10 August 2011

Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

PP423/01/2012(029578)

ForTheRecord With Yushaimi Yahaya

Famous last words on peace There are bound to be those who take advantage of a seemingly ‘innocent’ situation to create and protract anarchy and unrest for their own benefits >> pg6 LOCAL TAMAN KOSAS MURDERS

Strangled ‘boy’ a toddler Child victim a 20-month-old son of butchered woman

>> pg3

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Lin Dan and other badminton players at World Championships concerned for their safety in wake of London riots

>> pg27

WORLD

Men at ‘work’ Phone booth thieves masquerading as workers active in Selangor, Perak, Penang

>> pg4

Dow hits back

Big bother

Wall Street rebounded yesterday after Monday’s carnage. At close of trade, the Dow had jumped almost four per cent (429.92 points) to 11,239.77

Buses making it tough for motorists to turn into Jalan Prima Setapak

>> pg8

London lockdown 16,000 cops move in, but violence spreads to other cities

AS a bigger police presence managed to tame London, violence spread in several cities early today.

Manchester, Birmingham, Salford, Nottingham, Wolverhampton and Leicester bore sickening scenes of looting and arson.

Even a police station in Nottingham was firebombed by a gang of 40 youths.

>> pg11

RIOT ACT: A video clip uploaded on YouTube shows Asyraf being ‘helped’ by looters on the streets of London.

MAIL EXCLUSIVE

Story and Pic: ZAHARAH OTHMAN LONDON

Dastardly deeds MANCHESTER

MALAYSIAN Asyraf Haziq cycled into a viral video post after been set upon by a mob in the city’s riots yesterday.

The first-year accountancy student not only lost his bicycle and valuables, the dazed victim was actually ‘helped’ up by his very assailants who

nonchalantly ransacked his backpack — and left him nursing a broken jaw!

A passer-by who recorded this twisted ‘act of kindness’ posted it on YouTube.

• More reports on pg2, 6 and 12

2

news

Buka Puasa/Imsak Times Ramadan 4, 1432H

IMSAK MAGHRIB (TODAY) (TOMORROW)

WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya

7:28pm

There is a need for a thorough study of the melioidosis disease outbreaks in the Bakun hydroelectric dam and Murum dam project areas — Bakun and Murum Dam Safety Committee chairman Dr Elli Luhat

The Malay Mail ● Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

LONDON 1

2

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5:42am

SELANGOR Zone I: Daerah Gombak, Petaling Jaya/ Shah Alam, Hulu Selangor, Hulu Langat and Sepang Zone II: Daerah Klang, Kuala Langat, Kuala Selangor, and Sabak Bernam

7:28pm

5:42am

7:30pm

5:44am

Apple the most valuable US company APPLE has surpassed Exxon Mobil as the most valuable company in the US, according to new figures, the Irish Independent reports. The electronics giant's stock gained 3.2 per cent, rising to just over US$364 (RM1,100) yesterday, bringing the iPhone and iPad maker's market capitalisation to about US$338 billion. Exxon Mobil shares, meanwhile, were trading at US$69.45, down nearly one per cent. That gives the oil company a market cap of US$337.7 billion. Other bigname corporations, such as Wal-Mart and General Electric, do not even come close to this performance. Apple has been on a roll with the soaring popularity of its iPad tablet computer and strong sales of the iPhone. Investors expect Apple to grow as long as it keeps making products that people want. Exxon has limited growth prospects, driven by fluctuating oil prices and the discovery of new oil.

HELPERS-TURN-LOOTERS: (1) The injured student on the ground after the attack. (2) He is helped up before being accosted by a man from behind who begins rifling through his bag. (3) Too stunned from the injury and initial attack, he is helpless to stop the man from making away with his belongings

Daylight thuggery

YouTube clip captures Malaysian student too dazed after attack to fend off looters

MAIL EXC LUSIVE

By ZAHARAH OTHMAN mmnews@mmail.com.my

FIRST-YEAR student, Asyraf Haziq, was looking forward to breaking fast with his friends when he was brutally attacked by about 20 youths in full riot fever.

Asyraf, who lives in Barking in East London and studies ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) at Kaplan College in nearby Tower Hill, was cycling with his friend, Sheikh Muhammad Faris, 20, when they saw the mob coming towards them.

Sheikh escaped but the mob came after Asyraf and went for his bike.

"They went through my pocket and took my phone," he said from his hospital bed in Royal London Hospital yesterday.

He said he then passed out and could not remember how his lower jaw broke.

He came to sitting in a pool of blood with several youths

SPECIAL GUESTS: Dr Noorzaini (left) and Mukhriz (right) visit Asyraf at the hospital yesterday

helping him up, who were, unknown to him, actually part of the group who beat him up.

The incident was filmed by a passer-by who posted the clip on YouTube which later aired on Sky News.

In the clip, Asyraf looked too stunned to stop the youths as they ransacked his backpack, taking his PlayStation Portable and an empty container which he intended to use to pack food back for sahur.

Asyraf today received sev-

eral prominent visitors such as Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, Mara director Dr Noorzaini Mohd Noor and Umno London chairman Ahmad Dzuhair Hanafiah.

Although in obvious pain,

Asyraf smiled and answered questions. His lower jaw was wired in preparation for surgery.

Umno London as well as the Mara office had earlier moved seven students from Barking and Mile End, areas considered to be high-risk. They are now at the Mara Hostel in Bayswater.

Asyraf also received another visitor, Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK, Datuk Zakaria Sulong.

Zakaria advised Malaysians living, working and studying in the United Kingdom to avoid affected areas.

"As the rioting is spreading fast, the Malaysian High Commission will issue advice from time to time," he said.

Rioting which started in Tottenham, North London, over the shooting of a local man, spread to other parts of London in cities such as Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester. ● More reports on page 12

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PETALING JAYA

Crooked agents' new discreet operation

THE investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for corrupt practices in the government's amnesty programme has revealed a new modus operandi by unscrupulous agents.

A source claimed ever since news reports of agents charging exorbitant registration fees to illegal immigrants surfaced, they have switched their operations.

Instead of laying out table counters like before, they are now

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By NAJIAH NAJIB and ASRUL HADI ABDULLAH SANI mmnews@mmail.com.my

luring potential victims via wordof-mouth, the source claimed.

"The agents, or rather subagents, are much more discreet in luring illegal immigrants to register with them. We discovered most of those duped are Indonesians.

"The graft activities are not exclusive to Selangor and Kuala Lumpur alone, but have occurred

EDITORIAL Tel : 03-74951288 Fax : 03-74951229 Email : mmnews@mmail.com.my

in the northern and southern region as well."

The source said to nab the culprits, MACC would work with the Immigration Department, adding the agents charging more than the RM35 administrative charge set by the government to register illegal immigrants can be charged under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009 for accepting

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gratification.

The commission's probe in the amnesty exercise has also received the support of Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who said no one is above the law.

"They should also investigate the giver if any, especially if it involves syndicates," he said in a text message to The Malay Mail.

In a statement yesterday, the ministry said 1,548,798 foreign

workers have registered since Monday. Out of that, 714,565 did not have proper documentation.

A special counter has also been set up at the ministry's headquarters in Putrajaya for any technical difficulties faced by the 336 appointed agents in the programme.

The biometric registration programme of legal foreign workers took place from July 13 to 31.

TO CONTACT US: Newsdesk : 03-74951015 & 03-74951017 CLASSIFIEDS : 03-74951273/03-74951282 General line : 03-74951288 CIRCULATION : 03-74951068 Fax : 03-74951226

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

A total of 3,474 eligible students have been approved to receive scholarships for postgraduate studies this year under the 'MyBrain15' programme — Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung

AMPANG: Taman Kosas murders

Too young to die

Boy was only 20 months old, not five-to seven-year-old as earlier thought THE toddler in the centre of the ghastly double murder at the hands of the "butcher of Taman Kosas" was 20 months old and not aged between five and seven as initially thought.

S el angor p ol i c e ch i e f DCP Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah yesterday confirmed the child's age.

The intact remains of the boy, stuffed into a plastic bag, was found in a gaping hole in the bathroom ceiling of an unoccupied apartment on the fifth floor of Chryssa Block, Astaria Apartments, where his mother's dismembered body was also found last Wednesday.

The boy was believed strangled while his 30-something mum, said to be an Indonesian, was beheaded and slaughtered into 15 pieces with an axe.

The body parts were shoved into plastic bags in the bathroom. Her internal organs were thrown into the toilet bowl.

Mother and child were

By THASHA JAYAMANOGARAN thasha@mmail.com.my

believed murdered elsewhere and their remains dumped in the unoccupied unit.

Tun Hisan said a probe was underway into the killings and more than 100 people have so far been interviewed.

He said statements were recorded from 40 people and more were expected to be questioned.

"We are hoping to get strong leads and the investigations are far from over," he added.

Tun Hisan said investigators were sceptical over claims by a Sabahan that the victims were his wife and son.

"We have yet to see any documentation of their marriage. As such, we can't buy the Sabahan's claim of being the victim's husband," he said.

The 29-year-old Sabahan had, on Sunday, claimed to be the husband and father of the victims after police picked him up from his Bandar Baru

KUALA LUMPUR

Mother, 56, among sex workers nabbed

By AIZAT SHARIF aizat@mmail.com.my

A MIDDLE-AGED divorcee was among 15 sex workers nabbed at a brothel at Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin (formerly Jalan Silang) here yesterday.

In the 12.30pm raid by KL police's anti-vice, gambling and prostitution division (D7), the police also arrested three male pimps and 19 foreigners who were clients of the Malaysian sex workers and seized RM2,016 believed to be fees paid by clients.

"We received a tip-off on the brothel activities on the second floor of the building and found the floor partitioned into 20 wooden cubicles, each equipped with bed and toilet," said D7 officer-in-charge, DSP Azman Mohd Isa. "Among the 15 women was a 56-yearold divorcee with several children. She told us she turned to prostitution three years ago to help make ends meet and her family has since abandoned her. This vice den offers sexual services ranging from RM20 to RM40 and most clients are foreigners."

The youngest worker nabbed was 19.

The three pimps were all in their 30s.

Ampang home.

He confirmed the identity of the woman through a reconstruction of her face at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre mortuary in Cheras.

The man told police he had apparently been searching for his wife and child after their recent disappearance.

In his statement, the jobless

man said he believed his wife and child were visiting a relative or a friend, and thought it not necessary to lodge a missing person's report.

He was released after a statement was recorded from him but police are expected to question him further.

Speculation is rife that the woman could have had a special relationship that went awry with her killer.

Eight men, all Bangladeshis aged between 26 and 38, are

in police custody in connection with the murders.

The suspects — restaurant workers, cleaners, car wash attendants and a hotel worker — had been living a few doors away on the same floor of the vacant apartment where the gruesome discovery was made.

Police made the horrifying discovery after they were alerted by residents claiming of unbearable stench emanating from the empty unit.

IT reminded me of the scene in Pulp Fiction where the bloke comes out of the kitchen, fires off dozens of rounds at assassins John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson and reacts in terror as every single bullet misses the target.

Only this time, no shots were fired and the aggressors were fuming mad rather than reeling in horror.

This is a rather egotistical personal experience involving three hooligans on motorbikes who cornered and attacked me from both sides of the lane as I was crossing the road in front of my condominium at Taman Danau Desa, off Jalan Klang Lama, yesterday afternoon.

How dare they?

The daredevil lone biker leapt from his machine and thumped me on the chest in his attempt to grab my gold chain while the pair behind me tried to grab my gym bag.

Both attempts failed. I

— Selangor police chief Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah

How dare they?

By FRANKIE D'CRUZ frankie@mmail.com.my

hung on dearly to my gold chain and threw a left hook that may or may not have hit his face, but it sure did leave me with a swollen hand as my blow struck his helmet.

I gave chase through the congested traffic and suddenly the gang of three stopped, turned around, looked at me — one waving a clenched fist.

Showtime. Stand-off.

How dare they?

I stopped in my tracks.

They waited a while. We stared at one another.

They gave me a finger and sped off.

Their stance was one of invulnerability.

Their show of contempt towards the assembled by s t an d e rs w i l l e ar n them waspish headlines but believe me this gang will carry on their merry ways.

If they were particularly withering and demon-

strated disdain toward an “intimidating” person like me, everyone on the streets are at their mercy.

I never thought it would happen to me.

That they targeted me is worrying because I resembled a combat-ready man with my trainers, running shorts and sleeveless t-shirt — okay, some muscle flexing.

Sure, I shouldn't have worn my chain — but why shouldn't I? The gold chain and my earring are part of me. No way am I going to stop wearing them in fear of these rascals.

That's just me — someone who has been mistaken for a daunting Indian, someone who experiences getting cab rides at night because some cabbie think I am a menacing Black.

Still, if yesterday outside Danau Idaman condominium was anything to go

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Teacher on m-cycle shot and wounded A TEACHER was shot and seriously wounded in Pattani's Nong Chik district yesterday, the Bangkok Post reports.

Police said the attack occurred at Bang Khao village in Tambon Bang Khao shortly after noon. Somboon Jongdoem, 57, a teacher at Kongthapbok Uthis School, was leaving the school on a motorcycle to buy ice. He was followed and shot by two men on another motorcycle.

He was admitted to Nong Chik hospital. Also in Pattani district, Yusoh Weseechi, 52, village headman of Moo 5 of Ban Dindaeng, was killed in an ambush yesterday morning.

Yusoh was attacked on a local road in front of the Ban E-bu school in Yaring while riding his motorcycle to visit his wife in the village. He was shot several times in his head and body. He died on the spot.

Drummer Yoyo jailed for drug use

We are hoping to get strong leads and the investigations are far from over

KUALA LUMPUR

news

by, let's just say a combatready man might be able to match a criminal in a boxing ring — but in real life it's not that simple.

They take you by surprise and rather than act on rationale, you tend to respond with instinct.

Victims are often at a loss during such a crisis and on hindsight I think I did right by not getting into a brawl with the gang.

I could have been pulverised.

They could have been carrying knives or other weapons, which they possibly wouldn't be if the police checked motorcyclists regularly at roadblocks.

The genetic or selfinflicted dearth, blight or yearning may have led the snatch thieves to roam the streets, but these lowlife rats have no place in society.

I curse them to die screaming of rectal cancer.

I curse them because they shouldn't have picked on me — How dare they?

SURENDRO “Yoyo” Prasetyo (pic), drummer for the popular band Padi, was yesterday sentenced to a year in prison by the Central Jakarta District Court for possession of crystal methamphetamine, the Jakarta Post reports. "(Yoyo) was proven to be using the drugs," presiding judge Sapawi said.

However, Yoyo is not obliged to stay in prison, but instead he should undergo medical and social reha­bilitation. Yoyo said he expected a lighter punishment.

In issuing the verdict, the judges took into account that Yoyo was a long-time drug user.

Mother guilty of murdering her children A BRITISH woman accused of smothering her two young children to get revenge on their father was yesterday found guilty of two counts of murder, the Herald Sun reports. Fiona Donnison, 45, faces a life sentence after jurors at Lewes Crown Court, in southern England, unanimously found her guilty of suffocating Harry, 3, and Elise, 2, while they were sleeping, on Jan 26 last year. Donnison, who had been rejected by her partner Paul Donnison, the father of the two children, is believed to have carried out the murders at her home in Lightwater in Surrey, southeastern England.

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news

MIC president Datuk G. Palanivel who was appointed minister took the oath of office before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at Istana Negara yesterday — Bernama

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

PETALING JAYA

SHAH ALAM

Ring, ring and it's gone

SPAD to boost Raya road safety

Cops smash inter-state phone booth theft gang

By THASHA JAYAMANOGARAN thasha@mmail.com.my

IT was an innocuous setting: A group of men wearing yellow hard hats, busy working around public phone booths encircled by traffic cones.

Armed with power tools and sledgehammers they carted away entire phone booths within 10 minutes.

Bystanders watched in awe at the speed with which they emptied the area of the kiosks.

But the phone booths were never replaced and the companies that installed the booths were shocked to discover them missing when officials went on coin collection rounds.

The police launched an investigation and discovered a pattern that smacked of inter-state phone booth thefts following reports of missing kiosks in Selangor, Perak and Penang.

Yesterday, police revealed

they smashed a syndicate stealing public telephone booths with the arrest of five men in a raid on a licensed recycling store in Bandar Baru Bukit Beruntung two weeks ago.

