Farewell Saba, You’ll Be Dearly Missed

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12, 2025: Former Bernama journalist Sabaruddin Ahmad Sabri, fondly known as Saba, passed away at Sungai Buloh Hospital early Monday morning. He was 60.

His wife, Suzrina Shamsuddin, said Sabaruddin died at 5.28 am after nearly two weeks of treatment for a lung infection. His remains were brought to Masjid Jamek FRIM for funeral prayers after Zuhur, before being laid to rest at Bukit Lagong Muslim Cemetery, Taman Ehsan, Kepong, Selangor. He is survived by his wife and five children.

Sabaruddin began his journalism career at Bernama Economic Service (BES) in 1985, before moving on to Utusan Malaysia. At BES, most assignments were conducted in English — from press releases and press conferences to major international and corporate events. Reporters were expected to cover everything from AGMs and EGMs to product launches and business briefings.

I remember Saba as cheerful and easygoing. I cannot recall a moment when he was grumpy or complained. He was hardworking and sharp, producing numerous exclusives — perhaps the very reason Utusan later sought him out.

After his time in print journalism, Sabaruddin ventured into the corporate sector, including a stint at Bridgecon Holdings Bhd, before joining Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), where he gained national recognition as the host of Selamat Pagi Malaysia. He also served as a special officer to the late Information Minister, Zainuddin Maidin (ZAM).

Beyond the newsroom, Saba was deeply committed to strengthening regional media ties. He was actively involved in establishing the Malaysia–Indonesia Journalists Association (ISWAMI), helping foster professional bonds and friendships between journalists from both countries.

He was also passionate about sports, especially hockey, and played a key role in forming Bernama’s hockey team in the late 1980s, which regularly competed in media and government tournaments.

Sabaruddin spent the final phase of his career in the private sector and retired last year from Alam Flora Sdn Bhd.

Tributes poured in following his passing. Former Bernama Editor-in-Chief Datuk Yong Soo Heong described him as jovial and recalled the many light-hearted moments they shared at BES.

Bernama Special Projects Editor Govind Nair said Saba would be dearly missed, while former Bernama Editor Kuah Guan Oo remembered him for his warm personality and prayed for blessings upon him.Friends — myself included — fondly recall receiving doa and gentle reminders every Friday from Saba.

Many former colleagues from Bernama, Utusan, RTM, NST and other media organisations gathered at Masjid Jamek FRIM to pay their last respects.

A close friend, Norazli Noh, 62, described Sabaruddin as someone who truly lived up to the meaning of his name — “Sabar”, a man marked by patience, courtesy and dedication.

“If he started a task, he would make sure it was completed to the best of his ability,” said Norazli, a former RTM presenter. Norazli also recalled their memorable involvement in ISWAMI, under the leadership of Tan Sri Rais Yatim, an initiative aimed at strengthening ties between journalists from Malaysia and Indonesia.

“At the grassroots level, we worked to foster understanding between Malaysians and Indonesians. Sabaruddin played a key role as a bridge between both sides — a contribution that will not be forgotten,” he said.

Norazli noted that Sabaruddin’s experience as an economics journalist, coupled with his extensive network among corporate leaders and media colleagues — including during his time at Utusan Malaysia — made him a trusted reference point on regional matters, particularly those involving Indonesia.

“Every time during National Press Day in Indonesia, he would play the leading role in bringing Malaysian journalists there, and he was also the one who coordinated visits by Indonesian journalists to Malaysia,” he added.

Meanwhile, veteran TV3 journalist Muhammad Fairuz Mansor, 57, said Sabaruddin’s passing was a major loss to Malaysia’s journalism fraternity.

“He was not only disciplined, but also a unifying figure who strengthened ties among media practitioners across organisations and borders,” he said, adding that Sabaruddin was widely known for his calm demeanour and his ability to defuse tense situations.

Muhammad Fairuz also shared that they had planned to produce a journalism podcast this year — with the aim of passing on the values of integrity and accountability to the younger generation.

An Indonesian veteran journalist and former Antara Editor-in-Chief, Kama Asro Rokan, described Sabaruddin as a respected figure in regional journalism who played an important role in strengthening Malaysia–Indonesia relations through media diplomacy.

