SOUL SCRIBBLES

Late last year, I heard rumours that Spotlight was closing its doors in Malaysia. The staff said they haven’t gotten any memo yet on the closure. But it is confirmed now. I felt an unexpected ache—like losing a dear friend who had quietly, consistently been part of my creative journey. It wasn’t just a shop I visited; it was the place where my love for crocheting and sewing was not only supported but truly ignited. More often than not, I would walk into Spotlight with no clear project in mind—and walk out with arms full of colourful yarn, a couple of crochet hooks (although I already have plenty!), and a head buzzing with ideas. Every visit sparked creativity, joy, and self-discovery. From soft pastels to bold, textured fibres, Spotlight’s yarn section was a playground for the senses. Every colour told a story; every skein held potential. It became a ritual—those quiet, happy trips where I’d browse, dream, and imagine my next handmade piece. Scarves, baby blankets, bags… all of it beg...

Form Five Science 2, 1979   Spending 11 years at the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in Johor Bahru was more than just an education—it was a life boot camp. From the tender age of seven to our mid-teens, those formative years shaped us—not just as students, but as young women learning to navigate a gloriously diverse and ever-changing world. Convent wasn’t merely a school. It was a community—a vibrant blend of girls from every background under one tiled roof. In every classroom, Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Eurasian pupils sat side by side, swapping stories, snacks, and secrets. There was no “us and them”. Just us—giggling over silly jokes, helping each other with homework, or standing united when the entire class forgot to do their homework. In Standard One, drowning in boxy school bags and starched pleated Cerulean uniforms that defied comfort, pupils of the Christian faith recited morning prayers while the rest of us observed respectfully. Hymns—especially the Christmas ones—soo...

BANYAK kenangan saya bersama Pak Lah. Ya, ketika dia menjadi Menteri Pelajaran dari tahun 1984 sehingga dilantik sebagai Perdana Menteri ke 5. Semenjak dahulu lagi, saya menyapa Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi sebagai Pak Lah, melainkan ketika Pak Lah bersama pembesar-pembesar negara luar atau di sidang akhbar antarabangsa or when protocol dictates we address him accordingly. Calling him Pak Lah was not a sign of disrespect. On the contrary, it was a sign of respect. Saya menganggap Pak Lah sebagai seorang bapa yang mengambil pendekatan lembut terhadap sesuatu. Pertuturannya lembut, non-confrontational. He was terribly modest, soft spoken and averse to speaking ill of others. Sukar sebenarnya untuk tidak menyukai dan tidak menyayangi Pak Lah. Ada yang mengatakan bahawa sifat-sifat seorang gentleman seperti ini adalah satu kelemahan terutamanya bagi mereka yang berkecimpung dalam politik dan Kerajaan but not to Pak Lah. These were actually endearing traits. My respect and admiration for Pak ...