Tried, Tested & Trusted...

There is a small hair salon operating along Maxwell Road (now known as Jalan Tun Razak) for more than 25 years now. No folks, it's not a fancy hairstylist salon with long-legged blondes to make you feel at home. Its a typical indian barber shop. A 10 feet width and 20 feet length shop with cold air-conditioning, four barber stools, a radio tuned to a tamil-speaking frequency and plenty of out-of-date pop magazines.

I have returned to the same barber for my monthly hair cut for the last 24 years, with few exceptions. The same ol` barber in person. Chair number three. There were many attempts by friends, along the 24 years, to entice me to try those trendy hair-cut salons. I did try but I did not patronage.

But nothing beats my barber. His cutting strokes are very consistent and I don't have to explain what hair cutting style I require or how I want my goatie or my sideburn to look like. He reads my body language very well too. Sometimes, after a long stressful tense-filled day (you know, one of those days when I don't answer phone calls or reply smses) my hair cutting session would be one without any uttering word except a little thank you before I leave by each of us.

He is not perfect tho`. He did caused some painful cuts during my shaves sometimes. But the thing that I enjoyed most is our many conversations, our talk about the public grouses, hay-wire stock market, unpredictable weather, latest local rumours and many other topics. One thing for sure, if I'm at the barber shop at the same time as the tamil radio news, he will translate the news for me. He is a sources for my political information too. The grass root voice, so to speak.

Well, being a regular patron for more than two decades surely has its privileges.

But then again, I must admit, during the the height of hindraf-led-demonstrations, as a Malay, I too felt the anxiety. And my paranoia extends to my indian barber too. It did cross my mind, what if he trust the razor and slash my neck apart. Yes, its a silly thought, but it did cross my mind once.

But then yet for 24 years I have tried and tested his services with no room for dissatisfaction. My trips to my barber for hair cuts are like cozy-homecoming, a complete comfort. For 24 years I have trusted his hands to handle the unforgiving pair of sharp scissors and razors and never to have second thought of his sincerity and my safety, except for once.

And when the people of Permatang Pauh settles on Anwar Ibrahim instead of Arif Shah on 26th August and return the man to Parliament with bigger majority than Wan Azizah's five months ago, I have no qualms whatsoever. It did not even raise my eyebrows.

For 26 years the majority of people in Permatang Pauh have voted either Anwar Ibrahim or Wan Azizah as their parliamentarian and their trusted service person, and it will take more than 10 days of heavy campaign to denounce all the good deeds Anwar Ibrahim and his family have done for the people of Permatang Pauh. There are too many simple local Permatang Pauh people who are simply taken by Anwar's charming style and gestures. Anwar and his family are a tried, tested and trusted brand around Permatang Pauh, that is certain.

But can Anwar Ibrahim be the trusted brand for Malaysia?

In all fairness, apart from being a Prime-Minister-wannabe-at-any-cost, a convicted corrupt by three courts with competent jurisdiction, criminally accused-sodomizer - twice, alleged-agent-of-the-western-countries, Anwar Ibrahim is a charming dan captivating personality, above-average-able economic speaker and the hope of a new Malaysia, whatever form that new Malaysia might be. Maybe a new Malaysia with two Deputy Prime Ministers, representing non Malay and Borneo for a change.

I just cannot wait for September the 17th to see if the petrol price will revert back to the old price as Anwar had promised when he gets to fulfill his life-long ambition. But then, we are nice Malaysians. And nice Malaysians don't crucify leaders for lying, even if the lie is said in the mosque.

As for me, a small-time-bankrupt (yes, if all my creditors decide to recall all my debts, all at once) - lawyer, swear or no swear, my all time tried, tested and trusted brand for Malaysia is none other than Tun Dr Mahathir himself. May Allah swt extend him good health for many more years to come.

Himpunan Melayu Muda

Satu perhimpunan yang dinamakan HIMPUNAN MELAYU MUDA NEGERI PERAK akan diadakan sempena ulangtahun kemerdekaan negara Malaysia seperti berikut:

Bertempat di - ARENA SQUARE KUALA KANGSAR

Tarikh - 30 OGOS 2008 bersamaan 28 Syaaban 1428

Masa - 9.00 pagi hingga 1.00 tengahari

Pakaian - Sopan berwarna putih. Selempang akan diberikan

DYTM Raja Muda Perak dijangka turut mencemar duli ke Himpunan ini dan menyampaikan titah.

Semua anak Muda Melayu Perak dijemput hadir bersama-sama untuk

membuktikan KESATUAN MELAYU
menyemarakkan SEMANGAT dan JATI DIRI MELAYU
menjunjung KEDAULATAN RAJA-RAJA dan KETUANAN MELAYU

Program ini adalah anjuran NGO-NGO Belia dan Anak Muda Perak.

