My maternal grandfather was a man of very few words. He was extremely dedicated to his family. Although he toiled all his life he never got out of poverty. However during all those years when I was with him I never once heard him complain about the inequality of life. He was poor but was a man with dignity and believed in hard work.
My grandfather had a market stall selling Chinese medicinal tea. At 10 cents a cup he had to sell many to support his large family. It was a constant struggle but the family got by, albeit at most times only just.
In September 1966 after my studies in Kuala Lumpur, it was time for me to leave Malaysia for the United Kingdom. My grandmother was very ill and was hospitalized in Malacca. Before I left for the UK I visited Malacca to say goodbye. I knew then that that would be to last time I would see my grandmother alive. I remember it was a very sad day for me. My grandmother told me to study hard and to return home soon. I promised her that I would complete my study in UK and return to be with her. She had managed to save 40 dollars which she gave me for my journey to UK. It must have been hard for her too. I am sure she knew that she was saying her final farewell to me. I was her eldest grandson and she had much love for me. I was her favorite. Three months after my arrival in London I received news that my dear grandmother had passed away. I will always have fond memories for my dear grandmother. She will always have a special place in my heart.
My studies ended in May 1969. One week after leaving college I got a job with Hunting Surveys as a junior surveyor. My father was not happy for me to start work in UK and insisted that I return to Malaysia. I finally relented and left UK for Malaysia in December 1969. I left UK with a heavy heart. I knew that the one person I cherished ill not be there when I got home. My grandmother was gone and I knew that Malaysia would be empty without her. However, as an obedient son I bowed to my father wish and returned to Segamat my hometown.
As I had expected Segamat was not the same without grandmother. I was restless and unhappy after a month or two. We were still living above the shop and there wasn’t much room for all of us. My siblings were all teenagers and our home was too small for all of us. Finally in March of 1970 I packed my bags and left Segamat for UK again. My poor mother was heart broken and my father was furious. It will be many years later before I visit my home again.
Returning to UK and joining Hunting Surveys again was not an easy decision for me. I had to leave my family. I knew I would miss my loved ones very much, but there was a whole world out there and I had to venture out to see as much of it as possible. I had no money to speak of, so the only way to see the world was to join Hunting Surveys.
My days with Hunting Surveys proved to a long and happy adventure which will be in my later postings.
Wednesday 11 July 2007
My Maternal Grandparents ( part 1 )
Unlike my father, my mother came from a very large family. My maternal grandparents had a total of 10 children 2 of which died during infancy, leaving my mother and 7 siblings. My mother was the eldest of the children followed by 2 uncles, 2 aunts, 2 more uncles and another youngest aunt who was about 3 months older than me. Grandfather was the sole bread winner of the family. My grandmother stayed home bringing up the children and dealing with all family matters.
My mother came from an extremely poor family. With so many mouths to feed my grandfather had to work extremely hard to provide the basic necessities of day to day needs. The older of the children including my mother never had the opportunity to attend school. Schooling was considered a luxury which few could afford. Only the younger uncles and aunts were allowed to attend schools.
My grandfather was a very quiet and patient person. He was hard working and always did his best to provide for the family. His source of income was from selling Chinese medicinal tea from a little stall. Grandmother would boil the tea in 2 large urns each night and grandfather would carry them to his stall each morning. My grandfather’s stall would open each morning at around 9.00 and he would close-up at around 10.00 each night. He would charge 10 cents for each cup of medicinal tea. In those days Segamat was a very small town and I cannot imagine grandfather would sell many cups of his brew in a day. Grandfather would work every day of the week. There were no rest days for him. With so many mouths to feed he had to work extremely hard. I cannot remember grandfather having any days off work, except on Chinese New Year when it is considered inauspicious to work. Poor as he was, grandfather was always generous. I remember sneaking to his stall on some nights to ask grandfather for extra pocket money. My mother if she found out would scold me for been selfish as my grandfather needed every cent to support his family. Grandfather would always give whenever I asked.
Because the family was poor, my grandparents and all their children, except my mother, lived in a very small house on the outskirt of town. I remember the house well and to this day I can still picture vividly the layout of the house. Although the house was small, dark and congested, I remember it with fond memories. Although my maternal grandparents had very little, they were always generous with love. The happiest time of my younger days were spent at my grandparent home.
To supplement the meager income from my grandfather’s tea stall, my grandmother would keep chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys in an enclosure in front of the house. The animals would be let out to wander around the neighbourhood during the day and each night they would be coaxed back into the enclosure with food. Occasionally one of the animals would fail to turn up at night and we would all organize ourselves into search parties to locate the missing animal. It was fun.
Outside at the front of the house were some fruit trees. We claimed ownership of these as they were closest to our front door. I remember climbing these trees for the fruits. We also claimed possession of the single durian tree in the vicinity of the house. Whenever grandmother came into possession of a fruit from the durian tree she would squirrel it away and save it for me when I come to visit. I visit my grandparents’ home almost everyday after school. It was there that I found most happiness.
To be continued………
My mother came from an extremely poor family. With so many mouths to feed my grandfather had to work extremely hard to provide the basic necessities of day to day needs. The older of the children including my mother never had the opportunity to attend school. Schooling was considered a luxury which few could afford. Only the younger uncles and aunts were allowed to attend schools.
My grandfather was a very quiet and patient person. He was hard working and always did his best to provide for the family. His source of income was from selling Chinese medicinal tea from a little stall. Grandmother would boil the tea in 2 large urns each night and grandfather would carry them to his stall each morning. My grandfather’s stall would open each morning at around 9.00 and he would close-up at around 10.00 each night. He would charge 10 cents for each cup of medicinal tea. In those days Segamat was a very small town and I cannot imagine grandfather would sell many cups of his brew in a day. Grandfather would work every day of the week. There were no rest days for him. With so many mouths to feed he had to work extremely hard. I cannot remember grandfather having any days off work, except on Chinese New Year when it is considered inauspicious to work. Poor as he was, grandfather was always generous. I remember sneaking to his stall on some nights to ask grandfather for extra pocket money. My mother if she found out would scold me for been selfish as my grandfather needed every cent to support his family. Grandfather would always give whenever I asked.
Because the family was poor, my grandparents and all their children, except my mother, lived in a very small house on the outskirt of town. I remember the house well and to this day I can still picture vividly the layout of the house. Although the house was small, dark and congested, I remember it with fond memories. Although my maternal grandparents had very little, they were always generous with love. The happiest time of my younger days were spent at my grandparent home.
To supplement the meager income from my grandfather’s tea stall, my grandmother would keep chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys in an enclosure in front of the house. The animals would be let out to wander around the neighbourhood during the day and each night they would be coaxed back into the enclosure with food. Occasionally one of the animals would fail to turn up at night and we would all organize ourselves into search parties to locate the missing animal. It was fun.
Outside at the front of the house were some fruit trees. We claimed ownership of these as they were closest to our front door. I remember climbing these trees for the fruits. We also claimed possession of the single durian tree in the vicinity of the house. Whenever grandmother came into possession of a fruit from the durian tree she would squirrel it away and save it for me when I come to visit. I visit my grandparents’ home almost everyday after school. It was there that I found most happiness.
