KL American - August 2015 by klamerican

PP 4353/05/2013 (033269)

August 2015

american

A Publication of the American Association of Malaysia KL American August 2015

Some things we haven’t changed in 50 years … Like making time for everyone

Go knowing

www.crownrelo.com/malaysia 2

KL American August 2015

Crown service offerings include: • International & Domestic Shipments • Immigration & Legalization • Intercultural Support • Transit Insurance • Home Search • School Search

Tel: +60 3 5636 9166 kualalumpur@crownrelo.com

Contents AAM August 2015 Advertisers Index Advertisers

(A-Z)

President’s Message

Page

Asian Tigers Transpo

Back Cover

City Motors

p.10

Crown Relocations

Inside Front Cover

Eastern Carpets

Inside Back Cover

EvaAir

p.22

The Expat

p.23

RSDHC

p.24

Tropicana Medical Centre

p.18

8 8 9 10

6 7

Membership

Community Service

Weekly Activities / Monthly Activities What’s On At The AAM / August

What’s On At The AAM / September

Editorial

10 13

Perspectives

19 21 23 24

Ramadan

Memories

Asian Cinema

AAM Messages

AAM Community Bulletin Board

25 26

Practical Malay

AAM Calendar / August

Cover Photo by Julia Bellack

19 KL American August 2015

President’s Message for you as well as the opportunity to give more back to this charity and our adoptive community. We have our Fall Rug Auction scheduled and then the grand finale of our big events will be our 29th Annual Charity Christmas Bazaar. So as you can see, there will be lots going on, so be sure to check out all the information in the magazine and mark your calendars. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t take the time to mention that we still have a few key positions open on our Board of Directors and ask that if you are considering taking on one of these positions that you come forward and just jump in. We’d love to see you become more involved.

Happy Mid-Summer Everyone! I truly hope everyone is enjoying their summer and wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I wish that you are having fun with family and just relaxing. I too am enjoying my summer getaway stateside, but I am looking forward to having everyone back in KL as we head into the fall. Speaking of fall, we have a lot of exciting events coming up. We have our annual “Welcome Back” Shrimp & Crawfish Boil at the end of September – which will be a lot of fun, and we have some surprises in store for everyone that attends this event. We are also teaming up with the Latin Ladies to host our Second Annual “Pink October” charity event for the National Cancer Society of Malaysia. We are so excited to be having these ladies on board with us this year, and collectively, we hope to have a bigger and better event

I want to take a moment to thank you, our valued members, all our sponsors and advertisers as well as the new 2015/2016 Board of Directors for all the support the AAM has received while we have been going through this transitional period at the AAM office. I believe as we head into the final months of 2015, the AAM will continue to be strong and hopefully continue to grow as we move forward - so THANK YOU.

Board of Directors President Peggy Uptigrove President.aam@gmail.com First Vice President Ann Blacklock FirstVP.aam@gmail.com Second Vice President VACANT SecondVP.aam@gmail.com Secretary Cindy Gros Secretary1.aam@gmail.com Treasurer Donna Sawyer Treasurer.aam@gmail.com Publications Director VACANT Editor.KLAmerican@gmail.com Major Events Director Leslie Sjurseth Majoreventsdir.aam@gmail.com

See you in September -

Membership Director VACANT Membershipdirector.aam@gmail.com

Peggy Uptigrove

Community Service Director VACANT Communityservice.aam@gmail.com

President

Corporate Partners For 2015 Presidential

Corporate Relations Director Morgan Mehta Corprelations.aam@gmail.com Bazaar Directors Lovie Alptunaer and Mary Mantei Bazaardirector.aam@gmail.com

Liaison Directors American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Stephanie Chua ISKL Hilda Alposilva

Liberty

US Embassy Jessica Schnepple Samantha Elfmont Publications Volunteer James Pearson

KL American August 2015

Editorial

American

Magazine Team

The AAM is currently looking for a new Publications Director to take on the exciting task of working closely with our Graphic Designer in doing the magazine layout. Kim Starr, our previous Editor, has done a fantastic job of building the relationship between the AAM and our Graphic Designer, and we are looking for someone to fill her shoes and continue this great work.

Editor VACANT Photo Editors Judy Pescio Randee Duncan Julia Bellack Contributors Julia Bellack Helen Mastache A Samad Hassan Debz Rafferty Aisyah Yuhanis Proofreaders Randee Duncan Stephanie Emilo James Pearson Peggy Uptigrove

If you are interested in knowing more about what is required, or if you just want to jump in with both feet, please do not hesitate to contact Peggy Uptigrove at president.aam@gmail.com.

Editorial Support James Pearson Designer Yap Wai Kuan Advertising Sales Tel: (03) 2161-9008 / 9009 Printer Seng Hoe Printing Process 33, Jalan Hang Tuah 2 Taman Salak Selatan 57100 Kuala Lumpur Tel/Fax: (03) 8941-7603 Publisher American Association of Malaysia The KLAmerican is published 10 times per year. The deadline for inclusion is at least six weeks prior to publication, which is the 1st of the month. Advertising for non-profit organizations is free-of-charge on a spaceavailable basis. The magazine staff reserves the right to edit copy for clarity, brevity, and accuracy. Information on AAM members is not to be used commercially. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission, is strictly prohibited.

American Association of Malaysia Unit 19-1, 19th Floor, Tower B The Troika, 19 Persiaran KLCC 50450 Kuala Lumpur GPS Coordinates: N3° 9’ 28.899” E101° 42’ 58.217”

Help Wanted…

GST HAS ARRIVED! The American Association of Malaysia has incorporated the Government imposed GST Tax of 6% on all of our activities, tours, classes and events. We have re-priced our activities to include the GST in the listed price in the magazine. When paying for an activity, a receipt will be issued showing the GST you have paid. If you have any questions, please contact the AAM office at (03) 2161-9008/9009.

Tel: (03) 2161-9008 / 9009 Fax: (03) 2181-7005 E-mail: klamerican.info@gmail.com Website: www.klamerican.com

SUMMER HOURS Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m - 4 p.m. Closed 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. workdays for lunch Closed Friday - Sunday and public holidays

KL American August 2015

Membership The AAM is currently looking for a new Membership Director to be the ‘Face of the American Association’ in the capacity of meeting and greeting new people when they arrive in Kuala Lumpur and making them feel welcome in their new city. By hosting our First Fridays, you get to meet new people, make new friends, and introduce those new friends to other new friends. Making people feel welcomed and connected to our Association is what we are all about. Moving to a new city across the globe from what one was familiar with “back home” can be a scary prospect – especially for first-time expats. You have the opportunity to connect them to others that have been there before and can help ease them into this new way of life.

interesting speakers, offer topics of current issues to our members, schedule a fun workshop, or take us on the road and host a coffee morning at another venue. The city is the limit for how creative you can be in this capacity. As an Association, our goal is to not only increase our membership but to make those that are members feel valued and connected to a group that provides support, encouragement, and some fun along the way. If you are interested or want more information about this position, please contact Peggy Uptigrove at president.aam@gmail.com.

Our Membership Director also takes charge of organizing our monthly Coffee Mornings, sponsored by Asian Tigers. Here, you can bring in

“Selamat Datang ke AAM!” to our new members for June: Mark & Cimbrey Brannan

August Coffee Morning Like to Cook or Bake? Like to swap recipes? Then come on out to the August Coffee Morning for our Pot Luck Lunch /Recipe Swap.

