetime (1897-1954). After WWII in Malacca, Walid and his Malay men were against the Malayan Union and they had set up UMNO Melaka, and elsewhere, to fight back and hold on to a Malay-owned Tanah Melayu. Unfortunately, he passed away before Merdeka, after UMNO was formed in 1946.

Jawi caption: Tuan Gabenor Shenton Thomas 1939.
Rear of ppc: Governor of SS & FMS.
Photograph and caption by Mohd Yusope bin Haji Mohd Sharif (Walid)

Enlarged portrait of Sir Shenton Thomas 1939.
Photograph by Walid.

BIOGRAPHY

Sir Thomas Shenton Whitelegge Thomas (1879-1962), GCMG, GCStJ, commonly known as Sir Shenton Thomas.

Shenton Thomas was born on 10 October 1879, in Southwark, London to The Rev Thomas William Thomas and his wife Charlotte Susanna (Susie) née Whitelegge. He was educated at St. John's School, Leatherhead and Queens' College, Cambridge.

Before he went to Malaya as the colonial administrator, Thomas was the Governor of Nyasaland from 1929 to 1932. He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (GCMG) in 1930.

He was the last Governor of the Straits Settlements. He served from 1934 to 1942 during which time World War II began.

Thomas was a prisoner-of-war during the Japanese occupation of Singapore, 15 February 1942 - 15 August 1945, having decided to stay in Singapore during the war. He was imprisoned in Cell 24 of Changi Prison along with Ernest Tipson.

After the war, Thomas remained as the 11th British High Commissioner in Malaya (9 November 1934 - 1 April 1946), until the Malayan Union was established and succeeded the British administration in the Straits Settlements (except for Singapore, which was created a separate colony), Federated Malay States and Unfederated Malay States, where the post of Governor-General of the Malayan Union was created.

Thomas established the King George V Park in Malaya (later renamed the National Park of Malaysia).

Today, Shenton Way, located in Singapore's business district, is named after him.

Thomas died on 15 January 1962, at his home in London. He was 82.

Family

He married Lucy Marguerite (Daisy) Montgomery on 11 April 1912 at St Jude's Church, Kensington, London, with issue.

His daughter, Mary Bridget Thomas (1914 - 1998), born in Nairobi, Kenya, married 1st Lt-Col Jack Leslie Harry Lotinga, and married 2nd in 1965 Nicholas Eliot, 9th Earl of St Germans.

External link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenton_Whitelegge_Thomas

Gamelan Music of Southeast Asia

Gamelan originates as a form of music to accompany deaths, funerals and burials. Today, gamelan has greatly evolved and is presented as a welcome repertoire. In countries of Southeast Asia (SEA), gamelan music is heard at almost every formal function involving community leaders. Most universities play gamelan at graduation ceremonies or convocations. Gamelan also accompanies traditional Malay dances such as in the Malay royal musical, Asmaradana and Mak Yong. Asmaradana depicts the fairytale marriage of a Malacca king to an underworld legendary princess, Puteri Gunung Ledang. Mak Yong was once a court performance, but is now performed for the public. Gamelan is taught at the universities in Malaysia. It is also taught at a local community hall in a rural village in Kelantan.

What does gamelan try to portray? Why is gamelan selected over other musical forms of the Malay communities in SEA? What is special about gamelan?

In today's health world, researchers are trying to use traditional music to overcome problems of depression. Gamelan is touted as one of those that can help patients to overcome depressive moods.

External links:
http://www.langensuka.asn.au/notation/

Javanese Wedding

I watched the YouTube video of a Javanese wedding and taught to share it here. The practice where the entire villagers come to offer help for a wedding reception is no longer a practice in modern Malay weddings. There are very few Malay weddings that still practise this very unique 'gotong royong' style of a Malay wedding and the Javanese wedding shows the best of this Malay spirit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHx-nSEMoTU#t=33

The music is a fusion of Malay and Arab dance music. The Arabian guitar or gambus is a notable musical element in this kind of performance.

Here's a bit of the song lyrics given under the comments for the video:

nyewo khemah yo nyewo pinggan , kerusi mejo kanggo jagongan khemah ey gawe payungan, orak kenek panas orak kene uthan nek ni noman ngiris si bawang , kacang kacang ngoncek i kentang ngirisi daging ngirisi ayam,? masak nang njero wachan godong pisang yo disuek i, wes lemper yo ngukus koci, dikukus yo digenengi wes mateng yo dicicipi 

iki cerito kisah wong mantu wong jowo yo wong melayu sedulure kabeh di undhang tonggo tonggone yo di kon rewang dino setu kito sinoman dino minggu kito kondangan lepas mangan kito pamitan nek salaman ora kosongan kondangan - undhang mangan kondangan - undhang mangan kondangan

External links:
http://meganryan24.wordpress.com/2009/12/19/javanese-wedding/
http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-image-traditional-java-wedding
http://www.suaraindonesiadance.com.au/page/indonesian_wedding

Line Clear @ Penang Road 1930-2013

Penang Road was noted for tram lines that passed from Dato Keramat down to the pier or jetty. That was Penang in the early 20th century. Some parts of the tram lines are still visible on Penang Road. However, Penang Road today is different - it is now a much sought shoppers' delight and where normal people and gluttons stuff themselves 24 hours. Line Clear began in 1930, providing the fiery hot and spicy Indian cuisine - nasi kandar. You eat nasi kandar till your ears practically drop off your head. I can't take nasi kandar but I can eat a plate of nasi briyani, Penang style. Nasi briyani at Line Clear is tasty. It costs about RM6 per plate here. Other dishes that go with nasi briyani are fried cabbage in tumeric and fried chicken in red batter. Indian food here is tasty but a bit salty. Anywhere on Penang island, Indian food is tasty but salty. Papadom, vade and fried dhal cakes, are tasty but salty. Be careful if you have low grade hypertension like me (I'm on Twynsta for added protection).

