After 100 days

Assalamualaikum and peace be upon all of you..
Thanks for viewing my blog.

The special day finally arrived. The 100 days foundation of my Radin's Blog. Thus, I think it is a good idea to do a post mortem. To search whether my blog up until now achieved its missions. Generally, I don't have any theme or special posting of my blog. All the posting I put in here is something that I would like to share with the viewers. (At least for the first year of my blog)

The main reasons of why I create this blog is I want to increase my skills in English writing and communications. Thus, as a future engineers, it is not just a child's play. Language is not something that you can gain in the class. It is also something that you must practice in your life.

Well, something that I could not denied is, it is very hard to writes in English. I have to spent about an hour for just one post/topic. And, of course, as a normal malay student an obvious mistakes usually a spelling mistakes. My target is about to sent 10 post monthly, but that would not be necessary. I must increase the quality of each post.

"Quality comes first"

Up until now, the topic I will focused more are;

1. Architecture
   - Of course, the magnificent engineering throughout the world
   
2. Comics and Animation
   - My hobby since I was a kid
   
3. Games
   - PC, PS2, PS3, and more..
   
4. Malaysia Royal Family
   - Symbols of unity for the Malaysians.
   
5. Special Events
   - Anything..
   ps ; more will come in the future.

Well guys.. I will try my best to comes out with more interesting topics and post in the future. Anything that you would like to share, gladly reply at the comment or at the chatbox...
Until next times..
=)

Great Mosque of Samarra

Assalamualaikum and Peace be upon all of you..
Thanks for viewing my blog.

Samarra is the name of Iraqi Town that once has served as the capital of the Abbasids Empire. During the time of Abbasids, the muslims enters the era of prosperity and glory. Many legacy of the empire still remain standing until now.

One of the most notable landmark here is the Great Mosque of Samarra.

The mosque was comissioned in 848 and completed in 852 by the Abbasid caliph Al-Mutawakkil who reigned (in Samarra) from 847 until 861. The Great Mosque of Samarra was at one time the largest mosque in the world; its minaret, the Malwiya Tower, is a vast spiralling cone (snail shaped) 52 meters high and 33 meters wide with a spiral ramp.

The mosque had 17 aisles, and its walls were panelled with mosaics of dark blue glass. It was part of an extension of Samarra eastwards. The art and architecture of the mosque was influential; stucco carvings within the mosque in floral and geometric designs represent early Islamic decoration.

This mosque itself is predominantly in ruins, with only the outer walls standing. The plan of the mosque is 240 times 160 metres, i.e. more than 38,000 m². The walls are about 10 metres high, 2.65 metres thick and supported by 44 towers. An ambitious restoration process began in the late 1990's, aiming at rebuilding the columns and eventually the roof.

Additionally, the mosque of Ibn Tulun in Cairo, Egypt was based on the Samarra mosque in many regards.

Galeria

Here are some pictures of the Great Mosque. I would say that the Minaret design is quiet interesting, A spiral minarets.

The minaret are 52m tall and on top of it are the place to give 'azan' (call for prayer). It is believed by many that the minaret was built about 15 years before the main structure.

The only thing that I curious is can the azan actually be heard from on top of it.....

Conclusions

The Samarra mosque really an outstanding landmark on its era. As a mosque located on the capital city at that time, it is necessary for them to build such an outstanding landmark as the symbols to the empire.

As aspected from the empire that also the symbols to Muslims era of glory...

22 years

Assalamualaikum and peace be upon all of you..
Thanks for viewing my blog.

The special day finally come again. The same day like 22 years ago. The day that I was born. Like always, I was too busy to notice it. This 22 years feels like a dream.

There more to do than can ever been done,
more to see than can ever been seen,
more to found than can ever been find...

I was thankful to Allah that I've been born in a really nice family. My father and mother also among the best person i've ever met. I was been raised by my maternal grandparents since I was a kid. Thus, each time a school break, I will make many excuses to my father and mother so that I could stay with my grandfather and grandmother.

