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A NEW JOURNEY. LIFE BEGINS AT 40..

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A HISTORIC DATE, 1 MARCH 2014. 25 YEARS POST-CML, 40 YEARS OLD AND RE-MARRIED.

It was not an easy journey for me to reach this age. In fact, it is a big achievement for me to be able to reach the age of 40 from once, expected to only live for 3 years. I have gone through various challenges with studies, health, businesses, friends and even marriage. When I was an undergraduate, I had to defer my graduation when I failed a subject having had a relapse of my leukemia during my final year university. Born in a family where there is nothing more important than education, the feeling of having to re-take a subject was almost similar to death.  But I graduated from Buckingham University before I turn 21 years old. Yes, I expedited my studies with intensive degree course because I wanted to start working and start making money but there is no way I can do that without a degree (force majeure by/but thanks to dad). 

My health first failed me and took half of my teens away being in hospital while all other teenagers were having a time of their life. My health failed me again during my final year university but from being bed-ridden, now I have ran 9 full marathons, 1 ultra marathons and countless less-than-a-marathon distance races. I have also climbed Mt Kinabalu thrice and many other one day trip peaks.

Before I turned 40, I have also graduated from the school of hard knocks having gone through 2 recessions as a businessman (which I sweat and cried blood) and many failed business ventures but now I am a proud owner of a few successful establishments. I have been betrayed by business partners and my right wing senior people, cheated by people I cared and taken for a ride by many but it gave more meaning to the few that are still around and is enough to replace them all. I have lived my life chasing dreams which had costs me my first marriage and I have learn to cook, mop the floor, raise a child, do own laundry and especially be a better person.... all this experience gained during the Duda-hood being a divorcee.

Everything in our life happens for a reason.

From the failed health, studies, business and marriage, I became that person that you befriend today. I would not have made it without the support, encouragement and understanding especially from my parents, sisters and brother (I cant stress enough the power of family supports). There is nothing more important than a strong family relationship. I have to say thank you too to Miss Kimi aka CML aka Chronic Myeloid Leukemia whom has taught me the essence of living and the importance of time. If I never went through that relationship with Kimi, I would never see life the way I do now but please don't come back, stay away from me.


At this age too, I have stopped smoking all form of tobacco. I was on 3 packs of cigarette a day and cursed the government everytime sin tax was increased. Now I want the government to increase it even further. At 40, I feel so much closer to Allah swt having lead prayers with my son and new wife at most fardhu prayer.

At 40, I have found the women who truly understands and inspires me. She brings out the best in me and now, I am living my dream. Thank you Anny Chunraem. I am also thankful to my 13 years of past marriage that had mature me into a bigger person and a more responsible husband. With this marriage, I hope to blow more candles together until our last breath. I want to joke and laugh until we are in tears and I want to be by your side through sickness, illness and pain because I know without the slightest doubt that you will do the same.

Thank you too especially to Dr Malek Aziz, Farhanah Bamadhaj, Abu Lais Walli Mohamed, Anita Ahmad, Dato Wira Prof Dr Khairil Anas, whom has always been there for me. Not to forget all the hundreds of greetings and well wishes for my birthday and my wedding on 1 March 2014. Thank you for being there in my quest for better health, happiness and love. I pray for Allah to blessed you with more than what Allah swt gave me for only Allah swt can repay all your kindness, affection and love.

Last but not least, my deepest apology for not being able to invite everyone for my wedding reception especially most friends, relatives and my extended family at the Bootcamp. Being 40 years old, I am too impatient and too old to take a test drive or what do you call that... dating/ courtship period? When I see the women that I love, I cant wait and had to immediately asked her hand for a marriage, and could not wait for the normal process of printing cards and do a proper invitation. We plan and held everything (from an otherwise 6 months of proper planning) within a month since the proposal, akad nikah and reception. There were no cards and invitation was only done by SMS/whatsapp and phone calls to family members, close relatives and business partners/associates. I owe everything to my darling sister Rose Emini Pahamin for most of the errands and running around for the reception. Thank you Emi... You dont know how much I love you.

p/s- I appreciate all the greetings, wishes and doa from everyone and I hope you dont mind me sharing by copying & paste them here in this blog. So it will last forever for my children, grand children and their grandhildren to read. Sincerely, I cherished every words written.

Thank you.


