For Members Only
www.soalgm.@yahoogroups.com
Senior Officers Association (SOA)
Persatuan Pegawai Pegawai Kanan
Lembaga Getah Malaysia
Message from
the President
As the year draws its curtain to a
close, perhaps it is a good time for
us to sit down and hit the replay
button to see what we have done or
achieved over a period of 12
months. I am quite sure by now
most of us have already been
assessed and evaluated by our
bosses on our achievements over
that period of time.
Some will pass with flying colours and their good report card will
hopefully carry some mileage in term of recognitions and rewards.
On the other hand, some unlucky mortals, of which normally
perceived as a mediocre, will have to improve and do some fine-
tuning here and there in order to be in the hall of fame the coming
year. And of course for a short period of time, we will hear
grumbling, bitching and whining from the unlucky mortals,
presumably for missing the opportunity to climb up the stage and
having their photo taken and published in Berita LGM. That was
the normal scene we witnessed if we play the tape over and over
again.
Having said all the above however was not the point here. What
intrigued and never failed to fascinate me most was looking at the
way the assessment was being carried out. Some of us, while
carrying out the deed has somehow forgotten their role and
hijacked the role that was rightly and supposedly done by God.
We determined the fate of our buddies and how their future would
be. Having spent almost sixteen years in LGM, I have seen, heard
and experienced this predicament myself. Let us remind ourselves
to be more objective and utmost fairness when carrying out our
duty. But again, for the unlucky mortals, please don’t be despair,
as I always believed the reward would come in another form, if
not here then it will be in the life after.
Throughout the year, SOALGM has actively organised many
activities for the members. A teambuilding activity in Bkt. Tinggi
recently was among the one that attracted many young members
to join. Despite the earthquake that almost disrupted our activities,
I heard everybody enjoyed the outing and benefited so much from
the program. I was stranded in Kuantan and totally missed the fun.
But blaming the flood was like putting the blame to God. Looking
at the brighter side and having trapped for two days, for the
1
Issue 5/December 2007
second time, in the same place and for the same reason has given
me the opportunity to clear my mind a little bit, and hopefully
with this cleared mind I can see things in a new perspective. This
was quite significant to me especially, as previously my vision
was quite blurred by the haze that clouds our organization.
Many more activities are on the way especially for the members
in the coming quarter. These activities were planed
meticulously by our committed EXCOs in order to create as
much opportunity as possible for the members to get together, to
know and to understand each other better. We took note that
some of our members were too busy with their work and trapped
in their offices or laboratories to the extent that social life was
almost impossible or unheard of. To fight their boredom and also
to give some relief to those who were trapped or purposely
trapped themselves for some unknown reason only God knows,
SOALGM activities can be the solution to their prayers.
Talking about research and premier research organization, this
reminded me the word of wisdom from one of my mentors, of
which took me sometime to “see” and understand. Research is
not glamorous. Research is seeking for knowledge and
technologies. Research is service, sacrifice, conviction, patience,
devotion and pain. When researchers do not see rewards, the
heart to do active research is extinguished, and the man is
“research-dead”. Being near to a laboratory does not make one a
researcher. If the heart is closed, one does not wish to understand
anymore. If one has no heart, the brain cannot make an ideal. No
amount of training or retraining will tune dead heart. Today we
can see in our organization the trend. Researchers had
unconsciously evolved into “research managers” or worst
“pseudo-scientists”. It was a sad thing to see this thing happen
to our organization. Put aside you belief, your background or
your personal grouses and let us together do something
meaningful to put our organization back into its rightful place as
a respected premiere research institute it used to be.
Happy New Year!
Shamsul Bahri Abdul Razak, SOALGM President
 Berita SOA
MRB Received the Public Services Innovation Penganugerahan Pingat Khidmat Cemerlang
2007 Awards Masyarakat (P.M.C)

Pada 25hb. Oktober 2007 bersamaan 13 Syawal 1428H, En.

Shamsuri b. Mohd Hidir seorang pegawai penyelidik yang
bertugas di Unit Pembaikan dan Perlindungan Tanaman (UPPT)
telah di anugerahkan Pingat Khidmat Cemerlang Masyarakat
(P.M.C) di Majlis Istiadat Pengurniaan Darjah Kebesaran kali ke-
4 oleh Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Yang Di-Pertuan Besar
Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus. En. Shamsuri b. Mohd Hidir
telah berkhidmat sebagai Pengarah Wilayah Tengah di Negeri
Dr Mohd Akbar Md Said, DDG (R&I) (second from right) received the AIPB award Sembilan bermula pada 1hb. Oktober 2006 hingga 1hb. Julai
from Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan, Chief Secretary to the Government (left)
2007. Semasa bertugas di Negeri Sembilan, beliau bersama-sama
dengan kakitangan Wilayah Tengah telah meneruskan usaha
The committee of the prestigious Public Services Innovation dalam menjayakan berbagai projek LGM di Negeri Sembilan
Award for the year 2007 had recognised the Malaysian Rubber demi untuk kepentingan pengusaha getah di negeri tersebut.
Board's innovation "The G-Flex Canister" as one of the top five Mengenangkan taat setia dan jasa kepada Duli Yang Maha Mulia
recipients in the category of "Collaborative Research between the Tuanku Yang Di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus
Public and Private Sectors Innovation Awards (AIPB)". The G- dan Negeri Sembilan, maka beliau telah dianugerahkan pingat
Flex Canister was the result of a joint effort between MRB and Khidmat Cemerlang Masyarakat (P.M.C).
Hateg Corporation Sdn Bhd. On 29 October 2007, Tan Sri Mohd
Sidek bin Hassan, Chief Secretary to the Government presented
the awards at the Public Services Innovation Award Presentation
Ceremony in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. MRB was represented by Dr
Mohd Akbar bin Md Said, the Deputy Director General
(Research and Innovation). MRB received a cash of RM 10,000,
a trophy and a certificate of acknowledgement while Harteg was Penerimaan Pingat P.M.C
presented with a trophy and a certificate. di Istana Besar, Sri
Menanti, Negeri Sembilan.
The G-Flex Canister is a component of the rubber trees
stimulation system called G-Flex which supplies ethylene gas to
the tree aimed at increasing yield. The system consists of an easy-
to-manage Inflatable and Collapsible Container (ICC), sealant, a
plastic tube joined to a one-way valve and a canister containing
pressurised liquidised ethylene gas which will revert to gas when
in use. The canister is refillable and each unit is able to stimulate Welcome On Board
up to 3,000 trees.
SOA LGM welcomes the following new officers on board of
The AIPB award was first introduced in 1993 following a Malaysian Rubber Board:
decision made in 1992 by the Panel on Public Administration Name Date of Appt. Unit
Improvement. Recipients of the award are acknowledged of their Ab. Latif bin Dalib 1 Feb 2007 BPP
collaborative efforts to commercialise findings or products from Abdul Malik bin 1 Feb 2007 Wilayah Timur -
the public sector research institutions. A total of 32 innovations Ismail Kuantan
were submitted for the AIPB award in 2007. 1 Feb 2007 Wilayah Selatan
Zainuddin bin Roji
- Melaka
LGM Homepage www.lgm.gov.my
HU U

Abdul Karim bin Abu 1 Feb 2007

UIP
Bakar
Hairul Irwan bin 1 Feb 2007
Did You Know…. MRE
Jamaluddin
Mohd Azafi bin Kee 1 Feb 2007
=3.14159 26535 89793 23846 26433 83279 50288 UPF
Mohd Idris
41971 69399 37510 58209 74944 59230 78164 06286
20899 86280 34825 34211 70679 82148 08651 32823 ... Maslina binti Salleh 1 Mac 2007 AHM
Ahmad Fakri Zaki bin
18 Jun 07 UEP
Samad
Shafizal bin Yusof 2 Julai 2007 UEPr

