15 August 2011

local

His mug on every news

Monday 15 august, 2011

PP423/01/2012(029578)

Asyraf still in the limelight after horrific London riots mugging

>> pg2 sports

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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini expecting newlypromoted Swansea to come at them with all guns blazing in tomorrow’s clash

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>> pg31

Security blanket extras PETALING JAYA

Tmn Kosas double murder

Victim here since 2005 Indonesian embassy: Suramlah Nidin stayed in Malaysia for past five years

>> pg3

Foreign flights may cost RM100 more in airport tax hike and ‘anti-terrorism’ fee

Blind at 16, bowling champ at 27 Avid sportsman Muhamad Suhaili Abdul Hamid did not lose sight of competitive lifestyle despite disability

INTERNATIONAL travellers may find themselves paying RM35 more for ‘security’ on top of the recently reported RM14 hike on airport tax.

Sources told The Malay Mail said the Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) may impose the RM35 fee to cover costs on maintenance and new equipment if it implements the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS).

The United States-designed electronic data interchange system can vet high-risk passengers, such as suspected terrorists, via their background and flight information.

It is understood the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has been pushing the government to

By ASRUL HADI ABDULLAH SANI asrul@mmail.com.my implement APIS so that Malaysian airports can conform to international standards in passenger processing.

According to sources, the IATA is, however, against the move to impose the RM35 fee as it believes the government should bear the costs as it involves security issues.

The sources also confirmed MAHB will hold a meeting with IATA in two weeks time.

Last Thursday, news reports surfaced over an impending increase in airport tax of RM14 for international flights in which passengers would

have to pay RM65 from RM51 at all MAHB-run 39 airports, excluding low cost carrier terminals (LCCTs).

LCCTs in Sepang and Kota Kinabalu International Airport will see an airport tax increase from RM25 to RM32 for international flights. The report added the move was part of MAHB’s exercise to cover operating costs and airport expansion.

The Malay Mail also reported last Friday that MAHB’s top management had decided to put off an increase in domestic airport tax after news of the international passenger service charge hike was reported in a local paper.

If implemented, international passengers are expected to pay a total of

RM100 for flights to countries requiring APIS, comprising RM65 for the new airport tax and RM35 for APIS. APIS compliant destinations are Antigua, Australia, Barbados, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Spain, the United Kingdom and the US. In April, Home Ministry deputy director-general Datuk Raja Azhar Raja Manap announced the government was considering implementing APIS and seeking the expertise of the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA).

• Continued on pg2

>> pg5

Bugs-in-bar shocker Family ate maggot, mite riddled chocolate

>> pg8

Sailing through

THIS ship is set for a journey to the great beyond as the Chinese community celebrated the Ghost Day last night as part of the Hungry Ghost month. The auspicious month to honour the ancestors is held between July 31 and Aug 28 this year. The all-important day to appease their spirits falls on the 15th day which was yesterday. — Pic: Samsul Said

>> Full story on pg5

2

news

Buka Puasa/Imsak Times

The risk of meeting with an accident using the public transport is seven times lower than driving one's vehicle and 48 times safer than riding a motorcycle — Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research KUALA LUMPUR

London still tops

IMSAK Ramadan 15, MAGHRIB 1432H (TODAY) (TOMORROW)

WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya

7:27pm

5:43am

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

7:27pm

7:29pm

Malaysian tourists not put off by riots, say travel agencies

5:43am

5:45am

65,800 ETS tickets available for Aidilfitri ABOUT 65,800 tickets for Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad's (KTMB) Electric Train Service (ETS) are still available for those wishing to balik kampung to celebrate Hari Raya between Aug 25 and Sept 6. Its president Dr Aminuddin Adnan said the tickets were for the Ipoh-Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh-Seremban, Kuala LumpurIpoh and Seremban-Ipoh routes.

For further information, contact 1-300-88-5862.

Negri Sembilan tourism promotion MORE than 30 tourism industry players are expected to participate in a programme in Putrajaya tomorrow to popularise Negri Sembilan as a tourism destination. Known as the Negri Sembilan Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions or MICE@Putrajaya, the event will be held at Melati Hall of the Putrajaya Corporation Complex in Presinct 3, said Negri Sembilan Tourism Malaysia director Hishamuddin Mustafa.

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The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

BRITAIN remains a popular tourist destination for Malaysians who are largely undeterred by the rioting in London and other cities in England last week, The Malay Mail found in a random survey of travel agencies here.

Instead, it is the number of bookings for travel to the US which appears to have dropped in comparison.

Corporate Information Travel Sdn Bhd agent May Leong, 32, said: "London is still our most popular des-

By CECILIA VICTOR cecilia@mmail.com.my

tination for Britain, despite the riots.

"Travellers do ask us about the safety in London and those who have already booked are proceeding with their trips there," she said.

"Many prefer to go to London during autumn which is from late September."

Leong's manager, Foo Sze Zhaun, said most Malaysians are undeterred by the London riots as they know the situa-

tion in England is returning to normal.

"Many are signing up for trips to Britain and other places at bargain prices during the Matta Fair Kuala Lumpur 2011," said Foo, referring to the fair at Putra World Trade Centre which ended yesterday.

"News is instantaneous nowadays and people are aware that the rioting in England is no longer a problem."

Amar Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd managing director

Media attention on Asyraf continues

● From page 1

Both Malaysia and the UK have signed a Memorandum of Un d e r s t a n d i n g on Immigration Cooperation this year.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Huss ein was reported to have said the government would look into implementing the APIS after the biometric registration exercise of legal foreign workers which is part of the government's '6P' amnesty programme that will end on Dec 31.

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

THE MALAY MAIL IS PUBLISHED BY Malay Mail Sdn Bhd, Lot 2A, Jalan 13/2, 46200, Petaling Jaya

rifying tale has garnered worldwide attention, with the news reported in London Evening Standard, The Daily Mail, The Guardian, Irish Times, The Huffington Post, NZ Herald, The Independent, Jakarta Globe, Denver Post, The Sacramento Bee and CTV in Canada, among others.

Muhamad Asyraf, a firstyear Kaplan Financial College student under a Mara scholarship, was cycling along Queen's Road in Barking at 7.30pm (London time) to a friend's house to buka puasa on Aug 8 when he was mugged

EDITORIAL

Hishammuddin had vowed to clamp down on transnational crime and agreed the government needed to do more to combat terrorism after Malaysia was placed on the watch list in the US State Department annual 'Trafficking in Person Report' released in June.

In the 9/11 Commission Report, it said al-Qaeda leaders had met in Kuala Lumpur to discuss potential attacks, and reportedly included the Sept 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington that killed nearly 3,000 people.

What is APIS?

GOING VIRAL: Muhamad Asyraf's ordeal has been reported in most major newspapers

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

company's tour packages to London the past week.

"Although some inquire about the latest situation in London, they are also confident the situation will be back to normal by the time they go there."

Among those who booked packages to London was 20-year-old Phoebe Lai who said: "I will be going there with a group of friends and we will be staying at a hostel in Birmingham city. We are not worried about the situation there."

MoU on cooperation

PETALING JAYA

THE attack and subsequent mugging of 20-year-old Malaysian student Muhamad Asyraf Haziq Rossli in London continues to garner the attention of foreign Press, with several media organisations expressing interest in The Malay Mail's coverage over the past week.

Following The Paper That Care's exclusive coverage on Muhamad Asyraf 's parents last Friday, where they had persuaded their son to return home, several British Press had featured or referred to our report in their coverage of the case.

Among those were The Telegraph, which contacted us last week requesting to quote our report in their print and online platforms.

Sky News in the UK had also requested the use of our exclusive photos for their online report as well as for their sister channel, Channel 5. The report was published on their website news.sky.com on Aug 11.

The request for our exclusive photos of Muhamad Asyraf, lying in his hospital bed, was first put forth by The Sun UK. Muhamad Asyraf 's hor-

Amardip Singh Pannu said: "We have sold many packages to London and other places in Britain and Europe as they remain popular with Malaysians and customers are spoilt for choice at the Matta Fair KL 2011."

The travel agents The Malay Mail spoke to said Britain was always more popular, compared with the US, mainly because of historical ties.

Tr a v e l a g e n t M .

Manivannan said more than 30 people signed up for his

by a group of youths.

He sustained a broken jaw and had several belongings stolen from his bag as the gang pretended to help him recover from the initial attack.

On Aug 10, The Malay Mail featured an interview with the accounting student as he lay in his hospital bed at the Royal London Hospital. During the interview, Muhamad Asyraf claimed he had passed out as he could not remember how his jaw was broken.

British Prime Minister David Cameron had condemned the incident as "disgusting".

ADVERTISING SALES Tel : 03-74951273 (Classifieds) / 03-74951262 (Display) Fax : 03-74951228 Email : ad@mmail.com.my

THE Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) is an Electronic Data Interchange System that captures a passenger's biographic data and flight details.

The information captured by the carrier will be electronically transmitted to immigration or border control agencies at the destination country before departure.

Data gathered include full name, gender, birth date, nationality, country of residence, travel document type, travel document reference number and final destination.

The APIS data can be used to stop passengers from boarding aircraft by immigration at the destination country. For example, if one is to travel to the US from Kuala

Lumpur but data gathered on the passenger is not cleared by the US, the US Immigration can stop the traveller from boarding the aircraft at the KL International Airport itself.

