The Song

A friend of mine recently shared a playlist of songs that remind him of his late father. It caught me off guard. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Celine Dion’s "It’s All Coming Back to Me Now" started playing in my head. Grief is funny like that—it hides in the melodies we least expect, waiting for the right moment to surface.

It made me stop and think: What is the song that truly reminds me of my dad?

The one that always hits me right in the chest is Christina Aguilera’s "Hurt." If you’ve ever heard it, you know how raw it is. For me, it speaks to that quiet, universal struggle so many of us face—the endless desire to please our parents, to make them proud, wrapped in the lingering uncertainty of whether we ever truly achieved it.

Even brilliant songwriters like David Gray have wrestled with this. He wrote "The One I Love" as a tribute after losing his own father, capturing that deep, hollow ache of a world without them.

I suppose we all have a little pocket of sadness stored somewhere in our hearts. We carry on with our busy lives, our work, and our daily routines, but the music remembers.

To anyone else who carries this quiet ache: What is the song that brings your parents back to you?

#GriefAndMusic #Loss #RememberingParents #DavidGray #Healing #LifeReflections

Malaysia added US$1.3 bil to its reserves by end-January

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 9): Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) international reserves rose by US$1.3 billion to US$126.9 billion as at Jan 30, 2026, according to the central bank’s latest update released on Monday.

The reserve level is a tad above the previous high of US$125.6 billion as at Jan 15, 2026, marking the country’s highest reserves position since 2014.

The reserves position is sufficient to finance 4.8 months of imports and goods and services, and cover 0.9 times the nation’s short-term external debt, BNM said.

Short-term external borrowings are defined as debts with maturities of one year or less. They largely comprise foreign currency liquidity operations by resident banks, as well as borrowings by multinational corporations, including foreign banks, from their overseas parents or headquarters.

BNM said these obligations are typically serviced through borrowers’ own external assets in the normal course of business, and therefore do not place claims on the central bank’s reserves.

Breaking down reserves components, foreign currency rose to US$111.3 billion as at Jan 30, compared with US$110.4 billion as at Jan 15.

The International Monetary Fund reserves position was unchanged at US$1.3 billion, while special drawing rights remained at US$5.9 billion.

Gold holdings rose to US$5.9 billion from US$5.5 billion previously. Other reserves were unchanged at US$2.5 billion.

BNM said the reserves figure has taken into account quarterly foreign exchange revaluation changes.

The central bank releases its international reserves data on a fortnightly basis.

Ringgit

 

Wait‑and‑see trading keeps ringgit flat; investors eye US data, Fed signals

Bernama KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 — The ringgit ended flat against the US dollar today as traders adopted a wait-and-see approach ahead of the United States (US) Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting next week.

At 6pm, the ringgit stood at 4.1300/1365 versus the greenback compared to last Friday’s close of 4.1300/1350.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said traders will also monitor US economic data, especially the US ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index for November tonight, for further guidance on market direction.

“The consensus estimate stands at 49.0 points compared to 48.7 in October. The ISM Index for the manufacturing sector has been hovering below the 50-point demarcation line for eight straight months, suggesting that manufacturers have remained pessimistic for quite sometime,” he told Bernama.

At the close, the ringgit trended lower against major currencies.

It slid versus the British pound to 5.4644/4730 from 5.4528/4594 at last Friday’s close, weakened against the euro to 4.7995/8070 from 4.7768/7825 previously, and declined vis-a-vis the Japanese yen to 2.6594/6637 from 2.6420/6456.

The local note also fell against Asean currencies.

It slipped versus the Singapore dollar to 3.1880/1932 from 3.1813/1857 at the end of last week and dropped against the Indonesian rupiah to 247.8/248.3 from 247.6/248.0.

The ringgit also depreciated vis-a-vis the Thai baht to 12.9026/9290 from 12.8245/8472 previously and eased against the Philippine peso to 7.05/7.07 from 7.04/7.06.