They seized 14 entire phone booths, 120 pieces of dismantled phone booth covers, 50 handsets and other components of phone kiosks worth close to RM1 million. A lorry was also confiscated.

The game was over for the gang during its 17th trip to the recycling store to unload the items.

Selangor police chief DCP Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah said: “Investigations began after companies that supplied phone booths to local fixed line providers reported the kiosks missing.

“A pattern quickly emerged when reports came from Sri

SEIZED: Tun Hisan (centre) showing the haul of stolen phone booths and their dismantled parts

Kembangan, Bangi, Serdang, B a l a k on g , A mp a n g a n d Rawang. We were then able to connect the gang to thefts in Penang and Perak as well.”

He said the materials were sold to the recycling store deal-

er who is believed to have ready buyers in recycling manufacturers and scrap metal yards.

Tun Hisan said the suspects, four jobless men and the owner of the recycling store, aged between 20 and 40,

were remanded until today.

The suspects have been active since the beginning of the year and may have had mechanical training as they knew how to dismantle the booth and use power tools.

KUALA LUMPUR

Sungai Besi Airport to end aircraft operations THE control of airspace over the Sungai Besi Airport will revert to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) air-traffic control from Dec 1, marking the end of fixedwing aircraft operations at the 70-year-old airfield.

With this decision, both the police Air Wing and the Royal Selangor Flying Club will have to relocate their fixed-wing aircrafts from the airport to Subang. However, helicopter operations will continue at Sungai Besi until further notice.

By Marhalim Abas mabas@mmail.com.my

The Air Wing operates three fixed-wing aircraft from Sungai Besi, namely, the Pilatus PC-6, Cessna 208 Caravan and the Beechcraft Super King Air. The Royal Selangor Flying Club operates three Cessna 172, mostly for training and leisure flights.

The police also operate Squirrel helicopters for various duties. When contacted, Deputy Inspector-General

of Police Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar, responded via text message: “We have to find space in Subang then.” He declined further comment.

Meanwhile, an official of the Royal Selangor Flying Club confirmed they were still negotiating terms and conditions with 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) which will transform the Sungai Besi airport into Bandar Malaysia.

I r o n i c a l l y, t h e R o y a l Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) which operates and has overall control of the Sungai Besi

airport, is expected to remain on the site until February next year or even longer.

RMAF chief Tan Sri Rodzali Daud told reporters yesterday they will conclude an agreement with 1MDB for its replacement site in Sendayan, Negri Sembilan, by February.

He said some of the units based at Sungai Besi will be relocated to the Subang Air Base in the meantime. He also said the RMAF Museum which houses various historical aircraft will remain at the present Sungai Besi site as part

of the attractions of Bandar Malaysia.

On April 7 last year, The Malay Mail front-paged a report on plans to redevelop the Sungai Besi Airport into a commercial business hub, complete with a heliport.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had initially denied the report, although he later said the air base would soon be closed to make way for the “Greater KL” development project as laid out under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

TO enhance public transport safety before, during and after Raya, the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) is conducting nationwide enforcement operations from Sunday until Sept 14 together with the Road Transport Department (RTD) and the police.

The commission's enforcement and training general manager, Mej-Jen (Rtd) Datuk Che Hasni Che Ahmad (pic) said the aim was to ensure safer journeys for the public.

"This month-long joint operation will be conducted round-the-clock," he told The Malay Mail, adding this is the first time SPAD is conducting such an operation.

"SPAD will focus on transport terminals and inspect buses before they embark on their destinations, including the validity of their permits, physical safety of the buses and fitness of the drivers and conductors, while RTD will concentrate on technical aspects such as tyres and brakes."

Che Hasni also said SPAD and RTD will crack down on bus ticket scalpers who tend to proliferate during festive seasons.

"We urge passengers not to buy tickets from touts. If there is no demand for overpriced tickets, the touting will stop."

PETALING JAYA

Perhilitan audits problem zoos, submits reports THE Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) has conducted audits on Malacca and Johor zoological parks which allegedly have mistreated their animals.

The Malay Mail understands the results of the audits will be known after they have been discussed by a committee headed by Natural Resources and Environment Ministry secretary-general Datuk Zoal Azha Yusof.

The committee, which is

entrusted with scrutinising applications and issuing permits for zoo management under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, may stop issuing permits for the zoos based on the results of the audit reports.

Johor Zoo had been alleged to have kept a baby elephant named Paloh in deplorable conditions while the Malacca Zoo was alleged to have confined eight orang utan to a cage instead of having them out in the open with

the other animals.

Nature Alert, an international non-governmental organisation, had submitted at least 12 separate official complaints to Perhilitan documenting animal abuse and neglect at the government-owned Malacca Zoo and the privatelyowned A’Famosa Resort in Alor Gajah, also in Malacca.

Perhilitan deputy directorgeneral Dr Zaaba Zainal Abidin told The Malay Mail apart from the two zoos in Malacca and

Johor, the department recently conducted audits at eight other parks in the country, leaving only three zoos yet to be audited.

On when the committee will hold its meeting, Zaaba said: “It is up to the Natural Resource and Environment Ministry secretarygeneral to decide.”

Perhilitan, in its efforts to curb abuses at zoos, has set up a special roving task force to check on the condition of zoo facilities and the animals.

WEDNESday 10 AUGUST, 2011

PETALING JAYA

Goodies for Raya Sharp donates products to orphanage

IN conjunction with Ramadan and the coming Hari Raya, Sharp-Roxy Sales & Service Company (M) Sdn Bhd donated Sharp products and goodie bags to Kuala Lumpurbased Rumah Ilham Yayasan Anak-Anak Yatim Pinggir Taman Tun Dr Ismail.

The goods were handed over by Sharp-Roxy assis­ tant general manager and CEP marketing adviser T. Wakasumi to orphanage representative Arman Abu Samah during Sharp’s Celebrate the Hottest Raya Fair last week at the IPC Shopping Centre in Mutiara Damansara in Petaling Jaya.

Also present were Sharp-Roxy assistant general manager of KL CEP sales Bobby Tan and senior manager of public relations and advertising Mohd Aref Ali. The fair, held from Aug 3 to 7, showcased the latest Sharp products and the company, in partnership

By FAIZAL NOR IZHAM faizal.nor@mmail.com.my

with the Harvey Norman furniture and household appliances chain, is also now having a Sharp Raya sales campaign with special product offers nationwide until the end of August.

The Fair will continue at KSL City Mall in Johor Baru from Aug 19 to 21.

HANDOVER: Wakasumi (right) presenting a Sharp product to Arman

5

the malay mail KUALA LUMPUR

Innovative ad era dawns on MBO cinemas CUTTING-EDGE cinema advertising will soon be seen in cineplexes operated

by MBO Cinemas with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding yesterday between the local cinema chain and two companies, Eugenetek Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd and Ambient Media Sdn Bhd. Eugenetek’s business development manager in the cinema advertising division Job Chang said: “With cinema advertising on the rise, advertisers

are constantly challenged to generate new ideas and think outside their zones in order to grab the consumer’s attention. So, by being the only specialist using digital cinema technology called CineOSA and through partnering exclusively with MBO, this is an absolute way to engage consumers with greater impact and impart cinema creativity to a whole

new dimension.”

MCAT Box Office (MBO) Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Ikmal Nizam Ariffin, whose company operates MBO Cinemas said: “We target to approach our consumers creatively, in new ways beyond the typical cinema advertisements that most of us are used to. The aim of this partnership is to break out from the traditional advertising genre and give MBO cinema patrons more memorable moments at the movies than ever before. We will see moviegoers discussing the ads as well.”

MBO opened its first cineplex in 2005 and now has a dozen cineplexes nationwide which offers among the best cinema technology.

In Malaysia, a 16 per cent annual increase in media advertising spending last year was recorded by the Nielsen Advertising Information Service, closing the year 2010 with RM7.7 billion in advertising revenue. This increase was driven by solid growth in the first half of 2010 (22 per cent year-onyear) and an ensuing strong momentum in the second half.

Various types of media outlets had contributed to the growth, namely, terrestrial TV (up 18 per cent), newspapers (up 14 per cent), radio (up 13 per cent), magazines (up 9 per cent), in-store (up 43 per cent), outdoor (up 7 per cent), cinema (up 6 per cent) and Internet (up 29 per cent).

GROUNDBREAKERS: (From left) Chang, Ambient Media group CEO Datuk Rishya Joseph, Ikmal and Eugenetek director Michael Foo

6

news

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) has appointed Associate Professor Dr Wong Shaw Voon as its new director-general, effective Aug 1 -- Miros

The Malay Mail â&#x2014;? Wednesday 10 August, 2011

The evil that people do I WAS up early yesterday, and my attention was fixed firmly on the flurry of breaking reports on the unrelenting riots in England.

Switching between CNN, BBC and AlJazeera, the London Riots, dubbed so as the first one started in Tottenham on Saturday, had spread to other parts of England, including Liverpool and Birmingham.

Fear envelopes these troubled areas, and the unabated riots have posed a national security threat unseen for some time now in the land of the Three Lions.

Reports indicate that even fairly "civil" areas of London, the quaint little town of Croydon which I have quite an affinity for, having spent some three weeks there on holiday more than 10 years ago, have fallen victim to acts of criminality and mindless aggression.

Birmingham, with its infamous history of unrest throughout the years, lives up to its reputation as problematic as clashes with the cops, violence and looting take precedence yet again.

As I soaked in the reports, which came in thick and fast, the channels focused mainly on images of firemen fighting a huge blaze engulfing the

sprawling Sony distribution centre in Enfield, London.

It was riveting. A gargantuan building on fire, and fire brigade personnel struggling to douse it due to the sheer size of the building.

A BBC phone interview with a man, who worked across from the Sony building, said the acts of arson, thuggery and looting were a simple case "of people taking advantage of the situation".

The interviewee was obviously referring to the death of 29-year-old Mark Duggan, who was gunned down while riding a cab in North London last Thursday, that had led to the unrest.

Metropolitan Police's Operation Trident, the unit that deals with gun crimes in London's black communities, had apparently stopped the cab before shots were fired, killing the father-of-four. There were suggestions Duggan had fired at the officers first.

However, a report in the Guardian on Monday suggested that a bullet lodged in a police radio worn by an officer at the scene, earlier speculated as Duggan's handiwork, suggested the bullet could have come from a police weapon.

The rumour mongers had worked overtime, speculating

ForTheRecord With Yushaimi Yahaya

on Wednesday Duggan had been held down by officers before being shot in the head.

On Saturday, about 120 people, including members of Duggan's family and community workers, marched to the Tottenham police station.

The march was peaceful.

Two hours later, violence erupted, with gangs attacking police cars, shops, banks and other buildings.

Police said: "We believe certain elements who were not involved with the vigil, took the opportunity to commit disorder and physically attack police officers, verbally abuse fire brigade personnel and destroy vehicles and buildings."

The rioting spread to other parts of London, and beyond it to as far north as Manchester. Police have branded them as "copycat" events conducted by opportunists and criminals and say they have evidence some of the rioting was coordinated using social media, including Twitter.

Yesterday, I sat on my sofa,

watching, in shock, footage of looters having a field day at a Birmingham mall.

It was simply unbelievable, the way the rioters and looters blatantly went about their activities. As if mocking the authorities, they continued despite the obvious presence of TV news cameras.

At presumably the same mall, you could see cops in the vicinity, trying desperately to bring the situation under control. The looters did not care about their presence.

Some mocked them, obvious to the fact they outnumbered the Bobbies.

Reports quoted residents as saying they were extremely worried that things could get out of hand as the looters and rioters were blatantly challenging the cops.

In fact, they did not even run from the cops but instead tailed them in a mob.

Talk about intimidating. Talk about looking for trouble.

A report suggested that at least one police station had

been set on fire. So were cars and a multitude of other properties.

Some panic-stricken residents, according to the reports, were demanding the authorities bring in the army if the police were unable to cope with the rioters.

The cops promised stern action. For the first time ever, armoured police vehicles were used to quell rioting.

The public has been asked to stay off the streets as they would get in the way of the cops as they tackle the trouble-makers.

The cops have also promised action against those who fan negative sentiments via social networking.

"There is a lot of anger, but people are taking advantage of the situation," said one resident.

"I hope the authorities will get a grip on the situation and bring normalcy back with minimal collateral damage."

While there is just cause to investigate Duggan's death, the senseless rioting, looting and aggression can lead to the innocent getting hurt. Some already have.

It is gravely troubling that in situations like this, there are bound to be those who take advantage of a seemingly "innocent" situation to create

and protract anarchy and unrest for their own benefit.

While the Duggan issue is not racial in nature, there are those who fan negative sentiments to achieve their own objectives. Obviously, there are those who ride on the sentiments of Duggan's death to create turmoil.

I will stay glued to the news channels, with the hope that good sense and peace will prevail there.

Today, like yesterday, I will also silently pray that Malaysia be spared the evils of those who just love destruction and anarchy.

Yushaimi Yahaya is Editor-in-Chief of The Malay Mail. He shares this quote by former US president Bill Clinton, who said in 1997: "The real differences around the world today are not between Jews and Arabs; Protestants and Catholics; Muslims, Croats, and Serbs. The real differences are between those who embrace peace and those who would destroy it; between those who look to the future and those who cling to the past; between those who open their arms and those who are determined to clench their fists." Banter with him at yushem@mmail.com.my

SUBANG JAYA

Raya aid for those in need

By FAIZAL NOR IZHAM faizal.nor@mmail.com.my

THIS Raya will be more joyful for 25 poor families as they received aid from Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh at a buka puasa function at the Abu Bakar as-Siddiq mosque in Jalan SS 19/7A yesterday evening.

The families who reside at the SS19, SS13 and Angsana USJ1 flats, each received RM200 worth of Mydin shopping vouchers.

"This is a Selangor government initiative and we have been doing this every Ramadan since 2008," said Yeoh, adding that recently, six mosques in Subang Jaya received RM2,000 each, and 16 surau in the muncipality also received RM1,000 each as aid for them.

Yeoh said the family of a Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) officer who is presently in a coma, was recently given RM1,000 as

HELPING HAND: Yeoh (centre) with the recipients of the shopping vouchers at the Abu Bakar as-Siddiq Mosque

financial assistance.

"Once again we have a Balik Kampung Rumah Selamat programme this year, with a 'Subang Jaya Alert' in the form of stickers and banners to create greater awareness among residents of Subang Jaya, Subang USJ and Bandar Sunway

who intend to return to their hometowns during the Raya, to alert the nearest police station beforehand," she said.

"This will enable the police to increase patrols around empty homes to deter and prevent break-ins during the festive holidays."

Religious duty A MAN paying the zakat fitrah at the Jalan Masjid India mosque yesterday.

As Aidilfitri draws near, Muslims are obliged to pay mandatory tithes to help the less-fortunate in society.

The amount is dictated by the State Religious Department based on the market price of rice equivalent to 2.6 kilograms in their areas. Cash payment in lieu of the rice this year is RM7 for Selangor and Federal Territory. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Pic: SAMSUL SAID

WednesDay 10 August, 2011

the malay mail

7

8

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

hotline@mmail.com.my

tel:03-7495 1000/1001/1002 tel:019-261 4948 (after 9pm)

your right to be heard ● ● ● ●

Complainants have to submit their personal particulars and provide a detailed account of their complaint.

Complainants have to first file their complaints with the respective parties before contacting Hotline.

Complaints referred by Hotline to the relevant parties would be published if there is no response in seven days.

After a complaint has been resolved, the complainant cannot demand non-publication of the matter.

Blocked! cked!

By T.K. LETCHUMY TAMBOO, IKRAM ISMAIL and FAIZAL NOR IZHAM

Stationary buses make it hard for motorists to turn into Jalan Prima Setapak MARK NG, of Kuala Lumpur, has to put up with the congestion in Jalan Genting Klang, which he uses regularly.

Recently, however, his problem has been compounded by the irresponsible act of bus drivers who park as they wish along the main road, causing the congestion to get worse.

"Some of the RapidKL and Metrobus drivers who use Jalan Genting Klang have turned the road into some kind of makeshift depot," says NG. "They park their buses near the Kenny Rogers restaurant in Setapak while waiting for passengers. The buses obstruct motorists who want to make a left turn into Jalan Prima Setapak."

