12 September 2011

Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

PP423/01/2012(029578)

BeingFrank

With Frankie D’Cruz

SPORTS

Narrow Malayan history Changing the historical course of a nation arbitrarily creates uncertainty among its people who have long held in high esteem the efforts of freedom fighters to free our nation from white rule

>> pg5

LOCAL

‘Cat hotel’ checkout Vet dept task force to speed up feline abuse fiasco wrap-up

>> pg3

Better legal grip MHA wants amendments to Acts for better highway control

>> pg4

RM20 for 8km ride Kelana Jaya LRT cabbies foresaking meters

>> pg8

LIFESTYLE

From ‘Kopitiam’ to ‘Not A Lie’ Multi-talented Chelsia Ng steps out of comedic past to pen songs for first album

>> pg14

No ‘I’ in Kun 100,000 copies daily

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Manchester City’s Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero places club above personal glory after hattrick

>> pg31

KUALA LUMPUR: IMMIGRATION DETENTION CENTRE UPGRADING PROJECT

Tender bender Only four of 13 holding facilities for illegals nationwide improved due to lack of suitable bidding contractors

THE move to upgrade Immigration Department detention centres nationwide has hit a snag due to tender issuance problems.

To date, only four of the 13 depots have been upgraded and given a facelift.

Work on the rest is ‘on hold’ as both Home Ministry and the Immigration Department are facing difficulties getting the right contractors for the job.

Sources told The Malay Mail the Immigration Department started offering tenders for the project since January but was unable to go far further as they had yet to award all the contracts.

The process, said a source, would take some time as the department was being careful to ensure those awarded were able to fulfill its needs.

It was learned among the major works planned included replacement of current holding cells, some said to be decades old and in poor condition, into bigger holding centres.

The move for better detention facilities came following last year’s breakouts at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Immigration depot.

When contacted, however, the ministry’s Secretary-General, Datuk Seri Mahmood Adam, said he was confident the tender issuance problem for the remaining depots would be resolved by year-end to facilitate upgrading works which are expected to be completed next year.

“Since last year, upgrading and facelift works at four centres — Pekan Nenas (in Johor), Machap Umboo (Malacca), Lenggeng (Negri Sembilan) and Semenyih (Selangor) — had been completed.

“I believe work on some other centres can be completed by the end of this year.”

He said the project was being

By ANDREW SAGAYAM andrew@mmail.com.my handled by the Immigration’s detention centres department.

The detention centres department’s director-general, Zahari Abd Aziz, when contacted, confirmed they were still looking for the right contractors and expected the project to be completed next year, but declined further comments.

Last October, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the Finance Ministry had given the nod to the RM100 million project to upgrade detention centres in the country, following the escape of 20 Afghans at the KL International Airport depot two months earlier, the second one there the same year.

A series of news reports also highlighted problems faced by illegals in detention centres, including overcrowding, malnutrition and alleged physical abuse.

The most recent incident occurred in April at the Lenggeng depot where 109 migrant workers escaped after burning down a building at the facility. Investigations revealed insufficient food supply and cramped living conditions were the cause.

Mahmood, in a report by The New Straits Times on Aug 25, admitted none of the nation’s 13 Immigration centres met with international standards.

He had said their security measures and living conditions were seriously lacking and to compound matters, the facilities were overcrowded with untrained personnel left to run them.

A committee, comprising five agencies under the ministry, was subsequently formed to tackle the problems.

• Reports on pg2

IN NEED OF FACELIFT: The KLIA Immigration depot which saw two breakouts last year — Pic: RAZAK GHAZALI

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KUALA LUMPUR

Don't change historical facts to glorify communist terrorists — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak

Spoilt for choice of Jalur Gemilang

WITH Malaysia Day on Friday, sales of the Jalur Gemilang of different sizes are picking up at a stationery shop in Petaling Street.

"The national flags are priced from RM3 to RM200 each depending on size and quality, with the smaller ones for cars and the bigger ones for houses and offices," said 62-year-old See Tho, proprietor of Kiat Loong Stationery Supplier.

"My c ustomers are not on ly Malaysians but foreigners who want them as souvenirs."

See, who runs the shop with a sales assistant, said business was highest during the run-up to Merdeka and Malaysia Day each year.

"There are those who buy flags for the first time and those who need to replace their worn-out ones."

Immigration detention centres in the country ● Simunjan and Bekenu in Sarawak

Plan before upgrading ... to ensure no delay in improving depots for illegals

By ANDREW SAGAYAM andrew@mmail.com.my

● Machap Umboo in Malacca ● KLIA and Semenyih depots in Selangor ● Langkap in Perak ● Juru in Penang ● Belantik in Kedah ● Tanah Merah in Kelantan ● Ajil in Terengganu ● Kemayam in Pahang

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UNFLAGGING BUSINESS: See with her best-sellers — Pic: Asharaf Shamsul Azlan

KUALA LUMPUR

● Pekan Nenas in Johor ● Lenggeng in Negri Sembilan

The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

MAKE it a priority in ensuring proper planning before upgrading detention centres around the country.

This was the call by Tenaganita director Irene Fernandez yesterday when commenting on delays to improve some 13 of the centres by the Immigration Department.

She recommended the government adhered to international standards of detention centres when carrying out the work.

"The Immigration Department and Home Ministr y should have planned the tender process properly to ensure no delay. They must also have a fool-proof plan if they want upgrading works completed in time."

She said the department should take the matter seriously as it affected the human rights of many migrant workers.

"Problems are always the same. These detention centres, as we have always highlighted for so many years, are overcrowded and unhygienic.

The authorities must ensure

The Malay Mail is published by Malay Mail Sdn Bhd, Lot 2A, Jalan 13/2, 46200, Petaling Jaya

PETALING JAYA

Recent cases of deaths, riots and breakouts April 2008 SIXTY foreigners, mostly Myanmar nationals, rioted at Lenggeng detention camp after hearing their application to move to a third country was unsuccessful.

The rioters torched an administrative building and threatened the Immigration and Rela personnel with injury at detention centre located about 16km from Seremban in the 10am incident.

FERNANDEZ: Calling for a fool-proof plan

projects go on without further delays as this involves human rights issues.

"If the present upgrading works and planning are not up to par, then they have to review what has gone wrong and rectify them immediately," she said.

She added the new detention centres, once completed, must meet standards required to hold migrant workers. This includes their well-being and security.

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

April 2009 IKHTIARUDDIN, a Bangladeshi migrant worker, died while being held in Lenggeng detention centre. The 30-year-old was alleged to have been punished, beaten, and tortured by the authorities.

It was believed his death was due to contamination as detainees from the same cell he was placed were transferred to KLIA detention camp.

May 2009 TWO detainees from Myanmar died after they contracted the Leptospirosis disease in May. The two were among 26 detainees from Juru detention camp in Penang. They were admitted to two hospitals following an outbreak of leptospirosis at

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the camp.

Thang Hoih Ping, 21, died on May 12 from the bacterial disease after being admitted to the Bukit Mertajam Hospital while Sa La Hin, 26, who was detained in the camp since January, also succumbed to the contagious disease at Bukit Mertajam Hospital.

August 2009 THE KLIA Immigration detention centre in Sepang, holding some 950 detainees, is in "lockdown" following the death of an inmate due to Influenza A (H1N1).

A mass quarantine was ordered soon after post-mortem results on Tuesday on a Togo national, who had been at the centre for nine months, was confirmed to have died succumbed influenza. The temporary lockdown was ordered by the Sepang district health centre after confirming the result of the post-mortem on the 35-year-old victim.

August 2010 A TOTAL of 20 Afghans at the KILA depot escaped on Aug 1, 2010, by cutting the fencing. This was the second escape incident fol-

lowing the escape of 16 inmates from the facility on March 27. In the 3am breakout, the Afghans, aged between 25 and 40, were suspected to have cut the perimeter grill of the detention depot before escaping.

In the March 27 incident, 12 Afghans and four Myanmar nationals, aged between 22 and 48, also escaped from the depot.

April 2011 A GROUP of 109 immigration detainees rioted and set a building on fire before escaping from the Lenggeng Immigration Detention Centre last night.

Most escapees were Myanmar nationals who were joined by a handful of Bangladeshis, Nepalese, Iranians, Vietnamese and Thais. Investigations showed they were dissatisfied with what they perceived as cramped living conditions, the food and long detention periods.

They lost patience with the long process needed to settle them in third countries under the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Some of them have been in detention for three to 12 months.

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The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Thirty-four million passengers expected to take international and domestic flights by year-end — Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd general manager Muhammad Suhaimi Abd Mubin

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PETALING JAYA

Complaints mount Task force to find quick closure of mistreatment at 'cat hotel'

A SPECIAL task force has been formed by the Department of Veterinary Services to investigate the mistreatment of scores of felines at a 'cat hotel' in Damansara Damai here that came to light on Sept 4.

"The task force was meant to speed up investigations as there are a big number of complainants," its directorgeneral, Datuk Dr Abdul A z i z Ja m a l u d d i n , t o l d

By THASHA JAYAMANOGARAN thasha@mmail.com.my

The Malay Mail.

"At the moment, we are recording statements from about 40 affected pet owners who have come forward to provide specific details, including medical condition of their cats, the duration the felines were under the care of the cat hotel and the fees

they paid.

"This will become vital evidence."

He said the department hoped to wrap up investigations as soon as possible.

Hundreds of cat owners entrusted their pets to the cat hotel during the Raya holidays but when their calls

to the cat hotel owners went unanswered, dozens of the pet owners went to check on the night of Sept 4.

With the approval of the area's security guards and the police, the owners broke into the cat hotel and rescued about 100 pets there while another nine felines were found dead.

After lodging police reports, the owners and other volun-

FLASHBACK: Our report on Sept 5

teers went to another house in Desa Moccis in Sungai Buloh where 200 more cats were rescued.

In both places, the cats were kept in inhumane and unsanitary conditions and

were also left starving from insufficient food.

The death toll of the cats had since risen to 13.

So far, at least 75 police reports have been lodged over the incident.

Public unhappy with prepaid tax move

DEMANDING CONSUMER RIGHTS: Dr Ma'amor wants telcos to improve services

OUTRAGED: George says government ought to have been aware of proposals

CALL FOR REVIEW: Sha'ani feels additional costs be on extra seconds

PETALING JAYA

Consumerists want telcos to absorb service charge TELCOS should absorb the six per cent service charge on prepaid services such as reloads and starter packs, says consumerists.

Muslim C onsumers Associations of Malaysia secretary-general Datuk Dr Ma'amor Osman said telcos had no reason to impose the charges.

"If you look at telcos' annual reports, they are already making huge profits, so why burden consumers further?

The services they offer also needs to be improved. Even when calls don't get through, charges are imposed. As a result, telcos are easily earning millions of ringgit everyday," he said.

"The government should also look into how telco services can be improved as consumers' needs ought to be the main priority. At the least, telcos should charge much less than six per cent."

National Consumer

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

Complaints Centre (NCCC) c h i e f e x e c ut i v e of f i c e r Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said telcos were already making huge profits.

"If telcos proceed with additional charges, they should first review their call block system which currently tends to charge users for the next full minute even if a call lasts a few seconds longer. As a result, telcos rake in huge profits through this alone," he said.

"Telcos should calculate the costs based on additional seconds used rather than charge them for a whole new period.

Perhaps they could tax that way rather than charge six per cent altogether.

"The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) should also regulate charges in accordance

with the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998."

Consumers Association of Subang Jaya and Shah Alam (Cassa) chairman Jacob George said the government, especially the Finance Ministry and MCMC, should have been aware of the proposal long before it was announced by telcos.

"Telcos lobbied imposing the service charge since earlier this year but the government claimed to be unaware of its implementation. It is high time the government shows transparency and accountability with regards to such matters. How could telcos announce the move without approval from the authorities?" he asked.

"Prepaid users are usually from the lower and middleincome groups and as such there will be a strong backlash from the public if the issue is not settled sensibly. We feel the move is highly unethical."

HANDPHONE users are unanimous in condemning the move by telcos in imposing six per cent service charge on prepaid services such as reloads and starter packs from Thursday.

In a random survey yesterday, The Malay Mail was also told by those approached that the government should stop telcos from doing so.

Machinery maintenance hand Selvendran Vijayakumar, 25, from Kota Damansara says: "This is unfair. It is already difficult to get by on my RM1,500 monthly salary and paying RM350 house rent when overall cost of living is going up. I spend roughly RM150 a month on recharging my prepaid mobile alone.

The government should put a stop to it."

Construction worker Teoh Ho Ming, 48, from PJ says: "My wife and I have support our four children, one in college, two in secondary school and one in primary school.

Each of us use mobile phones and I spend RM160 a month

on prepaid services. A six per cent tax increase is too much.

I hope the government will settle this issue with telcos."

Lisa Lim, 65, a sales promoter in PJ says: "I am upset with the move. So are my colleagues. We already pay for many things just to run our businesses and cannot afford to fork out more expenditure for prepaid services. The increase means I need to pay RM1.80 extra everytime I spend RM30 to top-up my phone. The government should stop telcos or do away with the service charge altogether."

Hairstylist Jimmy Teh, 40, from PJ says: "I cannot accept this. Telcos should just maintain charges the way they are as the economy is not doing so well. At the moment, I am finding it difficult to profit from my business, for which I pay RM3,000 monthly in rent."

Kuala Lumpur student Mable Lee, 15: "Generally, teenagers get allowances for school and cannot afford

LALITHAMBIGAI: Extra charges will make life harder for students

LEE: Teenagers cannot afford higher taxes

prepaid services all the time.

And if we want to send RM3 in prepaid credits to our friends, we'll also be charged 25 sen at a time on top of the added tax. Nowadays, if we send RM3.50 worth of credit to friends, we'll be charged 50 sen at a time."

Says medical lab student Lalithambigai, 19, from PJ: "It will be hard for students due to our limited allowance. I receive RM100 per week from my parents and spend about RM50 a month recharging my handphone which I need to keep in touch with family and friends."

Cobbler Marzuki Ngan Nan, 55, from Indonesia who has been working in Malaysia for the past three decades: "The six per cent service charge would be additional burden I don't need. In my work, I spend about RM400 a month on rubber, gum and equipment and RM450 house rent, leaving about RM1,100 for food, transport and other expenses for my wife, our two children and myself."

TEH: Cannot accept new taxes as economy is not doing well

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PETALING JAYA

It's not appropriate to use Internal Security Act against a politician (in this case, PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu) as long he doesn't threaten national security — Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein

The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Highway authority wants more power

MALAYSIAN Highway Authority (MHA) will propose amendments to the Highway Authority Malaysia (Incorporation) Act 1980 and Federal Roads (Private Management) Act 1984 to allow more power for the regulatory body.

Last year, Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor had announced his ministry would propose amendments to the Act to give MHA bite when regulating highway concessionaires, especially with regard to highway maintenance.

A ministry spokesman confirmed with The Malay Mail

By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani asrul@mmail.com.my

recently, the amendments will be tabled in Parliament next year.

Under the proposed amendments, sources told The Paper That Cares, it will give MHA powers to undertake, regulate and approve designs, construction, operation, management and maintenance of highways, and related facilities.

Currently, MHA only has the authority to supervise and execute designs, construction, operation and maintenance of

highways determined by the government.

MHA also plans to implement an accreditation scheme for highway contractors and suppliers in addition to conducting courses, training and providing consultancy services.

The highway regulatory body also wants the ability to appoint its own enforcement officers to regulate both concessionaires and highway users.

"Enforcement officers will

have power to investigate, search and seize. They will also have access to computerised data and compounding of offences," said a source "The role of police and SPAD (Land Public Transport Commission) will not be affected.

The new enforcement officers will only help strengthen security and safety of commuters."

The amendments will also allow MHA to establish corporations and companies plus impose highway proximity and safety zone surcharges.

Property owners, such as those who own billboards, situated within a high proximity

area will be charged a fee together with those working in the highway safety zone.

"MHA will be given express powers to use idle properties to generate income, as steps towards becoming selffinancing. The director-general will be appointed as the controlling officer," said the source.

Other than budget allocations from the Federal government, MHA also plans to generate funds through contributions from highway concessionaires.

"The top five contributors will be Smart with 2.79 per

cent contributed from its revenue, East Coast Expressway (2.55 per cent), Besraya (2.46 per cent), Duke (2.3 per cent) and PLUS (2.3 per cent)," the source added.

It was previously reported the government had paid a total compensation of RM2.05 billion to 27 highway concessionaires as of Dec 31.

The North-South Expressway had received the most compensation with RM735.2 million, followed by the Damansara-Puchong Highway (RM631.1 million) and the Penang Bridge (RM181.2 million).

PETALING JAYA

Legal or illegal?

Poser over whether providing real-time sports info and results for gambling is lawful or otherwise THERE seems to be a fine line between running a betting website and providing real-time results. Some believe such operations are illegal while others claim providing real-time results is not a crime.

Confusion arose after it was reported Johor police claimed they arrested a 28-year-old bookie during the Johor-Kedah clash at the Tan Sri Haji Yunus Stadium on Tuesday.

The suspect was released hours later.

Nevertheless, Real Time Sportscast (RTS) Malaysia country manager, Shamim Imran, insists it was a case of “mistaken identity”.

“The person arrested is our employee. We provide realtime results. We do not collect bets,” stressed Shamim.

“We even brought this to the investigating officer's at-

By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my

tention but he was not very cooperative. Now, things are being blown out of proportion.

“If we are in the wrong, would we have contacted the police? Also, if I can 'predict' results, I’d be driving a BMW and not a Proton Satria,” said Shamim.

RTS has been around the past 10 years and specialises in “providing real-time, up-to-date information of sporting events throughout the world and has a presence in over 80 countries worldwide”.

“Our parent company, Global Sports Services (GSS), is based in Switzerland and we have offices in France and Singapore. We are recognised

by Fifa and are among the

handful of companies with international presence in providing real-time sports information.

“We do not deal with players, referees or officials and we do not have any influence on the outcome of matches.

We do not fix matches, if that is what is being implied about our employee.

“Our job is to report to our clients on what goes on during each match from which they then determine the betting odds for their international betting clients. While football betting is illegal in Malaysia, nothing can be done to stop those overseas from betting on Malaysian football, be it international or domestic matches."

Federal CID anti-vice, gam-

ing and secret society principal assistant director Senior Assistant Commissioner Abdul Jalil Hassan had yet to receive details of the case, adding it was under the purview of the State police.

GSS director and co-founder Justin Nicolson had in 2009, told Singapore’s Straits Times that some 400 to 500 games worldwide are covered each week using RTS. Singapore Pools are the only legal bookmaker in the Republic. Nevertheless, the same article quotes lawyer Bryan Tan saying it is still “an offence to manage a business which transmits information about a sports event for the purpose of gambling”.