To be continued………
My Paternal Grandmother
I know very little about my paternal grandmother. The 2 years I was with her in China have become a very vague memory. I was only 2 when I visited her in China and 4 when I left her. It was not until much later when I was in my young teens when she joined us in Segamat. By then she had become very old and because of her bound feet she was practically immobile. I remember my intrigue to see her small distorted feet. It must have given her much discomfort when she walked.
As I have said, I knew very little about my paternal grandmother. I remember her to be grumpy and very demanding. I guess it was just her way of getting attention which she was accustomed to when she was in China where she had servants. I was in my young teen when she joined us from China. I remember I was rebellious where my grandmother was concerned. I was young and too immature to appreciate that she could not help being the way she was. Wish I had been more accommodating.
I spent only a few years living in Segamat with my grandmother. I left Segamat in 1962 when I was 17. After 3 years in Kuala Lumpur I left for the United Kingdom. A year or two after my arrival in the UK I received news of the demise of my grandmother.
My paternal grandmother lived most of her life in China. A large portion of her life must have been rather comfortable with wealth and servants to tend to her every need. The cultural revolution of China was a traumatic period for her. I remember her stories about how she was punished by the Red Army; her crime was our family wealth. It was a relief that she managed to leave China to join us in Segamat. However, Segamat was a foreign land and with strange customs and languages. To this day I am still not convinced that the quality of her life improved after leaving China for Segamat. Maybe she would have been happier if she had remained in China.
As I have said, I knew very little about my paternal grandmother. I remember her to be grumpy and very demanding. I guess it was just her way of getting attention which she was accustomed to when she was in China where she had servants. I was in my young teen when she joined us from China. I remember I was rebellious where my grandmother was concerned. I was young and too immature to appreciate that she could not help being the way she was. Wish I had been more accommodating.
I spent only a few years living in Segamat with my grandmother. I left Segamat in 1962 when I was 17. After 3 years in Kuala Lumpur I left for the United Kingdom. A year or two after my arrival in the UK I received news of the demise of my grandmother.
My paternal grandmother lived most of her life in China. A large portion of her life must have been rather comfortable with wealth and servants to tend to her every need. The cultural revolution of China was a traumatic period for her. I remember her stories about how she was punished by the Red Army; her crime was our family wealth. It was a relief that she managed to leave China to join us in Segamat. However, Segamat was a foreign land and with strange customs and languages. To this day I am still not convinced that the quality of her life improved after leaving China for Segamat. Maybe she would have been happier if she had remained in China.
My Paternal Grandfather
Before I embark on writing about the next phase of my life, I feel that I am at an appropriate juncture where I should write about all those who have touched my life in one way or another. There were those who came into my life fleetingly and there were those who had made great impacts on the outcome of what I am today. I guess the most appropriate approach would be for me to start right at the top of the family tree, well as far up the family tree as I can possibly go.
My earliest memory of my paternal grand parents was when I was in China at the tender age of two. From very vague memory I can still picture our home in Suatow in southern China. It was a big house with a lake in front of the main entrance. The edge of the lake was lined with tall trees. I remember seeing fishermen in their boats catching fish in the lake. By the side of the house there was a lane leading into market and the town. We had courtyards in the house and there was a well from which fresh water was drawn for all household needs.
I come from a long lineage of an educated family in that part of the country. In those days only the educated few could hold official positions in the government. From stories told to me by my father, his grandfather, my great grandfather was a high official in the Chinese provincial government. My grandfather and subsequently my father had the privilege of attending school which few people could afford or allowed in those days. From what I have gathered, my great grandfather was an important person greatly respected. He was a person of wealth owning land and other properties. I was told that our family had people working for us in the rice fields. My grandfather became a teacher, which in those days was an extremely honorable and respected profession.
Life for the family must have been good. My grandmother was a lady of prestige and greatly respected. She had her feet bound as only ladies of great importance would do. We had many servants working in the house and grandmother would be the matriarch of the household.
As the first grandson of the family and the eldest of the next generation, I was indulged and pampered. My grandfather showered all his love on me and gave me the best in everything. Each morning grandfather would parade me proudly along the lane to our local market to buy fish for lunch. Those must have been proud and happy days for him. He would play with me and take me for walks in the courtyards within the house or along the lanes leading into town.
When I left China for Segamat my grandfather came with us. His love for me must have been so strong that he left his beloved country to travel with me to a foreign land. During our days in Segamat, the bond between us grew stronger and I grew to love my grandfather fondly. We continued to have our morning walks to the wet market in Segamat for our fish for lunch. I was told by many that we were famous for our daily market visits.
My grandmother remained in China with my younger brother. This younger brother was her favorite grandson and she insisted he stayed behind to keep her company. I cannot remember much about my paternal grandmother during that period of my life. She would come into my life again when she joined us in Segamat many years later. My days with my grandfather were happy ones. I remember him as a very quiet and soft spoken person. He was gentle and kind and I was happy to be with him.
A few years with me in Segamat and then it was time for grandfather to return to China. I guess I must have missed him when he left, but I cannot remember my sadness. I was told he was not feeling well and had wanted to return to his place of birth. I guess he knew that his days were coming to an end and because he was very Chinese and very traditional, I was told he had wanted to end his days in his country of birth. It must have been a very heart wrenching decision for my grandfather to leave me then, and knowing that he would never see me again.
I must have been 5 or 6 when one night I was told by my mother that my grandfather has passed away peacefully in China. I guess he had his wish to be buried in the place where he was born. I remember him as a great person who loved me and with whom I spent many happy days.
My earliest memory of my paternal grand parents was when I was in China at the tender age of two. From very vague memory I can still picture our home in Suatow in southern China. It was a big house with a lake in front of the main entrance. The edge of the lake was lined with tall trees. I remember seeing fishermen in their boats catching fish in the lake. By the side of the house there was a lane leading into market and the town. We had courtyards in the house and there was a well from which fresh water was drawn for all household needs.
I come from a long lineage of an educated family in that part of the country. In those days only the educated few could hold official positions in the government. From stories told to me by my father, his grandfather, my great grandfather was a high official in the Chinese provincial government. My grandfather and subsequently my father had the privilege of attending school which few people could afford or allowed in those days. From what I have gathered, my great grandfather was an important person greatly respected. He was a person of wealth owning land and other properties. I was told that our family had people working for us in the rice fields. My grandfather became a teacher, which in those days was an extremely honorable and respected profession.
Life for the family must have been good. My grandmother was a lady of prestige and greatly respected. She had her feet bound as only ladies of great importance would do. We had many servants working in the house and grandmother would be the matriarch of the household.
As the first grandson of the family and the eldest of the next generation, I was indulged and pampered. My grandfather showered all his love on me and gave me the best in everything. Each morning grandfather would parade me proudly along the lane to our local market to buy fish for lunch. Those must have been proud and happy days for him. He would play with me and take me for walks in the courtyards within the house or along the lanes leading into town.
When I left China for Segamat my grandfather came with us. His love for me must have been so strong that he left his beloved country to travel with me to a foreign land. During our days in Segamat, the bond between us grew stronger and I grew to love my grandfather fondly. We continued to have our morning walks to the wet market in Segamat for our fish for lunch. I was told by many that we were famous for our daily market visits.