Derek & Barbara Glassey Tony & Gail Jones

Selamat Datang 12th edition price per set (2 volumes):

RM53 Now on sale at the AAM

Tel: (03) 2161-9008 / 2161-9009 6

KL American August 2015

Community Service

Dining with Dignity Project B is a collaboration between The BIG Group and the Berjaya Cares Foundation for the Dignity for Children Foundation. By collectively deploying expertise and financial resources, the collaborators seek to help build a thriving community that will improve and add value to the lives of the children and leave a significant and lasting impact. Project B is a café located in Sentul. The Berjaya Cares Foundation has generously offered a premise to house the training kitchen and café for the programme. The premise is fully equipped with all the kitchen equipment necessary to efficiently operate a café. It is a functioning and self-sustainable enterprise that is fully run by the children, under the tutelage and supervision of all partners. The revenue earned as a result of the children’s efforts will be income that sustains the programme. It is a social enterprise that is rooted in the food, beverage and service industry. Project B’s aim is to empower these children through vocational education in order to become active participants in society as well as transform their own future. This education encompasses highly specific skill sets in the food, beverage and service sector that will provide the holistic development of the children. This programme is intended to improve their life skills, boost their self-esteem and even explore their hidden talents along the way! The participants of Project B are children from socially and economically underprivileged families. Aged between 17 to 20 years old, these are children of unfortunate circumstances and who are lacking adequate finances and support from their family. These children are our main focus because of their unharnessed potential and the significant contribution they have yet to make to our nation’s future. For developing countries like Malaysia, the advancement of underprivileged children through education is crucial to nation building for the next generations. Project B launches with its #ProjectFriedChicken menu that features three different styles of fried chicken. Guests can opt for Signature Crunch, Sweet and Sticky Korean Fried or Ayam Goreng Berempah. The fried chicken may be ordered ala carte or as a combo. A variety of sides and beverages are also available.

Also launching in conjunction is Project Sentul - an online magazine presented by Project B. It will feature curated content and stories about Sentul, its people, heritage and culture. Discover Sentul with Project B at www.projectsentul.com. Art pieces featured on the online magazine will also be displayed at the Project B cafe. And some items will be available on sale to the public. All proceeds will go towards Dignity for Children. The BIG Group is responsible for the technical guidance and coaching of the children. As one of the foremost food & beverage companies in the industry, we are well-equipped to design the training curriculum that will encompass the essential skills required to run a café. The training encompasses hands-on, realworld experience. The children are taught vocational skills such as food preparation, front of house service training, technical skills, kitchen sanitation & hygiene, kitchen practical skills and other procedural steps of working in a kitchen environment. Supported by the expertise of two established hospitality service providers – The BIG Group and the Berjaya Group of Companies – Dignity for Children Foundation extends its Empower-a-Child initiative into a new area of food, beverage and hospitality training. This is a form of skill-based education for underprivileged children to achieve personal development in order to open up possibilities and opportunities. It is aimed at the betterment of their current circumstances to break the cycle of poverty and transform them into contributing members of society. Project B is located at: 25-G Sentul Boulevard, Jalan 11/48A, 51000 Sentul Kuala Lumpur Operation hours Mondays to Sundays 11:00am –10:00pm FB www.facebook.com/projectbkl Project Sentul www.projectsentul.com

KL American August 2015

Weekly Activities All activities are at the AAM Villa @ The Troika unless noted.

MONDAY

Mahjong 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Members FREE / Non-Members RM10 donation (The first two visits are complimentary.) Get rid of those Monday blues by playing a lively game of mahjong. We’ll shuffle the tiles, make ‘pungs’ and ‘kongs’, and enjoy the afternoon. Beginners are welcome. Please email mahjong Coordinator, Randee at brduncn@gmail.com to confirm.

WEDNESDAY

Stitching Friends 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Members FREE / Non-Members RM10 donation (The first two visits are complimentary.) New and seasoned sewing enthusiasts work together to share their love of the stitching arts. We meet at the AAM Villa @ The Troika. Please contact Coordinator, Sherri Moore at sherrimquilts@gmail.com for details. Please be sure to put “Stitching Friends” in the subject line.

Monthly Activities Friday, 7 August 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Level 3A @ The Troika/Tower B Cost: Individual; all proceeds go to charity. Parking is available at The Troika or nearby shopping malls, or take the LRT to Ampang Park station.

First Fridays

Arriving in Kuala Lumpur can be overwhelming in the beginning, but the AAM is here to help! First Fridays is a social gathering designed especially for expats newly arrived in KL. We want to be the friendly face of the AAM and provide people the opportunity to ask questions, gather information, and take a second to relax with new friends. All members are encouraged to drop by level 3A @ The Troika and help us welcome newcomers. Coffee, tea, and a light breakfast will be available for a small donation. Please join us and pass on the invitation to new neighbors and friends. RSVP: Appreciated, but not necessary. Email: klamerican.info@gmail.com.

Tuesday, 11 August 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. St. Francis Xavier Home for the Elderly Taman Sri Bahtera, Batu Lima Cheras Tel: (03) 9131-1464

In Colonial Restaurant G13 The Intermark 348 Jalan Tun Razak Date: TBA Cost: Individual

Still Alice by Lisa Genova 8

KL American August 2015

Bingo with Little Sisters of the Poor

Join our monthly bingo game to help spread the joy at this home for the elderly! We will bring prizes for the winners. The bingo morning is one of the highlights of the month for the residents. Please email klamerican.info@gmail.com if you can join us or would like more information.

AAM Book Club

Still Alice is a compelling debut novel about a 50-year-old woman’s sudden descent into early onset Alzheimer’s disease, written by first time author Lisa Genova, who holds a Ph. D in neuroscience from Harvard University. Alice Howland, happily married with three grown children and a house on the Cape, is a celebrated Harvard professor at the height of her career, when she notices a forgetfulness creeping into her life. As confusion starts to cloud her thinking and her memory begins to fail her, she receives a devastating diagnosis: early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Fiercely independent, Alice struggles to maintain her lifestyle and live in the moment, even as her sense of self is being stripped away. “Heartbreaking, inspiring, and terrifying, Still Alice captures in remarkable detail what it’s like to literally lose your mind...” Reads like a gripping memoir of a woman in her prime watching the life she once knew fade away....A poignant portrait of Alzheimer’s, Still Alice is not a book you will forget. RSVP: klamerican.info@gmail.com - appreciated, but not necessary.

What’s On in . . . August Where: Taps Beer Bar, One Residency, 1 Jalan Nagasari When: Wednesday, 5 August 6:00 p.m. onwards Registration: None required. Just show up bringing cash and conviviality.

Thursday, 20 August 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. AAM Office at The Troika Level 19 Cost: None Sponsored by:

BOYS’ NIGHT OUT Gentlemen! For many of us getting out and socializing with other men-folk can be difficult, with working all week and weekends typically reserved for family. Well, no more! Boys’ Night Out’ is offered every first Wednesday of the month near the city center. It’s an entirely informal evening with the chance to sample some craft beers and great grub or even just chat on manly matters! There’s plenty of scope to move on to play some pool, darts, etc. in the nearby Changat Bukit Bintang area later in the evening. RSVP: Useful, but not needed - Stan at drstanbrook@hotmail.com.