“To Saba, the two nations were siblings born of the same mother — the Malay world. He was a familiar presence at Indonesia’s National Press Day, including in Solo in 2018, where he was remembered with a smile, proudly wearing a Javanese blangkon.

Pak Saba has now gone ahead, joining dear friends who have departed before him. And one day, we too will follow — if not today, then tomorrow, or the day after. We accept this with sincerity, like trees that gently release their leaves when the time comes.

Farewell, my friend. This morning, rain continues to fall over Jakarta.May he be granted peace in the hereafter. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rojiun. (Jakarta, Jan 12, 2026)”

Pet-Friendly Malls? First, Let’s Fix Our Civic Habits

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 26, 2025: Recent incidents once again highlight the careless and non–civic-minded attitudes that still persist among Malaysians. The piles of rubbish left behind after the Christmas Eve celebrations in Bukit Bintang are just one glaring example.

If we are honest with ourselves, Malaysia is still not ready to call itself a developed nation when it comes to environmental awareness. Many families who dine at fast-food outlets still leave behind trays of unfinished food and trash on their tables, assuming it is the staff’s responsibility to pick up after them. The mindset is simple: “I paid, so someone else will clean up.”

This attitude also raises a question — are Malaysians truly ready for pet-friendly malls?

For now, the answer seems to be no. Some pet owners bring their dogs to public spaces but ignore their responsibilities when their pets urinate or defecate. Instead of cleaning up, they assume the mall cleaners will handle it. This is very different from what we see overseas, where dog owners are expected — and willing — to clean up after their pets.

Public toilets tell a similar story. Used tissues, sanitary products and even dirty diapers are often left behind, as if basic hygiene and respect for the next user are optional.

The debate over pet-friendly malls recently intensified after a newly opened shopping centre in Petaling Jaya reversed its policy within a week. Sunway Square Mall initially welcomed pets when it opened on Dec 11, but backlash from Muslim groups — along with intervention from the Selangor state government — led to an immediate policy change. The mall later announced that pets would no longer be allowed inside enclosed indoor areas to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for all visitors.

Pet ownership in Malaysia has increased significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic, with a 2024 survey showing more than six in ten households now owning a pet. Most of these are cats, while around 15 per cent are dogs. However, dogs remain sensitive within the Malay-Muslim community — which makes up over 63 per cent of Malaysia’s population — as contact with dogs requires ritual cleansing.

The Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia (PPIM) has since called for a boycott of pet-friendly malls, saying the presence of dogs shows disrespect towards Muslims. Its leader, Datuk Nadzim Johan, said a coordinated boycott could impact traders due to the strong purchasing power of Muslim consumers.

All of this points to one uncomfortable truth: before debating policies and lifestyle choices, Malaysians must first confront a deeper issue — our collective civic responsibility. Cleanliness, respect for shared spaces and consideration for others are not just rules; they are reflections of who we are as a society.

Until our attitudes change, the path to becoming a truly developed nation will remain unfinished.

Grow Up — The City Isn’t Your Dustbin

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 26, 2025: If at night you can dress beautifully, find a nice spot, and record beautiful videos, then you can also keep the place beautiful.

The photos of Bukit Bintang on Christmas Eve are already enough to serve as a “mirror”. It’s not that people can’t celebrate. We want it festive too. But when everyone leaves and the floor is strewn with bottles, cups, cans, tissues and cigarette butts — that’s not “party culture”. That’s the culture of “I don’t care, someone else will clean it”.

What’s sad is that the ones picking it up aren’t robots. Cleaning workers have to work until dawn; others may step on broken glass, slip, and after rain, leftover drink containers collect stagnant water. We celebrate one night, the city bears it for days.

For New Year’s Eve 2026, let’s make a simple upgrade that looks classy. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being ashamed to let others clean up our mess.

Five things Malaysians should bring or do on New Year’s Eve 2026:

• Bring a small garbage bag

One group, one bag. All rubbish goes inside. Afterward, throw it away. Done. • Bring your own water bottle

Buy fewer single-use drinks. Less trash at the end. • Choose a spot with rubbish bins

If an area has no bins and is too crowded, don’t make it your “lepak spot” and leave it messy. • If something spills, clean it immediately Spills happen. Leaving it there is what annoys people. • Appoint a “group guardian”

One person is enough. Before moving: “Okay everyone, check your trash first.” This small act differentiates a considerate group from a careless one.