My grandmother remained in China with my younger brother. This younger brother was her favorite grandson and she insisted he stayed behind to keep her company. I cannot remember much about my paternal grandmother during that period of my life. She would come into my life again when she joined us in Segamat many years later. My days with my grandfather were happy ones. I remember him as a very quiet and soft spoken person. He was gentle and kind and I was happy to be with him.
A few years with me in Segamat and then it was time for grandfather to return to China. I guess I must have missed him when he left, but I cannot remember my sadness. I was told he was not feeling well and had wanted to return to his place of birth. I guess he knew that his days were coming to an end and because he was very Chinese and very traditional, I was told he had wanted to end his days in his country of birth. It must have been a very heart wrenching decision for my grandfather to leave me then, and knowing that he would never see me again.
I must have been 5 or 6 when one night I was told by my mother that my grandfather has passed away peacefully in China. I guess he had his wish to be buried in the place where he was born. I remember him as a great person who loved me and with whom I spent many happy days.
Childhood 1958 – 1962 ( part 2 )
These were the years when I was most active. I was not a very good athlete at school and neither was I good at games. Unlike my younger brothers who were very active in sports. Academically I was very average. In a class of 30 I would rank 6th or 7th. I was never as good in class or in sports as my younger brothers. All in all, I was a pretty average boy in school.
Our school was a coed school. We had almost equal number of boys as we had girls in our class. School was always fun. I had no problem with school work and always found myself quite happy to attend classes. A school day would start at 7.0 am and end at 1.30 pm with an hour break. We would congregate each morning and cycled in groups to school and the same would happen on the way home. Break time each day would be taken up by a visit to the tuck shop and then the rest of the time would be devoted to football. Football in those early years would be just kicking a tennis ball around the field. As we got older we were then allowed a proper size football.
Some time during those years, I think it was when I was around 14 years of age, my parents enrolled me to attend the local Chinese school in the afternoon. So each day after my attendance at the English school, I had to proceed to the Chinese school. Fortunately the Chinese school was next door to our home and after a quick lunch after my morning classes I would cross the road to my Chinese lessons. I think I had about 3 years of Chinese education from which I mastered the very basic Chinese text and some spoken Mandarin. Over the years, because of non-usage I have much forgotten both the Chinese text and spoken Mandarin.
By the time I was in my early teens, my father’s business was doing relatively well. We were comfortable but we continued to reside in that very small space above the shop. There were a total of 12 people living in an area of approximately 45 ft x 25 ft. none of us had a space of our own. It was all communal space and we had all to sleep on the floor on straw mats.
My most vivid memories of those days were the constant quarrels between my mother and my elder mother, my father’s first wife from China. As children we did not fully understand the reason for the conflict, neither did we know the politic that went on in the house. Looking back I am still not too certain what went on then. I vaguely remember my mother’s anguish when things did not go the way she wanted. There were also quarrels between siblings. My parents were very strict with us on that. Whenever we quarreled they would cane both parties. I can still remember the many occasions when I was beaten.
I believe the main reason for the constant bickering between my two mothers and between siblings was the confine space we were in. I do not think we had a very happy home. However, that was all we had and we had to make do. I remember my greatest desire then was to leave home as soon as I was able to. You can say I was finding that I needed a space of my own. I grew up without ever owning a space I could call my own.
Finally the day came when I finished school in Segamat and my opportunity to leave home. That day started the next chapter in my life. I was finally able to leave that house I grew up in. I had a tinge of regret but at the same time I was glad I could get away. My greatest regret was that I had to part with my maternal grandmother. I knew I would miss her, even more than I would my parents.
I was 17 then and the world was waiting. I left home and started the next phase of my life.
Our school was a coed school. We had almost equal number of boys as we had girls in our class. School was always fun. I had no problem with school work and always found myself quite happy to attend classes. A school day would start at 7.0 am and end at 1.30 pm with an hour break. We would congregate each morning and cycled in groups to school and the same would happen on the way home. Break time each day would be taken up by a visit to the tuck shop and then the rest of the time would be devoted to football. Football in those early years would be just kicking a tennis ball around the field. As we got older we were then allowed a proper size football.
Some time during those years, I think it was when I was around 14 years of age, my parents enrolled me to attend the local Chinese school in the afternoon. So each day after my attendance at the English school, I had to proceed to the Chinese school. Fortunately the Chinese school was next door to our home and after a quick lunch after my morning classes I would cross the road to my Chinese lessons. I think I had about 3 years of Chinese education from which I mastered the very basic Chinese text and some spoken Mandarin. Over the years, because of non-usage I have much forgotten both the Chinese text and spoken Mandarin.
By the time I was in my early teens, my father’s business was doing relatively well. We were comfortable but we continued to reside in that very small space above the shop. There were a total of 12 people living in an area of approximately 45 ft x 25 ft. none of us had a space of our own. It was all communal space and we had all to sleep on the floor on straw mats.
My most vivid memories of those days were the constant quarrels between my mother and my elder mother, my father’s first wife from China. As children we did not fully understand the reason for the conflict, neither did we know the politic that went on in the house. Looking back I am still not too certain what went on then. I vaguely remember my mother’s anguish when things did not go the way she wanted. There were also quarrels between siblings. My parents were very strict with us on that. Whenever we quarreled they would cane both parties. I can still remember the many occasions when I was beaten.
I believe the main reason for the constant bickering between my two mothers and between siblings was the confine space we were in. I do not think we had a very happy home. However, that was all we had and we had to make do. I remember my greatest desire then was to leave home as soon as I was able to. You can say I was finding that I needed a space of my own. I grew up without ever owning a space I could call my own.
Finally the day came when I finished school in Segamat and my opportunity to leave home. That day started the next chapter in my life. I was finally able to leave that house I grew up in. I had a tinge of regret but at the same time I was glad I could get away. My greatest regret was that I had to part with my maternal grandmother. I knew I would miss her, even more than I would my parents.
I was 17 then and the world was waiting. I left home and started the next phase of my life.
Chinese New Year Celebrations of Yesteryears
I am interrupting the sequence of my blog with this posting because tomorrow is the Lunar New Year. It will be the year of the Golden Pig, a very important time for the Chinese. The next such event will be in another 60 years. I will definitely not be around to see that event. I think Chinese New Year is the time of the year when the family get together to renew bonds and show respect. It is a time of goodwill, forgiveness, compassion and above all love.
As far as I can remember, Chinese New Year celebrations were the best few days in the year. There was always plenty to eat and drink. We had new clothes and plenty of “ ang pow “ money. I mother sew all our clothes in those days. Off the pegs clothes were too expensive and as there were quite a few of us, I guess it was cheaper to sew our own. It was traditional for all of us to have new clothes and shoes for the New Year celebration.
Chinese New Year celebrations usually lasted three full days. Our stores were closed for business and it was traditional to spend a great part of the day at the gambling tables. With plenty of money from our “ ang pows “ we could afford to gamble, buy our favorite snacks and practically stayed up as late as we desired. In fact we could virtually do anything. It is a Chinese tradition that one does not scold or beat a child during this festive period. I guess we as children knew about this and took liberty wherever and whenever we could.