These motorists have to use the middle lane, making it risky for them to turn into Jalan Prima Setapak.

Very often, motorists over-

Buses blocking the entrance to Jalan Prima Setapak. Those intending to turn left are forced to use the middle lane.

shoot Jalan Prima Setapak because their view is blocked by the stationary buses.

NG says there is a bus stop a short distance before the turning into Jalan Prima

JALAN GENTING KLANG • Jalan Genting Klang is one of the most congested roads in Kuala Lumpur.

• A 3.2km stretch was wid-

ened from two lanes to three lanes last year at a cost of RM32 million.

• Upgrading was carried up earlier from the Jalan

Air Panas junction to Jalan 1/27A and from the Federal Territory border to Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2).

Setapak. City Hall has built railings from the bus stop to the junction of Jalan Prima Setapak to prevent buses and other vehicles from stopping and parking indiscriminately.

"The buses are supposed to drop off and pick up passengers at the bus stop," he says.

"Yet, they drive further up and stop by the railings near the junction, taking up almost

the whole of the left lane."

He hopes the authorities will act against these buses so motorists are not inconvenienced. ● LAND Public Transport Commission (SPAD) Enforcement and Training general manager Mej-Jen (Rtd) Datuk Che Hasni Che Ahmad says the commission will look into NG's com-

plaint.

"We will have to question the bus companies. If they are found to have committed an offence, action can be taken against them under the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) Act 2010.

"On top of that, City Hall and the police can also issue summonses to the bus drivers for causing obstruction."

'Goodwill' rebate given after toll mix-up RAMESH PARSHOTAM, of Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, thought he would get a 20 per cent rebate off his toll payment for May if he clocked 80 transactions during the month.

He was shocked when Touch 'n Go told him he made only 76 transactions.

"Touch 'n Go has this toll rebate scheme where people with a minimum of 80 transactions a month are eligible for a 20 per cent

rebate," says RAMESH. "So, on May 28, I called them to check the number of transactions I had made for the month."

He says he was told 77 as at May 27.

"Thinking I was so close to getting the 20 per cent rebate, I made four more transactions before the month-end.

"Then, I called them again to check the total and one of their staff confirmed I had qualified for

the rebate."

Three weeks later, when RAMESH did not receive his rebate, he enquired with Touch 'n Go and was told he had made only 76 transactions in May. "I was angered by their reply and I wanted to view the list of my transactions.

I got their customer service staff to email me the list.

"When I checked it, I found a certain number of transactions were missing from the list."

● A SPOKESMAN for Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd says customers who use the Touch ‘n Go card or SmartTAG for their toll payment are eligible for the 20 per cent rebate with a minimum of 80 transactions a month under the 1Malaysia Frequent Travellers Programme.

"Our record had shown the total toll transactions for the month of May for RAMESH was less than

the minimum 80 transactions.

"We contacted RAMESH and provided the transaction record."

The spokesman advises Touch 'n Go users facing problems to submit their feedback online at www.touchngo.com.my or to contact its Careline at 03-2714 8888 or email careline@touchngo.com. my.

When contacted, RAMESH confirmed Touch

'n Go has contacted him.

"They explained the staff who had confirmed I was eligible to receive the rebate made a mistake as she accidentally added the number of my reloads to the tally of my toll transactions.

"As I was still not convinced by their explanation, they decided to give me the rebate anyway out of goodwill.

"I received my rebate worth RM47 last week."

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

9

1. Those caught littering in 03-79563544.

Kuala Lumpur will be fined 3. Illegal parking and trafTAKE NOTE RM500 by City Hall. fic obstruction are causing 2. If you come across a vehicle obstructing congestion along Jalan Sepadu. Close to traffic in Petaling Jaya, note its registra680 motorists have been compounded from tion number and contact the city council at January to June this year.

Clean-up pledge City Hall says removal of illegal posters and advertisements ongoing CITY HALL will continue to remove illegal posters and advertisements on buildings, lamp posts, phone booths and other structures in Kuala Lumpur.

A City Hall spokesman says this in response to complaints from residents that such illegal posters and advertisements continue to come up despite campaigns to get rid of them.

One such area where illegal posters and stickers have become an eyesore is Jalan Sepadu, off Jalan Klang Lama.

According to the residents there, Ah Long and other unscrupulous parties think nothing of defacing signboards, lamp posts and walls with advertisements proclaiming their services.

"This has been a problem here for some time now," says ONG, 55.

"Just like in other places, the moment you remove them, someone will put up new ones again."

In addition to posters advertising the services of money-lenders, ONG says there are others which promote upcoming events.

Membership ended but no refund (Aug 9) ● ANOTHER fitness centre fiasco. There are so many cases and I hope members are aware of what they have signed up for. — Anonymous ● NEVER ever sign up for these 12-month contracts. Always ask yourself if the product is good, why would the gym ask you to sign up for 12-month contract? And why would they make it very hard for you to cancel it? Rather than being cooped up in a stuffy gym working on artificial aids and getting billed for it, it is much better to take a walk in the park, get some clean fresh air in the morning and meet nice people from all walks of life. — vigilante

EYESORE: A wall in Jalan Sepadu plastered with illegal advertisements. Residents want City Hall to curb the nuisance — Pic: Sharul Hafiz Zam

RM9,000 GPRS charges explained (Aug 9) ● IT'S nice to watch YouTube on your new smartphone. And you think watching the videos is not "downloading" stuff?

One video is easily more than 20MB of downloads. If you only watch one video per day, in 30 days, you'd have downloaded 600MB. Someone's bill after downloading 27MB was RM264.34. Based on this, at 600MB, you have to pay over RM5,700. So, think twice the next time you want to watch a video about a teenage girl singing about the end of the weekend. — abugaga Electric shock (Aug 9) ● WHAT happened to the Rakyat Didahulukan (People First) slogan? Now it seems the rakyat is the first to suffer from the increase in rates and the first to absorb the burden. — Anonymous ● MAYBE his electric cable leaked just like the water pipes? In this country, everything is possible. — GOUNDAMANI

"I feel it's a bit pointless to put them up because drivers can hardly read them or have time to slow down and take note of the details," he says.

ONG says the residents hope the authorities will do something about the nuisance.

● A CITY HALL Corporate Planning Department spokesman says City Hall will continue to remove illegal posters and advertisements.

"This action is ongoing," the spokesman says.

“Our branch offices are

constantly monitoring the areas in which such activities are rampant."

In Jalan Sepadu's case, the spokesman says, action is being taken by City Hall’s Seputeh branch.

"The officers there will continue to monitor the area."

Billed for 'ignored' text messages THE problem of unwanted subscription to premium text message services has continued to haunt PASCUAL HERRERA, 64, of Bangsar, for three years now. He is frustrated as the problem does not seem to go away.

"In 2008, I began receiving text messages from unknown numbers, mostly about women seeking friendship," he says.

HERRERA ignored the messages thinking they were misdirected but he continued to receive them.

"I wanted to check how these women happened to be texting me, so I called some of the numbers," he says.

The calls went unanswered.

Text messages he sent also did not receive any response.

HERRERA says he became more annoyed when the unsolicited messages continued and his attempts to contact the senders failed.

The biggest shock came two months later when he found out his phone bill,

Online comments www.mmail.com.my

which would usually be around RM300 to RM400, had skyrocketed to more than RM1,000.

"When I checked with Celcom about this sudden jump in my monthly bill, they told me it was due to my subscription to some premium services," he says.

"I argued that I definitely had not done so and they refunded me the full extra amount billed after discussion and persuasion from me."

Thinking he had put the whole thing behind him, HERRERA was shocked when he started receiving more text messages from unknown numbers last year.

"This time around, recalling what I had to go through three years ago, I did not respond to any of the messages or call the senders."

Despite that, HERRERA claims he was billed RM2,505 for unexplained items a month following the receipt of the latest text messages.

"When I confronted Celcom again, they told me the amount was because of my subscription to these premium text message services.

"I argued that I had not signed up for any subscription but the Celcom staff insisted I had done so. As such, they were only willing to refund about RM300 and asked me to pay the remainder."

Unhappy with being saddled with charges he had not incurred, HERRERA wants an explanation from Celcom. ● A SPOKESMAN for Celcom acknowledges HARRERA's latest complaint.

"We have explained the charges to him. This is due to his SMS subscription sent to the short codes 33226 and 36181 to activate a third party SMS content service, activated on Dec 5, 2008, and terminated on March 24, 2010."

These charges remain due and have been reflected in his subsequent bills, with

the total accumulating every month because of penalties imposed on non-payment, ultimately reaching RM2,505.

"As a gesture of goodwill, we have provided HERRERA with the one-time rebate amounting to RM375.90 in April 2010, which was reflected in his May 2010 bill.

"HERRERA is required to pay the remaining balance, as reflected in his bill.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused and we thank the customer for highlighting the matter and we consider this case closed."

When contacted, HERRERA is not satisfied with the response as he feels it is unfair for him to pay for premium text message services he has not used or subscribed to.

"They should not have allowed any unauthorised third parties to be sending text messages to me without my permission in the first place."

● VERY true. After the announcement, my bill has indeed increased. Funny, as my electricity bill, too, used to be about RM150 but now it has doubled. To make it worse, no one comes to check the meter. Instead, I will receive the bill via mail.

At one time, I did not receive my bill for two months and when the bill came in the third month, it amounted to nearly RM800.

When I contacted TNB, they said it is calculated by agak-agak (estimation). I feel this is not helping the people. I can't afford to pay the whole sum. This is ridiculous! — butterfly ● THERE is one thing I do not understand from TNB — their silence on the issue of the increased rates. There has not been any official response to any of these incidences or claims from the public. Those affected have brought up these issues in the media but TNB has remained silent. And why the silence from the ministry overseeing TNB as well? — Unbelievable Astro says price hike inevitable (Aug 5) ● IT is inevitable for us to terminate their services where the prices have skyrocketed and go for DVDs. -- Stephen Ng ● IF you cannot afford it, just cancel the subscription, simple as that. Astro is a luxury, not a necessity like sugar, rice, petrol, etc. — Ben Will they ever learn? (Aug 5) ● THIS is a problem every driver has to face — four lanes become two lanes, three lanes left with only one. I personally don't agree to taking the law into your own hands like putting nails on tyres or burning the cars. But I would like to suggest that DBKL or the police have a hotline that people can call and inform them. Then, they can send their tow trucks and remove all those vehicles. That is, provided they are efficient in doing it, otherwise, the callers would just give up. Just last week, I was in Pandan Cahaya. There is a Pasar Ramadan operating there now. Several vehicles were parked there despite the area being cordoned off. The MPAJ officers actually towed away all the cars to make way for the traders. After that, there were no more problems. For all the habitual illegal parkers out there, you don't want your car towed away. Your tyres will wear out, your alarm will go off till the battery dies, your handbrakes will be worn out, etc, etc. I think DBKL should have a few teams of tow truckers on the prowl but put on clear signs like 'Tow Zone' first and show them you mean business. Then the problem would resolve itself pretty soon. DBKL can make the extra cash from the summonses, too! — Dan

10

letters&opinions

● Mail: Letters To The Editor, Malay Mail Sdn Bhd, Lot 2A, Jalan 13/2, 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

● Email: mmnews@mmail.com.my Fax: 03-7495 1229

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

● Opinions may be in the form of Letters to the Editor or comments posted in relation to all news. ● Letters to the Editor must carry your name, address and contact number. A pseudonym may be included.

PJ: Bank Negara to issue new coins (May 23)

The flip side of change MALAYSIA is fond of changing for the sake of change.

I am flabergasted to read that Bank Negara will be introducing a new series of coins early next year, replacing the current series which is 20 years old. The coins will also be different in size and weight.

Why is there a need to change our whole regime of coins? By all means, update the designs but why change

their dimensions and weight?

These unnecessary changes necessitate disruptions and additional expenses. Countless coin machines have to be changed and recaliberated, costing millions of ringgit, to accommodate the changes.

Millions are lost in economic production because the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) did not keep proper records of com-

mercial drivers' licences and drivers have to present themselves to be reregistered. The biometric recording of legal, and now illegal, workers is another example.

While the government is pursuing more efficient ways of doing business to make our country competitive and attractive for investments, we have inefficient agencies and departments undoing the painstak-

Bumiputera development agency

Give Teraju a chance

RECENTLY, there has b e e n mu c h c om m e nt an d c ove r a ge on t h e bumiputra development agency (Teraju) tasked with improving the economic situation of the bumiputras.

Most of the comments have been negative and accusatory.

This prompted me to read further on this unit and its mission to see if the comments made in the media were justified or misguided.

Looking at their website, Teraju was set up to lead, coordinate and drive the bumiputra age nd a a l ong s i d e t he ideals of the Economic Transformation Programme.

Most of the comments levelled at this agency claimed inefficiency and the unit was too slow in

effecting change.

A re c e nt re p or t by Bernama saw the Mapem ( M a j l i s Pe r u n d i n g a n Ekonomi Melayu) president claiming Teraju moved at a tortoise pace compared to Pemandu.

Teraju was only set up six months ago. Thus, it is unfair to claim the unit is too slow in effecting change when it hasn’t even had the chance to exist properly as yet.

With any organisation, the first year is still the foundation stage — where organisations identif y their goals, set their objectives and formulate plans of action. Six months is far too soon to be making any judgment calls on any organisation, let alone one with such a huge mandate.

Wit h a mand ate to advance the bumiputra

economy, this agency has to carefully look into all the issues surrounding the current situation and engage with all stakeholders before formulating plans and putting them into action.

Remember that the goal here is to effect long-term change — long-term measures to increase bumiputra participation in the national economy.

Surely, it is unreasonable to expect this to be done in the short span of just six months.

Long-term change needs far-sighted vision and long-term planning — nothing lasting can be effected too quickly.

As with anything that is new, it is essential they be given a chance to prove their worth.

S. Azlina

ing progress we have been achieving in making it simpler to do business in Malaysia.

On the one hand, we have achieved faster land transfers but, on the other hand, it is so easy to fraudulently obtain fake land titles and transferring ownerships.

It is imperative that before any changes are made to make doubly sure such changes are absolutely nec-

essary.

If changes have to be made for the better, please ensure the system and process for such changes are thoroughly tested to ensure minimum disruption to business operations and minimum cost to the economy.

CKC

PJ: Paloh and Jeli deserve better life (Aug 5)

Move elephants to sanctuary RECENTLY, there has been much talk about Paloh, the baby elephant who was shackled cruelly for almost 48 hours in Johor Zoo. No one knows how long this has been going on and if she was chained like that for a much longer period.

As an animal lover who cares for the wellbeing of animals, I am saddened by the photographs I saw and stories I read.

Paloh's story has now spread across the world.

I also saw a response by the zoo management regarding this matter in a foreign daily. To say they are training her to be tamed is outrageous.

Surely, the management can come up with more humane training methods that do not put more stress and anxiety on this poor baby elephant instead.

Now Pa loh has b e en

unchained and she can enjoy the company of her best buddy Jeli in the zoo enclosure.

However, the photograph of the enclosure does not bring much joy to me, either.

It is barren, there is nothing for them to do all day long, to keep them active and their minds occupied.

The intermittent sprinklers used do not seem to quell the heat they are feeling from the scorching weather. Also, I guess they must be missing their mother.

Can Perhilitan explain where these two babies came from, where is their mother and why are they separated?

Not long after Paloh's ill-treatment was revealed, we heard of the plight of another elepahant in custody, Aidil, being shackled almost 24 hours a day at

Danga Bay Zoo. This definetely reminds us of what was done to Paloh, except that Aidil is more unlucky as he has been chained like this for about five years now.

I cannot imagine what mental torment this elephant is going through everyday.

For years, Aidil has been performing at Danga Bay Zoo and he is always alone. I am scratching my head as to why Perhilitan is not aware of what has been going on all these years.

To save the reputation of the many parties involved, especially Perhilitan, I ask that all three elephants be sent immediately to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in Pahang. Please show mercy on these three elephants.

Petter Sweden

Being Frank: Misguided siege mentality (Aug 8)

It was never this way before THE Being Frank column hit the mark when it said the good old days, the 1960s and '70s, are gone.

Tolerance levels these days are so low and I do not understand why.

In the past, everybody could tolerate each other. In fact, even my father knows how to write in Jawi as he

learnt it in school.

