Yet another Bukit Choras story

From today's online version of New Straits Times (26 June 2024), the continuing story about the Bukit Choras archaeological site:

USM researchers unearth life-size Buddha figure at Bukit Choras temple

By Audrey Dermawan - June 26, 2024 @ 4:47pm 

GEORGE TOWN: After successfully discovering the largest Buddhist temple structure in Bukit Choras, Yan, Kedah, dating back 1,200 years last year, researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) have made yet another significant discovery.

This time, they have uncovered an archaeological relic in the form of a near-complete life-size Buddha figure inside the temple, located to the north of Gunung Jerai in Kedah. The Buddha figure was found in a meditative position.

Researchers from the Global Archaeological Research Centre (PPAG), led by Dr Nasha Rodziadi Khaw, are working to salvage two other relics discovered at the site. These are also believed to be Buddha figures but are in pieces and missing their heads. A fourth relic is thought to be hidden within the temple structure.

According to Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry (Motac) Secretary-General Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman, the exciting aspect of this discovery is that it is even older compared to the Borobudur temple in Indonesia and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. He noted that the relics here are believed to date back to the 7th or 8th century AD, while the one in Indonesia is from the 9th century and in Cambodia from the early 12th century.

The phase III archaeological research, a collaboration between the National Heritage Department and USM, took place from April 21 to May 21 this year. It also uncovered several other artefacts highly significant and important to Malaysia.

"We are certainly very excited about this latest discovery, which is highly significant and important to the country. As a safety measure and for further investigation, the relics have been removed from the Bukit Choras site and temporarily placed in the laboratory of PPAG USM for meticulous conservation work. Once more details are available about the discoveries, we will make them public," he told newsmen after a visit to PPAG, USM, today to view the relics.

Elaborating, Roslan said phase III of the archaeological research also revealed structural elements on the northern and western walls, clearly displaying the main structure of the unique Bukit Choras temple. Additionally, stratigraphic studies, contour mapping, and more detailed documentation were conducted on the temple structure and the laterite blocks found.

"And an important discovery at the site is the human-sized Buddha figure made of stucco, a type of plaster mix of lime, water, and sand, found on the northern wall of the temple. Unlike statues found during phases I and II, this Buddha figure was found complete with its head, featuring iconographic characteristics such as robes, facial expression, and attire, which is clearly visible. Furthermore, a Sanskrit inscription carved on stone and fragments of earthenware were also found.

"Comparative studies between this newly discovered Buddha figure and others, especially from the Indian, Indochinese, and Malay Archipelago civilisations, can provide valuable insights into the ancient society of Kedah Tua (ancient Kingdom of Kedah), particularly in terms of religious, cultural, and artistic-technological connections with the outside world. The discovery of another Sanskrit inscription underscores the significance of Bukit Choras as an important religious site," he added.

In total, up to phase III of the archaeological research, three Sanskrit inscriptions have been found at Bukit Choras. The content of these inscriptions includes "sagaramatipariprocha" mantras (narratives about Buddhist religious doctrines closely related to emptiness, causality, and attributes attributed to Buddha), similar to the content of inscriptions found in phase I.

Roslan said the latest discoveries at the Bukit Choras archaeological site certainly open up new interpretations regarding the geostrategic position of Kedah Tua as a significant city in the maritime trade routes of Southeast Asia.

And this report was from today's online edition of The Star newspaper (26 June 2024):

QuickCheck: Is a recently-discovered religious statue in Kedah older than Angkor Wat?

TRUE OR NOT

Wednesday, 26 Jun 2024

6:32 PM MYT

ANGKOR WAT in Cambodia and Borobudur in Indonesia are known the world over as some of the most culturally significant and oldest sites of civilisation in Southeast Asia.

As such, any discovery that pre-dates the emergence of either would be both historically and culturally significant.

It was claimed recently that a Buddha statue found in Kedah actually predates both Borobudur and Angkor Wat. Is this true?