All my family member said this to me..
"You are really quite when you are small"

Yeah.. they're right. But, the quite little kid now have grown into a young adult and by the end of the year will finally graduate as an engineering student. And i'm realized my only weakness, I am a very lazy person...
so, a few strategies to improve my life ;

1. Diary. To check and record all my dateline, assignment and appoinment throughout the day.
2. Account book. To record my expenses.
   With these, I can manage and plan my life without sacrificing my laziness... heh.. :)

Some of my friends has already settle down and have their own family. But not for me. Not yet..
I have many to achieve and still not ready to having a relationship.
At least, I want something to achieved in my life ;

1. Novelist
   Writing is one of my hobby. So, currently I'm still working on my first novel. This blog were actually among my way to trained my writing skills.
   
2. Violinist
   I have perform with the UMP Orchestra Club and currently practicing alone. Still working on my playing skills.
   Well.. I have many more too achieve, but I think I will focused on these two.

Some of my friends ask, what is the most valuable present that you get this year?

For me, it's just a simple message from my mother that keeping me smiling all day long..
"Selamat Hari Lahir"

The 14th International Kite Festival

Assalamualaikum and Peace be upon all of you..
Thanks for viewing my blog.

Kite museum, Picture from Utusan Malaysia

It is this special times of the year again. The special events, "Festival Layang-layang" or literally translate as "The International Kite Festivals". Holding once a year, the events takes place at the Bukit Layang-Layang, Pasir Gudang, Johor Darul Takzim.

Kite's making demonstration, Picture from Utusan Malaysia

Bukit Layang-Layang is the place where this annual events takes place. Located at the heart of Pasir Gudang. It is also home to the country's first and only Kite Museum. Here, visitors can see some interesting kite exhibits, take part in a kite-making workshop and then fly your new kites in the adjacent field.

Every year, tourist throughout the world will participate in this events. The festivals will be held for a week from monday to sunday (16 to 22 February 2009). This event has been introduced since 1995. Some of regular participants are Peter Lynn from New Zealand, Micheal Alvarez dan Roger Martin from Australia.
About 28 countries is aspected to participated this year and 26 countries already confirmed their participations like Australia, England, New Zealand, Lebanon and Austria.

This year festivals theme is "Kite brings Harmony". It is a symbols of kite as a shared culture by all races of the world that symbolized harmony and peace.
There will also a special bazaar that sells kite merchandize.

It is a blessed that my hometown is only 15 km away from Pasir Gudang.
Can't wait to be there...

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia

Malaysia is among a few countries in the world which adapted the system of Constitutional Monarchy. Another Constitutional Monarchy countries usually ruled by a single royal family led by a King or Queen Regnant. This is where the Malaysia's Constitutional Monarchy differs.

Malaysia have 9 Royal Families.

Royal Standard

Royal Standard of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler)

Royal Standard of the Raja Permaisuri Agong (the Supreme Queen)

Unique to Malaysia, she is a Federation country consist of 13 States and a Federal Territory and having 9 Royal Families. This 9 States known as the Malay States having their own monarch, and each one of them assumed the Federal Throne for 5-year term in a de facto rotation system. The Ruler of Malaysia is styled as His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia. Literally means 'He who is made Lord'. But can also be translated as The Supreme/Paramount Ruler. Commonly refer to as King.

The nine Rulers are;

Sultan of Johor
Sultan of Kedah
Al-Sultan of Kelantan
Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan (literally known as Great Ruler)
Sultan of Perak
Raja of Perlis
Sultan of Selangor
Sultan of Terengganu
Sultan of Pahang

The current King of Malaysia is His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah, who also the Sultan of Kedah.

The Supreme Ruler of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah and Queen of Malaysia, Tuanku Hajah Haminah

According to the Constitutions, King of Malaysia functions as;

1. the powers that he exercises on the advice of the Prime Minister, a Minister, the Cabinet, the Conference of Rulers or some other officer or institution
2. the powers that he exercises at his discretion (without the consent of any other authority).

The circle of seniority of states

It is also know as the King circle's. Each states will take turns to hold the positions.

the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan
the Sultan of Selangor
the Raja of Perlis
the Sultan of Terengganu
the Sultan of Kedah
the Sultan of Kelantan
the Sultan of Pahang
the Sultan of Johor
the Sultan of Perak

Up until now, the succession order still follow the cycle. The Ruler may reject the installation under special condition.