He t aug ht me t his.

Whenever I give donations to the unfortunate, I don't look at their religion. I don't care if they are of different religious background.

Also, I don’t tell them my name or my religion. I don’t see any reason to do so because only He will judge

you for that, not humans.

It is certainly sad all these have to happen. I don’t understand why this is happening now.

I remember that during weddings in churches and also during funerals, Muslim friends would attend and stand alongside Christians as we pray — a sign of respect

Stop further provocation HAVING read the article above, I concluded it is a fair comment. Islam is a peaceful religion and Malaysia should be a showcas e for inter-religious

harmony and respectful co-existence, and not otherwise.

We s h ou l d ke e p t h i s spirit of mutual respect that we have enjoyed thus

far and move on.

Any further provocation on the matter must be put to a stop.

Fazli Zainal Abidin

for the religion.

This does not mean they worship the same as us.

I also attend funerals by Muslims.

I even attend fundraising dinners organised by both Christians and Muslims societies and everyone is just having fun enjoying the night.

There is no such thing as “Please God, convert them all” kind of thinking.

Yes, people pray but we never force anyone to pray or convert.

It is the same as when the doa is being recited during school assemblies or sporting events or any functions.

I remembered that during

our school sports day, nonMuslims were told to tadah tangan (hold out the hands) for prayers and no one complained then.

Why all the fuss now?

What do these people hope to achieve by building hate and anger among ourselves?

Ester

Sad times indeed IT is sad how things are turning out now.

I still remember when I was a little boy, everything was nice and wonderful.

Everybody got around well together no matter

what the racial or religious background.

Nowadays, I sometimes feel ashamed when someone ask if I am a Muslim or not.

The worst part is our government is still buy-

i ng i nto t h is s o - c a l l e d Christian agenda.

I feel sorry for my fellow Christian friends and may God bless us all for what comes next.

Krfans

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

world

Canada yesterday ordered Libya's diplomats to leave the country within five days and cut off access to the embassy's bank accounts — AFP

Dow rebounds after black Monday plunge

SAN ANGELO, Texas

Polygamist gets life Mormon sect leader jailed 99 years for sexually assaulting 'spiritual' brides POLYGAMIST leader Warren Jeffs (pic), who heads a breakaway Mormon sect, was sentenced to life in prison yesterday for sexually assaulting two underage girls he claimed as "spiritual" brides.

The Texas jury of 10 women and two men deliberated for less than an hour before giving him a 99-year, or life, sentence for one charge and 20 years for a second, the maximum for both.

Prosecutors said Jeffs, 55, had "played a sick game of child molestation under the guise of religious ceremony."

He was convicted last week of aggravated sexual assault on a child and sexual assault on a child in connection with two girls he "married" when they were 12 and 14 years old.

Jeffs fathered a child with

the older girl at his sect's Yearning for Zion Ranch in rural Texas and was heard on audio recordings telling groups of teenage girls they would be "rejected by God" if they refused his sexual advances.

The case against him and others stems from an April 2008 raid on the compound in Eldorado. Authorities took custody of some 400 children but later returned them to their families after an investigation and DNA tests.

Considered the spiritual leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Jeffs had abused his position "to victimise children, to break up families and to satisfy his own personal appetites and desires," Assistant Texas Attorney General Eric Nichols told the jury.

Jeffs, who represented himself at trial, had argued in loud

outbursts that the Texas court was trampling on his religious rights by trying the case. His sect, which experts estimate has 10,000 followers in North America, has been condemned by the mainstream Mormon Church and is accused of promoting marriages between older men and girls.

"Mr Jeffs had his big house, where he chose to warehouse hundreds of girls and women for his sexual gratification," Nichols told the jury in closing arguments.

"The state of Texas has a big house too and that is where Warren Jeffs should spend the rest of his days."

A dozen defendants connected to the Yearning for Zion Ranch have been indicted on sexual assault of a child, bigamy or other charges.

Eight have been convicted on felony charges and the others are awaiting trial. — Reuters

HARARE

Zimbabwe diamond torture camps report 'ridiculous': minister

ZIMBABWE'S mines minister dismissed as "ridiculous" yesterday a BBC report of diamond mining torture camps as the European Union asked the government to open an inquiry into the claims.

The BBC Panorama programme aired on Monday uncovered a camp it alleged is run by Zimbabwe's security forces where civilians are forced to dig for diamonds and tortured in the in the diamond-rich Marange area in the country's east.

"That is a ridiculous allegation from the desperate BBC," mines minister Obert Mpofu told media, saying the report was based on false information meant to block the country from gaining from its diamond sales.

"Why would the army do that? This is the usual BBC nonsense. These are crazy people who want to frustrate our development."

The Marange fields have been at the centre of years-long controversy over alleged abuses by President Robert Mugabe's army, forcing the Kimberley Process "blood diamond" watchdog in 2009 to suspend exports of gems from them.

The EU yesterday called on Harare to investigate the allegations in the BBC's documentary which included accounts

of "severe beatings and sexual assault."

"We are greatly concerned by the allegations and ask Zimbabwe's government to open an inquiry into these claims," said Michael Mann, spokesman for EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton.

But Mann reiterated that the EU does not have "solid proof " of the existence of torture camps and was pushing for two mines in the Marange region, approved

by Kimberley experts, to be allowed to sell diamonds again.

The BBC reported a main camp in Zengeni, known locally as Diamond Base, is a tented military-like enclosure with razor wire where prisoners are held, with one person describing it as a "place of torture where sometimes miners are unable to walk on account of the beatings".

A former paramilitary police unit member, who worked at the camp in late 2008, told of once torturing people with mock-drowning and whipping genitals, the report said. A second camp was located nearby, it said.

Diamonds were discovered in Marange in 2006, drawing in thousands of smalltime miners hoping to get rich quick.

The army cleared the area in late 2008, when Human Rights Watch says more than 200 people were killed. ­— AFP

11

US STOCKS rebounded strongly yesterday, with the Dow jumping nearly four per cent after plummeting on Monday on the shock of Standard & Poor's downgrade of the US credit rating. The Dow Jones Industrial Average of 30 bluechip stocks added 429.92 points, or 3.98 per cent, to 11,239.77. The broader S&P 500 climbed 53.07 points (4.74 per cent), at 1,172.53, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq jumped 124.83 points (5.29 per cent) at 2,482.52.

The rebound came after the markets had their worst day Monday since the 2008 financial collapse: the Dow lost 5.6 per cent, the S&P 500 6.7 per cent, and the Nasdaq 6.9 per cent before gaining again towards the close. — AFP

DNA tests can tell baby's sex at 7 weeks TESTS that measure DNA in a pregnant woman's blood work well for telling the sex of a baby after seven weeks' gestation without posing danger to the fetus, a US study said yesterday.

The meta-analysis of previous studies on the topic suggests that using cell-free foetal DNA from the mother's blood is more accurate than a urine test or sonogram and is safer than amniocentesis. It can also be done earlier than an ultrasound, which is usually accurate from 11 to 14 weeks, or amniocentesis, which samples fluid from the sac surrounding the fetus and carries a small risk of miscarriage. "The availability of a reliable noninvasive alternative to determine fetal sex would reduce unintended fetal losses and would presumably be welcomed by pregnant women carrying fetuses at risk for disorders," said the study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. — AFP

BRASILIA

Emerging powers launch Syria peace bid INDIA, Brazil and South Africa have dispatched envoys to Syria for talks today with the country's foreign minister in a bid to halt the deadly crackdown on anti-regime protests.

After five months of violence, the trio of emerging powers is seeking to open up some kind of dialogue between President Bashar al-Assad's regime and protesters demanding an end to his family's four-decade grip on power.

The mission will highlight "the need for dialogue between the government and the people, and the need to halt the violence and respect human rights," a spokesman from Brazil's foreign ministry told media.

Paulo Cordeiro, Brazil's sub-

secretary for Middle East issues, and Dilip Sinha, an additional secretary in the Indian foreign ministry, were already in Damascus awaiting a South African counterpart.

The tripartite delegation, whose countries comprise the IBSA forum of emerging economies, intend to put their case before Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem today.

South Africa's foreign ministry confirmed the "working visit" and described it as "a collective effort to further understand the situation, and to also communicate a message to the government of Syria."

"From the South African perspective, it is to understand what is happening in Syria but

also to communicate the same position that we communicated at the UN Security Council that the Syrian government needs to open up the political playing field," chief director of public diplomacy Kgomotso Molobi said.

"They need to allow as many voices as possible to partake in the situation and possible solutions that are relevant for the Syrian people."

The Syrian regime's clampdown on pro-democracy protests has killed more than 2,050 people since mid-March, including some 400 members of the security forces, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

— AFP

12

world

Religious-linked violence and abuse rose around the world between 2006 and 2009, with Christians and Muslims the most common targets, according to a private US study released yesterday — AFP

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

LONDON

Mayhem in Manchester Riots spread to other British cities

HUNDREDS of masked youths tore through the centre of Britain's third-largest city of Manchester yesterday, going on a looting spree as the worst riots for decades spread beyond London.

But as darkness fell in London there seemed to be no repeat of the wave of violence which left parts of the capital in flames on Monday night.

Police were bracing for more trouble after what they said was the worst night of disorder in living memory in the British capital, and their numbers were ramped up from 6,000 to 16,000.

In Manchester, however, gangs smashed into shoe shops, electronics stores and clothes shops and set fire to a girls' clothing store in the city centre.

Two raiders smashed the glass entrance of the Arndale shopping centre, the city's main central shopping mall, opening the way for around 100 youths to pour into a shop before rushing out carrying clothing and shoes.

A huge group of youths were locked in running battles with hundreds of riot police in the city centre.

Glen Barkworth, general manager of the Arndale, told BBC television: "All of a sudden it turned in a second at 5.30pm tonight."

"I've seen Miss Selfridge and Foot Locker both breached, looted and then torched.

I've witnessed youths picking up gratings, throwing them through the doors of Footasylum where 50 youths cascaded into the unit, looting."

Earlier rioters also went on a rampage in the industrial West Midlands. Vehicles were torched as hooded thugs rolled around West Bromwich town centre, moving on foot or wheeling around on bicycles, and clashed with police in Wolverhampton.

Youths dragged wheelie bins into the middle of the street and tipped them over and shop windows were smashed in.

Huge plumes of thick black smoke filled the air from a car and a white van belonging to a carpet firm that were were torched by rioters.

A dozen rioters rocked the van before setting it on fire and lined up behind the makeshift barricade across the main street as police in

riot helmets stood on the other side, screened off by the smoke.

Television pictures showed a gang lined up behind a barricade in a stand-off with scores of police in front of vans.

Tom Watson, the lawmaker for West Bromwich East, who has been in the spotlight recently for his grilling of global media baron Rupert Murdoch over the phone hacking scandal, said he was sickened by the scenes.

"A group of youths, a couple of hundred youths, met in the centre of West Bromwich and ran down the high street and turned two vehicles in a position so that the high street was barricaded," he told Sky News television.

"They've created a situation that has left a lot of families in West Bromwich feeling very vulnerable and frightened tonight and it's utterly disgraceful and the people that have done it need to be dealt with.

"We're not an affluent area but we are generally a very happy area. We're not going to put up with this. It's completely unacceptable."

— AFP

Police consider tougher deterrents to stop unrest MORE than 560 people have been arrested in London in three days, while 111 police officers were injured, Scotland Yard said.

S c o t l a n d Ya r d D e p u t y A s s i s t a n t Commissioner Stephen Kavanagh said the rampage by hundreds of hooded youths was "unprecedented" and police resources were stretched "to an extent I have

STE A T R E BETT

never seen before".

He said plastic bullets, used during sectarian unrest in Northern Ireland but never before in mainland Britain, have been considered to stem the tide of unrest.

The violence has raised questions about security ahead of the 2012 London Olympic Games, and it prompted the cancellation of today's friendly between England and the Netherlands at Wembley Stadium.

In some areas on Monday, rioters took control of the streets with little sign of a police presence.

In Clapham, southwest London, hundreds looted a major department store for at least two hours, witnesses said.

The capital's Mayor Boris Johnson toured the area yesterday after he returned hastily from holiday and was confronted by angry residents saying: "Why are you here now? It's too late."

The speaker of the House of Commons has agreed to recall parliament today so lawmakers could debate their response to the riots.

A 26-year-old man found with a gunshot wound to the head in a car in Croydon died in hospital yesterday becoming the first fatality of the riots. — AFP

Recent UK riots

5 miles 5 miles 8km 8km

M25

LO N D O N

M25

1980, St Pauls, Bristol Police drugs Police drugs raid raid on on cafe cafe leads leads to to disturbances. Over 130 arrests disturbances.

1981, Brixton, South London Death of Death of black black man man blamed blamed on on police police brutality. Damage in subsequent brutality. rioting put at £7.5m. Further Further riots riots in Brixton in Brixton in in 1985, 1985, 1995 1995 and and 2001 2001 1981, Toxteth, Liverpool Allegations of Allegations of police police discrimination discrimination against black against black community community spark spark nine nine days of days of violence. violence. Up to 1,000 police injured, 140 buildings destroyed 1985, Tottenham, London Violence erupts Violence erupts on on Broadwater Broadwater Farm Farm estate after estate after woman woman suffers suffers heart heart failure during failure during police police raid raid on on her her home. home.

Police officer stabbed to death

1990, Poll Tax riots, London Central London Central London rally rally against against deeply deeply unpopular tax unpopular tax leads leads to to worst worst rioting rioting in in decades. Over 100 people injured decades.

2001, Oldham: Tensions Tensions between between white majority white majority and and ethnic ethnic minority minority communities flare communities flare up up in in series series of of riots across riots across north north of of England England 2010, Student riots, London Peaceful protests Peaceful protests against against plans plans to to raise tuition raise tuition fees fees turn turn violent violent when when small group small group attacks attacks Conservative Conservative Party HQ. Party HQ. Car Car carrying carrying Prince of Wales and and wife wife Camilla attacked attacked Aug 2011: Looting and arson attacks in much of London and other cities after police shoot man in Tottenham © GRAPHIC NEWS

Police station bombed A GANG of up to 40 men firebombed a police station in the central English city of Nottingham yesterday but no injuries were reported, as riots spread across Britain, police said.

"Canning Circus Police Station in central Nottingham fire bombed by a group of 30-40 males. No reports of

injuries at this stage," said Nottinghamshire Police in a message on their official Twitter feed.

A message later said the fire had been extinguished and eight people had been arrested.

The attack came on a fourth night of riots in Britain, the worst the country has

witnessed for decades.

The violence erupted in London at the weekend but has now spread to other parts of the country, with disturbances breaking out in Manchester, Birmingham and other parts of central England yesterday.

The capital was mostly quiet after a huge boost in police numbers. — AFP FIRES: Police walk past a burning car during riots in Birmingham.

After starting in Tottenham district in London, the chaos is spreading to other cities around Britain. — Getty Images

WednesDay 10 August, 2011

the malay mail

13

14 lifestyle

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

Stars unite for musical Raya

By CHE'AZ cheaz@mmail.com.my AIDILFITRI is just around the corner and Hot FM once again is carrying out its tradition of producing Raya songs for its listeners.

Following a successful Raya album last year, Hot FM joined forces with Astro, Monkey Bone, PMP Entertainment and TV9 to produce two Raya singles this year, in the form of 6,943 units of CD, 6,197 units of DVD and 6,000 downloads.

The Raya album will bring a breath of fresh air to the old song featured in it, Suasana Di

Hari Raya, originally sung by Anuar Zain and Elina, as well as a new song produced by Muhammad Ashraf Aasimudin (better known as Acap) called Hangatnya Raya Di Hatiku.

Famous cartoon characters Upin and Ipin together with the finalists of season three's Idola Kecil â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Nor Harris Alif, Puteri Aszfaryna Khareeza, Abdul Hadi and Angelica Paujin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; lend their vocals in the two songs, alongside the young adults of Hot FM announcers.

"This is the first collabora-

ALL SMILES: The stars wish to promote positive values through the singles

A buka puasa event with

host Hot FM recently

tion between TV9 and Hot FM that combines the finalists of children's reality programme Kecil, TV9's popular aniIdola Kecil mation series characters Upin and Ipin, together with the sensational Hot FM announcers. The songs will be a hit to all as each singer brought their own appeal to the table.

