[27042026] Anti-Naif: Siapa Sebenarnya Gembira Dengan Kejayaan Kita?

Anti-Naif: Siapa Sebenarnya Gembira Dengan Kejayaan Kita?

Dalam kehidupan, kita sering diajar untuk berfikir bahawa semua orang akan turut gembira apabila kita berjaya. Namun, realitinya tidak selalu begitu. Di sebalik senyuman dan ucapan tahniah, kadangkala tersembunyi rasa iri, perbandingan, atau diam yang membawa makna.

Satu pemerhatian yang menarik: hanya dua golongan yang benar-benar gembira apabila kita mencapai lebih daripada mereka—guru yang mengajar, dan ibu bapa yang menyayangi.

Mengapa guru? Seorang guru tidak melihat kejayaan anak didiknya sebagai ancaman, tetapi sebagai bukti bahawa ilmu yang disampaikan telah berbuah. Lebih tinggi pencapaian pelajarnya, lebih bermakna peranannya sebagai pendidik. Kejayaan murid bukan sekadar pencapaian individu, tetapi juga kesinambungan legasi ilmu.

Begitu juga ibu bapa. Kasih mereka tidak bersyarat. Mereka tidak bersaing dengan anak-anak, malah mengharapkan anak melangkaui segala keterbatasan yang pernah mereka hadapi. Setiap kejayaan anak adalah kemenangan bersama—lebih daripada itu, ia adalah doa yang termakbul.

Namun di luar dua lingkungan ini, dunia menjadi lebih kompleks. Rakan sekerja, kenalan, bahkan sahabat—tidak semuanya mampu meraikan kejayaan kita dengan hati yang lapang. Ini bukan kerana mereka jahat, tetapi kerana sifat manusia yang cenderung membanding dan mempertahankan ego.

Di sinilah pentingnya menjadi “anti-naif”—bukan bermaksud sinis atau tidak percaya kepada orang lain, tetapi sedar akan realiti emosi manusia. Kita belajar untuk menghargai sokongan yang tulus, dan pada masa yang sama tidak terlalu bergantung kepada pengiktirafan luar.

Menjadi anti-naif juga bermaksud kita memilih untuk kekal rendah hati, tidak terlalu menunjuk, dan bijak membaca keadaan. Kita tidak perlu mengecilkan kejayaan sendiri, tetapi kita juga tidak perlu mengharapkan semua orang akan bertepuk tangan.

Akhirnya, kejayaan adalah perjalanan peribadi. Hargai mereka yang benar-benar gembira dengan pencapaian kita—kerana mereka itulah yang ikhlas. Dan selebihnya? Teruskan melangkah, dengan kesedaran dan kebijaksanaan yang lebih matang.

Kerana dalam dunia yang tidak selalu jujur dengan perasaan, menjadi anti-naif adalah satu bentuk kekuatan.

[24042026] The Best Time to Invest in Gold Was 20 Years Ago — The Second Best Time Is Now

The Best Time to Invest in Gold Was 20 Years Ago — The Second Best Time Is Now

By Ahmad Sabri | April 2026

There is a saying borrowed from the world of investment that cuts through all the noise: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." Apply that wisdom to gold — especially in Malaysia — and the numbers tell a story that is impossible to ignore.

If you had bought just 1 gram of gold in 2006, you would have paid roughly RM 72. Today, that same gram is worth over RM 600. That is an 833% return over two decades — while your Fixed Deposit sat quietly, compounding at 2–3% per year.[1][2]

The tree is already tall. But there is still room to grow. And here is why.

