Al Hijrah TV: '30 Minit Ustaz Don' and 'Reflection'

Hey folks,

back to the world of blogging.... oh yes, it has been a while...  bz wiz work.....of course...a belated HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!  like dey say it is the the year of the DRAGON!

For the past year, I've been watching the new channel 'Islamic' based called 'Al Hijrah'.  So far really enjoyed the shows and that it showed significant improvement from the first day it was launched back in 2011.

The shows that I really enjoy are '30 Minit Ustaz Don' and 'Reflection'.

30 Minit Ustaz Don:

First my insight of this show which is in 'Bahasa Malaysia' called '30 Minit Ustaz Don'.  This show is hosted by Ustaz Don Danial Don Biyajid or better known by Ustaz Don.



Unlike 2011, this year the show format still sticks to the 30 minute segment, but it runs from Monday to Thursday starting at 10pm.

At the moment, for Mondays and Tuesdays, Ustaz Don focuses on 'Fiqh' which is the fundamental foundation of one's guidance in praying (solah), cleanliness (ablution) and for Wednesdays and Thursdays, he focuses on 'Tajwid' which is proper and correct way of pronouncing and reciting the 'Al Quran'.

What is unique about this show is the method of how Ustaz Don reached to the television audience as if he is really 'teaching' us on very personal one-to-one approach.  In addition, with his 'hands-on' and practical approach which is a huge difference compare to the other religious tv shows in Malaysia which is the typical sermon-like preaching which one tends to switch to another channel if it gets really boring.

Not to mention, he is a young Ustaz so that makes it very attractive and hopefully more viewers to stick to the show. 

Overall, the show is awesome and yes keep it up Ustaz Don you are the Man that keep reminding us the importance of Islam and our strong faith to Allah.

Reflection:

The next show is called 'Reflection' is hosted by well-known American Imam Suhaib Webb.  I haven't heard of him until I watch Reflection. 

Imagine, an American Muslim (who was previously a Christian) hosting this show and talking very concise detail about the verses (surahs) from the Al-Quran and its meaning and approach life.  Despite his American accent which is 'cool', that is what makes it not only different than the other Islamic tv shows in Malaysia, but it is coming from an American and sometimes his talking style has the 'hip-hop' element but the Islamic way!

Frankly, I do have my respect of his abilities and well-found knowledge of Islam and that as a Muslim I am very impressed of this.  I may not be a Imam or Ustaz, but Suhaib Webb definitely shows that from a person who was from a non-Islamic background to a well-know Imam, that is a truly significant milestone!

His sharing of knowledge of Al-Quran makes it really 'cool' for us to really appreciate, understand, and applies to our everyday way of life which is what really Islam is all about.

This show runs on Al Hijrah tv in Malaysia from Wednesdays to Fridays at 10:30pm.

Cheerios!!!!

Visit the Historical state of Melaka (Malacca)

Hi Folks,

Below is an article from one of our English dailies about the state of Malacca (Melaka).  Yes it is surely a must visit place if you come to Malaysia as stated by the New York Times.

What is unique about the state of Melaka compare to the rest of states in Malaysia is that it has the colonial influence especially from the Portugues, Dutch, and British.  Not only that it was once the seat of government of the great Empire of Melaka which dominated in the 14th and 15th Century before the invasion by the Portuguese.

Malacca among 45 ‘must-visit’ places

"KUALA LUMPUR: Malacca has been listed by influential The New York Times as one of the 45 places to visit this year.

“With its lantern-lighted canals and silent, narrow streets lined with decades-old ornate temples and shophouses, few places in South-East Asia conjure romantic images of the past as effectively as Malacca,” it said in a write-up which became its second most-read story of the day.

Under the heading “The 45 Places to Go in 2012”, it said that Malacca, as a Unesco World Heritage site, had been captivating “record numbers of tourists lured by its unusual architecture and cuisine, which reflect centuries of foreign influences”.

“When you’re not exploring places like the 17th-century former Dutch town hall or Jonker Street’s antique shops, gorge on Malacca’s outstanding local specialties, like creamy, piquant nyonya laksa at the family-run Donald & Lily’s.”

