Uncle Zain, My Ipoh Connection

The marriage between Aunt Fatimah and Uncle Zain is a blessing for the entire members of the extended family that generated from the family of my Great-great-grandpa Jusop. This union in matrimony had brought closer two nuclear families in an extended family. Uncle Zain is the cousin of my late maternal grandmother, Hajah Ramlah. Grandma Ramlah's mother is the older sister of Uncle Zain's father whom my mum used to call Grand-uncle Jesin. He followed his father, my Great-great-grandpa Jusop, to Malaysia from Bawean Island during the British colonization in the Malay Peninsula. They used to live at Sungai Rokam in Ipoh, Perak.

(Hari Raya Eid-ul-Fitr 1995)

According to Aunt Fatimah, my Great-great-grandpa Jusop had another marriage, having another set of children from his other wife. And through her (descendent), he had produced the first batch of several well-educated Malaysian Baweanese descendents in his family; a banker, two engineers, an accountant, a doctor and a lawyer by profession – the well-known six brothers in Ipoh that became successful through educations. One of them is Hj.Asmuni bin Awi, the well-known lawyer turned Politician in the State of Perak.

(A proud Grandfather)

Uncle Zain is himself among the successful one in this family. He is an ex-army officer who received the title Dato', given to him by the Sultan of Pahang due to his bravery, serving the Malaysia Military. During his army life, he was always working overseas. I remember during my childhood he used to bring goodies for me and my sister every time he came back home to Singapore at Pondok Kelompang Gubuk. The children of the Pondok loved him as he used to entertain with the stories from his army adventure working in Congo.

(Nenek Moya's first and last visit to my home - January 1996)

Uncle Zain was born and raised in Ipoh, Perak. His older and only sister, my late dear Grand-aunt whom I used to call Nenek Moya, loved him very much. She took great care of him since he was a little boy. My mum told me that Nenek Moya used to give up her portion of food to her little brother during their difficult period living as orphans. I always remember Nenek Moya as a wonderful and lovable person. During my childhood, I used to accompany my grandparents everytime they visited Nenek Moya and other relatives in Ipoh.

Like Nenek Moya, Uncle Zain treats me and my siblings with kindness. Spending my time with Uncle Zain and his family makes me happy. Often I forgotten that he is only my uncle. He makes me feel as though I am his daughter – a daughter he wishes to have. Uncle Zain is like a father to me. He is a generous and kind-hearted person; free from black spots covering the heart - the disease of a bad-hearted soul.

(Aunt Nuri and Aunt Yati, the daugthers of Nenek Moya - visted Singapore in April 1986)

The relationships between Uncle Zain and my father were more than brother-in-laws. They were good friends who always helped each other. Uncle Zain was always there for my father in good and bad times. My father too was always there every time Uncle Zain needed a helping hand. I remember during the time living in a HDB flat, my father offered Uncle Zain and his family to live together with us while waiting for their home in Johor to be ready. Aunt Fatimah and her two sons lived with my family for about six months while Uncle Zain was out-stationed in Congo. During that period, as the oldest among the little ones, I used to bring my little cousins to the playground and watched over them as they played happily with the other kids living around the area.

Until today my cousins and I are very close. To them, I am more than a cousin – an older sister living in Singapore. Indeed Uncle Zain's family members are my next-of-kin in Malaysia. Through marriage, Uncle Zain and Aunt Fatimah had made the blood-ties stronger between my Singaporean relatives and the relatives in Malaysia.

(This post is dedicated to my dear Uncle Zain and his family. According to me, Uncle Zain and Aunt Fatimah is a perfect match made in heaven. Their children are my blood-ties and always be my dear little brothers even though they are now adults. To my Malaysian cousins - indeed we are in a family of different Nationality, living in two different countries linked by a causeway ....yet... We are one big family and will always be...)

My Aunt Fatimah, the Great Cook

Putra Jaya, Malaysia 2000

Hajah Fatimah binte Ali is my maternal aunt. She is my mother's younger sister, the third child among eight siblings and the second oldest daughter in the family. According to my mum, Aunt Fatimah used to help my grandmother in the kitchen while my mum busy doing the laundry for the family. My aunt told me that during her teens, she and my mum used to attend cooking and baking classes at Kampong Kapor Community Centre situated opposite their home, Pondok Kelompang Gubuk.

