I love you MCKK

Me & George watching Jeff & Shah Matrock playing rugby

The trip back from Kuala Kangsar after the end of the Malay College Old Boys Weekend was so much fun. Jeff was the designated ‘pilot’ -- of course I was in no position to drive after sleeping only 3 hours over 3 days. What was I doing? Catching up with old friends -- friends that I grew up with at Malay College, some 30 years ago. Oh yes, Shah Matrock was responsible to make sure both me and Jeff will not fall asleep. Seated at the back, he was the designated court jester.

Every year around this time, we will make the ‘pilgrimage’ to Kuala Kangsar to spend time with old friends and link-inspire the present boys of MCKK. Talking about inspiring and guiding, I think Rafizi Ramli is doing such a great job helping out the Malay College debating team – yes, voluntarily.

I got to see the results of his hard work when I dropped by to say hello to the BM & English Debating team at the Debating Room. When I got there, the team members just finished a quiz on general knowledge. It reminded me of my time representing Malay College in the inter-residential school debate competition for the Prime Minister’s trophy in 1979. And my debating team-mate was there too, Rohaizat Darus. He is now a big chief with Sapura. The other team member, Saifuddin Abdullah (now, Dato’ Saiduddin Abdullah) is busy with his responsibility as a Deputy Minister, and was not able to make it this time.

Jeff played beautifully on the rugby field, as always. He has a ‘flair’ for sports. Wahab at 47 was still very fit. Stone too.


Azhar Wahab Fenner

On occasions like this, we get to know interesting new ‘things’ about people around us. This OBW, I had a chance to know how interesting Shah Matrock is. He is not only funny but if you need good company while driving on the North-South Highway, Shah Matrock is the one. He can talk about almost anything -- from sugar content, to investment, to ACCA and politics. And cracks good jokes too.

Pian was there, missing Rizal – Rizal had to anchor Agenda AWANI on weekends.

I must say this time around I had good quality time with Iyoi, Stone, Wahab. Didn’t get to hang around much with Nasha and Robby as they were busy with Nasha’s children.

Spent only a few minutes with George and Kudin. Enjoyed the company of Mooze & Elin.



Kudin and his favourite juniors.

I think I kept Moqq awake all night with my snore. Dia berdengkur jugak. And we accepted our 'less than perfect attributes'. I kept him awake too with my tossing and turning. We stayed at the River Resort.

And as always before leaving the MCKK, tears came out of my eyes – I just can’t explain why… It happens every year.


Mooze

Stone, Iyoi & Wahab

Nasha & Son

In NST Today, Mar 23, 2009

Suhaimi at the forefront By : HAFIDAH SAMAT 2009/03/22


Astro Awani has its pulse on business with Focus Economy, the channel’s first English news and current affairs show, helmed by Suhaimi Sulaiman. HAFIDAH SAMAT writes.

TV personality and Astro Awani executive producer Suhaimi Sulaiman is on the brink of revolutionising the local broadcasting landscape.

As relentless in his quest for knowledge as he is in his pursuit to educate viewers at large, the multi-faceted TV compere/host has been responsible for setting standards for the industry as early as the 1990s.

When we met at Astro Awani studio in Bukit Kewangan, Kuala Lumpur recently, Suhaimi was busy recording Focus Economy, the channel’s first English news and current affairs show to join its programme lineup this month.

The show debuted on Astro Awani (Channel 501) on March 9.

It airs every Monday at 11.30pm.His guests — made up of experts from the various creative sectors — were discussing the second stimulus package (which was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on March 10) and how the mini budget can sustain the economy in times of crises.

“The idea for this show came about when the sub-prime crisis started in the United States last year. After discussions with the producers, I knew that the effects would hit our shores eventually,” said Suhaimi.

Focus Economy is tailored as a platform for viewers to obtain perspectives from both sides of the coin.

“Focus Economy takes a different perspective from the other business talk shows. As a responsible media organisation Awani aims to assist the government to spur the growth of our economy,” said Suhaimi, adding that the programme aims at helping viewers cope with the recession.

The rationale to include Focus Economy as the station's maiden English language feature is due to demand.

“The producers have been deluged with requests from viewers to introduce English programmes and we’re glad that it has finally materialised. Our audiences have a strong sense of ownership and we are aware that they want to be a part of the channel. At the end of the day, I believe that a TV station is successful when viewers feel that they’re involved in the programmes. I also hope that viewers will be able to think laterally as the show provides balanced, in-depth news as well as exciting discussions on topical economic issues. With the advancement of new media, viewers have the options to take on the different perspectives in our content. People are worried about the economic downturn and tend to be sceptical about what can be done."