Anekdot :

Himpunan Melayu Muda berjaya mencapai matlamatnya dengan kehadiran hampir 2 ribu anak muda Melayu Perak. Sungguhpun DYTM Raja Nazrin Shah tidak mencemar duli, kehadiran Sahibul Samahah Mufti Dato Seri Haji Harussani cukup menyemarakkan semangat anak-anak muda yang hadir berhimpun.

Storm in Teluk Intan...

Teluk Intan experienced a storm. The wind was strong and the rainwater was heavy. And this is not a good news for a town endangered by river erosion and eventually being washed over by the Perak river. For my readers benefit, Teluk Intan is a town surrounded by the Perak river in a 'ladam kuda' shape. If the geologist are correct, the river erosion is going to shape up straight into the path of Teluk Intan famous Menara Condong - Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan in 50 years time. I'm not a geologist to be certain of that but I'm almost certain that I would not be around to witness it.

But the storm did not interest conversation amongst UMNO politicians. There's another kind of storm and it has became the subject of most teh tarik sessions for the last few days. The nomination of Dato Zulkifli Alwi at Batak Rabit Utara branch have stirred up the local UMNO scene. And I was informed, it caused discontenment and some angry voices as well.

The head branch, Abang Razak was pressured to nominate Dato Idris Hashim as Division Head despite strong disagreement amongst the branch members. Arrangements were made to counter-nominate Haji Termizi Yusof instead. And that was supposedly the script. In politics, never assume the obvious. Dato Zulkifli Alwi's name came up in Batak Rabit Utara from nowhere and in the last hours before the branch meeting. Pressures and incentives could not persuade sentiments and loyalty.

While the nomination stirred up many people, the subject matter now is who was behind the plotting. Few names cropped up since last Sunday and have became the target of anger and dissatisfactions. No, my name have not been associated. But then again, Batak Rabit has always been my home-turf.

And my Sunday afternoon...

After leaving Kampung Batak Rabit, Lan drove to Garuda, an indonesian-food restaurant. The food is just average, but the restaurant is choosen for a different reason. Its normally empty on a Sunday and that's good for political meet-up.

The group was already there when I arrived. Nadziruddin, Halili, Kadir, Fuad, Saini, Jay E, Dani, Samad, Zul, Azman, Osman, Hanif Ghazali, Fahmi, Jamil, Shahrul and the whole gang. The Ketua Pemuda team and his campaign machinery. Missing from the scene is my own machinery. Sahak had a family matter today.

I officially joined Teluk Intan UMNO politics in 2004. When my late father was at the helm of power, he had never allowed me to be actively involved because I was a student then. But I tagged along, and after years of watching and listening, I learnt the trade by heart. In 2006, I ran for my first UMNO election. We call it G2 election. It means the election of two representatives from the Teluk Intan Youth Division to UMNO Malaysia Youth General Assembly. It was a hectic and taxing three months campaign as I was up against three other strong candidates.

Razaligh Hamzah, the incumbent division youth secretary, Zamanhuri Yaakob, the previous division youth secretary and Yuzailie Yusof, a rich-son youth aspirant and division committee member all had years of track record and involvement in the local UMNO scene as headstart to the campaign. I only had a surname.

Sahak was introduced to me by Zainal Zain. I will excite readers with the story of Zainal Zain later. Sahak is currently one of the division youth exco member. Fish whole-seller in the morning and a goat breeder in the afternoon, Sahak is an extremely rare diamond in politics. If I ever write a self-biography, I would dedicate a chapter for this outstanding man. Sahak and I enjoys a superb political chemistry. This is what I call fate and fated.

This is the man who I would say is primarily responsible for my success in Teluk Intan UMNO politics thus far. This is a man, who despite his setbacks, is politically smart and savvy. Sahak is definitely a 'creme de la creme'.

Campaign machinery meet-ups are common during the UMNO election season. Many things are discussed, generally. There was a nice theory by Brother Kadir that the contest between Nadziruddin and Yuzailie for the Youth Division Head post is like the animosity between Popeye The Sailor and Brutus. One with good heart and the other with selfish intentions. Kadir went on saying that Popeye will never loose once he gets his spinach. I wonder what spinach is insinuated to mean here. One naive soul asked, "who is Olivia then"?

A momentary silence before a laughter broke out. I laughed out loud myself as I agreed with Kadir that, considering all circumstances except for the fact that Olivia is a woman, that Olivia would best be me. The holy grail perhaps?

