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New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Snip, style, serenade: Rembau barber blends smooth cuts with P. Ramlee classics
REMBAU: 'Jangan tinggal daku... oh adik, oh juwita... Kanda sedang rindu... Pada mu yang manis jelita'. The familiar strains were sung by an elderly man whose voice is strikingly similar to the legendary singer and entertainer, Tan Sri P. Ramlee. At first listen, many would assume the singer is Malay, going by his inflection and pronunciation. But the voice actually belongs to a Chinese barber in Rembau, Negri Sembilan. His ability to sing P. Ramlee's classics has become one of the unique attractions that draw in customers of all races to his barbershop. Here, you get a tune to go along with your trim. Barber Ng Kim Soy, 81, said he became a fan of the iconic entertainer at the age of 16, captivated by his voice and the soft, melodious arrangement of the music. "Back then, my father was also a barber supporting our family. He also repaired gramophones, and that's how I was introduced to P. Ramlee's songs. "I immediately liked them the minute I heard them and ended up memorising about 20 of his songs," he said. The father of three said he inherited the barbering trade from his late father. Now, his three children have followed in his footsteps. "I've continued running this barbershop till today. The current shop opened in 2006. "My customers are from all races. Back when I was younger, if someone asked me to sing, I'd happily sing a few lines – and they loved it. "Nowadays, most of my customers are younger, and I've handed over the business to one of my sons. I don't sing as much anymore, but once in a while, I still do – especially for my regulars," he said. Thanks to his passion for P. Ramlee's songs – and blessed with a voice uncannily like the late icon's – Ng often gets invited to perform at events. He once had the honour of singing in front of the 10th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, the late Tuanku Ja'afar ibni Tuanku Abdul Rahman. "If I recall correctly, it was around 2005. Tuanku was visiting Rembau for an event, and I was invited to sing for him. It was a great honour. "I was also invited to perform for former Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan, and at various Malay community events," he said. Ng added that his voice often surprises people, especially because he is Chinese – and this has become a source of light-hearted jokes among his Malay friends. "Once, I was performing at a Malay event. No one had seen me yet... they had just heard me singing. When they finally saw me, they asked, 'Lu Cina ke Melayu?' (You Chinese or Malay?)," he said with a laugh.
Rakyat Post
25-06-2025
- Rakyat Post
Café In Penang Offers Full Nyonya Experience, Complete With Baju Kebaya
Subscribe to our FREE Those who have visited Japan or Korea might have experienced tour packages that fully immerses you in their culture – everything from participating in tea ceremonies to wearing their traditional kimono or hanbok. A café in Penang has adapted the idea and crafted a Nyonya experience for any who are interested in the Peranakan culture that dates back to the 19th century. The package, offered by Nyonya Palazzo, is priced at RM138 and customers will get a baju kebaya for rent, an entrance ticket to the Penang Peranakan Mansion, and authentic Nyonya desserts for tea. In addition to the kebaya rental, Penang Peranakan Mansion also provides makeup services (at an additional cost) in case you want to spruce up for photos around the mansion. What is the Penang Peranakan Mansion? Image: Supanut Arunoprayote Nestled at 29 Church Street in George Town's UNESCO‑listed heritage zone, the Penang Peranakan Mansion is a Originally built between 1893–95 for Chinese tin‑mining magnate and Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Quee (then named Hai Kee Chan), the mansion blends Chinese, Malay and European architectural influences – think Chinese wood carvings, Staffordshire tiles, Scottish ironwork, and French windows. Image: Supanut Arunoprayote It later fell into disrepair before being purchased and Delicious Nyonya treats As part of the bundle, and to complete the experience, customers will also be treated to traditional Nyonya kuih such as kuih pulut hitam, kuih ubi sago, kuih seri muka, and more. A guided tour of a historical UNESCO site, an immersive experience with photo opportunities, and mouth-watering traditional treats. Would you sign up for this authentic Nyonya experience? Address: 29, Lebuh Penang, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 10am – 6pm (daily) Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Malaysiakini
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Empowering Indian community through New National Consensus
LETTER | The greatest virtue of a leader lies in acknowledging weakness- particularly in politics, where such humility forms the foundation for meaningful societal transformation. Recognising flaws in the existing system is the first, most crucial and courageous step towards building a better Malaysia. The idea of a New National Consensus, presented by Opposition Leader Hamzah Zainudin during his keynote address at the Iseas - Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore last week, represents a bold stride in that direction. It is a visionary pledge that promises comprehensive reform grounded in justice and equity. It outlines a strategic vision for a more glorious Malaysia by addressing deep-rooted issues, especially in the political and economic spheres. Hamzah proposed that the New National Consensus be anchored on three core pillars: shared goals, shared prosperity, and compassionate governance - rejecting vengeful politics, rekindling the spirit of nationhood, and uniting all Malaysians across racial and cultural lines. I had the privilege to attend the event in my capacity as the president of the Malaysian Indian People Party, accompanied by fellow leaders from Perikatan Nasional component parties - Gerakan, Bersatu, and PAS. In addition to the keynote address at Iseas, we also engaged in high-level meetings with Singapore's foreign affairs minister, social and family development minister, senior minister of state for defence, and other senior officials across key ministries. Opposition Leader Hamzah Zainudin Hamzah's central message was clear. Politics and leadership must serve the people. He put forth progressive, inclusive ideas - unlike some leaders who are full of rhetoric, speak in slogans such as 'anak India – anak kita, anak Cina – anak kita, anak Iban – anak kita,' but whose actions in government fall short of these promises. Indian community The Indian community, in particular, continues to grapple with systemic challenges: technical and tertiary education opportunities, unemployment, urban poverty, poor healthcare and underrepresentation in national policy-making. MIPP believes the New National Consensus offers a vital opportunity to uplift and empower the Indian community. We know our constitutional rights. What we need now is a politically structured approach rooted in integrity, welfare, social justice, and inclusivity - an approach that opens a new chapter of hope. Our path forward lies in the strength of the 4E's: education, employment, economic and empowerment. MIPP is ready to lead the charge in crafting a long-term strategy under the New National Consensus for the Indian community, injecting fresh ideas and strengthening impactful programmes like the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra). These 4Es offer more than technical solutions; they represent a new dimension of empowerment for the Indian community. Through grassroots efforts such as RESET 2027, MIPP has been engaging directly with communities to identify pressing needs. These initiatives are not mere technical fixes but a reimagining of empowerment - one that aligns with the New National Consensus's ethos of unity and progress. I echo Hamzah's words - a better Malaysia is not a dream; it is a commitment and PN has laid out this commitment clearly. It is time for the Indian community to embrace it and move forward with confidence and unity. Together, we can turn this vision into reality. Writer is the president of the Malaysian Indian People Party. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
Malaysiakini
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Empowering Indian community through New National Consensus
LETTER | The greatest virtue of a leader lies in acknowledging weakness- particularly in politics, where such humility forms the foundation for meaningful societal transformation. Recognising flaws in the existing system is the first, most crucial and courageous step towards building a better Malaysia. The idea of a New National Consensus, presented by Opposition Leader Hamzah Zainudin during his keynote address at the Iseas - Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore last week, represents a bold stride in that direction. It is a visionary pledge that promises comprehensive reform grounded in justice and equity. It outlines a strategic vision for a more glorious Malaysia by addressing deep-rooted issues, especially in the political and economic spheres. Hamzah proposed that the New National Consensus be anchored on three core pillars: shared goals, shared prosperity, and compassionate governance - rejecting vengeful politics, rekindling the spirit of nationhood, and uniting all Malaysians across racial and cultural lines. I had the privilege to attend the event in my capacity as the president of the Malaysian Indian People Party, accompanied by fellow leaders from Perikatan Nasional component parties - Gerakan, Bersatu, and PAS. In addition to the keynote address at Iseas, we also engaged in high-level meetings with Singapore's foreign affairs minister, social and family development minister, senior minister of state for defence, and other senior officials across key ministries. Opposition Leader Hamzah Zainudin Hamzah's central message was clear. Politics and leadership must serve the people. He put forth progressive, inclusive ideas - unlike some leaders who are full of rhetoric, speak in slogans such as 'anak India – anak kita, anak Cina – anak kita, anak Iban – anak kita,' but whose actions in government fall short of these promises. Indian community The Indian community, in particular, continues to grapple with systemic challenges: technical and tertiary education opportunities, unemployment, urban poverty, poor healthcare and underrepresentation in national policy-making. MIPP believes the New National Consensus offers a vital opportunity to uplift and empower the Indian community. We know our constitutional rights. What we need now is a politically structured approach rooted in integrity, welfare, social justice, and inclusivity - an approach that opens a new chapter of hope. Our path forward lies in the strength of the 4E's: education, employment, economic and empowerment. MIPP is ready to lead the charge in crafting a long-term strategy under the New National Consensus for the Indian community, injecting fresh ideas and strengthening impactful programmes like the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra). These 4Es offer more than technical solutions; they represent a new dimension of empowerment for the Indian community. Through grassroots efforts such as RESET 2027, MIPP has been engaging directly with communities to identify pressing needs. These initiatives are not mere technical fixes but a reimagining of empowerment - one that aligns with the New National Consensus's ethos of unity and progress. I echo Hamzah's words - a better Malaysia is not a dream; it is a commitment and PN has laid out this commitment clearly. It is time for the Indian community to embrace it and move forward with confidence and unity. Together, we can turn this vision into reality. Writer is the president of the Malaysian Indian People Party. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
Borneo Post
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Tawau to host state-level Language and Literature Festival
Nizam (centre) receives the invitation letter to officiate the State-level Language and Literature Festival from Jennitah during the courtesy visit. KOTA KINABALU (Apr 24): Tawau has been selected as the host for the state-level 'Festival Bahasa dan Sastera (BAHTERA)'. The festival will take place on July 23 and 24 at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) Yuk Chin, Tawau and is expected to be officiated by the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan. Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sabah branch director Jennitah Noordin said that BAHTERA is a pioneering programme organised by DBP in collaboration with the Tawau District Education Office and several local agencies. 'This festival serves as a platform for language and literature enthusiasts, students and the general public to explore and appreciate the richness of language and literary works that form part of our national heritage,' she said during a courtesy visit to Nizam at his office in Menara Kinabalu on Thursday. She explained that the festival aims to uphold the national language as the primary medium of communication and to enhance appreciation for various literary forms, including poetry, short stories, novels and drama. According to her, BAHTERA not only promotes local literary works but also encourages intercultural dialogue and strengthens national identity through the appreciation of language and the arts. Among the featured activities during the festival are 'Jom, Baca dan Warnai' (Let's read and colour), Majalah Dalam Kelas (In the class magazine), the 2025 Sabah State-level Teen Forum Competition, and the Tawau Book Fair. Meanwhile, Nizam welcomed the selection of Tawau as the host of BAHTERA, noting that schools in Tawau have consistently emerged as champions in state and national-level Teen Forum Competitions. 'With this festival, we hope the younger generation will develop a greater appreciation for language and literature, thereby ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage amidst modernisation. 'BAHTERA also provides an avenue for the public to discover, understand and value the beauty and significance of both local and national literary works,' he said. In conjunction with the festival, Nizam also announced his intention to donate books to eight secondary and primary schools within the Apas constituency.