We certainly hope that this partnership will continue in the future," said TV9's general manager of brands management, Sherina Nordin.

The Hot FM announcers, Fara Fauzana, Faizal Ismail, Kieran, Ikhwan, AG and Leya, not forgetting the new crop like Usop, Chad, Deen and Suraya, had a lot of fun recording the songs. During this Ramadan period, AG and Leya have also been appointed the ambassadors of TV9.

"We see great potential which will benefit both parties in this joint effort. With so many programmes and field activities held by TV9, the sta-

Usop

tion is moving on a rapid track in ensuring its stable position as one of the best TV channels in Malaysia. The ties we built with Hot FM will strengthen our strategy in hyping TV9 as an unforgettable brand. Our programmes are fun to watch and especially now, having AG and Leya as our Ramadan ambassadors, will surely add more fun to it as both of them are hot in the market," said Sherina.

Kieran also shared his thoughts and said: "This is the second year I am involved in such a fun project. Well I can't really sing but just to be part of this festivity programme gives us positive energy, allowing us to share it with the public. It is important for us as radio announcers to constantly have positive vibes that could be felt by the listeners

Leya

and I believe this album will definitely give that effect."

Meanwhile, Media Prima Radio Networks general manager of brand and promotions Zurina Othman expressed her excitement over the project.

"Hot FM is thrilled to be once again releasing new renditions of Raya songs to further heighten this year's Raya spirit and we hope the songs will be accepted by all in goodwill. The idea was spawned from the children's excitement during Raya, hence the decision to collaborate with TV9 and Les' Copaque's popular animated characters, Upin and Ipin and stars of Idola Kecil. Despite the decision to collaborate with the younger generation, the commercial value in Hangatnya Raya Di Hatiku is still intact," said Zurina.

The songs are available for download from official sites www.hotfm.com.my and www. tv9.com.my.

Kieran

Live&learn

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

lifestyle 15

Cutting-edge Design and Multimedia programmes AS Malaysia transforms into an innovation-driven economy, the country’s leading creativity and innovation driven university — Limkokwing University of Creative Technology — is producing a new generation of graduates empowered with most in-demand Design and Multimedia skills to complement the transformation in the industry.

In line with the Economic Transformation Programme, the University’s mission is to enable graduates to transit into sectors of the industry where high income careers are matched by high value skills and talents.

The Faculty of Design Innovation is providing cuttingedge digital technology programmes that emphasise on building creative thinking, research and drawing skills. Students will also learn about 3D animation — exploring issues of space, structure, texture and colour.

They will also learn to use the latest software and techniques that will further

enhance their chances of securing employment in the industry, or to become entrepreneurs in their own right.

The Design and Multimedia programmes are designed to fast-track graduates with industry-ready skills for some of the most exciting high-income careers of the 21st century.

The Faculty offers internationally-recognised qualifications in Professional Design, Industrial Design, Fashion and Retailing, Surface Design, Graphic Design, Product Design and degrees in Animation, Creative Multimedia, Games Art Development, Sonic Design, Web Design and Technology among other sought-after programmes.

The animation industry is one of the fastest growing industries today. The demand for digital animated content has expanded with the influx of channels of cable and satellite digital television and the Internet.

The programme focuses on the development of individual creative expressions

BRIGHT FUTURE AWAITS: Students from the Faculty of Design and Multimedia will graduate to become professionals in the industry that is enticing talented ones with high income careers using innovative animation techniques through the application of artistic motion, timing and story-telling to produce content for digital animation.

This is another exciting field that is aimed at equipping students with the principles of Internet Computing with a creative approach to

the design and management of digital media.

The web programmes teach students to be creative problems solvers with a practical understanding of web designs, including areas such as interactivity, navigation, accessibility and promotion.

Students will also learn server-based scripting,

database management and client-server technology besides acquiring cutting-edge skills knowledge of web tools such as Adobe Flash and Action-Scripts.

Today, graduates have many opportunities in the multimedia industry not only in businesses but also increasingly in fields as

diverse as manufacturing to space exploration — creating exciting opportunities for Malaysia, which is moving into a high income and innovation-driven economy, one that requires high value skills and talents to drive it.

For more information, visit www.limkokwing.net or call 03- 83178888.

x

16 lifestyle news

The best me time FACE

THE spa business is really booming. Some 20 years ago, the word 'spa' might just excite a selected few, but now, even your ordinary office colleague could easily tell you (or even describe) the services available in a spa.

Spas seem to be popping up everywhere. In city hotels, resorts or in major tourist districts such as the golden triangle area in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

The natural landscape of Malaysia — rainforest, waterfalls, highlands, hot springs as well as riversides — has also provided the perfect backdrop for a unique spa experience.

Edzscape Spa is yet another one that seems to have it all under one roof. It started its operation early this year, with all the grand ideas conceptualised by Ezdrina Esa.

therapeutic relaxing spa treatments for men and women.

It also offers all-natural skin care and body products that are safe and effective for all skin types with traditional and herbal elements.

"Our goal is to tailor the client's experience based on initial interview information, as well as feedback during the treatment. This ensures

aromatherapy. Special lighting, music, decor and textiles are used throughout the spa to complete the comfortable, plush environment and enhance the client's overall spa experience," Edzrina, who is also a chemist by profession, said.

Edzrina seems to have full faith in her educational background and

By CHE'AZ cheaz@mmail.com.my She took almost six months to fine-tune the spa and and to train her staff. Now it is ready to give the best treatment to customers who are looking for the best in beauty treatments, facials and massages.

Edzscape Spa uses

the client's comfort and satisfaction and at the same time, it increases repeat business.

"We are mindful of the overall experience — using only the finest oils and lotions, beauty treatments and

her understanding of women that would give her spa that additional edge.

"I am very particular, I would want to share whatever I create for myself with my customers. We ensure that every method and treat-

ment here will meet each customer's needs. One of the special treatments we offer is hydrotherapy bath.

"It not only polishes or beautify the skin but also benefits users internally especially for diabetics. We only charge RM100 for this treatment and that includes free head and shoulder massage. We also provide skin care treatment using Biokos product," said Edzrina.

Edzscape Spa also offers other treatments such as head, neck and shoulder massage in relieving stress for just RM30. While manicure and pedicure are only RM35.

As for parents who want to visit the spa and pamper themselves but do not have a place to drop off their children, they can just bring them to the spa and not get disturbed, as Edzscape Spa provides a sound-proof play room.

The spa is located in the heart of Damansara Perdana. It offers an environment that is modern with Balinese touches. It is sophisticated, elegant and highly relaxing.

The spa opens daily from 10am to 9pm and it can be found at Unit 1- 12 A ( D-19), Jln PJU 8/3 Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

For appointments, call 0122633577. For more information, 'like' their facebook page www.facebook.com/ edzscapespa or email edzscapespa@yahoo.com at any time, anywhere.

SOOTHING FACIAL RM50  Using Biokos product which incorporates powerful and natural plant extracts, that works in harmony with skin to prevent and correct skin deficiencies.

HYDROTHERAPY BATH RM100  Complimentary head and shoulder massage  Complimentary mixture of pure essential oil and salt

MASSAGE

Head, Neck and Shoulder Massage RM30  Quick relief to the area which holds stress Body Massage RM80  A combination of relaxing Swedish and deep tissue massage for relieving muscle aches, physical and

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

17

Labelling Zizan

TRANQUIL: Edzscape Spa seems to have it all under one roof

mental stress, improving circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the body.

Warm Stone Massage RM130  The combination of massage and warm stones.

This treatment balances energy through mind and body.

Pre/Post Natal Massage RM90  A perfect massage for mums-to-be or after giving birth.

BODY INDULGENCE

Scrubs/Lulur RM70  With various lavish scrubs and body polishes to choose from, this treatment is designed to polish away dull, dry skin and draw impurities Body Mask RM70

 Your body will be pampered by a lavish mask.

Enjoy the finishing touch with Edzscape Spa signature body cream.

Beauty Body treatment RM80  Reveal a more youthful appearance with a pampering beauty treatment.

MANICURE/ PEDICURE

Classic Manicure Classic Pedicure Posh Manicure Posh Pedicure

PACKAGES

Jungle Escape Pure Paradise

RM35 RM45 RM55 RM65 RM250 RM300

Bridal Packages Deluxe Gold Platinum

RM500 RM830 RM950

IT'S not really anything new. First, be a name.

Once the name is strong, be a brand. If the brand is strong, you can make money out of it.

Many names in Hollywood have done it. J.Lo, Puff Daddy aka P.Diddy aka Sean Combs (or whatever he wants to call himself these days), Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani and many more. They are no longer just actors or singers or performers. They are brands.

While many use their names to endorse products,

the 'stronger brands' might just go directly into business.

In Malaysia, big names endorse products. Bigger names like Datuk Siti Nurhaliza make products with her name on it.

Still, any decision to turn a name into a business is a big risk and it takes guts for one to even try. And Zizan Nin has got guts.

The model/actor is finally confident enough about using his name as a brand.

In this case, to even have it pasted on products that could be sold to the masses.

His decision is timely too. Ramadan is always the perfect time for anyone to go into business anyway.

Quite a number of celebrities are known to profit from various businesses during the fasting month and Zizan, is joining the fray. He saw and opportunity and decided to seize it. He just started his own

clothing line label. The label's first product is a range of baju Melayu that might just be a hit among trendy Malay men.

The idea came about a month ago. As a television host, model and actor, Zizan's time is just hectic.

A known workaholic, Zizan works around the clock throughout the year. That did not stop him from trying out the new business.

"The intention of having my own label was spurred by the many events I had to attend that demand me to wear baju Melayu. So I was thinking... wouldn't it be nice to have my own line of baju Melayu instead of buying them.

"I trust my instincts and just went with it. I called some designer friends to discuss the idea. The next thing we know, we had at least 30 baju Melayu ready for sale. It is bold and crazy, I know, but I am so grateful that it is working," said Zizan.

He is involved in the creative process too, from

I trust my instincts and just went with it. I called some designer friends to discuss the idea. The next thing we know, we had at least 30 'baju Melayu' ready for sale. It is bold and crazy, I know, but I am so grateful that it is working.

— Zizan Nin

RISK-TAKER: Zizan is finally confident enough about using his name as a brand

choosing the fabric and colour, while his designer partner is entrusted to come out with the best designs that would cater to the taste of their customers.

Zizan said the baju Melayu business is a beginning for more things.

His business partners also plan to expand the label 'Zizan In' by producing custom tailored shirts in future.

"For now, we decide to zoom into the Ramadan and Raya mode. Once we have happy customers who might be happy with our tailored baju Melayu, they can move on to other products like shirts and such that we might introduce soon," Zizan said.

The two types of baju Melayu under the label are cekak musang and teluk belanga — priced between RM180 and RM250.

Zizan is pretty convinced that 'Zizan In' will definitely give that extra substance and comfort to the customers.

"Compared with other baju Melayu out there? Well, I personally think ours are perfectly priced. Personally, I am particular in choosing the right fabric with the right colour, so you can see that on the design of our products.

I would not design or create something what I wouldn't wear myself," Zizan said.

He also finds his transition from an actor to an entrepreneur very exhilarating. The feedback he has been getting for Zizan In is also encouraging.

"This is something I'd like to share with my fans and the public. I am not a singer.

If I were one, I might have albums to sell, free posters or merchandise that have my name or face on it.

"But I am an actor and I don't really have a product that I can share with my fans.

Now with my own label, I can actually give back to my fans who have been supporting me all these years."

Zizan's line is currently available at a boutique located at The Strand Mall, Kota Damansara.

"For the time being, since we still don't have our own store, our products are placed at Kaymaria Boutique that also sells women's clothes such as baju kurung, abaya and others," Zizan said.

For those interested in looking elegant in Zizan Nin during Raya, visit Kaymaria Boutique at No. 3-G, Jalan PJU 5/20A, The Strand Mall, Kota Damansara, or call 0361427418 for details.

Live&learn Biomedical scientists: The disease detectives

18 lifestyle

WALK into any hospital and the people we first see are the nurses, and occasionally, the doctors. While these are the front-liners in patient care, they do not work alone. This is because it takes more than just doctors and nurses to help patients recover from illnesses or injuries.

Many of us are not aware that doctors are assisted by a team of specialised healthcare professionals in diagnosis. They work in the medical laboratory, often called the ‘path lab’, to detect changes in the body and cells that caused by an illness or disease. It is estimated that 70 per cent of medical decisions made by doctors are derived from conclusive findings in the labs.

Once an illness or disease has been diagnosed, the lab continues to assist the doctor by assessing the progress of the treatment through various tests. For example, in diabetes, the lab is able tell the doctor about the effect of a treatment through a test

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

PATH LAB: Once an illness or disease has been diagnosed, the lab continues to assist the doctor by assessing the progress of the treatment through tests called the HbA1c. The lab is also able to indicate the risk of certain chronic illnesses. For instance, blood test on cholesterol levels is an indicator of risk of heart attacks.

A variety of skilled professionals works in the lab. Medical doctors who specialise in this area are called specialists in laboratory medicine or pathologists. They are often the laboratory directors overseeing the

lab. Working under their supervision is a team of medical lab technologists who hold diplomas in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT), or scientists who hold Bachelor of Science (BSc).

Increasingly, these BSc holders are graduates from the specialised field of Biomedical Sciences (BMS). The degree specifically trains students to work as laboratory professionals in a

wide range of disciplines. The training covers biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, haematology, transfusion medicine (blood banking) and biology of diseases (pathology).

In collaboration with Northumbria University, UK, MAHSA’s Bachelor in Biomedical Science is a four-year programme delivered entirely at MAHSA. Reputable in UK, the programme places strong emphasis on practical skills via intensive laboratory sessions. These skills are underpinned by sound theoretical knowledge provided through lectures conducted by experienced lecturers from MAHSA and visiting lecturers from Northumbria University as well as local specialists in pathology.

Students are also expected to undergo a period of attachment training in recognised clinical laboratories after the first year and undertake a small research project in the final year.

Employment opportunities abound for graduates.

Besides working in hospitals and pathology laboratories, graduates of BMS are employed in the pharmaceutical industry, research organisations, universities, and in the growing biotechnology and diagnostic sectors.

The BMS degree is broad in its coverage, thus allowing its graduates to subsequently pursue more specialised disciplines. It is also a stepping stone for higher degrees such as Master of Science and PhD, and for entry into the medicine and dentistry programmes.

A multi-award winner, MAHSA has won a host of awards and accolades, some of which include: • Education Excellence Award 2006 by National Association of Private Educational Institution (NAPEI) for IPTS: Medium Category, the first allied health science college in Malaysia to win such a distinguished accolade.

• Education Excellence Award 2008 by National Association of Private Educational Institution (NAPEI) for IPTS: Large Category • ISO 9001:2000 certified for meeting international standards in Quality Management System • Awarded the University College status by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education on 13 March 2009‘ • Best Students’ Choice

A biomed-experiment

Award 2009 for Most Popular Private College/University for Nursing.

Today, MAHSA has over 8,000 students from over 20 different countries. It also provides hostel accommodation for students who are not from the Klang Valley. Feeder bus services from and to the campuses are also available during office hours.

MAHSA University College offers scholarships and assists students in applying for their education loans.

Students are also given career counselling.

Degree and Postgraduate Programmes • Bachelor of Medicine Bach elor of Surgery (MBBS) • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) • M Pharm (2+2) Liverpool John Moores University, UK • Bachelor of Pharmacy (HONS) • B.Sc. (HONS) in Nursing Studies (4+0) • B.Sc. (HONS) in Nursing Practice Development (Top-up Degree), Northum bria University, UK • B.Sc. (HONS) in Biomedical Sciences (4+0), Northumbria University, UK • B.Sc. (HONS) in Physio therapy (4+0), Northumbria University, UK • Bachelor of Environmental Health and Safety (HONS) • Bachelor of Medical Imaging (HONS) • M.Sc in Nursing, Northumbria University, UK • M.Sc Advanced Healthcare (International) Liverpool John Moores University, UK Diploma Programmes • Advanced Diploma in Midwifery • Diploma in Nursing • Diploma in Pharmacy • Diploma in Physiotherapy • Diploma in Medical Imaging (Radiography) • Diploma in Medical Lab Technology • Diploma in Environmental Health • Diploma in Dental Technology Certificate Programmes • Certificate for Dental Surgery Assistants • Certificate for Foundation in Science To know more about MAHSA University College, its programmes and scholarships, call 1800-88-0300, 03-20929999, 03-20938992 or email marketing@mahsa.edu.my or log on to www.mahsa.edu.my.

lifestyle 19

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 august, 2011

Angioplasty: Some commonly asked questions

1. Is it a major procedure?

It is a minimally invasive procedure done through a small nick in the skin under local anaesthetic. You will be awake throughout the procedure.