The Kings of our past

Here are the list of Sultan that has serve as the King of Malaysia.

1. Tuanku Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan
2. Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah of Selangor
3. Tuanku Syed Putra of Perlis
4. Sultan Ismail Nasirudin Shah of Terengganu
5. Tuanku Abdul Halim of Kedah
6. Sultan Yahya Petra of Kelantan
7. Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Mustain Billah of Pahang
8. Sultan Iskandar of Johor
9. Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah of Perak
   
   (2nd Cycle)
10. Tuanku Jaafar of Negeri Sembilan
11. Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz of Selangor
12. Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin of Perlis
13. Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu
14. Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah of Kedah
    

My history teachers always said, You must be born lucky to become the King of Malaysia. Born into a royal family, Heir apparent to the state, and crowned as a Sultan/Raja. (Requirement that must be fulfilled before you can be installed as the King for just 5 years.)

Officials Palace

Istana Negara or National Palace, Officials Residence of King of Malaysia

Royal Retreat, Istana Melawati

The next post will be about the royal family of each respective states.

:: This article is subject for amendment, the latest amendment was made on 12th April 2012.

Perak Crisis - The Sultan's Decision

Assalamualaikum and Peace be upon all of you..
Thanks for viewing my blog.

In my previous post "Perak Crisis : Chronology", it is stated that both party's leader, BN and PR has comes before the HM Sultan of Perak to ask with their respective request, form a government and dissolve the state assembly and hold another elections. Both sides has officially stated that they will accept any of the Sultan's decisions.

After HM Sultan of Perak has make a decision that preferred the BN, most of the Perakians unable to accept the decision's and it has caused a huge uproar to the states. I has surfing throughout the internet for about 2 days and found out various comment. From accepting the Sultan's decision up to disagreed with the Sultan up to the extend said it they doesn't need the Sultan anymore.

Obviously, the one who stated that is a Malay. And like a statement from Tun Dr. Mahathir, "Melayu Mudah Lupa", "Melayu easily forget".

The flag you see at the top of the post is the Flag and coat of arm of Perak. What does it means?

3 stripes at the flag;

i) White represents HM Sultan of Perak

ii) Yellow represents HRH Raja Muda of Perak (Crown Prince)

iii) Black represents HRH Raja di Hilir of Perak

With all of those stripes represents the royal family, and you said that you doesn't need the Sultan anymore? Absurd I would say.

Personally, I also disagree with the Sultan decisions. Due to the fact that the perakians has clearly voted for PR in the last general elections. Thus, the PR government is the legal government. The BN that gets their supports from crossover assemblymens logically means that the new government is unconstitutional and unethical.

Yes, most of us said the Royal Family is injustice. But, please head my advice gentlemen, HM Sultan Azlan Shah has shown a good example for us, the citizens. He actually hears both sides, PR and BN. We can said that the Sultan is one sided if he only hears one side, but he actually sees and hears all sides, Najib, Nizar and all the assemblymens. Thus, his decisions is unquestionable. It is only the politicians who usually sparks a tention to the community.

Circumtances

The situation in Perak now is worst than ever. With the Ir Nizar refuse to step down and HM Sultan Azlan Shah has choose the new MB, Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Perak now comes to an era with 2 Menteri Besar.

Obviously, the PR has stated to defend the PR government in any means necessary and objected the new government. As an observer, what can I see is the situation now is almost the same as the situation in Perlis and Terengganu a year ago.

Perlis and Terengganu

BN has won in Perlis and form a government. The Prime Minister has said that Datuk Shahidan Kassim as the Menteri Besar, but the Raja of Perlis does not consent him to be the Menteri Besar due to the fact that the assemblymen prefer Mat Sabu.

BN also has won in Terengganu and form a government. The Prime Minister has choose Datuk Idris Jusoh to be the Menteri Besar. But, the famous Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin has choose Ahmad Said as the new Menteri Besar even all assemblymen still prefer Idris Jusoh.

And the rest is history. A commotion breakout and BN has stated that the Sultan who is also King of Malaysia is unconstitutional. The PR consist of Pas-DAP-PKR were gladly to see this as the new election probably be held if the assemblymens still refuses to accept the Sultan decisions.