2
 Majlis Bersama Jabatan
Name Date of Appt. Unit
Wong Hon Fei 16 Julai 2007 UKRP Majlis Bersama Jabatan (MBJ) telah diadakan pada 18 September
Veronica Charlotte 2007 di mana beberapa perkara berikut telah dibincangkan:
16 Julai 2007 UPP
a/p Arokiaraj
Khaw Pei Chin 16 Julai 2007 UTGT 1. Yuran Keahlian Persatuan/Pertubuhan Professional
Lee Jiang Jun 16 Julai 2007 UKRP (berkaitan dengan bidang tugas)
Muhammad Umar Pihak pengurusan (PP) telah bersetuju untuk mempertimbangkan
23 Julai 2007 UKRP memberi bantuan bayaran kepada yuran keahlian RO yang (dan
bin Zulkefli
Mahmud Iskandar ingin) menyertai sesuatu persatuan berkaitan bidang tugas.
23 Julai 2007 UKRP Justeru itu pihak SOALGM diminta untuk mendapatkan
bin Seth A. Rahim
Aziana binti Abu maklumat dari ahli-ahli tentang keperluan tersebut bagi tindakan
01 Ogos 2007 USTL PP.
Hassan
Aimi Izyana binti Tindakan : Sila hantar nama pegawai, nama persatuan serta
01 Ogos 2007 UPPC justifikasi berkaitan tugas yang ingin disertai kepada pihak
Ismail
Ahmad Idzfar bin SOALGM (En. Shahrir) untuk diajukan kepada PP. Tarikh tutup
01 Ogos 2007 UAD 30 September 2007.
Che Azhar
Salihin bin
01Ogos 2007 UKP Ed: Nota tambahan—beberapa ahli SOA telah memohon kepada
Marlizan
UPSM berkenaan perkara di atas. UPSM telah memaklumkan
Hanim binti
06 Ogos 2007 UKP bahawa:
Mohamed Yusof
a. Pegawai Kanan digalakkan menyertai
Shaikh Mohd
persatuan/pertubuhan di luar LGM khususnya yang
Hizami bin Shaikh 3 Sept 2007 WU-Ipoh
berkaitan dengan industri getah.
Abd Hadi b. Penglibatan dalam aktiviti pertubuhan/persatuan
Muhammad hendaklah terbatas, di luar waktu pejabat, tidak
Zahidin bin 3 Sept 2007 WS-Segamat menggunakan peralatan pejabat serta tidak menjejaskan
Razman perkhidmatan.
Mohd Hakimi bin c. LGM hanya akan menjelaskan yuran keahlian
3 Sept 2007 UPPT
Ahmad Zainudin (pendaftaran dan tahunan) terhad kepada seorang atau
Mohamed Helmy dua Pegawai kanan yang aktif atau terpilih dalam
1 Nov 2007
bin Maarof UPT Jawatankuasa sahaja.
Mohamad Akmal d. SOA calonkan nama-nama Pegawai Kanan yang layak
1 Nov 2007
bin Abdul Rahim USTL dan nama Persatuan/Pertubuhan yang hendak
dianggotai kepada UPSM untuk tindakan selanjutnya.
Selamat Bersara
2. DPRIM (Diploma of Plastic & Rubber Institute of
SOALGM ingin mengucapkan berbanyak terima kasih di atas Malaysia)
segala jasa yang telah dicurahkan oleh pegawai-pegawai yang Cadangan dari pihak SOALGM untuk tidak menghadkan syarat
telah bersara di dalam tahun 2007. Moga maju jaya di alam penyertaan oleh RO yang belum disahkan di dalam jawatan
persaraaan. diterima oleh pihak PP, dengan SYARAT bayaran pendaftaran
ditanggung oleh RO (berlum disahkan) yang berminat. Untuk
Nama Unit Tarikh keterangan lanjut sila berhubung dengan Presiden atau En.
Persaraan Shahrir.
Abd Aziz bin Youp
Kamaruddin UUPK 30/01/2007 …MBJ bersambung di muka 29
Zainul Abdin bin
Maidunny, Dr UPPE 20/04/2007
Mohd Akib bin Mohd
Yusoff UEP 28/06/2007
Mustapha bin Ngah,
Dr UMNT 3/7/2007
Takziah
Md Aris bin Ahmad,
SOALGM ingin mengucapkan takziah kepada Pn. Kartini Alias
Dr UTGT 3/9/2007
(UPB) yang kehilangan anak sulung beliau pada bulan November
Ahmad Ikram bin
lepas. Al-Fatihah.
Abdul Jalil, Dr UMNT 16/09/2007
Loh Pang Chai UUPK 8/12/2007
Nor Aishah bt Abd.
Aziz UMNT 22/12/2007

3
 SOA Activities
SOA Annual Dinner (13 July 2007)

Al Diafa Restaurant, Sri Petaling menjadi tempat SOALGM menjamu selera bagi Majlis Makan Malam Tahunannya kali ini. Tema
MM adalah “Arabian Style” di mana tetamu digalakkan memakai pakaian Arab/Timur Tengah pilihan masing-masing. Kebanyakan
memilih pakaian dari cerita “1001 Malam” atau “Aladdin, Disney”. Makanan yang disaji terdiri dari kambing panggang yang diletak
di atas nasi beryani, ayam panggang dan berbagai lagi makanan ala Timur Tengah.

Mujurlah (atau tidak, bergantung kepada kesukaan anda) tiada tarian gelek yang selalu dibayangkan jika diadakan majlis ala Timur
Tengah. Terdapat beberapa orang “penari” lelaki dari SOA yang berangan menjadi penari gelek tetapi tidak “menjadi”. Hiburan bukan
sekadar dengan “penari lelaki SOA”, terdapat juga orkestra yang mendengdangkan lagu-lagu Arab.

Tidak lengkap MM SOA tanpa acara Cabutan Bertuah, penyampaian hadiah dan quiz. Tidak ramai yang berputih mata pada malam itu
memandangkan terdapat berbagai-bagai hadiah dan hamper disediakan untuk dimenangi.

Acara kemuncak adalah pemilihan “Prince and Princess of the Nite”. Rakan kita En. Roland Ngeow Yen Wan (Rubber Products
Factory) telah dipilih sebagai “Prince” manakala Cik Siti Salina Sarkawi (UTGT) sebagai “Princess”.

Pendek kata, bagi yang hadir, malam tersebut sungguh menyeronokkan dan bagi yang tidak hadir, moga dapat hadir bersama rakan-
rakan SOA yang lain.

**Gambar-gambar dipaparkan di muka surat yang berikutnya**

Ed.

DDDDDDDDDDDD

Sports do not build character. Courage is doing what you're afraid to do.
They reveal it. There can be no courage unless you're scared.
Heywood Broun US journalist (1888 - 1939)
H H
Eddie Rickenbacker
HU UH

US WWI aviator & businessman (1890

- 1973)

SOALGM EXCO 2006/2008

President : Dr Shamsul Bahari Abdul Razak
V. President : Pn. Siti Hawa Sulong
Maybe Obsolete Tomorrow.
May not be Good Enough Today,
What may be Best Yesterday,

When the last river is polluted,

Hon. Sec. Gen : En Sharir Mohd. Salleh
Asst. Hon. Sec. Gen: Pn. Sriyati Hamid When the last tree is cut,
Treasurer : En Junaidi Ismail
And when the last fish is caught,
Education Sec. : Cik Siti Salina Sarkawi
Social Sec. : Pn. Dazylah Darji Then we realise that we cannot eat
Sports Sec. : Cik Nor Hidayati Kamarulzaman
Committee : Pn. Roslinda Sajari
Members En. Ong Chin Wei When a politician says, "Let me
Pn. Nik Intan Nik Ismail make something perfectly
Pn. Hashimah Idris
clear," remember that he
usually won't.
Just as you began to feel that you could make
good use of time, there was no time left to you.
Lisa Alther
H

4
5
6
7
8
 SOA Team Building, Colmar Tropicale,
Bukit Tinggi (14-15 Dec 2007)
SOA organized a trip for its members to Colmar Tropicale at Syahidah (UKA) was the Best Men and Women Bowler
Bukit Tinggi recently. This was not just a trip, but an exercise in respectively. Just to note, they both were from Group 1 (yay!!).
team building for its members. Twenty eight members
participated of which 39% were made of ROs who recently The Karaoke session didn’t pan out coz the staff for the lounge
joined LGM (I’m guessing that the older members could not had apparently gone to bed early. Besides that, all of us were
make it due to familial commitments as it was the school knackered and gladly went to our beds for a good nights rest.
holidays).
The much anticipated “Paint Ball War” was conducted on the 2nd
Eventhough it rained/”snowed” most of the time while we were day. Among all of us, only Roland and Nazarudin had any
there, all activities pressed on with minor hitches here and there. experience with the activity. We were briefed on safety measures
As soon as we arrived and checked in, we had our group pictures and regulations of the game. I didn’t participate in it coz I can’t
taken on the picturesque wooden bridge in front of the resort. We for the life of me run so I resigned to watching the others deck it
were then bussed directly to the Japanese/Botanical Gardens for out from a high vantage point, but soon it began to rain again. So
the first activity-- Mini Explore Race. Ong and I decided to go bowling instead. I heard the others had
tonnes of fun. Some got shot in the butt and arms but there were
There, we were divided into four groups of 5-6 members each no real casualties. During the long wait for the bus for the trip
(see table). The moment we got the questionnaires from Intan, back to Colmar, everybody was dissecting the moment by
Yati and Salina, each team went into a mad rush to find out the moment of the “war”; who got shot where (with bruises as
answers to the questions in hand. Some of us “pancit-ed”, yours trophies), who shot who, who got the flag etc, etc.
truly included, coz the terrain was rather challenging. Bonus
points were rewarded to the group that had their picture taken at A mad rush to lunch and checking out (with another session of
the check point in the Japanese Garden and to the group who “basuh badan”—eh Junaidi?) ensued. The crowd at the resort had
finds the “Golden/Wooden Key”. swelled three times since we left after breakfast for the Paint Ball
War. We were lucky to have the resort almost to ourselves the
Group Team Members day before.
Ahmad Fakri
Lee Jiang Jun The last activity of the weekend was a game of Sudoku which
Group 1 Nurul Syahidah was such a brain twister that I could only give morale support to
Safiah my team mates. Thank God we won, Group 1 that is…yay again!
Siti NorQamarina
Siti Shazwani Prizes were handed out to the champs. The summary of the
Mahmud Iskandar results are as follows:
Roland
Group 2 Rohani Group 1 2 3 4
Nurmi Rahayu Xplore 4 3 1 2
Aziana Race
Muhamad Umar WLD 2 3 1 4
Shafizal Bowling 4 1 3 2
Group 3 Murnita Paint Ball 2 2 4 3
Nursaraliza Sudoku 4 3 1 2
Noor Liana Total 16 12 10 13
Nazarudin
Nor Mayati Safiah Atan (Group 1…yay!!)
Group 4 Norlee
Aimi Iziyana
Muhd Hakimi
Sharon
After dinner and “basuh badan” as Junaidi puts it, we participated
in the game “Win, Lose or Draw”. Here we discovered some
budding artistes and some lousy ones (hahahaa….jangan mare
ye). There was a show down between Grp 2 and 4 and Grp 4
came out as the winner. Next, was the “SOA Bowling
Tournament” at the Bukit Tinggi Hill Resort Sports Centre.