During my younger days Chinese New Year periods were the only time when we were allowed firecrackers. We had sparklers too, but firecrackers were our favorite. Sleep was almost impossible during the three festive days. I can safely say that Chinese New Year celebrations were the happiest time of my year.
I cannot remember much about the New Year celebrations when I was very little. However, the memories of later celebrations are all good. The last of my New Year celebration at home in Segamat was in 1966. After 1966 I have never again returned home for the Chinese New Year celebration. Each year on the morning of new year’s day I would telephone home to wish mother a Happy New Year.
Will I ever return to Segamat to celebrate another Chinese New Year? I would love to do that soon. However, I paid a visit to Segamat last week to deliver an ang pow to elder mother. I do remember her on her birthdays and on Chinese New Year.
As far as I can remember, Chinese New Year celebrations were the best few days in the year. There was always plenty to eat and drink. We had new clothes and plenty of “ ang pow “ money. I mother sew all our clothes in those days. Off the pegs clothes were too expensive and as there were quite a few of us, I guess it was cheaper to sew our own. It was traditional for all of us to have new clothes and shoes for the New Year celebration.
Chinese New Year celebrations usually lasted three full days. Our stores were closed for business and it was traditional to spend a great part of the day at the gambling tables. With plenty of money from our “ ang pows “ we could afford to gamble, buy our favorite snacks and practically stayed up as late as we desired. In fact we could virtually do anything. It is a Chinese tradition that one does not scold or beat a child during this festive period. I guess we as children knew about this and took liberty wherever and whenever we could.
During my younger days Chinese New Year periods were the only time when we were allowed firecrackers. We had sparklers too, but firecrackers were our favorite. Sleep was almost impossible during the three festive days. I can safely say that Chinese New Year celebrations were the happiest time of my year.
I cannot remember much about the New Year celebrations when I was very little. However, the memories of later celebrations are all good. The last of my New Year celebration at home in Segamat was in 1966. After 1966 I have never again returned home for the Chinese New Year celebration. Each year on the morning of new year’s day I would telephone home to wish mother a Happy New Year.
Will I ever return to Segamat to celebrate another Chinese New Year? I would love to do that soon. However, I paid a visit to Segamat last week to deliver an ang pow to elder mother. I do remember her on her birthdays and on Chinese New Year.
Childhood 1958-1962 ( part 1 )
These are my formative years. Having spent 6 years in primary school and having passed the entrance examinations at the end of that period, I was allowed to start my secondary school Form 1 to 5. From the time I was in Form 1 my mother had stopped bringing my food to school. I was given 20 cents as pocket money. This amount was enough to buy me a small plate of noodles and a small drink of orange squash. I remember most of my friends had much better allowances than mine. However, that was what my parents decided to give and that was what I received. There wasn’t any addition to this amount. If I wanted to watch a movie I had to save my daily pocket money until I had enough for the ticket. There were many occasions when I did not have enough money, either for the cinema or for going out with friends. My beloved grandmother would always come to the rescue. Poor as she was, she always had money for me. She would sneak me extra cash without my parents’ knowledge. My parents did not allow us to receive any extra cash from our grandparents. Another source of extra pocket money was from my maternal grandfather. Some evening I would visit my grandfather at his medicinal tea stall and ask for extra pocket money. Whenever mother found out about the supplementary pocket money from grandparents I would always get reprimanded.
When I was 14 years of age my grandfather gave me a very old rickety bicycle. It was a small bicycle and not in very good condition. By then most of my classmates were cycling to school. I was glad for the bike albeit it was old and falling apart. My memories of my first bicycle are mainly good ones except the accident I had with a car. It was then that I broke my 4 front teeth and a gashing wound on my left shin. The wound on my shin got infected so badly that I had a near miss of having my left leg amputated because of gangrene. I was lucky an English nurse at the local hospital took charge and dress the wound daily and with antibiotics we manage to save the leg. Apart from a few minor scraps and scratches I had a good time with the bike. I remember cycling with some friends all the way to Gemas, a good 18 miles away along the main trunk road to watch The Ten Commandments. I remember the beating I got when we got back.
I guess it was a normal thing to do in those days. The cane was never spared because it was believed that it was better that than having a spoilt child. There were many things that would result in a beating. The first that comes to mind was bad examination results. Report card days were very stressful indeed. Other forbidden things such as fighting in school, late for supper, fighting with siblings, truancy would also result in caning. I guess that was the way children were educated then. With all the beatings I had during my young days, I had never held any grudge toward my parents. That was the only way they knew and I like to believe they did it out of love and the desire that I should turn out well.
The family was getting larger. There were our parents with a total of five boys and a sister plus a cousin living in that tiny flat above the shop house. I cannot remember exactly when my paternal grandmother, my brother and my elder mother came from China to join us. The storeroom was made into another bedroom for my elder mother and a little enclosure was created using a curtain for my paternal grandmother. All together there were 12 of us, all living in a very small apartment. Life became very complicated. My father with 2 wives living under the same roof with children from both wives and a mother-in-law to boot. There were constant quarrels and arguments. It was a very tense situation. My mother, by nature, very domineering had the upper hand most of the time. As children we were quite ignorant on the politics that went on in the house. I can remember the quarrels between both my mothers with father siding with my mother on most occasions. There were times when it was better to stay out of the house to avoid the conflict.
On the whole it was a pretty good time growing up with my family in Segamat. I had my grand parents, parents, siblings and school friends. Life was complicated at times but looking back it was not too bad at all.
When I was 14 years of age my grandfather gave me a very old rickety bicycle. It was a small bicycle and not in very good condition. By then most of my classmates were cycling to school. I was glad for the bike albeit it was old and falling apart. My memories of my first bicycle are mainly good ones except the accident I had with a car. It was then that I broke my 4 front teeth and a gashing wound on my left shin. The wound on my shin got infected so badly that I had a near miss of having my left leg amputated because of gangrene. I was lucky an English nurse at the local hospital took charge and dress the wound daily and with antibiotics we manage to save the leg. Apart from a few minor scraps and scratches I had a good time with the bike. I remember cycling with some friends all the way to Gemas, a good 18 miles away along the main trunk road to watch The Ten Commandments. I remember the beating I got when we got back.
I guess it was a normal thing to do in those days. The cane was never spared because it was believed that it was better that than having a spoilt child. There were many things that would result in a beating. The first that comes to mind was bad examination results. Report card days were very stressful indeed. Other forbidden things such as fighting in school, late for supper, fighting with siblings, truancy would also result in caning. I guess that was the way children were educated then. With all the beatings I had during my young days, I had never held any grudge toward my parents. That was the only way they knew and I like to believe they did it out of love and the desire that I should turn out well.
The family was getting larger. There were our parents with a total of five boys and a sister plus a cousin living in that tiny flat above the shop house. I cannot remember exactly when my paternal grandmother, my brother and my elder mother came from China to join us. The storeroom was made into another bedroom for my elder mother and a little enclosure was created using a curtain for my paternal grandmother. All together there were 12 of us, all living in a very small apartment. Life became very complicated. My father with 2 wives living under the same roof with children from both wives and a mother-in-law to boot. There were constant quarrels and arguments. It was a very tense situation. My mother, by nature, very domineering had the upper hand most of the time. As children we were quite ignorant on the politics that went on in the house. I can remember the quarrels between both my mothers with father siding with my mother on most occasions. There were times when it was better to stay out of the house to avoid the conflict.
