My Favourite Stuff Of 2025

The year just whizzed past, really. And so, here's the obligatory annual list!

Makan Place (Local)
Kedai Makan Budak Muar, Seremban

Excellent classic Muar fare but closer to home. This is what you call WIN/WIN! 

Makan Place (Western)

Rawtee Sandwich(es), Bukit Bintang

BEST. SANDWICHES. IN. KL. 

Book

Gurchan Singh: Singa Malaya

Recently translated into BM, and first published in 1949, it tells the intriguing story of a Malayan resistance movement led by Indian policeman Gurchan Singh, during the Japanese occupation of Malaya.

E-book 
Kisah Hidup & Budaya Pop Anak Gen-X

Of course I gotta plug my own e-book lah. Downloaded you copy, yet? Hehe.

   

Heritage Attraction
Seri Negara

Beautifully done! Everyone should visit Seri Negara at least once. And quick, while it's still free.

Event

Tia's Convocation Ceremony

Congrats, my darling daughter. You did it!

YouTube Channel

Sabri Zain's Malayan Chronicles

Suddenly, Sabri decides to pump in more wonderful content in 2025. Watch them now!

Podcast Channel

The Thinking Muslim

If you can only listen to one podcast to keep up with everything that's going on in the world, this should be the one.

Road Trip

Hulu Langat

Have not explored this part of the state before, and we simply love the beautiful landscapes and cool cafes.

New Masjid

Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim, Klang

So majestic, Masya Allah!  You really have to see it to believe it...

New Kubah For Masjid Kg Melayu, JB After 55 Years!

I was scrolling through social media the other day when a video popped up and instantly put a big smile on my face.

The mosque of my childhood — Masjid Kampung Melayu in Johor Bahru — is finally getting a new kubah after 55 years. Alhamdulillah, such wonderful news!

For those who may not know, I was born in my late grandmother’s house in Kampung Melayu, though we moved away just before I started school. Still, this masjid played a huge part in my early years. I used to perform Solat Jumaat and Solat Hari Raya here, especially during school holidays, and the memories remain vivid.

I even managed to dig up an old photo of the masjid taken from our family home at Jalan Merdeka — and that really added to the wave of nostalgia. 

Over the past few days, I’ve been grinning from ear to ear watching videos of the new dome being installed, step by step, posted by the same account.

Can’t wait to drop by and see it in person the next time I’m back in JB, Insya-Allah.

Watch the video here:

Oooohs, Aaaahs, And A Bit Of Storytelling At Seri Negara

 

Seri Negara is now open to the public after a refurbishment that finished ahead of schedule, and we finally made our way there. It really is splendid. The kind of place that makes visitors pause at the entrance of each gallery, mouths slightly agape, instinctively going “ooooh” and “aaaah”. That happened a lot. The exhibitions are thoughtfully curated, making them accessible for foreigners and, just as importantly, engaging enough for our young ones to grasp the history of both the building and the nation.

The tour guide did a decent job, though perhaps because everything is still fresh, he leaned a little too heavily on the script on his tablet. Things took a more personal turn for me when we entered the gallery on Malaysian pop culture. I found myself naturally slipping into storyteller mode, chatting with a few visitors — including some from Singapore — who seemed genuinely entertained. The group even asked to take a photo with me, which was unexpected, mildly amusing, and oddly flattering.

Walking around Seri Negara also means you’re free to explore the grounds at your own pace, taking as many photos or videos as you like. Built in 1913, this 112-year-old former King’s House has been beautifully restored in just 10 months under Khazanah Nasional’s Warisan KL initiative. Today, it houses cultural and heritage galleries, displays 14 artworks from Khazanah’s collection (some dating back to the 1960s), and offers inviting spaces like Semuka Café and Serai House for a nostalgic break. Entry is free, with registration via the Sahabat Seri Negara programme — always a bonus.

Being there also stirred up a personal memory. Back in 2010, I co-hosted an episode of Malaysia Hari Ini at nearby Carcosa. While many people lump the two together, Carcosa and Seri Negara are actually distinct historic colonial mansions within the Perdana Botanical Gardens, collectively known today as the Carcosa Seri Negara complex. Carcosa, built around 1898, was once the official residence of the British High Commissioner, while Seri Negara — originally called the King’s House — was completed in 1913 and served as an official guest house for VIPs. Standing in Seri Negara again, years later, felt like history looping back in a quiet, personal way.

Tia Sofia The Graduate!

Alhamdulillah. Congratulations on your graduation, my darling daughter Tia Sofia! Watching you reach this milestone fills our hearts with pride and joy.

And here's an amazing coincidence...

A Day At The Viral Library: Pustaka Raja Tun Uda

So, we finally made it to the “viral” library in Shah Alam -- Pustaka Raja Tun Uda. My daughter Tia is a full-on library lover, so this little outing felt like a cosy family field trip lah. Haha.

Pustaka Raja Tun Uda is a six-storey library set in a lush, green enclave near the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf Club. With its airy modern spaces and a collection that runs into the hundreds of thousands, it’s no wonder students, families, and knowledge-seekers flock here for a quiet place to read, learn, and just chill.

Beyond books, the library is impressively kitted out: discussion rooms, free WiFi, a Makerspace, recording studios, a bright children’s section, a café, a surau, and OKU-friendly facilities. It really feels like the kind of place where you can spend an entire afternoon without even realising it.

What made my visit extra meaningful, though, was spotting a coffee-table book on my alma mater, English College JB, right at the entrance. The book commemorates the school’s 100th anniversary. I was actually at the celebration back in 2014, but I never managed to get my hands on this special edition -- so finding it here felt like a small, unexpected full-circle moment.

Anyway, if you haven’t been, do drop by! It’s worth the trip.