Aunt Fatimah and my mum during their teens

Aunt Fatimah loves to cook and is extremely good in it. Her cookings are delicious and irresistible that often her friends asked her to cook for functions such as Aqiqah, Hari Raya Open House and House Warming. It became so frequent that she decided to do a small catering business. Like my Grandma Ramlah, Aunt Fatimah is an expert in making Nusantara desserts - Putri Salat, Talam Keladi, Koleh-koleh, Talam Berlauk, Talam Suji, Ondeh-ondeh, Pulut panggang - you name it, she knows them all!

Living with Aunt Fatimah - 1986

It is not surprising that Aunt Fatimah is always there in my mind every time I think about Baweanese food. This is because her cooking reminds me of the food my late Grandma Ramlah used to cook. The dishes cooked by Aunt Fatimah always taste the same as those cooked by my dear grandmother. Unfortunately for me, she does not live nearby my home. My aunt is a Malaysian, living across the causeway in the State of Johor.

My two cousins, Faizal and Irman during childhood - early 1970s

Even though my aunt was born in Johor Baru, she was raised in Singapore. A former student of Cedar Secondary School, she got married in her late teens after completing her studies. Her husband, Hj.Mohammad Zain bin Hashim, is a Malaysian born Baweanese. He is the maternal cousin of my Grandma Ramlah. Hence, my uncle-in-law is also my maternal grand-uncle! (In Islaam, it is legal for cousins to get married to each other hence, so are the cousins of the parents, cousins of grand parents and so on.)

My two cousins Riko and Shaz - Dungun, Trengganu 1987

Aunt Fatimah has four sons - my dear cousins whom I used to babysit during childhood, treating them as my own younger brothers. All four of them are Malaysians even though the first two were born in Singapore. Aunt Fatimah and Uncle Zain are now proud grand-parents to several grand-children from their first two oldest sons.

The cousins - Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Malaysia 2008

Like my paternal Aunt Jamaliah, Aunt Fatimah always has a special place in my heart. She is like a second mother to me. I used to live with her during my childhood and also during the early years of my marriage, the time my husband was seconded to work at Pasir Gudang for three years.

My cousins' children - Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Malaysia 2008

Like my mum, Aunt Fatimah had taught me alot of things; from teaching me about this life and Islaam, to doing house chores - laundry, cooking, cleaning, tidying and managing a home, to nurturing children, imparting good values and manners to them. She is a school in her own rights imparting her knowledge to this niece, showing through example the path undertaken by an obedient daughter, a kind sister, a motherly aunt, a loving and faithful wife, a wonderful mother as well as a good neighbour as desired by Islaam.

Always a loving aunt to the children of my dear Malaysian cousins.

(This post is dedicated to my beloved Aunt Fatimah. I love you very much my dear aunt. According to me, you are beautiful in every way. Thank you for being a wonderful aunt who is always there for all of us - your nieces and nephews, the children of your siblings. May Almighty Allah always be there for you throughout your life. Ameen.)

In Memory of Ustaz Hj. Arshad Bin Nor

Ustaz Hj. Arshad was the son of my maternal grandfather's cousin. He was born and raised in Bawean Island. In the 50s, he migrated to Singapore during the British Colonization. My maternal grandfather was his closest Uncle, the only next-of-kin living in Singapore. My grandparents took care of him before he got married and had a family of his own.

Obek Arshad, as I used to call him, was a learned person in the field of Islamic Studies. He used to work in the Prison as a religious teacher to the in-mates. He also used to bring pilgrims to Makkah for Ummrah and Hajj.

During his employment period with the Queenstown Prison, Obek Arshad lived at the Queenstown Prison's workers living quarters. I used to follow my parents whenever they visited him at his home. Every time my parents told me that we were getting ready to go to Obek Arshad's home, my heart always jolted with joy, feeling excited full of eager to meet him and his family. I was always looking forward to play with his children while the adults were having conversations.

Obek Arshad was a very cheerful person, full of smiling expressions on his face. I remembered him as a warm, kind hearted person. He was always happy to welcome members from his uncle's family to his home and made the stay an enjoyable one. I enjoyed very much listening to his interesting ghost stories that he told to keep the little ones entertained. His advise not to fear the dark nor the lurking-places of Unseen Beings remain etched in my mind till this day. Instead, he would say to always fear Almighty Allah.

