AZAM TAHUN 2016

 Merenung keluar jendela. Bayu pagi meniup lembut. 

Assalamualaikum dunia, bangunlah semua. Pejam celik 2016 dah pun tiba. Tahun baru, azam pun kena perbaharui. Azam tahun lepas yang tak terlaksana pulak kena carry forward. Kira macam buku hutang lah nak kena setelkan.

Aku di tahun baru. Aku berharap tahun ini adalah turning point untuk aku mencapai segala impian tertangguh dan untuk semakin berjaya dalam hidup yang sangat mencabar. Dah tiba masanya aku realisasikan. Pakar-pakar mengatakan azam tahun baru ini kena betul-betul spesifik dan diperincikan. Dan setiap kali sampai 31hb Disember, semua azam kene review dan dinilai samada berjaya ataupun tidak, mencapai KPI ataupun tidak. Dalam konteks lebih kecil lagi, sebagai manusia kita seharusnya kerap bermuhasabah diri dan memperbaiki diri, seeloknya setiap malam sebelum tidur. Itulah proses meditasi dan refleksi sebenarnya.

Di awalan tahun baru, aku kerap sukar untuk tidur malam. Macam-macam difikirkan. Pasal diri sendiri, keluarga, kawan-kawan dan orang lain. Semuanya berputar-putar di dalam kepala otak aku sampai nak tidur pun susah. Nasib baik rambut aku nipis, jadi kuranglah sikit serabut. Haha. Bila situasi jadi macam ni, aku pun catit wishlist aku dalam smartphone aku yang selalu hang. Untuk disemat lebih dalam lagi di lubuk hati, aku tulis kat blog ni supaya azam-azam tu sentiasa diingati. 

 I BELIEVE I CAN FLY

Maka, dengan ini, Benhashim berazam untuk merealisasikan perkara-perkara berikut sebelum 31hb Disember 2016:

a. Memperbaiki diri sendiri dari aspek keperibadian, tingkah laku dan amalan agama untuk bekalan di dunia dan di akhirat. Meninggalkan dan tidak mengulangi perbuatan-perbuatan yang tidak baik. Yang spesifik biar aku simpan dalam nota peribadi aku ye.

b. Mengurangkan berat badan kepada 78kg dan mengamalkan budaya hidup sihat. Seterusnya dapat mengimbangi BMI semasa di tahap obesiti (walaupun takdelah gemuk sangat pun).

c. Konsisten dalam bidang penulisan khususnya di laman blog. Untuk blog, sekurang-kurangnya dua posting sebulan.

d. Memulakan perniagaan sendiri. Idea dah ada, cuma nak buat paper work dan bertindak pantas. Sama juga, yang lebih spesifik aku tulis dalam nota peribadi aku.

e. Menggembirakan hati emak, isteri, anak-anak dan ahli keluarga terdekat. Insya-Allah.

f. Memberi manfaat kepada kawan-kawan dan orang-orang lain. Insya-Allah.

Tulis azam pun sudah. Jadi yang paling penting adalah bertindak pantas dan sentiasa istiqamah. Amin. Selamat Tahun Baru 2016 dan Selamat Mencapai Semua Azam di atas. 

Pasangkan tali pinggang keledar anda. Awan ribut di hadapan. 

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. 

