Well played Datuk Sir

There was something about watching Lee Chong Wei picking up the trophy that stroke a chord with me tonight. It’s not the dignity in which he conducted himself on court. It was not the humility he displayed in victory as well. But he was a true patriot. Fresh from lifting the trophy and doing a lap of honour, he went to celebrate with his fans by the court side. Then one of them threw a Jalur Gemilang his way but missed it while the stewards were ushering him away for a press call I was sure. What did he do? He turned back, picked up the Jalur Gemilang from the floor on one hand while still lifting the trophy on the other. He then passed the flag back on to the fans on the stand. I must confess I choked when I saw that. Another Datukship? He deserved more than that. But then again, his humility will just keep him in his place and his feet on the ground. Well done that man!

Picture courtesy of Astro and fellow blogger Nigel Sia.

Adventure Saturday - Part 2

Irfan's venture at picture taking, originally uploaded by Haris Abdul Rahman. That's my hand that is still hurting after badminton tonight! I'm old!

After we were done with Sg Kanching, everyone felt peckish, especially yours truly. Since I have to go settle my credit card bill, we decided to head for Bukit Bintang. We reached Pavillion about 30 minutes after we left Sg Kanching.

Idlan enjoying his fried riceWhile Irfan couldn't care less ... he prefers golf instead!Idlan wanted his fix for MSG, so we had some sushi while the kids have their tappenyaki fried rice and miso. I then left for Bukit Bintang while Anita and the kids went shopping in Pavillion. I then realised that there is a new fountain built outside the main entrance towards Sg Wang. Boy, there were teenagers around congregating there, punks, goth and all. Identity crisis I thought! Kudo told me that I sounded like an old fart making comments like those on twitter. So I better shut up!

The new fountain outside PavillionWhen I returned, they were just about to take their seat at Godiva cafe. I ordered a hot black chocolate, and it was heavenly. It cost me RM16 for a pot, and it pours for 3+ cups. It was a bargain! I sipped every last drop. Idlan wanted some chocolates, and the waitress duly showed him around. It then dawned on me that a small piece of chocolate will set me back RM9.50 plus tax! Idlan happily picked 4! Argh!!!! But what my baby wants, my baby gets!

Chocoloate served on a platter .... Yummy!It was served on a plate, and Idlan just gulped them in one go and asked for more! We settled in the end for a box of chocolates for him to take home. Won't tell you how much that cost. He finished them all last night!

Today is Monday, back to work. A lot of things needed catching up,and I am due to give a lecture tomorrow morning. Anita was complaining that I a growing fat. So I decided to head out for the badminton session with my ex-Terendak boys. It was a mistake. My fingers flared up again and it is hurting even now. If it is still giving me grief in the next few days, I think I better get it checked out.

UMMC Medical Department Badminton Tournament 2009

UMMC Badminton Tournament 2009, originally uploaded by Haris Abdul Rahman.

After a much-hyped preparation, the Lecturers finally had the chance to teach the Medical Officers more lessons. This time on the badminton court. Starting at 4pm, each fielded men singles, men, ladies and mixed doubles.

YK Pang and me. Average height 5'5".Hiew and Harre. Average height 5'10".Harre and Hiew playing against LP Tan and YB Chong.Line judges making sure all the line calls goes unchallenged.

PC Bee put it succinctly when he said, "Apa ni? No resistance lah!" The lecturers won all the games but one. And that was clearly because YB Chong was still in his working attire and bare-foot when he took on his opponents! Have to apologise also that the pics did not come out very clearly due to high ISO. It may also have to do with the fact that SH Ho was the one behind the camera.

Shuttles were of course of international standard. Ask YK Pang.Yip Boon's time-wasting tactic of asking for time to tie up his shoe laces backfired big time! That's why he lost!

The event was made possible by Iqbal and his band or organiser. I think we should make it into an annual event, and even invite the more senior member of staffs to participate. Maybe they were to form a separate team. We had fun in the end, although I would have wished more of the Medical Officers participated as there were so many of them around.

Practice makes perfect

090604 Badminton Practice, originally uploaded by Haris Abdul Rahman.

The lecturers have a badminton match coming up next week against the Medical Officers. We decided to have a training session. A few of us turned up, minus one of our star player who decided to give the match a miss. He may be way too good for it anyhow.

The session did last a couple of hours and as per tradition, we topped it off with dinner and teh tarik. I had a hugely disappointing mee goreng mamak. Never to go to the same shop again methinks!

Lovely T Shirt

Lovely T Shirt, originally uploaded by Haris Abdul Rahman. Those who attended MRSM will definitely understand the last line on the T-shirt.

Yes, it's Monday. After a hectic weekend with the birthdays and all, I settle for a spot of badminton. I plan to spent the rest of the week cooked up with my planned proposal because the feedback I got from Melbourne was not very encouraging. More alterations and all.

As for the T-shirt, I thought i was a classic one. Only those who attended MRSM would understand what was written. The last line is the first line of the song all of us were forced to sing. The line really stuck in our head.

The session last night was rather different because one of my senior, Razali (Dato' Razali to all you peasants), the Deputy Youth and Sports Minister turned up as well. He was suppose to have a camera crew with him, but because he came late they had to reschedule. Usually around 12 people turn up for the session. Instead more than 30 came. I wonder what the attraction was. The funny thing was some of them I don't even know, and all they did was grinning while Razali was there. Typical I thought!

He was surprisingly fit because we thought he would've given up after a couple of games. The last time he came was a couple of months prior to the UMNO Youth election. Now that he is a Deputy Minister, I can imagine that his time will be more limited. However kudos for at least trying to spend some time with his old buddies. And yes, we still call him Razali!

We spoke about my time in UMNO before and how I can't continue now with my work commitment. He can't stay after the games for teh tarik as he has an engagement this morning. We were back to NZ this time around but the mee ladna was not as nice. I have to have a word with the cook then!