2 March · Edited ·


1 March 2014. Life begins at 40..
Check our my handsome best man Aaraf Pahamin Armin, and the gorgeous princess Kasih Leia Ixora Azhar. Special thank you to all my sisters Chempaka Emalin Pahamin, Melor Edina Pahamin, Teratai E Pahamin, Especially Rose Emini Pahamin, my brothers Azhar Sulaiman, Amnan Pahamin, Mohammed Rhiza, Shazrul Asari, Shamsul Adnan. My extended brothers Abu Lais Walli Mohamed, Dr Malek Aziz, Dato Wira Prof Dr Khairil Anas and all the brides maids nieces & nephews Kasih Iris Leona Azhar, Andika Rees Pahamin Azhar, Raina Rhiza, Raiqa Rhiza, Raisa Rhiza, Shazrai Shazrul, Sharhy Shazrul and to my beloved father Pahamin Rajab & darling mother Zainab Pahamin.. Special thanks to my professional photographer cum couzin EddiePutera Ahli Gambar & Crew.. A big huge bear hugs and a huge thank you for all your help on my most memorable reception.
— with Aaraf Pahamin Armin, Anny Chunraem and Kasih Leia Ixora Azhar.
Malek Aziz posted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin 
My brother Armin Baniaz Pahamin this is the 'speech' which I was supposed to deliver last nite! " This man that I speak about is one person bigger than life itself.If he calls u 'brother', u r indeed very blessed cos he will look out for u, care for u and to some extend fight for u.My experience of Armin; he's one man who doesn't let his ego gets in his way like most people do. I hv seen people who think they can outdo this man,took what he hs built and left him with literally nothing yet when he hears of that same person in grief, he goes out to console him!

Armin isn't afraid of hard work, bouncing ideas all the time, sharing,discussing things personal or not and what's amazing is he's open suggestions & opinions when given.


We share few things in common; our passion for good health & fitness, our desire to live life fully esp after our having gone thru a medical challenge. Actually I see a lot of me on him in my younger days: of surviving that dreaded cancer, being blessed with one son AND being given a second chance at happiness .Maybe that's why we click!
 

Nothing stops this man but only one- his father. A wonderful son to his parents and a great brother to his siblings.Speak ill of them....u r lucky to be left alive!! He's also a dotting dad to his son; be it in a business meeting or not, when Aaraf calls he would actually pick up the call.
 

A true leader who leads by example, a brilliant businessman, a fantastic friend and most of all an awesome brother. How can one not love u Armin!
 

My wish for u and Anny Chunraem all the happiness life has to offer, great health, abundance and may this union be one that satisfies u, comforts u and pleases u here n after.
 
Congratulations n take care my wonderful brother."
— with Anny Chunraem and Armin Baniaz Pahamin.
 

Photo: My brother Armin Baniaz Pahamin this is the 'speech' which I was supposed to deliver last nite! " This man that I speak about is one person bigger than life itself.If he calls u 'brother', u r indeed very blessed cos he will look out for u, care for u and to some extend fight for u.My experience of Armin; he's one man who doesn't let his ego gets in his way like most people do. I hv seen people who think they can outdo this man,took what he hs built and left him with literally nothing yet when he hears of that same person in grief, he goes out to console him! Armin isn't afraid of hard work, bouncing ideas all the time, sharing,discussing things personal or not and what's amazing is he's open suggestions & opinions when given. We share few things in common; our passion for good health & fitness, our desire to live life fully esp after our having gone thru a medical challenge. Actually I see a lot of me on him in my younger days: of surviving that dreaded cancer, being blessed with one son AND being given a second chance at happiness .Maybe that's why we click! Nothing stops this man but only one- his father. A wonderful son to his parents and a great brother to his siblings.Speak ill of them....u r lucky to be left alive!! He's also a dotting dad to his son; be it in a business meeting or not, when Aaraf calls he would actually pick up the call. A true leader who leads by example, a brilliant businessman, a fantastic friend and most of all an awesome brother. How can one not love u Armin! My wish for u and Anny Chunraem all the happiness life has to offer, great health, abundance and may this union be one that satisfies u, comforts u and pleases u here n after. Congratulations n take care my wonderful brother."
 
Ilyanna Aylin:Happy belated birthday to you abe yaz and may Allah bless your new journey with your beautiful partner with lots of love and happiness.


Eta Yuneta:Happpy birthday Armin Pahamin@arminn ..selamat pengantin baru!!!!!!

Monica Fung : Congrats Armin and Anny! Best wishes :)

Priscilla Joo Han Goh: Congratulations. .. Happy always...

