Just Keep the Rhythm

there was a time when eating freely was never a problem, and maintaining a weight of 78 to 80 kg felt normal, with trousers always in the 36 to 38‑inch range... but once reaching the forties, everything had to change - diet, lifestyle, and daily habits... it meant exercising regularly, drinking 2 to 3 litres of plain water a day, and taking supplements such as Lecithin, Fish Oil Omega, Garlic, and Spectrum Multivitamins... vegetables became the priority, while rice and oily foods had to be reduced... the adjustment was difficult at first, but eventually it became a routine... Alhamdulillah, the effort paid off: the weight now stays between 70 to 72 kg with a normal BMI, and the waist size has dropped to 33 inches... although some fat remains, it has significantly decreased, and the body feels much lighter... eating large portions is no longer possible because the stomach gets full quickly - perhaps that’s why buffets no longer appeal; even when attending one, it’s only small portions... ultimately, change requires determination. the beginning is always challenging, but once momentum builds, the journey becomes enjoyable...

ETS Alor Setar - Kuala Lumpur

today we returned to Kuala Lumpur, but what matters most is that we were able to spend part of Ramadan fasting in Alor Setar with Walid... travelling by ETS was truly convenient, making the journey comfortable and hassle-free... it’s already a good service, but it would be even better if free WiFi were provided - then the ticket price would feel even more worthwhile...

Case Study

imagine stepping into a leadership role only to discover that the previous leader has left behind significant debts or burdens... plans you hoped to implement must now be delayed because your immediate priority is to find ways to resolve the inherited problems... the weight of such responsibility can be overwhelming - especially when supporters of the former leader continue to exert pressure on you... yet, this scenario provides an excellent case study for students, opening their minds to real-world problem-solving rather than relying solely on memorized theories... situations like this can occur in many contexts, and by exposing students to such challenges, we train them to think critically and develop practical solutions, ultimately nurturing individuals who are resilient, capable, and highly competitive...

ETS Kuala Lumpur - Alor Setar

the Electric Train Service (ETS), operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), is Malaysia’s fastest metre‑gauge intercity rail service, offering a modern, comfortable, and time‑efficient travel option along the West Coast Line... running at speeds of up to 140 km/h, ETS connects major cities from Padang Besar in the north to Gemas, with key stops such as KL Sentral, Ipoh, and Butterworth along the route... the journey was truly convenient, as we didn’t have to worry about traffic jams or the stress of long‑distance driving... instead, we could simply relax throughout the trip, enjoying a smooth and peaceful ride all the way... with the Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar journey taking only about 5 hours by ETS, it made our travel experience much easier and allowed us to arrive feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the blessings of Ramadan...

Passion

one of the valuable insights shared during the recent knowledge sharing at UNITAR surau focused on the nature of passion... many of us wonder why, even though the devils are chained during the month of Ramadan, we still find ourselves committing sins... the explanation is that evil has long trained or influenced our passion, which remains within us at all times, prompting us toward wrongdoing even when he is restrained... From afar, evil simply applauds as our unchecked desires continue the work... therefore, it is essential that we take control of our passion and not allow our passion to control us...

'Experts'

these days, many people suddenly appear as 'experts' in explaining and solving national issues... let them be with their ideologies and their so‑called research; if they enjoy discussing such matters, that is up to them... as readers, we can simply listen or browse through their opinions without placing too much belief in any of it, because we ourselves cannot be sure whether these 'experts' are right or wrong - especially when there are countless versions and arguments being presented... instead of getting caught in endless debates, it is far better to focus on our acts of worship during this blessed month of Ramadan, for this is the true expertise that brings real benefit... when conversations arise, just listen casually without turning it into an argument... it is simply light-hearted talk... if you know someone is sensitive, avoid confronting them; if the person is older, listen as a sign of respect... none of these discussions are going to Parliament anyway - so take it easy... with those who can joke and keep things light, then it’s fine to respond in the same cheerful manner...

Fasting

fasting in Ramadan requires Muslims to refrain from eating, drinking, and anything that invalidates the fast from the break of dawn (Subuh) until sunset (Maghrib)... Allah SWT commands His servants to undergo this month-long test as a way to cultivate discipline, patience, and spiritual strength... one of the beauties of Ramadan is that it naturally trains us to wake up early for Sahur and to remain mindful of the time for Maghrib to break the fast - something many people struggle with during ordinary days, when Subuh is often delayed and Maghrib easily forgotten... among the great wisdoms of fasting is that it teaches us to be punctual: eating even a moment after the Subuh azan invalidates the fast, while breaking the fast immediately at Maghrib is encouraged and should not be delayed... the time of Sahur is also a blessed moment, known for its acceptance of prayers... with so many opportunities for spiritual growth, Ramadan invites us to increase our recitation of the Quran and seize every moment of blessing that this sacred month offers...

Tarawih

Tarawih is a special act of worship that takes place exclusively in the blessed month of Ramadan, offering a rare opportunity for believers to increase their devotion and earn immense rewards... it is highly encouraged to perform Tarawih in congregation, along with the Witir prayer, which is also uniquely practised in jamaah during Ramadan... on ordinary days, Witir may be performed individually, but Ramadan brings the added virtue of performing it together... such opportunities do not come often, and no one can be certain they will live to see the next Ramadan... therefore, this is the best time to multiply our acts of worship, especially by performing Tarawih and Witir in congregation, and to make the most of the blessings that Allah SWT has opened for us...

Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India

Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India is a 2018 Telugu action‑drama film starring Allu Arjun, directed by Vakkantham Vamsi in his directorial debut... the story follows Surya, a passionate but hot‑tempered soldier who must confront his own anger issues in order to fulfill his dream of serving at the country’s border... with strong themes of discipline, self‑transformation, and patriotism, the film highlights Surya’s emotional journey as he seeks approval from a renowned psychologist - who is also his estranged father... featuring an ensemble cast and dynamic performances, the film blends action, intense drama, and personal struggle to portray the challenges faced by a soldier striving to redefine himself...

Joyful

there is a special kind of joy that comes from spending time with children and seeing their faces light up with happiness... moments shared with them - whether playing, talking, or simply being present - have a way of brightening the day and filling the heart with warmth... their cheerful energy is contagious, reminding us how meaningful it is to be part of their growing journey...

Accompany Walid

today, Abyana accompanied me at Hall 4, where I had to serve as the Chief Invigilator from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon... Azim spent the time with Tok Abah and his cousin, Fatah...

Integrity

there are people who travel from far away, stand in long queues, and wait patiently just to choose their preferred representative... naturally, they feel happy when their chosen candidate wins... the representative receives authority from the people, and with that comes responsibility... what becomes disappointing is when someone entrusted with such responsibility makes decisions that go against the expectations of those who supported them... this is the reality of politics - promises made during campaigning do not always align with actions taken afterwards... going forward, individuals must decide wisely and prioritize integrity when choosing their representatives...

7th Prime Minister of Malaysia

after a long and closely watched wait, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was officially declared the 7th Prime Minister of Malaysia, marking one of the most historic moments in the nation’s political landscape... at 92 years old, he was sworn in at Istana Negara following the victory of the Pakatan Harapan coalition in the 14th General Election, making him the world’s oldest elected head of government... his return to leadership after previously serving as Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister created a significant milestone that will long be remembered in the country’s history...