On the whole it was a pretty good time growing up with my family in Segamat. I had my grand parents, parents, siblings and school friends. Life was complicated at times but looking back it was not too bad at all.
Childhood 1952 - 1957
These were my primary school years. Trishaw to school and trishaw home. Mother walking to school each day with my home cooked food. School hours were from 7.30 am to around 1.30 pm. We would return to school in the afternoon for sports or other school activities. Those were happy days.
Life at home was comfortable. I was well cared for. Paternal grandfather was around, maternal grandmother was affectionate and I felt safe. By then there were three of us me and my two younger brothers. My mother and one of her sisters decided that they would become seamstresses. For that they had to attend a 6 months course in Singapore. While my mother was away in Singapore I was left in the charge of my grandmother. I can still remember those days. Grandmother would persuade me to wake up each morning for school. I can still recall the days when I would refuse to get up or refused to attend school. My grandmother would patiently coax and bribed me to go to school. I remember there were occasions when I failed to attend school. My father would find out sooner or later and I would end up being caned. After the thrashings my grandmother, with tears in her eyes would apply ointment to the cane marks. That was the way my life was in those days, loved by some and disciplined harshly by others.
I must briefly describe our living accommodation which will help explain the way of life. Although grandmother spent considerable amount of time with us during the day, she did not live with us, as she had her own home not too far away. Above each of the two grocery shops were living quarters, one for each of the partners of the business. In ours the total living area must have been approximately 45 ft x 25 ft. there were 2 rooms one for my parents and the other used for storage. There was a small dining area and there was another small area where we slept, studied or played. At this point in time there was me and my two younger brothers and my sister. In addition, we had one of our girl cousins living with us supposedly to keep my only sister company. We all grew up sleeping on the floor of the play-study room on straw mats that we spread out each night and rolled up during the day. There was a communal cupboard where we kept our clothes with a drawer each for our bits and pieces. As the family grew, we had to squeeze tighter because we never did move to larger accommodation. In fact until I left home at the age of 17, I never did possess a space to call my own in that home of mine. I slept on a mat on the floor with all the other siblings all the time I lived there. Anyway, between the ages of 7 and 12, I guess I did not really need any privacy. Life was simple and undemanding.
Mother and her sister had started sewing dresses for the English ladies in Segamat. They would bring to mother cloth from England and mother would sew them whatever dresses they desired. Grandmother would come over to help with the buttons and that is how I remember our home each day I returned from school – mother at the sewing machine and grandmother nearby helping with the buttons. My father’s sister, my aunt would occasionally come over to our home and help with the sewing and for the family gossip.
Sometime during these blissful years my paternal grandfather returned to China. According to my mother he was feeling unwell and he knew that his life was coming to an end. Being very “Chinese” my grandfather did not wish to spend his last days in Malaya. He wanted to be buried in his home country. He left Malaya knowing that he was never going to see us again. Must have been very heartbreaking for him to part with me. I was too young to realise how hard it must have been for him. Very soon after he arrived in China, we received news that he had passed away peacefully. I can still remember the moment when my mother broke the sad news to me. It was night; I was out playing with neighbours when I was summoned home. When I got home I saw mother weeping at the meal table. She told me that grandfather had passed away. I remember I did not feel any sadness then. I did not even realise that I would never see my grandfather ever again. Guess I was too young to appreciate and to feel my loss.
Life at home was comfortable. I was well cared for. Paternal grandfather was around, maternal grandmother was affectionate and I felt safe. By then there were three of us me and my two younger brothers. My mother and one of her sisters decided that they would become seamstresses. For that they had to attend a 6 months course in Singapore. While my mother was away in Singapore I was left in the charge of my grandmother. I can still remember those days. Grandmother would persuade me to wake up each morning for school. I can still recall the days when I would refuse to get up or refused to attend school. My grandmother would patiently coax and bribed me to go to school. I remember there were occasions when I failed to attend school. My father would find out sooner or later and I would end up being caned. After the thrashings my grandmother, with tears in her eyes would apply ointment to the cane marks. That was the way my life was in those days, loved by some and disciplined harshly by others.
I must briefly describe our living accommodation which will help explain the way of life. Although grandmother spent considerable amount of time with us during the day, she did not live with us, as she had her own home not too far away. Above each of the two grocery shops were living quarters, one for each of the partners of the business. In ours the total living area must have been approximately 45 ft x 25 ft. there were 2 rooms one for my parents and the other used for storage. There was a small dining area and there was another small area where we slept, studied or played. At this point in time there was me and my two younger brothers and my sister. In addition, we had one of our girl cousins living with us supposedly to keep my only sister company. We all grew up sleeping on the floor of the play-study room on straw mats that we spread out each night and rolled up during the day. There was a communal cupboard where we kept our clothes with a drawer each for our bits and pieces. As the family grew, we had to squeeze tighter because we never did move to larger accommodation. In fact until I left home at the age of 17, I never did possess a space to call my own in that home of mine. I slept on a mat on the floor with all the other siblings all the time I lived there. Anyway, between the ages of 7 and 12, I guess I did not really need any privacy. Life was simple and undemanding.
Mother and her sister had started sewing dresses for the English ladies in Segamat. They would bring to mother cloth from England and mother would sew them whatever dresses they desired. Grandmother would come over to help with the buttons and that is how I remember our home each day I returned from school – mother at the sewing machine and grandmother nearby helping with the buttons. My father’s sister, my aunt would occasionally come over to our home and help with the sewing and for the family gossip.
Sometime during these blissful years my paternal grandfather returned to China. According to my mother he was feeling unwell and he knew that his life was coming to an end. Being very “Chinese” my grandfather did not wish to spend his last days in Malaya. He wanted to be buried in his home country. He left Malaya knowing that he was never going to see us again. Must have been very heartbreaking for him to part with me. I was too young to realise how hard it must have been for him. Very soon after he arrived in China, we received news that he had passed away peacefully. I can still remember the moment when my mother broke the sad news to me. It was night; I was out playing with neighbours when I was summoned home. When I got home I saw mother weeping at the meal table. She told me that grandfather had passed away. I remember I did not feel any sadness then. I did not even realise that I would never see my grandfather ever again. Guess I was too young to appreciate and to feel my loss.
Growing Up and School Days
It must have been a great shock to the system when I had to start school at six years of age. I can still clearly recall my very first day in school. For some reason my maternal grandfather had to take me to the school on the first day. I remember it was a very frightening experience and I would not allow my grandfather to leave the school. He had to stand where I could see him and I would not let him out of my sight. Thus started my school days in Segamat which will last for another 12 years.
The first school I attended was only about 10 minutes walk from home. Each morning someone would walk me there and returned to fetch me at 12.30 pm. I cannot remember much about this school as I was only six but I can vaguely remember the classrooms where we were taught our numbers and the alphabets. I cannot remember any of my classmates from this school. My first year at this school was to prepare me for the “big” school where I was to spend the next 11 years of my school days.
The “big” school was about 3 kilometers from our home. When I started at that school my parents did not possess any transportation. Instead of walking me to school each day and walking me home at 1.30pm when school was over, my parents hired a trishaw to transport me and the son of my father’s business partner to and fro each day.