A coronary angiogram to view the blood flow usually takes less than 15 minutes to complete.

A coronary angioplasty, however, can take a long time — anything from 30

By dr haizal haron kamar lifestyle@mmail.com.my minutes to three hours — depending on the number of blockages and the difficulties in dealing with each one.

2. Can I be put to sleep?

Yes, you can but only in cases of emergency where a person has to be intubated and ventilated because of severe heart failure. It is important for you to be awake as the doctor needs to talk to you from time to time asking about symptoms of chest pain and breathlessness which is important. Furthermore, sleeping under general anaesthetic has its own risks and best to avoid.

Quite often, however, light sedation is given before the procedure to help calm your nerves.

3. Which is the best route?

The two main ports of entry to the blood vessel that leads to the heart are the femoral artery (which is located at the groin) and the radial artery (found at the wrist below the thumb). The femoral artery approach is the easier of the two as it is big and difficult to miss when a

doctor punctures with a needle to gain access.

However, the radial artery approach is better as you are able to sit up and walk immediately after the procedure whereas you will have to lie down up to 12 hours with the femoral artery method. It is also a safer approach.

4. What is a stent?

A stent is a tubular mesh-like metal structure inserted into the artery at the time of angioplasty. It acts like a scaffolding to keep the artery open and stays in there forever.

5. Are drug-coated stents always the best?

One of the drawbacks of a (bare metal) stent is that your body will react abnormally to it since it is a foreign body. Layers after layers of endothelial cells will grow over the inner stent surface causing the artery to gradually close up and getting you back to square one.

By coating the stents with anti-cancer drugs, the endothelial layers will be minimal, helping to keep the artery open.

These drug-eluting stents (DES) are especially useful in blockages involving smaller arteries (less than 3.0mm), long blockages and if you have diabetes.

6. Can I stop my drugs after my angioplasty?

I’m afraid, you can’t.

Once you have coronary artery disease, it stays with you for life. An angioplasty is merely to modify the disease and not to cure

you of it.

All your drugs will thus be continued by your doctor. Pay particular attention to aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix™).

These two drugs need to be taken together for at least a month (and then one of them is stopped and the other continued indefinitely) if you have a bare-metal stent and for at least a year if you have a DES inserted. Failing to comply strictly with this blood-thinning regime may lead you to have a sudden blood clot in the stent(s) leading to a heart attack. This has happened to a few of my patients.

7. Is it safe?

Both angiogram and angioplasty are very safe procedures but not without complications.

The most serious ones are stroke and heart attack which can be fatal. For an angiogram, the risk is less than 1 in every 1,000 cases and for an angioplasty, it is less than 1 per cent. Other more common complications but less serious are groin haematoma (blood clot at the puncture site) and the aggravation of kidney function from the contrast (dye) injection used.

10. Is angioplasty better than bypass surgery?

A few years ago the

sudoku

If you have any questions or comments, write to me at haizal@tropicanamedicalcentre.com. See you again next Wednesday.

Dr Haizal Haron Kamar Consultant Cardiologist Tropicana Medical Centre

sudoku

how to play

Minimising heart attack risks

Curious

9. How many angioplasties can I have?

The stents can block again if you fail to observe the do’s and don’ts. In theory, you can have as many angioplasties as you need although in practice, the doctor may also advise you to have either coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) or to be on medications only should your arteries clog up again.

answer would be a resounding no. However, with the advent of DES, the re-narrowing (restenosis) rates for angioplasty have improved significantly. Recent studies have seen comparable figures in terms of survival and serious heart complications between the two. The best approach, I feel, is to look at each case on its own merit. For instance, if you have only one ‘simple’ blockage, an angioplasty is the preferred option but if you have blockages in all 3 main arteries or in critical areas like the left main stem, then CABG is probably better.

8. Is it expensive?

It is, if you have to pay for it. An angiogram in a private medical centre in the Klang Valley costs around RM5,000 all inclusive. An angioplasty and stenting will cost between RM15,000 and RM30,000 (or even more) depending on the types of stents

Question

Dear Dr Haizal, I have a colleague in his forties who was as fit as a fiddle until he had a heart attack recently. He has always led a healthy life and has never had any symptoms of heart disease before that day. How do you explain that?

used and the number of blockages treated. If you are not a governmentservant and your company does not insure you for hospitalisation, may I humbly suggest that you take up a personal insurance fast as it is not cheap to be sick.

You will never know how beneficial it is until the time that you need it.

Dear Curious, Having a heart attack without any symptoms of angina (chest pain) preceding it happens in probably half of heart attack cases.

It comes as a shock to the patient as there are usually no warning symptoms until then. This is the very reason why I have been advocating all along for everyone

to have an early and regular medical checkup. The idea is to detect the problem before complications occur when it will then be too late. Anyone in the forties will need one every year. If a person has strong risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) like smoking, hereditary factor, diabetes, hypertension and abnormal cholesterol, then

he or she will need it even much earlier.

In your colleague’s case where he was physically fit and well until the heart attack, I guess it was just a case of ‘bad luck’. It shows that even if you look after yourself very well, you will only minimise your risk of getting CHD, not removing it completely.

Sudoku X is a simple variation of Sudoku with the only difference being the squares in white (which make up the numeral X) need to tally from 1 to 9 along with the remaining coloured squares.

Yesterday'S solution

Imagine a landslide on a busy highway closing two lanes leaving one open.

You have to wait patiently as you fight and scramble with other cars to get to that only open path.

Something similar can happen in your arteries.

The landslide and debris is called atheroma and your blood cells carrying oxygen and nutrients find it difficult to get past a blockage in an artery.

Now, to allow the smooth passage of traffic through the highway, the landslide must be cleared. Likewise, to restore smooth blood flow to the clogged up artery, the narrowing can be opened up using a balloon. This procedure is called angioplasty. You will have known a bit about coronary angiogram and angioplasty after reading my answer to reader Mariam’s question last week.

Most people who are concerned about their heart health will have heard about angioplasty but not all of them know what it really is. Let me share some of the common concerns.

20

the malay mail

Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

WednesDay 10 August, 2011

the malay mail

21

22

PROPERTY / MOTORING / HEALTH / HOME / OTHERS

the malay mail

Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

Readers can also look out for classified ads ONLINE as early as 9.00a.m at www.mmail.com.my

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STORE LABOURERS urgently required by a Shah Alam company.Age below 30 years old.

5 days week work. Salary below RM800.00 + Allowance.Contact 03-51911069 (NJ/Badrul) TEACHERS / NURSES Required For Sales Job, Excellent Spoken English, Willing to work on weekends/ Public Holidays, Earn 3k7k Monthly, Retireeâ ™s Can also apply Interested candidates please Send Cv to saim_au@yahoo.com”

RECOVERY OFFICERS Supervisors/ Managers/ Clerical needed. Attractive basic salary, commission and performance bonus provided.

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sports

The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011

25

Time to go private Facilities should cater for public needs

EVERYONE is talking about the sports industry these days.

But I always thought Malaysia already had a promising sports industry, but lacked the support and facilities.

So when the Sports Ministry went gung-ho with the concept of Sports Industry Year, I was skeptical. It was on Jan 25 when Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek officiated the Malaysia Sports Industry year at Casa 1 in Bukit Jalil.

I asked if the nation's sports industry could thrive judging by the poorly maintained infrastructure we have around the country.

Sadly, I didn't get a straight answer.

We spent RM800 million constructing world class stadiums in Bukit Jalil that haven't been properly maintained since we hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1998.

Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia cannot be blamed as they were dependent on the ministry, who obtains allocation from the Treasury.

I also don't blame Shabery as the sports industry is supposed to be his legacy.

Shabery's predecessor Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had the "Road to London" programme while former minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said had… erm...something I suppose.

So has Shabery answered my question on how the sports

FromThe Sidelines With Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my

industry can thrive when the facilities are simply poor?

He somehow has — recently.

The re-branding of the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex into a sports city could be the answer we are all looking for.

The sports complex has come under fire recently as it is a poor reflection of the nation's pride.

The possible privatisation could translate into higher rentals but it could also mean proper maintenance and services.

If Malaysians can spend money on cigarettes or fast food, why not sports?

We can see a proper ticketing system and online booking services for rental of stadiums.

We can do away with the pasar malam-like stalls around the stadium and set up proper outlets selling food and beverages at designated areas away from the gates of the National Stadium.

The toilets would then have a working flush system and faulty public phones around the vicinity would be a thing of the past.

Excellent facilities will create a domino effect.

It will encourage more traffic resulting in merchandising

outlets mushrooming around the area. This will create job opportunities and generate income.

Bukit Jalil could be the "chill out" spot for city dwellers and this will slowly inculcate a sporting culture among Malaysians.

Just look at the many selffinanced badminton and futsal centres. They are a testament of a promising sports industry.

These are matters that should be addressed.

Not parading a bunch of individuals in suits at forums, not flying in a bunch of merry-making Mat Sallehs to advise us on how to run sports or making a quick buck by milking the ministry.

It’s about having proper facilities and getting the masses involved. Engage with the rakyat and only then will I believe our sports industry will prosper further. HARESH DEOL is a Senior journalist with The Malay Mail.

He is ever willing to help the ministry achieve its objectives for FREE. He blogs at www.hareshdeol.blogspot.com and received brickbats at haresh@mmail.com. my.

KUALA LUMPUR: TENNIS

Wildcard for Deedat

NATIONAL junior tennis star Ahmed Deedat Abdul Razak received a massive boost of confidence when he was given a wildcard entry to next month's ATP Malaysian Open.

Humble as he always is, the 16-year-old refused to get carried away with this good news.

His first words when asked how he feels about being selected were "I feel great and I am thankful to be given this opportunity."

The KL-born teenager vows to make the most of the chance given to him but insists he will not pressure himself with expectations.

"I'm just going to go out there

and do my best. I will take one match at a time," said Deedat.

His impressive performances for Malaysia in both the junior and men's Davis Cup established him as a rising star of Malaysian tennis. He has also enjoyed good performance in the national circuit, where he enjoyed a consistent semifinal and final outings.

He recently partnered national No 1 Si Yew Ming in the doubles during the Davis Cup tie in Sri Lanka in June.

The duo secured crucial victories against the United Arab Emirates and Oman. This helped Malaysia improve their standing in the Asia/Oceania

Group 3, almost gaining promotion into Group 2 Deedat is still training hard despite having to fast during Ramadan, though he has altered his schedule to cater for the holy month.

"I alternate between fitness sessions and playing tennis. I start training one hour before breaking fast and then resume an hour after breaking fast," he added.

Besides Deedat, Malaysia will be represented by another rising star Ariez Elyaas Deen Heshaam and Yew Ming.

The tournament will be held at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil from Sept 24-Oct 2.

26

sports

I was somewhat stressed when I failed to qualify for the Olympics -- National diver Leong Mun Yee

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 August, 2011

BUKIT JALIL: ATHLETICS

TARGET IN SIGHT: Nurfatehah aims to make a name for herself in compound archery

JENGKA: ARCHERY

Mission of redemption

NATIONAL archer Fatin Nurfatehah Mat Salleh is disappointed with her outing at last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Delhi Commonwealth Games.

She represented the national team in compound archery in both team and individual categories.

The Malaysians lost the bronze medal to host nation India in the team event and another blow was dealt when Nurfatehah finished sixth overall in the individual event.

But it is now well in the past and she is looking forward to

a glorious future. Her recent performances augurs well for the championship ahead.

"I hope to make amends and redeem myself in the World University Games in Shenzhen and Sea Games," said Nurfatehah.

"I am in the right frame of mind to do my best and have been training well under the tutelage of Olympian Mon Redee Tixit. The two golds and five silvers I won at the National Championship Circuit in Alor Star recently is testament to that."

She also won a silver medal

in the team event at the Laos Sea Games two years ago. The World Games will put her in good stead for the Jakarta Sea Games later this year.

She is among four stud e n t s f r o m Un i v e r s i t i Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in the archery team selected for the Universiade Games from Aug 12-23.

Despite compound archery not being an Olympic sport, Fatin is confident that it won't be long before it receives the recognition it deserves.

And she wants to be there when it happens.

Walking tall Spirited Choon Sieng determined to make amends NATIONAL walker Lo Choon Sieng will never forget the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia.

The media hype surrounding the victory of Malaysian G. Saravanan in the 20km walk was a major factor that inspired him to be where he is now.

Choon Sieng, 24, a sports science student in Wawasan Open University Malaysia (OUM) has not looked back since.

He was 13 years old when he closely followed the Games in awe but never thought that he would actually "walk the talk". He was overwhelmed by the spectacle and publicity that surrounded the sports carnival in his own back yard.

"At that time I was already involved in cross-country races. I was impressed with the events in the Games. I was telling myself that one day I want to compete in a high-profile sport carnival.

Saravanan's victory was a 'shot in the arm'.

"Here was a discipline which was easy to take up and cheap.

What's more, since I had cross-country experience, I thought I could compete in walking events easily with a few slight variations."

However, he was proved wrong. It took a lot of perseverance and hardship for him to reach the summit.

He has since qualified for the forthcoming Jakarta Sea Games and promised to redeem himself there and

KAMpusBuzz with Kamaruzaman Ahamd mmsport@mmail.com.my

NO TURNING BACK: Choon Sieng wants to put up a better performance at the Jakarta Sea Games this year

wipe out the bitter memories of his maiden appearance in the competition.

"I was lying fourth and in hot pursuit of the leaders but a technical fault ended my Sea Games debut in Laos, 2009. It was a bitter experience."

He made the national team in 2005 and made numerous international appearances.

This year, he has competed in six walking events, including the Asian Championship in Japan, either making podium finishes or the top 10.

"I finished in sixth place in Japan, which was about the time the tsunami struck.

Luckily I was in the heart of Tokyo," said Choon Sieng of Alor Gajah.

SERI KEMBANGAN: TAEKWANDO

Debutant stands up for poomsae

THE forthcoming World University Games in Shenzhen from Aug 12-23 is the icing on the cake for taekwondo exponent Too Lap Weng.

The Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) student will be making his international debut in the poomsae category.

"I am very happy indeed to be going to the World University Games. I never expected it to be so soon. I was a member of the team that emerged cham-

pion in the National Poomsae Championship this year," said Lap Weng.

"In the 2011 Masum Games, I won bronze and silver in the individual and team categories respectively."

Lap Weng, who hails from Johor Baru, disagrees with those who view poomsae as an exhibition of taekwondo.

"Poomsae is the fundamentals of taekwondo. It is unique in its gestures and movements.

The beauty and value added

can only be felt by the person who demonstrates and maximizes his or her actions.

"However, if faced with challenges and dangerous circumstances, poomsae can be transformed into a reliable form of defence. I don't care what the detractors say about poomsae, I will not change my stand."

Meanwhile, he is excited to make his international debut and just wants to do what he knows best. And that would be poomsae.

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

I do want to get (world ranking) qualifying points here for the Olympics — Lin Dan

sports

27

LONDON: BADMINTON

Safety concerns Stars wary of being swept-up in riots

THE world's best badminton players have gone about their business cautiously after the nearby England v Holland football international at Wembley yesterday was called off because of riots in the streets of the capital.

Though the cancellation happened only because too many police had become occupied with security elsewhere, the emptiness of the football stadium sent ripples through the adjacent world badminton championships.

Wembley Stadium is only 200 metres from the Wembley Arena which is staging the badminton, which will continue with a somewhat altered atmosphere.

Tine Baun, the twice AllEngland women's champion from Denmark, said: "I feel safe enough, but it's very close, and when you see on

television the main road in Birmingham which we are used to seeing (at the AllEngland championships) and it's now in chaos, it's very tough to see.

"Hopefully it will go the right way from now and the police will control things.

But it's happening too close I think."

Olympic men's singles champion Lin Dan was in agreement.