📈 The 20-Year Journey: From RM 72 to RM 614

Let's look at the numbers honestly. Gold in Malaysia, priced in Ringgit per gram (24K), has grown from around RM 72 in 2006 to over RM 614 in April 2026. That is not a straight line — gold dipped in 2013, paused in the mid-2010s — but every single dip was followed by an even stronger rally.[3][4][^1]

Year	Gold Price (RM/gram)	Notable Event
2006	RM 72	Baseline
2011	RM 167	Global financial crisis aftermath
2013	RM 128	Major price correction
2020	RM 243	COVID-19 pandemic surge
2024	RM 380	Record breaking rally begins
Apr 2026	RM 614	All-time high territory[^1]

Over the last 20 years, gold priced in Malaysian Ringgit has soared by an astonishing 771.89%. Gold prices in 2026 have continued to rise, up +10.15% year-to-date alone. For context, the best Fixed Deposit promotional rate in Malaysia today sits at around 3.20–3.60% per annum — a rate that barely keeps up with inflation.[5][6][^3]

💡 Why Gold Performs So Well in Malaysia — 5 Reasons

1. The Ringgit Effect

This is the hidden multiplier that most Malaysians miss. When the Ringgit weakens against the US Dollar, your gold — priced in USD globally — automatically becomes worth more in Ringgit terms.[^7]

Albert Cheng, former Managing Director of the World Gold Council (Far East), put it plainly: "Gold is a hedge against currency fluctuations. If the ringgit weakens further, you can use your gold to change for more ringgit. In the long run, gold will safeguard your portfolio."[^7]

During one particular period tracked by The Edge Malaysia, while gold fell 12.4% in USD terms, it actually gained 4% in Ringgit terms — simply because the USD appreciated against the Ringgit by 17.07% during that same period. You won without global gold prices even going up.[^7]

2. A Proven Inflation Shield

Academic research from Malaysian universities confirms it: gold has a long-term cointegration with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Malaysia. In plain English — as the cost of living rises, gold prices tend to rise with it. When your teh tarik gets more expensive, your gold gets more valuable too.[4][8]

A study published by Universiti Sains Malaysia found that during high inflation periods, gold's hedging ability is especially strong. Researchers from UiTM noted that gold has risen from USD 41.10 per ounce in 1969 to over USD 1,878 in the early 2020s — representing a rise of over 4,470 percent in 54 years.[8][9][^10]

3. Safe Haven in Uncertain Times

Every time the world shakes — financial crises, pandemics, trade wars — gold shines brightest. In early 2025, when US President Donald Trump imposed sweeping trade tariffs, gold soared past USD 2,900 per ounce. In January 2026, gold hit a record-breaking USD 5,400 per ounce.[11][12][^13]

Datuk Seri Meer Sadik Habib of the Habib Group observed a 20% increase in gold sales in Malaysia recently, driven by both seasoned investors and younger, digitally-savvy buyers. "In uncertain times, people gravitate towards gold as a stable investment. For many Malaysians, gold is not just ornamental but also a strategic financial asset," he said.[13][11]

4. Gold Beats Fixed Deposits Over the Long Term

Let's run a simple comparison. If you had placed RM 1,000 in a Fixed Deposit in 2006 at a consistent 3% per annum, you would have approximately RM 1,806 today. If you had instead converted that RM 1,000 into gold (about 13.9 grams at RM 72/g), at today's price of RM 614/g, your gold would be worth approximately RM 8,535 — nearly 5 times more.

Investment	RM 1,000 in 2006 → Value in 2026	Growth
Fixed Deposit (3% p.a.)	~RM 1,806	+80%
Gold (MYR/gram)	~RM 8,535	+754%
Difference	RM 6,729 more with gold	—

Gold prices have surged 95.1% over the past decade alone, and over the past year in Malaysia, gold prices jumped 26.04% — far outpacing any savings account. The World Gold Council also reported that gold generated a return of nearly 27% in 2024, one of the highest ever recorded.[12][14][^5]

5. Liquidity — You Can Always Sell

Unlike property or unit trusts, physical gold is highly liquid. You can sell it at any licensed dealer or gold shop across Malaysia. Public Gold offers a transparent buyback programme. MAA Orodesign provides structured pricing. You are never trapped.