World heritage: According to ‘The New York Times’, Malacca offers tourists unusual architecture and cuisine which reflect centuries of foreign influences...."
 
Below are just some cool and historical sights of Melaka for your viewing....

Melaka River

A Famosa (Once Famous gateway to the Portuguese Fortress)

Seaside...

Replica of the old Istana (palace)

Dutch Architecture: Stadthuys

Anwar Ibrahim Not Guilty!

Hi Folks,

Malaysian Opposition Leader, Anwar Ibrahim has been aquitted in the sodomy charges.

One thing for sure this is not the end yet...especially in the dramatic and soon-to-really-become-hot issue and that is the 13th General Election.

One can also conclude that from this not guilty verdict showed that the Malaysian Judiciary system is 'independent' of the executive branch or there was no influence from the 'higher up' authority as previously been assumed.

Despite that in Malaysia, we do not have a jury system (like in the US), it seems the Judge already made the decision based on all the facts and figures presented to him.

For PM Najib and Barisan Nasional (ruling party), they can say that the judiciary have made all the relevant decision without any intervention or interference from anyone and thus prove the independence of the judiciary system in this country.  Moving forward, yes when is the election? 

Speculation says it could be after the Chinese New Year or somewhere in Feb or March....  Again, that is PM Najib's prerogative decision.  He will know when the time comes...

As for Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Rakyat partners (Opposition), it is sure thing that their objective is to capture Putrajaya and try to break the record and hope to become the first opposition to win the federal government in Malaysia.  Again, the onus is up to the fellow Malaysians.....he or she will only determine the government in power in the next General Election.

For now, sit back and enjoy the show...

Cheerios!

ELVIS PRESLEY: My Tribute to the KING!

Hi Fellow Net Surfers/bloggers/citizens of Earth!

The 8th of January and if the King was alive he would be 77 years old.  I am talking about the man who epitomize and bring rock music to the world, the one and only Elvis Presley.

Yes, I am a huge fan of the King.  Do idolize him especially his music and his artistic contribution to the world.

How I got into the 'you ain't nuthing but a hound dog' groove, tell me about it at that time I was in high school and it was during the alternative rock music era especially with Nirvana, Pearl Jam, SoundGarden, Blind Melon, R.E.M,.....we are talking about somewhere in the 1990s like 92-93-ish.  Actually, thanks to my dad, he was like playing all the Elvis stuff and boom it just got into my head.

Anyway enuf said, of course critics claim he didn't start rock n roll which is true.  However, Elvis took out rock n roll and make it into a major music revolution which is in the end open up all the doors of other rockers such Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and of course later the Beatles, Beach Boys, Led Zepellin, and plenty more.  He basically showed the way or open up the 'avenue' for youth to start rocking.

Have to admit his sideburns were really the masterpiece especially if one watches the 'Elvis 68 Comeback Special'.  That time the King was the man and he rule the music.

Oh well, long live the music of the King and may his legacies and memories linger on our minds forever!
Thankyouverymuch!

Cheerios!

US Military: Going lean.....but maybe mean......

Hi Folks,

Based from the news as stated by US President Barack Obama, the powerful US military is going on a diet program!  Yes, they are going lean....which means gradual cut down of resources and manpower.

Does that mean the US military influence globally is on the decline? 

Not really, because again the Asia-Pacific region is once again the focal point of where the US military will be building or basically putting their noses in.  Some say is this really necessary...? 

Well, right now in Asia, People's Republic of China has the biggest military resources and manpower (largest troops in the world) in Asia and second place is India...  Not to mention, today in the Asia-Pacific region, the economic vibrancy is moving and of course most of the world's important resources are here beside the Middle East.

For sure the unsolve issue of the 'the Spratly' is yet to be resolved and with China's declaration of the South China Sea as part of their maritime claim which cause uneasiness especially to countries like Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Philippines.  It is believed or said that there is huge reserve of petroluem in the 'the Spratly' and of course the smell of oil and gas is something which is familiar can lead to conflict and worst military aggression (1991 Gulf War).