Are you a secret “Master Chef”? Do you have that one SPECIAL dish that you make and you make well? Now is your chance to share your culinary abilities with other AAM members. This month’s Coffee Morning is a POT LUCK LUNCH and RECIPE SWAP at The Villa. All you have to do is make that one special dish to share and bring a copy of your recipe. Others will do the same and voilà lunch is served. We will photocopy all the recipes brought in and you will leave equipped with a new batch of favorites that could soon become your family’s new favorites. This will be a time to get together, catch up after the summer with some old friends or make new friends and just have a relaxing morning. Refreshments will be provided by our Coffee Morning sponsor, Asian Tigers. RSVP: klamerican.info@gmail.com by Thursday, 13 August.

When: Wednesday, 26 August 10:00 a.m. - Registration & Welcome Drink 10:30 a.m. - “Women: We Run The World!” talk and workshop 12:30 p.m. - Lunch served Where: Trishna Restaurant, Level B1, West Wing, Hotel Istana, 73, Jalan Raja Chulan Cost: RM75 members / RM90 non-members Underground parking available. Monorail to Raja Chulan station or walk 10 minutes from Pavilion Mall. Remember that New Year’s resolution we made for Lunch Bunch back in January - to continue trying new places, to taste new foods and to create opportunities to make new friends – and remember how we fulfilled that resolution by inviting the members of the International Women’s Association of Kuala Lumpur (IWAKL) to join us for lunch? IWAKL is now returning the invitation, and they have turned our monthly gathering into a very special event that feeds the mind and soul as well as the body. Lunch will be preceded by an inspiring talk given by Ms. Tessie Lim titled “Women: We Run The World!” Ms. Lim is a peak performance coach specializing in personal and professional excellence, or as her motto proclaims, “taking people from good to great.” The talk begins by looking at women’s roles as global citizens before zooming in to discuss “How human beings make meaning.” After the talk, we will participate in a group exercise called “What’s important about that?” . The conversation will continue over lunch. We will be treated to a specially designed buffet of authentic North Indian cuisine. Included in the price are 2 starters, choice of entrees (chicken masala, mutton rogan, lentils), rice, naan, fruits, dessert (ladies finger), and coffee/tea. RSVP: E-mail klamerican.info@gmail.com by Friday, 21 August.

INTERACTIVE PUB NIGHT! Saturday, 22 August 6:00 p.m. - until you can’t take any more fun! Meeting Place: The Green Man 40 Changkat Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur Cost: Individual Now that the summer holidays are coming to an end, let’s kickstart the fall social season with a party. Come to the Interactive Pub Night at Changkat Bukit Bintang, the most happening street in KL, where you can meet new people during a night of team-filled activities, such as trivia and a scavenger hunt. If you want to get in on the action, please join us for a night on the town. Dress comfortably and be prepared to have some fun.. RSVP: klamerican.info@gmail.com, preferable, but not necessary.

KL American August 2015

What’s On in . . . September And Beyond GEMOLOGY 101 Tuesday, 8 September 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. AAM Villa @ The Troika Cost: Member RM78 / Non-Members RM109 Minimum: 15 participants Don’t buy any colored GEMS before you attend our Gemology 101 class! Join us as we welcome Gemology expert, Mat Ruzlin Bin Maulud to our Villa to discuss with us the vital knowledge needed if they are considering purchasing gems from this region of the world. Throughout this 2 hour event, participants will go through “Basic Training” on Gemology; like how to hold a loupe (hand-lens), light source and working on the fingers to develop some skill in evaluating gems. Mat will provide an understanding of colored gems, which will include mainly Sapphires, Rubies, Emeralds (simulant & synthetic); and will touch a bit on diamonds. Gems, cut & uncut specimens (treated and untreated) from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, Kashmir, Madagascar, Kenya, Montana, Colombia and Malaysia will be available to be assessed and evaluated together. We will review the 4 C’s, inclusions, and other factors which give or add value to the gemstone The lecture will be open to Q & A throughout. This workshop aims to be an eye opener and educational. Hopefully after the workshop, participants will develop some skill on gem evaluation and an educated eye on colored gems. After the talk / workshop we will have an exciting announcement to make so be sure you do not miss this class. RSVP: klamerican.info@gmail.com by Tuesday, September 1st.

Looking Ahead… Be sure to mark these dates for activities in September and beyond: 01 September - Bingo 04 September - First Friday 10 September - Ready to Cook? 29 September - Malacca All Day Tour 20 October - 9th God Festival 23 October - Fall Rug Auction 10

KL American August 2015

Sip ‘N’ Shop Thursday, 17 September 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. AAM Villa @ The Troika Cost: FREE Sponsored by:

It’s our Annual “Welcome Back” Sip ‘n Shop Coffee Morning sponsored by Asian Tigers. Stay tuned for more details in the September issue of klamerican but in the meantime, be sure to add this date to your calendar. Get answers to questions you didn’t even know you had and mingle with like-minded expats at this not to be missed coffee morning. We have invited a few of our popular vendors for you to shop with as well as other vendors where you can gather valuable information about living in KL. This information fair can be a godsend for new expats as well as for those that have been here a while. You might just discover something new. We will also be having lucky draws and raffles throughout the morning, so be sure to sign up early and don’t miss this event. A light lunch and refreshments will be served thanks to our sponsor, Asian Tigers. RSVP:klamerican.info@gmail.com by Thursday, 10 September

Your junk...is someone else’s treasure!!! Please drop off your once-loved items and put a smile on someone’s face. Take your pre-loved items to the AAM office any time between now and 20 October to join our “White Elephant” table. All proceeds go to charity.

Used Books Dust off those bookshelves! Clean out those closets! Donate your old books to the AAM. All proceeds go to charity.

KL American August 2015

The Holy Month:

Ramadan in Southeast Asia by Julia Bellack

Living in Malaysia, a country with noticeable Islamic influences, we are constantly surrounded by the signs of an active religious community. We’re in awe of the majestic beauty of the Blue Mosque in Shah Alam; we hear the muezzins calling the faithful to prayer all over the city; we see women with hijab, the headscarf, and men with taqiyah, the rounded skullcap; we constantly encounter the little “halal” logo on most of our groceries and in restaurants. We have Muslim friends and see ourselves as open-minded global citizens who understand, adapt and blend into the surrounding, our second home. Wandering through the streets of Malaysia, Indonesia, and other Muslim countries with open eyes and ears these days, it is almost impossible not to notice the festive atmosphere that lingers in the air: The holiest of months of the Islamic calendar is currently being celebrated – Ramadan. A word all of us have heard before, bringing up vague associations of fasting, of some relevance of day and night time. But what exactly is it that happens every year and causes so much excitement among our fellow Muslim citizens? The first important fact many of us confuse is that the term ‘Ramadan’ does not refer to fasting itself. It is the name of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar – the month in which the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to the prophet Muhammad. During this period of 29 or 30 days, based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, observant Muslims do not eat, drink (any kind of liquid), smoke, and refrain from sexual activity from sunrise to