The tournament was a good exercise as budding bowlers were Group picture taken before going to the Botanical Garden
earmarked for the upcoming 2008 MARS games. In this segment, for the Mini Xplore Race
Group 1 was the champs with Mohd. Fakri (UEP) and Nurul
9
10
 Coretan Ahli
The Coolest Kursus Induksi 17-27 April 2007

Hola…In midst of getting the nods of approval for conformation into

their posts, 23 LGMians (11 officers and 12 kumpulan sokongan 1)
have been sent to participate ‘sukapaksa’ to an induction course, the
Kursus Induksi at Hotel Impian Morib, Selangor. Lots of sweet and
not so sweet memories were collected in the quest of fulfilling the
requirements for conformation. We’ve endured so many sleepless
nights and mountains of assignments. Nevertheless, the LGMians had
showed true commitments and dove to the challenges (now I’m
exaggerating). It was proved when the lot of us showed up with bags
under our eyes (studying for the Induksi’s exam). Here are some
pictures of the sweet memories to be shared...
All participants with their smiles of satisfaction after their
‘intense discussion’ with UPSM
Hmm…Lunch is
still far away… Even if everybody
better get some ran to and fro for
rest, to keep the their lunch, we
energy for still and would
tonight’s always have an
revision. affinity for posing
merrily in front of
camera…

En. Naini had a

brief discussion
with the Induksi Ahh…The
participants. My soothing
friend and I stifled scenery…Never
an urge to tell him failed to raise our
our ‘not so sweet stressed spirit in
memories’ completing the
assignments.

Well, I daresay Never underestimate

that LGM is “Women Power”.
world’s best Women have proved
rubber research they are good leaders.
institute! Women rules!

Raihan’s response
You all go first. Azura
when asked how’s life
and I will conquer the
after the Cari Menantu
world after we finish
program? Are you
our supper…
participating in other
tv reality program?