A school day was split into 2 halves. At 11.00 am each day we would have our “intervals”. All the other pupils would have their time at the tuck shop where they would buy their snacks and drinks. My mother had different ideas regarding tuck shop meals. She would not allow me to buy snacks and drinks from the tuck shop. Instead she would walk all the way to school with home prepared food and drinks for me. I can still remember our daily routine, sitting under the large trees in front of the school eating my meals. I guess it was like our daily picnic. That did not bother me much when I was very young, but when I was a little older it became quite embarrassing. I cannot remember when this ritual ended but I am sure I was quite relieved when it did. My mother, bless her, must have done that out of love for me. I can imagine it must have been quite tedious for her to walk the 3 kilometers rain of shine, to school and back each day with my meal. I have never doubted the love my mother had for me, even during those years when we were apart for long stretches of time.
Primary school days were full of happiness and fun. After school each day neighbourhood children would congregate and play games. The games we played were very simple by today’s standard. Suffice to say that my childhood, growing up in a small town like Segamat was good. I can only remember the happiness and fun I had. I am sure there were unhappiness and traumatic events during my growing up days, but surprisingly I can only remember very few of them.
The first school I attended was only about 10 minutes walk from home. Each morning someone would walk me there and returned to fetch me at 12.30 pm. I cannot remember much about this school as I was only six but I can vaguely remember the classrooms where we were taught our numbers and the alphabets. I cannot remember any of my classmates from this school. My first year at this school was to prepare me for the “big” school where I was to spend the next 11 years of my school days.
The “big” school was about 3 kilometers from our home. When I started at that school my parents did not possess any transportation. Instead of walking me to school each day and walking me home at 1.30pm when school was over, my parents hired a trishaw to transport me and the son of my father’s business partner to and fro each day.
A school day was split into 2 halves. At 11.00 am each day we would have our “intervals”. All the other pupils would have their time at the tuck shop where they would buy their snacks and drinks. My mother had different ideas regarding tuck shop meals. She would not allow me to buy snacks and drinks from the tuck shop. Instead she would walk all the way to school with home prepared food and drinks for me. I can still remember our daily routine, sitting under the large trees in front of the school eating my meals. I guess it was like our daily picnic. That did not bother me much when I was very young, but when I was a little older it became quite embarrassing. I cannot remember when this ritual ended but I am sure I was quite relieved when it did. My mother, bless her, must have done that out of love for me. I can imagine it must have been quite tedious for her to walk the 3 kilometers rain of shine, to school and back each day with my meal. I have never doubted the love my mother had for me, even during those years when we were apart for long stretches of time.
Primary school days were full of happiness and fun. After school each day neighbourhood children would congregate and play games. The games we played were very simple by today’s standard. Suffice to say that my childhood, growing up in a small town like Segamat was good. I can only remember the happiness and fun I had. I am sure there were unhappiness and traumatic events during my growing up days, but surprisingly I can only remember very few of them.
Carefree Pre-school Days in Segamat
When it was time for me to leave China, my paternal grandfather decided he would return to Malaya with me. I guess the bond between us must have been strong to make him decide he would leave the comfort of his home in China for a new and unfamiliar life in Malaya. My father, mother, grandfather and I sailed to Malaya, leaving my brother in China with my paternal grandmother.
By now I was four years old and I was beginning to appreciate and understand my surroundings. I can remember my morning walks with my grandfather to the local wet market where we would buy something nice for lunch and dinner. My grandfather was a very well educated person. My father’s business was flourishing and my grandfather helped the business keeping books and doing the accounts.
During the day I was under the watchful eyes of my maternal grandmother. Two years away from her had not diminished her love for me. She was ever so patient and loving. I can still picture her in my mind, walking towards our house carrying whatever she had purchased from the wet market. I would run up to her and helped her with her load. Grandmother and I were happy in each other’s company. She was happy with me because she had great love for me, I was happy with her because I could get whatever I wanted from her.
My maternal grandfather played a very small part in my growing up. He was always working at his stall sell Chinese medicinal tea. Being poor and with a large family to support I guessed he had very little time for his grandchildren. Even at that very tender age I always knew he loved me. I shall write about that later in my blog.
Segamat was a very small town. There were only about a total of a dozen streets in our town. I cannot remember when it happened. My father took on a partner in his grocery business and then there was an adjacent store adjoining ours. My father’s partner had his family living above the adjoining store, just as we were above ours.
Life must have been quite good for us during those tender years. We had no responsibility other than to behaved ourselves and not create too much commotion that we disturb the business of the stores. Although our place of residence was small and overcrowded, that did not seem to matter much. All we needed was a place to sleep at night and three square meals. The whole of the store was a playground. Father was into wholesale then and we would have the back of the stores, the accommodation quarters upstairs fully stocked with goods for sale. Our favourite game was hide and seek. We would climb over sacks of rice and flour, hide between boxes of tinned foodstuff or between crates of beer and soft drinks. Those pre-school days were full of fun. It was playtime from morning till dusk, only stopping for meals and bedtime.
This carefree period lasted until I was 6 years old when I started school at the local English Public School. One year at this school and then I was transferred to the Government English School for my primary education.
I will post about that period of my life next.
By now I was four years old and I was beginning to appreciate and understand my surroundings. I can remember my morning walks with my grandfather to the local wet market where we would buy something nice for lunch and dinner. My grandfather was a very well educated person. My father’s business was flourishing and my grandfather helped the business keeping books and doing the accounts.
During the day I was under the watchful eyes of my maternal grandmother. Two years away from her had not diminished her love for me. She was ever so patient and loving. I can still picture her in my mind, walking towards our house carrying whatever she had purchased from the wet market. I would run up to her and helped her with her load. Grandmother and I were happy in each other’s company. She was happy with me because she had great love for me, I was happy with her because I could get whatever I wanted from her.
My maternal grandfather played a very small part in my growing up. He was always working at his stall sell Chinese medicinal tea. Being poor and with a large family to support I guessed he had very little time for his grandchildren. Even at that very tender age I always knew he loved me. I shall write about that later in my blog.
Segamat was a very small town. There were only about a total of a dozen streets in our town. I cannot remember when it happened. My father took on a partner in his grocery business and then there was an adjacent store adjoining ours. My father’s partner had his family living above the adjoining store, just as we were above ours.
Life must have been quite good for us during those tender years. We had no responsibility other than to behaved ourselves and not create too much commotion that we disturb the business of the stores. Although our place of residence was small and overcrowded, that did not seem to matter much. All we needed was a place to sleep at night and three square meals. The whole of the store was a playground. Father was into wholesale then and we would have the back of the stores, the accommodation quarters upstairs fully stocked with goods for sale. Our favourite game was hide and seek. We would climb over sacks of rice and flour, hide between boxes of tinned foodstuff or between crates of beer and soft drinks. Those pre-school days were full of fun. It was playtime from morning till dusk, only stopping for meals and bedtime.
This carefree period lasted until I was 6 years old when I started school at the local English Public School. One year at this school and then I was transferred to the Government English School for my primary education.
I will post about that period of my life next.