"So far it's okay but we shouldn't go to the street alone — we should have company," the Chinese star said via an interpreter.

The closest a badminton player came to the trouble was when Peter Gade, the former world No 1 from Denmark, had an evening out near to the worst of the rioting.

"I went out early and alone in Ealing, and although I

LIN DAN

didn't feel too unsafe it hurts when you see the riots and see all the people harmed by these things," he said.

"It makes what we are doing really, really small.

Nevertheless, hopefully things will get under control. I don't feel unsafe here (Wembley). I am just thinking about what I am doing and I'm a bit more careful that's all."

Gade's unusual expedition

was something none of the Chinese squad would have considered.

"Each of the team leaders told us to make sure we were safe," said Wang Shixian, the world No 1 women's singles player.

"I watched it on TV but I didn't understand what was happening.

"But I don't think you can say the London 2012 Olympics (in the same Wembley arena) will be unsafe. That's a year away, far too long a time to say anything about it." — AFP RESULTS Men's singles First round Scott Evans (IRL) bt Michael Lahsteiner (AUT) 21-15, 21-16; Tien Minh Nguyen (VIE) bt Misha Zilberman (ISR) 21-13, 21-14; Lin Dan

(CHN) bt Kestutis Navickas (LTU) 21-11, 21-10; Wong Zi Liang (SIN) bt Przemyslaw Wacha (POL) 22-20, 19-21, 21-15; Wong Choon Hann (MAS) bt Hsieh Yu Hsing (TPE) 21-7, 21-9; Peter Gade (DEN) bt Rajiv Ouseph (ENG) 21-8, 21-18; Lee Hyun Il (KOR) bt Wong Wing Ki (HKG) 21-17, 21-19; Boonsak Ponsana (THA) bt Eric Pang (NED) 12-21, 21-17, 21-10; Kazushi Yamada (JPN) bt Daniel Paiola (BRA) 21-13, 21-9; Toby Penty (ENG) bt Alistair Casey (SCO) 21-16, 21-10; Dmytro Zavadsky ( U K R ) bt Pe t r Kou k a l (CZE) 21-5, 21-8; Kashyap Parupalli (IND) bt Dieter Domke (GER) 21-13, 23-25, 21-11; Du Pengyu (CHN) bt Chen Yong Zhao (SIN) 21-10, 16-21, 21-12; Sho Sasaki (JPN) bt Brice Leverdez (FRA) 19-21, 21-12, 21-11;

Stanislav Pukhov (RUS) bt Kaveh Mehrabi (IRI) 21-18, 21-12; Simon Santoso (INA) bt Pedro Martins (POR) 21-10, 21-14; Women's singles First round Sung Ji Hyun (KOR) by Ai Goto (JPN) 21-13, 21-14; Wang Shixian (CHN) bt Linda Zechiri (BUL) 21-11, 21-14; Carolina Marin (ESP) bt Eriko Hirose (JPN) 21-23, 21-16, 21-16; Tine Baun (DEN) bt Chan Tsz Ka (HKG) 26-24, 21-7; Juliane Schenk (GER) bt Lindaweni Fanetri (INA) 22-20, 18-21, 21-11 Second round Cheng Shao Chieh (TPE) bt Lianne Tan (BEL) 21-15, 21-11; Jian Yanjiao (CHN) bt Fu Mingtian (SIN) 21-13, 21-17; Porntip Buranaprasertsuk (THA) bt Elizabeth Cann (ENG) 21-12, 21-19

28

sports

I was diagnosed with a viral illness and unfortunately am unable to play — Venus WIlliams after she withdrew from Toronto

TORONTO: TENNIS

Easy win for Ivanovic

FORMER world No 1 Former world No 1 Ana Ivanovic had an easy opening-round winner this morning at the Rogers Cup. The Serbian Ivanovic defeated Chinese qualifier Zhang Shuai 6-1, 6-1 in 55 minutes at Rexall Centre.

The former French Open champion captured this Canadian event in Montreal back in 2006.

Rising German Andrea Petkovic was also an easy firstround winner, as the 11th seed

cruised past Canadian wildcard Eugenie Bouchard 6-2, 6-2.

In another opening-round play, Italian Flavia Pennetta pasted Russian Maria Kirilenko 6-3, 6-1 and Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova humbled Argentine Gisela Dulko 6-3, 6-4.

Additional first-round wins came for Chinese Peng Shuai, Spaniard Anabel Medina Garrigues, Serbian qualifier Bojana Jovanovski and Italian Roberta Vinci, who will face

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

IVANOVIC: Won in this tournament in 2006 — AFP photo

world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki tomorrow.

The Danish Wozniacki is the reigning Rogers Cup champion, having beaten 2010 US Open runner-up Vera Zvonareva in last year's finale in Toronto.

Medina Garrigues will tangle with Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in the round of 32, while Jovanovski will encounter and 2011 Wimbledon runner-up Maria Sharapova tomorrow. — Agencies

ATLANTA: GOLF

Storm averted

TORONTO: TENNIS

Scott vows clubs, not caddie, will do the talking

LOVING COUPLE: Li (left) with her husband Jiang Shan — GETTY photo

Li in no rush to dip into cash windfall

CHINA'S Li Na is tipped to become the richest woman in sports but the French Open champion has yet to venture on a shopping spree and prefers using her husband's credit card rather than spending her money.

The 29-year-old world No 6, who has many companies battling to cash in on her enormous popularity in China, seems to be in no rush to dip into her cash windfall.

"I still like to use my husband's credit card because I want to save my money," Li joked with reporters.

"But right now I am always

busy doing many things for the sponsors and I do not have time to enjoy shopping.

So maybe at the end of the year I will find time."

Li was ranked eighth on a recent Forbes Magazine list of top earning female athletes but is expected to charge up the rankings and challenge Maria Sharapova for top spot after her breakthrough win at the French Open in June.

Ac c ord i ng to Forb es , Sharapova's earnings, mostly off-court endorsements, were estimated at US$25 million, twice as much as her nearest rival and well ahead of Li's US$8 million. — Reuters

MONTREAL: TENNIS

Murray's reign comes to shock end

ANDY MURRAY'S Montreal Masters title defence came to a shock end this morning when the world No 4 was swept aside 6-3, 6-1 in his opening match by South African Kevin Anderson.

It was a stunning failure by the Briton who has absolutely ruled over the Canadian hard courts the last two seasons, winning back-to-back titles

and reaching the last four on two other occasions.

Playing his first event since a semifinal loss to Rafa Nadal at Wimbledon, a lethargic Murray displayed plenty of rust and surprisingly little interest as the towering Anderson breezed to victory in just 69 minutes ending his two-year reign as champion.

— Reuters

ADAM SCOTT said caddie Steve Williams did not swipe the spotlight from a victory, but the Australian plans on having his clubs, not his bagman, do the talking this week at the PGA Championship.

Scott said yesterday that he spoke with New Zealander Williams, fired last month by Tiger Woods after 12 years as his caddie, about comments made on Sunday after Scott won the World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational.

Williams, 47, said it was "the best week of my life", "most satisfying win", adding, "I have been caddying for 33 years, 145 wins, and that's the best win I've ever had," and threw in, "I sort of believe in destiny sometimes".

The subtle digs at Woods, the former world No 1 now ranked 30th who won 13 of his 14 Major titles with Williams as caddie, were one thing, but many saw it as taking away from Scott's performance.

"I certainly don't think that was his intention, to steal my moment," Scott said. "We've had our chat about the whole thing and he feels the way he feels.

"He said that was not his intention at all to do that but he was asked a question and he gave an honest answer. So I said that's fair enough.

"Hopefully we'll just go and let our clubs do the talking for the rest of the week now."

Scott said the controversy received far more attention than it merited.

"With anything related to Tiger Woods, it's all scrutinised and blown out of proportion a lot of the time.

So this is no different," Scott said.

"I just took what he said,

PROBLEM SOLVED: Williams (left) with Scott — GETTY photo

again, as confidence for me.

If he really feels that that was one of his great wins, then I'm kind of flattered and it fills me with confidence, and I think that's what his intention is to be honest."

The passion behind Williams' words, Scott said, is just the sort of thing that he brings to their Trans-Tasman partnership.

"He was really excited to win. Obviously he had not won for a little while, and for him, he's really passionate about it, and that's what I see," Scott said. "When you're passionate and in that situation, it all got a little out of hand. He's a driven guy. He's motivated.

"I am a laid-back guy, but I do have the fire in my belly.

But maybe he's going to help keep it burning all the time.

Right now he's certainly bringing all of these things, and keeping me motivated, so we're working well together."

Rivals this week at Atlanta

Athletic Club offered harsher opinions on Williams and his comments.

"Stevie is an over-exhuberant sort of guy," said British Open winner Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland. "Adam obviously played fantastic golf and I think if it had been my caddie he might have kept it a bit quieter.

"I'm sure Stevie didn't mean any harm by it but he was just very excited to win with Adam... It's knowing when to speak and when not to speak."

World No 1 Luke Donald of England said Williams would have been better worrying more about the man he was walking alongside now instead of jabbing at Woods.

"The only disappointing thing I found from it was there was no talk of how pleased he was about Adam winning," Donald said. "If he had mentioned something about Adam, this wouldn't have been an issue."

He did not dismiss the value of a caddie in a partnership, however, noting, "If I thought my guy was carrying luggage, I wouldn't pay him nearly as much as I am. They are helpful."

Lee Westwood said his caddie, Yorkshireman Billy Foster, "interviews well" and saw the whole notion of putting Williams on television as farcical.

"I thought there was no relevance to the interview other than to have a good dig at Tiger Woods in the ribs," Westwood said. "There's obviously a bit of friction there."

Scott stands by his new man, but there are some lengths to which he will not go. That includes wearing black, which he did last Sunday, to pay respect to New Zealand's fabled rugby squad, the All-Blacks, the Aussie's arch rivals.

"I'm never wearing black for New Zealand, that's for sure," Scott said. — AFP

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

sports

I belong to Barcelona and want to stay here — Striker Keirrison

MADRID: FOOTBALL/ PRIMERA LIGA

Mission Madrid Falcao set to fill Aguero's shoes

PORTO'S prolific striker Radamel Falcao has agreed personal terms with Atletico Madrid, AS reported.

Atletico are understood to be in the market for a new striker after the summer exit of Argentina international Sergio "Kun" Aguero, who transferred to Manchester City last month for £35 million (RM172.1m).

Falcao has been suggested as the likeliest option to fill the void left by Aguero's sale, as the Colombian has made no secret of his wish to prove himself in a bigger league after spending the last two years at Porto.

Although Falcao is said to have already agreed contractual terms with Atletico, but the Spanish club have yet to convince Porto to let go of their prized asset, who was a substitute in last Sunday's 2-1 Supercup victory against Vitoria Guimaraes.

Falcao has a €45m

(RM194.2m) release clause, a figure Porto are determined to honour, with Atletico's last offer believed to stand at €25m plus Eduardo Salvio, who is out of favour at Vicente Calderon.

Falcao, who joined Porto from River Plate in 2009 for €3.9m, has scored 72 goals in 86 appearances for the Portuguese champions.

Meanwhule, Atletico winger Salvio rejected the possibility of being used as bait in a partexchange deal for Falcao.

"The club have not told me anything about my exit. I work to get a place, but anything can happen tomorrow," Salvio told AS. "I would really like Falcao to come, but I do not want to be a bargaining chip."

The Argentine midfielder returned to Spain in the summer after spending the last season on loan at Benfica, where he played an important

FALCAO

role in the side's second-place finish in the league.

Salvio was hopeful his exploits in Portugal would help him claim a place in the Atletico squad in the new season, but he has not been assured he will get regular first team action.

Benzema confident of Real success REAL MADRID striker Karim Benzema is eagerly anticipating the new season and is confident that it will be a great outing for the Santiago Bernabeu side.

The Copa del Rey champions missed out on the league title last season to bitter rivals Barcelona yet again but Los Blancos are full of ambition after a successful pre-season.

"We have a lot of objectives in the new season. We've enjoyed a good pre-season at a high level. It's going to be a long campaign as we'll be active in all competitions, but it will be a great year for us," Benzema told AS. "I have done everything possible to be ready for the campaign. I'm at my ideal weight now and both the head and the legs are right. I have gained a lot of experience since joining Real and I'm looking to continue the form from the second half of last season."

Benzema scored 23 goals

in 60 Primera Liga appearances for Real since joining them from Lyon in the summer of 2009.

Another striker Gonzalo Higuain expressed his belief that Real have matured a lot and is full of confidence ahead of the new campaign.

Real secured the services of players such as Nuri Sahin, Raphael Varane, Jose Callejon and Hamit Altintop this summer, and Higuain is pleased with the squad.

"The team are more mature now and it's obvious on the field. We've built a great squad for the new season," Higuain told his club's website.

Meanwhile, Real believe they have captured the new Lionel Messi in seven yearold Argentine Leonel Angel Coira.

Real junior coach Rafael Gabaldon confirmed to Ole day that they had signed C oira — who becomes the youngest foreign signing in the history of the

Doctor Job is in the house to help students and graduates make better career choices by publishing more than 100 careers products worldwide.

MICHELE LAM

Publishing Director GTI Media Sdn Bhd Malaysia

A brave and agressive take on all possible analysis and perspectives towards captains of industries and their businesses. We bring you in-depth reporting on what makes their business tick based on its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

This Saturday, 10.00pm

29

BENZEMA

Madrid giants.

Coira is already being likened to Barcelona superstar Messi and chose Real ahead of a rival offer from Atletico Madrid.

30

sports

My family and friends are Sunderland supporters but I'm a Liverpool player now and I'm looking forward to play — Liverpool's Jordan Henderson

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 AUGUST, 2011

SUNDERLAND

football/ premier league focus

SUNDERLAND are capable of scoring more goals in the new season. The strikers, led by Asamoah Gyan, are expected to raise their game and this means they can look forward to a better outing. Mailsport's MUSTAPHA KAMARUDDIN looks at the Black Cats and debutants Swansea City.

NICKNAME: The Black Cats, The Mackems FOUNDED: 1879 HOME: Stadium of Light CAPACITY: 49,000 MANAGER: Steve Bruce THE SQUAD GOALKEEPERS Craig Gordon Keiren Westwood Simon Mignolet Trevor Carson DEFENDERS Phil Bardsley Michael Turner Wes Brown Kieran Richardson John O'Shea Titus Bramble Anton Ferdinand MIDFIELDERS Lee Cattermole Sebastian Larsson Craig Gardner Jack Colback David Vaughan David Meyler Jordan Cook Ahmed Elmohamady Stephane Sessegnon STRIKERS Asamoah Gyan Fraizer Campbell Connor Wickham Ji Dong-Won Oumare Tounkara TRANSFER (Thus far) IN Connor Wickham (Ipswich, £13m), Craig Gardner (Birmingham, £5m), Ahmed Elmohamady (ENPPI, £2m), Ji Dong-won (Chunnam Dragons, £2m), Wes Brown (Man United, £1m), John O'Shea (Man United, undisclosed), Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham, free), David Vaughan (Blackpool, free), Keiren Westwood (Coventry, free).

OUT Jordan Henderson (Liverpool, £16m), Steed Malbranque (St Etienne, undisclosed), Nathan Luscombe (Hartlepool, free), Michael Kay (Tranmere, free), Bolo Zenden (released), Cristian Riveros (Kayserispor, loan).

(Transfer window closes on Aug 31) LAST SEASON'S POSITION 10th PLAYERS TO WATCH Asamoah Gyan, Lee Cattermole, Ji Dong-won PREDICTION Can finish at least in sixth to eighth spot HONOURS DIVISION ONE/PREMIER LEAGUE WINNERS 1892, 1893, 1895, 1902, 1913, 1936 RUNNERS-UP 1894, 1898, 1901, 1923, 1935 SECOND DIVISION/CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS 1976, 1996, 1999, 2005, 2007 RUNNERS-UP 1964, 1980 FA CUP WINNERS 1937, 1973 RUNNERS-UP 1913, 1992 LEAGUE CUP 1985 CHARITY SHIELD WINNERS 1936

Black Cats to bite Sunderland poised to give opponents problems

SUNDERLAND could have finished even better than the 10th spot they achieved last season if they were more consistent.

