BREAKING NEWS - CONGRATS.......

No, no, no its not another tsunami, earthquake, typhoon, or another minister caught on camera or another of those mockery circus show in Parliament. All those mentioned above are nothing new. We are basically sick and pening of it.

This is something else that we S2U in particular appreciate most...an Honorary Member of S2U has been promoted to a higher post as a Director with JP Morgan Singapore ....... and he is none other than our ever good looking Mr Soh Chye Guan......

'....from all of us S2U our sincere tahniah and we wish you and your family the very best in years to come...... cheers ( did I hear yummm sennngg? )

SIKIT2 UNTONG NEW GOLF BALL LOGO....

Certainly each individual, yes I'm relating to the real gone crazy golfers as those many found in the S2U line-up, need some kind of identity to go round with every time they burn the fairway.

So, trust our never stop challenging for a fight (in golf I mean), Charlie Cheong came-up with a lovely logo design of S2U golf balls.

In fact the logo looks so nice for me to play the ball with. So, I quickly add one of the ball to my many collections in the glass-case at home.

The next day, to my horror, during our normal Thursday morning tee-off, I noticed Charlie proudly with his 'milo-tin' driver hentam the sweet virgin lovely logo ball........whaaaack.....ayo yo.....ini orang ta' sabar kah.....

S2U DURIAN GOLF COMPETITION.....

Malaysians are Malaysians.... well known for any kind of competitions or short of any kind of betting.... to S2U hey, what about Durian Golf Competition among its members?

Yes, I think they having enough of the roti bakar or telur rebus or rojak/mee rebus or teh/kopi kurang manis .... so, how about Durian for a change to the long standing menu tapi durian mesti banyak manis! Kelvin said the idea mooted by Andy was good plus what more Gary too ever willing to sponsor the durians prizes for the winners/losers from his enrichment Semenyih dusun.

As usual, the organizing Chairman, Mike immediately started cracking his head to get the rather once-a-year competition going. The hard-core competitors that turned-up that Tuesday break-of-dawn were Kelvin, Gary, Mike, Charlie, Steve, Willie and Andy. Due to the short of one in the 2nd flight, Guat the so called lady champion of KRAT was invited to join in......lucky she....for the durians lah....the game koyak!

The weather ada slightly warmer was kind but that morning the traffic was quite heavy....too many golfers hacking the course. For the eventual winners the game was good but to the rest not all though, ....the game talak betul....I'm supposed to play 24.... and somebody even said ....how can....my handicap is 29!

No matter the aim of the tournament was achieved that was to get us all together and enjoyed the King of the Fruits - DURIANS .........thank you Kelvin, Gary and Mike and the rest of you guys.

Charlie giving a helping hand to unload the durians from Gary's car to be carted to the pool-side at KRAT. It was a good idea to have the durian onslaught at the swimming pool - just in case of any members having a sudden attack of over-heating.....so, its just jumping in.....

THE DURIAN ONSLAUGHT AFTERMATH.....

.....yes, the winners were officially announced by Mike, the Durian Golf Competition Chairman.... the Durian Golf Champion went to Kelvin with join runner-up going to Gary and Mike....well done guys!

That was certainly a good show by the winners.....in fact they were so serious as compared to our Annual Championship....every shot count.....don't play-play.....that showed the power of durian mate!

On the other-hand, the kind hearted winner Kelvin donated his winning trophies - stack of durians to the rest of S2U members including to Marsya ( Andy's cucu ) for her liking to the fruits. Thank you Kelvin.

Above picture shows the winners and the rest of S2U including two lucky guests ..... Guat and Herbert ....joining the durian feast at the pool side. A point to note that most of the durians were kopek by Willie and he was doing it with a car key!!...I won't recommend anybody doing it unless you do have a spare car-key nearby.

Anyway, again a big thank you goes to Gary for contributing more than 30 of the King of the Fruits - durians.

DURIAN FEAST.....

It was supposed to be just another quiet Tuesday.....yeah, our normal S2U golfing day at KRAT. We were mid way in our after the game teh tarik telur rebus when suddenly our live-wire Gary turned-up ( earlier he couldn't make it for the morning round of 9 holes )....and he said '...lets go...'

Where to mate? What do you know! It was to his dusun durian (durian orchard) in Semenyih. Well, you know especially to Malaysian, never mention the word DURIAN....you tend to stop doing anything....anything even in the mid-way of.........

Durian is the fruit worth fighting for be it for the taste or even the smell ..... hmmmm......yummee yummee. Nonetheless, the orang putih seems not to like the smell of which they said it smells like ....#*+~.... but the taste is really mama mia.