Efforts to legalise football gambling in Malaysia last year failed due to a public outcry as the outflow of billions of Ringgit continues annually.

SUBANG JAYA

Celebrating Raya with the public HUNDREDS of residents flocked to the Subang Jaya Municipal Council headquarters here yesterday as the council hosted an Aidilfitri open house.

The event, which started at 3pm, was aimed at strengthening rapport between the council and the public.

More than 50 food stalls served a variety of local dishes

and those who attended included children from three orphanages who received duit raya, Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh, Selangor State executive councillor Ronnie Liu and council staff, including its enforcement officers.

The guests were entertained by a group of local artistes who sang and staged comedic performances.

HOW ARE YOU? Council president Datuk Asmawi Kasbi (standing) and wife, Datin Roliah Ahmad Sabilan chatting with some orphange children during the council's Aidilfitri open house

FRESHIES IN A ROW: UM new intake students on their way to familiarising themselves with their faculty — Pic: Shahir Omar

KUALA LUMPUR

Brolly brigade at varsity orientation

By RAM ANAND mmnews@mmail.com.my

GROUPS of youths in colourcoordinated T-shirts and raising coloured umbrellas while crossing the road in a single file near University of Malaya (UM), became a common sight last week for motorists.

It was all part of UM's week-long orientation for their latest batch of freshie students.

UM has 12 residential colleges within its 992-acre campus. Upon registration, freshies were given T-shirts of red, blue, yellow or black colours representing the different colleges. The umbrellas were meant to shield the freshies from the hot sun and inclement weather, who start attending classes today.

UM senior linguistics un-

dergrad Jeremy Wong said freshies, as part of their orientation, were required to perform light activities such as walkabouts to familiarise themselves with the different faculties on campus and join in group singalongs to foster camaraderie.

Each residential college has its own board of leaders and during the course of the year, also organise inter-residential events.

A senior from the Ungku Aziz Residential College, who preferred anonymity, told The Paper That Cares: "Seniors guide the freshies during the registration and loan application processes.

"Freshies of every residential college are grouped into smaller clusters based on their respective faculties for easier fraternisation."

The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Many younger generation don't understand history and the origin of the nation as there were attempts to alter historical facts into fantasy — Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad

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Mr White, did you lie?

IN a sea of whining mediocrity comes ‘hard truths’ — so pure you’d collapse if you snorted it.

More so, if it involved the core of our nation’s history.

I am still wobbling in shock over the row that early Malaya was never colonised by the British. It questions our fight for independence.

It’s a dispute we least need at the moment when the nation is attempting to glue together a multiethnic populace.

A quarrel we can do without unless the source for the uneasiness, the National Council of Professors, can factually substantiate its claims.

So far, its arguments have been shallow and I don’t see the learned council presenting a case against colonisation by the British.

The remarks by the scholarly council claiming the British never colonised Malaya was not what history taught us.

The council says the British introduced a system of indirect rule in Malaya which in practical terms could be translated as — they ran the country.

That would effectively mean we were colonised.

Professor Datuk Dr Zainal Kling, in representing the council, said in a statement recently that Malaya had never been colonised by the British prior to Merdeka and had only been a protectorate of the British Empire.

Zainal also disputed the notion Malaya had been under colonisation for 400 years and that although the British had then governed the country, it

BeingFrank With Frankie D’Cruz

ON MONDAY had remained sovereign under the Malay rulers.

Malaya, he said, was only under colonisation during the Malayan Union era between 1946 and 1948 and during the Japanese occupation.

Only three Malayan States we re c o l on i s e d , n am e ly Singapore, Malacca and Penang. The rest were protected States, he said.

If that was the case, I should have failed History at all levels of education. And the history of Malaysia, hardwired into my memory bank, has to be deleted.

But I am not about do that because history has it that the Pangkor Treaty of 1874 paved the way for the expansion of British influence in Malaya.

The British concluded treaties with some Malay States, installing “residents” who advised the Sultans and held power in everything except to do with Malay religion and customs.

Whether you call it a true colony or protectorates, the fact remains we were ruled by the British.

Stubbornly pushing for unnecessary change in history will drive us to a national identity disaster.

Therefore, it would be illadvised to pursue the plan by Higher Education Minister

Datuk Seri Mohd Khaled Nordin for the history syllabus for schools to be revised following supposed new findings of the nation's past.

Such an exercise would be flawed.

Just ask the British. See if Britain agrees that the British Empire never covered the whole of Malaya.

Imagine a nation where the elders and the younger generation have different takes about the British in Malaya and our fight for independence.

Clearly, the stand by the council of professors has far-reaching social and academic implications that can affect national unity and raise questions about celebrating Merdeka every Aug 31 since 1957.

Foot-in-mouth, evidently, kicks both ways. Changing the historical course of a nation arbitrarily creates uncertainty among its people who have long held in high esteem the efforts of freedom fighters to free our nation from white rule.

Malaysia must not be seen as willing to blur its identity.

Malaysians must refrain from shredding legacy at every turn.

Maybe, just maybe, Mr White, the Brit, took us all for a ride!

COLONIAL LEGACY: Photos (clockwise from top). The lowering of the Union Jack on Aug 31, 1957; British soldiers fighting the communists; scenes of colonial Malaya in Kuala Lumpur and Fort Cornwallis in Penang — National Archive photos

Dial 01...for $$ pain I WONDER if the current debate over the six per cent service tax for reloads and starter packs from Thursday bears down on populist economics or astute economics.

Almost everyone has a problem with services provided by telecommunications companies. Such complaints top the number of complaints The Malay Mail’s Hotline receives daily.

So, you can’t really fault the growing dissent against the move by telcos to charge prepaid consumers the six per cent service tax especially with the rising cost of living.

The reality, however, is telcos just like other service providers are entitled by law to impose the six per cent tax.

We must agree that once that has been decided, its implementation should be without exemption or exclusion.

They are making money in a very spirited market exploiting broadly on the decreasing cost of technology and innovation.

To impose the six per cent service tax is the government's decision, whether to absorb it or to let the customer pay for it is for the telcos to decide.

They do not have to get the approval of the government.

So, the question about the low-income group, students and those without fixed income — the target groups under the telcos’ prepaid plan — being excluded from paying service tax does

not arise.

There is nothing to stop the rich from getting a prepaid card, is there?

Think subsidies: far too many classes of people enjoy it and it’s not effectual; it leads to corruption and unequal benefits and extra costs of managing these.

The six per cent service tax is not new and had been absorbed by telcos since it was introduced in 1998.

While other service providers have passed on the service tax to consumers, telcos were more considerate towards the consumers and absorbed it for a while.

Telcos have said the service tax is a consumption tax and chargeable to the customer as provided for in the service

tax laws.

The Service Tax Act 1975 requires telecommunication companies to levy service tax at the prevailing rate on telecommunication services, including mobile prepaid services.

This is similar to the service tax levied on food and beverage purchases from restaurants and hotels.

But telcos decided to pass it on to the consumers.

I am not justifying their reasons to impose the service tax but rather trying to make a case that for consumers to absorb the additional charges, it is imperative for telcos to upgrade services before slapping the tax on consumers.

First, telcos must stop forfeiting the balance in the

account of a mobile phone prepaid user if he failed to reload within the validity period.

A prepaid number should have a lifetime validity and be activated at the customers’ convenience.

Then, there is the call block system whereby telcos pocket extras from prepaid users on unused seconds.

To be sure, mobile phone prepaid users face the brunt of unfair terms imposed on them.

So, without an improvement in services, any promise of free calls after the tax had been imposed would not be of any benefit.

The sorry part to all this is the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission

had been involved in the discussions with telcos since April and had agreed to the tax being imposed.

And this is the same agency that has been entrusted by the government to convince the telcos to reconsider the service tax as a collective group, seeing as how the initial decision was also a collective decision.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a pile of washing to do and my bathroom needs wiping.

FRANKIE D'CRUZ is editor-at-large of The Malay Mail. The multiple award-winning journalist can be contacted at frankie@mmail.com.my

6

news

Terengganu making early preparations on food supply, forward bases and evacuation centres for the November monsoon season — State Security Council secretary Mohd Tarmizi Dan

The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

PETALING JAYA

New 'happy meal'

Family that 'eats together stays together' idea behind McDonald's dinner box RESTAURANT chain McDonald's has introduced a Family Dinner Box set with savings up to RM20 per box, in the wake of the success of its family breakfast box set.

In launching the new product, McDonald's Malaysia managing director Sarah Casanova said busy lifestyles resulted in families spending less time together, including at meal times.

"Based on our focus group findings, most families, after a day at work and school, get together only at night,'' she said at the launch in Mutiara Damansara recently.

"So our family dinner box

By CECILIA VICTOR cecilia@mmail.com.my

offers an opportunity to have a family meal together and, as the saying goes, a family that eats together stays together. Studies have also shown that children who have regular family meals demonstrate positive behaviour — they do well in school and have great people relationship skills.''

The family dinner box set, meant for four to five people, is available at RM37.90 and comprises two Spicy Chicken McDeluxe, two McChicken, six pieces of Chicken

McNuggets, three French fries, four carbonated soft drinks and two sundaes (chocolate and strawberry).

This is RM20.10 cheaper than buying the items individually.

McDonald's prides itself on using 100 per cent halal chicken meat, baked buns prepared fresh, crunchy lettuce, high quality potatoes cooked to perfection and low-fat dairy creamy sundaes.

"As a company that listens to our customers, the

DINNER BOX DELIGHT: Casanova (third left) with Ronald McDonald and staff members Introducing the new menu to customers — Pic: Ashraf Shamsul Azlan

content of the family dinner box is based on what our customers tell us they want," said Casanova.

"We did rigorous testing

on different product combinations and what we're offering in the family dinner box are items that Malaysians deem as their favourite

McDonald's meals.''

She said McDonald's had plans to open 10 new outlets this year and 25 new outlets next year.

news

The Malay Mail Monday 12 september, 2011

7

KUALA LUMPUR

Preferred seats

MAS offers 'favourite spot' for flights booked online PASSENGERS flying Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Economy Class on international routes can now choose their "favourite spot" when they book their tickets online.

Executive vice-president of Commercial Strategy for MAS, Datuk Dr Amin Khan, said with this option, passengers could choose from two-seat categories, Premium seats that cover the first few rows and emergency exit seats, and Standard seats encompassing other seats in Economy Class.

He said the introduction of the advanced seat selection option followed overwhelm-

ing response the service received on domestic routes during its initial introduction last December.

Introduced on international sectors since mid-July, Amin said the "favourite spot" provided Economy Class passengers the freedom to select seats that suited their needs and preferences at a nominal fee.

"One out of every three bookings through our corporate website registers a preferred seat selection, which is 35 percent of our daily bookings. This is another enhancement that gives our customers better control over

their travel experience.

"It provides an assurance and peace of mind they will have their preferred seats secured for their flights, which is why it is a standard offering by many major airlines."

He said extending the advanced seat selection option to include international flights enhanced the MH experience for travellers flying throughout the national carrier’s network, especially on long-haul flights.

"It is also a testament of Malaysia Airlines’ continued investment in value-added online services for greater customer convenience."

PETALING JAYA

Camp for newbies T H E Imp e r i a l C ol l e ge Union Malaysian Society (ICUMS) successfully held a camp for incoming students of the Imperial College of London at Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan, recently.

T h e t h re e - d ay e v e nt was aimed at gathering all Malaysian students to get to know each other and prepare for their college life in London.

ICUMS president Sheela Ratnam, who is currently pursuing a degree in Physics, advised the new students to "live like a second year student", as soon as they arrived.

Besides the team building programme, the students were introduced to life in London and the Imperial College.

Imperial College Alumni Association of Malaysia vice president Din Al-Manaf

GROUP SESSION: Preparing for college life in London

said the students are privileged to study at Imperial College because they are on a platform for academic excellence and tremendous personal growth.

"Do your best, make us proud and please return to Malaysia one day,” he said.

Imperial College London, consistently ranked among the top 10 of the World Un i v e r s i t y R a n k i n g s , has trained some 1,800 Malaysians to date.

About 130 Malaysians are expected to enroll at the college this year.

PETALING JAYA

Kirkby alumni get-together

P E R S AT UA N A l u m n i Maktab Kirkby Malaysia (PAMKM) is organis ing a goodwill gathering on Sept 17, in conjunction with Malaysia Day, at Singgahsana Hotel, PJ, from

3pm to 6pm.

Members of PAMKM as well as their family and friends are welcomed to join.

For more information, contact Jenny from PAMKM

secretariat at 03-7727 4475 or Othman Dahlan at 0166675070 by today.

A l t e r n at i v e l y, t h o s e interested may also fax 03-77274476 or email yes2000@studymalaysia.com.

8

The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 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.

By IKRAM ISMAIL and Hamzah Nazari

Taken for a ride

BUS FROM KELANA JAYA TO SUBANG PARADE

Cabbies at Kelana Jaya refuse to use meters but agency promises action MARYAM MOHD KHAIRUL, a college student at Subang Jaya, says taxi drivers at the Kelana Jaya LRT station are taking advantage of passengers there.

"Most of the taxi drivers who operate from the taxi stand at the station refuse to use their meters," says MARYAM, who has been commuting daily from Setiawangsa to Subang Jaya via the Kelana Jaya station since August.

She says she has to take a taxi from the Kelana Jaya sta-

tion as there is no bus going to her college in Subang Jaya.

The taxi drivers usually demand RM15 to RM20 for the 8km journey from Kelana Jaya to Subang Jaya although it will only be RM8 if they use their meters, she says.

MARYAM says one of the taxi drivers justified the exorbitant rate by saying those who go to her college are "rich people and they can afford to pay a higher fee".

However, she says the taxi drivers are only taking advan-

tage of commuters. "Another example is the taxi drivers will charge RM15 to go to 1 Utama in Bandar Utama, which is just 5km away."

"I hope the authorities will stop the taxi drivers from cheating their customers," says MARYAM. ● LAND and Public Transport Commission (SPAD) Enforcement and Training general manager Mej-Jen (Rtd) Datuk Paduka Che Hasni Che Ahmad says ac-

tion will be taken against errant taxi drivers at the Kelana Jaya station.

"Our enforcement team will continue to take action against errant taxi driver in the Klang Valley," he says, acknowledging that the situation in Kelana Jaya is not unique and many taxi drivers refuse to use their meters and charge exorbitant fares.

"Since June, we have taken action against 35 taxi drivers operating around Subang Jaya and Bandar Sunway for

Action over manholes and stop sign TWO uncovered manholes.

One damaged stop sign.

Hotline was alerted to these by readers MIR HASSAN, of Petaling Jaya, and KONG CHIEN, of Shah Alam.

AMIR says he saw the uncovered manholes in Jalan SS7/2 near the Malaysia Airlines Academy on Aug 24.

“When I drove past the manholes, there were pieces of wood placed inside them,” he says.

“Someone even placed a green plastic garbage bin in front of one of the manholes.

“Motorists could drive over them, especially at night, and the results could be serious."

KONG says a damaged stop sign at the intersection of Jalan 13/6 and Jalan Semangat in Petaling Jaya caught his eye.

“I have not seen anything like it.

The red paint has peeled off.

"It could have been due to the weather but the sign is so worn out it can hardly be read."

● PETALING JAYA City Council (MBPJ) public relations officer Zainun Zakaria was shocked to hear of the uncovered manholes.

“Someone must have stolen the covers," she says.

The council replaced the covers on Sept 8.

Zainun says the council will act on the damaged stop sign this week.

TAKE NOTE 1. From Aug 15, all LadyBus and RapidBET afternoon services operate half and hour earlier while the morning service remains unchanged. The two bus services in the morning are at 6.45am and 7.30am; the evening services are at 5.30pm and 6.15pm.

2. The former Rothmans roundabout is now a traffic lights junction. Motorists are advised to obey the traffic lights to ensure a safe journey to their destinations.

Late last month, motorists fumed as work to turn the roundabout into a traffic light junction created traffic havoc around the area.

3. Do not dispose solid waste into the sewerage system. Every month, Indah Water resolves 2,000 cases of overflowing manholes and backflows of sewage and waste water.

offences ranging from refusing to use meters to operating without identification papers."

Che Hasni advises MARYAM and other commuters to lodge reports directly to SPAD if they encounter errant public transport drivers.

"Members of the public who feel they are taken advantage of while using public transport can lodge a report through our SPAD hotline at 15888, by giving full details of the incident, including

BEFORE

● RapidKL's bus No. U623 goes from Kelana Jaya to Subang Parade through PJS7. RapidKL's bus routes are shown on the website www. myrapid.com.my the vehicles's plate number, registration, company name, date and time, destination and full name of the driver."

When contacted, MARYAM is glad SPAD will take action against the errant taxi drivers.

"I will follow the advice

by SPAD and contact them directly if I encounter such problems again."

AFTER

DANGER REMOVED: One of the potholes, with a garbage bin to warn road uses (left), and after it is covered by a grating by the city council

Online comments www.mmail.com.my Dream vacation dashed (Sept 9) ● HARCHARAN, please don't be disappointed. There is nothing much to do in Kundasang, I have been there at least five times and I know. First of all, the weather is not as cool as before. There is nothing much to see except for some mountain scenery.

On rainy days, the whole area will be covered with mist and you cannot see anything beyond 20 feet.

The road is always prone to landslides. Transport is non-existent. The people are friendly but you won't be staying with them. The fruits

and vegetable are cheap but you wouldn't want to buy them unless you live there. The only real adventure if you are fit enough is climbing Mt. Kinabalu but in September somehow climbing up there is sheer madness. There are a few tourist attractions but they are miles apart and most of the time will be wasted in travelling. My advice is to travel from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu. Take a flight to Tawau, rent a 4WD and travel but make sure you reach a place to stay for the night by 6pm because there is nothing much you can do if the vehicle breaks

down along the way. Get the tow truck service telephone number handy because you may need it. As for hotels, don't worry, there is always a vacancy, no hotel in Sabah or in Malaysia for that matter is 100 per cent occupied. My only caution to you is to make sure the 4WD is in good condition.

Rented cars in Sabah are generally in poor condition due to lack of proper maintenance, just like Langkawi.

Cost of living and food in Sabah is really cheap.

There is no need for any tour agency service, they will charge you more. — Nawawi

● HOW can a travel agent offer a refund after the date of the vacation? It means they never booked the tickets. They should have to pay interest at the credit card rate of 3% a month on the money collected. — Tiku Smooth-going once more (Sept 9) ● WELL DONE, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, for attending to the pothole problem immediately. A lot of the pothole problems can be avoided if the men carrying out the roadworks patch up the area carefully and wash away loose stones and sand. Very often, I

see roads that are dug up not patched up properly.