The data will also be used to identify high-risk passengers from incoming flights.

APIS was first used by commercial airlines and vessel operation in the US, and had been rectified by the International Air Transport Association, World Customs Organisation and the International Civil Aviation Organisation as the standard for passenger processing.

Since the 9/11 terror attacks, the US had implemented a pre-departure APIS to prevent terrorists from boarding international flights and vessels to or from the country.

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

The Malay Mail Monday 15 August, 2011

More than 1,500 express buses are ready for use and we will have 3,500 personnel on duty during the festive season -- Road Transport Department (RTD) director-general Datuk Solah Mat Hassan

KAJANG

3

AMPANG: Taman Kosas double murders

Suspected drug trafficker killed after standoff RESIDENTS of Impian Ehsan Flora flats in Balakong, who heard loud bangs in the wee hours of yesterday, thought children were celebrating Hari Raya early by playing firecrackers.

This notion was soon dispelled once them heard urgent yells by police officers instructing residents to turn off their lights and to stay away from the windows.

This was followed by more loud bangs, which residents now identified as gunshots.

The residents soon learnt police shot dead a suspected drug trafficker at a flat unit there.

It all began after police arrived at 1am on being tipped-off by a resident concerning suspect drug activities at the unit.

Police arrested four men and a woman, aged 22 to 47, after finding drugs at the flat. However, the suspect, 34, and another woman managed to lock themselves in a room at the unit while refusing to surrender, leading to a standoff that lasted more than three hours.

Kajang district police chief, ACP Abdul Rashid Abdul Wahab said police succeeded in persuading the woman to leave the room but the man refused to surrender.

"We arrested the sixth suspect (the woman) as soon as she exited the room. The final suspect would not comply and he fired seven shots at our team of eight officers who shot back," said Rashid.

The suspect was shot twice in the chest and died instantly.

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Police seized several packets of syabu, ganja and heroin weighing more than 200 grammes and worth about RM5,000, believed to be meant for distribution in Kajang.

Also found in the room were a Glock pistol and a 22mm revolver, several machetes, four laptops and identity cards belonging to several individuals. Police also seized a Mercedes-Benz and a Misubishi Evo. "We are investigating whether this gang is linked to other crime, besides drugdealing," said Rashid.

The body of the suspect was sent to Hospital Kajang for post-mortem.

The case is being investigated under Section 39(b) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, for trafficking in dangerous drugs. The sentence carries a mandatory death sentence upon conviction.

When The Malay Mail visited the scene, residents said this was the first such incident since the flats were occupied 11 years ago.

"We are shocked to learn drug traffickers were staying here and the gunshots were scary," said a resident who preferred anonymity.

"Before this, crimes committed here were the stealing of children's bicycles, slippers and even brassieres."

Several residents said the suspects kept to themselves and were out most of the day and only returned in the wee hours.

It's learnt that the suspect who was shot dead was only seen at the unit during the past two weeks.

Wedded in secrecy Victim married Philippines-born Sabahan during her stay here since 2005

THE Indonesian woman whose dismembered body was found along with her infant son at an abandoned unit on the fifth floor of the Chryssa Block, Astaria Apartments in Taman Kosas, earlier this month, had been staying in this country since 2005.

The Indonesian Embassy’s Information, Social and Cultural Affairs counsellor Suryana Sastradiredja, when met at his office yesterday, told The Malay Mail: "From our records, the victim, Suramlah Nidin came to our embassy here in 2005 to do her visa for three years. However, at the end of 2008, she was detained by the Immigration Department after her visa and work permit lapsed.”

During her first stint here, Suramlah worked as a kitchen hand and also as a maid.

“We believe during her first stint here, she secretly married a Philippines-born Sabahan without the knowledge of her family in Indonesia,” said Suryana.

Suramlah's family only became aware that she was married and back in Malaysia for a second time after she mailed them a photo of her and her son in late 2009.

“We are still checking on Suramlah's particulars. We believe her son was born in Malaysia,” said Suryana.

He added the embassy will wait for police investigations to be concluded and discuss with Suramlah's family on whether her and her son's remains will be buried in Indonesia or Malaysia. Suramlah was in her 30s.

By AIZAT SHARIF aizat@mmail.com.my

GRUESOME MURDERS: Suramlah (left) and her son

SURYANA: We believe the toddler was born in Malaysia — Pic: SAMSUL SAID

On Aug 3, 15 dismembered body parts of a woman and the intact remains of a boy were found stuffed in a total of five plastic bags at the apartment.

Police made the horrifying discovery after they were alerted by residents of stench

emanating from the unit.

The woman was decapitated and her head was not among the body parts found in four plastic bags hanging from sharp plaster ceiling splinters.

Also missing were her torso and right leg.

The child's intact body was

found in a plastic bag forced into a gaping hole in the plaster ceiling of the bathroom.

Based on the state of decomposition, police believe the bodies had been there for about a week.

Police investigations led to the arrest of eight Bangladeshis on Aug 6 and the recovery of a "tool" believed to be the murder weapon.

Seven suspects were detained at a rented apartment at Chryssa Block, several units from where the bodies were found, while another suspect was picked up at a hotel nearby.

The suspects, aged between 26 and 38, had been staying at the unit for between two weeks and a year and worked as cleaners and restaurant workers.

On Aug 7, the victim's husband, a 29-year-old Sabahan, was pick up by police at his house in Bandar Baru Ampang for further investigation. He was released after his statement was recorded and he “confirmed” the identity of the woman through a reconstruction of her face at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysian Medical Centre's mortuary in Cheras.

The Sabahan said he had been searching for his wife and child after their recent disappearance although he did not lodge a police report that they were missing. He also could not provide documentary evidence that the murder victims were his wife and son.

So far, more than 100 people have been interviewed by police.

KUALA LUMPUR: Skype Sex case

Woman obtains restraining order against husband

THE housewife who was allegedly forced to have sex with multiple men while her husband watched "live" on webcam via the Skype voice-and-video Internet service has obtained a restraining order against her husband from approaching her and their three children.

The woman, 38, told The Malay Mail the restraining order was issued by the Kuala Lumpur magistrate's court last Friday and valid until investigations on her husband were completed.

By THASHA JAYAMANOGARAN thasha@mmail.com.my

"I am relieved I'm temporarily protected by police and I don't have to fear my husband taking revenge on me," she said.

Last month, The Malay Mail front-paged the woman's "traumatic" relationship with her spouse who, over the past four years, forced her into trysts with men contacted online.

The woman, from Sabah, approached The Malay Mail

to help "rein in" her life. She claimed her husband told her their relationship "lacked excitement and sexual intimacy", and wanted her to spice up the marriage with sexual encounters with others.

Police also interviewed and recorded statements from The Malay Mail's editor-at-large Frankie D'Cruz and assistant news editor Pearl Lee, who both broke the story.

D'Cruz handed over a thumbdrive containing video clips of several sexual encounters by the woman to police. The victim gave D'Cruz the clips to facilitate the newspaper's checks into her allegations.

Police also picked up the woman's husband, a bank telemarketer in his 40s, from his office in Cyberjaya for his statement.

Police took his fingerprints and other personal details and is also checking his mobile phone usage to track mes-

sages, calls and other recordings made. He was released the same day on police bail.

The Bukit Aman police forensic team are currently examining the video recordings before submitting the evidence to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP).

The woman, married at 25, was forced by her husband to have sex with foreigners, aged 27 to 48, in hotels and at a condominium since 2007.

Her report is being investigated under Section 377D of

the Penal Code for outrages on decency, which states: "Any person who, in public or private, commits, or abets the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any person of, any act of gross indecency with another person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years."

The woman has also been keeping up with her therapy sessions conducted by police's in-house counsellor.

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About 20 products will be listed under the Aidilfitri festive season price control scheme to deter price hikes — Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Deputy Minister Datuk Rohani Karim

PETALING JAYA

PETALING JAYA

Still mulling over salaries MTUC says talks on minimum wage dragging, 'time running short'

THE Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) reiterated yesterday that the minimum monthly wage of workers should be RM900.

Its secretary-general Abdul Halim Mansor said wages must remain competitive to ensure workers' protection and welfare.

“Our poverty line is RM720 and we believe RM900 is realistic and ideal for 2012 and 2013,” he told The Malay Mail.

Abdul Halim said discussions on minimum wages with the government have not been forthcoming.

“This matter is taking too long and we are afraid time is

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

running short,” he said.

The Malayan Agriculture Producers Association (Mapa) recently agreed to a minimum wage of RM650 per month with additional remuneration of RM200.

Abdul Halim said Mapa’s move was in the right spirit towards a single national minimum wage policy.

“Mapa’s rate is still too low but it is a positive step towards realisation of a minimum monthly wage of RM900.”

Howe ver, C ongress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services presi-

dent Datuk Omar Osman said each industry must decide its own minimum wage based on market forces and current costs.

“We hope Mapa will encourage other associations to take their own initiatives in setting the minimum wage as we do not believe in a single minimum wage policy.”

Omar said the setting of a minimum wage holds no meaning if it was imple­ mented.

“We still have security guards earning RM400 when the government set RM700 as

'Good idea' to have automatic voter registration SUBRAMANIaM: Cannot arrive at a definite figure just yet

the minimum wage for guards earlier this year.”

