Assalamualaikum 29 Februari 2016

Assalamualaikum By Faizal Tahir

Apa yang ku lihat ini?
Mengapa hanya video bunuh sana sini
Di kaca TV, dalam internet, di FB
Hanya darah dan air mata

Ramai yang hina agama ku
Terasa bakar di jiwa ku
Can't believe there are people like this!
Can't believe we are living like this!

Apa kita hanya
Terima sahaja?

Assalamualaikum Dunia
Bangunlah semua
Lihatlah pada diri kita
Semua serupa

Damailah manusia
Kita bersaudara
Assalamualaikum Dunia
Assalamualaikum Dunia

Assalamualaikum!
Damai pada dunia!
Assalamualaikum!

Warna kulit, kaum, asal usul
Jangan menilai hanya pada rupa
Adakah matamu
Mengatasi akalmu?

Satu untuk semua (Satu untuk semua!)
Semua untuk satu (Semua untuk satu!)
I believe we are better than this
We could all be better than this

Apa kita hanya berdiam sahaja?

Benar aku
Benar ku slalu bersalah
Selalu terleka
Dan ku sedari semua

Ampuni ku
Ampuni ku yang berdosa
Ku berubah hari ini untuk kamu

Assalamualaikum Dunia
Bangunlah semua
Damailah!
Damailah manusia
Kita bersaudara
Assalamualaikum Dunia
Assalamualaikum Dunia

Damailah manusia
Kita bersaudara
Assalamualaikum Dunia

Damailah pada kamu semua

Assalamualaikum dunia. Hari ini bukan hari yang biasa-biasa sahaja, hanya setiap 4 tahun sekali kita jumpa 29 Februari 2016. What a special day especially to those celebrate birthday and anniversary today. 

Lirik lagu Assalamualaikum ni agak simple tetapi bisa menjentik hati manusia. Walaupun melodi agak catchy, mesej yang hendak disampaikan adalah sangat besar. Sesungguhnya semua manusia itu adalah sama dan yang membezakannya adalah iman dan amal. Semuanya diciptakan oleh tuhan yang satu. Mengapa kita hendak bergaduh, hendak berperang sana sini? Because we all live under the same sun, we all walk under the same moon, then why, why can't we live as one? Lumrah manusia melakukan kesilapan. Yang penting kena sedar dan segera berubah. Tidak perlu memandang rendah kepada orang lain, peminta sedekah, orang fakir miskin. Pandanglah dengan kasih sayang. Selalulah kita insafi bila melihat umat manusia di luar sana yang hidup berperang dan dalam kedaifan yang amat sangat. Pandanglah mata hati.

Klip video rasmi (Official video) lagu Assalamualaikum ni menarik. Tapi persembahan Faizal Tahir masa Anugerah Juara Lagu 30 lagi sarat dengan mesej. Background video tunjuk pelbagai ragam manusia di serata dunia dan fokus utama peperangan kat Timur Tengah. 

Kat penghujung lagu tu memang sebak bila video tunjuk seorang kanak-kanak yang sangat istimewa ditanya oleh seorang lelaki (rasanya Faizal Tahir sendiri):

Faizal: How long haven't you eaten in?

Kanak-kanak: Two days.

Faizal: What would you like to eat?

Kanak-kanak: Bread.

Faizal: How long haven't you eaten bread in?

Kanak-kanak: A long time.

Faizal: Are you hungry?

Kanak-kanak: Yes.

Faizal: What are you eating now?

Kanak-kanak: We are eating grass.

Faizal: You're eating grass? Allah is the greatest. 

Mohon kita doakan sama-sama supaya umat Islam yang diuji di luar sana beroleh kekuatan luar biasa dan mendapat rahmat daripada Allah. Moga-moga juga umat Islam di Malaysia dan di luar sana yang hidup jauh lebih baik daripada mereka beroleh kekuatan untuk menyalurkan bantuan sewajarnya. Pasti sesungguhnya Allah Maha Mengetahui bagi sesuatu yang ditakdirkannya. Kadang-kadang air mata perlu gugur supaya hati rasa syukur. 

InsyaAllah jumpa lagi 29 Februari 2020, 4 tahun lagi di kala Malaysia sudah menjadi negara maju. Amin. 

A Beautiful Mind

A Beautiful Mind is one of my all time favourite movie. Upon watching this film, it inspires me to work more harder and believe in miracles. 

The film is all about the genius John Nash, true story of the professor who won Nobel Prize for his contribution in mathematics and economics. It started with 1940s background where depicted John Nash played by Russel Crowe pursuing his study at Princeton University struggling to come out with the theory paper, which eventually he did succeed to qualify for doctorate. The way the character is build up in this film, portray himself as a genius, nerdy and psychopath. There is line in the movie that describe himself as born with two brains but half heart. To me, the way he derived the formulas by writing on the mirror was wonderful scenes in this film. Apart from the colleagues, he befriended with imaginary friends which were his prodigy roommate during campus time, secret agent upon he clinched doctorate and a girl. The plot gets thickens as he ''get involved" in government top secret, code breaking activities and Russian things via his imaginary secret agent. The delusions happened up to the stage of he cutting the newspapers pieces and search for code combination in newspaper in attempt to decoding codes. His wife which was his former student at MIT eventually found out his dark secret, together with his colleagues. They seek for specialist check and he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and delusions. It was indeed dramatics when his wife try to convinced him the real of existence, putting her hand on his heart and his hand on her face and said 'this is real'. Her wife also convinced him that all of his imaginary friends never gets old as his age grows, a girl remaining a girl and his prodigy roommate still remained in his 20s. Eventhough subscribed to the medication but the delusions still happening. He managed to have control over his mental state and returned as a lecturer to his alma mater Princeton University. He finally said bye bye to all of his imaginary friends comes on his way everyday and then. It was made to understand in real that he still assumed as professor in the university before he died of car accident at age 86 in 2015. 

From the eyes to the brain cells

How was the narrated movie inspire me at first place? It happens due to my hobby as a collector of great words and inspiration phrases. Such words were in this movie and one of the phrase I have kept as a guideline in works with regards to the teamwork. The lines was uttered in the movie when the struggled John Nash finally successfully triggered his brain cells to worked out his paper. 

The second inspiration was the true loyalty of his wife (in the film) to stand by her husband eventhough he had serious mental illness problems. That is great virtues of great wife. In real life, I have experience met a man with the schizophrenic problems during campus time, he can be easily seen as talking and reacting by himself to nobody but I was not sure his true level of genius neither where he is now. Importantly I learnt, that we should not be avoided to know with this special people which surely great experience will come upon us.

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.