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. 

REWIND AND FAST FORWARD

Please use pencil in the cassette reel to rewind and fast forward

Year 2013 and I clocked 31 years of age. I was still working for others and still keep my dream on of working by myself instead. 2013 was the year of General Election 13 (GE13) for Malaysia. I cast a vote for winning side as calculated via Westminster System not by Popular Vote. Same with other rakyat marhaen, we have a mounted hope that the elected government deliver the desired result to the people. Not hopeless, hopefully. The year that saw Chelsea FC again hired Jose Mourinho as manager for second time and clinched third spot in the premier league. The year I was again transferred for fourth time in career and it was lateral move. I took it as challenge and positive in mindset.

Year 2014 and my age increased by one to 32. Maintained one wife and two kids and there were beautiful moments to have them grew up and cheer us up. Works still equal to routine and equivalent to less satisfaction. Chelsea won the premier league but unfortunately not progressed to the final of Champions League. The special one stayed and loved by the fans, players and team. It was the year I inked S&P agreement for first time for a piece of land enough for small family shelter. The weather of Malaysia politics were interesting, the ministers’ and politicians words which not prudent enough becoming troll and made parody. That we know some Malaysians have the creative side and sense of humour (not mentioned cannot easily be bluffed!). It was the viral era indeed.

On the other side, 2014 will be always remembered as a sad year for Malaysians and the rest of the world. It was memorial year for Malaysia Flight MH 370 and MH 17. Teary. Mystery. MH 370 bound for Beijing China in the calm night lost contact with the ATC at 1.22 a.m on 8 March 2014. The plane that never arrived to the destination neither had been found till now. Mystery remains and speculations keep mounting. There are still hopes that RIP could be meant as Return If Possible and 239 lives were presumed dead. While Flight MH 17 bound to KL from Amsterdam on 17 July 2014 was crashed in the conflict Russia-Ukraine border zone. Both side in conflicts and their proxies claimed pointing fingers each other on the accountability of get the plane shot down. 298 lives perished. It was fasting month and some of them intended for ‘balik kampung’ for Aidilfitri. Both MH aircraft type were Boeing 777-200ER and dates of incident coincidentally (or not?) matched the flight number. Our thoughts and prayers to MH 370 and MH 17. Al-Fatihah.

Foot Note: Favorite cassette tape during uni time. Precious Illusions!

IT'S NOT EASY

It's not east to get the momentum going. Indeed. Certain people only did it, they are called the men with success.
It's not easy for me to keep consistent 'istiqamah' move. Same happened to me in blogging. 3 years plus without postings is something that is not proud of, by myself. Deep down in my heart, writing still being the passion and I still had belief that it may lead me to something else that are real good for me.
3 years + (since my last posting on 15 Aug 2012) till now was another journey I endured and another chapter of life. A lot of challenges and tests came on my way. Many hurdles were faced and some were leaped over. Results were not always at of your desired. 
2016 is around the corner, the year of many peoples believe as difficult year to make living and make the ends meet. 2016 will see conflicts and tensions continue around the globe. The propaganda and conspiracy gong and gong. Some may fall and some may rise. I hope I become the latter.
Look back,assess them and get the right action. Keep moving and keep running. 

“Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up, it knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're the lion or a gazelle-when the sun comes up, you'd better be running". Quote by Cristopher McDougall, Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen.
"It's not easy" that must be changed. Must be get rid off. So that easy will come to your way. Easy man. 
This picture inspires me. Indeed.