Previously, MTUC president Mohd Khalid Atan said it proposed RM900 as the minimum wage 11 years ago.

Mohd Khalid had also said the government must allow Cost of Living Allowance payment of RM300 that is being provided to civil servants.

Human Resource Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam told The Malay Mail they were still non-committal over a minimum wage figure.

“We have not set any benchmark on minimum wage.

However, I am confident an agreement will be reached by year-end.”

KUALA LUMPUR

Kampung Baru's 'bubur lambuk' still a hit

EVERY evening since the start of Ramadan, long queues can be seen at a bubur lambuk stall in Kampung Baru and the customers include nonMalays.

"I have been selling this savoury porridge for some years and it's gratifying that my customers are not just Malays," said Sarimah Ishak who opens the stall after Asar prayers at about 5pm.

"The bubur lambuk is based on my grandmother's traditional recipe and has 18 ingredients, including spices and meat like chicken and beef.

By CECILIA VICTOR cecilia@mmail.com.my

"I charge RM2 per packet and on good days, I can sell a few hundred packets."

"It's a lot of hard work preparing this dish but it's nice to see that all Malaysians love it."

One of her ardent customers was 32-year-old Allan Ng who said: "Sarimah cooks the porridge with very little preservatives and boils it just right.

"This meal is healthy and it's too bad that it's only available once a year."

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

TASTY: Cauldrons of Kampung Baru's 'bubur lambok' are also served at the mosque — Pic: Sharul Hafiz Zam

BOTH the Election Commission (EC) and Bersih, the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections, described automatic voter registration as "a good idea".

The commission's deputy chairman Datuk Wira Wan Ahmad Wan Omar, however, cautioned that several issues need to be resolved first before automatic registration of voters can take place.

He was commenting on a suggestion by Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah on Saturday that Malaysians who reached 21 years of age should automatically be registered as voters. Saifuddin was also in favour of reducing the voting age to 18.

Bersih 2.0 chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, who is overseas, in a text message to The Malay Mail said: "These (automatic voter registration and reducing voting age to 18) are in fact two of our long-term demands and we fully support them. These changes must be examined so as to bring us in line with changes that are taking place in other countries, including our neighbours."

Meanwhile, Tan Sri Simon Sipaun said he agreed with Saifuddin’s suggestions.

"I do not understand why the government should be against or reluctant to introduce automatic voter registration if it is sincere in the promotion and practice of genuine democracy.

The government cannot continue to avoid the issue because of globalisation, the rising literacy standard of Malaysians and easier access to modern means of communication such as the Internet," the former Human Rights Commissioner of Malaysia (Suhakam) said,

By Marhalim Abas mabas@mmail.com.my

adding the suggestions were in line with Bersih's call for free and fair election.

Wan Ahmad explained that automatic voter registration cannot be implemented because most Malaysians do not update their addresses with the National Registration Department (NRD) which issues the MyKad. The EC uses the NRD database for voter registration.

"Most Malaysians do not update their addresses even when they have moved to another state, let alone houses.

For example, a student from Kelantan who goes to Kuala Lumpur to further his studies or work needs to update his residential address on his MyKad. Under the law, if one moves, he or she needs to notify the NRD of the address change within 90 days but most Malaysians ignore this.

"If voters are automatically registered, that student from Kelantan will be registered at his kampung although he may be staying in KL. During elections, the person might not be inclined to vote as he is living away from his constituency."

Wan Ahmad said the current voluntary voter registration was probably the best practice.

"People volunteer to register to vote. If they do not want to register, it is their right. If they register but do not vote because they think the candidates or parties in the elections are not worthy, it is also their right."

He said voluntary registration also meant government agencies cannot surreptitiously change the data of private citizens.

PETALING JAYA

Selangor MB urged to release Jais report on church raid POLITICIANS and bloggers are calling on Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to reveal the Selangor Religious Affairs Department (Jais) report on its raid on the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC) earlier this month.

They said the Menteri Besar (MB) can end the speculation about the raid by releasing the report even in its preliminary stage.

Kulim MP Zulkifli Nordin said by sitting on the report stating that it would be released once it was finalised, was adding to the conspiracy theories.

"The MB should not wait for demands to release the report.

We are told Selangor has the Freedom of Information Act but in this case, the MB tells us that he wants to wait for the report to be finalised first.

Not telling us what happened

at the church will cause the public to speculate endlessly."

Blogger Datuk Ahirudin Attan, in a posting on his Rocky's Bru site, stated that since the raid or visit to DUMC had happened more than a week ago, the silence on the MB's part was puzzling.

"But people aren't dumb.

The longer the MB waits, the more people will speculate," said Ahiruddin.

Pasir Mas MP D atu k

Ibrahim Ali wanted to know why the MB had not even said anything on whether or not Jais had the right to conduct the raid under the law.

"The MB must decide whether he is the chief administrator of the State or not. On his part, he does not need to wait for the report. As a matter of fact, the MB should be able to tell the public whether Jais had done the right thing or not, based on the law."

Ibrahim described the MB's silence as playing politics so as to appease the other political parties in the Pakatan Rakyat (PR)-led Selangor government, namely, the DAP. PAS, the other party in the PR coalition, had stated it wanted Jais to punish those found proselytising Muslims.

Senator Mohd Ezam Mohd Noor also agreed the report must be made public even if it was only a preliminary one.

Meanwhile, the Selangor Menteri Besar's office has stated its stand that it will not be rushed into making any statements on the DUMC raid.

Faekah Hussin, the political secretary to the MB, in a text message to The Malay Mail, said Abdul Khalid "will only issue a statement after receiving a complete report from Jais and views of the State's legal advisors".

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

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'Bunga Mas 6' auxillary vessel will continue duties of 'Bunga Mas 5', looking after the safety of Malaysia's merchant ships near the Gulf of Aden — Royal Malaysian Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar

KUALA LUMPUR

Blind at 16, champ at 27

Despite losing his sight at 16, Muhamad Suhaili is on a roll MUHAMAD Suhaili Abdul Hamid lost his sight to an accident 14 years ago. This did not deter him from excelling in sports for the physically handicapped, first in 100m sprint and then in blind ten-pin bowling.

"I was 16 at the time and had crashed my motorcycle into a lorry, suffering concussion which caused my vision to be blurred permanently," said the 30-yeae-old who now works as a masseur at a Tesco outlet in Cheras.

"Two years later, I competed in the 100m sprint at the Bangkok Asian Para Games 1998 and won a bronze medal."

In 1999, he took up bowling and began competing in annual bowling tournaments organised by the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB).

“At first, I simply bowled based on blurred markings which I could see on the ground. But with guidance

By VIJHAY VICK vijhayvick@mmail.com.my

from a coach, I soon picked up the skill and found I was good at it," he said.

"Taking part in bowling tournaments has allowed me to travel around the world and do our country proud.

Wearing the colours of our Jalur Gemilang on the winners' podium never fails to thrill me."

Indeed, Suhaili won the allevents gold at the International Blind Sports Association's (IBSA) Tenpin B owling World Championships 2007 in Australia and last year took home the bronze in the bowling event at the inaugural Asian Para Games 2010 in Guangzhou, China.

"I am now practising hard in the hope of being chosen again for the IBSA Tenpin B ow ling World Championships 2011 here at Sunway Pyramid from Oct 7 to 16."

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How they do it

BLIND keglers can play at any bowling centre, the same as sighted bowlers, except that most B1 category players need sighted guidance or use a guide rail to help them in their ball deliveries.

1. Sighted guidance Bowlers are aligned on the approach by a guide before their deliveries. The bowlers would normally be aligned on a spot from which they wish to execute their deliveries.

2. Guide rails The rails used are made of either wood or light-weight metal. It is held in place on the bowling approach by the weight of bowling balls.

A bowler who needs the assistance of a guide rail usu-

ally slides one hand along its smooth surface while delivering the ball with the other hand. The rail is positioned to run straight along the first board outside the width of the lane.

A sighted assistant is usually needed to tell a blind bowler which pins have been knocked down or how the remaining pins were missed.

These assistants identify the pins either knocked down or left standing by calling the numbered locations of the pins and this information tells a blind bowler where to roll the next ball or how to modify the delivery of the ball for the next time to bowl.

Classifications of bowlers

B1 — Totally blind. No perceptions or light nor ability to recognise the shape of hand at any distance.

B3 — A visual acuity of above 2/60 up to 6/60 and/or visual field of between five degrees and 20 degrees.

B2 — Able to recognise shape of a hand up to a visual acuity of 2/60 and/or visual field less than five degrees.

Note: B1 bowlers must use occlusion glasses at all times during competition to ensure a state of equity.

COURAGE: Muhammad Suhaili throws a bowling ball during training

Blind bowlers like 'father and son' THEY first met in 2003 as co-workers at a blind massage parlour in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, where Raja Ramli Raja Chik was a customer service representative and Azri Pinang was a masseur.

'GHOSTLY PARADE': Devotees parading a towering effigy

In the eight years since, their common interest in blind bowling has resulted in Raja Ramli treating Azri like his own son.

"Ramli encouraged me to take up bowling competitively. He would take me

for bowling practices and I'm grateful to him," said Azri, 30, who now works at another massage parlour in Shah Alam.