I always remember Obek Arshad as an Ustaz with a gifted voice that was stern and firm, especially good at reciting quotation of verses in the Qur'aan. His passion to continuously seeking Islamic knowledge could be seen from the library of Islamic books he had read, displayed on his book shelves. His career as a religious teacher had inspired me to pursue my studies in Islamic Knowledge at tertiary level. Obek Arshad will always exist in my memory as the Uncle whom I think highly off and regard him with the utmost respect.

Ustaz Hj. Arshad passed away a few days ago, on Monday, 9th June 2008 at about 4.00 p.m. and was buried the next day. He left behind a widow, two sons, three daughters and several grand-children. Truly, I am remorseful for not able to bid him farewell on his death-bed, and I send my deepest condolences to his widow and children. Indeed his family has lost a good husband and father. I have lost an Uncle and Singaporean Baweanese have lost one of its pioneer educators who had contributed in shaping good Muslim individuals. For all the many good things that he had done, may Allah’s blessings be upon him. May his soul be placed among those favored by Allah (s.w.t.). May Allah (s.w.t.) grant peace to Obek Arshad's soul in the world of Barzakh. Aameen.

Indeed we are here on this earth temporarily. When it is time to leave this world, the soul has to leave the dead body that has to be buried six feet underneath the ground. Thus, from clay the human body was made off and to clay shall it be returned…..

My Uncle, the Army Captain

(Captain Soaidy Ali Bin Ali in his army uniform - Photo taken in early 1960s)

The late Captain Soaidy Ali was my uncle. I addressed him as 'Obek' (which means older uncle in Baweanese language) since he was my mother's oldest brother. Obek Sairi (the name I used to call him) was good at handling rifles and had won several prizes in air-rifles competitions.

(Some of my uncle's winning plaques during the period of his Army Career - 2001)

After his retirement from the army, my uncle became an Imam in one of the Masjid nearby his home. Like Uncle Bohari, Uncle Soaidy was able to recite the Holy Qur'aan beautifully. In fact all of his siblings are good at Qur'aan recitation. This was because, like any other typical Baweanese in those days, my grandfather was very strict and particular in educating his children with the Qur'aanic knowledge.

(My mum on the right most in the front row. She won a prize for reading Qur'aan correctly and beautifully - 1950s)

Unlike any other ordinary Baweanese, my grandfather was a very far-sighted person who believes in the importance of education. He sent all his children to school and all of them completed their studies. Some of my aunties and uncles made it to the tertiary level.

(Uncle Soaidy at the right most with his maternal uncle standing in the middle, and friends - Photo taken in the early 1950s at Johor Baru)

Uncle Soaidy was born in Ipoh, Perak and received his early education in Johor Baru at the English College. He married a Baweanese descent lady, living nearby Pondok Kelompang Gubuk. I address his wife as Obek Hatma. They were blessed with five children.

(My Uncle's wedding photograph - late 1950s)

(Uncle Soaidy with his wife, sister-in-law -Cikgu Mon from Tun Seri Lanang Secondary School, and my mother -sitting beside him. Photo taken in the 1960s during a wedding held at Pondok Kelompang Gubuk. The front most room at the second floor was converted to a wedding hall. During such occasion, all the beds were dismantled and the wardrobes were shifted to the side of the room)

(At another wedding occasion. I was the little girl sitting beside my younger sister at the front. Behind were my two aunties and relatives. Standing at the rear was Aunt Suhaidah and sitting in the middle was Aunt Dalila. Notice the wardrobes being shifted to the side of the room. Photo taken in late 1960s)

(Obek Sairi and Obek Hatma as I always remember them in my memory - Photo taken in early 1960s)

My Uncle passed away in August 2000 due to old age. He was then 65 years old.

My Uncle, Ahmad Bohari

(Ahmad Bohari Bin Ali with his two sons and a niece - Eid 2000)

My other uncle who played football during his teenage life is Ahmad Bohari. He played football for a very brief period. Unlike Ahmad Sayuti, he was not selected to play for the youth national team.