Potholes form when more and more vehicles go over the repaired section. — Patchup Danger above! (Sept 8) ● WHY do they have to call for a tender? Somebody else could die in the time it took them to look through a tender. Who is running MPSJ these days? Must someone die before they take this seriously? I drive past that road everyday home from work and cringe when I see that unrepaired stretch. Come on, wake up!

— Nick Philips

The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

● 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

letters&opinions

9

● 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.

KL: Malaysia rises five notches in World Economic Forum's Competitiveness Index (Sept 9)

Towards an innovative economy

MALAYSIA’s rise to 21st spot in competitiveness ranking according to the World Economic Forum (WEF) is welcome news, especially when our economy and transformation plan are looking for fresh reassurance and endorsement.

The increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) is yet another indicator that our

country is conducive enough for investors to consider relocating or expanding their business.

However, the main challenge is how this positive development can trickle down and be felt throughout the whole economic chain while Malaysia maintains its competitiveness.

As pointed out correctly

by International Trade and

Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, the government should look into improving human capital, technolog y adoption and innovation-driven economy to further improve the country’s competitiveness.

Presently, the gestation and adaptation period for new innovation, technology and new products does not augur

well or is market friendly enough for businesses to sustain.

Financial institutions are conservative and risk averse when it comes to new innovations. These issues of market access and access to finance must be addressed immediately if Malaysia wants to have an innovative economy.

Perhaps MITI, the ministry

KL: Bogus cops in Brickfields

Targeting the expats

OF LATE, Brickfields is fast becoming a difficult and an unsafe place to live in, especially for expatriates.

Cases of petty crimes, such as snatch thefts and pickpockets, are common and have been around for quite some time.

However, recently, there seems to be an increase in cases of bogus policemen stopping expats randomly on the pretext of checking their documents and robbing them of their money, mobile, jewellery, etc.

It is becoming an alarming situation. More and more expats have fallen prey to these "organised criminals" every now and then.

Funny part was these criminals appear genuine when "attacking" their victims. Some wore police uniforms, shoes, fake badges, police belt, etc.

A few days ago, one of my colleague was stopped by a car while returning from office.

One of the men claimed he was a policeman and asked

KL: Task force to iron out issues before lifting of maids ban (Sept 6)

KL: Heroes’ graves in disgrace (Sept 7)

Employ those already here IT WOULD appear that we are not going to get any more new Indonesian maids.

This stalemate must end by recruiting Indonesian maids from within Malaysia.

The just-ended biometric registration of legal and illegal foreigners is an opportunity for agencies to immediately recruit maids locally.

There must be so many foreign girls/women who would be prepared to work as maids.

This opportunity must be attended to without any delay to supply maids to hundreds/thousands households who are now in urgent need of domestic help.

In case agents/agencies for any reason cannot undertake this project, the Human Resource Ministry could set up a recruitment centre for this purpose and do the necessary.

The sooner this takes off the ground the better. We are all waiting.

Anandh

him to get into the car.

My colleague remained undeterred and demanded to see his police identity card but that man showed him his shoes instead to prove he is a real policeman.

The man then then alighted from the vehicle and tried to snatch my colleague's mobile phone. Luckily, he managed to escape.

Another incident took place in front of our eyes where two men, posing as policemen,

approached our neighbour who was taking a walk after dinner and started to questioned him.

They fled when we raised an alarm.

We also heard similar stories from other expats staying in Brickfields.

I hope the police would take immediate action on the issue and conduct regular patrols in this area.

AK

Sad state of affairs

IT IS sad to read about the state of affairs of the cemetery of fallen heroes and martyrs who defended our country against the enemies or in war.

We should visit the British Commonwealth graves at the Cheras Cemetery, God's Little Acre in Batu Gajah, Taiping or Sandakan, and see how well the graves are taken care of.

Yes, it does cost money to upkeep the place and I think the British government pays for them despite being located on foreign land.

What about our government?

Have everyone forgotten about the sacrifices of these brave Malaysians?

It looks like there will only be action when the matter is highlighted in the media.

Carl

a need to look into angel and venture capital method which seem to be more entrepreneurial friendly and proven to be effective in developed nations. Perhaps MITI, again, can spearhead this drive.

Agil Faizal Ahmad Fadzil President Malaysian Successful Young Generation (GMB)

KL: Pet lovers hunt for 100 missing felines and 'cat hotel' owner (Sept 6)

A disgraceful act

WORDS cannot describe the disgust and horror one feels at the sheer irresponsibility and callousness of the operators of the pet hotel in Sungai Buloh.

What kind of human beings are they?

How can they be so inhumane to willfully neglect these helpless animals, knowing they will die when no food or water are given for over a week?

How can they so easily take people's money and yet not

have the decency to keep their end of the agreement?

Not only are they cruel and callous to the animals but they also "cheat" the pet owners.

I urge the police to seriously pursue criminal charges against the operators as this is definitely a case of cheating.

Perhaps the police should be shown the pitiful pictures of the dead and dying cats, so as to get a better idea of the seriousness of the abuse.

Mashitah Abd Hamid

Entrust pets to those you know I WOULD not entrust my pets to anyone, except those I know personally.

It is very sad that something like that should happen and I hope the owner of the socalled cat hotel is brought to justice.

Many a time, they claim to run a business but behind the scenes, your pets are not

being cared for properly or even decently.

They are ill-treated, underfed, possibly abused and are placed in unhygienic areas which also make them susceptible to getting sick and catching diseases from other animals Chris Daly

Trust not repaid PERHAPS this is just an isolated case for this kind of pet hotel.

I am sure no sane person would just leave the caged animals without food and drinks for days.

Not forgetting, too, the animals were confined in

works, the graves will once again be left to rot or neglected.

We have seen so many examples.

My only conclusion is Malaysia

their small mobile carriers without limb movements for days.

It's not the money that matters but the trust given to the "hotel" by the owners to treat their pets well.

Wong Maun Chin

Take matter seriously

NEGLECTED: The sacrifices of brave Malaysians must not be forgotten

No shoddy works, please THIS is the typical Malaysian way of doing things but still I don't have much confidence that anything will be carried out properly.

In the end, there will be shoddy

that also oversees the development of SMEs and entrepreneurship, can spearhead this drive.

Facilitation in terms of market access must also be innovative in line with the complex market environment. Financial assistance and funding instruments need remodelling.

Bank lending method is a foregone conclusion; there is

will continue to be a "third world country" with slogans and lipservices.

Nawawi

TO think that those responsible may not be charged is disgusting.

They certainly were greedy to have taken too many cats in, knowing they are incapable of taking care of them all.

Just because it's cats we're talking about here, doesn't make

the crime less hideous.

Lives were at stake, so the owners should be punished, not just fined a few ringgit, but they should go to jail.

Letting them kill 13 cats without punishment is not right.

Amethyst

10 world

No memorial, no ceremony, no words will ever fill the void left in your hearts by their loss -- US Vice-President Joe Biden

The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

NEW YORK

Children of fate 'I miss you so much': 9/11 kids tell of heartache

SOME had to stand on tiptoe to peer over the podium. Others pulled at the stiff collars of their unfamiliar suits.

But the children of 9/11 victims stood proud as they shared heart wrenching ordeals.

They told of their loss, of the responsibility suddenly thrust on their young shoulders, of the simple daily things most children take for granted they will never share with their lost mother or father.

"I have tried to teach my brother all the things my father taught me.

How to catch a baseball, how to ride a bike and to work hard in school," said Peter Negron, 21, whose dad, also called Peter, died at the World Trade Center.

Life has now partly moved on for the young Peter who said that at the 2003 memorial to those who died in the Sept 11, 2001 attacks, he had read a poem "about how bad I wanted to cry".

Now he is in college, and training to be a forensic scientist, he told the crowd gathered for yesterday's emo-

tional remembrance at Ground Zone as he read out his father's name just steps from where he died.

But the 9/11 attacks robbed Peter Negron forever of countless moments he could have shared with his dad.

"I wish my dad had been there to teach me how to drive, ask a girl out on a date, and see me graduate from high school and 100 other things I can't even begin to name ... I miss you so much, dad."

Twelve-year-old Patricia Smith was only a toddler when her policewoman mother, Moira Smith, was among the rescue crews who rushed to the Twin Towers after they were struck by two planes hijacked by al-Qaeda militants.

"She ran into the towers time and time again to save as many people as she possibly could," her husband Jim Smith, also a police officer, told the ceremony.

"She sacrificed all that she had and all the richness of life that still lay in front of her in order to just save one more person," he said, before adding proudly their daughter was "the very picture of

her mother".

"Mum, I am proud to be your daughter. You will always be my hero and the pride of New York City," Patricia said.

Nicholas Gorski paid tribute to "My father, Sebastian Gorski, who I never met because I was in my mum's belly."

"I love you, father. I love you for the idea of having me. You gave me the gift of life and I wish you could be here to enjoy it with me."

After reading out several names, two young boys said "We love you dad" in unison, then kissed their fingers and thrust them toward the heavens.

Vice-President Joe Biden told families at a ceremony at the Pentagon that their loved ones were "already heroes to you" before Sept 11.

"They were the father that tucked you in at night. They were the wife who knew your fears before even before you expressed them," he said, choking up with emotion.

"They were the brother who lifted you up. They were the daughter who made you laugh and the son who made you proud." â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AFP

A TIME TO REMEMBER: Charlie Scibetta and son Vincent, 11, mourn the loss of Adriane Victoria Scibetta, their wife and mother, at the memorial dedicated to the nearly 3,000 victims of the World Trade Center attack at the North pool of the 9/11 Memorial yesterday â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AFPpic

MonDay 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

the malay mail

11

12

world

Woman dies after sex game A 42-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with killing a female student during a sex-game gone wrong. Italian prosecutors believe Soter Mule tied Paola Caputo, 24, to another woman while performing a Japanese sado-masochist technique known as "shibari".

The engineer was held for murder but authorities in Rome believe Caputo and her friend consented. It is alleged the two women remained clothed while they were tied tightly together with the same rope and suspended two metres off the ground. The balancing act meant that when the unnamed woman fainted, Caputo was suffocated. Mule tried to save her by cutting the cord before calling for help. He reportedly told investigators: "No one forced anyone. Paola and her friend consented. It's a horrible accident." — AFP

University best for girls GIRLS who are not interested in going to university should, according to research from the National Council of Vocational Education Research in Adelaide.

“This attractiveness of university for girls differs from that of boys, most likely reflecting the gendered nature of the labour market. Males have a broader set of opportunities than females.

For men, there are attractive jobs which do not require a degree.

For women, much less so," The Australian quoted study authors Tom Karmel and Shu-Hu Liu as saying.

Porn-watching staff penalised MORE than 60 Brisbane City Council employees have been caught for offences ranging from illegal dumping and misusing council equipment to downloading porn, impersonating a police officer and painting an unauthorised clearway. More than 110 complaints of unethical behaviour were investigated, The Australian reports, and in 11 cases, workers had their employment terminated, while nine employees resigned, 25 were warned and a further 20 received a final warning.

Man held for fake bomb alert A MAN has been arrested in Los Angeles for making terror threats and triggering a false bomb alert aboard a bus, officials said yesterday. Eugenio Parades boarded a city bus late Saturday holding a bag with "wires exposed that looked like (an explosive) device," said Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Tony Moore. The 62-year-old "was making threats toward the driver," he added without providing further details. — AFP

Around 100 people protested yesterday near the US Embassy in Cairo against the detention of Egyptian-born Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman, serving a life sentence in the US for a plot to blow up New York City landmarks

The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

CAIRO

Egypt ups security Seeks normality with Israel after embassy storming

EGYPT and Israel said yesterday they wanted a return to normal diplomatic activities after the Israeli ambassador flew home following the storming of the embassy in Cairo during violent protests.

Egypt's army, which took over when Hosni Mubarak was ousted on Feb 11, has struggled to quell public fury against Israel since five Egyptian border guards were killed last month when Israel repelled cross-border raiders it said were Palestinian.

ROUGH RIDE: A Libyan fighter loyal to the NTC on a donkey named by his comrades as 'Muammar Gaddafi' in Wadi Dinar yesterday — AFPpic

The United States called on Egypt to protect the mission.

Washington has given billions of dollars in military and other aid since 1979 when Egypt became the first Arab State to sign a peace treaty with Israel.

Israel said it was in talks about returning Ambassador Yitzhak Levanon and his staff but wanted security assurances.

"The security in front of the embassy has been enhanced," Cabinet spokesman Mohamed

Higazy said. "Returning back to normalcy is the objective for both sides."

About 16 trucks full of police and security personnel, three buses of military police, two armored personnel carriers and other vehicles were parked near the embassy yesterday.

Protesters marched on the embassy on Friday in the second major flare-up since the shooting.

First they tore down a wall erected to protect the embassy.

Then they stormed it and

clashed with police through the night.

The front pages of Israeli newspapers carried photographs of jubilant Egyptian flag-waving demonstrators on the balcony of the embassy.

Other photos showed a tense Netanyahu, in a polo shirt, monitoring the scene on television.

Many Egyptians sympathise with the sentiments of those demonstrating against Israel but activists, politicians and ordinary citizens have also

NEAR BANI WALID

Clashes flare, Gaddafi son in Niger FORMER rebels clashed yesterday wit h proMuammar Gaddafi forces at Bani Walid and were closing in on Sirte, poised for all-out attacks on his final bastions, as one

of his sons arrived in Niger.

The deputy head of the National Transitional Council (NTC), meanwhile, told reporters in Tripoli a new transitional government would be formed within 10 days.

"A new government will be formed within one w e e k to ten days," said Mahmud Jibril, who serves as NTC prime minister.

One of Gaddafi's sons, Saadi, arrived in Niger yesterday, government sp okesman and Justice Minister Marou Amadou said.

Saadi, 38, the third of Gaddafi's seven sons, is a pl ay b oy w ho renounced a football career in 2004 to join the army, where he led an elite unit. — AFP

criticised the violence.

"I don't want him (the ambassador) to come back because Israel doesn't respect anyone but if they are in our country, then we should be able to protect them," said Mohamed Kamhawy, 28, an engineer.

Ahmed Amr, 23, another engineer, said: "Tearing down the wall was right.

They shouldn't have built it in the first place. But invading the embassy was wrong."

— Reuters

SYDNEY

Texting improves literacy for kids THEY'RE at it wherever you look — on the bus or train, even just walking to school. Students seem fixated on their handphones, nimbly tapping out text messages such as ''Wen wil i c u 2night?

Cos sum1 left a msg bout ur frend bein sik. R u sik 2?''

This tide of texting has prompted warnings technology is leading to a decline in language skills. So, are children losing the capacity to read, write and spell well?

The answer: Probably not.

New research has found a strong link between primary school children's use of text abbreviations and improved literacy, reports The Age. University of Tasmania psychologist Dr Nenagh Kemp and honours student Catherine Bushnell conducted a study of 90 children aged 10 to 12. The researchers looked at whether taking such linguistic shortcuts was affecting the students' literacy skills.

The results, published in the US Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, were surprising. They showed the use of textisms is driving the development of literacy skills and could be improving language and literacy learning. ''These findings provide important evidence against popular media claims that the use of textese is harming children's traditional literacy skills,'' Dr Kemp said.

Children who are good at quickly creating and interpreting textisms are also proficient at spelling and reading familiar and novel words. ''This fits with previous findings and supports the idea that the same skill set underlies the ability to manipulate the sounds and features of spoken, written and texted language. The ability to create or decipher phonetic abbreviations requires an awareness of the multiple sound-letter correspondences in English,'' Dr Kemp said. ''Further, increased experience with reading and writing textese might lead to increased confidence and flexibility with manipulating language sounds, a key skill for developing reading prowess.''

We have nothing but the deepest admiration for those that suffered so much but have dealt with it courageously and with much dignity — David Beckham on 9/11 anniversary

The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

VENICE

Sex addict role wins Fassbender top prize ACTOR Michael Fassbender took a giant leap towards superstardom by winning the best actor prize at the Venice film festival for his controversial role as a man addicted to sex.

Fassbender, who was born in Germany and raised in Ireland, but who now lives in east London, won the award for his performance as Brandon in Steve McQueen's drama Shame, in which he plays a successful New York executive tortured by his obsession with sexual images and brief sexual encounters, reports The Guardian.

He spends much of the film naked, engaged in increasingly unhappy acts of sex in stark hotel rooms. He also struggles to maintain a relationship with his visiting sister, played

by Carey Mulligan.

Shame is the second time Fassbender has collaborated with director McQueen, the first being the controversial but award-winning Hunger, in which he played Irish

hunger striker Bobby Sands.

Accepting the award, the actor hailed McQueen as "his hero".

Fassbender, 34, made a last-minute schedule change to accept the award, known as the Volpi Cup, switching a flight bound for the Toronto film festival and arriving in the Sala Grande on the Venice Lido just 15 minutes before hearing his name called out as the winner.

"It's nice to take a chance on work you think is relevant and hope other people find it relevant," he said.

"Venice is a festival with a wonderful tradition and it is humbling to win when the competition is from so many other amazing talents."

Fassbender made particular reference to the work of Gary Oldman, who played George Smiley in the much-admired Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. "He blows my mind," said Fassbender, "and I've been following him since I was 14 years old. This is incredible."

WINNERS Golden Lion for best film: Faust by Aleksander Sokurov (Russia) Silver Lion for best director: Shangjun Cai for People Mountain People Sea (China) Special jury prize: Terraferma by Emanuele Crialese (Italy) Best first feature: Là-Bas by Guido Lombardi (Italy) Best actress: Deanie Yip for A Simple Life (Hong Kong) Best actor: Michael Fassbender for Shame

DELIGHT: Fassbender with his best actor trophy — AFPpic

Leaky Hollywood

Studio bosses under threat from 'hacktivists' giving guarded secrets away online BEHIND the feelgood storylines and happy endings of even the most bland Hollywood movies lurks a formidable public relations machine that exerts a grip on every aspect of a film's life.

From keeping scripts secret, to vetting press interviews with stars, setting embargoes and filming on closed sets, big Hollywood studios jealously guard their projects. After all, hundreds of millions of dollars are often at stake. One slip-up can kill a movie — and a dead movie usually takes a few careers with it.

So, it is with growing horror that the movie business and its galaxy of celebrities have witnessed the emergence of a group of computer "hacktivists" dedicated to cracking open Hollywood's most valuable secrets and releasing them for all the world to see, reports The Guardian. Calling themselves Hollywood Leaks, the anonymous hackers have stolen scripts for coming movies, revealed nude photos of celebrities and placed their personal phone numbers and email contacts on the Internet for all the world to see.

Its victims have included action star Gerard Butler, whose email address was put online, and Miley Cyrus, the singer and actress whose personal details were also hacked.