"My other passion is to play futsal and I represented Malaysia at a Para-Asian

Zone futsal tournament in Japan in 2009."

Raja Ramli said: "We get along so well that I consider Azri my own son who very much wants to represent Malaysia at blind ten-pin bowling too."

IN ACTION: Azri takes to the bowling lane with gusto in practice

KUALA LUMPUR

Appeasing ancestral spirits

THOUSANDS of Malaysian Chinese made their way to temples in prayer to appease the spirits of ancestors and others during the Ghost Day festival yesterday.

T he d e vote e s bu r ne d incense and offered paper gold, silver and money also to seek protection for themselves and their families.

Wei Ling Temple chairman Lai Kam Hooi said many continue to honour age-old traditions practised for generations. This year, the Hungry Ghost month is from July 31

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

to Aug 28, while Ghost Day is Aug 14.

"We expected about 1,200 people to come to our temple in Kepong here," he told The Malay Mail, before the event.

"A similar burning ceremony will take place here tomorrow (Monday) but for that we expect 200 to 300 devotees."

Lai said the rituals are conducted by the temple priest

every hour from 7pm to 11pm and joss sticks will also be lined up by the roadside.

"There will be a ceremony every hour, during which the offered items will be taken to a special burning area," he said.

Apart from paper, gold, silver and money, are dry groceries such as rice, noodles, biscuits and canned food, as well as chicken, duck and fish are also offered.

The seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar is known as the Hungry Ghost

month, while the 15th day in that month is referred to as Ghost Day, during which ghosts and spirits, including those of deceased ancestors, are said to come out from the lower realm to visit the living and to receive food and drinks.

On Ghost Day, it is believed the realms of Heaven and Hell and the realm of the living are opened, during which both Taoists and Buddhists perform these rituals to appease spirits and absolve their suffering.

6

news

The Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) is a success story as 114,000 families have benefitted from the scheme — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR

Staying put ... for now

Royal Selangor Flying Club to continue taking to the air at Sungai Besi Airport THE Royal Selangor Flying Club will continue to fly from the Sungai Besi Airport even after the control tower at the airport stops operating from Dec 1.

Its president Major (Rtd) Abdul Razak Hashim told The Malay Mail the club was in the process of getting clearance from the relevant authorities. He said they intend to operate from Sungai Besi until its new premises, expected to be at the Subang airport, was completed.

Another club of f icial, who declined to be named, told The Malay Mail they had written an appeal to

By Marhalim Abas mabas@mmail.com.my

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to continue operations from their current location.

"1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) which will develop the airport into Bandar Malaysia has no objections for us to continue using the airport as our base, pending the completion of our new operating base," he said in a telephone interview.

L a s t Tu e s d a y, R o y a l Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief Tan Sri Rodzali Daud

told reporters the airport will be closed to fixed-wing aircraft from Dec 1.

Control of the airspace at the airport will revert to the KL International Airport's (KLIA) air traffic control.

RMAF, the operator of the Sungai Besi airport, is expected not to move out from the air base until 1MDB had firmed up plans for the air force's replacement air base in Sendayan, Negri Sembilan.

Relocation can only take place in stages next year.

The club official also said even without the control tower, the club's fixed wing planes, used mainly for train-

BLAST FROM THE PAST: RMAF planes that used to be in service on display at Sungai Besi Aiport’s RMAF museum — Pic: Samsul Said

ing and leisure flights, will be able to land and take-off using radios to alert other aircraft in the vicinity.

Landing will be from the southern approach as the northern approach is expected to be closed to all air traffic with the start of the tower construction at the Kuala Lumpur Financial District located next to Jalan Tun Razak, which is also being developed by 1MDB. Asked how long the club will continue to operate from Sungai Besi, the club official said they do not have a deadline.

The club, he said, was still

continuing negotiations with 1MDB to find a suitable site at Subang for their new club house.

The club official said the developer of Bandar Malaysia has identified several sites in Subang as a replacement for their facility in Sungai Besi but the club has yet to agree to them.

The club has been at the Sungai Besi airport since 1933, while the British military moved into the location prior to the start of World War II. Following independence, RMAF took over the airfield.

On April 7 last year, The

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

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

Sungai Besi Airport was the country's first international airport. The 162-hectare airport, also known as Simpang, served as the main air link from 1952 to 1965, before Subang Airport was opened.

news

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Taxi Drivers Welfare Association appealed to the government and Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to look into their plight â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Chairman M. Manickam

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

PARIS

Still safe haven US bond remains best choice for investors despite S&P downgrade

THE U.S. Treasury bond remains a hot ticket for investors looking for a low risk investment in a volatile market despite the unprecedented downgrade of Washington's credit rating, analysts say.

The decision by Standard & Poor's to strip Washington of its top triple-A rating has done little to diminish investors' appetite for US Treasuries, which along with gold, the Swiss franc and the yen are considered among the safest of assets.

At first it may seem somewhat paradoxical, but with investors concerned about a slowdown in the global economy, they are piling into US bonds which are also attractive because of the dollar's reserve currency status.

Last Monday, the first trading day after the the S&P downgrade, US bond prices rose to record levels on strong demand in a fresh issue, with the rate of return for investors dropping from before the US lost its top rating.

On the secondary market the yield on 10-year securities dropped on Wednesday to 2.09 percent, the lowest rate since December 2008 and down

from 2.56 per cent on Friday, before the S&P announcement.

"We do not regard the Standard & Poor's downgrade as an immediate threat to Treasuries keeping their safe-harbour status," market analysts Briefing Research said.

"Treasuries are still the gold standard, so much so that as the US veered toward a default (during negotiations to raise its debt ceiling) Treasuries rallied on a flight-to-safety ... as if they were being rewarded for a crime", the group said.

The gyrations on global stock exchanges this past week have only increased their attraction.

"The US Treasury market will remain by far the largest and most liquid in the world, with no equal, and a relative safe haven in times of global financial stress - as demonstrated in last week's global financial turmoil and 'wholesale flight to safety and quality'," said Nigel Gault from market forecasters IHS Global Insight.

Few assets can claim this role: among them are gold, which has surged and set a new record above US$1,800 an ounce, and

certain currencies including the Swiss franc and the yen which have also been riding high.

A rush of safe-haven money into the franc led to fresh records against the dollar and the euro, forcing the Swiss National Bank to take additional measures to stem its rise which is hurting the country's industry.

The Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates at close to zero levels for two years also reassured markets, said Aurel BGC. Analysts said meanwhile that China, the world's largest foreign holder of US debt, has no choice but to maintain its Treasury holdings, with Beijing's hands tied for several reasons in the short run.

China has the world's largest foreign exchange reserves at more than US$3 trillion, and experts believe it would be difficult for it to find alternative investment options able to absorb such volume.

With around US$1.2 trillion in US Treasuries, Beijing also cannot conduct large-scale selling of dollar assets without diminishing the value of its remaining holdings,

they said.

"It is very difficult to cut the holdings of US Treasuries. With such huge foreign exchange reserves, if you don't invest in US debt, it is hardly possible to diversify them," said Liu Hongke, economist at CCB International Securities.

"Despite the downgrade (in the US credit rating), the United States is still safer than Europe," Liu added.

The European Central Bank stepped in to buy Italian and Spanish debt as investors had driven their bond yields to unsustainable levels on concerns that they might be next eurozone members to become ensnared in a debt crisis.

"Unlike a spurned romantic partner, many investors have nowhere to turn for notionally low risk, highly liquid investment options," said Nicholas Colas from ConvergEx. "If you need to park large amounts of capital, the US sovereign debt market is still the only garage that can accommodate the tractor-trailers of cash generated by large oil producing countries or major exporting nations," he added.

7

SYDNEY

World Bank: Economic leadership at crux of turmoil

WORLD BANK chief Robert Zoellick yesterday said investors had lost confidence in the economic leadership of several key countries, warning global markets were in a "new danger zone" as a result.

Zoellick said a convergence of events in the United States and Europe had rattled investors in countries already struggling to cap sovereign debt issues and unemployment.

"And what we've seen is that confidence is a fragile element of how the market economy works," the World Bank Group president told an Asia Society dinner here.

"And I think that those events combined with some of the other fragilities... have pushed us into a new danger zone. And I don't say those words lightly."

Zoellick said he was making the point, not so people would run out of the room to call their brokers, but so that policy-makers would take it

seriously.

He said the United States had contributed to the drop in confidence in the markets following the bitter debate in Congress to ensure that the country did not end up with a disastrous debt default.

"It's not that the United States faces an imminent problem," he said.

"Frankly, markets are used to the United States playing a leading role in the economic system and leadership and so when they saw the 'Sturm und Drang' in Congress and with the executive, it made them uncertain about, well does the United States really know where it's going? And is it going to get there?"

The problems were more serious in the eurozone, he said, where the processes for dealing with sovereign debt and some competitiveness shortfalls had lagged.

"We're kind of moving from drama to trauma for a lot of the Eurozone countries," he said. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AFP

Zoellick: Hopes policy-makers will take his comments seriously

KUALA LUMPUR

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t invest everything on gold, say economists DON'T put all your eggs in one basket and spend your money wisely, say economists when commenting on whether money should be used to buy gold for investment as prices have been escalating recently.

The price of gold has skyrocketed to RM190 per gramme from RM142 per gramme about a year ago.