EURO ZONE

Euro zone retail sales unexpectedly fall in September

Reuters FRANKFURT (Nov 6): Euro zone retail sales unexpectedly fell in September, challenging expectations for a consumption-led recovery and offsetting other mildly positive news from the 20-nation currency bloc, data from Eurostat showed on Thursday.

Retail trade fell by 0.1% on the month in September, coming short of expectations for a 0.2% rise, while sales were up 1.0% compared to a year earlier, in line with expectations.

Euro zone households are sitting on ample savings and the European Central Bank has long expected them to start running these down in a boost to growth, but uncertainty keeps consumers cautious and actual figures continue to be disappointing.

Retail sales expanded by 0.2% on the month in Germany, the bloc's biggest economy and 0.4% in Spain, but there were falls in Italy, France and the Netherlands, among the bloc's bigger nations.

Still, other data, including sentiment readings and PMI data, show that the economy is holding up and ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos said policymakers were now marginally more optimistic on growth.

Non-food products sales dropped by 0.2% on the month, fuel sales were down 1% and food sales were stagnant, Eurostat added.

OPINION

Different reactions to seeing a vehicle on fire

THE video of a burning pickup truck at Ulu Pudu in Kuala Lumpur drew more than a thousand comments within hours of being uploaded.

The video started with a white Ford Ranger grinding to a halt at the end of a small bridge over a monsoon drain with a big fire at the cargo bed. The driver got out of the car, left the door open, took a look at the flames, gestured for assistance and then walked to the other side, opened the passenger doors and left them open.

Help came quickly. The first was a person with a small fire extinguisher better suited to put out a small fire at home. The small amount of gas discharged from the nozzle had no effect on the big fire. The next person managed to activate a bigger fire extinguisher on the second try, but his attempt too was to no avail.

Finally, the driver was handed a full-sized 10kg ABC dry powder extinguisher, and the fine white powder was expelled the moment he squeezed the trigger and burst open the cartridge that contained compressed nitrogen.

He seemed to have smothered the flames near him but soon ran out of extinguishant and gave up. The pickup is as good as destroyed as the fire eventually engulfed the entire passenger cabin. Only the engine, transmission, steering and front suspension could be salvaged for used parts.

It is not known what the vehicle’s cargo bed was carrying and the cause of the fire. If the pickup was not used for commercial purpose, the owner could easily claim and receive compensation from the motor insurance company.

If it was damaged by flood or fallen tree, it would not be covered under the standard motor insurance policy.

In any case, the public ought to bear in mind that all commercial vehicles are required to have an operable fire extinguisher on board. Major companies that distribute fire extinguishers should encourage vocational drivers to stop their vehicles and help put out fires by offering to reload their spent fire extinguishers for free.

Those who use fire extinguishers should go near to the flames without putting themselves in danger, before squeezing the trigger to prevent wastage of carbon dioxide gas or dry powder.

And always shoot at the base of the flame where the fuel is and the material is burning, and not at the flames which are escaping gases.

Some of the comments in the viral video include “call ambulance” and “call bomba”. To me, both are not quite correct. It should be “dial 999”, and the emergency response operator will be able to dispatch the nearest fire and rescue team to the scene, or if need be, the nearest ambulance or police team.

There is no need for the public to locate the nearest Bomba, hospital or police station. And “999” can still be reached even if a prepaid phone has run out of credit. ‒ YS Chan, Oct 30, 2025

 

POEM

 The Confused Cartographer

Sixty—not a whisper, but a wall she ran into,

A heavy stop sign where the open road ran through.

The number was a lens, harsh, brutal, and grim,

Making grand achievements seem suddenly dim.

She took inventory, found the self-betrayal deep:

She hadn't just underperformed; she'd barely been asleep.

The fears came in twin strikes: a sudden, quick release,

Or twenty slow years without solace or peace.

Her savings, once steady, now a pocket of change,

Against a vast future that felt wildly strange.

The slick, fast world spun for others, young and bright,

Leaving Intan standing in a shadow of the light.

She shrank by an inch; her body was a lease

Where aches were squatting tenants who refused to leave.