But what happens now? PR too angry with the Sultan up to extend wanted to sue Sultan in high court. What a story... you should know that the majority support not always a good one.

Paradigm Shift

To all Malaysians, and specifically to PR.. please accept this situation with an open heart. Why? Because you already see that most citizens hold their support for you. PR has already to tired after a fierce battle in the past general elections, so take this chance to rest. Not to give up, but building up energy to give an outstanding victory in 13th general elections 4 years from now.

Most chilvarious and wise General after winning the war will retreat from the battlefield. Why? So that they can march more further up into the enemy terretory. So, what I can see is the Sultan is actually helping you. Please cease-firing for now, the lost here is maybe the key to many victory.

And to BN, please be aware that you may win todays battle but maybe suffered a major defeat in the future. If you still believes that your government is the government for all... please prove it to all the citizens, bring back the peace and gain the peoples confident back.

Sultan Azlan Shah

What has happened to Sultan Azlan Shah triggered my memories to the documentary movies that I watch. " The Queen". It is a story about Elizabeth II, Queen of United Kingdom and 16 Commonwealth Realm. Elizebeth II also angered her subjects when the royal family only keep quite of the death of Lady Diana, Princess of Wales.

Even though she is not part of the royal family, her status as mother to Prince William and Prince Harry make her more popular than others member of the royal family. Most of the peoples are furious why the Queen does not take part in the time of National Grief to the extend 1 out 4 has said wanted to abolished the monarchy.

But as the time goes by.. the people's angered finally eased.

Even though i am a Johoreans, I support the sultan decions, well face the fact that he is just a normal human being that are bound to makes mistakes... Sometimes, I do think that it is best to film this crisis just like 'The Queen'. To see the fact that whatever the Sultan do.. nobody will satisfied!

In fact, it is a huge mistakes to done something just to satiesfied everyone.. not all will satisfied..

I end my post with a famous quote in 'The Queen'

"As one story is told, the other remain hidden"

Harvest Moon : A Wonderful Life

Assalamualaikum and Peace be upon all of you..
Thanks for viewing my blog.

Today post is about a game call Harvest Moon. In the previous post I have mention about the game that I play during the holiday. Harvest Moon : A Wonderful Life is a RPG game created for PS2. Like all series of Harvest Moon, the gameplay is about living your life as a farmer! An additional features added in A wonderful Life is player need to build a succesful life including getting married, raised children, manage your farm and get socialized with all the other NPC's in the game. The game will changes with the environment that you create.

Farm

I skip into the important part, manage your farm. Growing your crops and take care of the livestock. You will grow crops with its respectives season. For example, Turnips in summer and Strawberry in winter. You gain profit by crops a trees by each respective season.

Tomato and Watermelon

Basic crops:
Tomato, Potato, Strawberry, Melon, Watermelon, Carrot, Yam, Turnips.
Apple, Orange, Banana, Grapes, Peach. (Tree types)

Additional Features:
You can hybrid your crop to produce a 2nd and 3rd generation crops. This crops much more profitable than the basics crops. For example, Tomato + Potato produce Potamato!

You can also produce a crops that can grow in any season.


Livestock

A newborn calf, how cute... :)

You can raise:
Cow, Goat, Chicken, Duck, Sheep, Horse

Cow and Goat will produce a milk daily. The main profit for many players.
Sheep will produce Wool once a season.
Chicken and Ducks produce egg occasionally. You also can gain profit by selling it.
Horse. Your main transportation in the game.

Life

This game is about build your life. You will married and have children. Your main objective is to encourage your son to inhereted the farm. Player also can encourage him to get another career. (If not, he will choose on his own).

In special edition, there are 4 marriageable bachelorettes. Nami, Celia, Muffy and Lumina. Your son/daughter also has their mother's attitudes,

Your future wife and your future kids...

Nami's Son
- Nami is a tomboyish girls and thus his son will also as athletic as her

Celia's Son
- Celia's is a well-natured girls and thus his son will also be the well-behave type among the 4.

Muffy's son
- Muffy is a social girl and thus his son will also be artistic and out-going type.

Lumina's son.
-Lumina is a rich girls and thus his son will be an Intelligent type.