Following the drop in the US dollar, consumers are displaying greater confidence in gold which is considered the best investment in view of the US debt crisis.

However, economists say despite its rising cost, gold remains an investment liability.

Rating Agency Malaysia Berhad (RAM) group chief

By ANDREW SAGAYAM andrew@mmail.com.my

economist Dr Yeah Kim Leng said the price of gold is rising because of falling US currency, and it is only natural that people turn to gold as a "safe haven" in such a scenario.

"In times of trouble, gold is always seen as a refuge for investors. It is only natural that people would seek gold and buy it as a substitute for the falling US dollar. While the price of gold may rise further, it is expected to dive when the dollar begins to picks up."

Yeah said the increase in gold prices is due to uncertainty in the market and should not be viewed as a continuous or permanent

DIVERSIFY: Both Yeah (left) and Navaratnam urged investors not to depend solely on gold

situation.

"It is better for people to buy oil and gas stocks or assets instead of gold," he said.

Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB) chief economist Azrul Azwa Ahmad Tajudin also

warned what goes up must come down.

"In times like this, investors will buy gold when currencies are down as a means to 'shield' themselves.

"It is common for gold

prices to go up during times of an economic slowdown but it is really advisable to invest your money in stocks such as in oil and gas, and food and properties. This is because the market for gold is not fixed and therefore once the currency issue is resolved, we are bound to see a drop in gold prices later on."

Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI) director and National Economic Action Council's (NEAC) globalisation committee member Tan Sri Dr Ramon Navaratnam advised potential investors to look to properties instead of gold as it would not give longterm financial returns.

"Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify and look to other assets when looking

to invest, such as properties, food or oil and gas. If you only purchase gold, that would be risky."

Ramon said this pertains to all forms of gold, be it Australian nuggets, Emas Kijang, Dinar of even the Canadian Maple Leaf.

"Gold is gold, it does not matter which kind or type, it still gold," he said.

In the US, gold prices pushed to new heights last Tuesday as investors digested the possible consequences of the lowered US credit rating and Europe's debt crisis on a slowing global economy.

The metal's price has more than doubled since the recession began in late 2007, and its climb accelerated this summer.

8

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

hotline@mmail.com.my

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

your right to be heard ● ● ● ●

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

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

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

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

By T.K. LETCHUMY TAMBOO and IKRAM ISMAIL

Maggots in chocs Hypermarket apologises and offers compensation

BEING a busy banker, spending quality time with his family is, more often than not, a rare occasion for HARJEET SINGH. The 40-year-old from Segambut tries his best to utilise whatever free time he has to be with his family.

However, a shopping trip to Tesco Selayang with his family turned out to be a day he will not forget, for all the wrong reasons.

"On Aug 6, we went to Tesco to shop for our groceries. Besides getting our provisions, we bought three bars of hazelnut chocolate displayed at their stock clearance shelf.

"I checked the expiry date and saw that it was Aug 18, 2011. So, I bought the chocolates."

The next morning, they ate one of the chocolate bars on their way to a temple for prayers.

"My eight-year-old daughter, Manpreet, ate the chocolate bar and fed me some while I was driving," says HARJEET. When they returned home, his 10-year-old son, Jasjeet, also wanted some chocolate.

"I got the shock of my life when my son peeled off the chocolate wrapper and tiny particles of chocolate fell onto his thighs along with white maggots," says HARJEET. "Some small black bugs

The maggots from one of the chocolate bars which the hypermarket says is the result of cross-contamination from a cereal and rice stock

HARJEET: Given vouchers for medical check-up — Pix: KHAIRULL AZRY BIDIN

that looked like rice weevils started crawling out of the chocolate bar."

HARJEET says he put the chocolate bar into in a transparent container and immediately took it to Tesco Selayang.

"At Tesco, I met the managers on duty. They examined the chocolate and apologised profusely," he says.

HARJEET says the managers kept the chocolate and said they needed a week to investigate.

"As my daughter and I had had eaten the chocolates, they gave us two vouchers for a medical check-up.

"The doctor gave us some medicine and told us to return if we experienced stomach pain or fever." ● A SPOKESMAN for Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd apologises for the incident.

"We place the highest

priority on product quality and safety at all our stores and, as such, we are undertaking an investigation to find out why the product has turned bad before its expiry date.

"We have contacted HARJEET and will update him accordingly."

When contacted, HARJEET confirmed that Tesco has contacted him.

"They told me their investigations found the bar of chocolate had maggots and black bugs in it because of cross-contamination from a cereal and rice stock.

"They said the chocolate

bars and cereal and rice were placed side by side and they have recalled and removed the chocolates on the clearance stock display and cleaned up the area.

"I was also offered a compensation out of their goodwill and I've accepted it."

Current account closed A CUSTOMER of CIMB Bank for the past five years, CHAI CHOR YEW never thought his bank account would be terminated without his knowledge.

CHAI, of Taman Melawati, says he opened a current account with the Pandan Jaya branch for his trading company two years ago.

"On June 10, I banked in a personal cheque for RM5,000 into the account but the cheque was returned to me."

As a result, he says, there

were insufficient funds for three cheques issued by his company on June 16. The current account was then blacklisted pending closure.

"On July 5, I tried to appeal with the bank manager but the appeal was rejected and the account was closed."

CHAI says the bank later sent a letter and a statement stating he has to pay the courier cost, cheque return charges and other costs.

"When I confronted the branch manager on July 29 about the let-

ter, I was given an explanation which I felt was unreasonable." ● A SPOKESMAN for CIMB Bank Bhd says: "Our service provider reviewed the details of the cheque within our standard guidelines and made the decision to return the cheque accordingly.

"Based on the good relationship we had with him, our branch's staff at Pandan Jaya had contacted him to come to the

branch and top-up the amount in his current account. Unfortunately, he did not do so.

"Abiding by the rules and regulation of Cheque Truncation and Conversion System (CTCS) and standard bank procedures, the current account was closed and all necessary charges were applied.

"We would like to advise our current account customers to maintain sufficient funds in their account at all times, be-

fore issuing any cheques. Customers should always ensure the cheques deposited earlier in their account are good for payment. This is important prior to issuing a new cheque from their account to avoid any incidence of the issued cheque being returned due to insufficient funds."

When contacted CHAI says he is not satisfied and would go back to the branch to seek further explanation.

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

9

1. City Hall is continuously cutting council's anti-littering campaign. down dead trees and replanting 3. The Selayang Municipal Council TAKE NOTE new ones as a measure of public has set up drive-through counters for safety and well-being of the city. the public to pay their assessment fees and renew 2. Litterbugs in Petaling Jaya will get a 50 per cent their planning and trading licences. The counters, discount if they pay on-the-spot upon being sumlocated in front of the Selayang Municipal Council, moned by the city council. The effort is part of the are open from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Signboard up again Ampang Jaya Municipal Council keeps promise BEFORE

ACTION speaks louder than words. The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) has proved it is serious about solving public complaints.

When Hotline featured complaints about a fallen street sign in Bandar Baru Ampang on Aug 3, the council said the signboard had been removed and a contractor hired to replace it by the following week.

A checks last week showed the signboard is back up again.

Earlier, residents of Ampang who said the signboard had been left by the roadside for two weeks expressed surprise the authorities had not done any-

thing about it.

They said the signboard should have been replaced immediately or taken away.

The residents said those not familiar with the area would have a problem looking for their destination.

Besides, the signboard lying by the side of the road was an eyesore.

Resident GARY LEE is happy the council has put the signboard up again.

"Bandar Baru Ampang has been declared by the council as a zon bersih (clean zone). Leaving the signboard unattended would have gone against the 'clean zone' spirit. The council should be congratulated for its swift action."

AFTER

an unspecified reason," he says.

"When the train arrived, there was no air-conditioning and I felt like I was in a sauna room. I could see others were also sweating during the 40-minute journey."

He wonders if KTM carries out regular electrical and mechanical inspections on the trains, including their air-conditioning, "and also the fences along the railway track".

"It should endeavour to make sure trains are punctual and comfortable for everyone, " says HARI. ● KERETAPI Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) corporate communications executive Siti Badariah Wan Hanafi apologises to passengers for their uncomfortable rides.

'Dead' phone line replaced (Aug 12) ● TM holds the monopoly for residential land lines.

So, if you are not satisfied with their service, cut the line and opt for mobile providers, where you have choices. — Anonymous River of trash (Aug 11) ● THIS is a waste of public funds again. Note the quotes by Razali Awang ("I tell them to stop polluting our area further but they just ignore me") and Hamzah Ali ("Some of the villagers are equally at fault because they also throw rubbish into the river").

The people throwing the rubbish should be punished by doing community service, such as cleaning up rubbish in public areas. If they do not turn up for the community punishment, they should be fined RM2,000. Their pictures should also be placed on the community notice boards to shame them. — Anonymous Name error on Election Commission website (Aug 11) ● I WONDER how many more people will find such mistakes in the EC's database. EC has quite a lot of incompetent staff who can't even enter the data properly. This will cause much inconvenience to the voters during the elections. The EC needs three weeks to change Tock's name in its database. This goes to show how efficient government staff and agencies are in performing their duties. The EC chairman must reprimand his staff for their negligence and incompetency. — Shaktiman Billed for 'ignored' text messages (Aug 10) ● TELCOS will not leak mobile numbers, names or other personal particulars. It only usually happens when we willingly sign up for unknown promotions at malls and roadshows. The information is made available to other parties. But when an individual signs up for a mobile line, there is a confidentiality clause stating no information can be leaked out.