Need cash urgently? Pawn it, sell it, or liquidate through digital platforms. "Boom — instant money," as one Malaysian financial writer put it.[^4]

🏅 Two Trusted Brands for Malaysian Gold Investors

Public Gold Malaysia

Established in 2008, Public Gold is one of Malaysia's most recognised physical gold investment companies. Their flagship BungaMas series (Au 999.9) is available in sizes from 0.5g to 1kg, catering to every type of investor — from those saving RM 375 for a 0.5g wafer to those investing in 100g bars. Their products are LBMA-certified with a guaranteed buyback programme.[^15]

Current Buy Price: RM 603/gram (24K) | Sell Price: RM 663/gram[^15]
Website: publicgold.com.my

MAA Orodesign

MAA Orodesign takes gold investment to a more personal, aesthetic level. Their card-style 1-gram gold bars come in stunning designer editions — patriotic themes, anniversary series, festive collections — making them perfect as gifts and investments simultaneously. The gold purity is Au 999.9, and they offer both 916 and 999 gold options.[16][17]

Current Sell Price (24K): RM 486/gram | Buy Back: RM 431/gram[^16]
Website: maaorodesign.com

⚠️ What You Should Know Before You Start

Gold is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Some academic research notes that gold's hedging ability against inflation can be inconsistent in the short term, particularly during low inflation, low volatility periods. A study from UNIMAS concluded that Malaysian investors should hold a well-diversified portfolio rather than relying solely on gold.[^18]

Here are the honest caveats:

• Short-term volatility is real. Gold dropped significantly in 2013 and again in 2018. If you panic-sell during dips, you lose.

• No passive income. Gold pays no dividends or interest. Its value comes entirely from capital appreciation.

• Storage and security. Physical gold requires safe storage. Consider bank safes or certified vault services.

• Premium over spot price. When buying physical gold bars or coins, you pay a slight premium over the global spot price.

The golden rule (pun intended): invest with patience, hold for the long term, and never invest money you cannot afford to lock away.

🚀 How to Start — Even With a Small Amount

You do not need thousands of Ringgit to begin. Here is a practical starting path:

1. Start with 1 gram. At roughly RM 600–700, a single gram from Public Gold or MAA Orodesign is an accessible entry point.

2. Use Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA). Buy a fixed amount of gold monthly regardless of price. This smooths out volatility over time.

3. Consider digital gold platforms. Maybank's Gold Investment Account, HelloGold, and Versa all let you invest in gold with as little as RM 1.[^19]

4. Keep your receipts and certificates. All legitimate gold bars come with authenticity certificates.

5. Think 5–10 years minimum. Gold rewards patient investors. The numbers above speak for themselves.

🌟 Final Word: The Tree Is Not Too Tall to Climb

Yes, the best time was 20 years ago. But the second best time is today. The factors that drive gold prices in Malaysia — a volatile Ringgit, persistent inflation, global uncertainty, and growing local demand — are not going away. Central banks worldwide continue to buy gold in record quantities, supporting long-term demand.[11][12][^20]

More Malaysians are realising what the numbers have always shown: gold is not just a metal. It is a time machine for your wealth. And the journey forward, from RM 614 today, is only just beginning.

"In uncertain times, people gravitate towards gold as a stable investment. For many Malaysians, gold is not just ornamental but also a strategic financial asset."
— Datuk Seri Meer Sadik Habib, Executive Chairman, Habib Group[^13]

Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions. Gold prices fluctuate and past performance is not indicative of future results.

Connect with Ahmad Sabri: facebook.com/ahmadsabri.mohamad | x.com/ahmadsabrim

References

1. Gold Price per Gram in Malaysia (MYR) Today - Live Gold Price per Gram in Malaysia (MYR). Updated today with real-time rate, chart, history and qu...

2. Gold Prices in Malaysian Ringgits (MYR) for the last 90 days - Gold Price History in Malaysian Ringgits (MYR) for the last 90 days

3. Gold Price History Malaysia 2026 - Exchange-Rates.org - Explore Malaysia gold price history for 2026. Track MYR gold prices with detailed trends and histori...

4. Gold Prices In 2025: Should Malaysians Invest Now? - iMoney - Gold prices have fallen recently. We break down what's happening in 2025, expert tips, and why Malay...

5. How to Invest in Gold in Malaysia 2025 - Moomoo - Explore gold investment in Malaysia in 2025. Uncover what impacts gold prices and the top 7 reasons ...