My Two Years in China
I left Malaya and my beloved maternal grandmother when I was two years old. My departure from Segamat must have broken her heart. I was too young to understand that, but looking back and knowing now how much I meant to her, I can imagine how sad she must have been to see me leave for China.
I have very vague memories of my two years in China. At the very young age of two I guess it made very little difference where I was. I probably did not appreciate the difference between the home in Malaya and the new home in China. I cannot even remember if I missed the kind face of my maternal grandmother I left behind. When I got to China I immediately acquired a new set of grandparents, my paternal grandparents. By Chinese standard my father came from a very small family. My father had only one younger sister. Like my father she too left China for a life in Malaya. She too got married in Malaya and made her home first in Seremban and later in Segamat.
Compared to Segamat, my life in China was decidedly more comfortable. In our new home in China we had servants to tend to most of our needs. The house we lived in was larger compared to the cramp shop house in Segamat. I can still remember our village in China. There was a large lake just across the front gate of our house. There were tall tree on the bank of the lake and I can remember fishing boats in the lake. The front door into the house was round. From the front door, just inside the house there was a large courtyard. On the other side of the courtyard there were some steps to another door. Inside this second door was another smaller yard with doors leading to the kitchen, the main house and to some other rooms. I cannot clearly remember the layout of the whole house but I can always visualize that little narrow lane at the back of the house where I played my childhood games. To the right of the house just outside the front door, was a road leading to the market. I can still remember walking along this road to the market with my paternal grandfather. Each morning grandfather and I would walk into the market to buy a fish for my lunch and dinner. I was much loved by my paternal grandfather.
During the two years in China my mother gave birth to one of my brothers. Just as I was the apple of my grandfather’s eye, this brother of mine was the love of my grandmother’s life. I guess life in China was pretty good for us. I cannot recall any sadness or any distressing event during the two years.
At the age of four my mother, father, paternal grandfather returned to Malaya leaving my brother in China on the insistence of my grandmother.
At four years of age, back into the loving care of my maternal grandmother in Segamat and the continuing affection from my grandfather, life was very good for me. I was beginning to appreciate my blissful existence.
I have very vague memories of my two years in China. At the very young age of two I guess it made very little difference where I was. I probably did not appreciate the difference between the home in Malaya and the new home in China. I cannot even remember if I missed the kind face of my maternal grandmother I left behind. When I got to China I immediately acquired a new set of grandparents, my paternal grandparents. By Chinese standard my father came from a very small family. My father had only one younger sister. Like my father she too left China for a life in Malaya. She too got married in Malaya and made her home first in Seremban and later in Segamat.
Compared to Segamat, my life in China was decidedly more comfortable. In our new home in China we had servants to tend to most of our needs. The house we lived in was larger compared to the cramp shop house in Segamat. I can still remember our village in China. There was a large lake just across the front gate of our house. There were tall tree on the bank of the lake and I can remember fishing boats in the lake. The front door into the house was round. From the front door, just inside the house there was a large courtyard. On the other side of the courtyard there were some steps to another door. Inside this second door was another smaller yard with doors leading to the kitchen, the main house and to some other rooms. I cannot clearly remember the layout of the whole house but I can always visualize that little narrow lane at the back of the house where I played my childhood games. To the right of the house just outside the front door, was a road leading to the market. I can still remember walking along this road to the market with my paternal grandfather. Each morning grandfather and I would walk into the market to buy a fish for my lunch and dinner. I was much loved by my paternal grandfather.
During the two years in China my mother gave birth to one of my brothers. Just as I was the apple of my grandfather’s eye, this brother of mine was the love of my grandmother’s life. I guess life in China was pretty good for us. I cannot recall any sadness or any distressing event during the two years.
At the age of four my mother, father, paternal grandfather returned to Malaya leaving my brother in China on the insistence of my grandmother.
At four years of age, back into the loving care of my maternal grandmother in Segamat and the continuing affection from my grandfather, life was very good for me. I was beginning to appreciate my blissful existence.
Babyhood to Two
V-J Day on August 15 1945 ended the Second World War. By then I was nearly one year old. I was under the watchful and very experienced care of my maternal grandmother. I must at point write about my mother’s family. My mother was the eldest of eight children, with four brothers and three sisters. My grandfather had a small push cart from which he sold Chinese herbal tea for a living. My mother’s family was extremely poor. My grandfather was the sole breadwinner of the family supporting a very large family. Education for the children must have been prohibitively expensive. My mother and most of my uncles and aunts had minimal education. Whatever education my grandfather could afford to provide for his children was to send them to the local Chinese school. Only one of my uncles, the third uncle, was educated in English.
My grandparents and his family lived in a small single storey terrace house in the outskirt of town. There were 3 small rooms in the house with a yard consisting of the kitchen, washing area and the eating area. It was a very small house indeed. In spite of the very cramp living conditions I can remember many happy and wonderful days spent in that house. My grandmother had a little enclosure in front of the house. In the enclosure she kept her chicken, ducks and geese. In front of the house I remember there was a durian tree, a mangoesteen tree and a little further away there was a jumbu tree. I can remember many happy days climbing those trees for their fruits.
My mother passed away in 1995 after a period of illness. As I have mentioned mother was the eldest with 7 siblings. From the eldest to the youngest, there was mother, two brothers, two sisters, another two brothers and finally a sister a few months older than myself. The older two brothers got into the jungle clearing business as soon as they were old enough. Being weather dependent, the business was never good enough to get them out of poverty but they got by and were able to raise families of their own. They are now both deceased, leaving children and grandchildren some still residing in Segamat, but the majority of their descendents living in cities all over Malaysia. The older two of mother’s three sisters are both alive, one living in Singapore and the other with her family in New Zealand. Unfortunate my youngest aunt, mother’s youngest sister passed away a few years ago in Johor Baru. Mother’s two youngest brothers are both well, one in Singapore and the other, with his family in Perth Australia. A few of my mother’s siblings have done well, while there are some who have not. I guess that is life, some will make good while others will not.
Now back to my life. I, being the first grand child of both sets of grandparents was loved and very pampered. Nothing was too good for me. The choicest parts of everything were squirreled away and reserved for me. I was indeed spoilt and I can still vaguely remember the tantrums I threw when I did not get my way. My maternal grandmother, bless her, was ever so patient and loving, always coaxing and pleading to calm and pacify me. With eight children of her own to care for, my grandmother took on the additional burden of caring for me. She was a very capable lady and to this day I have the highest admiration for her patience, her love and her strength through those very difficult years.
The first two years of my life were spent in Segamat with my maternal grandparents and my uncles and aunts. I cannot write too much about these two year period because I do not have any recollection. Just suffice to say that from stories my parents and grandparents told, I was happy and well cared for. By the time of my second birthday, the Japanese occupation forces have left and we were back to being a British Colony again. I guess things must have got back to a semblance of normality.
From the age of two to four my parents brought me to live in China with my paternal grandparents and my EM. The following two years of my life will be in my nest post.
My grandparents and his family lived in a small single storey terrace house in the outskirt of town. There were 3 small rooms in the house with a yard consisting of the kitchen, washing area and the eating area. It was a very small house indeed. In spite of the very cramp living conditions I can remember many happy and wonderful days spent in that house. My grandmother had a little enclosure in front of the house. In the enclosure she kept her chicken, ducks and geese. In front of the house I remember there was a durian tree, a mangoesteen tree and a little further away there was a jumbu tree. I can remember many happy days climbing those trees for their fruits.