Rosniza Mohamad: Selamat mendapat menantu baru kepada abe Min Pahamin Rajab n kak Nab Zainab Pahamin...with Raja Bahren Rosniza Mohamad Teratai Pahamin Haneem Ab Rahman Anuar Mohamad abe Din Hjh Noriha...cikja & uncle Sham harap Yaz Armin Pahamin n wife Anny bahagia ke hujung nyawa....muahssss

Diyana Anuar: Happily married on the day he turns 40. Happy birthday Abe Yaz and heartiest congratulations to you and Kak Anny. You make a beautiful couple and I wish you a beautiful and blessed journey ahead.

Kenanga Simonposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin: 
Wishing you a very joyful and remarkable Birthday, Armin

May Allah SWT bless you with everything which you desire
And follow you in every step you take

Have a blessed Birthday
Smiles and laughter, joy and cheer
New happiness that stays throughout the year
Hope your birthday brings all these and more
Filling life with surprise and joys galore
Have a blissful and prosperous birthday

‘And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years’
~Abraham Lincoln


Suriani Halimposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
Happy birthday old chap...made a cake on your birthday..but since you diet..I baham ajelah...
 

Zafrul Ismail created a greeting card.
Armin Baniaz Pahamin Happy Birthday :)

Wan Malek shared a status.1 March
dipagi yg damai ini
marilah sama2 kita ucapkan
selamat hari jadi yg ke 40 kpd sahabat saya dan juga mereka yg mengenali beliau
iaitu YBhg En Armin Baniaz Dato' Pahamin
Presiden PEDA Malaysia
semoga dipanjangkan umurnya
dimurahkan lagi rezekinya
dan sentiasa sihat walafiat sepanjang masa
amin

Kitson Foong shared a link. 1 March
Dearest Armin Baniaz Pahamin, Birthday salutations from me to you .. God bless you this and everyday as you journey forward in faith! http://youtu.be/J1OlwYJ364k
 

Naz Ridzwan Zulkifliposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin.  1 March. Happy birthday bro. Welcome to 40 series. 

James Chanposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin. 1 March Best wishes. Cheers

Rifa'i Nasirposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin. 1 March. You're 4.0! Have a blast bro!
 

Alia Syahirahposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Happy birthday uncle..smoga pnjg umur dan dimurahkan rezeki..

Johan Nasirposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Happiest Birthday to you my old friend! You've made it to 40! That is amazing..

DFaizal Ajeeposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
semoga dilimpahi rahmat dan barokah

Jeoffrey Aladibposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Happy Birthday Armin 

Benjamin Nazmiposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Happy Birthday Armin .........Life begin at 40 

Shuk Muzslimposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Happy birthday BOs hope your dreams become true...My Allah blessed u Aminn;-)

N Mardayana N Mustaphaposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Happie Birthday armin 

Mohd Fizan Mat Saadposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Happy b'day Encik Armin Pahamin...

Jason Lohposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Happy birthday bro.

SopHia SaiRiposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Happy birthday...

Royani Abdul Rahmanposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Happy birthday bro Armin Pahamin..

Zaireen Kamarposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Happy birthday Armin Baniaz Pahamin!

Princess Fmylinaposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Hpy bsday a.min smga pjg umr n hdp diberkati.amin

Hazlem Azimiposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Happy birthday 

Tey EngTiongposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Happy B'day !

Alixander Razaliposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Happy birthday bro...enjoy!

Tengku Linda Fakrodinposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Happy Birthday To U Armin Pahamin

Imraz Ikhbalposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March
Happy Birthday Bro!!!

Eddy Ismailposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
1 March near Kampong Baru Subang
Happy birthday!

Atie Mahmudposted to‎Armin Baniaz Pahamin
28 February
I know I am jumping the gun now but in between flying here and there, I am just afraid that I'll just miss your birthday...hence...I might as well wish you now before I jet set elsewhere..hehee..
So Armin Baniaz Pahamin, may your birthday be filled with many happy hours and your life with many happy birthdays. Wishing you a day that is as special in every way as you are.
Happy birthday in advance... — at Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

******************************************************************************

Finally, the speech by my 20 years of friendship, Dato Wira Prof Dr Khairil Anas that was read at the wedding reception. I am truely surprised at the indepth research you did on me and the interview you had with my friends and business partners for you to speak about me. Thank you for the wonderful speech brother.


