In the year 1972, a bassist I became

As a Bassist in the USM or Universiti Sains Malaysia ( University of Science Malaysia) in Pulau Pinang in 1972. I am third from right .

Singing " Loving Her wa Easier" at BDA Anuual Dinner, 28 May,1987.
The accompanying band was called "Cakerawala" from Sibu.

In the year 1972, a bassist I became.  I was a young man full of life, hopes and aspirations.  To be a bassist in the university's pop band was something beyond belief.  It was by coincidence that the band was just formed and the band's leader by the name of Zainal was my coursemate.  He invited me to be the bassist which I agreed to even though my preference was to be a rhytmist.  Those days the band used to perform in the student's lounges and  open concerts in the unviersity compounds.  Needless to say my stage act has brought me many admirers and fans.  I still can recall many instances when years later the girls who graduated from the university  fondly recalled my version of "Rain" which I sang solo at the Chancellory open concert.  That song captivated many of them and really fell in love with the song the way I sang it and played it on the classical guitar.  My love of guitar and singing continued even after campus life.

 In 1975, I taught a few of the Form 4 and Form 5 boys of the BGSS (Bintulu Government Secondary School) to play guitar and sing for the main purpose of forming the first school band. To excite them further I rented a full set of electric guitars and drums from a local band called "The Rainbow".  The students were elated and very enthusisistic for the experience of playing the electric guitars, a novetly then.  Such was my interest in developing the students in their creative pursuits that many of them in their adult life fondly recalled the songs I taught them and the experience of playing in a pop band conveniently abbreviated as  "Kugiran" to mean in Malay ' kumpulan gitar rancak'.  In 1987,  I relished tremendously the magic moment on stage when I  sang the song " Loving Her was Easier" to a packed audience at the BDA Annual Dinner.  The VVIP at the dinner was the Chief Minster of Sarawak, Taib bin Mahmud.  There are many creative pursuits that form my personality but guitars and singing will always be in the top list of my favourites pastime.

Happy Malaysia Day, Sarawak.

Form 4 and Form 5 boys of the BGSS on the school stage with electric guitars - a novelty then - 1975.

(Note: This is the 3rd of my post on what it is meant to be a Malaysian as part of my writing contribution to Malaysia Day which will  to be celebrated on the 16th of September.)

Images of Kuching Today

Tall palms are iconic of Kuching's exotic look.

Kuching's tropical sun and humid climate makes it an ideal setting for a tropical garden city. It is gaining reputation as a popular tourist escapade and gateway for jungle adventure into

Sarawak's deep rainforests. Exotic palms, landscape gardens and road beautification around the city help create a pleasant city environment.

Click here to see more images of the city's greenery.

Sarawak's very own Elvis

On Saturday last, four impersonators of Elvis rocked the stage at the Sapphire Lounge, Ban Hock Road. Kuching's loyal Elvis fans were entertained to Elvis evergreens of the 60's and 70's.

Click here for more stories and images of the night.

Nepenthes bicalcarata ( Tropical pitcher plant)

In Sarawak's peat swamp forests and heath forests ( locally known as 'Kerangas' forests) are found many varieties of the pitcher plant. This red coloured pitcher plant bears two fangs which protrude beneath the lid. Its leaves can grow to about one meter long and the pitcher can extend 25 cm high.

For more images of the pitcher plants click here.

An evening of Elvis evergreens

Sarawak's very own Elvis.

I'm back in Kuching and my first night out was greatly nostalgic. At the Sapphire music lounge on Friday night, four Elvis impersonators came to stage and lived up to the expectations of Kuching's loyal Elvis fans. The place rocked with a smooth sequence of perfect showmanship and vibes as the impersonators took turns to entertain the fully-packed lounge with a wide range of Elvis unforgettable hits.


Three of them were from Sarawak and one came all the way from Kuala Lumpur ( Malaysia's capital city) to deliver his performance.

More of Elvis from Sarawak ~
Sonny from Kuala Lumpur entertained the audience with his pleasant rendition of Elvis slow numbers.

Performing the style of Elvis comes natural. The impersonation was perfectly executed in costume, dance moves and voice - bringing the legendary Elvis alive to Kuching.

There is no pretense in Dawi's performance as he belt out his numbers. He rendered his songs with ease and honesty thereby appearing more like a true artiste than an impersonator.

Feeling good with extra soul into the song.

As I mixed around the electrified audience I was caught in the nostalgic years of the 60's and 70's . I too shared the fun of singing the songs, music and dance moves of Sarawak's very own Elvis- live at Sapphire. For a flat entrance fee of RM 30/pax plus one free drink, the evening was entertainment par excellence.

Images of Kuching Today

At the MBO Cineplex, the SPRING, Kuching.