Yes, this is in fact true as a Buddha statue dating back to the Eighth or Ninth Century was found in the Bukit Choras Archaeological Heritage Site in Yan, Kedah

Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman said this discovery by a research team from the Global Archaeological Research Centre (PPAG), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is an archaeology tourism asset and attraction for tourists to Kedah.

He added that an exhibition will be held after USM completes a thorough study of the relic.

"We have not decided whether such discoveries will be exhibited at a selected museum or if Bukit Choras will be developed as a new archaeotourism product," said Roslan.

"The discovery is older than Angkor Wat and Borobudur. This is interesting for us,” he added at a press conference on the discovery held at the PPAG, USM here on Wednesday (June 26).

He said the local research team led by Dr Nasha Rodziadi Khaw involved collaboration between the National Heritage Department (JWN) and USM.

Roslan then added that this research had been ongoing from April 21 to May 21 this year.

Astro Awani carried this story from Bernama today too (26 June 2024):

Arca Buddha di Bukit Choras, Kedah lebih tua dari Angkor Wat 

26/06/2024 17:30 MYT

GEORGE TOWN: Penemuan arca Buddha berbentuk manusia dari abad kelapan hingga kesembilan di kawasan Tapak Warisan Arkeologi Bukit Choras, Yan, Kedah menunjukkan kawasan itu sebagai tapak keagamaan yang penting pada ketika itu dan lebih tua berbanding Angkor Wat di Kemboja dan Borobudur di Indonesia.

Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Datuk Roslan Abdul Rahman berkata penemuan oleh pasukan penyelidik Pusat Penyelidikan Arkeologi Global (PPAG), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) itu menjadi aset arkeopelancongan dan tarikan kepada pelancong untuk datang ke Kedah.

"Kita akan buat pameran tidak lama lagi apabila pihak USM sudah membuat kajian yang lengkap terhadap relik itu dan kami juga belum membuat keputusan sama ada jumpaan-jumpaan ini akan dipamerkan di muzium terpilih atau membangunkan Bukit Choras sebagai produk arkeopelancongan baharu seperti yang dibuat di Kemboja dan Indonesia.

"Yang kita jumpa adalah lebih tua daripada Angkor Wat dan Borobudur. Itu yang menarik buat kami," katanya pada sidang media berkenaan penemuan itu di PPAG, USM di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata penyelidikan dari 21 April hingga 21 Mei lepas oleh pasukan penyelidik tempatan diketuai Nasha Rodziadi Khaw itu adalah kerjasama antara Jabatan Warisan Negara (JWN) dan USM.

Roslan berkata penyelidikan arkeologi fasa Ill telah mendedahkan struktur binaan pada bahagian dinding utara dan barat hingga memperlihatkan dengan jelas struktur utama candi Bukit Choras yang mempunyai seni bina yang unik.

Beliau berkata penemuan penting di tapak adalah sebuah arca Buddha bersaiz manusia yang diperbuat daripada stuko, iaitu sejenis bahan campuran kapur, air dan pasir yang ditemukan di dinding utara candi itu.

"Berbeza dengan arca yang dijumpai ketika Fasa I dan Fasa ll, arca kali ini lengkap bersama kepalanya dengan ciri-ciri ikonografi seperti jubah, riak wajah, dan pakaian dapat dilihat dengan jelas. Selain itu, turut ditemukan ialah sebuah prasasti Sanskrit yang diukir di atas badan batu serta serpihan tembikar tanah.

"Sebagai langkah keselamatan dan penyelidikan lanjutan, relik itu telah dibawa keluar dari tapak di Bukit Choras dan ditempatkan sementara di makmal PPAG USM bagi kerja-kerja konservasi secara menyeluruh," katanya.

Menurut Roslan setakat penyelidikan Fasa Ill, sebanyak tiga prasasti telah ditemukan di Bukit Choras, dengan prasasti itu mengandungi mantra yang menceritakan tentang doktrin agama Buddha.