She tried to laugh at humor, but the joke felt frail—

A dropped glass was quieter than the cracking of her trail.

She listened to wisdom, but all she truly knew

Was the stinging reality of a life split in two.

Then the quote broke the paralysis, piercing and true:

“Inside every old person is a young one, too.”

The twenty-five-year-old inside cried out in despair,

“Where did the control go? What the hell happened here?”

The anxiety wasn't sixty; it was the burden of eighty,

That crushing, unknowable, future-fate weighty.

Her spine protested movement, but Intan sat up straight,

She didn't need a decades-long map to dictate.

She needed the moment, the manageable now,

A 30-minute pivot to teach her spirit how

To choose her direction, to own what she could see.

Functionally confused, but moving, and therefore free.

Tessa 15 Oct 2025

POEM

 

A Trader's Supper

The screen's a sea of red and green,

A tide of noise, a tired scene.

Mia, fifty, with her silver thread,

Turns from the chaos in her head.

The kitchen calls, a different art,

A gentle rhythm for her heart.

She finds the mackerel, sleek and cold,

A story waiting to unfold.

With hands that once signed corporate deals,

She now prepares a meal that heals.

The fragrant sambal, hot and bright,

A small defiance of the night.

Lunar purrs, a low, soft hum,

The only voice that's ever come

To share this quiet, simple space,

Her love, her comfort, and her grace.

She eats alone, but not quite so,

A gentle warmth begins to glow.

For in this meal, this humble dish,

She finds the peace she longs to wish.

TESSA

Sept 3, 2025

FGV 5222

FGV Holdings Berhad (5222) 

Delisting Overview

FGV Holdings Berhad (FGV), trading under the stock counter 5222 on Bursa Malaysia, was officially delisted on August 28, 2025. This action followed a successful takeover by its parent company, the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA).

The company was previously listed on the Main Market within the plantations sector and was designated as Shariah-compliant. On its final day of trading, the stock was priced at RM1.30 per share, with 2.76 million shares transacted.

The Takeover and Delisting Process

Minority shareholders who have not yet accepted FELDA's takeover offer may be subject to compulsory acquisition, allowing FELDA to eventually gain nearly a 100% equity stake in FGV. This final trading price of RM1.30 was still below the independent adviser’s estimated fair value of RM1.83 to RM1.99 per share.

Historical Context

FGV, then known as Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd, made its debut on Bursa Malaysia in 2012 through one of the largest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the world. The company raised approximately RM4.5 billion, while FELDA received RM5.5 billion. Despite this impressive start, the stock's performance significantly underperformed its initial IPO price of RM4.55. This decline was attributed to several factors, including a series of questionable acquisitions and financial difficulties, ultimately leading to its delisting from the stock exchange.

TESSA 31 August 2025

 

Gold Investment

Why Malaysians are turning to gold

Hedge against inflation and a weakening currency: Gold has a historical reputation for holding its value during times of high inflation. When the purchasing power of the Malaysian Ringgit depreciates, gold's value tends to rise, making it a popular choice for protecting wealth.

Geopolitical and economic stability: Gold is often referred to as a "crisis commodity." When there is global economic or political uncertainty, investors tend to flock to gold, driving up its price.

Portfolio diversification: Gold often has a low or inverse correlation with other major asset classes like stocks and bonds. Adding gold to a portfolio can help reduce overall risk and volatility.

Cultural and historical significance: In Malaysia, gold has a deep-rooted cultural value, often being used for jewelry and as a means of generational wealth transfer. This cultural connection makes it a more familiar and trusted asset for many.

Gold investment accounts in Malaysia are not covered by the Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM), which protects depositors' savings.

Ultimately, whether gold is a good investment for you depends on your individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. It is generally recommended as a tool for diversification and long-term wealth preservation rather than a short-term speculative asset.