The good news for their fans though, is that the Black Cats seem to have a better squad for the new campaign despite selling midfielder Jordan Henderson to Liverpool in the summer. They are a well-balanced side with each department having quality to go with.

For instance, up front, they have Ghana international striker Asamoah Gyan, who impressed last season by scoring 10 goals. He could have netted more if not for a hamstring injury which cut his season short.

Manager Steve Bruce believes his ace striker can break the 20-goal barrier in the coming season.

Signed for £13m (RM63.7m) from Rennes on the back of a lively World Cup, Bruce expects big things from the 25-year-old this time around.

The manager plans to link Gyan up with £6m (RM29.4m) Januar y signing Stephane Sessegnon, who was signed as an attacking midfielder from Paris St Germain but played in a striker's role at times last season.

"He's a natural," said Bruce of the Benin international. "The link-up with Gyan is something that excites me.

"We didn't do it much last season, but we did it at West Ham on the final day and won 3-0. The pair of them did very well."

Sunderland have also signed up South Korea international striker Ji Dong-won from Chunnam Dragons as another good option. This is because the 20-year-old has the quality to bring in the goals, as evident by the six he scored for South Korea from 11 caps.

Another new signing who can help out with the attack is Egypt international winger Ahmed Elmohamady.

The Black Cats have a solid and no-nonsense midfielder in Lee Cattermole when it comes to the defensive aspect. The 23-year-old is also captain of the side.

Bruce, to beef up the defence, has signed John O'Shea and Wes Brown from Manchester United. Of course, they already have the likes of Michael Turner and Anton Ferdinand in this department.

In goal, there is Scotland international Craig Gordon to rely on.

The Black Cats look formidable.

8

7

5

6

2

4 NEW CATS: (clockwise) 1.

Ji Dong-Won, 2.

Connor Wickham, 3. Seb Larsson, 4. Craig Gardner, 5. Wes Brown, 6.

John O'Shea, 7.

David Vaughan and 8. Keiren Westwood

1

3 SWANSEA

Swans face tough survival test ROUTLEDGE

SWANSEA CITY have become the first Welsh club to play in the Premier League.

Formed in 1912, the Swans joined the Football League in 1921, and have been members ever since. They played in the old Football League First Division between 1981 and 1983, finishing fifth in their first season.

And last season, they were promoted to the Premier League after winning the Championship play-offs.

Swansea will no doubt find it pretty difficult competing at this elite stage but they have nothing much to lose, really. This means they will not just give up easily in their expected battle for survival.

The Swans do not have "stars" in their set-up, but the signing of talented former England Under-21 winger Wayne Routledge from Newcastle United for an undisclosed sum should add bite to their attack.

Manager Brendan Rodgers believes Routledge, who also used to play for Tottenham and Villa, will prove to be an exciting addition to his squad at

Liberty Stadium.

"Wayne is someone who will get in the final third and get the crowd on their feet with a piece of magic or a combination to get in behind," said Rodgers.

"He has experience of the Premier League and I've no doubt he will improve us as a team."

One more player who can play a big role in Swansea's unenviable campaign is versatile Neil Taylor, a 22-year-old Wales international, who can either play in the heart of defence or at leftback.

However, he is set to miss the opening trip to Manchester City on Monday through suspension. Taylor picked up a three-match ban after being sent-off less than a minute into the first-leg of Swansea's play-off semifinal success over Nottingham Forest.

For the record, he was a target for Newcastle before agreeing a new four-year deal with the Swans recently.

It will be interesting to see if some of the other players in the team can steal some limelight as well for Swansea.

NICKNAME: The Swans, The Jacks FOUNDED: 1912 HOME: Liberty Stadium CAPACITY: 20,532 MANAGER: Brendan Rodgers THE SQUAD GOALKEEPERS Michel Vorm David Cornell Jose Moreira DEFENDERS Ashley Williams Neil Taylor Steven Caulker Alan Tate Ben Davies Joe Walsh Daniel Alfei MIDFIELDERS Ferrie Bodde Leon Britton Andrea Orlandi Scott Sinclair Nathan Dyer Wayne Routledge David Cotterill Shaun MacDonald Ryan Harley Joe Allen Kemy Agustien Mark Gower Thomas Butler Ashley Richards Lee Lucas Jordan Smith Gwion Edwards Kurtis March STRIKERS Craig Beattie Danny Graham Stephen Dobbie Leroy Lita Luke Moore Casey Thomas

TRANSFER (Thus far) IN Danny Graham (Watford, £3.5m), Leroy Lita (Middlesbrough, £1.75m), Wayne Routledge (Newcastle, undisclosed), Jose Moreira (Benfica, undisclosed), Steven Caulker (Totteham, loan).

OUT Dorus de Vries (Wolves, free), Darren Pratley (Bolton, free), Albert Serran (AEK Larnaca, free), Kerry Morgan (Neath, free), Cedric van der Gun (released), Gorka Pintado (released), Yves MaMakalamby (released), Scott Donnelly (Wycombe, loan).

(Transfer window closes on Aug 31) LAST SEASON'S POSITION Third in Championship.

Promoted via play-off.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Wayne Routledge, Neil Taylor PREDICTION Already an achievement if they can escape relegation.

HONOURS CHAMPIONSHIP Third place (promoted after winning play-offs) 2011 SECOND DIVISION Third place (promoted) 1981 LEAGUE ONE WINNERS 2008

sports

This is another fantastic deal for this football club -Stoke boss Tony Pulis on Matthew Upson's signing

The Malay Mail Wednesday 10 August, 2011

PRESSTALK

LONDON: football/ premier league

METRO

Sneijder made for United

Nothing official from United

Van der Vaart believes Dutch teammate will make Red Devils stronger

TOTTENHAM star midfielder Rafael van der Vaart says Wesley Sneijder (pic) would be a g re at success at Manchester United.

Sneijder has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for most of the summer and the Holland international midfielder admitted Inter Milan would be prepared to sell him for the right price.

When asked if he will be playing against Sneijder this season, Van der Vaart joked: "I hope not because United are going to be stronger. But he's a great player and he fits in well at United."

Van der Vaart, who joined Spurs from Real Madrid last summer, said: "Of course he would like to play in England, it's the biggest league in the world.

"He is a good friend of mine and we have contact almost every day. He knows what to expect in the Premier League."

Van der Vaart, meanwhile, expressed his delight that the Luka Modric transfer saga seems to be coming to a close, with the most likely outcome now seeing the playmaker remain at White Hart Lane.

Throughout the close season, Modric has been linked with moves away from north London, with local rivals Chelsea reportedly having a number of bids rejected for the Croatian star.

However, with chairman Daniel Levy

LONDON: FOOTBALL/ PREMIER LEAGUE

Former Gunner predicts big things for new starlet ARSENAL'S former midfielder Stewart Robson (pic) has backed the Gunner's new signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to become a better player than his new teammate Theo Walcott.

"This was a signing that was going to happen a year ago.

Everybody knew that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would go to Arsenal," he told talkSPORT. "They've gone down the same route as with Theo Walcott but I think he's going

to be a better player than Walcott."

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who like Walcott played for Southampton, completed a big money move to north London yesterday and Robson is backing him to be a hit.

Robson, who made 150 appearances for the Gunners, believes Oxlade-Chamberlain will become a more complete player than Walcott.

"He'll give more to Arsenal over the next few years because he is more talented than Walcott.

"Walcott is probably a greater athlete but Oxlade-Chamberlain will be a better technical player and probably a more intelligent footballer."

The 17-year-old joins a fresh wave of young talent at the Emirates as Wenger seeks to end a six-year trophy drought in the upcoming campaign.

— Agencies

VAN DER VAART: Also glad Modric will stay at White Hart Lane — GETTY photo

being reluctant to lose one of his prized assets, it seems the 25-year-old may stay, and for teammate van der Vaart, this is only a positive for the club.

"I'm really happy that he's going to stay because he's an important player for us," the Dutchman told Sky Sports.

"Almost every day we ask him to stay and say 'have a great season, then you can go! The chairman always said he's going to stay, no questions about it."

Modric has been a major part of the Spurs side since his arrival in 2008 and was influential in their successful Champions League campaign last season in which they reached the quarterfinals.

With Modric seemingly interested in a move away, however, there is a feeling that his attitude could have a negative

impact on the dressing room, but van der Vaart dismissed this.

"I understand he was a little bit disappointed, but in a few weeks Modric is going to be happy again."

In another development, Spurs have lost another midfielder Steven Pienaar for six weeks after the South Africa international underwent groin surgery.

The injury means the 29-year-old will miss out on an appearance against his former club Everton when Spurs start the new Premier League season this weekend at White Hart Lane.

Pienaar will also sit out games against title contenders Manchester United and Mancheter City, along with the Europa League play-off with Hearts this month.

LIVERPOOL: FOOTBALL/ PREMIER LEAGUE

Carragher reckons Gerrard's return will lift club LIVERPO OL'S Jamie Carragher (pic) believes the Reds will be rejuvenated by skipper Steven Gerrard's return to the club.

Gerrard, who lifted the Champions league for his side in 2005, has suffered from a succession of injuries in recent seasons, and his current lay-off dates back to March, having undergone surgery on a groin injury.

Some have already questioned Gerrard's future with Liverpool and England, but Carragher believes that there is still plenty more to come from his teammate.

"There's still plenty more to come from Steven Gerrard," Carragher told the Liverpool Echo. "He's one of the best, if not the best, player to play in the Premier League over the past decade."

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Fixtures SATURDAY Blackburn v Wolves (9pm) Fulham v Aston Villa (9pm) Liverpool v Sunderland (9pm) QPR v Bolton (9pm) Tottenham v Everton (9pm) Wigan v Norwich (9pm) Newcastle v Arsenal (11.30pm) SUNDAY Stoke v Chelsea (7.30pm) West Brom v Man United (10pm) TUESDAY Man City v Swansea (3am)

Reds' boss Kenny Dalglish has been busy over this summer's transfer window and with the arrival of the likes of Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson in midfield, there are now question marks about the skipper's

place in the side.

Carragher though, believes that despite the new arrivals, it will be the return of Gerrard which will have the biggest impact on the club.

"When Stevie is back playing it will be like we've just signed a great new player," he added. "He's still got four or five years ahead of him to play for Liverpool."

— Agencies

INTER MILAN star Wesley Sneijder has hinted that unofficial talks have taken place regarding a move to Manchester United. When asked if he was keen on playing for United, Sneijder said: "Yes, but nobody has called officially. Maybe there have been unofficial talks.

The situation is that I am an Inter Milan player, but there's a chance that I will leave. If something crosses my path, I have enough time to take a decision about it. It is down to the club. If a good bid comes in, they have to let me go. They don't want to lose me but there's a chance they will," he added. Italian media reports at the weekend said that a deal had been agreed for Sneijder to move to Manchester City, although it now appears that their Old Trafford rivals are still in pole position for the former Real Madrid star's signature.

DAILY MIRROR

Upson signs for Stoke STOKE have signed former West Ham centreback Matthew Upson on a free transfer, with the defender agreeing a two-year deal with the Potters. The 32-year-old England international was released by the relegated Hammers after his contract expired at the end of last season. He follows former international defender Jonathan Woodgate to the club after the ex-Tottenham centreback agreed a deal last month having been released by the Londoners.

"This is another fantastic deal for this football club when you consider the quality and experience of the lad," manager Tony Pulis told stokecityfc.com.

DAILY MIRROR

Hodgson hails long-term signing WEST BROM boss Roy Hodgson has welcomed the arrival of Shane Long after the striker completed his £6.5m (RM31.9m) move from Reading. Hodgson said: "Shane is one of the most talented young strikers outside of the Premier League and I'm delighted to welcome him to the club. We now hope to see him fulfil that potential over the next few years at West Bromwich Albion. The great thing about him is that even though he is still only 24, he has six years' worth of experience of Premier League, Championship and international football and has margin for improvement in his game." Long becomes Albion's sixth signing of the close season but the first for which they have paid a transfer fee.

Looking to atone

Thrifty Li

NATIONAL walker Lo Choon Sieng is anticipating a better outing in Jakarta and bury the nightmare of his Sea Wednesday 10 August, 2011 Games debut

DESPITE being tipped to become the richest woman in sports, China’s Li Na prefers to use her husband’s credit card

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Nasri and City agree terms

LONDON: football/ premier league

Reports claim Arsenal’s French ace will move for £25m ARSENAL midfielder Samir Nasri has agreed personal terms with Manchester City, it was revealed.

L’Equipe claimed Nasri has already agreed a contract worth £185,000-per week.

City failed with a £19m (RM93.9m) bid for the France international earlier in the summer but are still hoping Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will sell.

Wenger does not want to lose Nasri — particularly with his captain Cesc Fabregas also set to join Barcelona — but it is believed an offer of around £25m (RM123.5m) would tempt him to sell.

The Guardian reported the Gunners have changed their stance on the sale of the 24year-old as his refusal to sign a new contract and desire to leave the Emirates Stadium have turned the tide in City’s favour.

Previously, Wenger had ruled out Nasri’s departure, saying if he and Cesc Fabre-

gas were sold it would mean Arsenal could no longer be called a big club.

The Independent, at the same time, reported that a deal to bring Nasri to Etihad Stadium is almost complete and that personal terms are practically wrapped up.

City boss Roberto Mancini has already publicly admitted his interest in the player — a stance that irritated Wenger.

Nasri was left out of the squad for Arsenal’s pre-season trip to Benfica due to a muscular injury, but was included in the France squad and is expected to play in this week’s friendly.

Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky is hoping Nasri and Fabregas stay at Emirates Stadium and provide him with competition for places in the new season.

A departure for either would allow Rosicky to stake a claim for a more regular role, with his path to the first team often blocked.

Playground for public THE possible privatisation of sports could be the key ingredient needed to kick-start the industry in Malaysia

>> pg25 GOLF

Scott plays it cool

ADAM SCOTT defended caddie Steve Williams’ comments following his victory at the Bridgestone Invitational, claiming they give him confidence instead

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FOOTBALL

Match made in heaven

The Czech playmaker is, however, prepared to put the interests of the club before his own personal ambitions and insists he would be delighted to see the Gunners retain the services of their key men.

“I’m not thinking like that,” Rosicky told Pravo when asked if summer exits would play into his hands.

“Arsenal are a giant club with big ambitions and to turn those ambitions into achievements you need to

keep the best players you have and to have the strongest squad possible.

“I don’t want Fabregas or anyone else to leave. Even if that was to happen, Wenger would go and get someone new.”

Colombia coach Gomez quits after hitting woman FCF said in a statement this morning.

“The Colombian Federation wants to reiterate and emphasise that it is sorry for and rejects any violent act by officials, players or coaches,” it added.

The FCF called for an extraordinary meeting of all its members as soon as the programme and logistics of the Under-20 World Cup permits within the next 10 days.

Colombia is hosting the world youth tournament

LOCAL

NASRI

BOGOTA: FOOTBALL

COLOMBIA coach Hernan Dario Gomez has resigned after apologising publicly yesterday for punching a woman in a bar, the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) said.

“This morning, after a deep personal reflection, seeking the best benefit for the country, the Colombian national team, the federation and the sponsors, and accepting the consequences of his acts, Hernan Dario Gomez presented his resignation from his position as coach,” the

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which is entering the knockout phase.

“For the time being, we won’t have a coach in place for the senior national team,” the FCF statement said.

The incident that led to Gomez’s resignation occurred on Saturday night at the entrance to a Bogota night club where a woman insulted the 55-year-old coach, criticising his work with the national team.

Despite his public apology on Monday, there was grow-

ing pressure for his resignation, an FCF source said.

Gomez was in his second spell as Colombia coach, having taken the job in May, and last month steered the team to the Copa America quarterfinals in Argentina, the first stage on the road to the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

He was a popular choice, having taken Colombia to their last World Cup in 1998 and steering Ecuador to their first finals four years later. — Reuters

TOTTENHAM star playmaker Rafael van der Vaart believes Wesley Sneijder would fit in perfectly at Manchester United and lead them to success

>> pg31 PRESSTALK

Sneijder hints at deal

gomez

WESLEY SNEIJDER has dropped a bombshell by claiming unofficial talks for his signature could have taken place

Published by Malay Mail Sdn Bhd (239512V), Lot 2A, Jalan 13/2, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and printed by The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad (4485-H), 31, Jalan Riong, 59100 KL

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