sunset. It is also expected that they do not lie, use swear words, or talk about others behind their backs during this time. The term is derived from ‘al-Ramd’, which means ‘burning heat of the sun’, and refers to the thirst experienced during the days of the holy month. To understand why Ramadan is so important we have to take a look at the very basis of Muslim life: The Five Pillars of Islam. Together with Shadah (faith in no god except God), Salat (daily prayer), Zakat (give charity to the poor) and Hajj (at least one pilgrimage to Mecca in a lifetime (if possible), Sawm (fasting) makes up the foundation of life among Allah’s followers. This makes fasting during Ramadan not only an option but an obligation for the faithful. Exempt from this rule are children; menstruating, pregnant, and breast-feeding women; the severely sick; and traveling people. In some Muslim countries breaking the fast in public is actually considered a crime for which even non-Muslims are punishable by law. Offenders may be sent to prison for a month and/or pay fines. These strict regulations can be found in some Gulf states – Malaysia as a colorful multi-ethnic and multi-racial nation luckily does not force its residents and visitors to abstain from eating and drinking during the day. To learn more about this special month I get in contact with a young Muslim woman: Hana, 27 years old, an assistant engineer, born and living in Singapore. Like most Malay girls she was raised in a practicing Muslim family. But one of the first things I learn about the friendly, outgoing young woman is that only last year she made up her mind about her personal religious point of view. She is very aware of the fact that family has a major influence on shaping our view of the world, which naturally includes religion. One day in 2014 she suddenly questioned herself: “Am I a Muslim only because my parents are, because I was raised to be one as well and just grew into it, constantly surrounded by Islam? Or am I a Muslim because I choose to be?” During our conversation Hana impresses me with the capability of reflecting on her own spiritual fundamentals. Asked about the hijab which she does not wear, the young Malay notes that her generation is not the first in the family not to do so. Her mother stopped wearing the headscarf at some point in her life – only to return to wearing it again by her own choice. With clear words she explains to me how religion is something that cannot be seen – or judged – by other people. Faith is invisible to others, it happens between you and god alone. “He looks at your soul, not at your outside.” Wearing a hijab or refraining from sinful acts like drinking and smoking does not automatically bring you closer to Jannah, the Islamic concept of paradise, the Singaporean explains. She knows some young people who would just pretend to take Islam serious, e.g. to not disappoint their families. They would eat or smoke secretly during the day. All of which clearly makes no sense in the actual concept of Muslim belief which is about your own good. Just a few days ahead of Ramadan Hana feels very excited. The fasting itself wouldn’t be

“Hana” very difficult to endure after so many years, she explains. The hardest part would be mastering discipline in terms of not swearing, arguing, or lying – challenging and cleansing not only your body, but your mind as well. I learn that Ramadan is a month to learn self-discipline and generosity, to eventually be closer to god. You have to focus on your faith to resist temptations. You focus a lot on spiritual offerings such as prayer and Qur’an recitation – which are believed to be multiplied during the holy month – and you can gain understanding of the less fortunate people by experiencing hunger and thirst. Out of cultural curiosity and a desire to learn about this holy, ancient practice in the most genuine way, I embark on a little self experiment. As the moon is soon about to appear in its crescent shape, I decide to join the estimated 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide on the morning of the first Ramadan - though with my own modified set of rules and only for four days, until Sunday when I will join Hana and her family for their weekly communal Iftar (breaking the fast). Thursday, 6:15 am. My alarm rings. It is pitch-dark outside. Way too early for me, but I have no choice: Ramadan has started in Singapore and I have to get up if I don’t want to miss out on my Suhoor, the pre-dawn breakfast – the only meal until dusk. Without the slightest bit of appetite I nag on some roast pork while enjoying the thought that I still have freedom of choice. My personal choice of food. Note: A Muslim does not change his diet during Ramadan and so I stick to my usual food – halal or not, no difference for me. A glance on my phone to check the time and I gulp down a few glasses of water. So I’m going to spend this day in the tropics at about 33 degrees Celsius with occasional sweaty walks under the sun and I’m not allowed to drink? Slight health concerns meander through my mind while the last seconds before sunrise run out. Stop. Finally the active part of my personal Ramadan adventure begins. KL American August 2015

The morning and noon pass surprisingly easy and feel very normal. Only after about 7 hours of food and drink abstinence I start feeling tiny impulses to get a bite to eat. During these moments I’m actually not hungry, it’s more of a need to recharge energy while working. At 2:45 pm I really want to eat something for the first time. Or eat least drink some water just to re-energize. I notice that I’m starting to lose my concentration - mentally I can’t give 100% anymore despite still feeling somewhat energetic. I constantly forget that I’m fasting only to painfully remember it the next moment: “Oh, that avocado must be ripe by now, yum! ... Oh, wait, damn. 4 hours to go . . .” I wash my face with cold water and, while it gives me a slight comfort, I start wondering if this is actually acceptable in the Muslim world. A quick Google search is followed by immediate relief. I envy the carefree cats next to me who can still enjoy their food without paying attention to any rules, the moon, the sun, or calendars. Collywobbles at 3:21 pm; worse concentration at 3.56 pm. I figure the only way to get through this day is to take a short nap now. After one hour I finally manage to get up, feeling better, but from now on spending the rest of the fasting part of the day yawning non-stop. At 6 pm I suddenly feel unexpectedly good (endorphine rush?) – only to suffer from total impatience half an hour later. At this point I should mention that I’m absolutely crazy about food. Creamy flavors, crispy roast meats, and savory sweet sins make my heart beat faster – 40 minutes to go! And then, as soon as the sun finally sets and my first 12+ hours of fasting are officially over, my appetite and thirst have completely vanished. The rewarding feeling of taking the first bite and drinking the first sip fail to appear. Mixed feelings. While I start to break my fast, the appetite recurs, but altogether a dull feeling of disappointment lies heavily on me – or maybe it’s just some kind of headache caused by slight dehydration? I’m glad I don’t smoke (at the moment). I imagine this can be quite a problem for some people. I suppose it’s better to quit completely

KL American August 2015

instead of going through torture bit by bit every year. Another important part I’m “naturally” leaving out on is Salat, the daily ritual prayers. In my own imaginary book of rules I replaced it with research and reflection upon Islam and the holy month. In the evening I buy Indian curry rice for my next Suhoor and the coming day follows a very similar scheme to the previous one: Bolt down food (what a waste when I‘m not able to enjoy it at this hour!) and water early in the dark, lose energy in the afternoon, feel impulses to eat, sleep, yawn. This time my Iftar, the breaking of fast, takes place at a restaurant with one of my favorite foods: Korean fried chicken - and this time it is pure joy to finally eat after more than 12 hours! Maybe just because of the long wait, maybe also because of some sort of spiritual feeling I somehow developed over the past two days. On Saturday morning I force a portion of Kway Teow down my throat before easily getting through the first day of the weekend. I got a bit used to the fasting and don‘t have to constantly remind myself of the rules anymore. Also the laidback weekend atmosphere away from work makes it much easier to stay distracted from food – until 6 pm when my brain would regularly begin to feel dehydrated, triggering a dizzy state of mind and the dismal lack of energy. My fourth and final Suhoor on Sunday consists of Nasi Lemak. 6:20 am. For a few seconds I seriously consider discontinuing my little experiment at the sight of yet another too early meal and the thought of – once again – stuffing food into my mouth despite not feeling like doing that at all. Only one more day. And I don’t want to be the only one tonight who couldn’t resist . . . As this morning marks the beginning of my final Mini-Ramadan day it is also a special day for Hana: For the first time this year the family is coming together for Iftar again. And I am lucky she lets me join the ceremony at her uncle‘s house in eastern Singapore. Early in the morning her aunt started with the preparations