The script from the upcoming Tom Cruise movie Rock of Ages, also starring Malin Akerman and Julianne Hough, was leaked. As have scripts

PENN: Script for upcoming film 'Gangster Squad' leaked online

for the forthcoming Footloose remake and eagerly awaited crime drama Gangster Squad, whose roster of big names includes Sean Penn and Ryan Gosling.

Hollywood Leaks has sprung from the underground world of computer hacking that has already produced groups like Anonymous and LulzSec, whose targets have ranged from the CIA and the US Senate to companies such as PayPal and Bank of America.

"Once they get into someone's network they can do a lot of damage," said Mark Russinovich, a cyber security expert. "The implications are potentially huge. Just imagine if the plot twists for The Sixth Sense, The Crying Game or The Usual Suspects had been leaked months before release, possibly destroying their box-office potential."

In online exchanges with tech journalists investigating the group, some of Hollywood

Leaks' members have done little to cast light on its simple chaos-sowing agenda. "We're doin' it cause we can, cause it's fun, cause why not? **** Hollywood — **** that vapid greedy ********," one hacktivist, going by the name Dapper, told Fruzsina Eordogh, a writer for the Daily Dot online news website.

'Contagion' proves infectious

Filmmaking changing: Pitt ACTOR Brad Pitt (pic) feels the movie business is changing and the age of film-making dominated by big studios is over. "Now, as we see the digital camera on the rise and people being able to make films on their own in a renegade style, we will see more talent that may not have got a chance before," contactmusic quoted him as saying. "Because we've been doing something the same way, for so long, does that mean it's alright for today."

Hendricks likes milking cows ACTRESS Christina Hendricks says she loves spending time outdoors and enjoys milking cows. "I love being outdoors.

I mean, you'd never think it in my high heels and pencil skirt.

But I miss the smell of hay and farms and I like milking a cow," femalefirst.co.uk quoted the 36-year-old as saying. "I am a good cook. I like to make a bit of everything and I rarely cook the same dish twice. I'm constantly trying new things," she added.

Clooney's girl meets parents

CYRUS: Not safe from hackers either

BOX-OFFICE top ten

tor Steven Soderbergh follows a team of doctors attempting to track and contain a deadly pandemic, with an all-star cast, including Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gw yneth Paltrow and Kate Winslet. — AFP

13

LONDON

LOS ANGELES

THRILLER Contagion, about a lethal virus that goes global, topped the US box office in its opening weekend with a US$23 million (RM69mil) take, industr y estimates showed yesterday.

The chilling flick, from acclaimed direc-

world

1. Contagion — US$23.1mil (US$23.1mil)

ACTOR George Clooney has introduced his new girlfriend Stacy Keibler to his parents Nick and Nina. "It's a big deal and Stacy knows it. She really took to George's mum and said she's a sweetheart," contactmusic quoted a source as saying. The 50-year-old has started dating former WWE wrestler Keibler just three months after splitting from Italian actress Elisabetta Canalis.

2. The Help — US$8.69mil (US$137mil) 3. Warrior — US$5.61mil (US$5.61mil) 4. The Debt — US$4.9mil (US$22mil) 5. Colombiana — US$4mil (US$29.8mil) 6. Rise of the Planet of the Apes — US$3.8mil (US$168mil) 7. Shark Night 3D — US$3.53mil (US$14.8mil) 8. Apollo 18 — US$2.91mil (US$15mil) 9. Our Idiot Brother — US$2.76mil (US$21.4mil)

STAR-STUDDED: (Clockwise from top left) Laurence Fishburne, Marion Cotillard, Damon, Law, Winslet and Paltrow in 'Contagion'

10. Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D — US$2.51mil (US$34.2mil)

Young dad hopes for Bieber SINGER Justin Bieber is only 17 years old but the teen idol is already thinking about starting a family. "By 25 or 26, I want to see myself married or start looking for a family," he told Women's Wear Daily. "I want to be a young dad. But if the time is right," he said, clarifying, "One thing — I'm not looking to get married now."

14 lifestyle

Entertainment

The Malay Mail ● Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Whose voice, really?

'Suara Kami' concert with international acts raises some eyebrows

By CHE'AZ cheaz@mmail.com.my

MUSIC is the best way to keep young people together and out of trouble. Of course, it is also very much about selfexpression, but if you can keep people happy and content, for at least two hours, who's complaining?

On Sept 17 (a day after Malaysia Day), if you seek "happiness and contentment", make your way to Stadium Merdeka and be a part of the Suara Kami concert organised by Astro. The lineup comprises a long list of

performers, some of them with big reputations, too.

For starters, the show offers K-pop sensation, Rania, awardwinning playback singers Naresh Iyer and Chinmayi from India, and Hins Cheung, a popular Canto pop singer from Hong Kong.

Malaysian per formers expected to share the stage include Yuna, Hujan, Faizal Tahir, Pop Shuvit, Azlan and The Typewriter, Psycho Unit, Soul Krazy, Ruffneckz, Stacy

SOME OF THE LOCAL ACTS: (From left) Faizal, Kid from Search, Man Kidal and Azlan — Pix: Arif Kartono

and rock legends, such as Man Kidal, Kid from Search, Joe Wings and Hillary Ang.

From acting to singing to song writing The actress — known for her stints in the once-famous comedy Kopitiam and criticallyacclaimed film Papadom as well as part of the cast of Malaysia’s first Hokkien drama Hua Hee on Dai (on Astro) — is stepping out of her comfort zone.

Bubbly Chelsia Ng is now working on an album which she plans to release next year.

Her admirers, however, did not have to wait long to hear her voice. Her first self-penned single Not A Lie premiered on Yes Entertainment website last Friday.

"I never thought I would ever be able to write a song but I did!” said Ng, who used to write poems but was never able to combine the words with melodies.

It is not difficult to imagine why music has become the main focus in her career.

Growing up in Penang, her parents' love for music had passed on to her and her brother. Their home was always filled with music.

Even in her earlier days as an actor, Ng did some singing by recording demos and the occasional live shows.

Eventually, her talent was recognised and she was assigned to sing several songs on the 8TV series Realiti, in which she played the role of a contestant on a reality TV show.

Ng was also chosen to sing the theme tune and several of the incidental tracks on the hit 8TV series, Ghost.

Her life got more exciting when she began writing her own songs. The release of this first single and music video has heralded a new start for Ng. She was inspired to write Not A Lie after attending weddings of a few close friends last year and was caught up with all the "love" and festivities as she witnessed real-life fairy-tale stories firsthand.

POSITIVE RECEPTION: At the launch of Ng's music video — Pix: Arif Kartono

One of the first songs she wrote was a wedding gift to friends Xandria Ooi and Yuri Wong, which she performed at their wedding last November.

“I actually wrote the first verse of Not A Lie in the elevator on the way down to get my morning nasi lemak. I gobbled my breakfast and rushed back upstairs to finish the song in less than 30 minutes.”

Excited, she took it to Yuri, a music producer and founder of The Factory Music Studio the next day and they started working on the arrangement right away.

“I mentioned to Yuri that I had a lot of electric guitars in mind. It's great that I have Yuri to help me with my first single because he understands my musical quirks,” she said.

The sweet and spirited new songwriter is also gutsy when it comes to pursuing her passion. Producing the song on her own and without being attached to a label, she embarked on the mission of coming up with the single with the backing of family and

close friends.

In appreciation for the support her friends had given her, Ng held a private preview party of the music video at LaRisata, Ampang, recently. Azura Zainal, Douglas Lim and Ash Nair lent their support in her new venture.

Guests were also treated to the music video which was written and directed by Ng Ping Ho (director/producer of Kopitiam, Realiti, Ghost) while her "leading man" was the “cute-as-a-button comedian” Kuah Jenhan.

While Not A Lie is a love song from a young woman for the love of her life, the video is a side-splitting visual treat guaranteed to tickle the funny bones. Check out the video on http://world.yes.my/ entertainment — By anu

venugopal

While the list of performers is certainly impressive, it has also raised questions from certain quarters. If it is Suara Kami (Our Voice), how come there are foreign names in the concert?

Even some of the performers who are a part of the show that night have their own views and opinions.

"When I got to know that Suara Kami 2011 Concert would involve international artistes, I got confused. If the concert is meant to celebrate Malaysia Day, why do we need to bring in international acts? Not that I have problems with them coming here, but it appears a bit off when the name of the concert is, Suara Kami, (our voice)," said Faizal.

He said it would have been more appropriate for the concert to feature only local talents as Malaysian musicians have the capability of entertaining their own crowd.

"Plus, there are so many talented artistes we have not invited to join. Well perhaps, the main target is K-pop lovers."

Azlan, who will perform a rock medley with three rock legends — Wings, Search and Lefthanded — shared the same sentiment.

"Having international acts to be a part of this meaningful celebration contradicts the title and its meaning altogether. It is Malaysia Day after all. Maybe the organiser is following the path of others who are taking advantage of the current 'K-pop fever'. Still, I am truly proud to be selected as part of

NG: Wrote the entire song in 30 minutes

Group SHOT: The local and international acts of 'Suara Kami'

this project. We will make the event a success."

They might have their point there but the organiser must have done enough research to know what makes Malaysian audiences tick.

"Music knows no boundaries," Astro chief operating officer Henry Tan said.

"It is the common language among youth today. The Suara Kami 2011 Concert celebrates the spirit of Malaysian youth.

"It coincides with the significance of Malaysia Day and the event also marks 15 years of Astro being with our loyal customers. We are making it a double celebration with international and local artistes to entertain all Malaysian youths."

All differences aside, one thing is certain. Good music will get good response and Suara Kami 2011 Concert is set to be a night to remember.

Apart from the main concert, there will also be side activities to be enjoyed in a carnival-like atmosphere from noon.

They include extreme games, a youth bazaar, an interactive arena, as well as a mini stage that will feature various local performances before the real show begins later.

For those who prefer to catch the action on TV, the event will be shown live on Astro Ria (104), Raya HD (188), Astro AEC (301), AstroVaanavil (201), AstroHitz (705) as well as on TV2 and TV9, at 8.30pm. There will also be live streaming on www.suarakami.com.my, Astro WAP portal and ERA.fm.

Entertainment

The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

lifestyle 15

Disney's creative payoffs selected from 15 finalists out of 1,500 entries from 80 schools across the country. Other finalists are primary schoolers Farah Diyana Azizan (SK Seksyen 9

THE ARTY GANG: (From left) Laura E. Wendt from Disney Channel, art teacher Pn Hazila Afni Alias and Qushairi with Razita

By CHE'AZ cheaz@mmail.com.my THERE are many ways to express our love for our country, especially in celebrating the spirit of 1Malaysia. Such a campaign can also be propagated through programmes that encourage creativity among youths to promote learning in a fun and healthy way.

This concept has spurred Disney Channel to organise

Warnakan Malaysia Ku , a contest that was a part of one of its programmes, Disney's Art Attack.

In conjunction with the premiere of the new season this Friday at 12pm, the show will unveil a made-in-Malaysia Mickey-shaped Giant Art Attack constructed out of 5,000 art globes painted by 7,000 students.

Together with the event, the programme will also take

the opportunity to announce the grand prize winner of the contest, Razita Md Hussin, 10, from Sekolah Kebangsaan W a n g s a Melawati, Kuala Lumpur, who won a trip to Disneyland, USA. Razita was

Shah Alam), Hayatul Balqis Kamarul Zaman (SK Kampung Tunku) and Mimi Syakira (SK Assunta).

Secondary schoolers in the finals are Koid Chia Sing (SMK Damansara Jaya), Tham Hui Lin (SMK Sri Utama), Teh Qi Wen (SMK Bandar Sri Damansara), Nur Afshaa Ameeruddin (Sk Bukit Jelutong), Diya Mellycka (SK Bukit Jalil), Muhammad Yusrie Amer Yusoff (SMK Wangsa Melawati), Hryan G ovinda R aj (SK S er i Selangor), Hanna Nazamil (SMK Seri Saujana) Hanna binti Nazamil, Siti Aishah Radzali (SMK Putrajaya Presint 8), Ahmad Fauzan Amiruddin (SMK Sultan Alam Shah) and Daphney Leanne Jalleh (SMK Bandar Utama Damansara).

Disney's Art Attack has been quite a revolutionary programme that has run for quite a while, and enjoyed by mil-

lions around the world.

The programme encourages viewers to bring out their creativity to life in a fun and innovative way, using common household materials and basic stationery, such as coloured markers, boxes, paints and newspapers, to create unique and inspirational art and craft projects.

Embedding the "try it yourself" concept, viewers also are introduced to an environmentally-concious Vincent van Coconut, a character who gives special hints on caring for the environment.

For Southeast Asian viewers, Art Attack's new season will be hosted by Qushairi (you might remember him as Chi from his days as OAG's drummer). Will he be as jovial and engaging as the original host? Tune in to Disney Channel (Astro 615) on Friday to find out.

SUDOKU WINNER: Razita holding her haul of prizes

A change in style my image onstage."

That would probably explain the attempts at her new glamorous look when it comes to the inlay art for Stay-C, her second effort after Aku Stacy.

“I am very comfortable with the selection of songs, and even though I have a love for more upbeat numbers, but I do like ballads which have been incorporated this time around. It, however, took a little readjustment to get the feel. I want to offer something different to fans who have taken on to and identified me for my dance numbers.”

Stay-C also features a duet with Amy of Search, the last track recorded for the album about two months ago which was a last-minute inclusion requested by Stacy herself.

“First of all, Stay-C was my idea for the album title. I think it sounded cooler. After all, people always pronounce my name that way, so I thought it would be better that way, too.

It’s not really a rebranding, but just the name of the album, and yes, I will be known as Stacy still,” she giggled.

While her album may give the impression that the singer has all but grown up into a stuffy commercial pop-outing, her interviews reveal she has retained her sense of naivete and innocence with a contradictory harder outlook that has become her trademark.

The new album may have stream of coy, girlish laughter, come two and a half years “...and we are competitive in after her debut in Aku Stacy, our career, but it’s healthy.”

And that’s all she’s saying but it is not something that is a concern for the Sabahan for now. lass.

“Perhaps I was waiting for ● STAY-C is now available in my turn,” she said in refer- all record stores nationwide ence to Astro Entertainment from Astro Entertainment Sdn Bhd’s stable of Akademi Sdn Bhd. Fantasia recording talents.

“There was a lot of material from the first album that had a long shelf life. I also needed time to secure the right material for the latest album."

After dodging several questions about the album, the inevitable happened and questions popped up about her relationship with fellow Akademi Fantasia alumni, Akim Ahmad, who grabbed third spot in the seventh season and who also contributed lyrics for one of the tracks.

“I am thankful to Akim, and was surprised he wrote the lyrics for one of the songs. We are NEW LOOK: Stacy holding her latest friends,” she said album — PIX: shukor@badang as she let out a

HOW TO PLAY 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.

FRIDAY'S SOLUTION

THE champion of the sixth season of Akademi Fantasia has mellowed down a little it seems. After celebrating her 21st birthday, Stacy is now more "open" about wearing dresses and heels and accessorising, unlike before.

While some might view Stacy's "new outlook" as a breath of fresh air, those who are used to her "edgy rawness" might fret the change a little.

The petite powerhouse performer, however, shrugged off worries she may be losing her zest. Her new album, Stay-C, which was recently launched, also offers a more mature sound.

“I am not going for a drastic change, but yes, at my age, I do want to experiment more with different looks to cater to the different sides of my personality. Appearing more feminine doesn’t come naturally to me, because it does feel silly as I get caught in fairytale illusions when I put on a very ladylike dress,” she said.

But she added that her image hadn’t changed that much. Certain styles still remain, particularly, those suited to her dance routines and more aggressive shows.

"It all depends on the situation. I like the edgy looks, and I will try anything, but I guess some looks are more suited for photography sessions, and not everything can be adapted for

x16 lifestyle news

Hear, Say

By JOE LEE joelee@mmail.com.my

twitter @klubbkiddkl

Enterta

‘Klout’ can tell clout

Pioneering social media analyst site can now measure one's online influence

MORE and more local celebrities are taking on micro-blogging site Twitter, and quite a few are boastful of their number of followers. Perhaps it is best to remind them numbers do not translate into influence.

Twitter, for example, verifies the account of those they consider bona fide celebrities, and two Malaysian artistes have achieved that. They are Yuna and Zee Avi. With sites like Klout.com

with links to various social media networking platforms to calculate the complicated algorithms to determine what makes someone influential on the Net, perhaps advertisers should smarten up and use the site to measure the clout of a supposed celeb to endorse their products.

Incidentally, this columnist has a score of 76 on Klout.com, much higher than most local personalities, so go figure...

Marsha goes gid SO last week, Marsha (pic) became a talking point when the town came abuzz about the singer and actress who wound up in hospital because she supposedly popped 30 pills and passed out.

Sources claimed her personal problems involving men were the reasons behind it, but Marsha’s close acquaintances were quick to debunk the gossip

saying she a minor m had attem speculated Whateve for Marsha her life an headlines talent.

‘Malaysian Boy’ and the lawsuit hearsay LOCAL rapper Altimet to be sued by Kanye West? A favourite topic in the grapevine, Altimet was said to have faced possible legal action from the American hip hop star when the former covered Kanye’s collaboration with Estelle on American Boy and made it Malaysian Boy. The “1Malaysia” feel-good video is enjoying frequent airing on TV now.

Word, however, has it that the powers-thatbe chose the song to be covered from, and As-

tro had obtained authorisation from Universal Music, the holders to the rights of the tune.

Since Altimet has not been served formal notice (not that it would make sense if he did since it was Astro’s project), we can pretty much forget about the supposed legal suit story.

Winner on losing end SO you become the champion of a reality show. Maybe you’re thinking mega bucks and a jet propulsion up the ladder by the management who is part of a group that owns TV and radio stations.

That’s what most people would think.

This particular winner of a reality show has a different story to tell, what with the piles of debts incurred by his label and the management.

Apparently a lot of money was owed, to the point the singer himself became so weary of the management’s excuses for non-payment that he had to engage his own lawyer to pry the Ringgit from the cold, heartless label he was signed with.

We hear things are being settled at the moment. Then again, we could have heard wrong.

twi

FAIZAL: Be

LINGO CHANGE: Siti will be 'Falling in Love' in a new language

Siti sings in English SOME of us might have heard her debut English single Falling in Love. If you’re a fan, then take note that Datuk Siti Nurhaliza’s attempt at releasing a single in English will hit the shelves on Sept 25.

The delay from the initial launch last Friday, was, of course, due to hiccups encountered in securing Sean Kingston for a collaboration (yes, you heard right).

Whispers, however, claim Alicia Keys and Pitbull, too, have made it on the album, if we are to believe hearsay. The project cost a whopping RM400,000 to put together. Ouch! Here’s hoping the gamble will pay off.