This New Year’s Eve 2026, let’s make sure what goes viral is not “floors full of rubbish”, but Malaysians celebrating with class — without leaving the dirty work to others.(Source: Public Health Malaysia)

Thank You, Malaysia Airlines

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24, 2025: Last year, I fractured my left leg—more accurately, my foot—after missing a few steps on the stairs at home. A year has passed, and while I can walk again, my steps are still unsteady. The pain returns whenever I stand or walk for long periods, and I now rely on a walking stick whenever I leave the house.

Despite this, I recently decided to go on a short package holiday with my niece to Jakarta and Bandung, organised by Jawahir Travel & Tours, from Dec 9 to Dec 12. Our flight with Malaysia Airlines was smooth and pleasant.

However, the trip did not get off to the best start upon our arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK). The airport has implemented a biometric screening system, and a few days before departure, all visitors were required to complete the All Indonesia form online—which we duly did. Everything should have gone smoothly, but it didn’t.

My passport repeatedly failed to clear the biometric checkpoints, no matter how many times it was tried. The security personnel explained that the system could not recognise one digit on my passport. Panic set in, especially as my niece and several others in our tour group—except for our tour leader Naquib and another member, Mustapha—encountered similar issues. After some back and forth, I was directed to the ‘All Passports’ to be manually checked by an immigration officer. Thankfully, everything was cleared. Strangely enough, my passport posed no problem at the next checkpoint.

What truly took its toll, though, was the walking. CGK is Indonesia’s largest and busiest airport, and the distances between points are considerable. Terminal 1, opened in 1985, mainly serves domestic flights; Terminal 2, opened in 1991, handles international flights; while Terminal 3, opened in 2011 and expanded in 2016, caters to both domestic and international travellers. The long walks through the airport were punishing on my already fragile foot.

It was then that I realised I should have requested a wheelchair. I later learned that Malaysia Airlines does provide this service. After my difficult experience at Jakarta airport, I requested wheelchair assistance for my return journey from CGK to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

To my surprise—and gratitude—after checking in at the Malaysia Airlines counter at CGK, with help from Naquib, the airline arranged for a staff member, a young lady, to assist me. She wheeled me comfortably all the way to the boarding gate. Even better, upon landing in KLIA, another staff member was already waiting with a wheelchair. A young man then wheeled me all the way to the baggage claim area and right up to the point where I could book my Grab ride home.

The service was seamless, thoughtful, and deeply appreciated.

Thank you, Malaysia Airlines.

Two Heads in One Classroom: A Step Forward

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19, 2025: “Two heads are better than one,” as the saying goes — and soon, this may become a familiar sight in Malaysian classrooms. The Ministry of Education (KPM) plans to introduce the team-teaching, or co-teaching, approach beginning in 2027.

Experts have already called it a timely move to strengthen teaching and learning (PdP), especially as classrooms today are more diverse than ever.

Under this approach, two teachers work together in the same classroom to support students with different needs, strengths, and learning styles. While some have questioned the necessity of this model, it is by no means new. Countries like Japan, Thailand and South Korea have long adopted co-teaching for selected subjects — and with positive outcomes.

Here at home, the method will be introduced specifically for a new subject, Alam dan Manusia: Pembelajaran Bersepadu (Nature and Humanity: Integrated Learning), for Year One students under the 2027 School Curriculum. The goal is clear: to nurture well-rounded young Malaysians who are academically capable, morally grounded and secure in their identity.

Personally, I welcome this move. Having practised a similar co-teaching method during my years as a media trainer, I’ve seen its benefits firsthand.

Although I have paused training work in recent years, many of my two- or three-day workshops relied on the strength of two facilitators. I’ve conducted solo one-day sessions before — and they were exhausting. One person managing the entire flow, from delivering content to guiding practical exercises, is undeniably draining.

But with a co-trainer, everything becomes more dynamic. My sessions were bilingual: I handled the English segments while my partner led the Malay portions. Participants gained more than just theoretical knowledge — they listened, discussed, and worked in groups while both of us had the time and energy to support them. Topics ranged from writing news and press releases to handling the media and navigating press conferences.

If co-teaching can enrich adult learners in a workshop setting, imagine what it could do for young children beginning their formal education.

