How do we conceptualise Nation State? revisiting teachers' day theme for 2009

"Guru Pembina Negara Bangsa" was made the theme for this year's teachers day celebration. I was requested to deliver a two-hour talk. There were two questions facing this theme:

1. Why teachers are given this responsibility: building nation state?

2. Do teachers equip themselves with the necessary social infrastructure?

The first 40 minutes of the schedule was a blackout which teachers, almost 500 in number patiently waited.

Addressing the theme, I used several examples supposedly self-explanatory: teaching as a universal profession- engaging beyond classroom and beyond racial demarcation. Teachers in Malaysia have already been addressing the profoundly promulgated 1 Malaysia buzz from PM. However, one may have forgotten all this while that has been teachers effort.

Being universal means to educate without any barrier: social or physical. Understanding UNESCO "Education for all, all for education". This, school heads all over Sarawak had to chance to understand when Sarawak Education Department organised the largest participation ever, (1300++ school heads) .

Long, long busy June

Quite hectic and busy month, June it is! I went for long leave since May 25 till June 14 and another four day-leave June 22-June 24. My daughter Lenny Suriyani's wedding went on beautifully well June the 5th. I personally solemnised the 'Aqad' with ustaz Sarbini Ekom as Qadi Rep from Majlis Islam Sarawak. The reception was held the following day at Islamic Information Center and in Bintulu Dewan Suarah June the 13th.

Many thanks to all who attended all occasions, may Allah swt provides us all with strength and excellent health.

A slight drawback for the long week when Sarbanun experienced another abdominal problem. She missed the night reception, traditional chinese tea-reception at Haizal's parents house, Kidurong. We came back to Kuching 14 June. She went to see Dr. Ng 15 June and was advised to undergo a surgery the following Monday, 22 June.

After the surgery she was on sick leave until 22 July.

Those are the slight 'turbulence' my family encountered in June after the months long preparation for Lenny's wedding. Our brothers and sisters from Saratok and Limbang joined hands to assist us with all the preparation.

I upload a few images recorded during the occasion.