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Soloist’s win attempts

The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Down memory lane with divas FORGET the “normal” concert stuff — crazy lighting flashing along with ear-busting music.

This concert was simply about immersing into the songs of yesteryears for two consecutive nights at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands, recently.

The Mid-Autumn Celebration with My 4 Favourite Divas Concert was graced by four Hong Kong singing and acting veterans — Michelle Yim, Nancy Sit, Louise Lee and Susanna Kwan, who tailored the show for their fans

UNFORGETTABLE: Lee takes the stage in crimson

Rock spots changed

hboard Confessional and Sum41 the Rockaway 2011 music festival, e chagrin of fans who were hoping bands would show their prowess

American rock bands The Used, ow and Story Of The Year will take pots for the concert on Oct 8 at Bukit Jalil. Tickets are going for you can pick yours up online at x.com/airasia. For more info, check w.rockawayfest.com, www.twitter. wayfest, or www.facebook.com/ est.

who had followed their careers since the early 70s.

Perhaps the most fun, yet “challenging” session of the evening was when Sit invited 10 lucky fans on stage for a four-minute round of awesome karaoke. Fans rushed to the stage hoping to be picked.

Those chosen had the time of their lives sharing the stage with their idol in the Hokkien hit, Wo Wen Tian.

Sit did not mind the overpowering vocals of her “impromtu ensemble”.

She even passed the microphone to some of the guys in the sidelines who sang pretty well.

Among the four divas, Sit was easliy the one with the loudest voice and the most charming personality. Not only that, she also gave her fans a truly unforgettable night by setting the mood as she engaged her fans in many songs, including Wo Yao Ni Ai. In terms of vocals alone, Kwan had the upper hand among her peers. Appearing in a minimalistic figure-hugging white dress, she wowed the

BELTING IT OUT: Yim (left) dueting with Kwan while Sit (above) inviting fans onstage to karaoke crowd, particularly her fans, with medleys of her hits, mostly from popular television series like Moonlight Resonance and Can’t Buy Me Love, as well as a few tunes from her famous TV series of the same name.

Kwan definitely stole the show, thanks to her melodious voice. The voice that had catapulted her into fame years ago was still the same.

She still had excellent voice control which captured the hearts of many.

Lee’s moment started the minute she appeared on stage in a traditional red costume, befitting her performance with Sit on some Cantonese opera numbers. The deliberate

and often high-pitched vocal style seemed to suit Lee best, especially when she was on the slow numbers. It isn’t often for Malaysian audiences to experience live Cantonese opera performed as a duet.

Yim, however, had a tough time catching up with her compatriots. Her voice was at times “derailed” and that got quite a few in the audience talking.

Still, everything was forgiven as these were living legends who took the trouble and the time to have “private sessions” with their fans who were given a peek into the quartet’s lives through a showreel of personal photos, such as those with

friends and family and private vacations. Not only that, photos of their younger days were shown as well.

“If not for your support all these while,” said Sit “We would not be here today. Terima kasih!”

The two nights of the concert were filled with an eclectic mix of songs in various dialects, including Mandarin, Cantonese and Hokkien, with every mood and emotion captured in the two-hour long performance.

Moving at a fast pace, the concert came to a bittersweet end far too soon as the four divas bade their goodbyes to their adorning fans. — Pix and

story by LOONG WAI TING

Genting to boil with K-pop fever

elieves good things come in twos

of albums, Faizal Tahir is coming up ifferent albums at the same time. he rocker has told The Malay Mail ntions, it looks like the ambitious ndeed on. ums will be produced by Audi Mok K, respectively, and word has it that s will be launched simultaneously albums — a first for any local act.

17

YES, it is confirmed! Whatever rumour you might have heard about a certain Korea Music Festival, to be held at the Arena of Stars, is true.

The Malay Mail was told by sources the show that would take place this Saturday and Sunday, with dates that have been confirmed after getting official approval.

Among the list of performers who will heat up Genting Highlands are girl band, Jewelry; young pianist Gene Bora; sound artiste Park Hee-Won; saxophonist Seo Jeong-Gun and the allboy new classic ensemble, In Cielo.

Other performers who have confirmed their attendance include Japanese performer Nagisa, and Orchestra Rapper, known as R.P. (Rhythmical Player).

But that’s not all. Making

the show even more exciting will be a segment that will incorporate pop and classical music fusion provided by the Crosssover Orchestra headed by chief conductor Kim JungTech.

Fans to the Korea Music Festival — SBS Crossover

Orchestra with K-pop Star Concert Live in Malaysia 2011 can expect to see a splendid performance throughout the two-night show. If you’re a fan of K-pop music, the festival is something you should not miss.

TICKETS to the Korea Mu-

NEW ASIAN SENSATION: Jewelry and BoRa (right)

sic Festival, which will be held at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands, on Sept 17 and Sept 8 (both concerts start at 8pm) are priced at RM420

(VIP), RM300 (PS 1), RM200 (PS 2), RM140 (PS 3) and RM90 (PS 4). For reservation, call 03 2718 1118 or visit www.rwgenting.com — By

LOONG WAI TING

18

the malay mail

Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

MonDay 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

the malay mail

19

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Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

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Fast loan & fast delivery, (Call to believed), Grandis, Pajero, Lancer, ASX, Sport back. Good trade in, Attractive promotion, good deal in town. All models stock available. 24 hrs in call.

Oscar Tan 012-388 5897

A DAILY, WEEKLY, MTLY. RM50-RM300. All types of cars.

MPV, Van & 4 x 4. Call: ARI 016683 2111 / BEN 016-901 2276

A PRIVATE MASSAGE Done by full or part time young models. Sure quality.

Out call only : 019-255 6622

MITSUBISHI ALL new models.

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Oscar Tan 012-388 5897

ALL CARS MPV & Luxury car for hire. Suitable for VIP & weeding ceremony.

Pawn (pajak) accepted. 017932 4646/ 013-671 6565

ALL NEW CARS/ MPV available for rental. We are also looking for vehicles under 5 years for long term lease (pajak) Call: 012-241 7736

A FULL GLAMOUR Massage (001711965-V) by female.

234,Tmn Maluri, 55100 KL. Call: Stella 017-2555 844

HYUNDAI PROMOTION !!!

Sonata/ Tucson/ Santa Fe/ Starex/ i30/ Accent/ i10. Special discount! Super high trade in (any car). Low d/p & interest. Easy loan approval. Mystery gifts.

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Excellent customer service.

Head office: 012-381 0737

AROMA ASIAN Massage. For outdoor only. With Promotion price.

Interested please Call Julie: 016-293 1051

M133

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CAR LOAN Refinancing,Buy Used car / New car Blacklisted name are qualified to apply.

Aerowatts Auto S/B(678070-M) Tel:03-6185 8982 012-308 3528,019-314 3601

M321

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OUT DOOR/ HOTEL Package massage by young Chinese, Indonesia, Thai girls.

Please Call: 014-6620 579

OUTDOOR / INCALL MSSG by local Indian girls.

2 ½ mile Jln Ipoh. 016-679 7786 / 016-642 3786 Kajal.

BLUE ROSE AROMAS 24A, Lrg Ara Kiri 2, Lucky Gdn Bangsar.Therapist local Indian g i r l s . P r i v a t e & c o s y. 1 1 a m 11pm.

Ms Meera 0320945542/ 016-2056003

(NEW) HICOM, High discount, high trade in, cheapest in town. Call: 016248 8363 / 012-676 3609.

A/C, ASTRO, dismantle/ reinstall, t.v, tel, water heater, wiring, plumbing, lights & W/ machine. Sam 012-201 8305

A/C, ASTRO, Install/remove &repair, TV, TV8, wiring, tel, w/ heater, plumbing, w/ machine, fridge.Call: 017-345 6618 Ah Seng

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TOMAZSHOES! Leather Shoes! RM69 - RM89! High Quality and Comfortable!

Come to USJ9 Mall, Puchong 017-707 8383

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0 A-1 MASSAGE Services (1606620-V) by Female.

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Business for sale PROPERTY TRAINING Firms, be own boss start immediately, great potential small capital, high income, low risk consultant - 012-339 7738 / 019-220 7770

M434

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MUSLIM COMPANY Secretary New & Shelf Co. ROC, MOF Bumi Kem. Kewangan Call: 03-40410000 / 0162860000

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DIABETIC? FREE! Blood Glucose Meter. Get it now!

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BUY / SELL / PAWN Note book, hand phone new/ old 70% digital camera.0342517755 / 012-3388688 Peter.

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Business Services

TRADITIONAL MASSAGE in Cheras & Balakong.

Call Sonia,Hanisha, Julia, Mira & Rosa. 0123676 780. 012-258 1334

M303

Computer ALL PC repairs services 24 hrs for office residents.

Microsoft certified engineer.

Contact Sri 012-271 6814

MALAYSIA DAY OFFERS For Proton cars. Attractive cash rebate. Free services. Ready stock. Call: AMIR 012-223 8240

KEMENTERIAN KEWANGAN MOF Registration, Bumi status.

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M414

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Shree 0126561160

Commercial vehicles for sale

INSPIRA D/p 0, 9 yrs RM850.

Saga d/p 0 9yrs RM398 Pesona , d/p 0 9 yrs RM498 Exora , d/p 0.

9 yrs RM 638 . Goverment loan 140%.Government black list can apply. High Trade in accpt.

Road tax free 2 years. face book: rejalfaaisproton 013-679 9967

Home electrical appliances

RETIREES, HOUSE WIFE, seeking part time job. Make money online, visit: http:// onlinetradingwithmt4. blogspot.com or email: naveht@hotmail.com

OUTCALL TRADITIONAL MASSAGE, pre / post natal,body Scrub for men / women by experienced masseur.

Call: Mira 013-336 3160

M138

VOLKSWAGEN 2011. New 5 years warranty + road assist, low int. Models: Passat, GTi Golf, Tiguan, Eos etc.

Rado 012/013-208 9447

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M394

ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES AGENT Smoker Haven required Private, food/ retail shop & Kiosk.

Easy, good income. Low capital.

Cash/ Credit card. Interested call: 03-8023 4626 (10am 5pm) www.SmokerHaven.com

M432

NISSAN ALL NEW Models Promotion. Full loan. Debit cash RM3k - 10K. 100% ready stock with impuls earo kit. Leader seats, tinted. Guarantee 1 week delivery. High trade in. 24 hrs approval. Door to door service.

Call: Junson 016-6666 132

TRADE-IN VALUE. ENJOY brand new 5-seater SUV (manual), 7-seater MPV (auto), 14-seater VAN (manual) with 100,000km / 3 year warranty.

Lowest d/p. Good Interest rates. Call James 019-281 1163

OM SAI RAM YANTRA WORLD brng excelnt 3 days Weight GAIN (+20kg )Program now at RM789, Can pay by instlmnt.

Original Price RM3899. Fast, Easy & Herbal.$ bec guarntd.

Call Rubini 010-261 7817

SPECIALIST IN REPAIR cushion sofa, curtains, car seat & new sofa, in Jalan Kuchai Lama.

Tel: 012313 0778 / 03- 7981 1898

AAAAA QUEENS SPA Male and female masseurs, out call service available. Private & Cosy.

Call: 03-9057 1336/ 016-646 9891 www.klqueensland.com

EURO RENT (KKKP4225) New fleet of Proton cars, MPV & vans. Long/ short term rentals.

Corporate/ expats. Credit card accepted. Call Fabian: 037877 1834/5, 012-238 1769. www.euro-rentacar.com.my

AN EXTRA Trade in Value,low d/p,spd.delivery, free tint, f/ tank, Ste. lock, T & Go, Many Gifts.

016-321 4958, 010-539 4958

INDIAN AROMA TRADITIONAL Massage by local Indian girl.

Relaxing for male & Female.

1pm -11pm.

Appointment Revathy. Out call; 016-6468 493 LOCAL INDIAN girls mssg.

P & C. Shalini 016-224 2495 Sharon 011-162 61730

Car for sale

ALL NEW MODELS. Attractive promotion. New sport back. Fast delivery, FOC maintenance.

Pls call: 012-326 9849

Services We want to buy huge volume used medical X-ray films. Pay top price @ USD$1500 or more per MT without paper.

If available, please email xraymalaysia@hotmail.com for more discussions. Thanks

M130

‘0’ DEPOSIT ALL PROTON Models, no license can buy, Less doc can help. 100% loan for gov. & private staff, int from 3.0%, loan fast approval, high trade in. Meet at your place.

Free smart tag, touch n go, full fuel, steering lock, tinted. Open everyday.Mr Lim 012-214 0207

M398

SPECIALIST IN notebook / pc repairs. Best price & services.

On-site repairs & free troubleshooting.

Call 016-380 1984 Teh

WE HAVE more than 1 Million Malaysia Updated Email & Phone List to Find Your Customers Group to Boost Up Your Business.10,000 Email List for RM200 & 1,000 Phone List for RM200. This Month Promotion: Free Email Blasting Marketing Software + Training.

Call Mr Goh :012-2392775 or Mr Yap :012-2168427

M436

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T&C apply. Call: 017-641 5062

M398

Services ACCOUNTS, AUDIT ,TAX, Secretarial, MOF & Register co..Door steps service.

Lembah Klang.03-5511 5922 / 03-4107 8457 Sainy.

Visit www.mhmfirm.com

ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT required by authorised Honda dealer in Subang Jaya (near Goodyear Court). Min SPM/ above.

Computer literate.

To assist exec in accounting & admin functions. Able to start immediately is an advantage. Chinese female preferred. E-mail to stbt@ usjcarexpress.com or contact Mr. Steven 03-56358988.

ACCOUNTS cum Administrative Assistant. Min SPM and above.Experience in general accounting functions & duties.Computer literate and well verse with Microsoft Office application especially Excel. Able to start immediately will be an added advantage.

Applicants must be willing to work in Sg. Buloh. Contact 013-208 0065 Ms. Siti or send your resume and application to kch2001my@yahoo.com

JOBS

Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

the malay mail

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

Loc: near the Pudu LRT station. (walking distance) Call: 03-9195 5551 @ 5552 or E-mail gtr@galatrack.com

ADMIN EXEC, CLERK. Min SPM / Diploma, With or no exp, Willing to learn, honest, hardworking, SALES EXEC. Own transport, service dealers.

Positive attitude, work independently.

Speak/ write English, located: Bdr Sri Dâ ™sara Tel:03-6272 9316 / angiebhb@yahoo.com

BEAUTICIAN URGENTLY Chinese / malay beautician wanted with certificate and at least 6 month experience in beauty line. Plzz call 03-26937641 (Ninder)

BRANCH MANAGER / Sales & Marketing Exec.

Selling International & local Project, gd income.Fresh graduates. Based in Kajang, KL, PJ & USJ Tel: 77276121 usj@or ientalrealty.com.my

BUS DRIVERS WITH E License & Van Drivers (male/female) needed for international school based in KL. Call: 03-4044 8081 / 012-234 8081 (10am-5pm)

IMMEDIATE VACANCY FOR Account Exec (Full set A/ CS), Sales Exec, Gen.Clerk.

Must be Computer literate.

Call Michelle/Wennie: 036138 7663 / 012-371 1753

IN-HOUSE TAILOR Ladies Wear. Mont Kiara. Part/Full Time.

Salary RM 1K ++ based on experience. Call: 012-201 5526

MALE VAN DRIVER wanted.

Must possess Class D driving license + GDL. Age 25 ~ 35yrs.

Familiar with Klang Valley area. Contact 03-4294 9733.

C&S consulting engineers looking for junior drafts person. Contact 012-3236682

COMPANY DRIVER-URGENT. Min SPM. Based in PJ. Good English. Possess valid driving license. 5 years of experience.

Familiar with Klang Valley areas. Call Susie: 03-7966 0511

CRAFT BAKERS, AN European style community bakery for organic breads & sandwiches located at Solaris Dutamas urgently requires 2 cafe staff to prepare & serve sanwiches & coffee. Training will be provided for sandwich & food preparation & barista skills. Previous experience will be an advantage.

Working hour btwn 9am & 5pm.

Hourly rate between RM7 to RM9 depending on experience & performance. Must be able to speak English. School leavers are encouraged to apply if you would like to learn & develop skills in bakery industry. Contact Gandhi at: 012-290 054 / Email to caftbakers@craftbakers.org.uk

SALES CO-ORDINATOR. A 25 years well established Co with proven track records & ISO recognition at Bandar Puchong Jaya required min SPM/higher. Working exp in clerical liaise with customer & service dept. Computer literate Chinese dialect preferably Offer Basic+Bonus+Medical Ins+Alt Saturday Off. Contact WAI KING 0358826882/0122329801 or send resume to wkg@corida. com.my /fax 0358826881 SALES DEVELOPMENT Executive/ Van Salesman / Lorry Driver & Lorry Attendant needed with or without exp. Call 03-8062 2007 Store Assistant (2 positions).

Min SPM level or with related working experience.

Candidates must possess Right Attitude, Initiative and Fast Learner.

Computer literate and Independent.

Preferable Male. Interested please email resume and application to soopeng.sing@ simplex8.com.my or contact Soo Peng at 03-4292 2326

Vacancy. 1) Store Hand. Prefer stay in Klang area & with motorbike license. 2) Technician / Sales Executive. Prefer with electrical background & with car license. Training provided. Please contact 033324 3362 or 03-3324 5111 email: westbend@hotmail.com

MARKETING CONSULTANT FOR International University in Negeri Sembilan. W/Without Exp. Please send resume at: linton.int@gmail.com

MEMBERSHIP CONSULTANT (Basic+Comm+Free gym m’ship) Good communication skills, sales experience is an advantage, training provided.

High commission. CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICER (Basic+Incentive+Free gym m’ship) Experience in handling customers, pleasant and friendly.Both positions are based in Sri Petaling. Start immediately. Call Ms Adeline 012-609 9969 / Ms Lily 012366 5998 for an interview.

WANT BECOME A Professional Fitness Instructor? Call 016623 9933 or email to admin@ c s p r o fe s s i o n a l f i t n e s s. c o m WANTED! Student Recruitment Agents. Please contact +603 2034 1288 or email us at : info@sjis.edu.my WAREHOUSE ASST. Willing to work at Jln Reko, Kajang.

Assist in loading of goods process and monitoring. Tel: 8736 8777 ext. 328 Siew Wan

WE ARE HIRING Kiosk operator @ Endah parade & Kelana Jaya. Preferable with experience in making waffle, bubble tea & corn in cup.

Basic salary & attendance allowance. Off one day per week.

Call: 012-284 0662 (Dennis) or 012-208 2566 ( Connie)

CREDIT RECOVERY OFFICERS wanted at Klana Jaya. School leavers or fresh graduate or retires encourage to apply. Interested call: 016-207 0228 Lee, 012-296 0625 John

ONLINE EDUCATION BUSINESS. We are looking for business partners to expand our market share. The only e-learning portal endorsed by the Ministry of Education.

