BYE BYE 2015

I am 3 years past 30 in 2015. It is economy challenging year for the nation, company, businessmen and rakyat marhaen like me. Ringgit recorded the fresh lowest level of 4.4 against 1 USD in September 2015, the lowest in 17 years since 1998 crisis. A month before New Year 2015, government had started enforce that the retail fuel price at petrol pump to be floated monthly and subsidy had been removed. GST or (some called it Value Added Tax) was put effective by 1^st April 2015, April Fool thought not happened. The Brent crude oil price dropped significantly to USD 36 per barrel and indeed impact related industries, even at time before price make it to that figure. Some companies closed and downsized. Some MNCs withdraw and invest elsewhere more cheaper.  Job opportunities lessen. Unemployment rate rises. Ironically government keep on saying that we are not in deep shit and that our economy fundamental is strong with diversities (Maybe this is true). Ratings were made to convince this. Some mister ministers and politicians still do the irresponsible statements that of course in return backfire them. IMDB and 2.6B still lot questions than answers. TSMY finally made to the list of axed DPM in Malaysia history (the last was DSAI) after being too outspoken on 1MDB issues. Buying power decreases and cost of living increases. Both political divide still unable to convince me. For that I am not sure which side to cast my vote in the next ballot. 

While for career, this year would be a nationwide travelling year for me. Many Sabah and Sarawak places uncovered and I gained lot of experiences seeing places and meeting peoples. Career progression and benefit enhancement in the company are something that I would bear in mind to least expected and hoped for. Moreover with the current economy outlook (motivation sentences). 

In December 2015, Chelsea again sacked Jose Mourinho for second time with so-called mutual understanding. It is learnt that there is palpable discord between the manager and the players. Some may opine that the key players intentionally play below their level best to sabotage the special one departure. Watched the game and you may agreed.  I might not agreed with JM on the critics eventually departure of the lovely Dr EC Eva Carneiro in early season. EC might have cast spell on the Chelsea and JM doom (Haha). But Chelsea fans still love the special one so do I. And I am still Chelsea fans with Samsung shirt.

EC and JM in memories

In 2015 also, the influential Tuan Guru Datuk Nik Aziz bin Nik Mat passed away at age 84 on 12 Feb 2015. Tens of thousand attended his funeral and this really showed that the peoples had much respect to Allahyarham for his contributions and lifestyles. Alhamdulillah I met him and shake hands with him once at Permatang Pauh 6 years back. Al-Fatihah to Allahyarham. 

Paris attack on 13 Nov 2015 marks the major terrorist attack happened in 2015. It was reported that a coordinated suicide bombing and mass shooting by the attackers took place at Bataclan Theater, Stade de France, cafes and restaurants. Hostages were held at the theater and were threatened kill. 130 lives killed in the series of attacks while many others injured. As reported in the news, IS has claimed to be responsible for the attacks in return for revenge and retaliate over strikes at Syria and Iraq. 
Hajj Pilgrimage 1436H this year also saw two main incidents. The first incident came 10 days before Wukuf at Arafah. The crane collapsed at Masjidil Haram, Mekah leaves 107 muslims died and many more injured. It is learnt that the prior heavy rainfalls and strong winds had caused the collapse. The second incident which even worst was crush at Mina during pilgrims on their way performing 'stone the devil' at Jamarah. 717 peoples were reported died and hundreds injured. According to the sources, the incident occured when two large group of pilgrims from two different streets arrived and crushed at intersection. Allah gave us difficult tests and we must believe there are indeed 'hikmah' behind the tests.  
Another major air crash incident happened this year on 31 Oct 2015. This time it involved Metrojet Flight 9268 bound to St Petersburg, Russia and killed 224 lives mostly Russians. The crash site was at Sinai Peninsular Egypt. It was suspected that explosive device brought the plane down. Again, the news reported IS was responsible for the incident.
In domestic context, many would remembered the earthquake 6.0 magnitude that struck Sabah. The casualties of 18 peoples at Mount Kinabalu and half of them are Singaporean students and teachers. Numbers of Malaysian mountain guides (malim gunung) were also killed, they are (including those still survive) were hailed as heroes for putting great efforts in saving others lives.

2015 will leave me and you with the memories. It is good for us to rewind and fast forward. Important lessons shall be learnt and corrective action to be taken for us to progress in becoming better and better in all aspects of life. It is only journey in the world's life for us to get prepared for the more important hereafter. And for that, I say BYE BYE 2015.