You can test this out by contacting the hotline of any telco and request information about a third party. It will not be leaked. It is unfair to accuse a telco of leaking information. — Anonymous

WELCOME SIGN: The signboard lying by the roadside and back where it belongs. — Pix: Sharul Hafiz Zam

Rail problems being looked into, says KTMB UNIVERSITY student HARI KUMAR, a regular user of the KTM commuter service since 2009, travels from Bangi to Kuala Lumpur on weekends.

"There has been a series of problems with the commuter service for the past few weekends," he says.

"The service has not only encountered electrical problems; there was also an occasion when a train struck a cow.

"These problems have caused delays and inconvenience for the commuters."

In the latest incident on Aug 6, HARI says he took the last train from KL Sentral, which was scheduled to arrive in Bangi at 10.27pm.

"We had to wait more than an hour for the train because it was delayed for

Online comments www.mmail.com.my

"Our fleet and maintenance department carries out regular checks on our Komuter trains," she says.

"We are also fully aware of the public grouses on punctuality, frequent service disruptions and inadequate capacities.

"Our primary problem is the inadequate number of operating train sets. For now, the minimum number of train sets required to operate at 15- and 30-minute intervals is 32 sets.

"The KTMB Komuter service is still facing an inadequate number of operating electric multiple unit (EMU) train sets. Sometimes, the number of trains available for daily operations may drop below the required numbers due to scheduled maintenance

and repairs.

"To resolve this situation, we have placed an order for 38 new six-car sets, the first of which will arrive in early September and begin operation by early 2012.

"With the additional 38 new six-car sets, we aim to improve our intervals from 30 minutes down to 10 minutes."

Siti Badariah says KTMB has to delicately juggle between major maintenance and meeting customer demands.

"Both are equally important to us, and we are trying our level best to keep up and meet the deadlines and expectations."

When contacted, HARI accepts the explanation and hopes KTMB will kept its promise and improve its services.

RM9,000 GPRS charges explained (Aug 9) ● ALWAYS read the terms and regulations carefully.

If you don't understand, call the customer service.

Better still, just use the basic cellphone and torchlight.

No GPRS, no 3G, no headache. — Anonymous Astro says price hike inevitable (Aug 5) ● I'VE cancelled my subscription two months ago. I was hard adjusting for the first couple of weeks, but after that, life went on as normal. — Grim_Reaper ● AS far as I'm concerned, MCMC is a toothless entity. They can't even regulate cellphone unsolicited and scam SMSes effectively, and now Astro is charging more despite government warning. Where are you, MCMC? — Anonymous Connected once more (Aug 2) ● THIS is just bad customer service on TM's side.

How can they close a complaint when it has not been resolved yet? Why do Malaysians give in to bad customer service over and over again? We should start boycotting companies, restaurants, shopping outlets, etc; which offer bad service. After all, we are paying them not only for their goods but also services. We pay service charge and if the service is bad, why should we pay? — Jojo ● TM said they will investigate and get back to the complainant. Come on, how many times have we all heard this line? Complaints are filed because there is a problem, not because someone is so free to simply file a complaint. So how can TM say the case is closed? Is someone sleeping on the job here? — Anonymous

10

letters&opinions

● Mail: Letters To The Editor, Malay Mail Sdn Bhd, Lot 2A,

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

Jalan 13/2, 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

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

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

PJ: Animal abuse and welfare

THE Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) calls on the Department of Veterinary Services of Malaysia and Department of Wildlife and National Parks to end the slaughtering of frogs in the markets of Penang.

SAM has expressed concern many times over this skinning of live frogs, which has gone unchecked for years. To date, no action has been taken to ban this trade in live frogs.

SAM is appalled by the cruelty when live frogs are skinned and cut up alive.

Skinning is one of the most cruel acts that can happen to any animal. The little creatures struggle in agony as their skins are literally ripped off from their flesh. While the skinning is over in a few seconds, the creatures remain alive and fully conscious, squirming in pain.

Many people eat frog flesh because of a belief that

Stop the slaughter it will cleanse their body system. Frog legs are also served by restaurants as delicacies.

Huge quantities of these frogs are collected to fill the plates of gourmets. The two species of frogs mostly in demand as food are the Fejervarya cancrivora (formerly called Rana cancrivora) known by its local name of Crab-eating Frog and the Limnonectes blythii (ambiguously called “giant frog”).

The former is found in a range of habitats, including coastal plains, marshes, mangroves and in padi fields near the coast, while the latter is found in primary and secondary forest, streams and river banks.

The uncontrolled collection of these two species has led to drastic depletion of their populations. Not only that, these creatures also face destruction by forest clearance.

PJ: Malaysia Airlines' AirAsia share swap (Aug 9)

Smart partnership

THE timely share swap between MAS, a full service carrier, and AirAsia, a low-cost carrier, is historic in the annals of Malaysian aviation.

As a single giant, they will no doubt create waves and become a world super aviation power-house.

Not to mention, the man behind it all will be Malaysia's own aviation icon, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.

Many CEOs in MAS have come and gone, and many efforts have been made to revive the airline.

Some are good ones while others not so much.

I feel Fernandes should be given a chance to turn around the company. After all, he has been in this industry from the very beginning of AirAsia and his knowledge and expertise will go a long way to help MAS back on its feet.

Do not regard this merger as a share swap but regard it as more of an expertise swap.

Fernandes, in his quest to do his work effectively, must not face interference from any quarters.

He must be given the full reign to do his job independently. He should know all that is necessary to turn around MAS. History has proven that he is not only analytical but also a marketing genius.

Wasn't he the one who, in just one year after taking over AirAsia from the heavily-indebted subsidiary of a government's conglomerate, had broken even and cleared all its debts?

He will surely and certainly be able to aid MAS so that taxpayers' money will not be lost and wasted as in the past.

The executive board of MAS, including the new in-coming CEO, must give Fernandes their full support.

There are no two ways about it.

Anandh

IN TROUBLE: Many people eat frog flesh because they believe it will cleanse their body system — Pic: http://frogsaregreen.com

The Limnonectes blythii is listed as near threatened under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This species is in significant decline because it is being over-har vested for food and because its habitat is shrinking, making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable category.

The Common Green Frog or Green Paddy Frog usu-

ally found in padi fields and swamps is well known among the residents of Kelantan. Usually found in padi and swampland it is among the top items on the menus of Chinese restaurants in the State.

Frog breeders have resorted to the setting up of frog breeding farms to meet the demands of food lovers.

The concentration now

is on American Bullfrogs (known by the scientific name of Lithobates catesbeianus, which are larger in size and yield more meat. They are native to the United States and Canada.

Apart from the cruelty to frogs and the loss of species, the other area of concern is the role frogs play in the ecosystem.

Frog populations around t he worl d h ave show n increasing signs of stress in recent years. Some species have disappeared, and others are no longer found where they used to be.

Scientists are concerned about what is happening to the frogs, because the health of frogs is closely linked to the health of the environment.

Since the frog lives in water its whole life, the health of frogs can be used to help determine the health of the water system.

Frogs are sensitive to pol-

lution because they live at the meeting of two environments — land and water — and they can easily absorb pollutants through their skin.

An increase in deformities may be a sign that something is seriously wrong.

Frogs are crucial to the ecological system because of the role they play in the control of bugs and they help keep the ecosystem in balance.

They also play a crucial role in the control of the insect population, for example mosquitoes, and are of great help to farmers in the control of insect pests.

Just as miners used canaries in the mines to alert them to poisonous gases, frogs may alert us to problems in our environment.

SM Mohd Idris President Sahabat Alam Malaysia

PJ: SPAD re-registration exercise

Rethink old school bus scrap plan

SCHOOL bus operators nationwide have threatened to go on strike after Hari Raya to protest against a new policy that vehicles aged 30 years or more would not be issued school bus permits and the buses will be taken off the roads.

The operators claimed they were only informed of the policy late last month

by Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD).

It was further reported that there are about 25,000 buses operating nationwide, of which more than 60 per cent will be affected if the policy is implemented.

The operations will only resume when SPAD scraps the policy.

In general, the cost of each bus is between RM80,000 and RM300,000 depending on size, which are sums not many can afford.

The losers here will be parents who rely on school buses to send their children to school if the transport charges were to be increased substantially.

SPAD urged the operators to discuss the issue further and reiterated that the ruling had existed since 2005.

SPAD chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar's con-

cern is all vehicles must meet safety requirements and undergo inspections

by Puspakom, which will determine their roadworthiness.

He also urged consideration of the well-being of the students involved should the operators decide to carry on with the strike.

I agree with Syed Hamid's concern for the safety of our school-going children but it would be appropriate if he should clear a few doubts:  Why has the 2005 ruling not been enforced before?  Why did SPAD not engage t he bus op era-

tors before making the announcement?

SPAD should have initiated discussions first before making any announcement that will affect the school bus operators.

SPAD should realise it is not the age of the vehicle that makes it not roadworthy but the quality of maintenance.

I suggest a survey be carried out to ascertain how many privately-owned old vehicles are roadworthy even after more than 30 years on the road.