6. Malaysia best fixed deposit rates [April 2026] - StashAway - Compare the best fixed deposit rates in Malaysia [April 2026]. Updated with top banks offering the h...

7. Lead Story: Gold, a hedge against the falling ringgit - “Gold is a hedge against currency fluctuations. Assuming that all other factors stay the same and yo...

8. [PDF] Is Gold Investment A Safe Haven or A Hedge for the Malaysian ... - This study examines the long and short term abilities of gold to hedge against inflation in Malaysia...

9. Investing in gold: a hedge against inflation / Dr. Dahlia Ibrahim and ... - According to Maxwell (2022), many people consider gold to be a hedge against inflation since its pri...

10. [PDF] IS GOLD A GOOD HEDGE AGAINST INFLATION? EMPIRICAL ... - This paper studies the role of gold quoted in domestic currency as an inflation hedge in Malaysia fr...

11. Gold rush: Malaysians seeking safe haven - Investing in gold - KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 – More Malaysians are turning to gold, seeing it as a fortress against global f...

12. A Comprehensive Guide to Gold Investment in Malaysia - StashAway - With gold price skyrocketing to $5400 USD, gold is becoming a popular choice of investment. Learn ho...

13. Gold rush: Why more Malaysians are seeking safe haven by investing in bullion, dinars, and digital gold - KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 – More Malaysians are turning to gold, seeing it as a fortress against global f...

14. Gold investment return rate LBMA PM prices 2002-2025| Statista - The rate of return for gold investments fluctuated significantly during the period from 2000 to 2024...

15. Public Gold Malaysia - Public Gold Bullion Bar 1g (999.9) - Cny Yuanmingyuan Horse 2026. Public Gold Bullion Bar 1g (999.9)...

16. MAA Gold - Logo Image · Home · About MAA · Gold Price · Our Products · Activities · Campaign ... MAA Gold, We S...

17. Gold 916 – MAA PRECIOUS METALS - Gold 999 · SE 999 COLLECTION · GOLD BAR 916 – 1gm · Gold 916 · BRACELET · RING · PENDANT · BANGLE · ...

18. Understanding the Gold-Inflation Nexusi In Malaysia: Hedge and ...

19. How to Start Investing in Gold in Malaysia - Versa - The potential returns of gold investments in Malaysia can vary widely based on market conditions, gl...

20. Gold trading: A strategic investment opportunity in a volatile economy - GOLD has conventionally been regarded as a hedge during times of economic turmoil. What really attra...

[19042026] Gold is the current currency

𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐤 𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐦 𝐩𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐢 𝐭𝐚𝐩𝐢 𝐬𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐮𝐢𝐭.

Bila duit ditukar jadi emas, kita tak lagi nampak angka RM dalam akaun. 

Yang nampak cuma gram dan kepingan emas.

Sebab itu, ramai rasa macam “duit dah tak ada”, padahal duit tu masih ada, cuma bertukar bentuk.

Menariknya, bila simpanan kita dalam bentuk emas, kita biasanya jadi lebih berhati-hati untuk belanja.

Pengalaman saya, bila simpanan tak mudah nampak dalam bentuk cash, kita lebih susah nak “terus belanja”.

#emas #persaraan #simpanan #publicgold

[30032026] Modesty as the Root of Morality

The Prophet ﷺ said in a sound hadith narrated by al-Bukhari:

"إذا لم تستحِ فاصنع ما شئت."

("If you feel no shame, then do as you wish.")

This short yet profound hadith encapsulates a universal moral principle. It teaches that modesty—ḥayā’—is the essence of virtue and the inner safeguard that prevents a person from falling into sin. When modesty resides in the heart, it guides one’s speech, behavior, and choices. It restrains the self from wrongdoing and encourages what is noble and pure.

Scholars have explained this hadith in two complementary ways. One interpretation sees it as a warning: if you lose all sense of shame before God and people, you will inevitably commit whatever indecency you desire, but know that you will face the consequences. The other sees it as a statement of fact: when God removes modesty from someone’s heart, nothing prevents them from evil acts—they simply do as they wish because the moral compass is gone.

