Selamat Hari Raya Idil Fitri-2007- Syawal, Hijrah 1428

By Amde Sidik

I have been away. Thus nothing came out during Hari Raya eve in this blog (pix of mosque in Semporna-on the left, where I performed my Idil Fitri prayer this year, 2007).

I wanted to post my Hari Raya massage while I was still on the shore of the east coast of Sabah. It is still possible using little pda, but it became impossible when I could not get access to a free fire wire, there are not many around yet in this area.

I wish everyone Happy Raya. For those interested in meeting friends or making new friends this is the fortune time.If you counter rejection by Muslim friends during your visit let me know...that is, if are not Muslim.If you are Muslim, a few friends and I would have a fair idea how to make them tremble.

I have not been sticking with the kampong ritual for the last seven years or so, meaning, I did not celebrate the first week of Raya in my kampong instead I have always been elsewhere. I only visit my mother around or even after second week of Syawal.

Some, may be wondering as to why? My reason though thoughtless it may sound. I always look for something different, in this context I would be meeting new friends –new people. Sometimes I could be a complete stranger especially if I am in overseas- myself alone in the middle of the crowd (I feel). That does not worry me or let alone depress me. Not at all. Whilst in Malaysia it is not really a problem no matter how isolated the place is, during Hari Raya, no sooner after the salam (Raya Prayer) I would bump into someone I know or some who knows me, so far.

We had a little ceremony on the first Hari Raya Day in Semporna- a little talk on Hari Raya at the resident of one, prominent community leader.

I presented them with a copy of I Beg To Differ and The Mystic of Borneo-Kadayan, I wrote the later specifically to partially entertain readers. This book has been making me busier compare with my earlier two books. A few bookings have been made for me to appear to talk.

I have been invited to see life on boat somewhere on the sea in my next visit with assurance, that is, after they saw me raising my eye brows that I would be protected by them.Volatile area here if you know what I mean...

Perhaps I shall talk later on this subject.

Books presentation