SALAM AIDILFITRI 1433H

Finally, ramadan comes to an end and syawal will turn up in a few days. We will miss ramadan and hoping all 'amal' and good deeds done accepted by Allah and will be giving chance for next ramadan, InsyaAllah. Aidilfitri 1433H and all muslims norm around Malaysia are having 'Balik Kampung' unique tradition. Talking bout balik kampung topic, I was touched when watching Bernas Hari Raya TV commercial which significantly awake peoples to appreciate the love value towards parents, family and friendships. This TVC value even amplifies me when the story connects to me: Segamat which is the journey destination is my hometown and I was an orphan before like the child (but never living in orphanage). The TVC entitled The Journey was a story of two orphans name Fizi and Ahmad living in orphanage who about to celebrate Aidilfitri lonely without almost of their colleagues and last minute plan for celebration at Ahmad's hometown. The former was blind boy while the latter was deaf boy with speaking impairment. As typical raya season, all tickets for buses and trains during festive eve were sold out which lead them to 'hitchhike' lorry driven by good samaritan. The commercial director successfully inserted emotional conflicts where the passers-by seeing these boys searching for tickets with disappointment not getting the tickets but still Fizi character remained enthusiasm and getting excited for raya. We seen no one of the passers-by approached and spoken to them. Also, the director seems intentionally create the taxi driver character which seems less sympathy towards the disabled orphan condition by requesting RM 10 for short distance as claimed, yet the director leave the questionnaires on how much the boy eventually paid or maybe getting FOC after Ahmad prompted Fizi to ask for 'Minta diskaun'. I strongly felt that I have been at the area especially the bus station and rail station. Checking thru internet, the commercial may took place somewhere at Gemas based on the phone numbers at bus counter. Yet again, the lorry driver dialogue mentioning 'Segamat banyak jauh tau' may leave another question on the actual place. Viewers may trapped in tremendous emotion to believe that Ahmad mother's still alive and they are about to visit her and celebrate aidilfitri at her house where ironically the twist ended with Ahmad was only visiting her late mother grave. I am sobbing seriously to watch the ending. Let's enjoy the commercial and see if you can hold the tears. 

 

Salam Aidilfitri 1433H. Maaf Zahir dan Batin.

7 RAMADAN

Macam biasalah, di bulan ramadan ni, banyak stesyen tv yang menyiarkan drama sedih dan menyayat hati untuk dijadikan tauladan. Salah satu daripadanya adalah drama berjudul 7 Ramadan di TV3. Bukan isi ceritanya yang menyentuh kalbu aku tetapi judul ceritanya yang mengingatkan aku kepada kisah lama yang berlaku.

Ini kisah benar tentang persahabatan. Aku punya seorang kawan sekelas bernama Muhammad Izrin bin Ibrahim yang aku kenal semenjak masuk ke universiti. Hubungan aku dan dia boleh dikatakan akrab walaupun hanya selepas setahun menjalin persahabatan. Ade chemistry antara aku dan dia yang membolehkan kami berkongsi cerita dan masalah, studi sama2, dengar radio (masa tu ade slot cite hantu dan kisah benar di THR) sampai ke pagi, melewar di JB town, kerja part time sama2 dan banyak lagi. Housemate and classmate panggil Izrin ni dengan nama Jamal sebab masa tu dia bawak motor Kawasaki Kips macam dalam filem lama Jamal Abdillah (cerite Azura). Dia ni boleh dikatakan gila motor jugak sebab selalu test rempit dengan kawan2 tapi test suka2 jek tak sampai la tahap betting. Kereta pun dia bantai bawak laju jugak, member2 kate kene mengucap dulu sebelum naik kereta dengan dia. Hehe. Nilai yang baik pada Jamal ni dia adaptive to environment tak kire la geng2 surau ke, geng2 moderate ke ataupun geng2 hantu. Friendship aku dengan dia plus sorang schoolmate aku jugak telah menjebakkan kami ke dunia bisnes semasa universiti iaitu pesta konvokesyen. Dengan bantuan sebuah kedai sport kat Skudai, kami buka gerai jual pakaian dan barang2 sukan. Memang susah nak percaya dengan 3 hari berniaga sahaja, kitorang dapat RM 2100 untung bersih (bahagi tiga dapat la RM 700 seorang). Itu salah satu memori berharga aku bersama Jamal.

