Eye-opener at scrabble tourney

The Star Metro

 

Tuesday September 8, 2009
Eye-opener at scrabble tourney

 

SIX visually impaired participants created history at the Mines Mensa Scrabble Challenge 2009 that took place recently at the Mines Shopping Fair.

 

The event, which was held at the shopping complex for the third time, attracted more than 80 participants from all over the country.

 

Although the Malaysian Mensa Society (Mensa) had introduced the Scrabble Challenge in 2001 and it is now a permanent fixture in Mensa's calendar of events,
the recent event was the first time that visually impaired players had taken up the challenge and competed alongside their sighted counterparts in the
mainstream tournament.

 

The six players, from the Society for the Blind, Malaysia (SBM), were Malaysian Examinations Syndicate assistant director Zahari Hashim, Sime Darby Berhad
legal executive Ajong Sidim, English teacher and mother-of-four Wong Swee Foon from Tuaran, Sabah, stenographer Ismail Omar, telephone operator Tan Boon
Kim, and Radzimah Mat Yasin. The team was led by SBM sports chairman A. Majid Jaafar.

 

A new category, "Seeing is Believing", was created specially for them, complementing the usual categories of Masters, Intermediate and Beginners.

 

Happy participants: (Front row, from left) Ismail Omar, Zahari Hashim, Wong Swee Foon, A. Majid Jaafar, Radzimah Mat Yasin, Tan Boon Kim, Ajong Sidim and
Mensa president Low Keng Lok; (2nd row, from left) Mary Yap, Anne Yap, tournament director Yap-Song Kim Lian, Kelvin Loh Hsien Han, and Eileen Cheong and
Gary Hor from Mines Shopping Fair; (top) organising chairperson Goh Siu Lin.

 

Modified scrabble sets with embossed Braille boards and tiles were provided for them.

 

While tournament rules require sighted players to draw tiles from green scrabble tile bags raised above eye-level, this would have given the blind players
an advantage as they would have been able to feel the Braille tiles. In view of this, the Braille tiles were placed face downwards in a tray for the players
to draw from.

 

A helper assisted each of the three pairs of blind players to keep time and score. The players were allocated 40 minutes per person per game instead of
the usual 25 minutes.

 

Much to the surprise of those present, the blind exhibited a natural ability for scrabble, with some of them forming bingos with ease. Many curious onlookers
drew near to observe them play and went away impressed and inspired. In a matter of a few minutes, old preconceived notions and the prejudices of the sighted
were swept away by the assured play of the blind competitors.

 

"The world of the sighted and the world of the blind are very separate. A lot of people assume that blind people are stupid, but actually, many are able
to speak English – in fact, three of the players here are graduates," A. Majid said.

 

"We would like to shake off that image – we need friendship, and we would like the sighted to play with the blind players."

 

He added that the blind led very closed lives. "For example, watching TV or movies would be meaningless to them," he pointed out.

 

"Their lives are very empty, so indoor games are very important to them. SBM provides sports facilities to the blind. These games include Scrabble, in which
conventional scrabble boards are modified by having Braille embossed on clear hard plastic grids that are fixed on top of the board's surface, enabling
the blind and sighted to play together.

 

"Apart from scrabble, SBM members play over 20 different games, including chess, dominos, checkers, congkak, modified ping-pong (in which the balls do not
bounce), lotto (bingo) and mahjong," he added.

 

The Seeing is Believing category was won by Wong Swee Foon, with Zahari Hashim in second place and Tan Boon Kim, third.

Celik al-Quran walaupun buta

 

 

Oleh ARIF NIZAM ABDULLAH

 

Pelajar-pelajar SKPK Princess Elizabeth sedang tekun bertadarus al-Quran menggunakan huruf Braille.

 

SALAH tu. Huruf mim bertemu min hukumnya iqlab. Kena panjang dua harkat. Ulang balik," lembut teguran Mohd. Zulkifli Mamat ketika membetulkan bacaan ayat
suci al-Quran salah seorang anak muridnya.

 

Unsur kelembutan yang hadir pada sesi pembelajaran antara dua insan yang cacat penglihatan itu sedikit sebanyak mampu mengusik emosi sesiapa yang mendengarnya.

 

Paling tersentuh apabila dalam keadaan teraba-raba, ada di antara murid itu dapat mengalunkan bacaan ayat suci al-Quran tanpa tersekat-sekat sambil memperdengarkan
kelunakan suara yang mendamaikan.

 

Malah hati siapa yang tidak sejuk apabila seorang guru yang cacat penglihatan, Mohd. Zulkifli, 43, gigih mengajar al-Quran kepada anak-anak muridnya yang
turut mengalami masalah sama di Sekolah Kebangsaan Pendidikan Khas (SKPK) Princess Elizabeth, Jalan Nong Chik, Johor Bahru, Johor sejak 10 tahun lalu.

 

Sepanjang Ramadan ini, Mohd. Zulkifli yang mesra dipanggil Ustaz Zul bersama kira-kira 56 murid jelas tidak mahu ketinggalan bertadarus membaca al-Quran
bertulisan Braille.

 

Biarpun hidup dalam kegelapan, aktiviti bertadarus al-Quran saban malam itu menjadi rutin selepas sembahyang terawih sebagai waktu terbaik buat mereka
memperbanyakkan ibadat agar mendapatkan keredaan dan keberkatan Ilahi.

 

Jelas Mohd. Zulkifli, kepuasan dan keseronokan yang diperoleh sebagai guru mengajar al-Quran ialah apabila beliau dan dua guru yang lain dapat mengkhatamkan
seramai 12 murid sejak aktiviti tersebut dianjurkan lima tahun lalu.

 

"Bayangkan satu huruf pun mendapat pahala daripada Allah SWT, inikan pula sebuah al-Quran. Tambah pula dalam puasa ini yang penuh berkat ini, lagi banyak
pahala.

 

"Mengajar murid-murid cacat penglihatan membaca al-Quran sebenarnya perlu banyak kesabaran kerana paling cepat mereka dapat mahir dengan titik huruf Braille
adalah dalam tempoh tiga bulan," kata anak kelahiran Tumpat, Kelantan itu membuka bicara.

 

Menyambung bicara, bapa kepada seorang bayi comel berusia 13 bulan itu berkata, cabaran utama bagi memahirkan diri membaca al-Quran bertulisan Braille
adalah mengenal huruf terlebih dahulu.

 

Katanya, ini kerana huruf seperti alif, ba dan ta mempunyai titik yang berbeza dan ia hanya dapat dibezakan menerusi kecekapan deria rasa jari pada titik-titik
tulisan.

 

"Namun menjadi guru mengajar al-Quran yang 'tidak nampak' ini lagi besar cabarannya. Selain perlu membiasakan diri dengan keadaan sekeliling, saya berdepan
dengan murid-murid cacat penglihatan yang nakal kerana gelagat mereka sama seperti kanak-kanak normal lain.

 

"Mereka juga suka mengusik murid-murid lain malah tidak kurang yang terlalu aktif dan sentiasa bersifat periang. Apa pun saya tetap melayan mereka seperti
murid normal dan memarahi jika membuat salah," katanya tersenyum sambil rancak bercerita.

 

Saya tidak sesal

 

Bagi penulis, hati Mohd. Zulkifli lebih terang biarpun matanya tidak dapat melihat. Dia membaca al-Quran bertulisan Braille melalui mata hatinya dan itulah
kelebihan Allah SWT sebagai anugerah yang amat bernilai kepada dirinya yang buta sejak 27 tahun lalu.

 

Katanya, dia tidak sesal menerima musibah itu cuma sedikit sedih walaupun percaya setiap kekurangan dirinya itu akan terdapat kelebihan yang diberikan
Allah SWT kelak.

 

"Bayangkan kalau kita hilang RM10 pun dah rasa sedih, inikan pula hilang mata untuk melihat dunia ini. Saya terima takdir ini kerana mungkin terdapat hikmahnya,"
katanya.

 

Mengimbau tragedi lampau, Mohd. Zulkifli mengalami demam panas selama dua bulan ketika berumur 16 tahun. Dia hanya berubat mengikut cara kampung iaitu
berjumpa bomoh. Sebaik demamnya beransur pulih, matanya pula silau dan rabun sebelum tidak nampak secara keseluruhan tidak lama kemudian.

 

"Saya harap pada mereka yang Allah SWT kurniakan penglihatan yang sempurna dapat membaca al-Quran dengan lebih kerap sebagai tanda kesyukuran kepada-Nya.

 

"Jangan mensia-siakan kurniaan Allah SWT itu kerana bila sudah tidak ada lagi, baru kita merasakan satu kerugian betapa berharga nilai penglihatan itu,"
katanya menitip nasihat.

 

Di SKPK Princess Elizabeth, pemegang Diploma Perguruan dari Institut Perguruan Darul Aman, Kedah itu turut mengajar mata pelajaran Agama dan Pengajian
Islam.

 

Sekolah yang dibuka sejak 1953 itu kini menempatkan 78 murid berusia antara enam hingga 12 tahun yang menghadapi masalah penglihatan.