Ahmad Bohari is my mother's second youngest brother. He is the one who very much resemble my late maternal grandfather, both in terms of appearance and obedience towards his religion. Like my mother, he has a remarkable voice and able to read the Qur'aan with a rhythmic-like recitation that is very soothing to hear. He teaches children to recite the Qur'aan during his spare time. Generally, the Baweanese are good at reciting the Holy Qur'aan.

As his niece, I address my uncle as 'Mamang' because he is the younger brother of my mother. Mamang Bohari is married with four children, three boys and a girl. The oldest child, Yan, will be completing National Service (NS) very soon and is looking forward to continue his studies at the University. Yan, is one of my favorite cousins whom I am always proud of. He has good manners and very polite to his elder. He brought lots of pride and joy to the family with his successful academic achievements. According to me he is the perfect son that every mother wishes to have.

The last family living in Pondok Kelompang Gubuk

(At the main entrance of Pondok Kelompang Gubuk - Photo taken in 1996)

35 Upper Weld Road was my home for twelve years. I was in primary six when my dad bought a HDB flat. My family and I moved out of Pondok to live in our new home at Kallang. However, I always returned to Pondok visiting my maternal grandparents, uncles, aunties and cousins whom I adore very much, especially little Anam, Fauzi and Nur. Of the three, Anam was my favorite one. Their mother, Suhaidah, is the younger sister of my mum.

(Little Anam with my mother - Isn't he adorable? The photo was taken in the early 80s)

I address Aunty Suhaidah as Cik Ende. When I was a ten year old girl, I used to help her to baby-sit little Anam while she was busy doing her house chores. I also used to bring Anam to the movies. I remembered the time I brought him to watch the film Jaws at Rex Cinema. Anam was then a six year old boy. He was sobbing at the end of the movie because he was sad to see the girl eaten alive by the shark.

(An interior area of the Pondok, leading to the Kitchen. The door at the rear opens up to the kitchen - Photo taken in 1996)


Later on, while my other aunties and uncles moved out of Pondok to live in HDB apartments, Aunty Suhaidah still lived in the Pondok with her family until the URA took over the premises along Upper Weld Road for new development of the area. She and her family was the last to leave Pondok Kelompang Gubuk.

(At the living Room which is the front most part of the Pondok Kelompang Gubuk - Photo taken in 1996)

My cousins are now grown-ups, holding rewarding jobs. Anam and Fauzi are Professionals working in the Advertising industry while Nur works in the Financial sector.

My Uncle, the footballer.

(Ahmad Sayuti Bin Ali with FAS in the National Youth Team representing Singapore in football tournaments)

Kampong Kapor left me with beautiful memories of my childhood life. It was the place I grew up. The playing ground of my aunties and uncles. Two of my youngest uncles used to bring me along with them to the playground situated in the premises of the Kampong Kapor Community Centre. They left me and my sisters at the playground while they played football in the small patch of field across it.

(The playground at Kampong Kapor Community Centre - Photo taken in the late 60s. I was the third little girl from the left. The teenage girl second from the right was my aunty. The others were my relatives)

(At Kampong Kapor Community Centre - Photo taken in the late 60s. I was second from the left. My sister was the first girl on the right. Behind us was a row of living-quarters)

My two uncles grew up to be teenage footballers playing for a soccer team called the Spider. One of them, Ahmad Sayuti, made it to the Youth Team representing Singapore. He is my mother's youngest brother. Subsequently, my uncle was selected to play for the Singapore National Football team, playing along-side players such as Dollah Kassim, Mohammad Noh, Hashim Hosni and many others. He was then working as a technician with Electrolux. Later on at the peak of his football career, he was offered to join Grodningen FC, a football club in Holland, along with Fandi Ahmad. However, he turned down the offer and moved on with his life without football. Instead, he concentrated on his job, working for Electrolux and later on he joined Guthrie.

(My cousins, Ziki and Zazar, the sons of Ahmad Sayuti - Photo taken in 1991)

Ahmad Sayuti has two sons, Zazar and Ziki. Both were intelligent boys and good in their academic studies. They are now young fine adults.

(Ahmad Sayuti's wedding day - Photo taken with his oldest sister and nieces)

My uncle married to a very kind hearted and pleasant Singaporean Javanese descent lady. Aunty Nur, as the nieces and nephews of her husband address her.