for the feast. When we arrive, the floor of the long combined hallway and living room are already covered with a line of table cloth. Hana‘s cousins are filling countless glasses with water, tea, and juices, placing and arranging piles of tablewear, bowls, and plates of curries, fruits, chicken, fine chocolates, noodles, various seafood, traditional desserts, and much more on the long line of fabric. As the food piles up, the hall simultaneously fills up with people, young and old, every one of them dressed in fine traditional Malay clothing, the younger ones kissing their elders‘ hands. About 55 family members have found their way here shortly before dusk. Then all of a sudden everything happens very quickly: We take a seat on the carpet, water is being poured for one another to clean our hands, then dates are being passed around. The dried fruits hold a special status as it is believed that Muhammad used to break his fast with them 1400 years ago. I follow Hana and bite into my wrinkly appetizer, followed by chicken rice, sweets, then chocolate. Joyful eating and chatter. But we need to hurry, everything needs to be removed from the hallway soon for the following prayer. It has been less than half an hour, then some rush to the kitchen, carrying plates and bowls, others remove and arrange fabrics on the huge floor, while a first swarm of people wanders upstairs for Wudu, the washing ritual. A small group of women gathers in one of Hana‘s cousins‘ rooms upstairs – those who are currently not „pure“ due to their period and thus not allowed to pray. The rest of the family lines up in the now empty hallway, men on one side, women on the other, facing Mecca. I observe the scene from the stairs, not to interrupt anyone during their act of worship. Even the youngest kids participate, standing upright among their elders, concentrated in their prayer, then bowing, finally kneeling face down, getting up again, reciting words from the Qur‘an. The ritual lasts for more than half an hour before the whole family gathers on the

hallway floor again and everyone falls back into carefree chatter. A bright, intense atmosphere surrounds the little groups of people while everyone appears pleased with their spiritual accomplishments for the day. It is close to midnight when Hana‘s brother drives us home westwards down the empty highway. As I exit the family‘s car near Paya Lebar station I realize that this moment marks the end of my Mini-Ramadan. After a long final day of religious and cultural immersion and intense discussions with my new Muslim friends I am now heading back into my normal, rather unreligious life. What have I learned during these days, about Islam and the holy month? Because of the not always women-friendly image many westerners have of Islam I was very curious to get actual first-hand information from female Muslims in Southeast Asia. The honest insight I got, articulated with such pride and confidence in their voices while appearing modern and emancipated on the outside, took my doubts away – even if I can only judge a whole worldwide religion by a few people of a particular region I met. I would even say I kind of admire them for the meaning in life their belief gives them. And none of them complains about restrictions. Those who wear the hijab were not forced by anyone. They’re not being forced to fast nor to prepare the meals. They do it for their own afterlife, which is an important point we should keep in mind.

from god later, after death in the material world, as Muslims believe. For me personally it is very enjoyable to not worry about any of these things and just live and enjoy life – while my Muslim friends must be thinking I‘m on the direct way to hell by doing this. That‘s ok I guess . . . Secondly, I realized I (or we as spoiled humans) eat too much just out of impulse and for fun, not because our body needs it. At the same time I was reminded of how much fun food really is. Happiness bite by bite! And it does in fact make sense to wait for the actual hunger before you start your dinner. What I did not like was how I could feel my body actually suffer from the lack of water. Fasting is healthy, but not drinking anything the whole day in the tropics is not what any (non-Muslim) doctor would advise. The “hunger” part during the day was relatively easy to get through. And here’s another critique point: One of the reasons for fasting during Ramadan is that it’s supposed to make people feel closer to those less fortunate. This point I would almost classify as inhuman and insulting as there is absolutely no similarity in the daily struggle between life and death of a homeless human being and a regular citizen who abstains from lunch (and maybe an additional snack) only to feast like a king right after sunrise. So much for my short personal experience – but what about Hana and all the other fasting Muslims now? There are still 26 days of Ramadan left; the routine of fasting and worshiping will continue as usual day by day. The last 10 nights of Ramadan hold a very special status. It is said that Prophet Muhammad devoted himself to God to the greatest extent during this certain period. He would pray all night and keep his wives awake to follow him. According to Muslim belief the prophet received the first verses of the Qur’an during one of these nights. This special night is known as Laylat al-Qadr or ‘Night of Power’,

which takes place on the 13th of July this year. It is believed that this night has the power of a thousand months which equates to 83 years and 4 months – more than an average lifetime. Many Muslims spend the whole night in prayer and quiet reflection. According to their belief, God in return blesses his loyal followers, forgives all sins, grants all prayers, and angels come down to earth. Ramadan ends with the holiday of Hari Raya, also known as Eid al-Fitr or ‘Sugar Feast’, which is the biggest holiday in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia. As Hari Raya marks the beginning of the next lunar month, Shawwal, Muslims are not permitted to fast anymore on this day. With special prayers, colorful celebrations, traditional costumes, and mouth-watering feasts, the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of Ramadan is being celebrated. Muslims typically return to their hometown to celebrate with their families. They ask forgiveness from their relatives, show respect to their elders, and praise God for helping them through the previous month. Typically during Hari Raya big sales start all around the country and shopping malls and streets light up. A common sight during the nights, especially in the Malaysian countryside, are small kerosene oil lamps known as pelita or panjut which are placed outside and around homes to welcome the angels and to attract spirits of passed relatives. Many Malay families have open houses, meaning neighbors, friends, and other visitors, often non-Muslims, are invited to enjoy celebrations together and share meals, typically rendang (beef curry), ketupat (coconut leaf rice cake), and lontong (coconut gravy rice cake). In Malaysia and Singapore the first day of Hari Raya is a public holiday. The first 3 days are considered the most important ones while the whole month is being celebrated. With the month of Shawwal ending as well, life is slowly turning back to routine - until the 6th of June when Ramadan 2016 starts.

My short fasting experiment taught me a lot of things: Firstly, I do appreciate my life full of freedoms and non-existent (or my own) rules according to how I define my spiritual identity. I understand that it might be fulfilling and “easy” for people to follow specific rules and bans when aiming for spiritual perfection – and I also understand that it is acceptable and only logical to choose not to stick to these rules in Islam and having to deal with a confrontation and questions KL American August 2015