 

Selain itu, seramai 25 pelajar yang berusia 13 hingga 19 tahun bersekolah di Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar yang terletak berdekatan dengan SKPK Princess Elizabeth.

 

Kesemua mereka tinggal di asrama yang disediakan memandangkan terdapat murid-murid di situ datang dari seluruh Semenanjung Malaysia.

 

Pada 15 September ini, sekolah itu akan menganjurkan majlis khatam al-Quran peringkat sekolah bagi meraikan dua lagi murid yang berjaya mengkhatamkan al-Quran
dan dua lagi muqadam.

 

Gembira khatam al-Quran

 

Melihatkan ketabahan murid-murid cacat penglihatan ini membaca al-Quran walaupun dalam serba kekurangan cukup menginsafkan.

 

Diselubungi kehidupan yang penuh penderitaan, mereka tetap tidak mahu mengaku kalah dalam menunaikan tuntutan agama.

 

Bagi mereka, tiada istilah berputus asa jauh sekali memencilkan diri daripada aktiviti insan normal lain kerana menyedari nasib berbeza dalam menjalani
hidup di muka bumi ini.

 

Seorang pelajar, Ainur Athira Zulkifli, 13, berkata, dia tidak mahu mengharap belas ihsan orang lain selain berterusan meratapi takdir yang menimpa dirinya
itu.

 

Kata anak kelahiran Kluang itu, biarpun buta, kesukaran membaca al-Quran bertulisan braille pada peringkat awal merupakan ujian mencabar yang perlu diatasinya.

 

Anak kedua daripada empat beradik itu mengakui masalah mempelajari hukum tajwid bertulisan braille hampir menggoncang semangatnya.

 

Namun latihan bacaan setiap hari membolehkan dirinya berjaya mengkhatamkan al-Quran pada umur 11 tahun, katanya tersipu malu.

 

"Saya mula membaca muqadam pada umur 10 tahun dan semakin fasih dalam tempoh setahun. Mula-mula memang susah hendak guna jari belajar dalam tulisan braille.

 

"Tetapi asyik kena marah dengan ustaz tiap-tiap hari, lama kelamaan saya dapat 'menangkapnya' dengan cepat," katanya yang bersekolah di Maktab Sultan Abu
Bakar.

 

Sementara itu, seorang murid, Mohd. Asraf As'ari, 13, memberitahu, dia sedar kelemahan diri apabila agak lambat dapat membaca al-Quran bertulisan braille
yang memerlukan kemahiran deria rasa di jari.

 

Kata anak kepada seorang mekanik itu, ini kerana dia sukar membezakan huruf braille bagi tanda atas, tanda bawah dan sabdu. Namun cabaran itu sesekali
tidak pernah luntur kesungguhannya.

 

Dia yang buta sejak umur tujuh tahun berkata, rahsia kejayaannya dapat mengkhatamkan al-Quran pada tahun lalu kerana menetapkan tempoh belajar selama satu
jam setiap hari.

 

Hakikatnya, merapati murid-murid cacat penglihatan ini seolah-olah melangkah ke satu jalur kehidupan yang luar biasa apabila tidak semua insan berpeluang
menikmati keindahan hidup seperti mana yang diinginkan.

 

Mereka mengharungi kehidupan yang penuh berliku dan suka duka yang dihadapi itu merupakan satu ujian yang sering menggugat kesabaran, namun anak-anak kecil
ini tetap berserah kepada Allah SWT.

 

Bagi individu atau syarikat yang ingin berkongsi kegembiraan dengan murid-murid dalam menganjurkan sebarang majlis, mereka boleh menghubungi guru besar
sekolah, Nafisah Ismail di talian 07-2224068.

Kuasai bacaan Al-Quran dengan Braille Islamik

 

Oleh ZUARIDA MOHYIN

BRAILLE ISLAMIK

JARI-JEMARINYA lincah menyentuh titik-titik halus pada helaian buku putih itu, sambil mulutnya berkumat-kamitterselit juga keazaman yang akhirnya menatijahkan keunikan si empunya suara.

sebelum meluncur laju ayat-ayat suci al-Quran dilafazkan.

Sesiapa yang mendengarnya pasti tidak menyangka di sebalik kelunakan suara itu, terhimpun pelbagai kepayahan serta terselit juga keazaman yang akhirnya menatijahkan keunikan si empunya suara.

Begitulah secebis kisah kehidupan gadis berkulit putih melepak yang berasal dari Pendang, Kedah, Norhidayah Abd. Halim yang kehilangan deria penglihatan sejak dilahirkan, kira-kira 21 tahun dahulu.

Kalau orang lain hadir di dunia ini dengan ditemani pelbagai warna-warni kehidupan, namun bagi Norhidayah, beliau mempelajari erti kehidupan dalam dunia yang serba kegelapan.

Pun begitu, cacat penglihatan tidak bererti dibelenggu kegelapan, apa lagi untuk merintih atas takdir ilahi. Kekurangan itu diterimanya dengan reda kerana meyakini bahawa setiap sesuatu yang Allah takdirkan itu, mempunyai hikmah.

Malah atas kepercayaan bahawa setiap yang tersurat dan tersirat itu adalah rahsia Allah, ia sentiasa dijadikan pegangan hidup Norhidayah. Sekali gus pemangkin semangatnya untuk terus cekal mengharungi kehidupan, waima dengan cara yang berbeza.

Norhidayah, mula bergelar pelatih Kursus Pembantu Tadbir Sistem Maklumat, Pusat Latihan Gurney di Persatuan Bagi Orang Buta Malaysia (MAB) sejak 5 Januari lalu.

Kebiasaannya, para pelatih di situ perlu mengikuti program pemulihan (rehabilitation) tetapi dalam kesnya yang dilahirkan buta serta pernah menerima pendidikan di Sekolah Pendidikan Khas Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang, maka program sebegini tidak perlu lagi diikuti.

"Sepanjang hampir dua semester menerima latihan di Kompleks MAB ini, banyak yang saya pelajari terutamanya berkaitan dengan bidang khusus seperti; selok-belok tugas-tugas perkeranian, 'mencelikkan' saya dengan pengetahuan teknologi maklumat (IT), belajar tugasan pengendalian kerja-kerja di pejabat serta membuat surat-surat rasmi dan banyak lagi.

"Di sini, pelatih Islam diwajibkan mengikuti kelas al-Quran dan Fardu Ain. Sungguhpun saya mula belajar al-Quran sejak di darjah dua iaitu semasa menerima pendidikan khas di Bukit Mertajam. Pada masa itu, saya belajar asas sahaja tetapi di dalam kelas ini apa yang dipelajari, jauh lebih mendalam. Maksudnya, berpeluang belajar hukum tajwid," terang anak ketiga daripada empat adik-beradik ini, pagi itu.

Ketenangan

Ramadan kali ini kata Norhidayah yang hampir menamatkan pengajian al-Quran, selain tidak melepaskan peluang menyertai tadarus al-Quran, beliau juga mengambil bahagian dalam apa sahaja program penganjuran Persatuan Pelatih Islam (PPI) seperti tazkirah, bacaan Yasin dan Qiamullail.

Berhasrat mencari kerja dan memperoleh pendapatan sendiri apabila tamat kursus kelak, Norhidayah berulangkali menyuarakan keseronokan dan kepuasan apabila mampu menguasai bacaan, tajwid serta penghayatan menerusi surah-surah yang dibaca.

"Apabila apa yang kita pelajari dan baca itu difahami maksudnya, secara tidak langsung ia melahirkan satu perasaan yang berbeza kerana kita baca dengan kefahaman dan penghayatan, bukan sekadar membaca begitu sahaja.

"Malah al-Quran ini apabila kita sentiasa membacanya, ketenangan itu akan datang sekali. Sebab itulah, walau sudah tamat belajar di sini, saya akan cuba meneruskan pembelajaran agar ia tidak hilang begitu sahaja," janji Norhidayah kepada dirinya sendiri.

Sementara itu, Muhammad Shahril Azrie Zainudin, 24, yang juga mengambil kursus serupa Norhidayah, kini di dalam peringkat pertengahan dalam kelas al-Quran.

Menceritakan pengalaman belajar al-Quran menggunakan Braille, Muhammad Shahril yang berasal dari Parit Buntar, Perak mengakui agak sukar kerana belum pernah menerima didikan sedemikian.

"Pada peringkat awal dulu, saya terpaksa mempelajari huruf-huruf hijaiyah, diikuti melancarkan baris-baris bacaan serta banyak membuat latih tubi surah-surah tertentu menggunakan mesin Braille.

"Sungguhpun hanya terdapat enam titik pada kotak Braille, namun ia memerlukan tumpuan dan kepekaan yang jitu bagi mengenali huruf Alif hinggalah ke Ya.

"Jadi, tempoh penguasaan seseorang itu bergantung sejauhmana kepekaan sentuhan jari-jemarinya kepada titik-titik braille tersebut. Namun, kalau hendak seribu daya, kalau tidak hendak seribu dalih...," terang Muhammad Shahril yang hilang deria penglihatan pada 2006 akibat penyakit yang menyerang kedua-dua belah matanya.