Gursharan Singh

PJ: Pre-marital course: 'Smart Start' (Aug 11)

Good move but ensure contents suitable THUMBS-UP on the move to make a pre-marital course among non-Muslims compulsory.

It may be a good move but what the government or authorities need to do is to vet the content of the Smart Start Pre-Marital modules.

They must make sure those about to plunge themselves into married life are truly ready for it.

I am a Muslim and was

required to attend our very own pre-marital course or kursus kahwin, as it is fondly known.

In my own experience, although the module may be adequate, it is the speakers who are the backbone of the programme, the ones who will ensure the success or failure of the whole programme.

Some of the speakers I had come across provided a lot of useful information

while some I found insecure and lacking in the relevant knowledge.

Not only that, some of these speakers do not like to be questioned.

What is the point of such a course if the participants are not allowed to ask questions?

One particular speaker I vividly remember treated us like students attending some kind of a motivational talk.

In short, while I am in support of the pre-marital courses for Muslims or non-Muslims alike, I must reiterate that a lot of effort must be taken into account to ensure that: a) the curriculum prepared are suitable and can meet the said objectives, and b) the speakers must be wise and knowledgeable and take their jobs seriously.

Wan

MonDay 15 August, 2011

the malay mail

11

12

world

US colleges dominated this year's ranking of world universities issued by Shanghai's Jiaotong University, with Harvard topping the influential list for a ninth year -- AFP

Gert rises as 7th storm of hurricane season TROPICAL Storm Gert formed southeast of Bermuda yesterday, becoming the seventh named storm of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, the US National Hurricane Center said.

A tropical storm warning was in effect for Bermuda, a British overseas territory in the Atlantic.

The storm posed no threat to US oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico. -Reuters

Yemen opposition asks West to freeze Saleh assets A LEADING member of Yemen's opposition called on Western countries to freeze the assets of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who is clinging to power despite months of protest against his 33-year rule. Sheikh Hamid al-Ahmar, a tribal leader and wealthy businessman in Yemen's main opposition party, the Islamist Islah, also lashed out at Saleh's sons' "desperate" attempts to keep his family in power as their father recovers in Saudi Arabia from a June assassination attempt.

"I call on Western States to begin proceedings to seize the possessions and money of Saleh and his family, because they belong to the Yemeni people," he said in an interview with panArab daily Asharq al-Awsat, adding those funds could be used to repay the country's debts.

-- Reuters

Libyan rebels fly flag over key town LIBYAN rebels raised their flag over a strategic town near Tripoli yesterday after their most dramatic advance in months cut off Muammar Gaddafi's capital from its main link to the outside world.

The swift rebel advance on the town of Zawiyah, 50 km west of Tripoli, will deal a psychological blow to Gaddafi's supporters and severs the coastal highway to Tunisia which keeps the capital supplied with food and fuel. Rebel fighters in the south said they had entered the town of Garyanon the main highway leading into Tripoli. —- Reuters

The Malay Mail Monday 15 August, 2011

ROME

War refugees swamp Lampedusa

CONTENDERS: (From left) Romney, Bachmann and Perry — Pic: AFPpic

WASHINGTON

Three-way brawl

SOME 2,000 migrants from north Africa have arrived on the southern Italian island of Lampedusa this weekend, ANSA news agency reported yesterday.

About 100 women and 40 children including three babies were among those who reached the Mediterranean island between Saturday morning and yesterday morning on a dozen boats.

Coast guards spotted two more boats yesterday carrying several hundred migrants between seven and 50 miles off Lampedusa's southern coast.

In southwestern Sardinia two boats carrying 45 men, one woman and two children landed

overnight Saturday.

An earlier report put the number of arrivals this weekend at 1,600.

Since the start of the year, more than 11,000 Africans fleeing conflicts in north Africa have landed in southern Italy, in increasing numbers since Nato air raids on Libya began in mid-March and the weather improved.

According to the Catholic aid group Sant'Egidio, at least 1,820 migrants from north Africa, most originally from south of the Sahara, have drowned this year in the Mediterranean in their bid to reach Europe. — AFP

Businessman, Tea Party favourite and Texas governor in US Republican race

THE Republican White House race has sharpened into a three-way brawl, pitting a moderate businessman and a Tea Party firebrand against a Texas governor promising the best of both worlds.

For months, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has led the polls despite conservative misgivings about his history of governing from the middle and his State health care overhaul that inspired "Obamacare."

But now he faces a major challenge from ultraconservative congresswoman Michele Bachmann, who rode a Tea Party wave to victory in Iowa's Ames Straw Poll, seen as a key test ahead of early nominating battles.

And both could face a major challenge in longtime Texas Governor Rick Perry, a social and fiscal conservative with a strong record on the economy, whose entry into the race on Saturday rained on Bachmann's Iowa parade.

Perry, a small government champion and social conservative who held a 30,000-strong

prayer rally this month, can go head-to-head with Bachmann in winning over the US right wing and tout more governing experience than Romney.

"He brings to the table the possibility of winning, that Bachmann does not, in a general election," said Larry Sabato, a professor who heads the University of Virginia's Center for Politics.

"Romney has serious problems with the Tea Party and with the most conservative elements in the Republican Party, and Perry has their support."

Perry, whose State has led the country in creating jobs in recent years despite high national unemployment, is also a formidable campaigner who has won three elections since succeeding George W. Bush in 2000.

"He's going to go right after Romney, and I don't know that Romney is fully prepared for the way that Perry campaigns," Sabato said.

Romney, on the other hand, has had a months-long jumpstart in winning over the establishment and crucial fund

raisers, and has experience in running a national campaign from his failed 2008 bid for the Republican nod.

"Perry is untested, and although we have reports out of Texas that he's a strong campaigner, you really test your mettle on the national stage," said David Corbin, a politics professor at New York's King's College.

Romney and Bachmann could also hone in on Perry's more than two decades in State government to try to paint him as a career politician with little experience in the private sector or among ordinary citizens.

"Bachmann demonstrated she can pull together a ground game and appeal to an important segment of the electorate that includes Tea Partyers, social conservatives and homeschoolers," Washington Post conservative columnist Jennifer Rubin wrote after the poll results.

"She's the favorite to win the Iowa caucuses next year in a State that has proven tailormade for her." — AFP

Pakistan bus plunge kills 15 pilgrims AT least 15 people were killed and 20 more injured yesterday (pic) when a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine in southwestern Pakistan, officials said.

The bus was carrying pilgrims from the shrine of Sufi saint Shah Noorani, and fell into the ravine in Lasbella district, some 700km south of Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province, as it tried to negotiate a sharp turn on a hill road.

"At least 15 people were killed and 20 others were injured in the bus accident," local administration official Fuwad Soomro told media.

Another government official in the area, Mohammad Ayub, confirmed the death toll.

Pakistan has one of the world's worst records for deadly traffic accidents, blamed on poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving.

-- AFP

JERUSALEM

China army chief on 'historic' Israel visit

CHINA'S chief of staff General Chen Bingde yesterday met his Israeli counterpart General Benny Gantz and Defence Minister Ehud Barak in Tel Aviv, the ministry said in a statement.

"The defence minister and the Chinese chief of staff discussed the situation in the region, relations with the Pal-

estinian Authority and the situation in Pakistan and Iran, as well as the fight against global terrorism," it said without elaborating.

During his trip Chen will "meet senior security officials and attend strategic and security briefings, visit the IDF Urban Warfare Training Centre, and observe a display of IDF

forces training," an Israeli military spokesman said earlier.

Israeli army radio has described the visit as "historic."

The Israeli military declined to say how long Chen would be in the country.

In June, Barak made a rare visit to Beijing for talks with Chinese leaders, at the invitation of his Chinese counter-

part Liang Guanglie.

Defence ties had been frosty after US intervention twice scuttled Israeli arms deals with China: the sale of advanced Phalcon spy planes in 2000 and of spare parts for Israelibuilt Harpy drones five years later.

Chen's visit comes as Israel seeks to convince the inter-

national community to vote against a bid by the Palestinians for recognition of a State at the UN General Assembly in September.

Israel has in the past also sought tougher measures from Beijing, a key UN Security Council member, against Iran's controversial nuclear programme. — AFP

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

Morocco announced plans yesterday to hold early parliamentary elections in mid-November — AFP

world

NEW DELHI

Security beef-up India tightens up against terrorists on independence day

POLICE and soldiers were out in force across India today as security was ramped up for Independence Day celebrations held in the shadow of blasts last month in Mumbai which killed 26 people.

A senior home ministry official said security measures were being increased in New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata, as well as Mumbai, where police are probing the July 13 bombs.

The three co-ordinated explosions killed 26 and injured 130, but no group claimed responsibility and detectives have struggled to unearth who was behind the attack.

Suspicions has fallen on two Islamist groups: the domestic Indian Mujahideen and the Pakistan-based Lashkar-eTaiba, which was blamed for

LONDON

Riot victims 'died for the community' THREE men who were killed as they defended their shop against looters in the English city of Birmingham last week "died for the community", the father of one of the victims told a peace rally yesterday.

Haroon Jahan, 21, and brothers Shazad Ali, 30, and Abdul Musavir, 31, suffered fatal injuries after being hit by a car lastWednesday in the Winson Green area of the central England city.