Huge market potential (Std 1 to Form 5). Pioneer & leader in e-learning. Low start-up capital. High income return.

SMS your particulars <NAME> SPACE <AGE> SPACE <OCCUPATION> SPACE <AREA> to 012-3776739

FACTORY WORKERS Urgently required, male/ female. Good salary. Interested please call for interview.

03-6251 8026/ 6251 2026

PHOTOGRAPHERS, DESKTOP PUBLISHER (DTP). Pls send your resume to: ysphoto@streamyx.com.

Or walk in for interview. Tel: 012-678 6336 / 03-7876 0373 REAL ESTATE in Kota Damansara requires Negotiator. With / without experience.

Male/Female.

Any race. Contact 03-6142 7823 / 012-366 2000 or send your resume and application to edwin@i-smarte.com

FEMALES!!

PERSONAL ASSISTANTS, Clerks, models as Umbrella girls. No experience necessary. Call Garang Racing.

03-7784 9241, 019-3633 431

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Receptionist/ Cook/ Bellboy.

Walk in interview: Cardogan Hotel, 64 Jln Bukit Bintang, KL. 03-2144 6722 / 016-682 0316

03-7495 1273

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JOBS / LEGAL / NOTICES

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The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

AMPANG: FOOTBALL

Jamaica's world 100m champion Yohan Blake says he expects Usain Bolt to be on a revenge mission at next year's London Olympics — AFP

Tiger on the prowl Safee to go for the kill during Bluebirds stint

PROLIFIC national striker Safee Sali (pic) is still in a state of disbelief.

He is set to enjoy a t wo - we ek t r i a l with Welsh outfit Cardiff City and join t h e handful of local footballers, including the likes of Baddrol B a k h t i a r (Chelsea) and Akmal Rizal Rakhli (RC Strasbourg, FCSR Ha g u e n au ) , to e nj oy stints abroad.

Safee has been inspirational for Harimau Malaya since the Asean Cup victory last year.

By VIJHAY VICK vijhayvick@mmail.com.my

By HARESH DEOL haresh@mmail.com.my

He was the top scorer with five goals in the regional tournament.

He now plies his trade wit h Pelit a Jaya in t he Indonesian Super League and is a hit among the fans there.

Safee, who left for the UK at 3.30am this morning, managed to sp end some time with Mailsport's Haresh Deol as he recollected the moments leading up to him flying off to Wales.

Here is what Safee had to say: " It a l l s t a r t e d w h e n Cardiff City contacted my agent about the arrangement. When my agent told

me, I was in a state of shock. I didn't believe it at first, thinking it was a practical joke. Then my agent had to reassure me that it was for real; that Cardiff City was really interested in having me on board for a two-week stint.

It slowly sank in and naturally, I was elated over the whole matter. When things were finalised, I told my wife Sabarina (Yusof ) and she too was in disbelief but she and my whole family were very happy about the whole news.

I'm still very happy and really excited. In a few hours time, I'll be flying off but I do have several concerns — one being my old (knee) injury. I'm praying that I will be fit and well throughout my time there.

Language too will be an

obstacle. But I hope I will be able to adapt quickly and make the best of my opportunity.

I know some people may treat this trip lightly but to me, being called up for trials with the first team is already an honour.

Deep down inside I am bent on impressing them... perhaps this would help market my capabilities in that region.

Yes, I know I've been linked to the Bundesliga, too. A good showing in Cardiff would surely help me secure something in Europe.

I don't want to be seen as being too far-fetched so for now, I'm just going to enjoy myself by playing good football. I'm thankful, it is certainly a chance of a lifetime."

PETALING JAYA: BADMINTON

Kim Tho: Juniors lack competitive exposure

THOUGH the coaching and training committee (CNT) implemented several changes to the national set up last week, it can only be seen as a temporary solution before the national shuttlers head for the London Olympics next year.

While there will be a committee to oversee the coaches and players to ensure they are on track, the junior players continue to be overlooked.

This does not augur well

as fans continue to ponder what life will be like once world No 1 Lee Chong Wei hangs up his racquet.

Nevertheless, the BA of Malaysia (BAM) insist the country has a large pool of talent. National junior squad team manager How Kim Tho admits it will be difficult to unearth another Chong Wei, but was quick to add there is hope in our current batch of youngsters.

"We have many talented

players and I foresee them going far, provided they are given the right kind of exposure," said Kim Tho. "Let me give you an example, Cheam June Wei is 14 years old but was a semifinalist at the Kedah Open, which was an U-21 tournament. That says a lot about his potential."

Kim Tho said once the juniors graduate to the back-up squad, they had to climb the ladder all over again.

Third time's a charm CONSTANT training and f r i e n d l y m at c h e s p a i d dividends for Pertamina Albatross at the Ulu Kelang Recreation Club (UKRC) yesterday.

T h e In d on e s i a n c lu b won the 11th UKRC International Soccer 9s — a tournament for veterans — on their third attempt.

Pertamina captain Iwan Karo, 48, credits their success to the three weekly friendly matches they played throughout the year.

He believes this not only maintained their fitness but built an understanding between the players.

"We know each other

25

PETALING JAYA: FOOTBALL

Senior citizens strut their stuff IT seems veteran players are out to prove that they still have what it takes.

If the Ulu Kelang Recreational Club's (UKRC) 11th International Soccer 9s tournament, which concluded yesterday, was not enough, there's also the 1st Malaysia Day Ex-Internationals/State Invitational Soccer 9s at Victoria Institution on Sept 16 and 17.

It's goal is to keep veteran players in action and give them the opportunity to keep their passion in the game going.

"It provides a platform for competitive veteran players and creates fellowship among participating players and officials, locally and abroad," said UKRC International Soccer 9s organising chairman Andrew Gopal.

He also hopes junior players will come forward and watch the tournament to admire the skills of the veterans, especially ex-internationals, taking part in the tournament.

"This would only enhance their passion for the game.

They can gain better knowledge and understanding from watching the veterans," he said.

Andrew is delighted with the influx of veteran competitions.

A total of 12 teams participated in the two-day UKRC tournament.

There were also teams from Australia, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore.

sports

very well on and off the field. We came here with the intention of winning and we are glad we managed to do it," said Iwan.

Their next tournament will be in Brunei.

Pertamina also take part regularly in the Penang Veteran's Tournament as well.

Iwan represented Indonesia in 1992 and has b een working with the Indonesian government since retiring from competitive football in 2000.

He is relishing his time with Pertamina as he enjoys travelling with the team to play in tournaments.

Results SEMIFINALS Brunei Veteran Football Association 3 Black Eagles 2 Pertamina Albatross 1 Penang Sports Club 0 FINAL Pertamina Albatross 4 Brunei Veteran Football Association 3

Fair-Play Sandakan Old Boys

Roll of honour Top scorer Suni Mat (Pertamina) Most Valuable Player (oldest player) Soon Yeen Sun (Brunei Veteran Football Association)

CHAMPS: Pertamina Albatross team members celebrating at UKRC yesterday — Pic: RAZAK GHAZALI

"During their junior days, they will be playing in a lot of tournaments. Once they are 18, they join the back-up squad and most of the time they just end up as sparring partners as they need to prove their capabilities to play in competitions.

"They get to spar with the national players and that’s good, but if they don't get international exposure, it defeats the purpose as well."

Kim Tho, however, added

t he nat iona l b o dy had always been supportive of the juniors' welfare and we working on ways to narrow the gap once they break into the seniors.

"Honestly, to say we don’t have any talents is wrong.

We do have good players but they need as much support as possible.

"The only solution is to send our players for tournaments from young. Perhaps then we will mould another Chong Wei."

26

sport

It was a tough game, but in the end we weren't good enough and we lost — Wales coach Warren Gatland

WELLINGTON: rugby/ world cup

The one that got away

The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

NEW PLYMOUTH

Ireland must buck up, says captain O'Driscoll

Wales coach praises charges but rues missed chances WALES head coach Warren Gatland laments his side's missed chances against South Africa in their opening Pool D match at Wellington Regional Stadium yesterday. The Welsh led 16-10, but lost out to Francois Hougaard's try and Morne Steyn's conversion.

"I'm proud of the effort the players put in. We did everything but win the game. It is about taking your opportunities," said Gatland.

"We didn't start well and held them off in those first couple of minutes. We dominated possession and played some great rugby," said Gatland.

"We put ourselves in with a chance to win. But we weren't quite good enough. We had a chance, a (Rhys Priestland) drop-goal in front of the posts and (James) Hooky had a penalty.

"But we got a bonus point out of it and we took a massive amount from it. I thought we might have had a penalty

in the first-half and Francois Steyn said in the tunnel at half-time that he thought it had gone over.

"But that's what competing at the highest level is all about.

When you get those chances in front of their posts, you have to put them through.

Wa l e s c a p t a i n S a m Warburton said they were bitterly disappointed as they came so close.

"We were quite confident all week, but we came up just short. We played really well but we didn't quite get the victory. In a tournament like this, it's all about getting the win," he said.

Tongan-born number eight, Toby Faletau, was Wales' stand-out performer as he scored their only try.

Warburton said Faletau, 20, is a fantastic player and he is getting better and better.

Wales scrumhalf Mike Phillips said: "These are the fine margins at the top level of sport. Unfortunately, we

SQUANDERED OPPORTUNITY: Gatland (right) rues Wales' loss against South Africa at the Rugby World Cup — AFP photo

have come off second best. It is hard to take that.

"The performance was superb against the current world champions. We pushed them all the way and maybe we should have won.

"We gifted them the first try.

We were a bit soft and didn't get out hard enough.

"Typical of us, we came back

and there were some great individual performances and as a collective, we were outstanding.

"It is a young squad and the first time on the big stage for a lot of players, they have done well. We can be proud of ourselves and we can still go all the way in this competition."

Springboks' overnight hero FRANCOIS HOUGAARD scored a late try as champions South Africa edged Wales 17-16 in a nail-biting Pool D contest at Wellington Regional Stadium yesterday.

The fired-up Welsh, in fact, were unlucky not to snatch a win after dominating most of the match.

"We're happy to get off the board that way," said Springboks captain John Smit. "Wales played some good rugby and kept us in our half... but we took the chance when we got it. Close game, nice to get through it."

South Africa cast away their conservative play book in the opening minutes, choosing to spread the ball wide, which was rewarded when they stretched the Welsh defence on the left and Frans Steyn barrelled through the tackle of Shane Williams and over James Hook to score the opening try.

Flyhalf Morne Steyn converted from wide out to give

FACT FILE FULL NAME: Francois Hougaard DATE OF BIRTH: April 6, 1988 PLACE OF BIRTH: Paarl, South Africa HEIGHT: 1.79m (5ft 10 1⁄2in) WEIGHT: 90kg POSITION: Wing, Scrumhalf

knock-out: Hougaard (left) is tackled by Wales' George North — AFP photo

Springboks a 7-0 lead and ominously looking like they were going to run away with the match.

However, Wales, who had been mindful of allowing the Springboks to consistently keep the scoreboard ticking over, settled and spent the majority of the half inside

Springboks' territory.

They managed to capitalise on that advantage, despite playing into a blustery, swirling, northerly wind, with two James Hook penalties sandwiched between a successful Morne Steyn penalty.

The second-half continued in the same vein with Wales

again dominating territory and possession, with Hook adding his third penalty before hard-running number eight Toby Faletau crashed over in the 54th minute.

Hook's conversion gave Wales a 16-10 lead with 25 minutes remaining. South Africa were stung into action stringing together several phases with Hougaard scoring a try that was converted by Steyn to give the Springboks a 17-16 lead with 15 minutes remaining.

Hook missed a long-range penalty, while flyhalf Rhys Priestland also missed a drop goal attempt, either of which would have given Wales their second victory over South Africa in 26 Tests.

will improve: O'Driscoll admits Ireland were loose in their Rugby World Cup opener — AFP photo

IRELAND skipper Brian O'Driscoll called for his charges to up their game following their 22-10 win over the United States in a Pool C match in New Plymouth yesterday.

Two tries from Tommy Bowe and another by Rory Best failed to paper over the cracks of a display that will have concerned the Irish management. O'Driscoll delivered an honest assessment of their opening game and admitted a significant improvement would be needed against Australia on Saturday.

"We didn't play well, we really had to fight for our win and we have got a hell of a lot to work on," he said.

"We turned the ball over too much. Our performance was typified by the last play of the game (when the Americans scored an intercept try)."

Rain and strong wind made conditions at Taranaki Stadium challenging, while the United States were also motivated by the 10th anniversary of Sept 11. But the

Irish still should have done better against a team positioned 10 places below them in the world rankings at 18th.

The faltering performance has only heightened concerns raised during the four defeats in the warm-up internationals that the team are locked in a downward spiral.

But O'Driscoll said: "This is the World Cup. Today might not have been a thing of beauty but we got across the line and that's the most important thing.

Now comes a huge challenge — playing Australia."

Former Ireland boss Eddie O'Sullivan, now coach of the United States, was delighted by the commitment shown by the Eagles.

"We fought our way from the first minute until the last. We were punch drunk at times, but we were spirited. The lads put in a huge performance. All it takes is for a couple of lads to bail and then the floodgates open and you've conceded 20 or 30 points."

sports

I've been working hard to play in the World Cup and I've got a big responsibility now — Japan's Toetsu Taufa

The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

DUNEDIN

NORTH SHORE CITY: rugby/ world cup

'Bad boy' turns good

Eye gouging not a big deal, says Haskell

Controversial O'Connor does the trick for Wallabies results YESTERDAY Pool C Australia 32 Italy 6 Ireland 22 USA 10 Pool D South Africa 17 Wales 16 SATURDAY Pool A France 47 Japan 21 Pool B Scotland 34 Romania 24 Argentina 9 England 13 Pool D Fiji 49 Namibia 25 FRIDAY Pool A New Zealand 41 Tonga 10

fixtures

good villain: O'Connor (right) bounces in for Wallaby boost — AFP photo

AUSTRALIA head coach Robbie Deans hailed the way ''bad boy'' James O'Connor came off the bench to help spark the Wallabies attack to a 32-6 win over Italy in their opening Pool C match at North Harbour Stadium yesterday.

O'Connor, still simmering on the bench after his pretournament troubles, came on eight minutes after the interval with Australia battling against a resilient Italian side who were holding the Tri-Nations champions to a 6-6 scoreline.

O'Connor took over on the right wing and had an immediate impact, being central to a four-try blitz that killed off Italy.

He had a hand in Wallabies'

FACT FILE FULL NAME: James O'Connor DATE OF BIRTH: July 5,1990 PLACE OF BIRTH: Auckland, New Zealand HEIGHT: 1.8m (5ft 11in) WEIGHT: 88 kg NICKNAME: Rabbit POSITION: Flyhalf, Inside Centre, Wing, Fullback SUPER RUGBY: 2008 -2011: Western Force 38 games (306 points) CURRENT LOCAL CLUB: Cottesloe NATIONAL TEAM: 2008-present — Australia — 27 (119 points)

first try and scored another himself. He was noticeably busy, obviously eager to make an impression and seek a starting spot for the second match this Saturday against Ireland — a game which could decide the pool winner.

"I think James did well coming off the bench which is an experience he hasn't had a lot of. He was connected to the game and pleased to be in it and he made a difference," said Deans.

"We were looking for what he offers us at that point. We were starting to get a little bit of moment and were looking for a bit of finish and he offers that. He worked well off the ball, got off his wing and got involved and he made a difference."

O'Connor infamously slept in to miss the World Cup team naming three weeks ago and received a one-match ban.

Deans got the mood of the joke when he was asked how O'Connor had been sleeping since arriving in Auckland for the Cup. "He will be sleeping better tonight, I would think," said Deans.

Australia captain James Horwill believes they will improve following their wobbly win over Italy.

"We knew they would come out and try and scrap and kick

27

WEDNESDAY Pool D Samoa v Namibia (10.30am) Pool A Tonga v Canada (1pm) Pool B Scotland v Georgia (3.30pm) (All in Malaysian time. Live on Astro's CH817, CH831)

ENGLAND flanker James Haskell will not be taking his complaint of eye gouging against an Argentine player any further.

In the dying minutes of England's opening Pool B clash with the Pumas on Saturday, an angry Haskell was heard via the referee's microphone swearing at an opponent he alleged had gouged his eye.

However, Haskell will not be making a complaint to the citing commissioner, insisting he had overacted.

"At the last breakdown I got a bit heated up. I got cleared out, I had hands in my face and I think it was just a bit of over-exuberance in the end," said Haskell.

"It (eye-gouging) has happened to me a few times in my career. It was a difficult game, we were under pressure. I got cleared out and had a hand on my face. It was nothing."

One man who may face disciplinary action is England's Courtney Lawes whose knee connected with the head of Mario Ledesma. The lock also executed a late tackle on Gonzalo Tiesi.

Meanwhile, Argentina suf-

Haskell: Expecting a tough game against Georgia next weekend — AFP photo

fered a blow when Tiesi was ruled out of the rest of the tournament, with influential captain Felipe Contepomi also left struggling with bruised ribs.

Tests yesterday confirmed that Tiesi's tournament was over after he came off in the narrow loss to England with an injury to his right knee, a team spokesman said.

Flyhalf Contepomi is also

in doubt for Argentina's second game against Romania after leaving the field in the first-half with a rib injury, although tests showed there was no serious damage.

"There is no fracture. It's only bruising," said assistant coach Fabian Turnes.

"We will wait till tomorrow (Monday) to see whether he will be able to play against Romania."

TABLES POOL A

New Zealand France Japan Tonga Canada POOL B

Scotland England Argentina Romania Georgia POOL C

Australia Ireland USA Italy Russia POOL D

Fiji South Africa Wales Namibia Samoa

P 1 1 1 1 0

W 1 1 0 0 0

D 0 0 0 0 0

L F 0 +31 0 +26 1 -26 1 -31 0 0

A Pts 1 5 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0

P 1 1 1 1 0

W 1 1 0 0 0

D 0 0 0 0 0

L F 0 +10 0 +4 1 -4 1 -10 0 0

A Pts 1 5 0 4 1 1 0 0 0 0

P 1 1 1 1 0

W 1 1 0 0 0

D 0 0 0 0 0

L F A Pts 0 +26 1 5 0 +12 0 4 1 -12 0 0 1 -26 0 0 0 0 0 0

P 1 1 1 1 0

W 1 1 0 0 0

D 0 0 0 0 0

L F 0 +24 0 +1 1 -1 1 -24 0 0

A Pts 1 5 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 0

with the wind, and we made mistakes and gave them too much ball," he said.