Kini Muhammad Shahril mampu tersenyum puas kerana mampu membaca al-Quran bukan sahaja lancar tetapi berserta tajwid. Beliau berazam untuk khatam al-Quran kalau tidak pada bulan Ramadan ini, akan dipastikan terlaksana pada penghujung tahun ini.

Teman sekelasnya, Mohd. Afifuddin Mohammad Sabri, 23, turut mengakui kelancarannya agak terbatas terutamanya pada peringkat awal, disebabkan kesukarannya merasai titik-titik Braille yang membentuk huruf-huruf hijaiyah.

Tambah pelatih kursus Pembantu Tadbir Sistem Maklumat ini, dia terpaksa mengikuti program pemulihan selama lima bulan ketika mula-mula memasuki Kompleks MAB.

Meskipun kehilangan penglihatan Mohd. Afifuddin adalah berkaitan genetik malah ada di antara adiknya yang lebih dahulu disahkan iaitu pada usianya 14 tahun, namun apabila disahkan oleh doktor yang dirinya juga akan mengalami masalah yang serupa, beliau mengakui ia sesuatu yang sukar diterima olehnya.

Apa tidaknya, selepas 21 tahun celik, kini terpaksa menerima hakikat yang penglihatannya kabur sedikit demi sedikit sebelum gelap-gelita. Ditambah pula, sensitiviti masyarakat terhadap orang buta masih kurang.

"Kami adik-beradik semuanya dilahirkan normal tetapi apabila meningkat dewasa risiko untuk menjadi buta adalah besar.

Bersyukur

"Agak lama juga saya hendak membiasakan diri dengan cara hidup insan yang hilang penglihatan. Sekarang ini pun walaupun mata saya nampak macam orang normal tetapi sebenarnya pandangan saya sudah mula kabur," jelasnya.

Mohd. Afifuddin berkata, program rehab (pemulihan) banyak membantunya membuat persediaan dan penyesuaian diri.

"Pada awalnya agak tertekan tetapi apabila melihat kawan-kawan yang lain, saya dikira masih beruntung kerana ada yang lebih teruk masalah mereka.

"Dari situ timbul rasa bersyukur kerana ada orang yang jauh lebih bermasalah. Saya selalu tanamkan dalam diri dan sentiasa berdoa kepada Allah SWT agar diberi ketabahan dan sentiasa bersedia dengan apa yang mendatang," ujar anak muda kelahiran Setapak, Kuala Lumpur ini.

Menceritakan pengalamannya dalam kelas al-Quran, kata Mohd. Afifuddin, dia berterima kasih kepada ibu bapanya yang banyak memberi tunjuk ajar dan ketika di kelas banyak dibantu oleh guru (ustaz).

"Awal-awal memang susah, lebih-lebih lagi jari saya kurang sensitif dengan titik-titik Braille. Pernah rasa putus asa kerana sukar nak dapat rasa dan rasa macam sama sahaja.

"Mungkin kalau orang tengok, cuma ada enam titik mereka kata senang, tetapi hendak menentukan kedudukan titik tulah yang masalahnya. Kalau tekan kuat sangat pula, ia tidak berapa disarankan kerana boleh menyebabkan titik-titiknya termasuk ke dalam. Nanti timbul masalah di kemudian hari pula.

"Alhamdulillah, semua ini dapat diatasi dan pada tahun ini, Ramadan saya tambah bermakna kerana dapat menyertai kumpulan tadarus. Saya juga berazam dapat khatam al-Quran tahun ini," jelas Mohd. Afifuddin selepas sesi fotografi itu.

Pelatih kelas sama, Norfadilah Abdullah, 21, mengakui agak sukar belajar al-Quran menggunakan Braille tetapi menyedari ia satu pengalaman baru, menyebabkannya teruja untuk menguasainya.

"Saya di dalam kelas ini pun baru peringkat asas iaitu belajar mengenal huruf dan baru masuk bab baris-baris bacaan sebelum beralih membuat latihan menggunakan mesin Braille," kata gadis yang berasal dari Kelantan ini..

Gadis ramah ini yang mula mengikuti kursus di situ pada Julai lalu, menjelaskan dia kehilangan pandangan akibat mengalami sejenis penyakit iaitu glaukoma.

Norfadilah hanya sempat menduduki peperiksaan Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) sebelum bergelar pelatih di Kompleks MAB atas bantuan sepupu yang juga merupakan tenaga pengajar sekolah pendidikan khas.

Sebaik tamat pengajiannya, anak ketujuh daripada lapan adik-beradik ini merancang memilih kursus Pembantu Tadbir Sistem Maklumat dan kemudian akan menyambung pengajiannya di maktab perguruan bagi merealisasikan cita-citanya bergelar pendidik.

Kisah aku dan Tong Sampah

Inilah kisah perkenalanku dengan Tong Sampah.

Aku mengenali Tong Sampah pada awal Ogos yang lalu. Seorang rakanku telah memperkenalkan aku kepada Tong Sampah. "Tak apalah, awak panggil Tong Sampah saja." Beliau berkata. Maka, beliau telah memberikan aku nombor telefon Tong Sampah.

Tong Sampah ialah seorang gadis buta. Beliau tinggal di Johor Bahru. Umur beliau baru 21 tahun. Beliau bersekolah hanya setakat tingkatan tiga.

Maka, bermulalah persahabatanku dengan Tong Sampah. Aku pun sms beliau dan beliau membalas sms aku. "Hai, boleh saya kenal kamu?" Sms pertamaku buat beliau.

"Boleh." "Tapi, macammana kamu dapat nombor telefon saya?" Tong Sampah membalas sms-ku. "Oh, kawan awak yang berikan." Aku membalas sms-nya. "Kamu umur berapa?" Sms-ku dibalas. "35." Aku membalas sms-nya. "Wah, 35," "sudah tua, tak kahwin lagi?" Dia membalas sms-ku. "Belum." "Mana ada tua?" Aku membalas sms-nya.

Kemudian, aku terus hubungi Tong Sampah. "hello," itulah perkataan pertamaku. "Hi," "How are you?" Dia bertanya. "Oh i'm find." "Thank you." Aku membalas. "Wow!" "Your voice is so macho." Tong Sampah memberi reaksi. "Oh thanks." Aku menjawab.

"Actualy, who gives you my number?" Tong Sampah bertanya ingin tahu. "Oh, your friend give me your number." Aku membalas. "Oh ok." Dia menjawab pendek. Kami berbual agak lama dan kemudian, gagang diletakkan.

Sejak hari itu, bermulalah perkenalanku dengan Tong Sampah. Hari-hari aku sms beliau. Hari-hari juga aku menghantarkan my voice kepada Tong Sampah. Kami menjadi agak rapat. "Hi Tong Sampah, now i want to go to sleep." "So, don't reply this my voice ok?" "So, good night and have a sweet dreams." Itulah kata-kataku untuk my voice terakhir sebelum tidur pada hampir tiap malam.

Tiba-tiba, di suatu malam, semasa sedang rancak bersembang dengan Tong Sampah, tiba-tiba, talian telefon terputus. Ingatkan, talian rosak. Rupanya, Time Gold telah kehabisan kredit. Beberapa hari juga tidak dapat menghubungi Tong Sampah.

Apabila kredit dah top up, maka aku menghubungi Tong Sampah kembali. My voice juga giat berbalas-balas.

Beberapa hari yang lalu, bil telefon diterima. Wow! Dekat RM 130. Bil Celcom pula, RM 69.60. Alahai, dek kerana gara-gara Tong Sampah, bil telefon meningkat mendadak. Aku menceritakan pada Tong Sampah hal ini. Tong Sampah mencadangkan supaya kami berutus surat sahaja. Aku amat bersetuju dan demi untuk tulis surat pada Tong Sampah, aku telah membeli satu pocket frame yang berharga RM6.00.

hebatkah oku penglihatan dalam penggunaan komputer?

Selamat.

Orang kata, aku ni asyik bergantung pada orang untuk belajar komputer. yalah, itu memang betul. kalau kita berkehendakan ilmu, sudah semestinyalah kita harus bergantung pada orang. Tapi, orang yang mengata itu, adakah dia tidak bergantung pada orang lain?

Sebenarnya, di dalam ilmu pengkomputeran ini, tidak ada istilah pandai dan hebat. Semuanya sama sahaja. hatta juruteknik komputer itu sendiri pun tidaklah sehebat mana.

lagi-lagilah kita yang oku penglihatan. Pada pendapat aku, oku penglihatanlah yang paling banyak bergantung pada orang di dalam ilmu pengkomputeran ini. Apa tidaknya, cuba kita fikir dan renung-renungkan.

Di dalam penggunaan sistem operasi komputer misalnya, kita berkehendakkan pihak penyedia menyediakan fasiliti untuk oku penglihatan. Contohnya, sistem pengoperasian windows harus dibuat supaya dianya bersesuaian dengan orang buta. yalah, supaya pembaca skrin dapat berfungsi dengan baik.