KL American August 2015

Perspectives

Safety Tips 2015 Story by Debz Rafferty Last month a friend was robbed at a petrol station while she was pumping gas. I met with my friend so I could gather all possible information, and she took me through the events step by step. On the way home from school, my friend made a routine stop at the Petronas Fuel Station, near Tesco in Kepong. She was driving her large 4 x 4 with blacked out security windows. Her two young girls were sitting in the back of the car. As she pumped gas, a routine she does almost twice weekly, she chatted to her young daughters sitting on the other side of the window. All of a sudden, she heard her girls screaming. As the windows were blacked out, she could not see what was happening inside the car. She let go off the pump and hurried to the driver’s door, pulling the door open. The girls were terribly upset, but collected themselves quite quickly at the sight of their mother. When they had calmed down they bravely relayed what had happened. It seems that when my friend had pulled into the gas station someone was watching. He watched her stop her car, driver’s side door to the pumps. He watched as she stepped out of the car and walked around to the passenger side. He watched as she took her handbag from the passenger side footwell and took out her purse. He watched as she took out cash and handed it to the pump attendant so he would open the pump. He watched as she placed the bag snugly back in the footwell and walk round to the pump and rear of the car. He watched as she chatted to the girls in the back of the car with just a window between them. He watched until everyone’s back was turned and then he calmly parked his scooter in front of the car, he calmly walked up to the passenger side door, he calmly opened the door, he calmly reached into the footwell and picked up the bag, without a backward glance and bag under his arm he calmly closed the door, he then calmly walked to his scooter and then calmly drove away. My friend was horrified, all sorts of scenarios were flooding her mind, what if’s and maybe’s left her feeling sick to her stomach. Police reports were made, and although the staff were sympathetic and helpful nobody saw anything. There was CCTV camera footage but nothing that was of use. When we met, my friend had already started putting together what she could have done to stop her being the target. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Lock all doors and windows when pump side Secure your vehicle if you have to leave it to go and pay for the gas Remove cash from purse when you are in the car and keep the purse out of sight Never leave your keys in the ignition or in the case of ‘no key start cars’ in the car Park in the most central part of the petrol station Remove all addresses from house key fobs

KL American March 2015

Now, a common train of thought is that these robberies are crimes of spontaneous opportunity. This does not compute to me. The timings, the calmness, the lack of witnesses all point to someone who researches and practices. In my opinion these attacks are organized by more than one person. It is not just about opportunity, and points to more reasons to live life as a hard target! My friend and the girls are doing better, and recovering from their ordeal. My friend’s kind daughters presented their mom with their money boxes in the hope that it would make up for her loss, a wonderful tribute to how caring these girls are. My wonderful, sensible friend is thankful that the losses were minimal. Her phone was in her pocket and she had just paid out most of her cash on fuel. The system for cancelling credit cards, although time consuming, is relativily simple. There were also no house keys in the bag. Just to finish I would commend the two girls for reacting loudly and quickly to the “stranger danger” and I have told my friend how proud I am that she has turned the negative around and refused to be a victim.

When Should You Worry About a Nosebleed? Nosebleeds (epistaxis, nose bleed) can be alarming and dramatic. Bleeding usually occurs from only one nostril. If the bleeding is heavy enough, the blood can fill up the affected nostril and overflow from the other nostril as well. Blood can also drip into the back of the throat or down into the stomach, causing a person to spit up or even vomit blood. Nosebleeds can occur at any age, but are most common in children aged 2 to 10 years and adults aged 50 to 80 years.

By Dr Mallina Sivarajasingam MBBS (MAHE), MS ORL-HNS (UKM), CMIA (NIOSH), Fellowship Head & Neck Oncosurgery (Australia) Consultant ENT, Head & Neck Surgeon Tropicana Medical Centre

Nosebleeds are categorized based on where they originate and are described as either anterior (originating from the front of the nose) or posterior (originating from the back of the nose). Anterior nosebleeds make up most nosebleeds. The bleeding usually originates from a blood vessel on the nasal septum, where a network of vessels converges. Anterior nosebleeds are usually easy to control and can happen in any age group. Posterior nosebleeds are much less common and tend to occur more often in elderly people. The bleeding usually originates from an artery in the back part of the nose. These nosebleeds are more complicated and usually require management by an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist). Causes of Anterior Nosebleeds

11, Jalan Teknologi, PJU 5, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. T: +603-6287 1111 W: www.tropicanamedicalcentre.com FB: www.facebook.com/TropicanaMedicalCentre E: enquiries@tropicanamedicalcentre.com

KL American August 2015

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Hypertension (high blood pressure) Nasal surgery (surgery of the nose) Calcium deficiency Exposure to chemicals that may irritate the mucous membrane. Blood diseases (e.g. leukemia or hemophilia) or tumours.

When to Seek Medical Care:

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Blowing your nose hard - also blowing your nose too frequently. Picking the inside of your nose – this can cause localised trauma to the mucous lining. A knock or blow to the nose - could damage the delicate blood vessels of the mucous membrane. Sinusitis - an inflammation of the sinuses Flu or Nasal Allergies - during this time the inside of the nose may be irritated and tender during a viral infection, making it more susceptible to bleeding.

Deviated septum - when the wall separating the two nostrils is off centre, or deviated, thus stretching the blood vessels making them friable. Climate - hot climates with low humidity or changes from bitter cold to warm, dry climates can cause drying and cracking inside the nose, which can lead to a nosebleed. High altitude - as altitude increases, the availability of oxygen decreases, making the air thinner and drier. The dryness could cause the nose to bleed. Excessive use of certain kinds of medications, such as anticoagulants (blood thinners) or non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen. Liver disease can interfere with blood clotting and result in frequent and/or severe nosebleeds.

Causes of Posterior Nosebleeds

Sometimes, the cause of anterior nosebleeds is idiopathic (unknown). However, common causes include:

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TROPICANA MEDICAL CENTRE

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Having repeated episodes of nosebleeds over a short time or if a large amount of blood is lost Still bleeding after pinching the nose for 10 to 20 minutes Additional bleeding from places other than the nose, such as in the urine or stool Nosebleeds with easy bruising Feeling dizzy or light-headed, or feels that they are going to pass out Rapid heartbeat or trouble breathing Vomiting blood

These are warning signs that the nosebleed is more sinister and can have dire repercussions. Hence, please consult and ENT Specialist to determine the root cause as well as treat the contributory symptoms.

Memories Lunch Bunch Villa Danieli Ladies gathered for lunch at a great Tuscan get away restaurant right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. Located at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel is the Villa Danieli where the ladies were treated like royalty as they enjoyed their lunch and the ambience.

Baking Class Ladies joined Chef Chantel as she demonstrated how to make delicious Panna Cotta and Creme Brulee. I think it’s safe to say everyone “enjoyed” the class.

KL American August 2015

Memories FRIM Canopy Tour photos by Randee Duncan

Putting on their hiking shoes and equipped with lunch and bottles of water, a small busload of adventurous ladies headed out to experience the wonders of the Forestry Reserve Institute of Malaysia and Batu Caves. Along their way they crossed a canopy walk 200 meters above the treetops with breath taking views. Some ladies even conquered their own fears while enjoying the sunshine.

