Editor’s note [April 2024]

Hello RSGC members, it’s nice to be writing to you again.

Selamat Berpuasa

At the time of writing, we are still in the holy month of Ramadan, which, as we all know, is the most sacred month of the year for the Muslim community. During this time, we will witness our Muslim friends and community fast, pray, and perform deeds of kindness and charity.

As I understand it, it is a time for introspection, growth, and seeking blessings from the Almighty. It is believed, that fasting during the month of Ramadan helps people to purify their body, mind, and soul. So before going further, on behalf of the Editorial Board, to all our Muslim Members, management, and staff, “Selamat Berpuasa”. May you have a blessed Ramadan filled with joy, harmony, and countless blessings.

A CONTEMPLATION

On a personal level, to take a cue from this holy month, I think it is certainly a good time to do a bit of self-reflection too, regardless of our religions or faiths.

Personally, it is a poignant time for me as well, as I reflect on my life journey over the past year, the events, happenings, and the crossed paths with diverse individuals the past year. I am grateful for the life that I have and I have been counting all my blessings. Yet I ponder whether in my haste through a hurried city life, have I forgotten to stop and smell the roses along the way. The contemplation weighs heavily in my heart sometimes.

In particular, have I done enough to appreciate and cherish the people around me, be it loved ones, friends, or people who walk through my life? Having lost my mum last year, I can certainly feel the pain of missing her presence. It’s a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing every moment with those we hold dear. When they are no longer around, we always wish we had more time with them, regardless of how much time we had with them before.

Sometimes in our hurried life, we are guilty, for one reason or another, of neglecting our devotion to time and efforts to meet, nurture, and strengthen relationships with loved ones and friends. The thinking is that they will always be there for us and there are always other times to meet up. Sometimes it is a bit too late, and we regret the missed opportunities to meet.

So perhaps during this Hari Raya holidays, it’s a good time, as it has always been, to make the extra conscious effort and time to connect more with loved ones and friends, near and far, to cherish them and to value the relationships with them much more. Perhaps we should be the ones taking the first initiative to connect with a long-lost friend or a friend we haven’t kept in touch with for a long time.

BALIK KAMPUNG

Having said above, if you are planning to “Balik Kampung” to your hometown or visit friends this coming Hari Raya holiday, do plan your trip carefully, drive safely, and ensure enough rest before the start of the journey, especially under the current hot weather.

During the recent Chinese New Year holiday, I had a wonderful “Balik Kampung” experience, one that is filled with nostalgia. I have not been back to my wife’s hometown, Muar, for the past eight years, for one reason or another, Covid-19 included. But the warmth that we received from my in-laws and the revelation of grown-up kids and new family additions showed us how time has passed, and how much we had missed. Even the small town that we used to frequent had expanded with new shops and housing estates, as they too undergo developments, like in the cities. It makes you nostalgic for the years gone by. Time just waits for no one, and in this case, it seems we have not “Balik Kampung” for too long.

As with Malaysia’s tradition of hosting open houses whenever there are major festivals, RSGC Hari Raya Open House will be held on Friday, 19 April 2024. Remember to register and join us for this event. Happy holiday to everyone !!!.