How to get to Line Clear?

From Minden Heights, go down Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah to the roundabout at SEAMO-RECSAM. Take left into Jalan Masjid Negeri (Green Lane). Go down till Masjid Negeri Pulau Pinang then turn right onto Jalan Air Hitam, past Al-Mashoor School and Methodist Boys' School (MBS). Then take right at Jalan Dato Keramat and go down towards GAMA and KOMTAR. Go past KOMTAR and onward to Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. Turn back at Light Street till you meet the beginning of Penang Road (from the Fort Cornwallis side). Go down Penang Road slowly till you come to SAM's, stick right to enter the parking lot across from Line Clear and SAM'S. There is nowhere else to park nearby. Parking is RM4.00 for first hour and RM4.00 next 30 minutes, and thereafter. It will cost RM12 to park here and to have a decent meal at Line Clear and to wander around to nearby Chowrasta market (Pasar Chowrasta).

Alternatively, take the costal highway from Minden Heights to Weld Quay and down Light Street, turn onto Penang Road.

Crossing the road at Penang Road

Penang Road is a very busy road and I don't like it at all. But somehow you have to be daring enough to walk across and make it safely to the other side in one piece. J-walking or not, I didn't see a zebra-crossing nearby. Some cars have polite drivers who will wait for you to cross right in front of their cars, some are not that courteous. Be extra careful when you cross the road here.

Where is Line Clear?

Line Clear has a small unnoticeable signboard in between SAM'S signboards. Line Clear is situated in an alley between 2 of SAM's boutique shops. Line Clear is not near KOMTAR but before Chowrasta and Hutton Lane. You can't miss SAM's, so you can't miss Line Clear. Both SAM's and Line Clear are Indian enterprises and doing great business here.

What's special at Line Clear?

Line Clear operates 24 hours, so there is no such thing as a closing time. However, the Malaysian government has recently announced that 24-hour eateries must have a closing time for cleaning up. I will leave that topic alone. But for now, Line Clear is open 24 hours - which means you can come here and eat your favourite meals anytime. I like the idea. Yesterday (17 December 2013) was my second time eating at Line Clear. I only eat nasi briyani so I had nasi briyani here yesterday.

Nasi briyani - is it a glutton's delight?

I like nasi briyani and I can eat a plateful without talking to people next to me, including Affandi. "Why bother, why bother, why bother" as Azwan Ali's tagline has it. At Line Clear, the man serving (he is called Mamu or uncle) will put a lot of gravy on the rice. I had to tell him I didn't need that much curry but just a tablespoonful. Mamu said, people eat nasi briyani "banjir" style and I knew what he was referring to. But still I insisted mine is served with very little gravy as I cannot tolerate Indian curry. Mamu was confused rather than angry and tried to win me over but he understood what I meant. That is the limit I can tolerate Indian curry as it has been that way all my life - Indian curry is my limitation or I go to Klinik Aman with dehydration from full-blown diarrhoea. So I have to take extra care when it comes to Indian curry. I enjoyed my plate of tasty nasi briyani with little curry, a small piece of fried chicken drumstick, heaps of fried cabbage and cucumber. I had cold ais limau nipis drink to take down the oil and thirst on a hot afternoon. We paid about RM46 for 5 adults, which is reasonable.

What is after lunch?

There is no rush once one has dined at Line Clear. It pays to walkabout a little after a heavy lunch. We walked to Chowrasta market and went upstairs to first floor (tingkat atas). The shop lots were just opening and setting up shop for the afternoon. I guess they open after Zohor prayer. The Malay shop that sells batik and other Malay fabrics was closed - I guessed the old man there didn't want to open shop yesterday or he would appear later in the day. He sells very good quality batik and other fabrics and I don't have the nerve to bargain when a man that age sells me beautiful fabrics. We then looked around at the second-hand books and went down and out, back along Penang Road. We then stopped at Amoeba, next to Nasi Kandar near SAM's. This specialty shop sells very good clothes for youngsters and I bought a few clothes for my kids. Each piece is approx. RM29, not bad for an occasional shopper like me. It also sells good souvenirs.

We then returned to the parking lot and left Penang Road. It was a beautiful afternoon. I will return to Line Clear and to see Mamu again. I hope he lives long enough to serve me nasi briyani again.

Nasi briyani at Line Clear.

Update: 2015
Line Clear was ordered to shut down.

Cari Kepah @ D' Bayan Mud Flats in Penang

I had nothing much to do before dinner so I went down to the beach to see activities there. At the beach there were people bending and digging on the mud flats. Most were families--mothers with young children and fathers. Some were still in their work clothes. They were very absorbed in their digging activities. I asked one of the men to show me his catch and asked him what it was that he was digging. He replied "Kepah". I asked how do the people eat it and his wife replied, "Boil it with serai and salt and dip it in sauce". I asked whether it is worth digging for kepah here and she replied "Yes, especially on weekdays as there are many more people on weekends. I asked him for the price of kepah at the local market but the man said he doesn't know.

Where the sewage meets the sea...

... kepah grows aplenty.

Even kids help out their mothers to dig for kepah.

Little mounds of dug mud on the mud flats.

Mud flats and sandbank.

Digging on the sandbank at low tide.

... with Pulau Jerejak in the background.

Start in the centre and scoop 2-3 inches deep in a circular manner. Expand the periphery with your legs wide apart till you feel like falling in the mud. Then pull out the kepah.

Kepah from the mud flats..., a delicacy of the local Malays on Penang island.