KL American August 2015

World of Asian Cinema: The Subtle Cinema of Yoji Yamada by A Samad Hassan The Japanese film director, Yoji Yamada, may not be as famous as Akira Kurosawa, Kenji Mizoguchi or Yasujiro Ozu to movie fans outside of Japan. But to the people of Japan, he is as outstanding as the other masters of Japanese cinema. With a career of over 50 years and with more than 80 films to his credit, Yamada continues to direct films today despite being an octogenarian. The irony is that he only became widely known when his film, The Twilight Samurai, was nominated for the Best Foreign Film award at the 76th Academy Awards in 2004. This, in a sense, parallels the discovery of Japanese cinema by the Western world when Kurosawa’s Rashomon won the grand prize at the prestigious Venice Film Festival in 1951, and became the first Japanese film to be widely seen. This success was followed by an honorary Oscar at the 1952 Academy Awards. It is often said that it is difficult for contemporary directors to be put on par with the classical directors. This is due to their mainstream sensibilities and over-dependence on technical devices (as in the current trend in superhero movies), where the main objective is to provide an adrenalin rush for the purpose of creating box-office hits. Yoji Yamada’s films are entertaining and he has become the most successful director in Japanese cinema with his 48 films in the Tora-san series that were based on one character played by Kiyoshi Atsumi. He has also made a number of other films that are equally entertaining. A cursory look at these films will not reveal the deeper layers of meaning that are usually the marks of alternative cinema. Perhaps it can all be summed up with an old Japanese saying: “An apprentice living near a temple will recite the scriptures untaught.” Simply put, it means that the environment shapes character. And this is what Yamada has attempted to show in all his films by foregrounding his characters – that the milieu determines what a character is or becomes, and in the words of the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus: “Character is destiny.” One needs to go deeper into Yoji Yamada’s films to find what it is that makes them unique and special, and how what Yamada wants to say about Man and his environment is all done subtly. In almost all of his films, Yamada deliberately casts ‘normal’ people, made up of those whom you meet on the streets and to whom you would hardly give a second glance. On some rare occasions, he does choose a good-looking actor such as Hiroyuki Sanada, who appears in The Twilight Samurai. But Yamada puts him in a miserable situation that does not befit his looks. In this movie, Sanada plays Seibei, a poor, low ranking samurai; yet he is someone who has a special skill and character. In Yamada’s eyes, these are the kinds of people who have the best stories to tell. Drama is conflict, and conflict is at the heart of any story. The typical way screenwriters present conflict in blockbuster movies is by showing a character in an impactful manner. A character is confronted with an obstacle and would usually go on to involve a

world being destroyed in some grandiose manner. In the Hollywood blockbuster, Transformers 4, the main character is visually introduced in a lavish manner (obviously to flaunt the film’s megabudget). He drives a huge truck with the soundtrack loudly proclaiming its power, and surrounded by his hi-tech inventions. It is literally an assault on our senses. None of this, however, can be seen in a Yamada movie. His strength lies in the quiet way he creates conflict, in a way one would not normally discern it. Yamada is able to find and articulate it in the smallest details of a scene: of a man simply sitting in a train (as in a Tora-san film), yet mentally torn and melancholic, having just been dumped. Or simply a body being prepared for burial (The Twilight Samurai). All of these shots have little or no movement of the camera with the characters doing nothing but sitting, standing, or lying down. In stillness, Yamada sees drama. It is the typical Japanese way in the style of one of the Japanese master of cinema; Yasujiro Ozu. But what makes Yamada’s visuals intensely interesting - as compared to computer graphics- laden images - is that despite the visuals being toned down in terms of action, the sense of conflict is still able to be conveyed. In The Twilight Samurai, the first scene in the film is of Seibei’s wife, who has just passed away. Everyone in the house cries except for Seibei. This creates a contrast in the situation, sparking a sense of curiosity and, at the same time, a sense of impending conflict, keeping the audience glued to the screen. Yamada clearly understands that conflicts should not be forced onto a situation. They exist all around us, regardless of whether we are aware of them or not. Yamada’s style negates the need for far-fetched plot points as in a mainstream movie. His ‘off the street’ characters will walk themselves into conflict situations. And they take a journey that usually ends in a non-resolution, but still provide audiences with more than just emotional entertainment. For Yamada, it is always a resolution where the journey ends in selfdisclosure in the ontological sense. The main character understands the reason for being. So the next time you are looking at a scenery through the window of a moving bus or just finishing lunch sitting on a bench in a park, pay heed to the characters and the environment around you. In the outwardly placid and calm scenes before you – like Yoji Yamada – you may just find conflicts worthy for cinema. They will be far more satisfying as compared to the fantasy world of superheroes or giant robots from outer space that are polluting cinema. Subtlety is the name of the game, and Yoji Yamada is a master at it. KL American August 2015

KL American August 2015

AAM Messages AAM Online Communities The AAM is on Facebook! “Like” the AAM Facebook fan page by logging on, typing ‘American Association of Malaysia’ in the Search bar at the top of the page and clicking ‘Like.’ You’ll get the latest information on all of AAM’s exciting events and activities!

Introducing the AAM Google Group - a forum for members to consult with other members on queries and recommendations for anything from best family hotels to dentists to household help. Members can join in two ways. First, you can send an email to secondvp.aam@gmail.com with the email addresses you would like to add to the Google Group. Please put “Need AAM Google Group Invite” in the header of the email. The second way to join is you can go to Google Groups, search for American Association of Malaysia and then ask to be invited and the Administrator can add you. When you receive the invite via email, you must respond to complete the registration process. For more information, go to http:// www.klamerican.com/online-communities.

Membership Renewal

To avoid missing any issues of the magazine and to continue receiving discounted prices for AAM events, please make sure your membership is up to date. Renewal notices will be emailed to you one month before expiration. Dues can be paid by cash or check in person at the AAM Villa @ The Troika by or cash deposit to the AAM’s bank account directly.

Your $0.02 Do you have any ideas or suggestions for new activities, events or workshops that may be of interest to our members? Can you think of ways we can improve our current line-up? Any concerns about the AAM’s building facilities? Your feedback, whether positive or negative, is always welcome. Kindly drop us a note in the Suggestion Box located in the villa or email klamerican.info@gmail.com.

Solicitation Policy Solicitation of business by any member or guest is not allowed at any AAM function without prior board approval. Members are requested to respectfully observe the policy that membership information is to be used solely for AAM business and is not to be used for personal or business solicitation purposes. If you are interested in sharing your talents/services with the AAM, please contact the AAM office.

THE

EXPAT

Holidays in August

Please note, the AAM Office will be closed on the following dates: Monday, 31st August: National Day

Reservation & Payment Policy

Event and Activity reservations can be made via email to klamerican. info@gmail.com, in person or via fax. • If the reservation is made via email or fax, the AAM office will send you an acknowledgment receipt and advise whether or not the activity is still available. • Fees MUST be paid within 48 hours of signing up for an event or activity. You will not be “confirmed” for the event/activity until payment in full has been received by the office. • You may pay by cash or check in person at the AAM Villa @ The Troika or cash deposit to the AAM’s bank account directly. If you wish to deposit cash payments to the AAM’s bank account, please contact the AAM office for account information and instructions (your bank may charge you a minimal fee for this service). • We cannot accept credit card payments at the office. We are currently working on details to secure an on-line payment system for your convenience. Further information to come.

Cancellation Policy

• Reservations MUST be cancelled FIVE BUSINESS DAYS prior to the activity in order to received a refund. If you do not cancel your reservation within this time period or you are a no-show the day of the Event/Activity, a refund will not be issued. • For Events/Activities that have a required minimum attendance, AAM reserves the right to cancel or reschedule when circumstances warrant. • Each Event/Activity will have a sign up deadline date and we must adhere to those dates. This allows instructors of classes to gather all required materials or tour companies to arrange the proper transportation for our group. • If you still have not made payment by the reservation deadline for an Event/Activity, your name will be automatically removed from the sign-up sheet and there will be no further correspondence from the AAM office. To avoid disappointment, please make your payment within 48 hours of making your reservation.