Memendekkan cerita, umur Jamal tak panjang dan meninggal dunia akibat kemalangan di bulan ramadan tahun 2002. Aku masih ingat dia pergi pada 7 Ramadan ketika umat Islam baru selesai berbuka puasa dan bersiap untuk solat Tarawih. Memori terakhir adalah di kala kami semua berbuka puasa bersamanya di rumah sewa dan dia sendiri mengagihkan kuih buah melaka kepada kawan2 sebagai juadah berbuka sejurus sebelum Jamal meninggalkan rumah sewa untuk kembali ke kolej. Jamal terlibat kemalangan apabila motornya bertembung dengan sebuah van yang nak masuk simpang dan meninggal dunia di pangku sahabat ketika dalam perjalanan ke HSA di dalam ambulanks. Aku sempat bersama arwah ketika dia dalam keadaan koma dan sedang dirawat di klinik berdekatan sebelum ambulans datang. Darah di kepalanya yang melimpah membuatkan doktor klinik pun panik untuk memberikan rawatan awal. Satu episod yang sangat menyedihkan apabila keluarganya dari Melaka sampai ke hospital dan dimaklumkan Jamal dah meninggal dunia, tak dapat digambarkan tangisan dari mak bapak arwah yang sangat menghibakan. Serombongan bas dari universiti memberikan penghormatan terakhir kepada arwah yang dikebumikan di bumi kebanggaan arwah, Jasin Melaka.

Al-Fatihah untuk Allahyarham Muhammad Izrin bin Ibrahim. Moga rohnya dicucuri rahmat dan ditempatkan bersama golongan orang yang beriman. Moga2 keluarga arwah dah kembali pulih dan tenang selepas 10 tahun pemergiannya. Amin.

RAMADHAN MUBARAK 1433H

Alhamdulillah, Ramadhan datang lagi tahun ini dan sekali lagi kita diberikan peluang untuk beribadat kepada Allah dan menyempurnakan amalan yang hanya diperoleh setahun sekali sahaja. Kesyukuran kepada yang maha agung kerana hanya dengan kurniaannya keampunan bisa dipanjatkan di dalam bulan yang mulia ini dan menyucikan hati yang kotor. Bila aku bermuhasabah, besar benar rezeki yang tuhan telah kurniakan kepadaku, ahli keluargaku dan sekelian umat manusia. Ramai yang tidak berpeluang bertemu dengan ramadhan, dan ramai juga yang tidak sempat menghabiskan bulan ini (seperti tahun-tahun sebelum ini). Aku bersyukur...

Ramadhan kali ini aku tetapkan beberapa sasaran untuk dipenuhi. Tahun-tahun yang lepas, tak pernah aku register officially sasaran hanya berbisik di dalam hati. Tapi tahun ini, memandangkan aku pun dah mula berblogging, aku pun write n register untuk menguatkan lagi azam aku mencapai sasaran ditetapkan. Pertamanya, pengisian ramadhan di siang hari dengan aktiviti mendengar ceramah agama, membaca Al-Quran dan meneliti tafsirannya. Keduanya, pengisian ramadhan di waktu malamnya dengan solat terawih dan solat sunat. Tahun-tahun sebelumnya solat terawih aku masih banyak yang lopong dan sukar dipenuhi dek pengaruh hawa nafsu. Ketiganya, sasaran untuk bertemu dengan Lailatul Qadar dan beramal ibadat di malam ini yang lebih baik dari seribu bulan. Rasa-rasanya dalam seumur hidup aku, masih belum berjumpa dengan malam ini, selalunya mesti miss dan bila bangun pagi dengar orang-orang tua dan kawan-kawan bercerita berjumpa dengan malam ini, rasa semacam frust jek. Dan yang keempat dan terakhir, untuk mengurangkan berat badan aku. Pada 1 Ramadhan 1433H, berat aku adalah 85.5 kg dan target untuk turun kepada 80 kg. Adakah berjaya??

Dalam mengaplikasikan pendekatan muhasabah dan check n balance, setelah habis bulan Ramadhan, aku akan hantar posting tentang pencapaian aku terhadap sasaran yang ditetapkan di atas. Kita akan lihat samada istiqamah dan konsisten boleh dikekalkan sepanjang bulan Ramadhan Al-Mubarak ini dan dipanjangkan kepada bulan-bulan yang lain. Selamat datang Ramadhan Al-Mubarak 1433H.