Well whatever it is, the US military presence in the Asia Pacific realm is 'disturbing' for China, but again under the administration of Barack Obama unlike his hawkish predecessor, George W. Bush, the US will surely warrants for more dialogue and peaceful/diplomatic engagment than the infamous unilateral military action like what happened to Iraq.  Hopefully that will be the way....

Cheerios!

The first week of Jan 2012.....la la la la life goes on..

Hi Folks,

As usual, the first week of January 2012 is the beginning of the school year.....  For the first few days it was not only that the children went back to school, but also the parents. 

This year not yet for me since my junior will go next year and yes I will get my taste of the parents first day in school in 2013....who bundle of joyness.....!

The Anwar Verdict

Beside the first day of school debut, yes next week on the 9th January is the High Court verdict as to whether Malaysian former DPM and current Opposition Supremo, Anwar Ibrahim is guilty or innocent of the sodomy charges. 

In Malaysia, we do not have a jury system, but all the verdict and sentencing is by the Judge.  This is based on both of the facts  and figures as presented by both the prosecution and defence.

If Anwar if guilty, then the Opposition coalition known as 'Pakatan Rakyat' will have to go for a second leader in command to lead in the next 13th Malaysian General Election which will be...anybody's guess...??

If he is innoncent, then the battle of Putrajaya will take place and just a matter of time when PM Najib will make the call for the dissolution of parliament and state assemblies.

Things are just getting to be hotter than it was over here.......i mean the weather......!  (sigh)...


Cheerios!

VT Hokies loss in OT....oh man!!!!!

Hi Folks,

As an alumni and also long time fan of the VT Hokies football.....(American Football that is)....
Very disappointed that we lost to Michigan in a very close game that led to overtime in the Sugar Bowl.

Oh well that is Sports, there will b a winner and the loser......good grief!!

There is always the next season, but that is a different story altogether....

Cheerios!

Back A-Malaysian-Dude-Diary

okay folks,

now flip-flop back to the ORIGINAL address; a-malaysian-dude-diary.blogspot.com

Cheerios!!!!

A-Malaysia-Dude

Guys, guys, guys,

Just in case, the blogsite is now called a-malaysian-dude.blogspot.com and no longer 'a-malaysian-dude-diary.blogspot.com'.

cheerios!!!

2012 is here.. 13th General Election maybe....?

Hi folks,

Yup, mentioned many times last year and now it is for real.....welcome 2012...

Looking forward to a brand new year....with of course lots of things to accomplish and achieve.

In Malaysia, there are just so much things that one of the most awaited topic is the 13th General Election.

It is not due before April 2013, but again like most political experts say it could happened this year....

Of course, for majority of Malaysians the right to vote is not automatic since one must register first a voter.

If you have not, then go out and register NOW.  To do it, you can simply go to the nearest Election Commission office or even the post office.  For more information, log into the Election Commission website, http://www.spr.gov.my/.

Election Commission (SPR)

This election is gonna be one of the most exciting and yet crude and nasty and dirty and mudslinging and the typical politically rhetoric attack that will just amused and gain attention of everyone be it in Malaysia and International.  It will a be an all out battle or war for both the current government of PM Najib (Barisan Nasional) versus the Opposition lead by former DPM Anwar Ibrahim together with 3 parties combining to become Pakatan Rakyat.  Of course 9 January 2012 is an important which will determine as to whether Anwar Ibrahim will be innocent or guilty and that may have some affect of the direction of the so-called possible 13th General Election.  Well, whatever it is, PM Najib has the prerogative to decide when to make the call for the election....



Barisan Nasional -



PM Najib Tun Razak



Anwar Ibrahim





Anyway, enuf said since there'll be lots of things to see, hear, and digest.......kewlness!

Cheerios!

Redskins lose to Eagles.....sucks! farewell to the 2011 season

Hi Folks,

Yes, the title speaks for itself....the 'Skins lost to the Eagles.....and it was not even a close game.....  Thot we can stopped them from getting 8-8 record, but settle again for a loss especially final 2011 season game.

Moving forward, the Redskins need to do a lot of improvement and hopefully from the 2011 poor performance, they can change that for the better in the 2012 season. 

Well, as a loyal fan of the Washington Redskins, they can do it, but only time will tell when that will happen.

HAIL TO THE REDSKINS.