It is now almost 2.30 pm and there will be two branch meetings this afternoon, namely Teluk Intan Timur and Changkat Jong. We are on the move again.

We reached Teluk Intan Timur branch meeting and the usual political ritual begins. Plenty of warm-hand shakes and plenty of grins. "Apa khabor?" would be my normal opening line to the older folks. But today when I arrived at Teluk Intan Timur, I suddenly feel very sad. I got emotional.

Teluk Intan Timur is an UMNO branch with strong and solid membership base. Usually, the branch meeting is held at the Sultan Idris Shah school canteen, without fail. This year, the use of schools have been prohibited to political functions and that include UMNO. As such, the branch moved their meeting to Pusat Kelab Sukan Komuniti. Its a cabin with small shade. But that's not the point.

UMNO has been the major ruling party in this country for 51 years, since independence. It has form the federal government after each general election without fail under the Perikatan and later Barisan Nasional alliance with other component parties including, among others, MCA, MIC and Gerakan. The current and all previous Malaysian Prime Ministers is and were UMNO President. UMNO holds the world record in modern democracy for being the longest ruling party to govern a country without interval.

Yet, when Barisan Nasional fail to win enough seats in the 12th General Election to form several state governments, UMNO suffered. UMNO is now the leading opposition party in my home state Perak. No more Dewan Orang Ramai or school canteen to hold UMNO grassroots meetings.

The defeat of Barisan Nasional in Perak and other states in the 12th GE was beyond anyone's imagination. No one said it was expected. Well, I concluded one point - it proves the HUGE gap that have evolved between the ordinary rakyat and the leaders, top and grassroot leaders as well. No one saw it coming. UMNO did not smell it. UMNO no longer have the unique ability to feel the 'heartbeat' of the Malays it once enjoyed as the bedrock of its strength.

The issue is, after 62 years since the inception of UMNO and after 51 years of government rule, gripping to power in every sense of it, UMNO did not prepare itself for defeats like the one on 8 th of March and is definitely not ready for old age. In 51 years, UMNO should have ensured that UMNO branches nationwide have their own Dewan or activity centres and atleast have some assets to ensure self-reliability, financially.

But UMNO never thought it could loose the grip to power. Its a sheer arrogance that I must admit earned the wrath of God Al-Mighty. And the good men of Teluk Intan Timur suffered.

The youth branch head here is one Remie Man. A fine young gentleman. He and his members delivered my 20th nomination as the Vice Head of the Division Youth Wing. He did cause some stir and laughter when he intentionally delayed Dani Sultan's nomination as G2 candidate.

After the youth meeting ended smoothly, the branch meeting proceeded. Nadziruddin gestured a signal that all of us ought to leave. Changkat Jong meeting is in progress and there's an interesting contest going on.


As the entourage make their move to Changkat Jong which is 20 minutes away, I took a deep breath. My shoulders felt heavier. UMNO must revive itself and regain the trust of the Malays and non Malays, the rakyat so to speak. I humbly believe, its must be back to basic with practical improvements. I hope Teluk Intan Timur would not have to hold their meetings under shades and trees forever.

My Sunday morning...

I woke up as late as 6.45 am to say my morning prayers. Yes, seek forgiveness. We human do sin sometimes. As I prepare my small luggage bag, in case I need to change later in the day, I looked into the mirror. Plain Saiful Adli. How time flies and one thing struck my mind - I'm not getting any younger..

Lan, my buddy, confidente and personal helper, came around to my house at 7.45 am and after sending Adlan to his soccerkid practise, we make our way to Teluk Intan, 92 km away from Ipoh through the fastest route, not the shortest. Common mistake among political greenhorns. Its the start of a long Sunday for me, with expected twists and turns along the day.

I was born in Teluk Anson, the old name for Teluk Intan. My family and myself moved to Ipoh back in December 1976 and I was only two then. Both my paternal and maternal grandparents were from Teluk Intan. Chikus, Sungai Tunku, Sungai Sumun and Batak Rabit are places that can all be associated to my family, someway or rather.

We arrived at Teluk Intan around 9.30 am and I went straight to Kedai Pak Ya, a popular breakfast joint for the local UMNO people. Here is where the latest news and rumours about local politics are discussed and more often than not, with some embellishment. Its like having breakfast with tabloids.

There are always familiar faces at Kedai Pak Ya. There's Wak Hashim and Sudin satay today. I had a malay diet breakfast - nasi lemak, two half-boiled eggs and two mugs of coffee. Here I set my eyes and ears on the local people, there's a lot to be learnt. Simple people with simple thinking and simple needs. They talk simple too. And their simpleness means that they can be very direct sometimes. Humility and sincerity is the way to blend with plenty of smiles and laughs too.