11
 No doubt Shazwani had had
enough of tea and snacks.
Evidences were on the coffee
table. All glasses and plates
were all hers!
We have been told that ALL of us had successfully passed the
“Kursus Induksi”. Congratulations to all participants. We’ve made it
guys! A token of appreciation is dedicated to the UPSM for their
excellent work of providing us a place in the Kursus Induksi. We also
built a ‘networking of contact’ with various govenrments ageincies
which also took part in the Kursus Induksi. Please have a peek into
our very own blog:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Coolest_induksi_group/
HU U
Azlina Bahri
Merdeka Day – my experience
At 6.00 pm on 30 August 2007, my son and I took the LRT to Masjid
Jamek to join Malaysia’s 50th birthday bash. As we stepped down
from the station, we could feel the festive atmosphere with people
from all walks of life coming for the celebration. Being early, we
stopped over to have teh tarik and daun pisang dinner.
After dinner, we walked to Merdeka Square, ready for the best
Merdeka celebration ever. We found a nice spot, facing the gigantic
screen. There were already thousands and thousands of Malaysians
coupled with few hundreds of foreigners. We bought some kacang
putih and mineral water and joined in the singing of patriotic songs.
It was a wonderful and historic feeling, Malaysians gathering in one
spirit. We sang patriotic songs such as Keranamu Malaysia, Tanggal
31 Ogos, Perajurit Tanah Air or Inilah Barisan Kita, Putra Putri,
Malaysia Boleh, Muhibbah and Jalur Gemilang. I had goosebumps
over and over again and the patriotic feeling was at its highest level.
My son, beside me kept nudging me not to sing so loud (probably he
has not seen this side of me), but I explained to him how I felt and
towards the tail end before countdown, he was joining me in a subtle
way (probably not cool for guys his age to be patriotic). Ten minutes
before countdown, the atmosphere was explosive with the singing
getting louder and full of emotion. I never felt more Malaysian and
being proud to be a Malaysian. At the stroke of 12 midnight,
suddenly everything stood still, an up and coming young politician
raised the Malaysian flag, followed by the national anthem - Negara
Ku and then two long speeches. How disappointing!! The crowd in
Merdeka Square had expected a big bang of fireworks immediately
after countdown and were prepared to rejoice our country’s 50th
birthday with umph…. Anyway, before the second speech was over,
I left the square along with almost half the crowd, disappointed. I
heard the fireworks were out after 1 am.
Although the celebration, after the countdown, was not as I had
expected, I was really glad I made time to be at Merdeka Square for
Malaysia’s historic 50th birthday bash and it turned out to be a
memorable evening.
Cool Malaysian
12
A retiree’s mulling
I once saw a wall poster that read:
“If you want to be seen, stand up,
if you want to heard, speak up,
if you want to lead, be in front..
Otherwise, sit down and shut up!”
Another poster reads:
“Wise men talk because they have something to say;
Fools talk because they just want to say something”.
As a retiree of MRB, I originally plan to allow my brain hang
loose and enjoy every second of my home sojourn. But being
a fool that I am, I have something to say. Not that I want to
but in response to a polite request by the President of
SOALM to whom I take my hats off for his interest to tap on
the knowledge of MRB retirees.
Who am I?
By now I bet everyone is wondering who am I and what’s the
idea of writing to the SOALGM Newsletter? As formality,
etiquette and protocol warrants it, yours truly is an ex-RRIM
Rubber Instructor (1972-1978), ex-MRRDB senior research
officer (1978-2007) and ex-MRB Head of Unit. I retired in
2005 but was extended on a 1+1 year contract till last June.
However, while browsing through the LGM website today I
am most amused to see my name still listed as a Research
Fellow. I am flattered -- a handsome monthly paycheck to
justify the listing would be most welcome! On the other
hand, I am wondering, who is sleeping on the job?
On a bragging note, throughout my career I had written over
100 seminar and policy papers, articles for RRIM, MRRDB
and MRB’s publications such as the Malaysian Rubber
Review, the Malaysian Rubber and Technology Digest, Getah
Asli, notes and inputs for various Ministries and agencies and
so on and so on. I had also participated in trade missions to
promote Malaysian rubber products in Japan, the Middle
East, Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina and the UK. I was also
selected to participate in feasibility studies in preparation of
national policies for the Malaysian tyre industry and
industrial master plans (IMPs). I also served as the Honorary
Secretary of the Malaysian Rubber Products Manufacturers
Association for almost a decade. Enough to flip your eyeballs
up?
Secondly, I write not with any malicious or revengeful
intention against anybody or party. But upon my inevitable
retirement after having completed 35 years of a most
enjoyable career in an internationally-acclaimed rubber
research organization I realized that rubber flows deep in my
blood!
Who are you?
To begin with, allow me to pose the following questions to all MRB
officers and SOALGM Newsletter readers:
• How many of you can clearly really relate your current
work to MRB’s visions, missions and roles as “the
custodian” of the Malaysian rubber industry and its
stakeholders?
• Do you seriously think your research works and related
projects will eventually benefit the Malaysian rubber
industry?
• Can you figure out what is the future direction of the
Malaysian rubber industry?
• Do you think the MRB will last forever? Is rubber research
still relevant to Malaysia?
• How do you compare the RRIM and the MRB? Do you
agree with me that the RRIM was once a horse jockeyed by
specialized experts who pulled the cart to new heights but
the MRB is now a new horse trying to push the cart to
unknown destined directions?
• Can you detect any research blind spots in the MRB? If you
do, do you have the guts to point them to your superiors?
If you feel that the above questions are of no concern to you, I
frankly feel that you are not productively working for the MRB and
the Malaysian rubber industry. You are in MRB just to earn a living.
And that is one of the major differences between MRB officers of
today and the RRIM researchers of yesteryears. There is an obvious
dilution of interest, passion, commitment and dedication in serving
the interest of the industry and the MRB’s other stakeholders. I
categorise you as a smart but “robotic employee” who sadly lack
passion in your career.
If you belong to this category please count your blessings as it is
quite rare amongst government agencies for officers to be so well-
treated and easily-promoted.. Meritocracy aside, with lots of luck,
MRB officers only have to mark time before being promoted,
qualified or otherwise. I likened the MRB to a “charitable”
organization in as far is promotion is concerned. Sometimes my mind
wonders whether promotion is a mere “fill in the blanks” exercise.
Why write to SOALGM?
So, why and what is this mulling all about? You see, after serving in
rubber research for 35 years under five different sets of management
in rubber I realized that the Malaysian rubber industry has become a
part of me no matter how much I tried to wean it off. The entire
period of my service was full of personally humbling, eye-opening,
knowledge-gaining, and self-satisfying experiences; be they at the
district, state, national or international levels. On that score, I retired
with a few worries that are pricking on my conscience.
13
So, I am opening my personal Pandora’s Box. But please be
assured that I definitely will not dwell on heavy thought-
drowning brain-squashing stuffs such as global warming,
environmental interconnectedness, nano-technology, quantum
physics and spirituality, string theory, politics or sexual
proclivities.
Instead, I will be down to earth to think aloud my personal
concerns for the MRB and the Malaysian rubber industry. If
you think this is going to be another mundane rumblings of =
a nyanyok retiree kindly skip and proceed to the next article.
Otherwise do not blame me for any consequential mental
disorder, torments or build up in your blood pressure or anger
levels.
At the onset, my cursory assessment of the current structure
of and the prevailing work environment in MRB points to an
obvious gradual shift in focus, style of management and the
taking over of rubber research activities by a group of
younger academically-qualified officers. This in itself is good
as the rubber industry is in need of transfusion of fresh minds
and strategists to keep it stay alive.
Unless you have forgotten, rubber research in Malaysia is
almost a century old. Over the years there had been shifts in
research focus and priorities in response to changes and
development in the global and domestic rubber scenarios.
Growth policies and strategies were formulated. However,
reality veered off most plans. The unsuspected rapid
emergence of Thailand and Indonesia to wrest away
Malaysia’s global leadership in natural rubber (NR)
production despite all the R & D efforts caught everyone by
surprise and raised many questions.
Why did Malaysia lose the prestigious position as the world’s
largest NR producer and exporter? How did these two
neighbours do it? Where did we go wrong despite having
prominent scientists, rubber economists and rubber
strategists? Have we failed in some aspects along the way?
Did we rest too much on past laurel established by our
predecessors and thus became complacent? Was the world
rubber industry going too fast for Malaysian rubber research
to cope and catch up to?
I am sure if the same occurred to any business entity, heads
will definitely roll!
Another development that boggles my mind is the apparent
weakness in human resource planning and development, both
for the industry and the research system. For years everyone
was aware of the critical need for replacement labour to fill
the widening gap owing to gradually ageing smallholders.
This was an issue repeatedly raised by the industry. Yet
today, if not for imported labour, Malaysia’s NR production
may dwindle faster to less than a million tonnes. It appears
tha the Malaysian rubber industry is in the hands of
foreigners. How come?
Have MRB comprehensively-formulated short, medium and
long term growth-policies and strategies to sustain the
Malaysian rubber industry? I vividly remember asking the
MRB Chairman on the need for a master plan for the industry. His
off-the cuff remarks was that master plans are what they are – only
plans. It appears to me as though the system is just limping along
instead of “walking the talk”.
Yet, one of ex-honchos of MRB adamantly kept screaming to the
world that the organization is “the custodian of the Malaysian rubber
industry”. But has MRB really studied in detail and in full
consultation with the industry the critical needs and interest of all its
stakeholders?
Is the syllabus of the Hevea Academy tailored to meet the skill needs
of the industry? Has the Academy adequate qualified and
knowledgeable lecturers?
On a personal note, yours truly and another officer who just retired
but now serving on contract as a Unit Head had drafted a
comprehensive report listing the skills and training needs the rubber
downstream sector foresaw to be lacking in the future. I wonder if
our paper which was based on consultation with rubber product
manufacturers and associations serve any purpose to the Akademi. Is
there a need to “reinvent the wheel”?
In the downstream area, there is an urgent need to formulate plans of
actions (POAs) to chart the success of implementation of the Third
Industrial Master Plan (IMP3) for the rubber products industry. Are
current MRB officers competent to draw up the pre-requisite POAs
and a comprehensive techno-economic policy and strategy to thwart
the impending impacts of bilateral, regional and global trade
liberalization?
In the face of a gradually-changing world and Malaysian rubber
topographies and absence of any national policy and supporting
strategies can MRB still self-proclaim itself as the “custodian of the
Malaysian rubber industry?.
In simple words, is the MRB and its officers groping in the dark in its
deliverables for the industry?
I am sure most will be quick to response “MRB has the POA
whatttttttt?”.
My response to that is “Is the MRB’s 2003 Plan of Action still
relevant and implementable? If so, to meet whose needs? The
industry of MRB’s “SKT”? Was the POA a “syok sendiri” exercise?
Did anyone realize that the POA in itself is a proof of poor
leadership? It was a rolled-up plan. Rightly, it should be the opposite!
Effective leaders are good trackers. They lead; not ask employees for
directions!
Internally, the prolonged lack of detailed study and appropriate plan
of action on long term human resource development, both in quality
and quantity, is responsible for the current obvious shortage of well-
trained and adequately-experienced personnel in critical areas of
research and technical innovations, public relations, inter-personnel
etiquette and good writers of Bahasa Malaysia and English research
reports and articles
..
14
My two years of editing drafts of MRB’s Annual Reports
2005 and 2006 attested to this weakness which is prevalent
“across the Board”, so to speak. While not claiming to be a
literary expert numerous basic grammatical errors and slip
shot presentation raises my concern on the level of literary
competency amongst MRB officers. In most cases, the write-
ups which should be precise and easily comprehensible
Divisional reports were mere lengthy cut-and-paste
submissions of Unit quarterly reports.
In my humble opinion such weakness and shortcomings
points to the effectiveness of MRB’s delivery system and
question its relevance as the “custodian” of the Malaysian
rubber industry.
There may be recent development within the MRB system the
details of which I am not privy to and which stand to rebut
my celoteh. . I eagerly look forward to see more positive
changes in the its delivery system and deliverables for the
betterment of the Malaysian rubber industry and the
Board’s stakeholders.
Despite my strong words, short of condemning, and which I
likened to a lemon-coated candy, MRB in its entirety is a
“goldmine” of tangible as well as non-tangible resources,
intellectual capabilities and opportunities waiting to be
exploited by those with the appropriate know how and of
course, “know who”!
Do exploit whatever is available to you to the maximum. Stay
focused on your roles in upholding the image and prestige of
the MRB. Then again, the multi-tasking most officers are
facing now reminds me of a Russian proverb that says “There
will be trouble when cobblers start baking pies”. As a strong
believer of specialization I worry MRB officers may just
become jack of all trades but master of none. I believe
specialisation is a prerequisite to growth and development.
On that note I close my mulling with this message: “Be wise;
strategise!”
Thank you.
Abdul Halim Hassan, K.M.N
 Road Trip
TARRC, Brickendonbury on 5 April 2007
Apa terjadi kepada TARRC selepas ini?
Proses pengambilalihan Tun Abdul Razak Research Center
(TARRC) sedang dalam peringkat kelulusan Majlis Tempatan
Hertfordshire .... untuk kelulusan bila-bila masa? Kalau betul
berlaku, maka mungkin lawatan saya tempoh hari merupakan
yang terakhir, walaupun selepas ini sesekali ke England bagi
melihat cucu-cucu saya yang akan terus membesar di negara yang
pernah menjajah Malaya dahulu.
Bangunan TARRC sememangnya bersejarah bagi kita, sejarah
perkembangan dan kemajuan industri getah asli yang turut
membantu England menjadi negara maju..... Sudah hampir
berpuluh tahun kita dijajah dan getah merupakan sumber asli
yang dikeluarkan di Malaysia untuk membangunkan negara mat
salleh tu...
Answers to:
a) Riddles:
1. A pencil 2. Footsteps; 3. The sun; 4. Rain;
5. Your name
b) Brain Teasers:
1. 43-all others are 1 greater than a square
2. Geranium, Gardenia, Columbine, Celandine
3. Each may be preceded by “break” to give a
new word.
4. Unchained Melody
5. 18 peppers
Haha, You Didn’t Know that…Did You?!
Dentists have recommended that a toothbrush be kept at
least 6 feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles
resulting from the flush.
15
Sekarang kita menyambut 50 tahun merdeka, TARRC merupakan
lambang sejarah kemerdekaan. TARRC di bawah Malaysian
Rubber Board (MRB) dulunya RRIM merupakan satu-satunya
cawangan pusat penyelidikan terkemuka Malaysia yang berada di
England. Kita berbangga kerana pada masakini mat-mat saleh
yang berkhidmat di bawah MRB di mana kita pula yang
membayar gaji mereka yang dulunya menjajah kita.... Ini
merupakan erti kita telah Merdeka.... Perlu kita bangga sebab kita
rakyat Malaysia menjadi pengurus dan pentadbir TARRC.
Amat malang sekiranya salah satu pusat kecemerlangan
penyelidikan getah Malaysia di England ditukarkan kepada Pusat
Latihan Sukan Berprestasi Tinggi di bawah Majlis Sukan Negara
pula. Apakah yang hendak dibanggakan dengan pusat ini?
Apakah dengan adanya pusat ini, Malaysia berkemampuan
melahirkan ramai ahli-ahli sukan atau atlet bertaraf dunia?
Kenapa kita tidak berbangga dengan kecemerlangan kita di dalam
penyelidikan getah telah mencapai taraf dunia? MRB sepatutnya
mempertahankan TARRC sebagai lambang Malaysia cemerlang,
gemilang dan terbilang dalam penyelidikan getah asli bertaraf
dunia.....setuju tak?
Sempena 50 tahun kemerdekaan, kenapa tidak kita mengangkat
TARRC sebagai satu lambang warisan sejarah pencapaian
penyelidikan getah oleh MRB yang sebenarnya sudah bertaraf
dunia? TARRC perlu diwar-warkan sebagai satu-satunya pusat
penyelidikan getah terulung di dunia. MERDEKA, MERDEKA,
MERDEKA!
Hj Johani Md Zain
**Berita baik!! Permohonan pembinaanPusat Prestasi Sukan
oleh Kerajaan Malaysia telah DITOLAK oleh East London
Council!!!!—NST 16.11.07

BIKING HOLIDAY FROM IPOH TO PENANG
Biking has always been considered a
healthy activity, usually meant by
pedaling around our housing estate
for a few kilometers. For us mortals,
cycling 150 km in a day is a joke.
The story started as a group of LGM
staff decided to take up cycling as
their effort for a healthy and better
lifestyle. In about two years, the
group grew to 8 cyclists or so, and
we were doing 40 km Sunday rides.
Results were not guaranteed but
they were earned.
The group later became smaller as the 2 hours ride time enjoyed
by the group early Sunday mornings gave way to the much
needed rest or family commitments each weekend. Now we have
four cyclists and to keep the group excited with cycling was to set
a goal each year.
There were many young guns that were out to prove their
manhood by trying to finish as fast as possible, but for us our
rides were at our leisure, pacing from behind, averaging 25 km/hr
with stops for rest. We know that we can’t check into hotel early
so we purposely paced ourselves. ‘Pedro’ Yeop is prone to
cramps, and since we agreed to ride together, we were looking
out for each other during the ride. Unlike the others, our ‘Pedro’
prefers ‘bus stop’ break so that he could lie on the bench. We
had to do three refueling stop, one at kilometer 60, 80 and another
at kilometer 110 (i.e. before the climb). We arrived at Taiping
Golf Resort just about 2 pm. The last cyclist, a determined
woman on a mountain bike who refused the support vehicle and
cycled till she dropped, arrived close to dinner time.