Of course, the real test will come in implementation. Will teachers receive proper training? Will timetables allow genuine collaboration? Will classrooms be equipped for shared facilitation?

So, what do you think? Is Malaysia ready for this two-teacher model? What are the pros and cons you foresee?

A Little Caution At Bangkok Airport Goes A Long Way

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17, 2025: As Malaysians, Bangkok is one of our favourite short-getaway destinations — a place of food, colour, and effortless joy. But before you breeze through Suvarnabhumi Airport on your next trip, it’s worth pausing for a small reminder shared recently in my neighbourhood group.

A few travellers from across Asia have recounted unsettling experiences at airport duty-free shops. The stories may vary, but the pattern is familiar: someone pays for chocolates or perfume, the cashier quietly slips an extra item into the bag, and moments later security steps in and accuses the traveller of theft. What follows is frightening — detentions, hefty “fines”, and little support from authorities.

Whether every detail circulating online is fully accurate or not, one thing is certain: tourist scams evolve, and even major airports aren’t immune.

So if you’re heading to Bangkok, or anywhere really, take a moment to protect yourself:

• Watch every item being scanned at the counter.

• Check your receipt before you walk away.

• Keep an eye on how your purchases are packed.

• If you’re given a free gift, ask for it to be listed or acknowledged.

• And above all, don’t rush — airports thrive on our haste.

Travelling is meant to be joyful, not intimidating. A few extra seconds at the duty-free counter might spare you a distressing incident you never saw coming.

Stay safe, travel light, and may your next Bangkok adventure be filled with the kind of memories worth keeping.

Siva, Forever in Our Hearts

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12, 2025: “Girl, if there’s nothing newsworthy, you can go home now.”

It was nearly 9pm. I had spent the whole afternoon poring over dry, technical papers while Siva watched in silence. Only later did I realise — he was teaching resilience, patience, and the discipline every journalist needs. That quiet nod to go home felt like a small victory, one I still remember.

Siva, his full name S. Sivaselvam never raised his voice – at least not with me. He guided with calm firmness — shaping my questions, sharpening my intros, polishing my copy. He pushed without scolding, and celebrated quietly when my work was good. When my exclusive finally made the papers, his early congratulations meant everything.

“A good man and a great journalist. Gone but never forgotten,” Govind said — and it’s true.

Siva, 77, passed away at 3am today, a month after being diagnosed with Stage 4 inoperable stomach cancer. He spent his final days in the comfort of home under hospice care, choosing peace over chemotherapy.

A steady hand, a gentle mentor — his lessons will echo long after his voice has fallen silent.

Meanwhile, tributes kept pouring in. Among them from ex Bernama journalist, P. Parameswaran:

“So sad to hear about Siva’s passing. He’ll be deeply missed. Looking back at the Bernama newsroom he led then, in the late 1970s, Siva was a firm but fair boss who set high standards. Yet he was always ready to lend a steady, guiding hand when we were stuck on an intro or struggling to find the perfect angle for a story.

He had a remarkable knack for mentoring young reporters, steering us through early newsroom challenges and reminding us to keep his editorial tips at the back of our heads. And if we turned to him again with the same questions, Siva would raise his voice just enough for the entire newsdesk to hear — a momentary embarrassment that ensured the lesson stayed with us.

Siva’s editing skills were legendary - thanks his sharp eye and instinct for clean, compelling copy. In fact, when his trademark initial — a bold, unmistakable “S” — appeared on an edited story, the subs desk would give it just a cursory glance before slipping the physical copy into the traditional boxes for the teleprinter operators to dispatch the stories to clients.

His edits carried quiet authority — everyone trusted his judgment. I still recall some of the crisp, catchy intros he suggested that instantly lifted my stories. At times, he would rewrite our copy so thoroughly that we could barely recognize our own work — but his versions always read better, infused with clarity, rhythm, and impact. Each rewrite was a masterclass in good journalism.

Beyond his editorial sharpness, Siva was a deeply caring mentor. He took a genuine interest in our personal lives too, often checking in, offering quiet encouragement. Siva helped lay the bedrock of discipline and editorial integrity that shaped many of our careers. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed — as a mentor, colleague, and friend who helped many of us find our journalistic voice."