Penemuan jumpaan terkini di tapak berkenaan, katanya membuka ruang kepada tafsiran baharu berkaitan kedudukan geostrategik Kedah Tua sebagai sebuah kota penting dalam jalur perdagangan maritim Asia Tenggara.

-- BERNAMA

Indian National Army

Anwar Fazal is more than just the President of The Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society. He is a renowned Malaysian activist, writer and leader in the field of social advocacy and public health. He asked me today about the Indian National Army (INA) in Penang, and I told him that I had covered it on page 167 of Let the Aisles Proclaim. To the best of my knowledge, there's not much info out there about the INA's activities in Penang. For my book, I mainly referenced Subhas Chandra Bose: The Man and His Times by Lt Gen Eric A Vas (published in 2005) and The Indian National Army and Japan by Joyce Chapman Lebra (published in 1971). I also spoke to an Old Free, JC Rajarao, who in his youth had been a leader of the Balak Sena movement. With a few tweaks to the original manuscript, here's what I wrote:

The Free School became a regional base for the Indian National Army (I.N.A.) which considered the impressive premises a god-send to them. The I.N.A. was an armed force formed in February 1942 by Indian nationalists in South-East Asia with the aim of securing Indian independence from British rule. The army was first formed under Mohan Singh and consisted of Indian Prisoners of War of the British Indian Army captured by Japan in Malaya and Singapore. However, differences between the leadership and the Japanese military caused the collapse of this original I.N.A. in December 1942. The army was revived in 1943 under the charismatic leadership of the Indian nationalist leader, Subhas Chandra Bose, after he arrived in Singapore. Declaring the I.N.A. to be the army of Bose's Azad Hind or the Provisional Government of Free India, the members were drawn from ex-prisoners and thousands of Indian civilian volunteers. 

Having established his Azad Hind Command Headquarters in Singapore, Bose’s first task was to build up morale in his troops. The reformed I.N.A. First Division was sent to Penang for rigorous training with the intention to create a fifth column and send them to India. The training structure for new entrants was supported by training schools for commissioned and non-commissioned officers. Other units that were also trained were the Osman group with Sikhs, the Gilani group with Muslims, a Buddhist group destined for Ceylon and finally a group with Gurkhas meant for infiltrating into Nepal. There was also the I.N.A. Boys Organisation known as the Balak Sena consisting of boys not older than 14 years. Along with revitalising the army, Bose revamped his intelligence organisation. Spy schools were set up in Rangoon and Penang, and the teams were given special training in espionage, propaganda, intelligence gathering, chemical warfare, incendiaries and explosives, photography, use of firearms and surveying.  

To accommodate the training of the I.N.A. recruits, the Free School was renamed as the Hind Swaraj Vidyalaya or Indian Swaraj Institute. The classrooms were converted into dormitories while the army supervisors and instructors stayed at the nearby teachers’ quarters with the Balak Sena youth. A typical day would start at 7 a.m. with breakfast, lunch would be at 1 p.m., tea with some snacks at 4 p.m. and a light dinner at 8 p.m. All meals were strictly vegetarian. “Lights off” was observed at 10.00 p.m. There were physical and drill training daily, followed by marching practices in the mornings and afternoons. As part of the physical training, a portion of the school field was left unattended. The grass and other plants were allowed to over-grow and remain unkempt; the intention was to simulate conditions for jungle warfare training. The former European masters’ quarters at the side of the school field opposite from the school buildings were used to house the espionage section, but the people in the spy school were generally kept apart from the rest of the I.N.A.