My mother passed away in 1995 after a period of illness. As I have mentioned mother was the eldest with 7 siblings. From the eldest to the youngest, there was mother, two brothers, two sisters, another two brothers and finally a sister a few months older than myself. The older two brothers got into the jungle clearing business as soon as they were old enough. Being weather dependent, the business was never good enough to get them out of poverty but they got by and were able to raise families of their own. They are now both deceased, leaving children and grandchildren some still residing in Segamat, but the majority of their descendents living in cities all over Malaysia. The older two of mother’s three sisters are both alive, one living in Singapore and the other with her family in New Zealand. Unfortunate my youngest aunt, mother’s youngest sister passed away a few years ago in Johor Baru. Mother’s two youngest brothers are both well, one in Singapore and the other, with his family in Perth Australia. A few of my mother’s siblings have done well, while there are some who have not. I guess that is life, some will make good while others will not.
Now back to my life. I, being the first grand child of both sets of grandparents was loved and very pampered. Nothing was too good for me. The choicest parts of everything were squirreled away and reserved for me. I was indeed spoilt and I can still vaguely remember the tantrums I threw when I did not get my way. My maternal grandmother, bless her, was ever so patient and loving, always coaxing and pleading to calm and pacify me. With eight children of her own to care for, my grandmother took on the additional burden of caring for me. She was a very capable lady and to this day I have the highest admiration for her patience, her love and her strength through those very difficult years.
The first two years of my life were spent in Segamat with my maternal grandparents and my uncles and aunts. I cannot write too much about these two year period because I do not have any recollection. Just suffice to say that from stories my parents and grandparents told, I was happy and well cared for. By the time of my second birthday, the Japanese occupation forces have left and we were back to being a British Colony again. I guess things must have got back to a semblance of normality.
From the age of two to four my parents brought me to live in China with my paternal grandparents and my EM. The following two years of my life will be in my nest post.
Introduction and babyhood.
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This blog will be devoted to my life so far. Most of what I write about my chilshood will be from my own vague memories and a great part from what my parents and grandparents have told me. It is my aim to be as accurate as memory allows. I have no intention to discriminate against anyone within my family circle, friends or neighbours. There will be much I will miss out, either through lack of accurate knowledge of events, or just plain and simple forgetfulness. There will also be much I will not write about as I would not like to cause embarrassment or hurt. Mostly this blog will be a recollection of happy memories and people whom I have crossed path with. It is also my intention to show how some family members and also friends have help changed the course of my life. I will, where possible write about those who have helped me, gave me happiness, encouraged me at times of need and all those who have in some way or other helped me to arrived at where I am today.
I was born on the 16th day of November in the year 1944, in a small town in northern part of Johore, Malaysia. Our country was called the Federated States of Malaya then, a colony of the British Empire; although in 1944 we were occupied by the Imperial Japanese Army. The British had been defeated by the Japanese Army as soon as the war started and was long gone.
I have no memories of my infant days. Whatever I know are from stories related to me by my late mother and maternal grandparents. My father came from Swatow Province in the southern part of mainland China. I do not know anything about my father before he married my mother, only that he was educated and was a teacher in China before he traveled to Malaya to seek his fortune. I remember some vague stories about my father as a young man fresh from China, starting his grocery business in Batu Pahat, another small town 50 miles to the west of Segamat. I have no idea why he left Batu Pahat to settle in Segamat where he met and married my mother. Before leaving China, my father had already taken a wife. His first wife now lives in Segamat. I call her my Elder Mother (EM). I visit her regularly and get on well with her. I shall come back to EM later on in my blog.
Life was hard during the years of Japanese occupation of Malaya. Just three months before I was born my maternal grandmother gave birth to my youngest aunty Soon Chen. Milk powder or fresh dairy milk was hard to come by and newborns had to rely heavily on breast feeding. Unfortunately my mother did not have ample breast milk for me and I have been told that I was partly breast fed by my grandmother. Maybe it was that that made me the most loved by my maternal grandmother.
After me came three younger brothers and a sister. My siblings and I grew up on the first floor of a shop house on one of five main streets of our small hometown Segamat. In comparison with our extended family, neighbours and friends, we were quite well off. My father’s grocery business was doing relatively well. Growing up in Segamat with our extended family all within stone throws from each other gave us a sense of security. We grew up not having to care about whatever else were happening in the world around us.
I feel I am going a little too fast into my childhood. In my next post I will have to rewind and write more about the days when I was a baby. Most of my next post will be based on stories my parents and grandparents have related to me.
This blog will be devoted to my life so far. Most of what I write about my chilshood will be from my own vague memories and a great part from what my parents and grandparents have told me. It is my aim to be as accurate as memory allows. I have no intention to discriminate against anyone within my family circle, friends or neighbours. There will be much I will miss out, either through lack of accurate knowledge of events, or just plain and simple forgetfulness. There will also be much I will not write about as I would not like to cause embarrassment or hurt. Mostly this blog will be a recollection of happy memories and people whom I have crossed path with. It is also my intention to show how some family members and also friends have help changed the course of my life. I will, where possible write about those who have helped me, gave me happiness, encouraged me at times of need and all those who have in some way or other helped me to arrived at where I am today.
I was born on the 16th day of November in the year 1944, in a small town in northern part of Johore, Malaysia. Our country was called the Federated States of Malaya then, a colony of the British Empire; although in 1944 we were occupied by the Imperial Japanese Army. The British had been defeated by the Japanese Army as soon as the war started and was long gone.
I have no memories of my infant days. Whatever I know are from stories related to me by my late mother and maternal grandparents. My father came from Swatow Province in the southern part of mainland China. I do not know anything about my father before he married my mother, only that he was educated and was a teacher in China before he traveled to Malaya to seek his fortune. I remember some vague stories about my father as a young man fresh from China, starting his grocery business in Batu Pahat, another small town 50 miles to the west of Segamat. I have no idea why he left Batu Pahat to settle in Segamat where he met and married my mother. Before leaving China, my father had already taken a wife. His first wife now lives in Segamat. I call her my Elder Mother (EM). I visit her regularly and get on well with her. I shall come back to EM later on in my blog.
Life was hard during the years of Japanese occupation of Malaya. Just three months before I was born my maternal grandmother gave birth to my youngest aunty Soon Chen. Milk powder or fresh dairy milk was hard to come by and newborns had to rely heavily on breast feeding. Unfortunately my mother did not have ample breast milk for me and I have been told that I was partly breast fed by my grandmother. Maybe it was that that made me the most loved by my maternal grandmother.
After me came three younger brothers and a sister. My siblings and I grew up on the first floor of a shop house on one of five main streets of our small hometown Segamat. In comparison with our extended family, neighbours and friends, we were quite well off. My father’s grocery business was doing relatively well. Growing up in Segamat with our extended family all within stone throws from each other gave us a sense of security. We grew up not having to care about whatever else were happening in the world around us.
I feel I am going a little too fast into my childhood. In my next post I will have to rewind and write more about the days when I was a baby. Most of my next post will be based on stories my parents and grandparents have related to me.
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