Di dalam penggunaan skype, mengapa kita begitu bising mengatakan skype tidak accesible dengan orang buta? Dan, kita mahu pembangun perisian tersebut melakukan sesuatu supaya skype itu dapat juga dinikmati oleh golongan oku penglihatan. Nah, sudah nampak di sini, kita harus bergantung kepada pembuat skype itu untuk berbuat sesuatu supaya kita semua ini dapat menggunakan skype itu. Sementara apa yang kita buat? Kita hanya pandai komen itu dan ini.

Script skype. Buat masa ini, hanya saudara Doug Lee yang bertungkus-lumus menyediakan scripts tersebut sambil dibantu oleh beberapa rakannya. nah, terang-terang di sini, kita semua, pengguna komputer oku penglihatan bergantung pada Doug Lee untuk menggunakan perisian skype ini dengan lancar dan elok. Mengapakah tidak ada di kalangan kita yang nak mencuba wujudkan scripts untuk mana-mana perisian? Jawapannya, susah dan kena korban masa.

Dan tanpa disedari, kita, oku penglihatan ini, telah benar-benar bergantung pada Microsoft Windows. Dipendekkan cerita, sudah kena ikat. Berapa keratkah oku penglihatan yang menggunakan sistem operasi perisian terbuka seperti Linux?

Pembaca skrin. Inilah yang menghantui golongan oku penglihatan. Dalam banyak-banyak syarikat yang mengeluarkan pembaca skrin, tanpa disedari, kita semua sudah terlampau bergantung pada Freedom Scientific yang mengeluarkan jaws. Walau pun terdapat beberapa pembaca skrin yang lain, tetapi, kita dan Freedom Scientific sudah bolehlah diibaratkan bagai isi dengan kuku. Sanggup kita mengharungi duri dan ranjau demi untuk mendapatkan secebis jaws crack. Tiada jaws, kita seolah-olah mati kutu.

Nah, berdasarkan beberapa contoh di atas, nampaknya, oku penglihatan lebih banyak bergantung pada orang supaya mereka dapat pakai komputer. Ini langsung tidak boleh dinafikan. Berbanding dengan orang celik, orang celik amat kurang bergantung pada orang untuk menjalankan komputer mereka. Berilah apa saja software pada mereka, sudah pasti mereka dapat memasang perisian tersebut.

Tapi kita? Bolehkah kita berbuat begitu? Hatta nak reformat komputer pun kita kena bergantung pada orang celik. Ya, memang ada CD un-atended installation. Mungkin orang akan kata, "pakai un-attended installation." ya betul, un-attended installation itu merupakan suatu penyelesaian masalah. Tapi, bolehkah kita menjangka sesuatu akan berlaku tengah-tengah dia buat kerja? Kita masukkanlah CD un-attended installation tu. maka seperti biasa, CD tu pun jalanlah. Install lah windows tu. Kita pula, dahlah mata buta, pergilah buat kerja lain. Kita pun, rasa hebatlah, wah aku tengah install windows ni. Baru lepas reformat komputer. hebat sangat oku penglihatan.

Sejam berlalu. Komputer terus membisu. Kita sudah jadi satu macamlah. Sepatutnya, ada bunyi, tapi, kenapa bisu? Nah sekarang, kita kena bergantung pada oranglah. Panggil orang celik tengok. Wah, rupanya, CD un-attended installation ni dah bermasalah. jadi, macammana? Ingatkan, install, rupanya, langsung tak jalan.

Ya ok, kita pandai install balik windows. Tetapi, sekarang situasinya, kita terpaksalah bergantung pada orang celik untuk membacakan arahan-arahan untuk kita dapat install kembali windows itu. Kesimpulannya, kita ni, memang kena bergantung pada orang celik.

Ingat, sehebat mana pun kita dalam komputer, sehandal mana pun kita untuk mengendalikan sesuatu software di komputer, Terror macammana pun, kalau ditakdirkan pembaca skrin bisu, kita pun jadi bodoh dungu dah. Pembaca skrin adalah nadi kita. nasib baik pembaca skrin tak boleh berkata-kata. Kalau boleh, mungkin dia berkata begini. "Kau orang tu buta, kalau aku tak cakap apa yang ada di skrin, mampus kau orang tak boleh kendalikan komputer." "Kau orang fikir, kau orang tu, hebat sangatkah dalam komputer ni?" "Kau orang jangan nak meninggi diri sangat." "Kau orang hebat pun kerana aku pembaca skrin." "Kalau aku tak tolong kau orang, jangan harap kau orang boleh main komputer."

kalaulah betul-betul pembaca skrin boleh berkata-kata sebegini rupa, apakah perasaan kita? Tiap kali jalankan komputer, dia berkata macam ni. masa itu, apakah yang kita rasa?

Oleh itu, janganlah kita terasa hebat dan terror kerana kita pandai dalam penggunaan komputer. janganlah kita memandang rendah pada orang yang bergantung pada orang lain untuk penggunaan komputer dan gunakan ilmu yang orang ajar untuk diajarkan pada orang lain. Ingat, orang yang tidak mahu bergantung pada orang lain, bolehlah dianggap, bongkak. Dalam komputer, tiada siapa yang pandai. Dalam komputer, semuanya sama saja. jangan kita rasa gah dan hebat bila banyak orang datang mencari kita.

Sehebat mana pun kita, kita kena bergantung pada orang. Contohnya aku sendiri. Sehebat mana pun aku, aku kena juga bergantung pada orang. Aku bukan setakat bergantung pada orang di malaysia, malah aku bergantung pada orang di seluruh dunia. Kalau tak, macammana nak dapat ilmu?

Kisah perkenalanku dengan kak Romie dan You Koon

Inilah dia cerita bagaimana aku mengenali kak Romie dan Eric.

Aku mengenali kak Romie melalui E V Mail. E V Mail adalah sistem e-mail bersuara melalui telefon. "Hai Khai Eong, ini akak Romainun." "Akak dari Kuala Lumpur." "Harap Khai Eong sudilah berkawan dengan akak." Itulah mesej pertama dari Kak Romie.

Dan sejak itu, perkawanan kami sudah bermula. Tiap hari, aku mengirimkan E V Mail pada kak Romie. kak Romie juga tidak kisah. Semua E V Mailku dibalasnya tanpa banyak bicara. Semua persoalanku dijawabnya satu-persatu.

Akak, saya dapat tahu, akak ada komputer kan?" "Jadi, saya nak minta akak download lagu Siti nurhaliza boleh?" Itulah permintaan pertama aku pada kak Romie. masa tu, memang aku tak tau apa-apa lagi tentang komputer Windows ni.

"Oh Khai Eong nak download lagu Siti Nurhaliza ya?" "Boleh, tapi, agak susah sikitlah sebab talian dia lambat." Itulah jawapan rengkas dari kak Romie. Pada masa itu, kak Romie menggunakan e-mail jaring.

Banyak topik yang aku dan kak Romie perbualkan. Sampai penuh E V Mail punya peti mail. Kak Romie memang senang diajak berbual. Dia akan reply semua E V Mail di pejabatnya tanpa banyak kerenah. Itu yang best dengan kak Romie ni.

Pada suatu petang Sabtu, semasa aku check E V Mail, tiba-tiba, aku terima satu mesej. "Shalom!" "Hai, apakhabar?" "Saya You Koon dari Kuala Lumpur." "Salam perkenalan buat anda di Pulau Pinang." "Harap anda sudilah kiranya berkenalan dengan saya." "Sila balas mesej ini. "Ok, bye dan tuhan berkati anda." Itulah mesejnya.

"Siapa You Koon ni?" Hatiku bertanya. "Ah, biarlah." Aku berkata. Aku tidak membalas mesej orang yang bernama You Koon itu. Tidak lama kemudian, ada mesej kak Romie di peti mail. "Khai Eong, tadi, ada tak orang hantar mail kat Khai Eong?" "Nama dia You Koon." "Dia kata nak cari kawan, jadi akak pun bagi alamat Khai Eong." "Ada tak dia hantar mail?" Itulah bunyi mail kak Romie.

Oh rupanya, you Koon tu kawan kak Romie. "Saya dah delete lah mail dia tu kak." "Nanti, suruh dia hantar lainlah." Beritahuku. "Ok ok." "nanti akak suruh dia hantar lagi sekali. Kak Romie membalas mailku.

You Koon telah menghantar mail itu kembali dan aku pun membalasnya. maka kini, bermulalah persahabatan aku dengan You Koon. Kami tiap-tiap hari berbalas E V Mail.

Untuk pengetahuan, aku dan You Koon bermain E V Mail, sampai hang server itu kami kerjakan. "Aiyo, you all tolonglah jangan hantar itu attachment besar-besar." "Itu server jadi berat." Rungut syarikat yang jaga server itu. kami bukan setakat membalas E V Mail pakai telefon rumah, malah, telefon awam di tepi jalan juga teruk kami kerjakan. "Nampaknya, ada orang sudah marah sayalah." "Dia kata, saya gilalah main tekan-tekan." Cerita You Koon di suatu E V Mail dia itu.

