Now that we're smack dab in the middle of Lunar New Year celebrations, we're witnessing so much gaiety last seen back in the pre-pandemic days, which is something to rejoice in.
This is due to the positivity emanating from certain key prime movers after the country was running directionless on auto-pilot mode for some time.
The resurgence of improved governance amidst the flickering embers of renewed national cohesiveness and bold political alignments have brought Malaysia back to life again.
Per Lunar New Year tradition, people tend to seek out good health and fortune during this auspicious time.
Speaking of good fortune, some people hit the jackpot recently when they were invited to an Istana Negara tea reception that was a little out of the ordinary.
It was special, as Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah honoured our country's 1967 Thomas Cup heroes Datuk Yew Cheng Hoe (79), Datuk Tan Yee Khan (83), Datuk Billy Ng (83) and Tan Aik Huang (76) in his own royal way.
Skipper Datuk Teh Kew San (88) couldn't make it for a host of reasons, while Datuk Ng Boon Bee passed away last year at 84.
These shuttlers from a bygone era triumphed after a contentious and riotous final in Jakarta in 1967, one year after Indonesia's "Konfrontasi" against Malaysia.
In the then nine-match series format in the Indonesian capital where the Malaysians had entered the lion's den, so to speak, they took a 3-1 overnight lead.
On the second night, Indonesia drew level at 3-3 before Malaysia forged ahead to 4-3.
In the eighth or second last match, Yee Khan and Boon Bee won 15-2 against Muljadi and Agus Susanto in the first game.
They led 10-2 in the second. Another five more points, and the Cup would have been ours.
It was at this stage when pandemonium broke out at the Istora Senayan Stadium.
Camera flashes and other distractions were thrown in to upset Yee Khan and Boon Bee who eventually lost 13-18.
The rubber game was discontinued as the crowd had gotten out of hand.
New Zealand was later chosen as the neutral venue for the cliff-hanger but Indonesia didn't turn up; thus Malaysia were adjudged winners at 6-3.
Three other badminton notables were also invited — Jean Moey (84) who played in the 1959 Uber Cup tournament, 1976 Commonwealth Games singles champion Sylvia Ng (73), and Datuk James Selvaraj (73) of the 1976 Thomas Cup squad.
The king also invited four legendary sportswriters from the 1970s — Datuk Lazarus Rokk, Datuk Fauzi Omar, Datuk George Das and Datuk Johnson Fernandez — well-known for their incisive and interesting articles.
I made the cut through my camaraderie with the quartet, as I was also part of the "1970s pack" until I switched to business writing.
As we tip-toed towards the tea reception, we were bedazzled by the majestic beauty of the palace.
It was simply breathtaking, both the views from inside and outside the sprawling royal complex measuring 65 hectares out of a total area of almost 98 hectares.
As Malaysians, we were immensely proud of the stately royal residence, which was well-run by highly efficient and courteous staff.
What really blew our minds away was the warm-heartedness and genteelness of Their Majesties, who made our two hours there seem like a matter of minutes.
Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah — a royal often noted for her culinary skills — presented each of us with a "Gong Xi Fa Cai" fruit cake she had baked.
I was also touched by our king's alertness and concern over my limping gait.
He suggested daily exercises on a gradual basis and more discipline when it comes to my meals.
Now that the "royal decree" is out, I better start sweating it out and watching my food!
Allow me to improvise a popular nursery rhyme into the local context:
Yong, Yong, where have you been?
I've been to Istana Negara to visit the king and queen.
Yong, Yong, what did you do there?
To a tea party I went, but "frightened" I was no more when Their Majesties' exceptional warmth and graciousness rang through the air.
DAULAT TUANKU!
The writer is a former Bernama chief executive officer and editor-in-chief
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