Talking about the Balak Sena, Rajarao was just 11 years old when he joined up. Like any young kid, it sounds like he had a whale of a time. When the Second World War ended in 1945, Rao resumed his formal education and two years later, he enrolled at Penang Free School. Here's what I wrote based on our chat:

Activities would include having to attend Hindi classes on weekdays – a few hours in the late mornings and again in the late afternoons – and sometimes listening to motivational speeches. “I was there for about six months and I finished my Theesri Kithab (a Standard III Hindi book) by the time I left. I could read, write and speak Hindi fluently and was awarded a prize for the best student,” he said. There were the same marching practices for the youth every morning and evening. They were also taught how to handle weapons like rifles, machine guns and hand grenades. “Yes, we knew all about the weapons and we were taught how to shoot or kill the enemy,” Rajarao continued, “Soon, I was appointed the leader of the 60-odd Balaks. My basic role was to help them to march well, sing the various patriotic songs with gusto, and encourage them to speak Hindi and take part in odd sketches that we were asked to participate in and become performers.” During the Sunday morning marches along the main roads, the youth would sing patriotic songs, carry the tri-colour flag of India, and handle light mock wooden rifles. From the Balak Sena campus, the route would follow Green Lane, Dato’  Kramat Road and then through Prangin Road into Beach Street before reaching Weld Quay, a distance of about 16 kilometres. At Weld Quay, waiting military trucks would bring them back to camp.

 

Resonance and solace

This 2022 poem by Becky Helmsley has provided a great deal of comfort to many people mourning the loss of loved ones. The soothing words and heartfelt sentiments resonate deeply and offer solace during times of grief. Touching hearts and providing a sense of peace, it will continue to offer comfort to those navigating the difficult journey of personal loss. Here, the universal themes of love, memory and enduring connection make this poem a timeless source of consolation and hope.Visit www.beckyhelmsley.com for her writing.

When I am gone, do not fear my memory.

Do not be afraid to speak my name or look through old photographs.

Do not be scared to play old videos so that you might hear my voice and see me laughing.

Do not be wary of visiting my favourite places or eating my favourite foods or singing along to my favourite songs.

I know it will hurt. Those memories will remind you that I am gone.

They will stab at you like a knife in an open, gaping wound. Raw, excruciating pain.

But after a while the knife will become less sharp, the wound will become less open and the pain will become less raw.

And those memories will remind you that I was here.

That I lived.

Do not reduce my life to my death.

Speak my name, hear my voice, sing my favourite songs and visit my favourite places.

Because that’s how I can stay alive a little.

Right here with you

Feasting on friendship

A love affair with a thorny fruit and that's the annual OFA durian party. A perfect time to catch up with friends - old schoolmates with shared interests - over durian at Anjung Indah. This spot, roughly midway on the Tun Sardon Road linking Paya Terubong to Balik Pulau, had makeshift durian stalls set up to sell the fruit loved by most Malaysians and even some foreigners.

It was here that we, the members of The Old Frees' Association, gathered yesterday morning. It was here that we indulged in durian, chempedak, rambutan and mangosteen. And yes, it was here that we risked our health by consuming the sweetest local fruits in massive amounts. But hey, it's an annual event that couldn't be missed. This event brought members together, young and old, rubbing shoulders and sharing fruit around. It was the perfect occasion for camaraderie.

American pie

I kicked off this personal blog back in 2007, which was 17 years ago. I started it right after my chess column got axed by The Star newspaper, and I desperately needed a new outlet for my thoughts and musings. I figured, if I was going to have a blog, it shouldn't be limited to just chess matters. I wanted to cover all sorts of topics that piqued my interest. And that's how Anything Goes was born.

Now, it’s kind of funny, but in these 17 years, while I’ve talked about some of the records I own, I somehow never mentioned this gem of an album: Don McLean's American Pie. I bought it from Hinson's Records on Penang Road (Yes, Hinson's was my other go-to spot besides Wing Hing Records on Campbell Street). So, today, I decided to make up for that oversight by pulling out the album and giving it a spin on the turntable.

American Pie, the album, has fascinated me for years, and I played it non-stop back in the day. The title track, American pie, is over eight minutes long, and I remember the shortened version being a hit on local radio because no station could play the full version back then. Another popular track from the album was Vincent. Once the novelty of the eight-minute song wore off, I found myself playing it less, along with Vincent. Still, the album has remained a favourite to this day.

One may ask why, and it is because Don McLean's music evoked a lot of different moods in me as I grew from my teenage years to my twenties. The songs spoke to me and had a profound effect on me, even at that age: a mixture of nostalgia, introspection, and storytelling, with a touch of melancholy. 