Dan akibat dari apa yang kami buat itu, semua orang sudah hadapi masalah menghantar mail pada rakan-rakan mereka. Server sudah jadi terlalu lambat dan asyik nak sangkut. Dan, akibat daripada ini juga, bil telefon aku melambung naik mendadak. RM 264. Bil telefon You Koon jugak tidak kurang tingginya. Mahu dekat RM 300 lebih.

Dan akhirnya, perkhidmatan E V Mail itu pun, hancur berkecai pada awal tahun 2001.

Itulah dia ceritanya.

Cerita Eric Eng You Koon

Daripada: Eric Ng

Tarikh: 03 September, 2009 12:51 AM

 

selamat membaca rakan-rakan. pengalaman ini bukanlah untuk menakutkan sesiapa tapi hanyalah satu peringatan. ini adalah pengalaman saya selama saya berkawan
dan bersahabat dengan orang-orang d sekeliling. ingat ya. cerita ini bukanlah untuk mengenakan sesiapa dan ianya dikarang dalam bahasa inggeris dan melayu.
cerita ini dikarang pada tahun 2004 dan ada tarikhnya saya ubah mengikut peredaran zaman. 

 

LIFE EXPERIENCE AS A VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND THE MAJOR REASON OF A PERSON BECOMES PROUD, ARROGANT AND SELFISH.  

 

Good day to you.  I am a visually impaired writer.  I don't mind to be call and known as an anonymous.  I am fine with that nickname.  In this first article,
I would like to express out my heart feelings as a visually impaired person and the major reason that drives a person become proud, arrogant and selfish. 
I may make a mistake in this first article because it is my first time typing on the desktop keystrokes (computer keyboard) after 15 years of working experience. 
Well, as long we are human beings, we can't run from making mistakes.  However, this will not be my excuse for not able to write out an article.  Oh! Why
is it too long for me to touch a computer or a typewriter?  This is because many people in this world always have a fix believe that a visually handicapped
(impaired person) like me doesn't know how to use the latest technology in this world.  Mine you> I prove you wrong.  I am using the latest technology
to write out this article for your reading pleasure.  I do take courses that enable me to type and using a computer.  That's why I am able to be in the
sighted world together with all of you.  I don't feel that I am a visually impaired.  In fact, I am a normal person like you too.  Although I am not able
to see you with my normal eyesight, I am able to experience you with my Big-big heart.  (Eyesight 0%, heart 100%).  Therefore, do treat me like a normal
person ok> I don't like to be sympathies because I can do the things, which you can do too.  This is a clear message for those of you that think the visually
impaired person like to be sympathize and seeking attention from others.  You can either choose to continue reading this article or reject me totally and
not to read it at all.  This article is a true-life story and life-experience as a visually impaired person.  I have been rejected many times in my life. 
My visually impaired friends have rejected me and it is very normal in life.  That is a nerd about the people in this world.  However, sadly to say, I
am regret seeing many of my sighted friends are rejecting me totally.  They there not taking a risk by giving me even a single chance and hope to prove
to them that I am equally good and talented too.  They rejected me, especially in the relationship, friendship, social gathering, conversation and etc. 
However, I am still boleh hidup although many people choose to reject me.  It is just a small matter because life still goes on.  No>No>No> I am just creating
a joke for you to read it.  I still need your assistant, especially in the technology world and other things in this life too.  I am not train in the technology
field and maybe and surely, there are some other things that I may need your assistant.  Therefore, tolonglah.  Do not be proud, arrogant and selfish. 
It doesn't serve you good at all in your life.  Ok, back to the topic above after so long of the introductions. 

 

Now days, there are so many modern technology in this world, which includes the telecommunication, computer (ICT), music industries and etc.  Oh! So many
things to catch up as a visually impaired person. Talking about the modern world technology, I am proud to tell you and let me elaborate and explain my
situation in details.  I am able to use the computer is because there is an equipment specially invented for the visually impaired person which has enable
me to do my typing and reading.  The scientist in the world has invented the computer software (voice synthesizer) that enables me to hear whenever I do
my typing on the desktop keystrokes and do my reading on the computer and the Internet.  Although there is an equipment (scanner) that enable the visually
impaired person to use for reading the sighted and print text, not many of them can afford it because teramat mahal harganya di pasaran global.  That's
much they can do to help the visually impaired person to be independence in the modernize world technology.  Even though I can walk with the help of the
white walking stake, it doesn't really help much because the white walking stake is like a support for my eyesight.  In another words, I still need the
assistant from others too.  For example, reading the newspaper, magazine, article, crossing the road and etc because the technology can't really help 100%. 
Well, you know it yourselves because we cannot depend on the advance technology too much.  However, the main major problem that I am facing in this big
world is too many unpleasant people around.  Why I make this statement is because this is what I feel from my heart and based from my passed experiences. 
Many of them always think the visually impaired person is the second-class grade.  It means we are the lower class rang compared to the sighted people. 
Usually, it happens in the big cities, such as The Federal Territory Of Kuala Lumpur, The Republic Of Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, Manila, Beijing, Seoul,
Tokyo, Washington D.C., London and etc.  I hope you don't mind when I make this statement because it is happening everywhere around the world.  The modernize
world technology, such as the Internet, computer, ICQ, SMS and other high tech technology, such as hand phone, radio cassette, compact disk (CD), MP3 player
dan lain-lain has make many people in this world become like this: proud, arrogant and selfish.  Teknologi juga adalah penyebab utama yang menyebabkan
insan-insan di dunia ini meminggirkan diri daripada menyertai social gatherings, friendship and other activities outside their world.  I know there are
many other reasons that can/may cause the people to behave likes this.  One of the possible reasons is no proper guidance and coaching from the family
members, friends, colleagues and etc.  It also depend how they have been brought up in their life, especially in the social culture and background.  Hmmm>
many more reason but not able to elaborate further.  Whenever I asked for assistant, I got rejected most of the time.  What is their reply and how they
rejected me?  They keep on giving unreasonable excuses and trying to avoid me.  Oh! Their reply is:

 