“I’ve about 3,600 friends — ranging from young entrepreneurs to businessmen and CEOs — in my Facebook group and I believe that with their ideas, I can do Focus Economy till 2011.”

Suhaimi, who holds a degree in administration from Portland State University, Oregon in the United States, has helmed several business talk shows during his sterling career which began in the early 1990s.

Here is a TV veteran who is passionate about the broadcasting industry and has a creative take on things.

When he joined Astro Awani, the 47-year-old proved sceptics wrong when he — along with the pioneer team at the station — strived against the odds to steer it into one of the most watched news and current affairs stations.

Suhaimi also introduced some of station’s landmark programmes such as Perspektif Kita and Sudut Pandang — both zooming in on national and international issues.

In his effort to bridge the generation gap between young and established presenters at the station, Suhaimi initiated a mentor-prodigy programme.

He takes on several broadcast journalists under his tutelage under the programme. “The sessions are personalised and fortunately I have a supportive team who is willing to learn,” said Suhaimi, who also co-hosts Agenda Awani, a unique prime-time news bulletin with young anchor Rizal Zulkapli.

The programme discusses, analyses and reports the most compelling news of the day featuring "live" studio guests. The show is aired daily starting 8pm.

Astro Awani general manager Rozina Aziz said the launch of Agenda Awani and Focus Economy signals exciting times ahead for the station.

Agenda AWANI & Focus Economy

Prepared by our publicist/strategist -- watch out for it:



In an effort to bring high quality news and current affairs programmes to information-hungry Malaysians, Astro AWANI (Channel 501 Astro) is set to launch two programmes in early March.

Agenda AWANI - a unique primetime news bulletin, and Focus Economy - a new current affairs programme, will premiere on 9 March.

Rozina Aziz, General Manager of Astro AWANI said, “In launching Agenda AWANI, we are taking a contrarian approach during the traditional primetime news hour."



"We would like to offer viewers an alternative by moving away from giving the A to Z of daily news to focusing on top stories and reporting them in greater detail. We have become known to our loyal viewers as a channel that provides balanced, in-depth news as well as challenging and exciting discussions of topical issues.”

Starting 9 March, Agenda AWANI will be aired LIVE on Astro AWANI as its signature prime time news programme.

This unique bulletin put the top news stories under a misroscope, giving viewers a complete, all-round 360 view.

Fronting the news bulletin will be Suhaimi Sulaiman who has solid experience as a broadcast journalist and anchor, having been in the industry for 18 years.









"Suhaimi is well loved by our viewers who have come to look at him as a force to reckon with when it comes to news and current affairs.” Adds Rozina, “And in true Astro AWANI tradition, Suhaimi will be joined by young, up-coming anchor Rizal Zulkapli, who will have the golden opportunity of learning from his long-time mentor."

This will be a big step for this young anchor, but he is intelligent and has proven himself as our principal business anchor.

"Rizal has also anchored special analysis programmes in conjunction with the Malaysian General Elections as well as the US Presidential Debates and Presidential Inauguration. He has also interviewed international leaders and personalities in in-house specials VIP AWANI and Tamu AWANI."

Another programme that will make its debut is Focus Economy which will be a very timely show, showcasing bright sparks in the currently gloomy economic outlook.



The programme aims to unearth great ideas and solutions that could help spearhead growth in the short, medium and long term and help Malaysia ride through the global recession.

Focus Economy will be the first English language programme to be introduced as a regular feature on the channel.



“We have received a lot of requests from viewers asking for us to introduce English language programmes. We have established two strong current affairs programmes – Sudut Pandang and Perspektif Kita – that take a look at issues of the times. Having been on air for 18 months now, we felt the time is right to extend the appeal of the channel to more Malaysians, by offering a weekly programme in the English language. Viewers will enjoy our closed caption feature which will enable them to choose whether they’d like to watch the programme with Bahasa Malaysia subtitles or otherwise,” explained Rozina.







The launch of the two new programmes signal exciting times ahead at Astro AWANI which was launched in September 2007 in conjunction with Malaysia’s 50 years of Independence.

Rozina adds, “We have studied the findings of independent research and commissioned specific research of our own. We also monitor feedback received through various mediums and key blogs to get a sense of how people perceive the channel, what they like about itand what they find lacking. Watch this space, as we will be announcing more new content on the channel, based on the feedback we have received from our viewers.”

Agenda AWANI broadcasts daily from 8.00pm to 9.00pm commencing 9 March.

Veteran TV newsman Suhaimi Sulaiman fronts Agenda AWANI from Mondays to Thursdays while upcoming anchor Rizal Zulkapli helms the bulletin on Fridays and weekends.