So, in two cars ( Gary's and Mike's Merc ) off we went.....along the south bound highway until we branch off into the Sprint Highway towards Semenyih. It was fortunate somehow that very moment the Police Highway Patrol were no where in sight otherwise they could have an easy bookings from two speeding cars loaded with hungry durian seekers -Kelvin, Gary, Mike, Steve, Willie, Charlie and Andy.

On arriving at the destination, we were greeted by one of Gary's workers at a pre-selected RV a road-side restaurant.....and all the durians you can ever think of were there waiting to be gulped..... oh blimey..... Eat as much as you like.....no limit and the rest to be carted for individual homes ( to avoid embarrassment ....kuat makan....glutton....no cameras allowed during the entire session).

This more or less the only time round I noticed, the occasion was to everyone taste....kalau tidak .... this not to my taste......that not to my taste......yeah, that is the strength of the durian.

Whatever, to our Chairman Gary Chang, a BIG THANK YOU....tow chey....God bless.

'....wow....these durians really heavy...smell nice too...'

Marsya, Andy's cucu admiring the durians brought back....she really couldn't wait for it to be kopek.

Well, Marsya, we sure got to thank the kind hearted Mr Gary Chang for the King of Fruits.... durians.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT.....

Yes, when it was first related to all of us by Kelvin over our normal cuppa - teh / kopi kurang manis, telur rebus, roti bakar at the KRAT (now it is known as KRAT and no more KGAT) after a round of morning golf, we found it rather hard to believe of what he had just told us...tapi ini kesah benar....

This so happened to one of our Honorary Members, Mr Dalip Singh. Recently, he apparently dropped by to get some groceries at one of the supermart in Kuala Lumpur. Of all things, I tend to believe that not only he being a strong supporter of Sikit2 Untong but also a proud one. Dalip turned-up for shopping that very day wearing the S2U attire in particular the striking red cap with the three stars and logo headgear. Not only did he manage to attract attention to most of the customers but the management as well in particular the Manager on Duty for the day.

The Manager coolly and politely approached him and having introduced himself told Dalip that he must be one of the senior enforcement officers from the ministry in Putrajaya coming to check the prize of goods in the store. Dalip taken by surprised said that there must be some mistakes for he was not but a mere retiree and just another normal customer.

Well believe it or not the now rather proud manager just refused to percaya and Dalip had a tough time to convince him. After having cleared his long list of purchased items at the payment counter, Dalip was literally accompanied by the ever smiling manager to the exit and being wished '...have a nice day...datang lagi...'.

Phew....what do I say?...one thing for sure, our S2U outfit certainly attracts attention but...

SIKIT2 UNTONG HONORARY MEMBERS

Since Sikit2 Untong officially came into existence of which a year has gone by, with its current standing 11 members, we apparently do have a list of Honorary Members that from time to time and again do find themselves within the ambit of the S2U. It could be during one of the golf outings or during some kind of dinner or other whereby these members would be cordially invited to join-in. These respected Honorary Members are normally each being given our ever proud S2U Red Cap plus the S2U golfing shirt. These distinguished selected personalities are:

a. Mr Dalip Singh - the former GM Malaysian Railway Workshop and ex President
Sentul Golf Club, Kuala Lumpur
b Mr Shintaro Okazaki - Japan
c Mr John Fok - Hong Kong
d. Mr John William - Perth, Australia
c. Mr Soh Chye Guan - Singapore
f. Capt (R) Zainal Thambi - Cameron Highlands - the former GM Boh Tea Sg Palas
f. Mr Dennis Teoh - Kuala Lumpur

At a glance, looking at the list, S2U may be 'young' at age but given a closer look, the line-up of the Honorary Members certainly denotes we have gone international. For this it justify the means and the rather 'tight' scrutiny being carried-out each time a name was introduced and highlighted.

These members basing on their outstanding background were specially picked and chosen by individual members and on having being tabled, scrutinized, debated and eventually approved by all (majority) and specifically endorsed by the S2U President, then only the respected individual would be solemnly accepted as an Honorary Member of S2U.

THE RETREAT...

As always....sooner or later good things will come to an end...that goes to our recent golf outing in the Cameron Highlands...but one thing for sure, the beautiful memories it brought and carries will certainly bring no ends...it will remains close to our heart for many years to come if not to the end of time.

Yes, the recent visit to Cameron Highlands even though of it tight schedule, was well thought of, plan and executed. The success too should be complimented and shared by all of us that some way or other have played a part be it by contributing in term of cash or kind or extending a helping hand. To all members of S2U, a big thank you for the success and may many more golf outings to come solely for our proud credibility and existence in search of being rich be it in togetherness or in health ..... syabas ..... God Bless.....

