The Malaysian Insider

NOV 14 — Six months into our Cairo sojourn, I had offered my time to conduct pro bono English language classes for some Malaysian undergraduates who were studying at Al-Azhar University and other tertiary institutions in the city.

A chance encounter at an expatriate community centre with a fellow Malaysian, Kak Z, got us talking about how each Malaysian, whether abroad or at home, was duty-bound to ‘give back’ to country and society.

Enthused at the prospect of being able to do something meaningful, I offered to help out with the English classes Kak Z had established the year before.

OCT 30 — In his recent Budget 2010 speech, our Prime Minister announced that RM1 billion will be spent to help the police beef up their enforcement services. He targets a reduction of 20 per cent in snatch thefts and robberies by the end of 2010. The initial response to that proposal will of course be positive — crime levels have escalated to such alarming heights in Malaysia that any effort or initiative towards crime reduction and prevention will be warmly embraced.

OCT 17 — I’ve written before about how Egyptians love to honk continually when they are driving, and so in going against the grain of opinion buzz on the Umno assemblies, Bagan Pinang, 1 Toilet and coroner’s inquests, I thought that it would be timely to continue my little musings about Cairo’s traffic.

When a Malaysian takes that maiden journey by car on the streets of Cairo, he or she can be forgiven for pleading to be put back on the streets of Kuala Lumpur, where it is still relatively easy to cross busy roads and traffic lights work (most of the time). There is also a general (although not unanimous) consensus by both motorists and pedestrians alike, to be orderly and safe on Malaysian roads.

OCT 3 — Egyptians are a very proud people. And why shouldn’t they be? They have an almost bottomless pit of historical, religious and cultural heritage to pluck from, plus some of the most amazing travel destinations to offer — from sprawling white deserts to the breathtaking Red Sea to lure tourists from all over the world. All through the centuries tourists have flocked to Egypt to experience her splendour, and they will most likely continue to do so until the end of days. After all, archaeologists are still discovering new temples and tombs which must be showcased to the world.

SEPT 19 — “Jangan bawak dia keluar — dah senja, nak masuk Maghrib dah”, my father admonished, just as I was about to take my toddler son for a walk outside the house. We were at my parents’ place for buka puasa, and the weather being lovely, I figured that a stroll outside would do wonders for my son’s bottled-up energy.

“But it’s not even 6.30pm – Maghrib isn’t until 7.15pm” I tried to explain, unfortunately drawing a long, angry scowl from my father.

Sigh. “Okay”, I ceded. “We’ll just play inside” I said, to my son’s screaming displeasure.