Also from March 9, Astro AWANI debuts Focus Economy. It will be hosted by Suhaimi Sulaiman, the weekly programme features fast-paced brainstorming with leaders of major companies and industries, Small & Medium Enterprise leaders and government leaders on various pertinent topics.

Looking for bright sparks at times of gloomy economic outlook, the show will focus on new and attractive ideas, innovations, niche and growth areas, markets, opportunities and collaborations.

Tune in every Monday at 11.30pm for a dose of hope and inspiration. Focus Economy is delivered in English with Bahasa Malaysia subtitles.

Yes, yes, I will write...

In one of the mock-runs for a new programme


Me, Danguria and Yanie

Again, I was stopped the other day at a shopping Mall. This time at Sri Hartamas Shopping Centre.

And the lady said... "Can you please update your blog. Orang lain busy jugak, tapi still boleh update blog..."

I said, ok...ok..

Phew... pressure tu, orang lain boleh marah kalau tak update blog.

Anyway... There are many reasons why I tak update blog... Teramatlah busy... I know... I know... Ini reason takleh diterima akal. Hit me now... Bersalah. Ampun.

Anyway, what have I been up to?

Lots of things..

Among others, juggling responsibilities. I will be hosting 2 weekly shows this March and one new programme Mondays to Fridays in the evening. Tak tercabut kepalo atok ni ha!! But I love the challenge.

In addition to that I am also working on sponsorship, newsroom management, etc, etc. Ah, also, training the anchors on hosting LIVE talkshow. Love it. Like I always say... It is always the busy people who will get things done...


Me and Ellia in the Mentor-Mentee session


Ashwad delivering his line during the training


Marlina


Dzul in a mock-run .


Mimi, a cool intern at AWANI.


Me and Nazri in a mock-run


Pelakon over terbaik ...


Pelakon pembantu over terbaik.

And what about love life? What is that? hahaha.

Today I want to share my latest 'hobby' -- yes... I am now into steam fish -- thanks to my health freak friends -- Zai and Hafez. Because of them I am now into steaming fish... Ikan yang best ialah Siakap.


Hafez & I

So I bought a brand new steamer. Easy to use. Tak mahal, 109 hengget.

For a pemalas guy like me who is now into healthy food (tapi kengkadang belasah gak Ice-Blended Mocha yang manis dan lemak tu), the steamer is easy to use.

OK, how to prepare siakap steam?

On the siakap fillet, taburkan lots of garlic, ginger and batang green onions. Coat with 2 teaspoons of oil and then masukkan dalam steamer for 10 minutes. Then angkat and put a bit of oyster sauce and fish sauce and garam. Then masuk balik for another 5 minutes. After that makan.

Senangkan..

By the way, busy-busy pun sempat jugak lepak ngan kengkawan -- no, they came and dragged me out of the house!


Waiting for my hair colour to develop


Me, Hafez & Schubern


Shubern, Dino, Hafez, me, Dangsuria and Yanie

THE KUALA TERENGGANU BY ELECTION

I will post the story later.

Pictures first.

Ri-Yaz Heritage Resort & Spa

I will be back!!!

Ri-Yaz Heritage Resort & Spa in Pulau Duyong, Terengganu is now on top of my list.



A beautiful resort by the sea, it is a good place to unwind.

I stayed there during the Kuala Terengganu Bi-Election.



Good food, courteous staff, nice pool, spacious bathroom, bedroom... what more can you ask.

You must try the keropok lekor, nasi dagang and ayam percik.



Lepak at the restaurant pun dah cukup. Angin laut bertiup kat muka, fresh betul.

Just see the pictures below and you will understand why.

What new year resolution....

Someone asked me yesterday, what is my 2009 resolution?

I said, same like everyday.

Every morning, I will tell myself, I will do my very best, be true to myself, be the best that I can and be nice to people.

And being nice is the easiest thing to do.

And when we are nice we smile more and we look darn good.

Kan kan kan?

KERMIT THE CUTE FROG

It has been 5 days now and my voice still sounds like Kermit. No more fever no more cough but voice still tak ada… how meh?

Mana nak elok… I still consume teh ice, makan pedas dan berminyak. I am so degil to the max.

But this phenomenon of voice yang hilang sekali sekala has to happen like twice a year. Macam routine plak. And timing dia selalu bila orang balik from haji. I think it is a hint so that I pergi haji kot.

Will start work again on Monday. So now, tengah cracking to finish some of the fun chapters for the book project.

And Hafez, cepatlah buat popiah tu?

Yanie, Dangsuria & Me