Disarmament day.

 Tues 25.6.2024

So, finally I received a letter from the OCPD Kuala Pilah, giving me 7 days to surrender my .22 rifle (Ruger 700.75764) gun licence no.NP 939 issued on 17.7.1995.  I bought it from Melaka town for RM 3,000.

I'd surrendered my Baretta .38 pistol in 1999, bought from Kampong Baru, KL, that I kept for just 4 years. This rifle would have been in my possession next month for a full 29 years.

Every year around May I'd go through the slow-moving Police exercise of gun-licence renewal. I mean, we would be asked to report to the Police HQ, signing the attendance sheet for the rifle-range inspection. Then we would be asked by another  letter to get the book chopped. Then another letter to appear and get the signed approval. When all could have been done in one day !

I've decided to appeal my case to the top cop, the IGP.

My letter would be to the point: I already have a gun licence issued almost three decades ago. The KP OCPD said because of the USA's rifle shooting cases, some years ago I was asked to apply to get a shot-gun licence to replace my .22 rifle. The POLICE asked me to change, they ask me to apply, they have rejected my application, and now they cancel my innocent existing licence.

Other than that my relationship with my rifle has been civil and law-abiding all the time.

I don't understand this whole sad affair.

I still need my rifle for hunting the "enemies of the orchard".

My latest medical examination in May this year says I'm fit to handle this weapon. I had basic Military training, anyway. I studied at the then Federation Military College in Port Dickson.

I carry a Golf handicap 19 and play 18 holes of golf at least twice a week. You can check with the Seremban International Golf Club.

Please cancel your cancellation.

Thank you.

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Dear Sumayah, just 10.

 Wed 12.6.24

I was just finishing my Subuh wirid when Ari called with the sad news of Sumayah's passing at the HTJ, Seremban. I broke the news to Idah, still lounging in bed, and Dekna, dressing up for work.

Sumayah was just over 10, so young, so full of what could have been,  Alas, we accept it as God's Will.

All our plans for the day were scuttled - my meeting with the Protocol Office at the State Secretariat, and Dekna's busy work at office. Only the grandchildren's schooling remained intact, of course.

Everyone closely related were assembled at the Lonek house by around 11.30. 

When the doctors released her about 2 weeks ago from  the hospital in the final treatment for her terminal illness, Sumayah herself chose to be with her grandmother in Lonek, when  her parents' place is in Seremban. How touching for the granny. Bal cried on my shoulder when we entered the house upon arrival. I could only rub her shoulders, and through my own soft tears mumbled "I feel sad. But I know you're much more sad."

The remains were bathed and shrouded in hospital. When the HTJ ambulance arrived around 11.30 am, the body was lifted out and laid on the readied bed in the dining hall. I couldn't stop my own quiet tears when the face was uncovered for everyone to see. It was such a sad sight, and did not look a bit like the girl I knew.

Ari quickly gathered around those present to sit and read the "ya sin" surah. He then asked me to recite the do'a, and I did, when no one would take my offer.

Earlier, I'd spoken to Yunus, the father. Ari had actually arranged for the Imam to lead the funeral prayers. I said to Yunus "do this final service for your daughter. Nothing is closer to her in supplication. It's a simple prayer - four takbirs, the Fatiha, the Prophet's salutations, and the two other prayers you can say in your heart"  He relented. I was happy that my advice was heeded. I told Ari to tell the Imam about the change. And after the actual prayers later, the two men who prayed beside me whispered to each other in a pleasantly flattering way "it's the father !" They didn't know beforehand.

Sumayah was laid to rest next to her late grandfather. How fitting.

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