Bismillahirahmanirahim,

Alhamdulillah, selamat malam, salam sejahtera kepada Pengantin yang diraikan, raja sehari, our friend Armin Baniaz and wife, Tan Sri-Tan Sri, Dato’-Dato’ Sri, Dato’-Dato’, ahli-ahli keluarga pengantin kedua-dua pihak, ,para tetamu kehormat, dan rakan-rakan serta para hadirin sekalian.

Ladies and gentlemen,

1.    When Armin called me up a few days ago and asked me to give an introductory speech about him as a friend at his wedding dinner, I admit that I was shocked and it took me awhile to ask what is this introductory speech going to be about? Armin replied that ‘Annas… you just… you just say something about me’. And I answered, “Armin… friends, what more close friends don’t say things about their friends.”  And then we both laughed. Armin then added that “I believe it’s just peanuts for you lah bro…” 

Ladies and Gentlemen, well writing political speech is one thing, but introducing speech on friend for wedding is totally another thing.

2.    After the phone conversation with Armin, it made me think long and hard about the meaning of friendship.  Being me, it made me think deeply what is the meaning of kawan, apa ertinya persahabatan, good friends, close friends or some people term it as BFF (Best friends forever). I mentioned this because I believe, to many of us, normally, a close friend will go out together almost all the time or at least have their weekly hang out session at the mamak corner. But I and Armin don’t have such arrangement. Although our friendship goes beyond 20 years, it is not fortunate enough for us to meet as much as we should, especially over the past 10 years due to our respective demanding careers. However, we have never lost contact, we are always in the loop about each other’s wellbeing and we will always be there for each other. I think, in this respect, actually, there is this guy, our brother, Mr. Abulayth, by definition is Armin’s closest friend because he has also known Armin for the past 20 years and is always physically there for Armin in all their business and social activities including going for family vacations together.  

3.    Actually, I was made to understand that another friend Dr Malik, was also supposed to give this speech, who is Armin’s bootcmap business partner, tapi malam ni semua yang best-best friend ni dah chicken out. Tak sanggup kasi speech tonight… Aduihhhhhh… So I was merajuk a bit to Armin and texted him. After Abu and Dr. Malik lari and chicken out… Armin… now you tell me, am I the second or third best?

4.    Nevertheless, takpalah, second or third best also can, I’ll do this for Armin’s sake. As he said to me, no worries, among friends you are the longest that have known me. As the saying goes, one of the beautiful qualities of friendship is to understand and to be understood. So here I am, standing before Armin and wife and all of you, being a friend when a speech has to be given… Hmmmmm… As such, instead of the proverb a friend indeed is a friend in need, for this occasion, tonight, I would rephrase it to a friend indeed is a friend-in-speech.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

5.    I believe those who are here tonight, are relatives, friends, business associates and the group that went to perform Haj together with Armin. Armin told me that he would not invite a lot of people to come tonight and hence most of us here would not need no introduction as to who Armin is. However, to the uninitiated, maybe I could give some brief introduction about Armin.

6.    Armin Baniaz graduated with honors in Economics from the University of Buckingham in England in 1994. Armin has been active with NGOs and social activities since his undergraduate days. When he was with the Northern Consortium of United Kingdom (NCUK) program, he was the Chief Editor for the NCUK Yearbook and newsletter. At the University, he was the first Malaysian to be elected the Student Union President in a British University in 1993. He was also the founding Vice-President for the University of Buckingham Economic Council (UBEC).

7.    Right after he came back to Malaysia, he had a short stint with Kumpulan Guhtrie Berhad before pursuing his career with the Commerce International Merchant Bankers Berhad (CIMB, now known as CIMB Investment bank) in Corporate Finance. He left the Bank to venture into business with a PROTON Edar dealership and was also a vendor to PROTON when he joint-ventured with a Singapore Main board listed company Jackspeed Corporation Limited and was appointed the Executive Chairman for Jackspeed Malaysia. Armin was also featured as a successful young millionaire by Malaysia Personal MONEY, on managing finances in 2007.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
8.    When we talk about Armin, there are a few important things that we need to know. To those who were not informed, Armin was diagnosed with a Chronic Myeloid Leukemia when he was 15 and underwent a bone marrow transplant a year later at the Hammersmith Hospital, London in 1990. Despite the leukemia, Armin expedited his study after the bone marrow transplant and graduated when he was barely 20 years old. Alhamdulillah, Armin outlived the 3 years expected life expectancy for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and celebrated his 20 years CML anniversary in 2009. Since the diagnosis, he lived by a creed that only terminal cancer patients understand, which goes: “A thousand ringgit lost today can be regained but an hour lost in a day, is gone forever.” In short, Armin Baniaz lives by the principle that we should not waste any time.