"Alamak! I am having something on today", "Oh! Tak bolehlah.  Cari orang lainlah", "Why can't you do it yourself?  You are disturbing me all the time. 
I don't have even a single free time for my whole family and myself too.  I always busy at work" and many other excuses that I face in this world.  Hmmm>
they can help but not available because of their busy lifestyle.  They thought that I like to disturb their private life and have so much free time to
kacau their family members.  Whenever I asked them for their addresses and the contact number, they thought that I loved them and wanted to disturb their
freedom.  Some of my friends gave me their addresses and contact number.  However, strange and funny.  Whenever I tried to contact them, the same person
on the line (my own friend) replied: "Hello, what number are you dialing"?  "Sorry, you dial a wrong number".  "Oh! No such person here" and etc.  They
even slam my phone and cut my conversation after they have reacted so funny.  One of the examples and experienced that I encountered before was like this:
"Hello! Hello! Wei! Gila ke?" and slam my phone after that.  Some of them whenever I tried to ring them at home, the same person or their family members
can tell me off that he/she is not at home.  When I asked for their hand phone or their other contact number, they told me off that not convenience to
give it to you.  There is another type of people that I encountered in my life.  My friend was at home and he/she picked up my phone calls.  However, when
the person heard my voice, they passed my call like a merry go round.  Finally, their mother/father took my call and told me off that he/she doesn't want
to accept my calls.  At the same time, they gave me a warning and asked me not to disturb them anymore.  Hmmm> bosanlah macam ni.  I wanted to establish
a good friendship pun begitu sukar sekali.  Macam-macam alasan diberi oleh mereka.  Some of my friends, especially those who are working as a teacher in
schools and colleges have a lot of free time to check and read what was happening on the newspaper and the article.  Besides the teaching profession, they
can do other things too provided they know how to manage their timetable well.  Many people do have a free time to lend their helping hand for me if they
wanted to do so.  They can spend at least half to one hour to check what is on the newspaper or other reading materials.  (By the way, just a suggestion
and you can consider it).  It is your choice too.  Think about it.  Walau batgaimanapun, they refused to do it and gave me too many excuses for not helping
me.  I also know some of my friends, especially the students like to gossip and talk bad about others during their free time just because they think they
know so much about the high tech technology.  Well, it sounds funny and maybe vied to some of you too.  (Hmmm> macam-macam ragam manusia di dunia ini). 
Tapi, once again, it is happening in our modernize society.  The most miserable experience that I have encountered was I called my friend and the husband/wife
picked up my phone and shouted at me.  They grumbled and yelled: "Wei! Don't ever or please don't disturb my husband/wife".  After the conversation, they
called back my number and told me off.  Worse still.  I call the person hand phone and he/she picks up all my calls and chooses not to answer me when I
said: "Hello".  Instead, the person allowed me to hear the background of the place.  When I tried to send the SMS and ask what is the cause and reason,
they replied my SMS and scolded me with a six letter vulgar words.  One of the examples was like this: "Fucker, pukimak" and etc.  Well, the person that
I know was a graduate from a leadership program in one of the colleges yet can handle the situation until chooses not to answer and avoiding my call without
any valid reason.  Worsen the situation was the family look down on the visually impaired people.  Hmmm! I have a good intention to talk with them but
they interpreted it wrongly.  Apa nak jadi dengan dunia zaman kini pun saya tak tahulah.  What to do?  Whenever I asked and tried to get them to read the
newspaper and some article from the Internet, they keep on giving me unreasonable excuses.  The funnier excuses that I encountered in my life were a funny
replied.  How they replied and what was their answered?  It sounds like this: "Oh! No> I am not free.  I am on the Internet searching for article to read. 
I can't read for you today.  I got other project in hand to complete as well.  After that, I am going out with my friend.  Ok, not today. Can it be next
time?"  Hmmm> they are reading something.  I really don't know and understand why they are behaving like this towards me and other visually impaired person. 
I felt very funny, angry, frustrated and like being taken advantage by some of the people.  Why I felt like that is because many people have a fix believe
and think the visually impaired person cannot move about.  I am able to prove them wrong now but hmmm> what to do?  I want to move about and independence
also facing many problem, challenges and hard ache.  Ok, as my life moves on, another funny incident happened to me.  Oh! Oh! Oh! I am trying to contact
them either through hand phone and their office number just to keep in touch and getting their latest contact.  Oh! So sad and very upset! They told me
off by saying, "Oh! I am very sorry that I can't simply give away my latest contact to you."  When I tried to ask them their reason, they choose not to
reply and they even told me off.  They asked me not to contact their hometown or any of their numbers to get their details.  One more incident happened. 
I tried to call them and they pick up my call and giving excuses.  "Oh! I am in the middle of my dinner and I am doing something here.  Can you please
call me back?  After few hours later, when I tried to call them, they choose not to pick up my call although I call them few times.  Worse still.  I SMS
them but no reply.  I call their office and asked for them but so many excuses from their reception.  The first time I call, "Oh! Not in".  The second,
third, fourth and etc time I call, "I am not sure what time will be in and maybe, will not be in".  Hah! How come the reception at the same office and
department doesn't know what time their colleague will be available?  From this incident that have happened to me, I guess the person have told the reception
if the guy by the name of Mr. X or Mr. Y call, do let him know that he/she will not be in although he/she was in and at the desk.  Not enough with that. 
Some of my friend pretended to be my friend.  When they need my help, especially during their trouble, they can call my office.  They can pretend to be
nice to me by pretending to be nice.  They can go until the extend to give away their contact.  Ha! When they got what they wanted, they can choose to
forget you.  They will not pick up your call or they will not attend to you when you are in trouble.  They have also threatened to report to police if
I call them again although I have explained to them that I am not harassing and disturbing their privacy.  Well, one incident happened to me.  I call two
lawyers from the same firm and they pretended to be my friend.  Well! I am honest in my friendship but they choose to play around with my feeling.  As
I have written at the earlier part of the article, when they need you, they can pretend to be nice to you.  After they got what they wanted, they can forget
you and your deed.  Ok, let's get to the related story and the incident.  I tried to call them for two long weeks but no reply from both of them.  By the
way, they are lawyer.  When they saw my number, they rejected my call.  When I SMS them, no reply from them.  Not given up my hope to find out the reason,
I even tried to call their firm and guess what! When the reception heard my voice, he/she slam my phone and answered the phone in a rude manner.  After
I have asked my apology, they still choose not to pick up my call.  One fine day, I tried to call and SMS one of my friend from the same law firm, hoping
that my call will be answered.  Oh! Sad thing happened.  She chooses to reject and not to answer my call until the phone line got cut off.  I SMS her and
ask why all this happen?  Again! No reply.  Instead, she replied my SMS in English like this:

 

"I had enough with you.  Stop harassing me and my colleague from your calls and your SMS either from your mobile number or other number caller ID {number
unknown}.  If you still insist to call and SMS us after this notice, we will not hesitate to lodge a police report against you for harassment.  This is
my first and last notice.  Please respect other people's privacy".

 

C.C: Company Director Name/

 

ASP Inspector's Name/

 

Another Colleague's Name. 

 

Wah! SMS or (Short Messaging Service) can be very powerful tools to use for conveying messages and communicating with others.  Well, SMS can also be a dangerous
weapon to destroy others if we use it in a wrong manner.  It depends how we use all these tools.  Technologies are in front of us.  Whether we knew it
or likewise.  Yes! Phone, computer, e-mail, SMS, MMS and etc are very advance and powerful tools in this modern decade.  God has given us various talent
and brain to invent all these technologies.  But please! I urge you for goodness and heaven sake and if you respect all human being in this earth, not
to abuse all these technologies like how and what my friend did to me.  It can be very hurting and harm to those you love when you use all these tools
in a wrong way.  Ok, back to the story.  Hmmm! How come she can write the SMS but at the bottom of the message got the director name, sarjan police name
and her colleague are involved?  From my guessing, sure enough and for sure.  She wanted to threaten me.  Well, is okay and only God's knows my intention. 
I meant good and have an intention to be their friend buy they misinterpreted my intention.  I got very upset with my friend.  Without hesitation, I confronted
her with my reply to her by using mix languages in English and Malay:

 

"TQ.  Berani kerana benar.  I have told you before that I am not disturbing you.  You misinterpreted my intention and misunderstand me.  Is ok.  I am sincere
in friendship.  Saya tak takut polis.  Saya hanya takut Tuhan saja.  For heaven sake, next time, if you choose not being my friend and not honest in this
friendship, pleas do not reveal your contact.  Repot pada polis bukanlah jalan penyelesaiannya.  If you are brave enough, I challenge you to talk to me
an we will settle the problem and issue once and for all.  TQ". 

 

Not enough with that.  Once she received my SMS, she threatened me and this is how she replied:

 

Whatever! Ok, will lodge police report". 

 

Oh! Police report?  I am not afraid of police if I am right.  As I have wrote earlier, if I am sincere with friend, I am not afraid of anybody.  I will
be their friend unless they choose not to be my friend.  Belum habis lagi.  I replied her SMS and this is how I wrote:

 

"Ok, taka pa.  Orang nak selesaikan dengan cara baik u nak repot polis juga?  Ok, up to you and it is your choice.  I know you are the lawyer.  Tapi, you
tak payahlah nak cuba ugut sampai macam itu sekali.  You tak payah nak takutkan saya sampai macam tu.  Saya tak takut.  TQ". 

 

Oh! Those people who have a post as a lawyer or any other high post can abuse their power and right?  Those people are suppose to help to solve the crime
and other cases in the region tapi they can use their ability to threaten others?  Hmmm! Itulah yang terjadi sekarang ni.  All these people only look for
profile and money but they are not sincere anymore in their friendship and relationship with people.  They never think positive and they only thought by
report to the police is the last solution to all entire problems in life.  All these people are really covert.  Well! You can choose to agree or not to
agree with me.  Not enough with the first two SMS, I wrote another two final SMS to her by hoping that the problem and issue will be solve once and for
all.  Yes! Eventually it works.  The SMS sound like this:

 

"Sorry if I have hurt all of you in anyway.  I promise I will not call you again.  I have deleted all your contact.  It is fine and Ok if you choose not
being my friend.  For goodness sake, I consider the problem solved.  Tak payahlah repot polis.  Tumpukanlah pada kerja yang lebih berfaedah.  I am not
going to call you again unless it is an urgent matter related to your working company.  This is my promise to you demi kebaikan semua pihak.  TQ". 

 

My final SMS to her sound like this:

 

"Enough is enough.  Berdamai saja demi kebaikan semua pihak.  Once again, I am sorry for any wrong doing.  This will be my final SMS to you.  TQ". 

 

Now, I wanted to find out the through.  I know she threatened and lie to me.  Really covert.  My next action, I called the office and spoke to the director. 
I told the director that his staff trying to threatened me by reporting the issue to the police and she use the director name in her SMS.  However, the
director of that firm was quite honest and sincere by giving a full corporation to me.  Finally, I knew it was not true and I forwarded all her SMS to
the director and finally, the director replied my SMS and this is how the SMS was written:

 

"It is my staff right to lodge a police report if they feel harass by you.  I suggest you stop calling them". 