The title track, American pie, is a prime example of nostalgia, reflecting on cultural shifts and changes in society and evoking a longing for simpler, more innocent times. Though it referenced the 1950s and 1960s in America, the sentiments weren’t lost on Malaysian society either.

The album also has a melancholic side. Many songs, like Vincent, have a bittersweet quality. Vincent is a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the artist, Vincent van Gogh, capturing both the sadness and brilliance of his life. The music felt poignant and reflective, touching on themes of loss and yearning.

The lyrics were deeply personal and thoughtful. Songs like Empty chairs and Crossroads explored themes of self-discovery, personal growth and the complexities of human emotions. As I got older, the introspective nature of these lyrics made me reflect on my own experiences and feelings.

McLean's songs also have a warm and intimate vibe. I loved the acoustic arrangements and the warmth of his vocal delivery in tracks like Till tomorrow and Winterwood. These songs felt like personal conversations with the listener. McLean is a storyteller at heart, weaving compelling narratives through his music. The title track is an epic example, recounting the history of rock 'n' roll and its impact on American culture.

The mood could also be upbeat. In Everybody loves me baby, McLean's melody was catchy. The lively rhythm and instrumentation gave it a playful feel. The lyrics served as a social commentary on the culture of celebrity and self-importance. It poked fun at those who were out of touch with the real world and were enamoured with their own image and popularity.

Finally, his lyrics were reflective of life’s changes and the passage of time. Songs like The grave and Babylon (the latter accompanied only by a banjo) delved into deep philosophical and existential themes. Definitely encouraging contemplation.

So there you have it. Don McLean's American Pie is not just an album; it's a journey through different moods and stages of life, and it’s one that has stayed with me all these years.

One Side: American pie, Till tomorrow, Vincent, Crossroads

Another Side: Winterwood, Empty chairs, Everybody loves me baby, Sister Fatima, The grave, Babylon

Taking responsibility

Responsibility is a big word that should not be taken lightly. When food deliveries go wrong, who's responsible for it – the food vendor or the person doing the delivery? Let me say something about an experience last Sunday, which was Father’s Day. My daughter had ordered a four-tub variety pack from Baskin Robbins for home delivery by GrabFood. The order was supposed to arrive at 12:30pm. By one o'clock, when I hadn’t heard anything from the deliveryman, I stepped outside and was surprised to see a box precariously balanced on my gate under the hot sun.

I have no idea how long it had been there, but I assume it was at least 30 minutes. My wife and I were home the whole time and never heard anyone call out or ring the doorbell. There were no missed calls on my phone or my daughter’s either. I brought in the package and was disappointed to find the packaging was pretty superficial. Aside from a small gel pack, there was nothing to insulate the ice cream from the heat. Unsurprisingly, the ice cream had gone soft.

I asked my daughter to complain to the delivery company. Given that the order was ice cream, why didn’t the deliveryman try harder to contact us? How was GrabFood going to make up for this sub-par service? Initially, we heard nothing from GrabFood, so my daughter escalated the issue to Baskin Robbins. Another day passed before she finally had a response. 

In situations like this, it’s frustrating to figure out who’s at fault. Is it the deliveryman who didn’t make an effort to hand over the order properly, or the vendor for inadequate packaging? Either way, it’s a headache for the customer. But at least, my daughter managed to get her money back.

Moppy hair, spiky hair

In the original version of Calvin and Hobbes that Bill Watterson submitted to syndicates back in 1984, Calvin had this wild mop of hair that completely covered his eyes, kind of like Beetle Bailey's cap. It’s pretty funny to imagine now, but Calvin’s signature spiky hair we all know and love wasn’t even a thing yet.

Watterson’s editor at Universal, the syndicate that picked up the strip, suggested giving Calvin a hairstyle that revealed his eyes. This was a brilliant move because Calvin’s expressive eyes became such a big part of his character. So, by the time Calvin and Hobbes officially launched in 1985, Calvin had evolved with that iconic spiky hair. This change made a huge difference and helped make Calvin such a memorable and relatable character.