In 2007, we decided to do the 3-day, 350km interstate bike ride

organized by one of the local cycling clubs. Pedro Yeop with his
RMC buddies had done this couple of times before. This year the Day 2 Route – The group left Taiping Golf Resort and went fast,
route is from Ipoh to Penang. To shorten the intro, when it came panicking a little for about 20km or so as there were almost 100
to crunch time of the challenge, the group number declined from eager cyclist doing an average 40km/hr blocking one and half
8 to two cyclists; of course, ‘Young’ Pedro Yeop aka the man lane of the road causing a traffic jam. In the midst of the action, I
with a ‘younger one’ is in. The others had either chickened-out or lost ‘Pedro’. We had promised to have breakfast at the 29 km
were busy for ‘whatever reason’. ‘warung’ so I stopped and waited for him, happily watching the
fast cyclists “fly” by. Pedro and I had breakfast and continue the
Well to be really honest, it was not a difficult task. Now I know journey together. There was a gruesome hill climb at the 39 km
that the trick is to pace one self. The journey as in life requires mark; many underestimated the climb. I ran out of gear and opted
patience and passion and as in any project it requires time, effort to push half way up while Pedro, thanks to his granny gears, he
and money. I enjoyed the whole cycling trip and in many spun his wheels up onto peak. After that, we rode downhill for
occasions during the ride wished that more of our members could almost 5 km.
be with us. The journey taught many things such as team work,
networking, sharing facilities, consideration, supporting fellow
cyclist, preparation and many others that can easily be applied to
our everyday life here in LGM. One good thing about the
organization of the trip was it was done by pure enthusiasts; there
were no political, fund raising or ‘naik pangkat’ agenda. They did
it because they enjoyed doing it. Period. The Biking holiday was
organized by PCC. We rode from Ipoh, Taiping, Kulim, Bukit
Mertajam, Penang Bridge, Balik Pulau, Telok Bahang and ended
at Golden Beach Hotel.
We cycled down hill with speed over 60kmph. After few rests,
we tagged along a group consisted of a few tri-athletes; Pedro’s
Now let us talk about the ride. The ride, to Pedro and me, was a
RMC mate who is half his age and his girlfriend - a newbie, ‘on
casual ride because to us, it was not a race. We rode at our own
and off’ tandem riders alternating riding in their support cars and
pace meeting and chatting with fellow cyclists at rest stops. We
couple of mountain bikers. They were nice and together we had
discovered the backdrop of our countryside, provided businesses
fun, stopping for mee rebus, ais kacang, roti canai and wherever
to domestic food stalls and witnessed leisurely activities in our
we felt like having during breaks to avoid cramps. There was this
backyard which we can’t see while zooming towards our
extremely fat guy from Klang whom we met, almost fainted few
destination in our cars. What more can I say about the
times while riding. One experienced elder cyclist decided to ride
Interstate2007, it was sheer fabulous.
with him and yelled at him to keep him awake when his bike
started going astray. Fortunately, his loving wife drove behind
Day 1 Route – The first 150km consisted of rolling route with them in their Estima and he finally decided that he had enough
couple of short climbs which included a climb at Bukit Berapit. and quit at the 100 km mark. Kudos, for such a big person who
The main peloton pace as usual was fast - averaging 30km/hr. managed to cycle 100 km.

16
 Came afternoon, the heat was unbearable and our bodies were
overheating, so we continued pacing ourselves through the last
leg of the trip. Later, in the final 10 km, we were blessed by a
heavy rain fall. We stopped for shelter at a ‘Kelapa sawit’ factory
canteen, but decided later to ride in the shower and enjoy the
coolness that came with the rain. We managed to reach the
Summit Hotel at about 3:00 pm, checked in, showered and went
out to hunt for the ‘best nasi kandar in town’.
In the picture above, ‘yours truly’ is second from left with the
armband, in front of the Amoi in pink. One thing I noticed during
the ride, ladies always like to cycle behind me. I heard them say,
I offered good protection against wind, or maybe it was their
excuse to enjoy my behind
Day 3 Route - The inaugural ride crossing the Penang Bridge
was exciting to say the least. We were escorted by the police,
checked through the bridge two by two and breezed onto the
bridge to Penang. We were the 2nd cycling group to be allowed
riding across the bridge; the 1st was one of the Le Tour De
Langkawi events. The day was cloudy as we crossed the bridge
and it showered a little as we came to Queensbay Mall (QBM).
We had quick refreshments at QBM and later pushed up to Balik
Pulau (BP). There was a hefty climb before BP which I enjoyed
as my heart rate was increased to about 80%. In fact, I overtook
the slower riders on the way-up. It rained heavily and visibility
was not that good as we zoomed to the ‘Dewan Serbaguna Balik
Pulai’ for a sponsored lunch. Nice food.
Famous Inventors….you may or may not know
them
Abū ‘Alī al-Hasan ibn al-Hasan ibn al-Haytham was born in
the Arab city of Basra, Iraq (Mesopotamia), Ibn al-Haytham was
H H H H H H H H
a pioneer in optics, astronomy, engineering, mathematics,
H H H H
physics, and psychology. His optical writings influenced many
H H H H
Western intellectuals such as Roger Bacon, John Pecham, Witelo,
H H
and Johannes Kepler.
H H
The food was good, nothing like Penang food. We finished the
best daging bakar with air asam in town and we continued our 40
km or so journey to the hotel through Telok Bahang and Batu
Ferringgi. Before that, there was another steady and long climb
which we enjoyed every minute. The only regret was we did not
anticipate a durian orchard, the famous Balik Pulau durian
orchard, as we are cycling down hill fast.
Riding across the
Penang Bridge was
exhilarating. We were
the 2nd cycling group
allowed across. The
other was the Tour De
Langkawi
Anticipating the hotel was not going to be ready by 2 pm, we
cycled leisurely by the beach stopping for ‘ais kacang’ and ‘mee
udang’ and finally reaching the hotel by 2 pm. The rooms weren’t
ready, so we took a nap in the lobby area until finally given
rooms at almost 4 pm. We had a Gala dinner that night, and next
day, we were driven back to Ipoh in a chartered bus.
Overall, it was fun and I do wish many more SOA members can
join our group next year. All you need are a bike and a
determined self, the rest you leave them with us, and we will let
you know.
SOA Cycling member
**PS. FYI, Pedro Yeop and ‘yours truly’ are ex-SOA Presidents.
We still do the Sunday morning 2 hours cycling (completed by 10
am) and all are welcome to join us. I am starting a mountain bike
group to ride LGM hills opposite the Sg. Buloh station.
Ralph H. Baer (born March 8, 1922) is a German-born
H H H H H H
American inventor, noted for his many contributions to games
H H H H H H
and the video game industry. In 2006, he was awarded the
H H
H H H H
National Medal of Technology for inventing the home console
H H H
for video games and spawning the video game industry.
H
H H H H
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
17
 When I was at TARRC…

As one of our prominent guest columnists, an avid photographer

0B

and a die-hard fan of the Iron Maiden, Dr. A. Ikram has retired
and probably is enjoying his retirement life riding ponies
somewhere in Cherating, he would not possibly write in this
column again. So to keep this column active (as well as to honor
one of Dr. Ikram’s last wishes before he left LGM) I thought
sharing some of my illustrated experience in this column with the
SOALGM members could be very interesting.

During the Summer of 2006, I have the opportunity to spend two

months at The Materials Characterization Unit, TARRC, of Sue and Ian were kind enough and always invite me to their
which to get myself familiarized with the world of polymer beautiful old English cottage after work for a chat (sorry no
microscopy. As you all might have known, I am a biologist and photo of them both – but if you look close enough, you can
was trained as a cell biologist, so polymer microscopy was notice Ian in the photo “indecently” displaying his bare chest
something new to me. I was only getting acquainted with this - as it was summer).
subject (polymer) approximately five years ago. I don’t want to Poppy was abundance in
bore you all with the details of my attachment, of which you can Ian’s garden and around
read in my lengthy technical report, but to share some of my the cottage. The plant was
experience in term of a photographic essay (as this is supposed to also one of my PhD subject
be a photography column). Unfortunately, there was no photo of during my initial year in
the laboratories or my photo working in the lab as I was so busy Durham (Hevea tree does
and so occupied with the work so that no chance at all to take out not grows naturally in the
my camera and record the evidence☺ UK, except of course , in
the green house of The
Royal Botanic Gardens of
Kew).

Frank was a very nice

person and you can always
trust him whenever you
want to travel anywhere in
the UK. BTW, not to
confuse you all….Frank
was the taller one, flanked
by Kartini of UPB.

Two months of a solitary

confinement has force me
to watch even my-not-so-
favorite series Superman,
in my single bedroom flat
at The Hale Court. Notice
a putter at the At last, my prayer to end my solitude was answered by the
background? – Putting was visit of our chief accountant (to audit TARRC). It was one
my other favorite pastime of the hottest summer days that weekend, and a quick shower
activities at the flat’s nice was so tempting and I have from time to time reminding
green (the garden to be Azhan not to have a dip in the fountain at the Trafalgar
precise). Square. At the background (far right) was The National
Gallery.

18

A parade by the Queens Guard from the Buckingham
Palace, to celebrate Queen’s Birthday Celebration
(remember your kindergarten storybook of The Steadfast
Tin Soldier?)
Norain (far right - one of our staffs at TARRC) was kind
enough to round up close friends for my farewell party at
Salleh’s place. Asri looked very cheerful after his kidney
transplant.

London’s Eye was

very tempting but
the crowd and the
long-queue for the
ticket (and the ride)
really put us off.