And here’s a short video for your viewing pleasure 😄

Lando Norris Is F1 World Champion!

Lando Norris is the new F1 World Champion, and McLaren have finally completed their epic comeback after 17 long years! For the longest time, it felt like this moment would never arrive… but on the final day of the season, McLaren didn’t just have one driver in the title fight -- they had two. Both Lando and Aussie sensation Oscar Piastri entered Abu Dhabi with a real shot at the crown.

And just to crank up the drama even further, reigning world champ Max Verstappen had dragged himself back into contention over the last couple of months after a disastrous mid-season dip. Suddenly, it was a three-way showdown.

In the end, Lando sealed the championship by finishing third at the Abu Dhabi GP -- enough to clinch the title by just two points ahead of a charging Verstappen. Absolutely unreal.

What a season. What a fight. And once again -- massive congratulations to Lando Norris, the 2025 Formula One World Champion!

Why Don't I Remember This Stuff?

Just for fun, I spent the past weekend hunting down old Malaysia Hari Ini videos that I once co-hosted and compiling them into a playlist. I must have hosted a couple of hundred episodes of Malaysia’s No. 1 morning show, but the funny thing is -- I don’t actually have any proper archive of them. No hard drive. No personal collection. Nothing “for kenangan sake”.

It was a different time back in the 2010s. Not everything was easily recordable, and although Media Prima had an internal system where we could watch all programmes on demand, I never made it a habit to save even the “big” episodes. And tonton -- the portal I co-launched -- didn’t keep full episodes of MHI back then either.

So here I am today, scrolling through videos uploaded by random people on YouTube. Nostalgic? Definitely. Fun? Absolutely. But also a bit shocking because the videos made me go, “Eh, I interviewed THAT person?” or “I actually did THAT on the show??”

I’ve always credited myself with having a pretty good memory. While I may not be able to list every single person I interviewed throughout my media career (and trust me, it was A LOT), I usually remember the moment when I come across an article or video. But I guess age is catching up (haha), because quite a few memories have slipped through the cracks.

Case in point: I have absolutely no recollection of interviewing our current Deputy Prime Minister II, YAB Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, back when he was a deputy minister.

I mean, I clearly remember interviewing most of the politicians who came on MHI -- including the other DPM, Zahid Hamidi, as well as KJ, Ahmad Maslan, Mukhriz Mahathir etc -- but this particular interview? Zero memory.

But that’s the beauty of being on MHI. We got to meet and talk to people from all walks of life: politicians, celebrities, trend-setters, business icons, cute kids with big stories, and ordinary Malaysians with extraordinary experiences. It kept us on our toes -- we had to stay updated, stay sharp, and constantly refine our interviewing game because every day brought someone new.

So go ahead and check out some of these interesting interviews that I can hardly remember doing! There are dancers, martial artists, lawyers, bands -- the works!

Food, Glorious Food!: Top Breakfast Spots In Petaling Jaya

Petaling Jaya may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think “breakfast paradise,” but look a little closer and you’ll find more than enough gems to keep both locals and visitors well-fed and happy. Here are some of the best spots to kick-start your morning in PJ:

Village Park is a legit PJ icon -- beloved not just by locals but by tourists from all over. Thanks to vloggers from around the world, this humble spot has become even more famous, popping up in countless food videos. Most recently, comedian Jimmy O. Yang even posted a clip of himself enjoying the nasi lemak here and giving it a glowing review.

The nasi lemak hits all the right notes: rich coconut rice, savoury sambal that’s not too sweet, crispy ikan bilis, fresh cucumber, peanuts, and perfectly fried eggs. The star, of course, is the golden fried chicken -- crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and showered with those addictive crunchy bits. Come early if you want to eat in peace -- the crowd never stops.

JB’s favourite kacang pool joint, Kacang Pool Haji, has finally made its way to Ara Damansara -- and fans are thrilled. One bite of the thick, savoury kacang pool with toasted bread, and you can almost imagine yourself back in JB. It’s simple, satisfying, and a rare breakfast find in PJ.

For Johoreans in PJ missing a taste of home — or anyone curious about authentic Johor flavours -- Dapur Cik Oli is a worthy stop. Expect hearty southern-style breakfasts, comforting kuah-based dishes, and flavours that bring you straight to Batu Pahat or JB.

Step inside Restoran Al Ehsan and the first thing you’ll notice is the glorious mountain of freshly fried, super-crispy chicken calling your name. And if you check the reviews, you’ll see a clear pattern: everyone raves about the fried chicken. It’s crunchy, savoury, juicy, and absolutely worth waking up early for.

Kopi Surat Cinta (KSC) offers a warm Malaysian breakfast-and-lunch experience with dishes that feel both comforting and inventive. Highlights include buttermilk chicken rice, nasi lemak with KSC fried chicken, patin tempoyak, mi bandung udang galah, daging masak lemak, and their signature toast selections like roti bakar and roti puisi. Pair any of these with their specialty brewed coffees and your morning is made.

Tingkap Cafe serves an appealing array of classic Malay dishes at friendly prices. Ready-packed meals line the counter, making choices easy for those on the go. Their satay is reminiscent of the famous Muo style, complete with juicy cubes of meat and just the right amount of fat for flavour. Don’t miss the roti jala -- rich, fragrant, and paired with a curry that’s far from ordinary. The lontong with nasi impit also carries that unmistakable southern-style kick.

And of course, we can’t skip the legendary Kuey Teow FAM -- better known as Kuey Teow Auntie Gemuk -- at Jamal Mohamed in Kelana Jaya. I’ve been coming here since the ’90s, back when Auntie was still running the wok and the stall was located on the other side, at Subang Ria. Even though she’s no longer with us, the legacy (and that unmistakable flavour) lives on.

Here's the video:

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.