Our beloved President Kelvin Kong giving away the prizes to one of the winners in karaoke, Andy Kamal for his song ' Can't Help Falling In Love '

Calling the shots for the night, a karaoke competition among the members was held. Most of us after being cleared by the weather department, took part ( thank God the weather remained beautiful that night - no tsunami, thunder-storm or hurricane ). The choice of songs were more towards the selection of oldies such as the Tom Jones Green Green Grass of Home by Kelvin with Mike crooning the Indonesian Hetty Koes Endang number Kasih and many others. What a night!

The competition however was far from crying of protest! ....one of the members even complaint ... nyanyi tiga lagu pun talak bolih menang...how can....yeah, you certainly can't satisfy everybody mate. Nonetheless all these were in good spirit ( I hope so! ...he he he... )

"....now wait a minute....how come all of us received our prizes from Zainal BUT our Prince Charming Kelvin receiving from the Lady Puan Zaharah....aai talak patut ini macam..."

To touch-up further and making it more meaningful the memorial evening in Cameron Highlands, Puan Zaharah was also invited to give away the prizes. Kelvin apparently seemed to be one of the lucky few to receive his prize from the Lady.

After the prize giving, proudly Kelvin Kong being the S2U President delivered a thank you speech thanking all for being here tonight and making the trip a wonderful success in particular to Capt Zainal and wife, Puan Zaharah for also making it happened and something to remember of.

"....ayoh....this amount is much more than what Tiger Wood achieved for the whole year!..."

Gary, our S2U live-wire receiving his hadiah from Zainal. From his face expression, he had just turned a millioneir over-night! .....wah, gua kaya ho...

".....well, if the prize is not to your taste, you certainly can hand it over to me Willie..."

Above shown Capt Zainal giving away the golf prizes to one of the winners - Willie Wan.

NIGHT TO REMEMBER....

To reciprocate for their kind hospitality, Capt Zainal and his charming wife Puan Zaharah were cordially invited to join us for a lovely evening dinner - steam-boat - at the Paderosa, Brinchang plus also the gave-away prizes for the earlier golf competition.

It was rather a hard and hectic day for all of us - starting the day with the 18 hole golf competition, followed by the guided tour of the Boh Tea Centre Sungai Palas, quite a heavy tea party at Zainal's residence and now fully jacket steam-boat dinner and prize giving.....not forgetting karaoke next!....wow!

The wonderful host - Capt Zainal and Puan Zaharah - of whom we are very grateful for going out of their way in not only giving all of us a guided tour of the well known Boh Tea Centre Sungai Palas but also for their kind and ever willing in accepting us to visit their magnificent home plus a wonderful hidangan cup-of-tea and the lovely home-made scone. I certainly find it rather difficult to find the right words to fully thank both of them for their extremely kindness - God Bless to both of them and family and their lovely home - jutaan terima kasih.

"...Charlie....don't be shy....do have more tea....it will also helps to steady your hands for longer drive and putting....especially if you're using milo tin driver.... "

Puan Zaharah entertaining the thirsty tea hunting group

The ever smiling Zainal, yes that is one of his secret - keep smiling and the days from year to year will pass smoothly and peacefully too.

The other secret?.....well drink Boh Tea of course!

Capt Zainal and Kelvin being huddled together for a picture to remember

Kelvin on behalf of Sikit2 Untong members presenting buah tangan to the Lady of the House, Puan Zaharah Zainal

A VISIT TO REMEMBER - ZAINAL'S HOME

Front view of Captain's Zainal enchanting home

On completion of the guided tour Boh Tea Centre Sungai Palas by the courtesy of the former GM Capt Zainal, we immediately made a bee-line frontal attacked to his unavoidable home highly perched on the hilly slope over-looking the majestic tea plantation valley below...yes, just fantastic.

".....Charlie, don't forget my name okay..."

Willie, our keen auditor checking and ensuring Charlie during the tanda tangan.

On behalf of the S2U Charlie signing the Boh Tea Sungai Palas Centre visitor's book.

"....yes....even in tea plantation, the usage of a finger is very important..." as explained here by Capt Zainal.

"....oh oh .... don't get me wrong, the finger merely to identify and the real feel on the quality of tea leaves, mate..."

Based on the amount purchased of tea products at the souvenir shop by the members of S2U prior to our departure, Zainal's certainly managed to win us all over in going for tea drinking especially the branded BOH GARDEN TEA Palas Supreme of which according to him one of the best you can ever find anywhere in the world - fulamak!

. ....as we were guided towards the factory entrance....

