The grandchildren's time now.

 Sun 9.7.2023

We're one week into the second-half of 2023. At year's end I'll be exactly 79, which would be virtually 80 by all reckoning. That'll be something - for me.

In one month's time, 6 of the 13 States (Kedah, Penang, Selangor, NS, Terengganu and Kelantan) would go to the polls again.  This would be their belated 15th. State elections. Of the other 7, Perlis, Perak and Pahang had their 15th on 19.11.2022, Melaka's 15th was on 20.11.2021,  Johor's 15th  on 12.3.2022,  Sabah's 16th on 26.9.2020 and Sarawak's 12th on 18.12.2021. As I'd said before, this confusing affairs of state is both cause and effect for the present confusing state of affairs.

What's noteworthy for me, though, is the fact that my two eldest grandchildren, Acad and Iman, are about to enter tertiary education this month, after their recent SPM examinations. It's the grandchildren's time now.

Acad will enrol into UiTM; Iman Unisel. It's the real beginning for them in their preparation for seeking livelihood and family lives. 

Things would only get harder before they get settled. That's life. All the classroom work they went through, and more importantly, all the general education they received, would now be called forth. Still, parental guidance must be offered to steady their youthful minds facing the real world outside. They're protected now in the ivory tower. Real life would be real tough on the ground.

Last night Ari celebrated his 70th birthday, when he proudly announced the scholastic successes of his nephews and neices in the very same SPM exams. I was there. In my heart I'd prayed that they all justify the pride held by their uncles and aunties by achieving the worldly successes promised by their wonderful school results so far.

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