Street entertainer like

this was a common sight
along the Embankment Salleh played the guitar very well so did Asri. At the
(London). I wonder how background was Ruhida, amazed at the antics both
this lady commuted using displayed.
the Underground,
dragging along her large
piano.

There was an
unforgettable
experience in this
tube for our Chief
Accountant.

Dr. Elias, didn’t want to be outdone by the other two

guitarist, showing off his rustic but fine skill, serenading
the 60s, and 70s’ selection.

Shamsul Bahri

19
 A Word from the Wise
Some Good Ways to Discipline Children
Excerpt from Come On People: On the Path
from Victims to Victors
By Bill Cosby and Dr. Alvin Poussaint
Children require structure and predictable rules.
Above all, they require attention. Back in the day,
parents bothered their children when they came
home from school. Some parents may not have known how to do
long division. They may not have known how to write or how to
construct a business letter. But they knew how to prod their
children because they wanted them to be something.
Parents back then might have said, "Well, what did you do today
in geometry?" They may have thought isosceles was a guy from
the Bible and that a hypotenuse was a big ugly animal in Africa,
but they knew their kids. They would make us go upstairs, get the
book, bring it down, sit with them, and go over it. And even if
they didn't understand, they'd pretend to. They pretended to
because they knew kids needed an education. That need hasn't
changed.
Share your experience.
A wise parent or caregiver shares her wisdom. She tells children
about useful social skills as well as about the need to be
responsible and orderly. A child who is disciplined will be more
obedient and also more organized as a student. He'll do better in
school and in life. Of course he will!
Educate your children.
Good discipline is key to supporting the learning and education
that our children need. Kids do better academically and are less
likely to drop out if they take more responsibility for their school
success. Self-disciplined people are more likely to succeed at
whatever they do.
Distinguish discipline from punishment.
This is not just a word game. Discipline and punishment really
are different things. Discipline may include punishment but aims
for a much higher goal. Discipline includes other ways to shape a
child's behavior for the long term, not just for the short term. The
aim of good discipline is to teach children self-control and the
difference between right and wrong, which becomes part of their
inner character.
Behave the way you want your children to behave.
Children learn discipline in ways that parents need to be aware of.
For instance, children will learn right and wrong by watching
what their parents do. If parents lie, the kids will. If parents use
racial slurs, so will the kids. If parents use violence at home, the
kids will use it in the streets—the same with alcohol and drug
abuse and cigarettes. This stuff starts early. We know a kid whose
first words were "lousy bum," and he used them—echoing his old
man—to address an Eagles wide receiver who dropped the ball in
the end zone.
20
You parents and caregivers who don't want the kids to do these
things, don't do them yourselves. That's the first step. If you have
other bad habits, like being sloppy or late, don't expect the kids to
be neat or on time. You can say, "Do what I say, not what I do,"
all you want, but when you turn your head, the kids will do what
you do. Actions speak louder than words. Whatever behaviors
and attitudes you want for the children, you'd better model them
in your life.
Tone down your language.
As a parent or caregiver you should consider the language you
use within the four walls of your home. Curb the yelling and the
angry tone. For instance, imagine yourself at dinner. Listen to
yourself say, "Pass the bread." Then ask yourself, How am I
saying it? Do I should like a parent who cares? Or do I sound
like a prison guard? Your kids can tell the difference.
Listen to your children.
Think about sitting down with the children in your charge and
asking them—with a smile and a relaxed expression—the very
simple question, "What makes you happy?" They'll be glad to
answer that. And ask, "What makes you sad?" Don't even get into
anger. Just ask, "What makes you sad?" And then you can deal
with it from there. Try that every day, just talking to the children.
Reward good behavior.
The best kind of reward is praise. If a child usually makes a mess
at the table, praise her when she doesn't make a mess. And make
sure she helps to clean up the mess she does make. In this way,
you are helping to reinforce the behaviors in your child that you
want to continue.
Make the punishment fit the crime.
Penalties help, but they should not be excessive and should be
linked with the misbehavior that you are attempting to modify.
For instance, if your kid is not getting enough sleep because she
is staying up too late, the penalty could be an earlier bedtime. The
reward could be a compliment when she wakes up refreshed in
the morning and looking like a million bucks.
Set limits wisely.
Children need limits set by parents or caregivers, often to protect
them. You can't let your kid run out into the street where he might
get smacked by a car. You restrain him and say very firmly, "No,
no—dangerous. You can get hit by a car!" There is no need to
spank. You took the time to explain, and you were firm. With
repetition, the child will get the message and learn not to run into
the street.
Setting limits also involves setting rules that children are
expected to follow. Tell them that dirty clothes go in the hamper,
garbage goes in the trash, food goes nowhere near the bedroom,
and adults are to be respected, not talked back to.
Let older children set their own rules.
To a point, of course, it's helpful to let older children help set the
rules. This is particularly true for teenagers. Kids can even help
determine what the penalty should be when they break a rule,
Statistics and You
such as curfew. You have the final say, but at the same time it
helps children to participate in setting household rules. DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS… WHAT IS IT?
Descriptive Statistics are used to describe the basic features of the
Be consistent. data in a study. They provide simple summaries about the sample
Children need to know what you expect from them by the limits and the measures. Together with simple graphics analysis, they
you set. And you must be consistent. If there is no TV on school form the basis of virtually every quantitative analysis of data.
nights, there is no TV on school nights. Period. Stick to these Various techniques that are commonly used are classified as:
rules no matter how loudly kids whine. If you let them change 1. Graphical description in which we use graphs to
your mind by throwing a fit, they have won a victory that is not summarize data.
good for them or for you. In fact, you will have validated the 2. Tabular description in which we use tables to summarize
outburst by giving in. Sometimes adults cave in because they feel data.
the children won't love them if they don't. But, in the long term, 3. Summary statistics in which we calculate certain values
children will love and respect adults more if they are consistent. to summarize data.
And remember, consistency doesn't mean being rigid when you We have two objectives for our summary:-
realize circumstances have changed. 1. We want to choose a statistic that shows how different
units seem similar. Statistical textbooks call the solution
to this objective as a measure of central tendency.
State the rules positively.
2. We want to choose another statistic that shows how they
Parents and caregivers should put a positive spin on rules. For
differ. This kind of statistic is often called as a measure
instance, "Please put dirty clothes in the hamper," works better
of statistical variability.
than, "Don't throw your dirty clothes on the floor." "Treat family
When we are summarizing a quantity like length or weight or
with respect" is more useful than, "Don't smack your little sister."
age, it is common to answer the first question with the mean, the
Too many "Thou Shalt Nots" encourages some children to defy
median, or the mode. Sometimes, we choose specific values from
authority or express anger. Even with the positive tone, you still
the cumulative distribution function called quantiles.
have to be firm and consistent.
Then, the most common measures of variability for quantitative
data are the variance; its square root, the standard deviation; the
Give children choices.
range; and interquartile range.
You can also discipline children by giving them choices. Do they
want to take a bath before or after dinner? When the kids choose
the time, they have made a commitment to take a bath, which is DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS IN EXCEL??? WOW!
Microsoft Excel provides a set of data analysis tools called the
what counts. Do they want to wear the black pants or the green
Analysis ToolPak, that you can use to save steps when you
pants to church? They get the choice, but you have just told them
develop complex statistical or engineering analyses. You provide
they are not wearing jeans.
the data and parameters for each analysis; the tool uses the
appropriate statistical or engineering macro functions and then
Likewise, you can let them choose from a variety of foods as long
displays the results in an output table.
as the choices are all good ones. Children who are given choices
To access these tools, click Data Analysis on the Tools menu. If
feel respected. They are also learning independence, which
the Data Analysis command is not available, you need to load it.
becomes especially important during adolescence. Children who
Try this!
are allowed to make small choices at young ages are better
1. On the Tools menu, click Add-Ins.
prepared to deal with the larger choices when not so young.
2. Select the Analysis ToolPak check box.
3. Click OK.
With proper discipline at home, kids behave well when they are
To use the Analysis ToolPak:
away from home and out of sight of their parents or caregivers.
1. On the Tools menu, click Data Analysis.
Disciplined kids are less likely to disrupt the classroom or bully
2. In the Analysis Tools box, click the tool you want to use.
and intimidate other kids. Your self-disciplined child is someone
3. Enter the input range and the output range, and then
you can count on to take responsibility for what he does and is
select the options you want.
less likely to do what others want him to. Disciplined children
The Descriptive Statistics analysis tool generates a report of
know the difference between right and wrong and are less likely
univariate statistics for data in the input range, providing
to go wrong, and today there are a whole lot of ways to get
information about the central tendency and variability of your
there—illicit drug and alcohol abuse, premature sexuality,
data.
violence. You name it, someone is doing it. But it doesn't have to
1. Mean - This arithmetic mean otherwise known as the
be your kid.
average
The first half of our lives is ruined by our parents,
2. Standard Error - Estimate of the error in the sample
mean
and the second half by our children.
3. Median - This is the value in the middle
Clarence Darrow
H H
4. Mode - This is the most common value
US defense lawyer (1857 - 1938)
5. Standard Deviation - A measure of the variability of the
data
21
 6. Sample Variance - The Square of the standard deviation
7. Kurtosis - Measures the heaviness of the tails of the
distribution
8. Skewness - Index of whether the values are at one end of
the distribution
9. Range - The difference between the maximum and the
minimum
10. Minimum - The smallest value
11. Maximum - The largest value
12. Sum - The sum of all the values
13. Count - The total number of values
Hashima Idris
Intuition, Knowledge, the Heart and Truth
(Part three of three)
Another meaning of the word spirit is what is understood by
those who call the soul (= ruh) 'spirit' when it has left the body on
earth and passed to the other side. This mechanism of the
physical body works from morning till evening like a machine,
which stands up to all the turmoil of life, encounters all
difficulties, and one day falls flat, when the power/energy that
kept the machine going suddenly gives out. The doctor says that
the man's heart failed. That which was most important to him has
left. What left the body was the person. The body was a mask
which covered that person. When the mask is removed, that
visible person becomes invisible. When the body cannot hold it
any longer, he lets it go. This does not mean that he does not
want it. The real "being" is the spirit. And so the man spent his
entire life on this earth without knowing his true being.
The spiritual self (= ruh) is the opposite of nafs, it continually
strives to lift man to the heavens. The nafs is the chain that binds
us to the Earth, i.e. it keeps the balloon tied to the ground.
Without it, the balloon would simply soar to the skies, i.e. the
soul will fly up to the heavens leaving behind its body.
People want to talk in order to know, and then they forget it all.
Very often, it is not the one who knows talks so much, but the
one who wants to know. People strive for many different things
in this world, but last of all, they seek the spiritual path. The
believer works for realization of God. The rough edges of
everyday life rubbing against him make him heartsore, but just as
the diamond by being cut, becomes brilliant, so does the heart.
When the heart has been sufficiently cut, it becomes a flame that
illuminates not only his life but that of others. Spirituality is an
experience in life, an education in the "highest knowledge".
When someone has achieved spirituality on earth, it is not
necessary for him to stay longer, unless it is his desire. And the
day the false conception of self is removed from his eyes, he
begins to see the immensity of God's majesty.
When the lips are closed, the heart begins to speak. When the
heart is silent, the soul blazes up, bursting into flame, and this
illuminates the whole of life. It is this idea which demonstrates
the great importance of silence, and this silence is gained by
repose. Most people do not know what repose is, but only when
U U
they are tired, and if they're not tired, they’d never see the
necessity for it. The intoxication of daily life is such that he
cannot fully to take in everyday life to lead one to life's ideal is to
22
appreciate repose. There is a greater mystery in repose. It is
repose which makes them thoughtful. For example when a
person retires to a room alone from the activity of everyday life
and draws a breath of thankfulness as he feels after all his
interesting or tiresome experiences. There is nothing to distract
his mind and nothing which demands his action. At that moment,
his soul has a glimpse of relief, the pleasure of which is
inexpressible. It is not an ordinary feeling, for there is a far
deeper feeling behind it. One who has repose is naturally
thoughtful. People working im the busy services sector, upon
whose minds there is a continual demand, often in time develop
impertinence, insolence and lack of patience. They do not
become less sensible, it only means that lack of repose, which
weakens their sense of control, makes them give way to such
things. This shows repose is necessary for every practical life
and soul living on earth. It is the most important thing to be
developed, not only in an adult, but is something to be taught
from childhood. Sometimes cats and dogs are more intuitive than
mankind. Although man is more capable than the animals, he
does not give himself time to become more intuitive. When a
person has a little leisure time sitting in a bus, he at once pretends
to be busy by looking at the newspapers and magazines (and
nowadays, hand phones).
In spirituality, the method of repose is adopted to prepare one to
begin the inner path, in communication with oneself, the "true
self" within, as if one is blowing one's inner spark into a divine
fire, for it is in the innermost self of man that God is to be known.
"He who knows himself knows his Lord". The Lord described
U U
this by speaking through His Prophet: "Man is my secret and I am
the secret of man." Our Prophet said, "A moment's reflection is
U
worth more than a year of worship". This does not mean that the
U
voice of the inner self does not come to everyone, it always
comes, but not everyone hears it. This can be achieved by a
certain way of sitting and breathing, and also by a certain attitude
of mind (meditation). Then he begins to become conscious of
that part of his being which is not the physical body, it is no
longer a matter of his imagination, it is the truth of life, it is his
actual realization of the experience that is independent of
physical life. It is in this state that he is capable of experiencing
the phenomena of life. Ordinary people who reads about the
kingdom of God and Heaven reads names but do not know where
Heaven is, and feels that there is a God but there is no evidence
for it. This outward belief in a deity he has not seen makes a
large number of intellectual people turning away from the outer
religion because they cannot find an explanation and
consequently they become materialistic. Spirituality is only a
light thrown upon one's own religion. When everything there is
U
can be found in a room, all that is needed is the light.
Man is always concerned about what others think of his actions,
instead of being concerned with what the Lord thinks of them.
Man cannot escape from his own actions, however wicked he
may be, he will not really be pleased with his wrong actions.
There is a natural sense in man that distinguishes between right
and wrong, just or unjust.. Even a child knows when things
should be harmonious, for this is a natural tendency in the heart
of man, for the greatest judge is sitting in his own heart. The soul
is not pleased with what is not right, but is satisfied with
something that gives it complete happiness. Thus, the best path
consider to take in everyday life to lead one to life's ideal is to
consider harmony. In all circumstances, one should try to
harmonize with one's fellow creatures. Harmony is that which
makes beauty, beauty in itself has no meaning. A word, a
thought, a feeling or an action which creates harmony is
productive of beauty. The world has many good people, but not
always harmonious. There are many true people, but their truth is
not always comforting. It is easy to say, but most difficult to live.
If it is not easy to harmonize, it is not always because other
people are difficult; it is we ourselves who cannot bend. For
example, the palm tree that grows straight up cannot harmonize
with other trees whose trunks and branches are crooked and bend,
and growing all over (like our rubber forest). One has to be more
pliable than one is by nature. One has to be more clever than one
really is. Whatever a person's education or position in life, he
may possess all he wants, but if that one thing is lacking in his
life and heart, then nothing can bring him peace.
A. Ikram
Oooohh…that Puss in the
Boots is soooo
HOTT…Meeeorw!
Nine words women use...
1.) Fine : This is the word women use to end an argument when
they are right and you need to shut up.
2.) Five Minutes : If she is getting dressed, this means a half an
hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been
given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around
the house.
3.) Nothing : This is the calm before the storm. This means
something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin
with nothing usually end in fine.
4.) Go Ahead : This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
5.) Loud Sigh : This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal
statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she
thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time
standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to
#3 for the meaning of nothing.)
23
Oprah, Maya Angelou
In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+
birthday.
Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older.
And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding
body changes, she said there were many, occurring every
day...like her breasts.
They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.
The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple
and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!
Maya Angelou said this:
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems
today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way
he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and
tangled Christmas tree lights."
"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your
parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."
"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as
'making a life'."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's
mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things
back."
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open
heart, I usually make the right decision."
"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."
"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch
someone."
"People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."
U U
"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will
forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made
them feel
6.) That's Okay : This is one of the most dangerous statements a
women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think
long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for
your mistake.
7.) Thanks : A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint.
Just say you're welcome.
8.) Whatever : Is a women's way of saying F@!K YOU!
9.) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement,
meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do
several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in
a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to
#3.
Yeah! Don’t
worry about
it….I GOT IT!!!!
 Seram-Bee
Pais Tempoyak Ikan Talapia