TESSA 12 August 2025

MERDEKA 2025

Merdeka: More Than Just a Holiday – A Reflection Through the Ages

As August 31, 2025, approaches, Malaysia gears up to celebrate Merdeka Day, our Independence Day. For many, it's a welcome federal holiday, a chance to step away from work – though not everyone gets the day off. While the vibrant parades and large-scale celebrations might not stir the same level of excitement in all of us as adults, the true spirit of Merdeka runs deeper than just a day off.

For those of us who've outgrown the enthusiasm for attending the Merdeka parade in person, the day often transforms into a more relaxed affair. Perhaps it’s a leisurely lunch out, a bit of window shopping, or simply gathering with family to watch the parade unfold on television. The fanfare may change, but the essence of the day remains. Here in Shah Alam, for instance, a trip to a local mall like AEON Mall Shah Alam or Central i-City for some window shopping and a relaxed lunch is a perfectly enjoyable way to spend the public holiday.

From Kindergarten Chants to Teenage Freedom

The word Merdeka has been ingrained in us since our earliest days. Even in kindergarten, long before we fully grasped its historical weight, the word itself resonated. Back then, our young minds formed their own interpretations. For many small children, Independence Day is inextricably linked with the rousing melodies of patriotic songs. As August approaches, they know it's time to belt out classics like "Jalur Gemilang" and "Tanggal 31," their innocent voices filled with a burgeoning sense of national pride.

As we navigated our teenage years, the meaning of Merdeka took on a different, perhaps more immediate, form: temporary freedom. It was the joyous liberation from textbooks and teachers after gruelling final exams. Beyond the history lessons in school, some of us enthusiastically participated in Merdeka Day activities – choir competitions, essay writing contests, poster drawing, and other engaging programs that made learning about our nation's independence a more interactive experience.

An Adult's Abstract Appreciation

Now, as adults, our understanding of Merdeka has evolved into something far more abstract and profound. We recognize that Merdeka encapsulates the very essence of our nation. It's a time when we begin to truly appreciate the immense devotion and sacrifice of previous generations, those who fought tirelessly to secure the freedom we now enjoy. The initial, simpler interpretations of our youth give way to a deeper, more nuanced gratitude for the peace and sovereignty we inherit.

While our celebrations may not be as outwardly boisterous as they once were, the spirit of Merdeka remains a powerful, internal force. It's a quiet acknowledgment, a deep-seated appreciation for our nation's journey and the enduring legacy of independence. The true essence of Merdeka, we believe, should reside within our hearts and souls, a constant reminder of the gift of freedom and the responsibilities that come with it.

HAPPY MERDEKA DAY.

TESSA 1 August 2025

Juhaichi

 Death Of A Pet

Yesterday evening, I had to say goodbye to my beloved cat, Juhachi. For fourteen years, he was my steadfast companion. I adopted him from an animal shelter, and he quickly became an irreplaceable part of my life.

Juhachi, whose name means 18, was a magnificent mixed Persian cat. His most striking feature was his beautiful blue fur, a soft, calming color that perfectly reflected his gentle nature. He possessed a handsome, regal bearing, even with his endearing stubborn streaks. Yet, beneath that independent spirit was a heart of pure loyalty. 

He had a way of being present, of knowing when I needed comfort. A quiet purr, a gentle head nudge—these were his ways of showing his unwavering affection. He was a constant, comforting presence in my home.

A few months ago, we learned that Juhachi was battling kidney problems. Despite this, he remained the same loving cat he had always been. We cherished every moment we had left together.

Fourteen years with Juhachi created a lifetime of cherished memories. Every corner of my home holds a piece of him: the warm spot on the couch where he loved to curl up, the sunlit windowsill where he'd watch the world outside, and the memory of his soft, rumbling purr. 

He wasn't just a pet; he was family. Juhachi, my beautiful blue companion, you brought so much joy and love into my life. The void you've left is profound, but the memories we shared will forever be held close to my heart.

Goodbye, my handsome, stubborn, and loyal friend. You will be deeply missed.

Tessa Yusoff

25 Feb 2024

Juhachi: #shortstories #deathofapet #companion #family