In today’s world, this message feels more relevant than ever. As boundaries blur and shamelessness becomes normalized, modesty is sometimes mistaken for weakness or backwardness. Yet, in truth, it is the guardian of moral dignity and the foundation of self-respect. A society that preserves modesty preserves integrity, compassion, and honor.

Thus, the Prophet’s words remind us that modesty is not a restriction of freedom—it is the conscience that protects true freedom, the kind that keeps a person noble before both people and God.

[26032026] After Hardship Comes Peace

After Hardship Comes Peace

Every human being moves through seasons of life — some bright and effortless, others heavy and testing. Yet within each trial lies a quiet promise from Allah: that pain will not last forever, and patience will yield peace. Life’s storms eventually pass, leaving renewal in their wake.

A Promise Written in the Qur’an

Allah reminds us in the Qur’an that hardship and ease are intertwined, as though one cannot exist without the other. This divine rhythm reassures believers that their struggles are not meaningless.

فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا

“For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.”

(Surah Al-Inshirah, 94:5–6)

Notice how the verse repeats itself — a double assurance that ease follows difficulty, not just once but twice. Scholars explain that every difficulty is attached to at least two forms of ease, a profound reminder that Allah’s mercy far outweighs His test.

The Prophet’s Guidance in Times of Trial

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who endured immense challenges himself, comforted his companions with words of patience and faith. He said:

وَاعْلَمْ أَنَّ النَّصْرَ مَعَ الصَّبْرِ، وَأَنَّ الْفَرَجَ مَعَ الْكَرْبِ، وَأَنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا 

“Know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship.”

(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, no. 2516)

This hadith captures the heart of *tawakkul* (trust in God): holding steadfast through pain, knowing that relief is both promised and purposeful.

Finding Peace in Patience

Peace, in this light, is not merely the absence of hardship but the serenity that grows from faith during hardship. The believer’s heart becomes anchored in the certainty that Allah never burdens a soul beyond what it can bear.

لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.”

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:286)

Each trial refines us, teaching resilience, empathy, and gratitude. And with every patience comes spiritual promotion — inner peace that endures long after the hardship fades.

Due to Prolonged Drought: Solat Istisqa Brings Friends Together

When rain stops for too long, the dryness is not only in the soil but also in people’s hearts.

Wells drop, leaves turn brown, and worry begins to spread quietly in every family and community.

In such moments, Allah gives us a powerful collective response: to turn to Him together in humility.

Due to prolonged drought, Solat Istisqa brings friends and neighbours together on the same prayer mat.

Colleagues who usually meet in formal meetings now sit shoulder to shoulder on the ground, hands raised to the same sky, begging for the same mercy.

This unity itself is a gift hidden in the hardship.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ taught his ummah to perform Salat al-Istisqa’ in times of severe drought, going out in humility, seeking forgiveness, and asking for rain.

In one narration, he would change his cloak and turn it inside out, symbolising hope that Allah would turn the state of the people from hardship to ease.

The dry land brings living hearts together before the Living, the Sustainer.

Cleaning, Connecting, and Coming Back to Allah

When we finally manage to remove the stuck blades, wash away the rust, and reassemble the tool, there is a small sense of satisfaction and renewed trust: now it is safer, cleaner, and ready to serve again.

Conclusion: The Dawn After the Night

Just as dawn follows night, ease follows every hardship. The Qur’an’s promise and the Prophet’s ﷺ assurance invite us to live with steadfast hearts — patient in difficulty and thankful in relief. The storm is not the end of the journey, but the path to renewal, forgiveness, and peace.

In the same way, when we gather for Solat Istisqa, return to Allah, and mend our ties with each other, our community comes out of the drought spiritually cleaner and more united.

So whatever hardship arrives – whether it is stuck blades or a cloudless sky – it has already been measured perfectly for our capacity and our growth.

[27022026] I write my own fate

There comes a moment in life when you realize that waiting for the “right time” is just another way of standing still. For years, I used to believe that fate was something written long before I arrived—that life simply unfolded according to a script I couldn’t see. But as seasons changed and choices piled up, I understood something powerful: fate isn’t found; it’s written, one decision at a time.