Bahan-bahan:
1 ekor ikan talapia | saiz sederhana
3 sudu makan tempoyak baru
20 biji cili padi | ditumbuk lumat Garden Fresh Tomato Soup (All Recipes.com)
1B

1 labu bawang besar | diracik

1 batang serai | dihiris kecil
25 mm kunyit hidup | ditumbuk lumat
2 sudu makan santan
Garam secukup rasa
Daun pisang
Cara Memasaknya:
1. Gaul kunyit, cili padi, tempoyak, serai dan bawang bersama.
2. Lumur badan ikan dengan garam dan balut di dalam daun
pisang bersama bahan-bahan tadi.
3. Tuangkan santan di atas badan ikan.
4. Bakar ikan di atas bara api samada di atas kuali atau di dalam INGREDIENTS
2B

ketuhar. 4 cups chopped fresh tomatoes

Hashimah Idris 1 slice onion
4 whole cloves
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons white sugar, or to taste

DIRECTIONS
3B

1. In a stockpot, over medium heat, combine the tomatoes,

onion, cloves and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, and
gently boil for about 20 minutes to blend all of the
flavors. Remove from heat and run the mixture through
a food mill or sieve into a large bowl, or pan. Discard
any stuff left over in the food mill/sieve.
2. In the now empty stockpot, melt the butter over medium
heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking until the
roux is a medium brown. Gradually whisk in a bit of the
tomato mixture, so that no lumps form, then stir in the
rest. Season with sugar and salt, and adjust to taste.