There will be many career for the player to persuades them.
Athletes, Scholar, Rancher, Farmer, Artist, and Musician.


Gameplay

This gameplay has the longest time interval. Ranging almost 10 years. Thus, you has many times to developed your character, gets socials with other NPC, open up shops, cooking and celebrates festivals. Player can also try fishing for additional income.

Remember, a certain NPC will give you something in the name of your friendship.

A good game for those who wants to enjoys a interesting gameplay.

Perak Crisis - Chronology

Assalamualaikum and Peace be upon all of you..
Thanks for viewing my blog.

Today, all Malaysians see the downfall of the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government in Perak. The government led by Dato Seri Ir Nizar Jamaludin only able to serve for about 11 months. Hold 31 state assembly seat during the 12th General Elections, Pas, PKR and DAP form a simple majority to led the Perak Government. BN only hold 28 and thus lost Perak for the first time.

Deputy Prime Minister with 31 state assembly that support BN

This is the unique factor in Malaysians politics. The holder of the state assembly or parlimentary seats for each respective party have the possibility to 'change sides'. The same factor was the cause of the downfall of PR government in Perak after 3 of their seats holder resigned from PR. Even currently serve as Independence candidate, they have already gave their support to BN. And this is not the first time it is ever happens.

List of downfall state due to crossover assembly member;
1959 - downfall of Pas government in Terengganu. 2 party members switch sides to BN
1994 - downfall of PBS government in Sabah. Also to BN.
2009 - downfall of PR government in Perak. Also to BN.

10th Menteri Besar of Perak, Dato Seri Ir Nizar Jamaludin

The downfall of PR in Perak has unofficially state as 'coup' by the PR. They also has send a partition so that the new elections be held. The Monarchy however did not consent to held a new elections.
With the current political system in Malaysia, I do think that elections can only be held in every 5 years no matter what the circumstances.

Chronicle of Perak Crisis

Here are the chronology of what happens in Perak;

1. ADUN Bota (BN), Datuk Nasarudin Hashim crossover to PR
2. Former Perak Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali resigned as Perak UMNO chief.
3. Deputy Prime Minister, Najib resumed the role as Perak UMNO Chief
4. 3 PR ADUN are nowhere to be found. All communication attemp failed to locate them
5. Serious newsflash, 3 PR ADUN announce resignation as PR ADUN. All of them becomes independence ADUN.
   Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (PKR), Hee Yit Foong (DAP), Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (PKR)
6. Najib announce that they has enough majority to form a state government. 28-3-28.
   Datuk Nasarudin Hashim rejoined UMNO.
7. Najib ask consent from HM Sultan of Perak to form a new government of Perak
8. PR Chief Minister ask consent from HM Sultan of Perak to dissolve the state assembly and hold a new election
9. HM Sultan of Perak announce his consent to a new perak government and ask Ir Nizar to resign.

The rest is up to you to decide.

The end of Chinese New Year Holiday

Assalamualaikum and Peace be upon all of you.
Thanks for viewing my blog

One week Chinese New Year Holiday is finally over. Here I am again at the University Malaysia Pahang campus. This post should be post during the Chinese New Year, but the same things happen each holiday.. I was to busy playing PS2. New game? No.. Its just a good old game Harvest Moon : A wonderful Life (Special Edition). But I will put it in a new post.

A brand new year of an Ox, it is said that anyone born in this year will be very intelligence and smart. A good example, Tun Dr. Mahathir and Saddam Hussein.

My little brother also born in this year. (He is born one month before the year of the tiger). Well, I think he is not the intelligent type, but rather a smart type. Always know how to kill a lonely atmosphere.

A quote from my father:
"If he's not around, the house feels empty"

Just like hari raya where we get 'duit raya', in chinese new year we receive 'ang pow' and a little more.. Oranges. Firstly, I always thougt that only chinese will give oranges this time of year, but supprisingly, I went to a Malay shop and guest what I got.. Oranges..!

Time really has change.

The only things that I regret that the holiday end too soon. We got only 1 weeks Holiday and guest what.. No more holiday untill the end of April. Which means the end of the semester. As this is my last semester, I feel a little sad, yet happy.. My time as a student has almost come to an end..

How I'm going to spent my little time here.?...

I should be more proactive and more active..