Sami Yusuf -- Still Inspiring, Still Impacting the World

In November 2012 I interviewed Sami Yusuf, who was striking in his eloquence and clarity about making a genuine impact in the world. Since then, he has gone on to become one of the most prominent figures in global spiritual/world music. 

He’s sold over 45 million albums worldwide and amassed more than one billion downloads/streams. His music spans multiple languages (English, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Urdu, Malay, Azerbaijani) and styles — from Sufi and Persian classical to Western orchestral and folk traditions. 

Beyond music, Sami has deeply committed to humanitarian work: he was appointed a World Food Programme Global Ambassador against hunger in 2014. He’s also used his craft to bring people together, promote peace, culture, and spiritual unity across continents. Mabruk, brother!

Why Dave Barry Will Always Be My Writing Hero

Every writer has that one person they look up to -- the voice that made them go, “Yes. This. This is how I want to write.” For me, that person is Miami Herald humour columnist and author, Dave Barry.

Not Stephen King. Not Murakami. Not some tortured soul in a Parisian café. Nope -- my hero is the guy who once wrote a serious column about exploding toilets and still walked away with a Pulitzer (no, really!).

If you’ve ever read anything I’ve written (especially from those FHM years) and thought, “This sounds unhinged but oddly relatable” -- that’s Barry’s influence shining through. I copy his style shamelessly because nobody does it better when it comes to turning mundane, everyday events into something absurd, hilarious, and weirdly profound.

But growing up and living in Malaysia, tracking down his books has always been a challenge. As far as I know, only Kinokuniya at KLCC reliably stocks his work. The rest? I had to hunt down online, one shipping fee at a time. And let me tell you -- it was worth every sen.

Dave’s genius lies in making the ridiculous feel completely logical. He exaggerates things to the point of insanity, but somehow it all makes sense. He'll start by talking about Valentine's Day and end up in a rant about guys buying Star Wars Lego instead of gifts -- and you’ll be laughing the whole way through.

That’s the kind of writing I try to emulate:

✔️ Wild comparisons that don’t belong in polite society

✔️ Men being clueless and proud of it

✔️ Situations spiralling out of control, usually involving trolleys or bodily harm

✔️ And a constant sense that the world is way too weird to take seriously

If you’ve never read him before, start with these five. Trust me, they’re worth every ringgit (and international shipping fee):

And here are five of my absolute favourites from the Dave Barry universe:

I’ll Mature When I’m Dead

Dave Barry’s Complete Guide to Guys – A Fairly Short Book

Dave Barry Turns 40

Dave Barry in Cyberspace

Dave Barry is NOT Making This Up

Whether you're Gen X, Gen Z, or Gen “Still Thinks Email is Cool,” you’ll find yourself laughing -- and learning -- from one of the funniest writers to ever pick up a keyboard.

A Visit to Masjid Cina Muslim Klang: Tranquility Meets Tradition

We were genuinely excited to finally visit Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim Klang in Bandar Botanik -- and once we arrived, we were simply blown away. The mosque’s magnificence, paired with its sense of calm and serenity, made it one of the most unique and beautiful places of worship we’ve seen in Selangor.

What immediately caught our eye was the architecture -- the sweeping tiled roofs, curved eaves, and pagoda-style tower. Modelled after the famous Great Mosque of Xi’an in China, this mosque is a stunning blend of Islamic and Chinese design elements. Unlike most Malaysian mosques, there’s no large dome; instead, the focus is on elegant simplicity and open spaces that invite peace and reflection.

Built on nearly 3 acres, Masjid Cina Muslim Klang can accommodate around a thousand worshippers. The complex includes prayer halls, classrooms, a library, cultural centre, café, and even staff quarters. Every detail -- from the lotus motifs to the carved wooden beams and calligraphy in Chinese-style strokes -- feels thoughtfully crafted to symbolize harmony between faith and culture.

The masjid’s story began in 2017 through collaboration between JAIS, MACMA, and state authorities. It received royal approval from Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah in 2019, with construction completed in mid-2024. It officially opened for prayers in August 2024 --- a proud new landmark for Klang and a symbol of Malaysia’s cultural diversity.

Standing in the courtyard, surrounded by stillness and soft sunlight, it was easy to feel at peace. The atmosphere here isn’t just spiritual -- it’s deeply grounding. Visiting Masjid Cina Muslim Klang reminded us how faith can transcend design and language, yet still feel beautifully familiar.

Food, Glorious Food!: The Shack @ DeRimba, Hulu Langat

Some 35 minutes after leaving home that weekend, we found ourselves in Hulu Langat -- a charmingly rustic town that still carries that ol skool “kampung meets mountain air” vibe. Our destination? A makan spot tucked inside a durian dusun called The Shack @ DeRimba.

We couldn’t resist pulling over by the river for a few quick shots -- the kind of simple, quiet scenery that makes you forget the city is just half an hour away.

By the time we reached The Shack, a small crowd was already enjoying their brunch. The place is popular for good reason -- reviewers often mention its serene setting among durian trees, lush greenery, and laid-back weekend mood. It’s open only on weekends, serving local breakfast favourites along with some Western bites like croissants and scones.

We went for the lontong, nasi lemak with ayam berempah, and a few kuih. The lontong was tasty, the nasi lemak decent — the chicken juicy enough, though the sambal could’ve used a bit more kick. Still, sipping teh tarik under the trees, surrounded by nature, made it all worthwhile.

Would we come back?

Most probably yes -- if not to The Shack, then to explore a few other riverside cafes around Hulu Langat next time. Insya-Allah.

My Late Father And His Magic Hands

I recently ordered a second-hand book online and was pleasantly surprised when it arrived -- neatly wrapped in plastic, as if someone had taken the time to care for it.

That simple touch immediately reminded me of my late father. He wasn’t highly educated, but he had magic in his hands. For a time, he worked at the state library in Johor Bahru, where he learned the art of book binding and wrapping like no other. Because of that, all my school books -- even though they were buku pinjaman -- were always perfectly covered in plastic. Needless to say, I became the envy of many classmates.

My late father wasn’t alone in his creative streak. There was a period when he and my late mother were both into macramé, and together they created the most wonderful pieces. They were always busy with projects -- knotting, weaving, perfecting. And I remember so clearly: whenever someone came by and admired one of their creations, they would simply smile and gift it away without hesitation.

Here’s a picture I’ve shared before -- you can spot one of their macramé pieces in it.

Sometimes I wonder what kind of projects my parents would be working on for my own home if they were still around today. I’m sure they’d still be creating -- with love, as always. 😔

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