I thought you were trying to get into shape? **This is really good. I’ve tried it…yumm. Ed**
I am. The shape I've selected is a triangle.
Health food makes me sick.
Calvin Trillin
H H

US columnist (1935 - )

24
 Funny Bones
Computer Trouble
I was having trouble with my computer.
So I called Harold the computer guy, to come over. Harold
clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem. He gave me a
bill for a minimum service call.
As he was walking away, I called after him, "So, what was
wrong?"
He replied, "It was an ID ten T error."
I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, "An, ID
ten T error?
What's that .. in case I need to fix it again?"
Harold grinned.... "Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error
before?"
"No," I replied.
"Write it down," he said, "and I think you'll figure it out."
So I wrote down . I D 1 0 T
I used to like Harold.
IBM Memo
I don't know how they wrote this with a straight face. This was
supposedly a real memo sent out by IBM to its employees in all
seriousness. It went to all field engineers about a computer
peripheral problem.
The author of this memo was quite genuine. The engineers rolled
on the floor! Especially note the last couple of sentences.
"If a mouse fails to operate or should it perform erratically, it may
need a ball replacement. Mouse balls are now available as FRU
(Field Replacement Units).
Because of the delicate nature of this procedure, a replacement of
mouse balls should only be attempted by properly trained
personnel. Before proceeding, determine the type of mouse balls
by examining the underside of the mouse.
Domestic balls will be larger and harder than foreign balls. Ball
removal procedures differ depending upon the manufacturer of
the mouse. Foreign balls can be replaced using the pop off
method. Domestic balls are replaced by using the twist off
method.
Mouse balls are not usually static sensitive. However, excessive
handling can result in sudden discharge.
Upon completion of ball replacement, the mouse may be used
immediately.
It is recommended that each person have a pair of spare balls for
maintaining optimum customer satisfaction. Any customer
missing his balls should contact the local personnel in charge of
removing and replacing these necessary items.
Please keep in mind that a customer without properly working
balls is an unhappy customer."
25
LIFE IS GOOD
And They Ask Why I Like Retirement!
Question: How many days in a week?
Answer: 6 Saturdays, 1 Sunday
Question: When is a retiree's bedtime?
Answer: Three hours after he falls asleep on the couch.
Question: How many retirees to change a light bulb?
Answer: Only one, but it might take all day.
Question: What's the biggest gripe of retirees?
Answer: There is not enough time to get everything done.
Question: Why don't retirees mind being called Seniors?
Answer: The term comes with a 10% percent discount.
Question: Among retirees what is considered formal attire?
Answer: Tied shoes.
Question: Why do retirees count pennies?
Answer: They are the only ones who have the time.
Question: What is the common term for someone who enjoys
work and refuses to retire?
Answer: NUTS!
Question: Why are retirees so slow to clean out the basement,
attic or garage?
Answer: They know that as soon as they do, one of their adult
kids will want to store stuff there.
Question: What do retirees call a long lunch?
Answer: Normal .
Question: What is the best way to describe retirement?
Answer: The never ending Coffee Break.
Question: What's the biggest advantage of going back to school
as a retiree?
Answer: If you cut classes, no one calls your parents.
Question: Why does a retiree often say he doesn't miss work,
but misses the people he used to work with?
Answer: He is too polite to tell the whole truth.
My favourite one:
QUESTION: What do you do all week?
Answer: Mon to Fri. Nothing, Sat & Sun I rest!
PHYSICAL
An 80-year old man goes for a physical. All of his tests come
back with normal results. The doctor says, "Chuck, everything
looks great!
How are you doing mentally and emotionally? Are you at peace
with God?"
Chuck replies, "God and I are tight. He knows I have poor
eyesight, so he's fixed it so when I get up in the middle of the
night to go to the bathroom, POOF! the light goes on. When I'm
done, POOF! the light goes off."
" WOW, that's incredible," the doctor says.
A little later in the day, the doctor calls Chuck's wife.
"Ethel," he says, "George is doing fine! But, I had to call you as I
am in awe of his relationship with God. Is it true that when he
gets up during the night, POOF! the light goes on in the bathroom
and when he's done POOF! the light goes off?"
"Oh, my God!" Ethel exclaims,
"He's peeing in the refrigerator again!"
The Bribe
A young lawyer was defending a wealthy businessman in a
complicated lawsuit. Unfortunately, the evidence was against his
client, and he feared the worst. So the lawyer asked the senior
partner of the law firm if it would be appropriate to send the
judge a box of Havana cigars.
The partner was horrified. "The judge is an honourable man," the
partner exclaimed. "If you do that, I can guarantee you will lose
the case!"
Weeks later the judge ruled in favour of the lawyer's client. The
partner took him to lunch to congratulate him. "Aren't you glad
you didn't send those cigars to the judge?", the partner asked.
"But I did send them," replied the lawyer. "I just enclosed the
plaintiff's lawyer's business card!"
NST , 11 February 2006
26
Short Jokes and Quips
In the first year of marriage, the man speaks and the woman
listens. In the second year, the woman speaks and the man listens.
In the third year, they both speak and the neighbors listen.
What do you call a fish with no eyes?
A fsh
Why won't sharks attack lawyers?
Professional courtesy.
How many politicians does it take to change a lightbulb ?
Two. One to change it, and another one to change it back again.
Three rights make….. a left.
A conclusion is the place where you find yourelf . . . when
you’re tired of thinking
Work fascinates me . . . I could sit and watch it for hours
You are only young once . . . but you can stay immature
indefinitely
We got rid of the kids . . . the cat was allergic.
Have you ever noticed the people who tell you to calm
down . . . are the ones that got you mad in the first place.
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes . . .
then you'll be a mile away from them and you'll have a new pair
of shoes.
It is tougher to loose weight as we age . . . by then your body
and fat have become such good friends.
If you think nobody cares . . . try missing a couple of
payments.
He who laughs last . . . thinks slowest
 Mind Bender
Riddles Optical Illusions
1. I am taken from a mine, and shut up in a wooden case, from
which I am never released, and yet I am used by almost
everybody.

2. The more you take, the more you leave behind. What are they?
Do you see anything in this
3. What goes round the house and in the house but never touches black & white image?
the house? Do you see the dog?

4. A cloud was my mother, the wind is my father, my son is the

cool stream, and my daughter is the fruit of the land. A rainbow is
my bed, the earth my final resting place, and I'm the torment of
man.

5. What belongs to you but others use it more than you do?

Brain Teasers
1. Which of these numbers is the odd-one-out?

43 26 50 37 17 82

2. Here are the names of four flowers with the vowels removed.
What are the four flowers?

GRNM GRDN CLMBN CLND

Stare at the centre of this image and move your head
toward the screen. The outer circles appear to spin.
3. What do the following words have in common?

MBJ bersambung dari muka 3

FAST THROUGH DOWN AWAY WATER NECK
4. Rearrange the following letters to give the title of a popular
song.
ECHO IN MUDDY LANE
5. Peter picked one pepper more than Paul. Pat picked one pepper
more than Pam. Peter and Paul picked 10 more peppers than Pat
and Pam. Peter, Paul, Pat and Pam picked 60 peppers. How many
peppers did Peter pick?
3. Isu keselamatan di pejabat
PP menggesa dan meminta agar SOALGM mengingatkan ahli
supaya lebih mengambil berat tentang isu keselamatan di Pejabat
(dan makmal-makmal), terutamanya apabila menerima pelawat
(dan ‘salesperson’). Pastikan pelawat mengambil pas masuk dan
minta borang tandatangan pegawai (yang didapati dari pegawai
keselamatan) untuk ditandatangani. Di masa akan datang (?), satu
bilik pertemuan (common meeting room – bersebelahan bilik
pengawal keselamatan di BTK) akan disediakan untuk sebarang
pertemuan dengan pelawat dari luar.

www.thinks.com 4. Perjanjian Penyelidikan di antara RO dan LGM

Useless but Interesting Facts…
If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days,
you would have produced enough sound
energy to heat one cup of coffee.
An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
27
SOALGM telah meminta PP mempertimbangkan agar RO yang
belum disahkan didalam jawatan dikecualikan dari
menandatangani perjanjian tersebut. Permohonan tersebut akan
dibawa ke Mesyuarat Pengurusan untuk dibincangkan. Untuk
maklumat lanjut sila hubungi Presiden atau En. Shahrir.
Isu-isu tertangguh (dan sensitive) lain akan dibawa dan
dibincangkan ke satu mesyuarat dan perjumpaan SOALGM
dan Ketua Pengarah LGM pada masa yang terdekat.
 Koleksi Pantun
Ambil bertih dari hulu,
Isi mari di dalam balang;
Bersihkan laman kita dahulu,
Baru bersihkan halaman orang.
DDDD
Anak penghulu pergi ke baruh,
Sampai ke baruh membeli raga;
Kalau di hulu air keruh,
Di hilir pun keruh juga.
DDDD
Selamat Pengantin Baru
Pada 6 bulan kebelakangan ini tiga lagi rakan SOA kita telah
mendirikan rumah tangga. Mereka adalah En. Krishna Kumar
dari Unit Bioteknologi (16 September 2007), Puan Sharon Khaw
Pei Chin dari Unit Teknologi Getah Termaju (30 November
2007) dan Puan Nor Salwanie Mohamed Razali dari Unit Ujian
Produk dan Kualiti (22 Disember 2007). Moga bahagia ke anak
cucu.

Anak lembu ditambat orang,

Makan padi dalam sawah;
Bawa ilmu padi di ladang,
Tambah berisi tunduk ke bawah.
DDDD

Tenang-tenang air di laut,

Sampan kolek mudik ke tanjung; Sharon Khaw dan suami
Hati terkenang mulut tersebut,
Budi yang baik rasa nak junjung.
DDDD

Tingkap papan kayu bersegi,

Sampan sakat di Pulau Angsa;
Indah tampan kerana budi,
Tinggi bangsa kerana bahasa.
DDDD

Asal kapas menjadi benang,

Asal benang menjadi kain;
Barang yang lepas jangan dikenang,
Sudah menjadi hak orang lain. Tahniah
DDDD
SOALGM mengucapkan tahniah kepada Pn Hashimah Idris
Nasi lemak buah bidara,
(SPP) dengan kelahiran anak sulung beliau, Muhammad Najmi
Sayang selasih saya lurutkan;
(3.22kg), pada 23 Dec ’07.
Buang emak buang saudara,
Sebab kasih saya turutkan.
DDDD

Apa merah di dalam padi,

Pucuk kandis digulai asam;
Apa marah di dalam hati,
Muka manis ditarik masam.
DDDD
Ayam bulu balik,
Telur atas para;
Abang baru balik,
Tidak bawa apa.
DDDD
Budak-budak meruncing kalam,
Makin diruncing makin tajam;
Setitik dakwat nak perintah kalam,
Adakah nyamuk nak perintah alam.
DDDD

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