 

Ok, I took heat his advice and I have deleted all their contact.  The greatest lesson from the related incident is give some space for others to brief and
try to understand their needs in life.  Life is like a roller coaster.  Hmmm! It is very sad part when right to know when we have a good intention to be
friend with these people; they misinterpreted and misunderstand our intention.  Lebih baik jangan kawan saja dengan orang-orang atau manusia seperti ini. 
Wasting time and energy.  What to do?  Life goes on.  Anyway, I have a few questions for you to ponder and you answer yourself.  I am sure you have the
answer for all these questions.  How come they do not want to lend their eyesight for me?  Is it so difficult to lend a helping hand to a visually impaired? 
Are they shy to makes around with the visually impaired person?  Why are they doing like that towards the visually impaired?  Why can't they treating us
like a normal person?  Why can't they accepting me and other visually impaired person into the society?  Why are they not able to face up in this society? 
What are the differences between the visually impaired person and the sighted people in this world although we are normal human beings?  (Something for
all of us to think about it).  These are all the questions for you to ponder.  You are the only one that has all the answer towards all this questions. 
You may laugh about all my questions and whatever I write in this article.  You can feel funny and choose not to believe it at all.  However, it happens
and it is a true life-experience.  Alamak! (Proud, arrogant, selfish and etc).  Jika orang-orang in this world keeps on behaving like this kinds of attitude
and character, I don't know what else to say, describe and do about it.  What I can summarize from my life experience is those who are in these kinds of
the categories, one day will fall too.  Surely and for sure> they will not go far and improve in their life too.  Yes> I can laugh about it again and again
if they don't change their perception and behavior.  Ha>Ha>Ha! Why I laugh and how come I know?  Well, to prove what I had written was a real incident:
let me share with you one life-experience.  This incident occurred before 2004 Chinese New Year.  This life-experience has teaches me become wiser and
it has many lesson to learn from it.  One of the lessons is not to be proud, arrogant and selfish in this life because I have only one chance to live in
this world.  It goes same to you too.  Why I summarize it that way?  Let's read this life story and you will know it.  Before I begin, let me tell you
about my friend (the main feature of the story), Mr. AW.  He is a visually impaired and I knew him since my primary school days.  He is one of my best
friend and business partner that happen to know much about the latest technology, especially in the computer line.  He is very good in recording and copying
an original to a pirated disk.  Hmmm> cetak rompak (piracy) and can make some money out of it.  (No>No>No> just a joke).  He can do a perfect recording,
remastering from cassette, MP3 and etc to a CD.  That's how wonders a world technology can do now days.  He does take courses on the technology, computer
and recording field (music).  He also knows whether the diskette is in good condition or can't be use.  Hahh! That shows how capable he is.  That's why
I need his help to do reasserting, copying diskette, CD and etc, knowing that he is capable of helping me in this field.  One day, he came an approached
me.  He needs my helping hand, especially to look for some client for his business.  He knew I have many contact with friends and colleagues.  I do agree
to help him.  During the time when he approached me, I need his help too.  However, he keeps on giving excuses and behaving like a proud, arrogant and
selfish person.  How it happens? Let's read this life-experience story. 

 

One day, I approached him for his help, knowing that he is capable to recognize a good quality of diskette and MP3 players as well.  I asked him whether
he could lend a helping hand and time to look around for a good MP3 player below rm130.00.  At first, he refused and rejected me.  He keeps on insisted
that below my budget is not possible.  He suggested and keeps on pressured me.  He said: "for a person like you, you must get a high-an player.  You will
not fill satisfied.  It is because many MP3 players below your budget is consider a capalang and cetak rompak players".  Let me explain and go off track
a little bit.  Capalang and cetak rompak means the quality of the thing is very low and it made in The Republic Of Korea and China.  (No>No>No> I don't
mean it).  Their scientist is good and they are in the world class ranking too.  Walau apa sekali-pun hakikatnya, it is a fact and we have to accept it. 
The quality made in these two countries is not as good as other country in this world.  That is one of the reasons why they can sell their things cheaper
compare to other products.  Don't get me wrong here.  Some of their products are even better than some of the developed nation and the ASEAN countries. 
Look around and consider it.  I am not discouraging you from buying too.  You can buy and purchase them.  However, think twice and do a market research
first on the products that you want to purchase before you buy them.  Ok, back to the story and on track again.   

 

Well, I do agree with him and his idea.  However, he keeps on forcing me to get the player.  I had told him that I don't have enough cash in hand and will
pay him after one month.  At first, he agreed with the agreement after so long of persuading and discussion.  Oh! Finally, I managed to enroll him to my
command vision, which is lending me a helping hand.  Yes> life is an enrollment game.  However, entah macam mana, He changed his mind.  He wanted the cash
as soon as possible.  Hmmm> that is human nature.  Can't keep to the promise and the agreement.  Without getting my permission and seek my approval, he
straightaway went to that shop.  What he did?  He bought the player that was more than my previous budget.  Hah! Guess how much was the price?  It was
rm190.00.  (Aduh> more expensive).  It is more than my previous budget and certainly, I can't pay that amount.  During that time, I don't even have the
budget money =rm130.00.  He claimed that the player could play three formation of disk, which is CD, MP3 and Video CD (VCD).  (Adoi> sakit dan lemah jantung
dibuatnya).  During the period of time, I was on my way to The Republic Of Singapore to handle my phone business and suddenly: he rang me when I was in
the train.  He told me that my MP3 player has arrived at his house and I have to pay him that amount of money.  Before he managed to continue his words,
I questioned him with anger.  I wonder how come and why is that he did not consulting me and seek my approval before he took that player?  Well> it's funny
and strange.  Anyway, it happened.  What was in my mind during that time was he tried to show that he knew mo things compared to me.  Oh! Mana boleh jadi
ni?  Dia nak cuba menunjuk-nunjuk kebolehan dan memijak kepala saya pula.  Cukup melampau and really it is too much.  I cannot tahan already.   I didn't
give in any single chance for him to show off and without much further ado, I told him off that I was not able to take that player.  Moreover, I don't
even know how good and user-friendly was the player towards the visually impaired person. I told him before hand I need to test the quality and the sound
of the player.  When I feel satisfied, I will pay him half of the amount and the balance will be half month after the first payment.  He keeps on insisted
and told me the quality and the sound of the player was ok and very good.  I will never regret if I took the player.  (Hmmm> manalah saya tahu manusia
ini?)  He only knew and thought for his benefit and not considering about others.  How come I thought that way during that moment was because after he
insisted, he disagreed with the terms and condition.  He cut my conversation and slam the phone.  (Hmmm> very bad attitude, rude and biadab pulak tu). 
Oh! Macam ini pun boleh ke?  When I came back from the trip and gave him a call, He yelled and scolded me.  He told me the player has been thrown away
just because he was angry at the action that I took on him during the night I was away.  Proudly, arrogantly and selfishly, he asked me not to deal with
him in any of his business.  Ok> fine.  It doesn't affect my life at all and doesn't matter with me too.  I am a person that has a very simple principle
in life.  If he doesn't want to deal with me, no problem at all.  I looked for other options.  That's how I shift and react after that incident.  I don't
feel panic at all because I believed in myself that 100% is possible, 100% of the time and if it's to be, it's up to me.  I went to his house and collected
some of my left over (undone job) and recorded disk.  Oh! He really honor his words and with action too.  Very proud> arrogant> selfish> and entahlah>
don't know what else to describe about his action towards me.  He really doesn't want to deal with me at all.  Lokek ilmu dan pengetahuan.  ("Hmmm> penting
diri sendiri pulak tu!").  Full of anger and frustration, I left his house.  During that time, I was in the taxi on my way back to my resident.  The taxi
driver felt strange and funny.  He knew I was very angry with my friend.  He did question me what was going on between both of us.  To overcome my frustration
and anger, I choose not to answer him even a single words.  You can imagine how angry I was during that time.  If I am not mistaken, it was on one of the
Friday night.  Woo> I can't imagine it was really a nightmare night.  Black night and day too.  I tried to call him and talk terms with him.  I humbly
asked him for forgiveness even though I knew that he was wrong.  My intention during that time was to solve the issue.  However, again and again> he rejected
me and slam my phone.  I may be loosing him as a business partner and the friendship as well.  That's how he showed up towards me.  (Ai-yo-yo! Susahlah
like that).  After that whole incident, I did not deal and call him at all.  I wanted to see how proud, arrogant and selfish he could be. Mine you! My
way and strategy was correct.  It can't go long.  As what I have been said and wrote earlier, those who are in these categories will fall one day because
they need my help too.  Yes! They do.  One month after that incident, he gave me a courtesy call just to find out how am I doing and he tried to joke with
me.  During our conversation, I did experienced that he was having troubled.  However, I just tried not to border too much about what was going on with
him.  While he was talking, I was having a question in my mind.  How come out of the blue and sudden he gave me a call and tried to joke around?  Mahu
tak mahu, I just entertained him as it is.  Hmmm> what I resist, it persists.  However, my answer towards him was a very rude replied> knowing that he
was still the same.  I just told him that I am fine and manageable.  Not even one minute of the conversation, he decided to put down the phone.  Ok> just
a small matter.  I respect his decision.  I think he was still the same personality as before.  (Hmmm> no changed after that incident).  Hah! Kan betul!
(Still proud, arrogant and selfish)> don't know and not sure how long it will be. 