9.    This is the reason why I am in constant amazement looking at his commitment and drive in living his life to the fullest in a healthy way. His immense willpower helped him battle against leukemia, which he won in the end. He is a living proof that if you have the willpower, you are able to battle the most terminal illness.  


Ladies and Gentlemen,

10.Secondly as many of us are aware, Armin enjoys sports and outdoor activities greatly. Among his sporting achievements, Armin is an Ironman Traithlon 2005 finisher, Powerman Malaysia, Dualthon 2004 finisher and Kuala Lumpur International marathon 2008 finisher. Wow… ladies and gentlemen, let’s join hands and give this ironman a round of applause. However… however… this ironman friend of ours, during the Langkawi triathlon, finished 3.8km open water swim, 42.2km run, and supposedly cycled for 180km but only did about 23km cycle and unfortunately had to come back on an ambulance/ kira dah almost pengsan la.

11.A few years back, started from just attending a local bootcamp programme in Padang Merbok, Armin got excited and continued attending the activites until he took up the licence for the Chief’s Original Bootcamp which is a military-inspired training program. Talking about this bootcamp, it has been years that Armin tried to persuade me to join the program. But I think it is not doable because it starts too early at 5.00 something in the morning and also about 5.00 something in the evening. Both definitely are in conflict with my schedule. Armin gave me a direct solution which appears so simple to him, “you tidur awal, then you bangun awal lah”… All of us here must know that Armin sleeps as early as 8.30pm. (dalam Malaysia, ada seorang je kawan saya yang tidur awal gila pukul 8.30 malam dan bangun 5 pagi for so many years already.)

12.In addition, I told him how on earth people like in my profession can join your bootcamp. I said to him I sometime finish my discussion with PM up to 1.00am and when I’m home it’s already almost 2.00am and by 8.30 the next morning, I have to present my research to the Prime Minister. It’s just not going to happen.

13.Furthermore, I think we are all very lucky because he chooses to join us here tonight rather than sleeping at home. I can only count by hand how many times we could meet at night because he sleeps too early by any normal people’s standard. Pukul 5 pagi dah text saya. It’s fortunate enough that his wife, Anny also  sleeps at 8.30pm. Kena lah tu.


Ladies and Gentlemen,

14.Armin is one person bigger than life itself. If he calls you brother, you are indeed very blessed, because he will look out for you, care for you and to some extent, fight for you. From my personal experience, he once told me that whenever people would say not so good things about me, he told me, “aku rasa nak tendang je orang tu”. Ladies and gentlemen, I think this is what a true friend is. Indeed, our friendship has been tested through time because we bonded during our university days and it is maintained until today and we avoid as much as we can from taking advantage of each other’s position.

15.With that, I would like to quote Oprah Winfrey: “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limousine, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limousine breaks down”. And also the legendary Muhammad Ali once quoted: “Friendship is not something that you can learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.

16.On the other hand, to me, Armin is outspoken, straightforward, he will speak his mind and what is good about him is that he can readily accept the opinion of others. As Oscar Wilde put it, true friends stab you in the front.  

17.In business, which I am not really involved in with him, but was told by many business partners and staff of his, that Armin is a firm, dedicated,  workaholic and is always ready to bounce of ideas 24-7. He is so passionate towards his work that he might forget almost everything else. For him, work comes first. 

18.In short, nothing will stop this man but by only one – Dato’ Pahamin Rejab, his father. Indeed, Armin Baniaz is a wonderful son to his parents, a great brother to his siblings, and a dotting dad to his son, be it business or not when his son, Aaraf calls, he would actually pick it up.

19.Moreover, Armin is regarded as a true leader who leads by example, a brilliant businessman, a fantastic friend and most of all an awesome brother, how can one not love you Armin. My wish for you and Anny, all the happiness life has to offer, great health, abundance of wealth and may this union be one that satisfies you, comforts you, and pleases you here and in the hereafter. Congratulations and take care my brother. Happy 40th Birthday and many happy returns. Armin Baniaz and Anny congratulations and take care my brother.
 
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