"...so, you are Gary...well to all of you I wish a warm welcome to Boh Tea Centre Sungai Palas...." as greeted by Capt Zainal to Kelvin and the rest of the S2U.

THE VISIT TO BOH TEA SUNGAI PALAS .....

After the fantastic round of golf, we had a not so hefty but a good lunch at the temporary club house, rushed back to our hide-out at the Heritage for a quick mandi, change and off to see Capt Zainal to fulfil our earlier engagement for a tour visit of the world-wide popularly known Boh Tea Estate located in the highest part of Cameron Highlands - Sungai Palas, Brinchang.

On arrival we were greeted by Captain (R) Zainal Thambi, the former General Manager of Boh Tea Sg Palas. He retired from the estinguish estate in 2001 after having served since 1981. Proudly Zainal walked us through the factory and with his vast knowledge of tea tried his level best to past on to us the beauty of tea drinking and also the method of identifying the various different standard of quality in tea.

CAMERON DAY-TWO.....

another scenic view over looking the Boh Tea Palas Estate from Capt Zainal's residence....

Day Two - Up and early....quick shower, dress-up in S2U White tops and off to Kumar's corner in Tanah Rata for breakfast - telur rebus, roti bakar, roti canai, teh tarik kurang manis, kopi tarik, etc.....and a quick dashed to the Cameron Highlands Golf Club for our competition ....wow, it sounded so serious....yes.....don't play play...when it comes to competition, nothing stands in the way of S2U.....not even laughter!
The play-off was good especially the weather being kind to us golfers - a real beautiful cool cuaca, you can never ask for any better. As for the game it self, well nobody seemed wanna talk about it......teruk....most of us somehow or rather lost their balls ( I mean golf balls ) and I was told Willie was totally exhausted of balls that he had to turn to the Orang Asli sitting under the trees smiling with ever ready golf balls for sale. The price of the balls? At that particular time it really doesn't matter, all you know the Orang Asli was smiling ear-to-ear......heh heh heh.

HIGH AMONG THE CAMERONS...

....one of the beautiful roses found in Capt Zainal's garden....

Come end of June saw members of Sikit2 Untong in three cars making a streamline for Cameron Highlands along the North-South Highway heading for Ipoh ( ...Ipoh mali.. ) and eventually branching-off at Simpang Pulai Interchange moving uphill for Kg Raja - Brinchang and finally Tanah Rata our main objective.

The S2U members line-up that managed to fulfil this latest trip to Cameron for another golf-outing were Kelvin, Gary, Mike, Steve, Willie, Charlie, Allen and Andy.

With their golf bags and outfits not forgetting their dark jackets with S2U identity plus the ever recognised red caps safely and nicely tucked in the trunks, the group met at their planned RV at the Rawang Rest Area. After a quick ...hi hi hi... and sarapan pagi, we rolled-out, keeping to the speed limit - not so much we hated speed but minyak mahal ho....fuel cost naik.

Cruising along the less busy highway ( apparently it was a Monday and not on a weekend ), we crept into the winding link towards the hill resort and after an hour climb, arriving at our hide-out- The Heritage Apartment Tanah Rata. It was certainly nice to be back in the lovely cool air as compared to the constantly busy, stressful concrete jungle of KL.

The three-room apartment Heritage, through the good contacts/membership of Steve, is a warm and cosy place to put up especially with its provision of tv, radio, water heater (much needed-mandi sejuk yo...), coffee mixer, etc.

After a quick lunch at one of the mamak restaurant, off we went to the Cameron Highlands Golf Club. As we were informed, the club house has been bulldozed and a new club house is in the making - so, in the mean time for a period of a year plus, we had to make do with the temporary shelters of which standard wise I would say is reasonably good and acceptable by members.

The course on the whole I would say is much better as compared to our last visit. The grass along the fairways certainly are well trimmed and of which included the numerous baru row of fresh flowers and trees. Some parts are still soggy and you can't avoid ball plugs.

Another interesting point noted was the inclusion of female caddies among the seasoned males. Our President, Kelvin however had a good encounter with one of the newly caddies - after the tee-off, Kelvin asked ....mana bola pegi?......Well, what do you know.....the answer he received was .....mana saya tau.....( yes awak yang pukol, mana saya tau...). Never mind, all these make the world goes round and more interesting to go by.....is it?

So, on the first day in Cameron we merely had a 9-hole warm-up prior to our full 18-hole competition the next day. After a quick shower and changed, we had a round of steam-boat for dinner in Brinchang. It was certainly a nice warm and quite dinner with wine and beers to down with before piping-down for the night and a deserving rest.