Each day, I hold the pen. Every conversation, risk, setback, and act of courage becomes a line in my story. There are days when the ink runs dry—those moments when fatigue, fear, or doubt make it easier to let someone else steer. But when I remind myself that my path was never meant to follow someone else’s blueprint, I pick the pen back up.

Writing your own fate doesn’t mean ignoring destiny. It means engaging with it—co-authoring your journey with faith, effort, and vision. Life gives us raw material: circumstances, opportunities, and people. What we do with them becomes our craft. Some pages will be messy; others, full of light. But together, they form a story that belongs only to us.

So, I write my own fate—not by chasing perfection, but by choosing purpose. Every morning is a blank page, and every decision is ink. If I write bravely enough, maybe one day my story will remind someone else that their pen, too, has power.

[01022026] Cognitive Dissonance Theory and Motivation for Change

Cognitive Dissonance Theory explains what happens when a person holds two conflicting beliefs, or when their behavior clashes with their values. The resulting psychological discomfort pushes them to reduce the inconsistency. This “mental tension” is a powerful engine for personal and organizational change.

## What Is Cognitive Dissonance?

Cognitive dissonance is the uneasy feeling we experience when our thoughts, beliefs, or actions do not match.  

Examples:  

- A teacher values student-centered learning but mostly lectures.  

- A leader believes in fairness but gives opportunities only to a small “inner circle.”  

In both cases, the person experiences a gap between “who I think I am” and “what I actually do.” That gap is dissonance.

## How Dissonance Creates Motivation

Dissonance is uncomfortable, and people are naturally motivated to reduce it. They usually do this in three ways:  

- Change behavior: Act differently so actions match beliefs (e.g., the teacher starts using more group work).  

- Change beliefs: Adjust attitudes to fit behavior (e.g., “Lecture is actually the most efficient method for exams”).  

- Add justifications: Create reasons that reduce the tension without real change (e.g., “My students are not ready for active learning”).  

Only the first route—changing behavior or genuinely updating beliefs—is real change. The other routes temporarily reduce discomfort but often keep the underlying problem alive.

## Everyday Examples of Dissonance and Change

You can see cognitive dissonance at work in many daily situations:  

- Health: A person who smokes but values health feels tension and may quit, cut down, or convince themselves the risk is exaggerated.  

- Finances: Someone who believes in “living within my means” but accumulates credit card debt may feel pushed to budget, earn more, or redefine what “within my means” means.  

- Professional ethics: An educator who values integrity but sees “creative” reporting of data in school documents may either challenge the practice or slowly shift to “everyone does it, it’s normal.”  

In each case, the stronger the value and the clearer the conflict, the stronger the motivation to resolve the dissonance.

## Using Dissonance Deliberately to Drive Change

For anyone leading change—whether in classrooms, organizations, or communities—cognitive dissonance can be a useful tool if handled ethically. You can:  

- Make the gap visible: Show clear evidence that current practice does not match stated values, vision, or policies.  

- Personalize the conflict: Help people connect the issue to their own identity (“As an educator who cares about equity, what does this data mean for you?”).  

- Support safe change: Provide training, resources, and psychological safety so people can change behavior rather than resort to justification.  

The key is balance. Too little dissonance and people stay comfortable; too much and they shut down, deny, or become defensive.

## Practical Steps for Reflective Practitioners

If you want to use this theory for your own growth or in your organization:  

1. Clarify your core values: Write down what you truly believe about teaching, leadership, or service.  

2. Audit your behavior: Compare a typical week of decisions against those values.  

3. Identify dissonance hotspots: Where do you feel tension, guilt, or discomfort? Those are signals.  

4. Choose one small change: Adjust one concrete behavior that will move you closer to alignment.  

5. Reflect and repeat: Notice how reducing dissonance affects your motivation, energy, and credibility with others.  

Over time, working with cognitive dissonance—rather than avoiding it—can make you more consistent, trustworthy, and effective in driving meaningful change.