"In the second-half, we turned pressure into points. It was good to see the backs get some space and score some tries. We are happy with the result but we can certainly improve."

Wilkinson blames himself for poor kicking ACE kicker Jonny Wilkinson is as mystified as everyone else by his uncharacteristically dreadful goal-kicking in England's 13-9 thrilling win over Argentina in a Pool B clash in Dunedin on Saturday.

The usually deadly Toulon flyhalf missed five consecutive penalties as he ended with just three successful strikes on goal to his name.

The fact that Pumas flyhalf Felipe Contepomi and fullback Martin Rodriguez combined to miss six shots

of their own led many to conclude that perhaps the new World Cup ball was to blame — even though countries have had access to it since the November internationals of last year.

However, Wilkinson was reluctant to offer up any excuses for what he feels was the worst kicking performance of his international career.

"I'm not going to apportion any kind of blame other than that on myself.

I was the one kicking the ball and I felt I was hit-

off-target: Wilkinson unfazed by missed kicks — AFP photo

ting them very, very well.

That made it hard for me to understand and correct what was going on," he said.

Shortly after missing his fifth successive strike on goal, England earned themselves another penalty. Instead of instructing Wilkinson to try for the three points, captain Mike Tindall told his flyhalf to put the ball into the corner. That gamble paid off as substitute Ben Youngs sniped over for the game's decisive score.

28

sports

My thoughts and prayers to all who lost loved ones on 9/11. I know the entire country is with you today. I'm playing for you. — Serena Williams

Ace for the Joker

NEW YORK: TENNIS/ US OPEN

Djokovic favoured for final rematch

RAFA NADAL and Novak Djokovic will meet in the US Open men's final tomorrow for a second straight year, but things could not be any different than they were 12 months ago.

Last year, Nadal was almost unbeatable, a player at the peak of his powers. The Spaniard had just won the French Open and Wimbledon titles and reached the final at Flushing Meadows without dropping a set.

But Djokovic was struggling. The Serbian had not played in a Grand Slam final since he won his only Major at the 2008 Australian Open and questions were being asked about his state of mind after he had developed a reputation as a quitter.

The result of the final was a foregone conclusion.

Djokovic played well and won a set but Nadal was too good and he won the match to become just the seventh player to win all four Grand Slam titles and his ninth overall.

Talk immediately turned to whether he could surpass Roger Federer's record of 16

Grand Slams and surpass him as perhaps the greatest player of all time.

But now, t he pl aye rs have switched positions as Djokovic is the undisputed world No 1 and Nadal is the one battling to find his best.

Last year's final proved to be a turning point for Djokovic and he started this season with renewed determination. He won the Australian Open in January to prove that he was no onehit wonder, then Wimbledon in July, beating Nadal in the final.

It was the fifth time this year he had beaten Nadal in a final following wins at Indian Wells and Miami then Madrid and Rome, on clay, the Spaniard's favourite surface.

Nadal managed to win the French Open when Djokovic was beaten in the semifinals

by Federer but his loss to Djokovic affected his confidence and the swagger he had before last year's final has all but disappeared.

"He's obviously the favorite for the final," Nadal said

after beating Andy Murray in the semifinals.

"I know I have to do something better than the other matches to try to change the situation."

Nadal's form in his early matches was scratchy but he has steadily improved with each match and has dropped just one set, against Murray, in getting to the final.

He is starting to look like the triumphant player of last year but admits Djokovic still has a mind hold on him.

"I am not very happy about my mental performance against him this year. That's true," Nadal said.

"That's what I'm going to try to change for Monday.

If I'm not ready to change, I have a goal to do it for next year."

"We have a saying, 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'," Djokovic said.

"It's obvious that this is the best year of my career, by far.

"The confidence level is very high at the moment and that helps me to get into these big matches and go for my shots." — Reuters

Wozniacki looks to next year

WITH a Grand Slam trophy still outside her grasp, Caroline Wozniacki (pic) could only depart the US Open hugging her world No 1 ranking tight.

The Dane, who has climbed to the top of women's tennis with a determined style that has brought her six WTA titles this season, was blown away by former world No 1 Serena Williams in the semifinal, and admitted her persistence was no match for the American's power.

"I never gave up. I was always trying to play the next point, the next point," Wozniacki said. "But Serena played very, very well. She's in great shape. Hitting all her strokes. And that serve was a killer."

Williams blasted 34 winners past Wozniacki, who finished with just five — and not one of those until the second set.

The power disparity put paid to Wozniacki's dream of nabbing a US Open title to match the one that golfer boyfriend Rory McIlroy claimed this year.

Instead she leaves yet another Grand slam amid a hail of questions on her ranking and her inability to come through in a Major.

"I'm still No 1 in the ranking and still No 1 in the race," Wozniacki said. "No one can take that away from me right now."

But even as she was building her WTA resume this season, Wozniacki lost in the semifinals at the Australian Open,

exited Roland Garros in the third round and Wimbledon in the round of 16.

After her Wimbledon flop, Wozniacki endured early exits at Bastad, Toronto and Cincinnati before righting the ship with a fourth straight WTA victory at New Haven in the week before the Open.

"It has definitely been a successful year for me," said Wozniacki, whose best Grand Slam showing remains her 2009 runner-up finish to Kim Clijsters at Flushing Meadows.

"I cannot complain. I won six titles. I have made two semifinals of Grand Slams.

I'm healthy, which is very important."

"I'm just ready to take up the next couple of challenges that are due this year... three more tournaments and then I'm done. I can relax a bit and prepare for next year."

— AFP

The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Stosur downs angry Serena AUSTRALIA'S Samantha Stosur shocked three-time champion Serena Williams 6-2, 6-3 this morning to win the US Open title, her first Grand Slam crown.

Stosur is the first Australian woman to take the title in New York since Margaret Court in 1973.

But the match was overshadowed by an angry outburst unleashed by Williams at chair umpire Eva Asdaraki when she was docked a point in the first game of the second set for "intentional hindrance".

Williams had lost the first set of the final to Australia's Samantha Stosur 6-2 and faced a break point in the opening game of the second.

The American then unleashed a huge forehand and greeted it with a loud "c'mon" before Stosur had even reached the ball.

Asdaraki immediately penalised the three-time champion for "intentional hindrance" and the point and

TOO EXCITED: Stosur jumps down from her player box after her win — AFP photo

the game was awarded to the Australian.

"Aren't you the one who screwed me over last time?," Williams bellowed at Asdaraki.

"That is totally not cool."

Williams suffered a similar

meltdown in her 2009 semifinal defeat to Kim Clijsters.

She unleashed a tirade of abuse at a lineswoman during the tense match and a penalty point sealed her fate in a 6-4, 7-5 defeat. — AFP

MONZA: MOTORSPORT/ FORMULA 1

Senna happy to get off the mark

BRUNO SENNA breathed a sigh of relief yesterday when he scored his first Formula 1 points for Renault in the Italian Grand Prix.

The 27-year-old Brazilian nephew of the legendary three-time champion Ayrton Senna finished ninth in his second outing for the team after replacing German Nick Heidfeld last month.

Senna started 10th, lost places at the start and then recovered to deliver a solid result for the team.

"I'm happy to score my first F1 points, especially as it was only my second race for the team," he said.

"Although I star ted 10th, it was not an easy job to finish ninth.

"We suffered some bad luck in the first corner — everybody was cutting the chicane which forced me to drive on the outside and in the process I lost all the places I had fought so hard for in qualifying.

"It makes me happy to know that I am able to put myself in the position of scoring points and also to fight with the guys who

Italian Grand Prix Results

Drivers Sebastian Vettel Jenson Button Fernando Alonso

Teams

Pts

Tiempo

25

Red Bull

18

McLaren

a 9.590

15

Ferrari

a 16.909

1:20:46.172

(Average: 227.848 km/h)

World championship standings Drivers Sebastian Vettel (GER) Fernando Alonso (ESP) Jenson Button (GBR) Max Webber (GBR) Lewis Hamilton (GBR)

Pts 284 172 167 167 158

have been doing this for a long time.

"The pace of the car was clear for all to see, but I wish the race was just one lap longer because I may have been able to pass Paul (Di Resta) for eighth.

"The team chose a great strategy. The tyre was fast enough where I needed it to be and I am happy to get my name on the points board. The team did a great job and I am really looking forward to Singapore."

Senna's Renault teammate Russian Vitaly Petrov — who wore a black helmet out of respect for the Lokotmotiv Yaroslavl ice

Constructors Red Bull McLaren Ferrari Mercedes GP Lotus-Renault

Pts 451 325 254 108 70

hockey players killed in a plane crash earlier this week — was eliminated from the race by the first corner collision.

"I am disappointed with what happened today," he said.

"I had a reasonable start and, as I was heading into the first chicane, (Italian) Vitantonio Liuzzi's Hispania car came from nowhere and hit me big time, which brought my race to an end.

"There's nothing I could have done to avoid this.. I'm happy not to be injured, as the impact was quite strong and it could have been a nasty accident." — AFP

The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

sports

Schalke missed out on the chance to claim a top three place when they let a 1-0 lead slip at Wolfsburg — AFP

29

LONDON: football/ CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Bosses feeling Euro heat, says Lampard

VETERAN midfielder Frank Lampard (pic) accepts the demand for success in the C hampi ons L e ag u e h a s "cranked up" the pressure on Chelsea managers.

Winning European club football's biggest prize is perceived as the ''Holy Grail'' for Chelsea billionaire owner Roman Abramovich and he has gone through a string of managers in pursuit of glory.

Fixtures WEDNESDAY GROUP E Chelsea v Leverkusen KRC Genk v Valencia GROUP F Dortmund v Arsenal Olympiakos v Marseille GROUP G Apoel Nicosia v St Petersburg FC Porto v Shakhtar Donetsk GROUP H Barcelona v AC Milan Viktoria Plzen v BATE Borisov (All matches at 2.45am) THURSDAY GROUP A Man City v Napoli Villarreal v Bayern Munich GROUP B Inter Milan v Trabzonspor Lille v CSKA Moscow GROUP C Benfica v Man United FC Basel v Otelul Galati GROUP D Ajax Amsterdam v Lyon Dinamo Zagreb v Real Madrid (All matches at 2.45am)

Results This morning Cologne 1 Nuremberg 2 Wolfsburg 2 Schalke 1 Yesterday Bremen 2 Hamburg 0 Dortmund 1 Berlin 2 Bayern 7 Freiburg 0 Mainz 0 Hoffenheim 4 Stuttgart 3 Hanover 0 M'gladbach 1 K'slautern 0 Saturday Augsburg 1 Leverkusen 4

Standings

Bayern Bremen M'gladbach Leverkusen Hoffenheim Schalke Nuremberg Berlin Hanover Stuttgart Dortmund Mainz Wolfsburg Freiburg Cologne Augsburg K'slautern Hamburg

P W D L F A Pts 5 4 0 1 16 1 12 5 4 0 1 11 5 12 5 3 1 1 7 3 10 5 3 1 1 6 3 10 5 3 0 2 9 4 9 5 3 0 2 11 8 9 5 3 0 2 5 5 9 5 2 2 1 6 5 8 5 2 2 1 6 7 8 5 2 1 2 7 3 7 5 2 1 2 6 4 7 5 2 1 2 7 10 7 5 2 0 3 6 9 6 5 1 1 3 9 16 4 5 1 1 3 7 14 4 5 0 2 3 4 10 2 5 0 2 3 2 8 2 5 0 1 4 6 16 1

Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti have all spent time in charge of the Blues over the past five years without fulfilling Abramovich's ambition.

Israeli Grant has come the clos est to realising that dream following the penalty shoot-out defeat against Manchester United in the 2008 final. And now

Portuguese Andre VillasBoas is charged with the task of trying to satisfy the Russian's desire.

Chelsea start their group campaign at home to Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday (2.45am) and Lampard is aware of the importance of winning the Champions League.

"When you've had a lot of domestic success, it's not just the owner but the whole club

and fans want that extra step to win in Europe.

"As a club with what we've achieved in the last six or seven years, it's an obvious thing to say, the one thing that's missing from our cabinet is the Champions League.

"I wouldn't say that's the only reason managers have been sacked, but the pressure is cranked up regardless."

Chelsea were knocked out

of last season's competition

by United at the quarterfinal stage while Lampard feels his team can compete with champions Barcelona, who outclassed the Red Devils in the 2011 final.

"Barca are the model, they are the outstanding team of recent years, but Chelsea are not that far behind.

We have to believe we can compete with the best," said Lampard.

BARCELONA: football/ CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Italian wake-up call Barca must buck-up to face deadly AC Milan, says Busquets

CHAMPIONS Barcelona's midfielder Sergio Busquets warns his teammates of the potential pitfalls they face against AC Milan in their opening Group H match at Nou Camp on Wednesday (2.45am).

Busquets, who featured as a centreback in the disappointing 2-2 draw away to Real Sociedad in the Primera Liga on Saturday, has tried to alleviate concerns ahead of the showdown. But he knows the Italian champions will arrive in Spain with deadly intent.

"The main danger is Milan's quality. They are a historic club with great players," Busquets told El Mundo Deportivo.

"They have Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Antonio Cassano who are dangerous players.

"But it will be important for us to start with the three points. Milan are a strong rival who will be fighting for the top places in the group.

We hope to win in front of our fans."

Another midfielder Cesc Fabregas, however, is not showing any concern after his side were given a wake up call

EVERYBODY LOVES KUNG FU FIGHTING: Barcelona's Dani Alves (right) vies for the ball with Sociedad's Alberto de la Bella — AFP

by Real Sociedad.

Fabregas, who scored in the match on Saturday, saw his side pegged back by the home side in the second-half

as a 2-0 lead crumbled.

H o w e v e r, w i t h t h e Champions League clash on Wednesday, the former Arsenal star is taking things

with ease and insisted there was no real worry following the slip.

"We know how to win, how to lose, how to play and how

to get back and this is important," Fabregas told Sport.es.

Defender Adriano, who also featured in the match against Real Sociedad at Estadio Municipal de Anoeta, is eager to move on.

"It was a tough game for us, but now we have to think about the Champions League," said the Brazilian.

The Catalans were performing well until Chilean attacker Alexis Sanchez, who created one of the goals, was forced to leave the field in the 32nd minute because of a hamstring problem.

Barca manager Josep ''Pep'' Guardiola believes that his side's draw with Real Sociedad will serve his troops well in the future.

The Spanish champions had taken an early lead through Xavi and Fabregas, but their advantage was squandered after conceding two secondhalf goals in quick succession, leaving the 41-year-old to accept the reality that his side must raise their efforts in order to have the best possible chance of success.

Barca are also nervously awaiting the outcome of Sanchez's injury prognosis.

BERLIN: football/ BUNDESLIGA

Tough times ahead, warns Bayern boss

BAYERN MUNICH coach Jupp Heynckes has warned the German league leaders that a 7-0 rout of Freiburg should leave no room for complacency as they embark on their muchanticipated Champions League campaign.

Hav i ng l ast won t he Champions League title in 2001, Bayern begin their Group A campaign at Spain's

Villarreal on Thursday.

Tough tasks lie ahead as Bayern face German title rivals Schalke and Bayer Leverkusen over the next two weekends in the Bundesliga before hosting Manchester City at the Allianz Arena on Sept 27 in the Champions League.

"We know we'll have to keep on improving, because we have a packed and intense

programme over the next few weeks," said Heynckes.

Bayern striker Mario Gomez, who scored four goals, and midfielder Franck Ribery, two, shone in Saturday's rout in Munich while replacement Nils Petersen scored the seventh just before the final whistle.

The rout leaves Bayern top of the league and with just over a month gone of the new season,

they already have a goal difference of 15.

Second-placed Werder Bremen are level with Munich on 12 points after beating neighbours Hamburg as exChelsea striker Claudio Pizarro scored both goals in their 2-0 home win.

Yesterday, Nuremberg ran out 2-1 winners in a bad-tempered game which saw both

sides finish with 10 men.

Both Nuremberg goals came from penalties as Belgium midfielder Timmy Simons scored in the 31st and 35st minutes, while Cologne's Morocco striker Adil Chihi kept his side in touch with a 39th minute strike.

The result leaves Nuremberg seventh and Cologne 14th in the table. — AFP

30

sports

PRESSTALK

I need to thank all our fans, they kept us going for the whole game and gave the lads a real push — Juventus coach Antonio Conte

The Malay Mail Monday 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

ROME: FOOTBALL/ SERIE A

LA GAZZETTA DELLO SPORT

Inter may use Sneijder up front RESULTS THIS MORNING Juventus 4 Parma Catania 0 Siena Chievo 2 Novara Fiorentina 2 Bologna Genoa 2 Atalanta Lecce 0 Udinese Roma 1 Cagliari Palermo 4 Inter Milan Cesena

INTER MILAN'S head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed star midfielder Wesley Sneijder (pic) could play as a forward in the new season. "I see Sneijder as a forward," Gasperini said before Inter's Serie A match against Palermo. "He is one of the most important players in the world right now and I hope he can have an exceptional campaign." I made a bet with Wesley. Last season he scored four goals in 25 games, while I am convinced he will have more.

The position isn't a problem," he said.

AS

Granero is next Arsenal target ARSENAL are reportedly keen on signing Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero, and they are widely expected to spend when the window reopens in January.

The former Spain U-21 international is a product of Los Blancos' youth academy and worked his way through the ranks before being shipped out on loan to Getafe in August 2007, returning to the Bernabeu in 2009.

But under Jose Mourinho, the Spaniard has fallen down the pecking order and last season, was restricted to occasional substitute appearances following the signings of Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil. This summer, Mourinho has brought in the likes of Nuri Sahin and Hamit Altintop, and it is thought the former Chelsea boss would be open to letting Granero leave.

DAILY MAIL

Hiddink wanted again in Russia GUUS HIDDINK is being chased by Russia's billionaire club, Anzhi Makhachkala, who want to offer him £66m to work for them.

The Dutchman used to be manager of Russia — and so the Dagestan club are convinced that he is the ideal man to take them into the European big time. Although Hiddink is currently manager of Turkey, an incredible salary of £22m-a-year and a threeyear contract would be one he cannot refuse.

THAT STINGS: Forlan (second from left) looks at Miccoli (second from right) as he celebrates after scoring his side's third goal — AFP

RESULTS THIS MORNING Real Betis 1 Mallorca Santander 0 Levante Vallecano 0 Zaragoza Osasuna 2 S. Gijon Espanyol 2 Ath Bilbao YESTERDAY Real Madrid 4 Getafe Valencia 1 Atle Madrid Sociedad 2 Barcelona Villarreal 2 Sevilla

0 0 0 1 1 2 0 2 2

FIXTURE TOMORROW Malaga v Grenada

STANDINGS P 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2

W 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

D 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0

3

SATURDAY 2 Lazio

2

Palermo stun Inter as Juve off to a flyer

PALERMO stunned Inter Milan 4-3 on the opening weekend of the new Serie A season as Juventus delivered new coach Antonio Conte a flying start in their new stadium with a 4-1 thrashing of Parma this morning.