My trips to Teluk Intan have always boosted my motivation, if not my ego. Many years ago, my late father was the local leader. A respected one. And more respected after 'they' toppled him and realised that the leader they brought in to replace my late father was no equal. 'Anak arwah Dato Resad' - is how I'm normally referred to. Honestly, that reference always strike the very bottom of my soul. It sinks into me a sense of pride, but more often, it kicks into me a sense of responsibility to continue arwah's good deeds to the people of Teluk Intan.

The routine mantra now begins. Its politics time.

I was joined by Hasnol dan Dani, two young youth aspirant who are worlds apart in style and mind-method. We discussed the latest political developments and update ourselves with the local news. One is a newcomer yet hard worker. The other is a dreamer yet try to impress others for the wrong reasons.

Its 10 am and we are on the move. It's gonna be a long day. Three UMNO branch meetings and for me, its a combination of public relations exercise, understanding the micro needs of each locality and of course, the expansion of political influence. In layman terms, its more like meet-the-people, warm-hand-shakes, gentle-shoulder-pat and sharing-political-news and concerns.

First stop is Kampung Batak Rabit. Its my maternal grandmother's home-village actually. One of my 'home-ground' when it comes to political equation. The Branch head is Awalluddin Osman, fondly known as Buntak. A humourous, unpredictable yet reasonable character. Warm gestures were quickly exchanged and good (sweet-talking) words were subject of loud-cheeky laughs. That is the normal scenario you would get to see at most UMNO branch meetings in Teluk Intan, that is.

The meeting started with the branch permanent chairman taking the microphone and announced the attendance. Coincidently, the permanent chairman is the branch head's elder brother, one happy go lucky Zul Lobo. Yes, Lobo and he is mid 50s. Talk about cronyism in UMNO, but hey, come to Kampung Batak Babit Teluk Intan and make your own assessment. They are all family here, and this is how things work. No disgruntled voices over such arrangements because that is what the merit warrants.

Speeches by the Youth Head, Nadziruddin Wak Bandi, Buntak and Haji Rahman Sheikh followed. Haji Abdul Rahman Sheikh is running for the Deputy Division Head post and this is his home-branch. I respect this man for his sheer guts and "never say die attitude". Hard-pressed by political ploys to block his nominations, he fights and remain a fighter till death do him apart. A character and attitude UMNO must have for old age.

While the speakers are making fiery 'perjuangan' speeches, I sat at the back of audience with friends and 'plotters'. *Grins. There were Man Black, Din Majid, Atan, Awang and few others. While the general public may think UMNO is corrupt, filled with conspiracies and power-crazy people, I would always argue otherwise.

Recently, an old friend criticized UMNO for being 'a dirty-out-of-trend party'. I shrug him off by saying "you are not even a member of UMNO.. dont tell things to me like you know. You have no idea what UMNO really is like." The conversation went on by him saying to me, "dont waste your time with politics bro, its dirty and unworthy". I dont know why I immediately got furious.

I told straight to his face. "If it's dirty, what are you doing to help make a difference? Political power is the very basis of the our future. This is Tanah Melayu and I'll defend that even if it means sacrificing my life. Its nothing personal for myself. Its for my children's future and its my duty bound. I'm not ashamed to use all my knowledge and resources, slug it off in the mud and dirty myself, if that what it takes for me to try make a difference. Even if I failed, atleast I can say that I have tried my utmost best the whole of my life".

UMNO is not what many outsiders imagine it is. Yes, I will admit that there are some unhealthy practises in UMNO but in all fairness, UMNO is like your 'rumah pusaka'. The house that you were born and bred, raised and fed. No matter how old, dirty or fragile it gets, you can never sell your 'rumah pusaka'. It would be like selling your soul. It would be like selling your roots.

The meeting is now almost over. Nominations were as expected. Haji Termizi Hj Yusof as Division Head, Haji Abdul Rahman Sheikh as Deputy Division Head and Anwar Mestar as Vice Division Head. I shall not bore readers with the the ploy behind the nominations, its too complicated. But one thing certain, I got my 19th nomination from Kampung Batak Rabit this morning as Vice Head of the Division Youth Wing and maintained my 100% nomination thus far.

After having feast-lunch, I seek permission to leave. Its already 12 noon and there's more meetings and more political meet-ups and discussions (yes, conspiracies too) for me to attend to. As usual, Lan was already at the car. I said my thanks to Buntak, his wife, Zul Lobo, Rahman Sheikh and a whole lot more. Well, everyone. More warm-hand-shakes, gentle-shoulder-pat and meaningful-eye -contact. And I said my silence prayers for my maternal grandmother, Hajjah Halijah Said.