What’s even more interesting is that Watterson was very particular about every detail in his strip. He famously resisted merchandising Calvin and Hobbes because he felt it would compromise the integrity of the characters. So, this little tweak to Calvin’s appearance was actually a pretty big deal in shaping the comic’s identity. It's cool to think how a small change suggested by an editor helped shape one of the most beloved comic strips of all time.

In this cartoon, Calvin was described by Watterson as "a rambunctious 6-year-old with a rampant imagination. The kind of kid who wants plutonium for his birthday. Calvin has a passion for excitement untampered by common sense. He's one tot nobody wants to see group up to be President." And Hobbes was "a tiger, Calvin's roommate and best friend. A stuffed toy to everyone but Calvin, Hobbes is a somewhat naive, but good natured, man-eating confidant."

Midnight ordeal for MH199

I heard about Malaysia Airlines flight MH199 that had to turn back to Hyderabad airport in India this morning after some issues popped up. It is understood that the aircraft experienced an engine malfunction, which caused sparks to emanate from the affected engine. My friends were curious if it was a Boeing, so I checked on the FlightRadar24 website and confirmed it was indeed a B737-800 from Malaysia Airlines. Boeing again, huh? They've really been hitting the news for all the wrong reasons lately, and this just adds to their troubles.

While I was on the website, I saw from the graphic simulation that the flight took off from Hyderabad at about 12:45am local time. It flew southeast for about half an hour before suddenly making a 360-degree U-turn back to the airport. Now, you'd think if there was an emergency, they'd be given the go-ahead to land right away, right? But no, instead, the air controllers had the plane go into a holding pattern, looping around 12 times before it was allowed to land at 3:21am. That's a whole hour and a half of circling in the sky in the middle of the night! What were they thinking? I can only imagine how anxious and scared the passengers must have been.

Don't miss the chess opportunity

Today I'm gonna gripe a bit about parents whose kids are into chess. I'd like to ask them: what’s going on? Why are you not taking advantage of this Eighth Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship that's being played on our shores? Imagine, we have a top-notch FIDE-sanctioned international-level chess competition for junior chess players happening on our shores and there are only a handful of Malaysians playing. At the last count, only 48, while players from the eastern Asian countries numbered at least 200. Why, we should be registering close to 100 Malaysian players! Come on, parents, don’t let your kids miss out! The closing date is 23 June 2024. Still not too late to sign up. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Let me give parents some reasons why the championship would benefit their children:

• Supercharging their brains: Chess is like a workout for the brain. It helps kids get better at thinking ahead, solving problems and making smart decisions. Plus, it's great for building memory and attention skills. 
• Aceing those classes: Believe it or not, kids who play chess often do better in school, especially in mathematics and science. Chess helps them develop skills that translate to the classroom, like concentration and logical thinking.
• Meeting new buddies: The championship is a great place for kids to meet other young chess enthusiasts from all over the region. It’s awesome for making new friends and learning to socialise with people from different backgrounds.
• Learning life skills: Chess teaches kids patience and the value of thinking things through before acting. These are super important skills that help in all areas of life.
• Feeling like a champ: Competing on an international stage can do wonders for a kid’s confidence. Winning games, or just playing well, helps them feel good about themselves.
• Exploring different cultures: Kids get to interact with peers from various countries, learning about different cultures and broadening their horizons. It’s like travelling the world without leaving the chessboard.
• Scholarship potential: Being good at chess can open doors to scholarships and other educational opportunities. Schools and universities love talented chess players.
• Bouncing back stronger: Chess teaches kids how to handle both wins and losses gracefully. They learn to stick with it, even when the going gets tough, building resilience.
• Keeping their minds sharp: Chess is fantastic mental exercise. It keeps kids' brains active and healthy, which is great for their overall development.
• Enjoying the game: At the end of the day, chess is fun! It’s a game that keeps kids entertained and always learning.