 

However, after that call and one month missing in action (MIA), Mr. AW gave me a miss call.  I felt very funny, strange, vied and full of surprise.  How
come he still gave me a call even though I gave him a lukewarm response during his first call after that incident?  With so much of doubt and question
was on my mind during that moment and time, I return his call.  I wanted to see what he got to say after the whole incident.  One of the question and doubt
that I had was about his sincerity and honesty.  Without much further ado, I did throw a few questions to him.  The entire questions that I asked during
that moment were to make him realize his mistake.  How long would he like to keep a distance and wanted to avoid me?  I did ask him a few more questions
after my second questions.  However, I did experienced him that he was very sad and choose not to answer all my questions.  He chooses to ask for forgiveness
and talk terms with me.  As a friend, I honored his choice.  I listened to his problem and finally, I forgive and forget the whole incident.  His effective
action to solve the problem shows he was really a sporting man.  He admitted his mistakes.  Oh! I am so happy.  I got back my business partner and the
most important thing is the long and everlasting friendship.  Oh! It is a win-win situation between both of us.  Why is that so?  Haha> both of us got
back what we wanted in life, which is the friendship and the business dealing.  I am sure is more than that in life as the friendship growing each day. 
Iron will and determination is one of the major keys to solve every major problem.  As what I wrote earlier, it is a win-win situation.  My solid believes
is every problem can be solved.  As a result, I choose to solve the problem and I got it done by being a forgiving man.  During our phone conversation,
he told me he was very bad mood and angry during that period of time.  He was having a major breakdown in his computer and recording business.  He doesn't
want to lose me as a friend and a business partner.  During our talk terms, he does asked me for assistant, especially to look around for a person who
would like to do recording, servicing computer and other things which he can offered his services in the technology field.  Hah! Finally, he realizes how
DIFFICULT TO FIND A REAL TRUE FRIEND IN THIS EARTH.  Baru dia tahu ya?  The story ended and finally, we are known as friends forever that can lend a helping
hand to each other as happy as can be. 

 

Hmmm> that was one of the worse experiences in my life.  He thinks he knew so much about the latest computer and music industries technology.  Mine you>
Mr. AW is full of knowledge and experience.  However, if he keeps on behaving unpleasantly, whatever he has in life can throw into the drain.  What I write
from my heart is an honest feedback for all those people who are in these categories.  I don't care whether you are a visually impaired or a normal person. 
It is applicable to all as long we are human beings.  You can see for yourself what is happening in our society now days.  Don't have a wrong impression
on me again ok> I write out this article is because I do care for the surroundings, society and people around me.  I would like to urge you to look around
the circle world.  Whitmore, a sighted person can be in these categories.  However, why I am so sad is my own category of people.  Adoi> as a visually
impaired person, yet he wanted to show off to another person in the same category like me too! Susahlah like that and it will not serve him good at all. 
Mr. A and I should be helping each other.  Tapi, just because he knows so much about the latest technology, he tried to boast around with it.  He thought
that I would never learned and used the computer and other modern technology.  Nah! Mine you> I prove him and others wrong now.  This is because I got
things to boast about in life too.  I am happy and proud of my achievements.  I am active in sports and recreation, such as table tennis, outings and etc. 
I am also involving myself with the Malaysian Association For The Blind (MAB), The Society For The Blind Of Nalaysia (SBM), The National Council For The
Blind Of Malaysia (NCBM) and the Christian organization, which is The Agape Services For The Blind (ASB).  Apart of that, I am a church musician and a
piano teacher in several churches.  Besides that, I am also working as a receptionist in the construction company.  In this company, I am given a chance
to use the computer and contacting others over the phone.  Oh! Something that I never thought it will happen.  It is my dream and really a dream for me
to use the computer apart of picking up phone calls and assisting at the reception area.  This is one of the jobs that not many of the visually impaired
person can handle because it is a challenging jobs that needs proper training, endurance, patient and you must have the interest to do it.  Once again,
don't get me wrong.  I still need your helping hand.  I will not be proud, arrogant and selfish.  This is my promise to you.  I know, although I had achieved
so much good results in life, I will never look down on others because I know which background I come from.  I am a normal person like all of you too. 
If I am in this kind of category, nobody will help me.  I also realize I will not go far.  I will not able to achieve my goal and dream too.  What is over
and pass, I will forget it and start a new life.      

 

Ok, enough.  I have been speaking, joking and writing so much in this article.  I know myself well.  If I continue to write, I can go longer.  I do have
much life-experience story to share in this article.  However, it will be too long and maybe> many people choose not to read it.  The reader may feel board
with my long-winded stories.  (No>No>No> just a joke).  I do have good and bad experience with the people around me.  I have more then 800 friends nationwide,
which includes The Republic Of Singapore and Indonesia.  Proud to tell you that majority of them are sighted.  That is one of my achievements in life with
the society.  Once again, I would like you to think wisely on all these words and thoughts that I have for you.  If you make a wrong decision in life,
nobody can help you.  Bak kata pepatah Melayu, "sesal dahulu pendapatan, sesal kemudian tiada gunanya".  One more advise for you.  Jangan sampai nasi sudah
menjadi bubur lambuk pula.  This will be my final message for you to think about it:

 

We are a normal human beings creating by the Almighty God.

 

We may not have eyesight but We have a Big-Big heart and experiences.

 

We have only one life to live.

 

Money can easily be found.

 

Relationship and friendship are precious and hard to come by.

 

Treat all the visually impaired person like a normal people in this world.

 

There are no differences between Us.

 

We don't hope for sympathy.

 

Do not treat us (Visually Impaired Person) as a second-class grade.

 

Do not treat us like somebody special (VIP).

 

Give us a chance to work, contribute and be apart of the society.

 

We are equally talented too.

 

Be more open and friendly towards the visually impaired person. 

 

Well, that's all for now.  Happy reading and you can keep them as a souvenir in your life.  I know this article will inspire, encourage and move you to
greatest heights.  I believe and hope those who read this article would be able to understand me better.  By the way, I am here not to write or telling
my victim story as a visually impaired person.  This is just my life story and experience.  As I have said and wrote earlier, you can choose to read, to
accept it with an open hard or reject it totally.  However, it is a fact that the advance technology in this world now days are one of the main reasons
that drives a person becomes proud, arrogant and selfish.  Once again, I urge you not to be in this miserable category.  (Be good, nice, pleasant and not
forgotten, be friendly with others).  It will serve you good and healthy in your social life and gathering too.  Thank you.

Kekalkan Quota Senator Untuk OKU

Daripada: Hashim Ishak

Tarikh: 03 September, 2009 9:33 AM

Subjek: Kekalkan Quota Senator Untuk OKU

 

Sebagaimana kita semua maklum bahawa wakil OKU di Dewan Negara iaitu
Allahyarham Senator Dato' Prof Dr. Ismail Md Salleh yang dikasihi
telah pun meninggalkan kita semua.
Persoalan sekarang timbul adakah kerajaan akan melantik seorang
Senator OKU sebagai penganti Allahyarham Senartor Dato' Prof Dr.
Ismail Md Salleh. Kuasa melantik seorang Senator adalah terpulang
kepada budibicara Perdana Menteri Malaysia iaitu Yang Amat Berhormat
Dato' Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Kita semua tahu bahawa Dato' Prof. Dr. Ismail Md Salleh ialah seorang
OKU yang mempunyai kelayakan dan perkhidmatan yang cemerlang dalam
memperkatakan isu-isu tentang hak-hak dan pembangunan OKU di negara
ini.
Kita berharap dengan kehilangan tokoh OKU yang sangat dikenali itu
tidak akan menjadi penghalang bagi kerajaan melantik seorang lagi OKU
umumnya attau OKU penglihatan khususnya sebagai seorang Senator di
Dewan Negara. Kita percaya masih ada lagi tokoh-tokoh OKU di negara
ini yang juga mempunyai kebolehan dan kelayakan untuk memegang dan
memikul tanggungjawab sebagai seorang Senator.
Masyarakat Malaysia berasa bangga bila pertama kali dalam sejarah
negara telah dilantik seorang OKU ke Dewan Negara.  Ini membuktikan
bahawa kerajaan Malaysia memang prihatin dalam memberi suara OKU dalam
dewan pemesyuaratan tertinggi seperti Dewan Negara. Dengan lulusnya
AKTA OKU 2007 dan adanya seorang Senator OKU, menunjukkan bahawa
kedudukan OKU di dalam negara ini adalah terbela.
Kita perlu kekalkan seorang wakil kita di dalam Dewan Negara untuk
mengenengahkan permasaalahan kita supaya isu-isu dan masaalah OKU
dapat dibawa ke dalam Dewan.
Saya menyeru kepada semua OKU menyokong usaha untuk mengekalkan quota
Senator OKU  ini. Kalau perlu tulis dan emailkan atau beri komen
kepada laman web Perdana Menteri Malaysia iaitu
www.onemalaysia.com.my
Semoga dengan usaha ini Yang Amat Berhormat Perdana Menteri dapat
memberi pertimbangan sewajarnya kepada permintaan kita ini.

 

Hashim Ishak,
Pengerusi SBM Melaka.

 

--
Sekian, Terima Kasih,
Skype name: hashimmelaka
Blog SBM Melaka:
http://mysbmmelaka.blogspot.com