KL American August 2015

Auto Insurance in Malaysia What do YOU know about your coverage? By Helen Mastache

You know those things you should read, right? Like the terms of service contract you “sign” with Facebook when you opened your account, or that 100-plus page will and healthcare directive your attorney handed you to sign, or the hundreds of pages of closing documents the title company puts before you to sign when you buy a house. But of course, we don’t. We trust that all is as it should be and just sign where we are told to do so. But there is something that, as an expat in Malaysia, you should read, and you should read it TODAY – your auto policy. When we received the leased car from our employer, I did ask about auto insurance, and was told it was covered. In the overwhelming task of moving in, figuring out everyday things such as banking, where to get our favorite brand of yogurt or peanut butter, and how to get the air conditioners to work, I let it slide, until a small accident to the car caused me to think, hey, I have no idea what our insurance covers, and so I asked HR for a copy of the policy. I was horrified. The insurance coverage we had was, by American standards, completely inadequate, in that if an accident is due to “negligence” on our part, the insurance doesn’t pay out. Negligence by U.S. standards is “a failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances”. Negligence is not a simple mistake…if the stop sign is covered by a bush, then a person of normal prudence would not have been expected to see it. Here in Malaysia, negligence means if you are at fault. If we do not see that obscured sign, it is a moot point. We ran the stop sign and if there is an accident, we are personally liable for all damages to our own car or injuries to our passengers or to ourselves. Also, if we drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol, even legally prescribed

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Malaysia enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at http://www.travel.state.gov/. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the embassy or nearest consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Regularly monitor the Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Malaysia. For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad.” Contact the embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. The U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur is located at 376 Jalan Tun Razak 50400, Kuala Lumpur and is open 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. If you are a U.S. citizen and have any questions or concerns, please call the U.S. Embassy at (03) 2168-5000 or visit the U.S. Citizens Service website at http://malaysia.usembassy.gov/. We will post the most updated information on the website. 24

KL American August 2015

prescription drugs, the insurance is null and void, and again we are personally liable to cover all costs and damages associated with any accident. I can’t see that our policy actually covers much of anything! The insurance doesn’t pay out if we incur damage while driving in a construction site or some other place deemed inappropriate to the intended use of the vehicle. Or if the car gets stolen while we had parked it someplace sketchy. Or if we don’t file a police report AND report the accident to the leasing company within 24 hours. A friend found out her policy only covered her husband, the listed driver, in case of an accident, with no medical or loss of life coverage to any passengers, including family members, whom one would reasonably expect to be in their car at some point. After raising a fuss with the HR department, our policy was amended to include Personal Accident Insurance, which is liability coverage for our passengers, but the coverage is insufficient by US standards, paying out only a total of RM45,000 to cover all passengers in the car. Interestingly, there is a special notation that for children from ages 3 to 5, only RM5,000 will be paid, making me wonder why children of this age are considered of less value than children through the age of two, and from six years and older. What I still need to address with HR is the fact that with our current policy we will have to pay for all damages and loss of use to the car in an accident that is our fault. In Malaysia this is called Comprehensive Insurance, and it is not standard. This is the additional coverage that we need to have if we expect our auto insurance to approximate standard US coverage.

So what you don’t know can definitely hurt you… Please read your auto policy.

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

EMERGENCY POLICE......................................................................999 FIRE & RESCUE.........................................................999 CIVIL DEFENSE.........................................................999 ANY EMERGENCIES FROM MOBILE PHONE............112 UTILITIES... ELECTRICITY/POWER FAILURE............................ 15454 WATER DISRUPTION................................1800 88 5252 SEWAGE SYSTEM.....................................03 2780 1100 OPERATOR DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES............................................100 ANIMALS MISSING PETS..........................................03 4021 1682 SNAKES & PESTS......................................03 4042 6742 ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTER. (24 HRS.).....03 4041 6742

MALAY LESSON #1 by Aisyah Yuhanis Learning a new language is something that is difficult for some but comes easily for others. Below is a quick lesson in Bahasa 101 – just some basics to get you started. This first lesson takes two situations which, in Malaysia, one may frequently find themselves in: greeting a Malaysian, and eating out at a restaurant. Hopefully these phrases will be of service as well as appreciated. Greetings: As in the English language, there are different ways to address people, depending on their age, title, and so forth. ‘Ma’am’, ‘doctor’, ‘sir’, ‘officer’ . . . No differently in Malay.

May I please have some silverware?

To meet an older person for the first time:

(We usually say spoon first, then fork.) May I please have a napkin(s)? / A napkin please?

Hello Sir / Ma’am: Hello Sir / Miss / Ma’am Helo Encik / Cik / Puan

Boleh berikan saya napkin? / Tissue ada?

My name is _____. Nama saya _____. Nice to meet you. We don’t really say this in the Malay language in conversation. So, there is no really proper/practical translation for this phrase. Instead, we say: How are you? / Have you eaten? (a figurative ‘how are you?’) Apa khabar? / Sudah makan? Where are you from? Awak dari mana? I am from ______. Saya dari ______. Good-bye (polite). Selamat tinggal. (We don’t usually say Selamat tinggal though. We are so used to ‘bye’.) At a Malay restaurant, or mamak: How many people? Berapa orang? Politely getting the waiter’s attention: Female staff, younger: Adik! Female staff, older: Kakak / makcik! (sister / aunty) Male staff, younger: Adik! Male staff, older: Abang / pakcik! (brother / uncle) Can I see the menu? Boleh saya tengok menu? Can you take my order? Boleh saya pesan makanan?

May I please have fork and spoon? Boleh berikan saya sudu (spoon) dan garpu (fork)?

(This word napkin is borrowed from English, since we don’t have napkin originally; tissue is more common.) Drinks? Minum? (Literally, drinks = beverages = minuman. Minum is drink – a verb. So basically, the question ‘Minum?’ means ‘what do you want to drink?’ rather than ‘what kind of drinks do you want’ for ‘Drinks?’) Water / cold water. Plain water. Air kosong. Cold water. Air sejuk. Hot tea / hot coffee. Teh panas / kopi panas. Iced tea / iced coffee. Teh ais / kopi ais. Teh tarik less sweet. Teh tarik kurang manis. Plain coffee. No sugar. No milk. Kopi kosong. Tak nak gula. Tak nak susu. Can you please add more ice? *Tolong tambah air batu?/ Tolong tambah ais? (preferably ais) Can you make it less sweet? Boleh tak buat kurang manis? Can I have the bill? / I want to pay now. / Check please? Boleh tak berikan bil? / Saya nak bayar sekarang. / Kira? How much is it? Berapa? Thank you. Terima kasih. Keep the change. Simpan baki.

KL American August 2015

american association of malaysia KL

August 2015

Sun 30

Mon

Tues

Wed

1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Mahjong

Fri

VENUE KEY

AAM Office Tel: (03) 2161-9008 / 9009

AAM Villa @ The Troika

email: klamerican.info@gmail.com

OFFICE CLOSED NATIONAL HOLIDAY

Thu

10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Stitching Friends

9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. First Friday Level 3A @ The Troika

1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Mahjong

1:00 p.m.3:00 p.m. Mahjong

10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Bingo @ Little Stitching Friends Sisters of the Poor

10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Stitching Friends

10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Stitching Friends 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Jom Makan with IWAKL

KL American August 2015

BOYSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; NIGHT OUT TAPS BEER BAR 6:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Mahjong

Sat

10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Coffee Morning Pot Luck/Recipe Swap

6:00 p.m. PUB NIGHT

KL American August 2015

(60-3) 5565 KL American August2200 2015