So, don’t let this opportunity slip away. Sign your kids up for the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship before the 23rd of June. It’s not just about winning—it’s about helping them grow in all sorts of ways, from school success to life skills. Plus, it’s a whole lot of fun and opens up a world of opportunities!

REGISTRATION: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezTSoaDSJhU0DNCGOGlTWMg2p_Ec8VUzQbFEYBf86Le3BEDw/viewform

Good news?

On Saturday, it was announced by the country's Communications Minister that the Prime Minister would announce some good news on food items soon. The announcement duly came on Sunday. Anwar Ibrahim proclaimed that the prices of Grades A, B and C eggs would be reduced by three cents each with immediate effect.

Today, I decided to go for a char koay teow breakfast at my favourite joint in Bukit Mertajam. I had expected my delicious plate to cost me RM5.97 now but instead, the blardy hawker had rounded the price up to RM6 instead of rounding it down to RM5.95. So what good news was the fella talking about?? How does it affect the ordinary man-in-the-street?

Rise of ESG as buzzword in Malaysia

This essay on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) adoption in Malaysia is going to be pretty heavy for me as I write about it for the first time in my life. Do bear with me a bit as I put my thoughts down in writing, okay? 

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria have been around for a while globally, but they've really picked up steam in Malaysia over the past decade. I began to become fascinated with it quite recently. To understand how ESG became the latest buzzword here, let's take a look at the journey, from regulatory changes to the shifting mindset of companies and the public.

In the beginning, which was in the pre-2010 years, ESG in Malaysia was mostly lumped together with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Big multi-national companies operating in Malaysia started to blend in some environmental and social concerns into their business strategies, influenced by global standards. Frameworks like the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement started shaping how businesses thought about sustainability, and this set the stage for what would later become known as ESG.

The 2010s were when things started to shift. More and more Malaysian companies began to move from traditional CSR towards a more structured ESG approach. Regulatory bodies like Bursa Malaysia and the Securities Commission Malaysia began pushing for sustainability in their guidelines. A big moment arrived in 2014 with the launch of the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index, which showcased companies that had strong ESG practices, This nudged others to follow suit.

By the late 2010s, ESG was no longer just a niche topic but had gone mainstream. Companies began to see the benefits of strong ESG practices, both for their bottom line and their reputation. Investors also started paying more attention to ESG metrics, driven by a global shift towards sustainable investing. This put pressure on companies to be more transparent and accountable.

Many Malaysian companies started aligning their sustainability reports with international standards like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). This not only boosted their credibility but also helped them compete on a global level.

As we moved into the 2020s, the Malaysian government doubled down on its commitment to sustainability with policies and strategic initiatives. The 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025) emphasised sustainable development, and this showed that the government was serious about ESG.

Public awareness of ESG issues also skyrocketed. High-profile concerns about the environment and social issues, from climate change to labour rights, were all over the news. This forced businesses to address these issues more pro-actively. Major companies, especially in finance, palm oil and manufacturing, started embedding ESG deeply into their operations. 

These were several factors driving the rise of ESG in Malaysia:

1. Regulatory: Stricter sustainability reporting requirements from Bursa Malaysia.
2. Investor Interest: A growing number of investors preferring companies with strong ESG practices.
3. Global Trends: The influence of global sustainability movements.
4. Corporate Leadership: Leading companies in Malaysia setting examples by adopting and advocating for ESG.
5. Public Concern: Increasing awareness and concern about environmental and social issues among the public.

Wrapping up, I would say that the journey of ESG from a niche idea to a mainstream practice in Malaysia showed how regulations, corporate actions and public awareness came together to create real change. By the early 2020s, ESG was firmly planted in the business world here, and this fashionable buzzword is pushing to shape a more sustainable and responsible future.