Inter twice had the lead through Diego Milito while Diego Forlan scored a late consolation but Fabrizio Milito scored twice and Abel Hernandez and Maurizio

Real Madrid Valencia Real Betis Barcelona Sociedad Sevilla Osasuna Espanyol Mallorca Levante Vallecano Santander Ath Bilbao Atle Madrid Getafe Villarreal Zaragoza Malaga Grenada S. Gijon

YESTERDAY 1 Napoli

Thriller in Sicily AC Milan

1 0 2 0 2 2 2 3

L F A Pts 0 10 2 6 0 5 3 6 0 2 0 6 0 7 2 4 0 4 3 4 0 4 3 4 0 2 1 4 1 2 2 3 1 1 1 3 0 1 1 2 0 1 1 2 1 3 4 1 1 2 3 1 1 0 1 1 1 3 5 1 1 2 7 1 1 0 6 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 2 2 4 0

Pinilla gave interim Palermo boss Devis Mangia a dream start since stepping up from youth team duties.

All the talk before the game was about new Inter coach Gian Piero Gasperini's back three and they were far from convincing.

Inter took the lead in fortuitous circumstances as Dejan Stankovic's scuffed shot hit Milito and wrong-footed goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas on 33 minutes.

Despite the goal, Gasperini was far from happy with his side and immediately replaced Mauro Zarate, who was making his debut, with Wesley Sneijder, who had been surprisingly left out.

The start of the second-half saw a glut of goals with three inside nine minutes.

First Miccoli equalised after latching onto a dinked ball over the top before finishing crisply.

But then Mattia Silvestre dragged Walter Samuel down in the box and Milito scored from the spot.

Then Hernandez finished off a slick passing move between Miccoli and Josip Ilicic to restore parity again.

In a crazy finish, Miccoli curled home a stunning freekick four minutes from time and then substitute Pinilla scored an even better screamer from distance a minute later.

In injury time Forlan, on his debut, collected Sneijder's chip and volleyed home.

In Turin, Stephan Lichsteiner and Arturo Vidal, making their debut, alongside Simone Pepe and Claudio Marchisio scored the goals to hand the Old Lady of Turin an ideal start.

For m e r Juve for w ard Sebastian Giovinco scored an injury-time consolation from the spot after Paolo De Ceglie had been sent off for bringing him down in the box.

Having spent heavily in the summer on a number of recruits, Juve handed debuts to five players during the course of the game.

Despite the convincing victory, Conte was not an entirely satisfied man.

They were ahead on 16 minutes after a moment of genius from Andrea Pirlo, who scooped the ball over a static backline for right-back Lichsteiner to run onto and take around Antonio Mirante before slotting into the empty net.

The killer second came only four minutes later as Alessandro Del Piero fed the ball wide to Pepe, who thrashed a shot across Mirante and inside the far post from 12 yards.

Chile midfielder Vidal then came on to score the third with an acrobatic volley from just outside the area.

The fourth was simply sub-

lime as Pirlo played another sumptuous chipped pass over the top and Marchisio ran past ball-watching defenders to brilliantly flick the ball over Mirante on the stretch.

Parma did get on the scoresheet in injury time as De Ceglie brought down Giovinco, who picked himself up to score the spot-kick.

Luis Enrique had a disastrous league debut on the Roma bench as his team lost 2-1 at home to Cagliari and finished with 10 men.

Jose Angel was sent off on his league debut for a petulant kick on Davide Biondini.

That came just after Daniele Conti had given the Sardinians the lead and in injury time Moestafa El Kabir, on his debut, scored the decisive second on the counter-attack.

Daniele De Rossi scored Roma's consolation with the last kick of the match.

— AFP

MADRID: FOOTBALL/ PRIMERA LIGA

Promoted Betis sweat to victory and go third PROMOTED Real Betis were rubbing shoulders with Real Madrid and Valencia at the top of La Liga after Ruben Castro scored the only goal in a 1-0 home win over Real Mallorca this morning.

Back in the top-flight after a two-year absence, Betis were third with six points from two games behind Real and Valencia on goal difference, the only sides left with 100 per cent records.

Champions Barcelona are fourth with four points after a 2-2 draw at Real Sociedad yesterday.

"We have scored two goals, we have six points and we haven't conceded yet. This is the way forward," Betis coach

Pepe Mel told reporters.

Betis striker Castro, their top scorer in the second division last year, volleyed in from a flicked-on corner in the 87th minute to decide a match which had kicked off at midday in soaring temperatures in the southern city of Seville.

The Spanish league's timetables for the new campaign have been altered to avoid matches being played at the same time, a decision which has met with criticism from many quarters, especially over the new midday slot.

La Liga matches are usually played in the late afternoon or evening in Spain when it is cooler.

"I have been trying to see the

person responsible for these times," Mel added. "Because one day something unfortunate will happen."

In other games, Espanyol and Osasuna registered their first wins with 2-1 home victories.

Espanyol's pony-tailed striker Sergio Garcia, a member of Spain's victorious Euro 2008 squad, headed the opener and showed quick thinking to hook in the winner in the 73rd minute, after Fernando Llorente had nodded Bilbao level in the 63rd.

Bilbao's new coach, Argentine Marcelo Bielsa, is still searching for his first win after compatriot Cristian Alvarez pulled off some sensational saves in

the Espanyol goal.

Osasuna's Nino and Alvaro Cejudo with a thumping volley scored within two minutes of each other in the first-half, before David Barral pulled one back for Sporting in Pamplona.

Racing Santander drew 0-0 at home to Levante and promoted Rayo Vallecano also drew 0-0 in front of their own fans, denied their first win

by Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Roberto.

The former Benfica keeper saved a second-half penalty from Javi Fuego and pulled off a spectacular late block on the line to keep out the Madridbased club, who had been the better side. — Reuters

The Malay Mail Monday ● 12 SEPTEMBER, 2011

PRESSTALK METRO

Kroenke approves Wenger's spending

ARSENAL'S majority stakeholder Stan Kroenke (pic) has finally lifted the lid on the Gunners' transfer policy. The American tycoon — who also owns the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche — has kept quiet during Arsenal's recent dramas both on and off the field, but stood firmly behind Wenger's ability to strengthen the north London club.

Kroenke has been applying the lessons learned from his US exploits in the Premier League, and added Arsenal risked slipping even further if they take a knee-jerk reaction to losing players such as Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. "I don't coach. I don't play. I don't scout players.

The idea is to put good people in place and trust them to do their jobs. There's a risk of going backwards if you overreact and start throwing money around in an attempt to solve your problems," he said.

DAILY MIRROR

Le Sulk offered Qatar move NICOLAS ANELKA has been offered a mind-boggling £8.4m-a-year contract to finish his career in the Middle East. Doha-based Al-Arabi are desperate to take the 32-year-old Frenchman to Qatar and have offered to double his Chelsea wages.

Anelka has one year left to run on his Stamford Bridge deal, having signed an extension last summer, but now faces competition from five other strikers for a place in Andre Villas-Boas’ starting line-up.

THE PEOPLE

Blackburn look to Asian youth BLACKBURN ROVERS owners Venky’s have signed top Asian TV pundit Shebby Singh to get them ahead in the race to crack the Indian and Far East market.

"Who knows, we might find some 'slumdog footballers' emerging as Venky’s are keen on starting with boys aged 10 to 14 who can demonstrate the right skills," said Shebby. "We will unearth potentially outstanding talent for Blackburn. The development of football is now Venky’s commitment to Blackburn Rovers and also, more importantly, a promise to their country, India."

Blackburn's David Hoilett was stretchered off in stoppage time wearing a neck brace after a nasty collision with Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer — AFP

sports

31

MANCHESTER: FOOTBALL/ PREMIER LEAGUE

Kun: Hattrick's good, wins better Record signing insists City victories more important

STRIKER Sergio 'Kun' Aguero (pic) hit his first hattrick in English football and then insisted Manchester City's success comes before personal glory.

The £38m (RM181m) signing from Atletico Madrid was in stunning finishing form as Wigan were blanked 3-0 on Saturday, and the Argentina international has already struck six goals to keep him on the coat-tails of the top flight's leading scorer, Wayne Rooney of Manchester United.

"It was great to get the three goals but the most important thing is that we keep winning.

A hattrick is good but for me the most important goal was the first one, as we needed to score," Aguero told City's website.

Aguero could have had even more — he had looked keen to take the penalty compatriot

Carlos Tevez missed, and went close on several other occasions.

Aguero's goals secured him the Man-of-the-Match award but for many at Eastlands, it was Spanish midfielder David Silva who ran the game in which City were hugely dominant — and for manager Roberto Mancini — far too wasteful.

"We had 15 chances in the first-half and we scored only one goal — this is a problem because the game can change any moment. Next time it's better if we close out the game in the first-half," said Mancini.

"We need to improve because we have started the season very well but the season will be long.

If we want to arrive at the end of the season still at the top we need to improve."

Mancini said he was pleased with Tevez's performance despite the Argentine, who had seemed odds on to leave City in the summer, not being fully fit.

"Tevez is not 100 per cent at the moment but I am happy for him because for me, he played very well with Aguero, he missed a penalty but this can happen — usually he scores," said Mancini.

"It was important for him

to start, to play and to play well, and maybe in two or three games he will be 100 per cent."

Wi g a n b o s s R o b e r t o Martinez, meanwhile, said it was too soon to start comparing City to Barcelona.

"Only time will tell. Barca, when they started with Frank Rijkaard, had little flashes like Manchester City showed. In three years down the line you will be able to compare them," he said.

"Nobody can be compared to Barca yet, you have to win many titles together first. What's quite clear is that the ingredients City have mean they have the capability of achieving anything in world football.

"We all know they are world class players but what Mancini has achieved is making them play as a team and it is a joy to watch."

NORWICH: FOOTBALL/ PREMIER LEAGUE

Vaughan taken to hospital with face injury

SHAKE IT OFF: Vaughan (second from left) has water sprayed in his face while manager Paul Lambert (right) looks on.

Vaughan clashed with West Brom's Gabriel Tamas (not pictured) — AFP

NORWICH striker James Vaughan was taken to hospital this morning after an elbow from Gabriel Tamas left him with a serious facial injury in his side's 1-0 defeat against West Brom.

Vaughan was flattened by Tamas at a corner in stoppage time in an incident which was missed by referee Mark Halsey and forced the forward to see a plastic surgeon to assess the extent of the damage.

The former Everton forward came on as a second-half sub-

stitute having recovered from a knee injury picked up in preseason following his summer move from Goodison Park.

Norwich manager Paul Lambert confirmed that Tamas' stray elbow had left its mark on Vaughan's mouth.

"James has gone to see the plastic surgeon at the minute, and it is a bad one. It has gone straight through the lip and they can't just stitch it up, the specialist has got to look at it," Lambert said.

"He had got a really nasty

gash in his upper lip, which will need a bit of work on it.

"Hopefully we will sort it tonight, and we will have to see how he is."

Lambert was furious that Halsey failed to award a penalty for the challenge as his side failed to end their wait for a first Premier League victory following last season's promotion.

"I think it was a penalty. I have seen it on tape and he has caught him. It is not great, that is for sure," he said.

Tamas' elbow could yet result in retrospective disciplinary action from the Football Association but Albion boss Roy Hodgson added: "I looked at it and as he turns, Tamas catches him with his elbow, but I am 100 per cent convinced it is unintentional.

"It was unfortunate, but it does not make it any better for Vaughan whether you have got caught intentionally or accidentally — it is still a painful blow." — AFP

RESULTS

YESTERDAY 1 Blackburn 0 West Brom SATURDAY Arsenal 1 Swansea Bolton 0 Man Utd Everton 2 Aston Villa Man City 3 Wigan Stoke 1 Liverpool Sunderland 1 Chelsea Wolves 0 Tottenham Fulham Norwich

FIXTURE

1 1 0 5 2 0 0 2 2

TOMORROW QPR v Newcastle (3am)

STANDINGS

Man Utd Man City Chelsea Stoke Liverpool Newcastle Wolves Aston Villa Wigan Everton Arsenal West Brom Bolton Tottenham QPR Sunderland Norwich Fulham Swansea Blackburn

P 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 4

W 4 4 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

D 0 0 1 2 1 1 1 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 1

L F A 0 18 3 0 15 3 0 7 3 0 3 1 1 6 3 0 3 1 1 4 3 0 5 3 1 3 4 1 3 3 2 3 10 3 3 5 3 7 11 2 3 8 2 1 6 2 2 4 2 3 6 2 2 5 2 0 5 3 3 7

Pts 12 12 10 8 7 7 7 6 5 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1

LEADING SCORERS

8 goals: Rooney (Man United) 6 goals: Aguero (Man City), Dzeko (Man City) 3 goals: Klasnic (Bolton) 2 goals: Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Best (Newcastle), Hernandez (Man United), Silva (Man City), Di Santo (Wigan), Long (West Brom), Suarez (Liverpool), Welbeck (Man United), A Young (Man United)

LONDON: FOOTBALL/ PREMIER LEAGUE

Gyan gone from Sunderland STRIKER Asamoah Gyan admitted that he had no choice but to move to the Middle East, adding the chance to join Al-Ain was "too good to refuse".

Gyan finalised a move to the United Arab Emirates on Saturday as he signed for Al-Ain, who agreed a season-long loan deal with Sunderland.

The news came out of the blue as, just 24 hours earlier, Sunderland manager Steve Bruce insisted he was staying put.

But Gyan penned a loan deal after Sunderland accepted Al-Ain's offer and Bruce has since spoken about his frustration with the Ghana international and admitted he thinks it is unlikely that he will ever play for the Black Cats again.

However, Gyan feels he had little choice but to move, telling skysports.com: "The offer was too good to refuse.

"But I did not have a choice once Sunderland accepted Al-Ain's proposal. I am now looking forward to playing in the UAE." Al-Ain are understood to have agreed to pay Sunderland a substantial loan fee with a view to a permanent deal next summer.

The Joker card

Serena slammed

NOVAK DJOKOVIC is tipped to win the US Open final against Rafael Nadal

SERENA WILLIAMS was at the centre of another US Open controversy when she was penalised a point and became involved in an ugly tirade against the chair umpire

LOCAL

>> pg28

>> pg28

Monday 12 September, 2011

Forever Young

LONDON: FOOTBALL/ PREMIER LEAGUE

Lucky strike

Malaysian striker Safee Safee gets twoweek trial with Welsh outfit Cardiff City

>> pg25 rugby

Hero Hougaard

South Africa denies Wales victory with Francois Hougaard’s try

>> pg26 football

Milan menace

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets urges teammates to rise to the occasion when they meet AC Milan on Wednesday

>> pg29 presstalk

Venky’s slumdogs

Three Lions boss says joining a bigger club has given the winger a boost

ENGLAND boss Fabio Capello hailed Ashley Young for his performances since making the move to Manchester United.

“What’s changed with Ashley Young (since not going to the World Cup) is that now he is playing with a really important team,” Capello told The Sunday Mirror. “And he has improved a lot.”

The winger has had a positive start to his career at Old Trafford, already scoring twice in the Premier League while assisting in the creation of four more.

On the international stage, the 26-year-old scored the only goal of the game against Wales to put the Three Lions on the verge of qualifying for Euro 2012.

It comes as a contrasting set of fortunes for the former Aston Villa man, who was present in the initial 30-man squad for the 2010 World Cup, but did not make the cut into the final 23 who traveled to South Africa for the tournament.

“Confidence improves a great deal when you play in an important team,” said Capello. “This is because of the quality of the players he is playing with. He can play

as a second forward, behind Rooney. He played left-wing for a long time. He is technically good, fast, and has good imagination. And he scores goals — he can shoot with his left and right.”

Meanwhile, Young’s teammate, Tom Cleverley, is expected to be out of action for four weeks after suffering ligament damage in his foot during yesterday’s 5-0 win at Bolton.

Cleverley, who has been in outstanding form for the Premier League champions, was forced off in the first-half at the Reebok Stadium following a fierce challenge from Bolton striker Kevin Davies.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson initially feared Cleverley may have broken a bone in his foot, which would have kept him out for several months. But scans on Sunday showed that the damage wasn’t as bad as first thought.

While Cleverley will be back by mid-October, the 22year-old, who was included in the England squad for recent Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales, is likely to miss his country’s crucial clash against Montenegro next month.

Ferguson said United’s

medical team would assess French left-back Patrice Evra and Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans ahead of the midweek Champions League trip to Benfica after the pair

suffered injuries at Bolton.

“We’ll see them on Sunday,” Ferguson told MUTV. “Jonny is doubtful for Wednesday.

He got a knee in the hip in the second-half which was pretty

painful, while Patrice got a kick on the kneecap.

“We’ll have a look at them on Sunday. It’s too early to say (how serious the injuries are).” — Agencies

ROME: Football/ SERIE A

Juve appeal over ‘calciopoli’ title

Blackburn Rovers roving for hidden talent with some help from Shebby Singh

>> pg31

revelation: Capello heaps praise on Young (second from left) — AFP photo

AGNELLI

JUVENTUS president Andrea Agnelli said this morning he has appealed to Uefa over the 2006 title they were stripped of for their part in the infamous calciopoli match-fixing scandal.

Juve won the title that year but were relieved of it and their previous victory in 2005.

They were also relegated to Serie B while Inter Milan were awarded the 2006 title despite having finished third that season — both Juve and second-placed AC Milan were deducted points for match-fixing, leaving Inter top of the pile.

Juve have already appealed to the Italian Football Federation but failed in their bid to have the scudetto crown removed from Inter

and left unassigned.

They have since taken their gripe to the national court of arbitration for sport, which has yet to rule on the appeal, but now Agnelli says they have also asked European football’s governing body Uefa to intervene.

“We’ve asked Uefa to verify it,” Agnelli told a programme on Rai Uno called Five minutes of time added on.

However, Agnelli denied a morning newspaper report that he had also asked Uefa to bar Inter from the Champions League.

“That was a misunderstanding, Inter are just collateral damage. Had it been Chievo, this would be falling on Chievo now. Our problem is with the Federation.”

Juve complained that Inter escaped being dealt with the same as other teams, such as themselves and Milan, and should also have been punished over some tapped telephone conversations, although prosecutors have found nothing in those to charge Inter.

Ultimately, Juve’s aim is to have the 2006 title unassigned and then to have both the 2005 and 2006 titles one day restituted to themselves.

They have never accepted their punishment and still list the two stripped titles on their official honours, even though the Italian League does not.

“We won 29 titles on the pitch and we know that,” added Agnelli. — AFP

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