Nandaka at dusk

A photograph capturing the four stupas at Nandaka Vihara, encircling the Bodhi tree within the compound, though only two are distinctly visible. These stupas are newly constructed and currently awaiting only the final finishing touches. The image, taken by the Chief Abbot, Bhante Dhammasubho, at dusk yesterday, showcases the Bodhi tree set against a dramatic, darkening fiery sky.

Smart meter

Received a letter from Tenaga Nasional two days ago. It is inevitable that they'd be coming round to my neighbourhood soon to change every household's electrical meter to the new dang fangled smart meter, and we can't say no to it. So willy-nilly, we have to accept it. There are some apprehension, of course. On one hand, Tenaga gives us users the ability to monitor our electricity usage daily but on the other hand, there are grumblings from people that the smart meters are just too....what's the word.....smart! Yes, too damn smart! And some users may actually experience an increase in their utility bills. Whether this is true or not, I really don't know. Leakages in their electricity supply that couldn't be detected by the old meters? I don't know. Anyway, I shall be monitoring my usage carefully and closely from now on.

Pure arrogance

Getting a Bib Gourmand recognition means nothing when service to customers suffers! 

It doesn't give hawkers carte blanche to raise prices or act arrogantly towards their loyal and long-time customers. 

Take the Taman Bukit Curry Mee in Bukit Mertajam, for instance. For decades, one could place an order at the stall, and they would bring the food to the table. But not anymore. 

Forgetting their humble beginnings, they now consider themselves an "atas" (elite) food stall. It's self-service now. Not that they are short of helpers but you're expected to wait in line and carry your own bowls to your table. That's how arrogant they've become. Bib Gourmand? Bah! Just an excuse to foster artificial elitism.

This morning, I had a rude awakening when I went there. Despite being a regular enough customer, the lady hawker told me to line up. She said, "Pai tui, pai tui. Uah lang boh pang liao. Lu kaki pang khi." (Translation: "Line up, line up. We don't bring you the food anymore. You take it back yourself.") At my age, I don't need this sort of aggravation. Only masochists will meekly obey. Suak, lah, if that's your attitude. I simply walked away. I can assure them that they've lost more than one customer.

Penang open 1979

This picture came into my reckoning today and I was asked by a friend to identify the people in it. First, I must say that this was taken in 1979 at the Hooi Lye Association in Kimberley Street. The occasion was the prize-giving ceremony of that year's Penang open championship, organised by the Penang Chess Association. 

At that point, it was quite possible that the tournament was already held using Swiss system tournament rules. Pairings were all done manually as there wasn't any computer pairing system yet. In fact, there weren't any laptop or desktop computer to speak of in the first place. Pairings were slow and made manually using pairing cards. I remember a few of us working together to ensure we made no mistake! 

Where the running of the tournament was concerned, the long table at the Hooi Lye Association served our purpose very well as we could fit five or six chessboards on it in a row. Other chess boards were arranged by the sides of the playing hall. Prizes were very modest and we were quite happy to have the likes of Christi Hon and others coming up from Selangor to compete with the Penang chess players. 

The only problem was the risk of the Penang chess champion title slipping out of the hands of the Penang players, which of course happened not only in 1979 but also 1978 when Craig Laird of New Zealand won the tournament. Our local champion, Jimmy Liew, had a huge rivalry with Christi in those days, and he could only finish second to his great rival in 1979.

Back to the picture, we had from left to right: Cheah Hooi Seng (possibly the tournament director), Lee Wai Meng, Chuah Heng Meng, Jimmy Liew, Leong Sit Chew (PCA vice-president), Datuk Low Hooi Seah (PCA patron), Fang Ewe Churh (PCA president), Christi Hon, Christopher Lee, myself (possibly the PCA secretary), Ooi Gim Ewe, Bobby Ooi and Tan Kai Ming (possibly the PCA treasurer).

Christi, Christopher and Bobby came all the way from Selangor to play in Penang. Completely lost touch with Bobby but at least can still catch up with Christi and Christopher occasionally. As for Jimmy, I am not sure whether he was still living in Penang or already moved down to Selangor in 1979. But we have always considered him a Penang-lang.