Addressing the rally for the victims, Tariq Jahan, father of Haroon, told the crowd that the display of unity gave him "strength in my heart".

Jahan, 46, emerged as a hero of the worst English riots in decades after calling for calm in the aftermath of the tragedy, preventing revenge attacks.

"It's the month of Ramadan, and as a Muslim I believe it is a special month," he said.

"For us Muslims we believe the gates of heaven are open and the gates of hell are shut this month, so that gives me the strength to believe that the three boys did not die in vain, they died for this community and I hope this community will remember them," added the bereaved father. — AFP

Taking no chances: Soldiers check around the Red Fort before a full dress rehearsal for Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi — AFPpic

the siege assault in Mumbai which left 166 people dead in Nov 2008.

Indian President Pratibha Patil in her customary address on the eve of Independence

Day called for heightened vigilance against militant attacks.

"The attack in Mumbai last month is yet another grim reminder of the destruction that can be caused by terror-

ism," she said in a nationwide broadcast yesterday evening.

"We need to be ever-vigilant, to fight this menace which is a global phenomenon."

The Press Trust of India

(PTI) said thousands of police personnel were deployed in the national capital ahead of the celebrations, which mark India's independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.

"We are deploying helicopters, CCTV cameras and the other security technologies which are now available," a top Delhi police official who declined to be named told media.

Heavily-armed commandos backed by snipers and rapidaction squads will guard the 16th-century Red Fort in the crowded centre of Delhi where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will make his annual speech.

PTI reported "an impregnable ground-to-air security apparatus" was in place around the event. — AFP

CHARIKAR (Afghanistan)

22 killed in Taliban attack A GUN and suicide attack on an Afghan governor's compound killed 22 people yesterday in the latest Taliban assault spotlighting the militants' power just outside the capital Kabul.

Abdul Basir Salangi, the governor of Parwan province, told a local television channel during the siege that six suicide bombers had stormed the main provincial administration.

"I'm inside," Salangi told Tolo News, referring to the compound that houses his office and other administrators in the provincial capital of Charikar about 50km north of Kabul.

The governor is a prominent anti-Soviet and anti-Taliban resistance commander who

DAMASCUS

LOOKING FOR CLUES: Security forces examine the site of a suicide attack on a governor's compound in Charikar— AFPpic

fought tough battles with the Taliban when they were in power from 1996 until the 2001 US-led invasion evicted them from government.

The interior ministry said that 16 provincial officials and six police officers were killed in the attack, and another 34,

including 10 policemen, were wounded.

Salangi later told reporters one of the would-be bombers was detained after being "mistakenly evacuated to hospital for his injuries".

Abdul Khalil Farhangi, a doctor at the local Charikar

hospital, said 16 dead and nearly 30 other people with injuries had been admitted to his hospital. Some of the injured were flown to Kabul for further treatment.

Interior ministry spokesman Siddiq Siddiqi said the attack began when insurgents detonated a car bomb at the compound's entrance, killing guards and allowing the other attackers to storm the heavily guarded premises.

The governor and other officials gathered for a security meeting when the attack began, police said.

"Five suicide bombers broke into the compound and a gunfight erupted," Parwan provincial police chief Sher Mohammad Maladani said.

— AFP

13

Pope leads prayer for youths POPE Benedict XVI asked Catholics yesterday to pray for him and for young people ahead of the Church's World Youth Day (WYD) celebration in Madrid. "Today, our thoughts turn to the young people now gathering in Madrid for World Youth Day", the pope told the faithful gathered for his Angelus prayer from the balcony of his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, near Rome. "As I prepare to join them, I ask you to accompany us with your prayers for the spiritual fruitfulness of this important event", he said.

More than a million people are expected in Madrid for the event, with the pope due to arrive on Thursday. The papal visit has drawn criticism over the costs of welcoming the head of the Roman Catholic Church as Spain battles with recession. WYD officials say that the majority of the costs will be paid by registration fees from pilgrims themselves. — AFP

Tragedy at Indiana State fair FIVE people were killed and 45 injured after a stage structure collapsed at the Indiana State Fair, local officials said yesterday. The tragedy occurred late Saturday when a gust of wind brought down the stage rigging for a Sugarland country music concert shortly before 9pm local time. "We are very much in mourning the loss of the victims and we are praying with their families.

It's a very sad day at the State Fair and our hearts are really breaking," a visibly shaken Cindy Hoye, the fair's executive director, told reporters after police confirmed a fifth person died overnight. First Sergeant Dave Bursten of the Indiana State Police said there was a possibility of other deaths. He said 45 patients were being treated at area hospitals.

Authorities have warned the death toll could climb again as some injuries were "very serious," ranging from cuts and bruises to fractures and head trauma. A crew member was among the dead, while a 17-year-old will likely lose the use of his legs, according to local media. — AFP

26 dead as Syria ships, tanks blast city

SYRIAN military vessels joined an assault that killed 26 people yesterday in the port city of Latakia, activists said, the first attack from the sea since an anti-regime revolt erupted in March.

But the State-run news agency SANA denied that t he nav y had att acke d Latakia, quoting its corre-

spondent in there as saying security forces were battling gunmen.

Activists said four other people were killed elsewhere in the country in bloodshed that came a day after world leaders demanded an immediate end to the ruthless crushing of dissent in Syria.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in a statement that at least 23 people were killed and dozens more wounded in the city, several critically.

But the National Organisation for Human Rights in Syria (NOHRS) put the death toll in Latakia at 26, providing a list of

names of those killed, and said two other people died in Homs, one in Hama and one in Idlib.

The Syrian Observatory said the vessels opened up with heavy machine-guns and the NOHRS confirmed the report, calling the attack "unprecedented."

But the official SANA news

agency, quoting its Latakia correspondent, denied that naval vessels had opened fire on the city.

"Law enforcement members are pursuing armed men who are using machine guns, grenades and bombs in Ramel from rooftops and from behind barricades," SANA said. — AFP

14

world

'Painkiller' portrait of Winehouse LOS ANGELES based artist Jason Mecier has captured Amy Winehouse in an incredible portrait made out of 5,000 multicolored painkillers, the Huffington Post reports.

The soul singer died last month, bringing to an end her battle with drugs and alcohol. Since 2006, she earned a reputation for her struggle with eating disorders and addiction.

The Winehouse pill popping portrait is part of Jason Mecier's series of celebrity mosaics using everything from aspirin to candy and newspaper. Celebrities such as Amy Sedaris and Florence Henderson even send him their own junk.

Comedians who embrace vegetables VEGETARIANS are often ridiculed by comedians as fussy, holier-than-thou types intent on pushing their meatless agenda on carnivores. But guess who has now have entered the mainstream over the last decade or so. The very comedians who once would have poked fun at their diets now appear to be joining the vegetarian ranks in larger numbers, reports the Huffington Post Joining Ellen's vege food fetish are Jerry Seinfield and Steve Martin. Others include Russel Brand, Kristen Wiig and Sarah Silverman. The Huff Post asks: Will they inspire you to change your eating habits, or do you prefer to keep your food and comedy separate?

One Jolie-Pitt kid is taking after parents WITH a little help from his famous dad, Maddox Jolie-Pitt just landed his first movie role. Brad Pitt cast his eldest son in the lead role of his Production company, Plan B's latest project, Battling Boy, the Huffington Post reports. The graphic novel turned silver screen flick will showcase a courageous, villain-battling Maddox who is blessed with special powers as the son of a god. For some reason, the role doesn't seem too far removed from Maddox's own reality, he is the son of Hollywood demigod, Brad Pitt and often finds himself fighting off the intrusive eye of the paparazzi. Now the 10-year-old can put his born and bred duck and cover skills to good use as the kid monster slayer. Battling Boys is slated to hit theaters in 2013.

US colleges dominated this year's ranking of world universities, issued by Shanghai's Jiaotong University, with Harvard topping the influential list for a ninth year — AFP

The Malay Mail ● Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

MUMBAI

Bollywood's 'Elvis' dies Shammi Kapoor, 79, succumbs to dialysis complications

LEGENDARY Bollywood heart-throb Shammi Kapoor (pic), whose energetic acting and dancing style heavily influenced modern-day Indian film stars, died yesterday aged 79.

"Shammi Kapoor ji passed away this morning at 5.15 am," B ollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan wrote on Twitter, using the Hindi honorific, saying Kapoor had brought "flamboyance and joie de vivre" to the screen.

Nikhil Gangavane, a family friend who headed the official

Shammi Kapoor fan club, said the actor had been admitted to the private Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai within the last week.

"He was on a ventilator for three or four days. He was having some chest infection, which he had had for the last one or two years. He died of renal failure this morning," Gangavane told media.

"He had been undergoing dialysis for the last six or seven years but developed complications."

Kapoor's dance perfor-

mances in romantic hits such as Tumsa Nahin Dekha (You're One of a Kind, 1957), Dil Deke Dekho (Give Your Heart and See, 1959) and Junglee (Wild, 1961) earned him comparisons with Elvis Presley.

Key to his success was his avid interest in music. Kapoor personally selected the songs he would dance and mime to, mindful that they needed to fit his exuberant on-screen style.

In doing so, he and singers like Mohammed Rafi provided some of the industry's

"The truth is I could never learn to dance. I even tried coaching classes but failed," he told the BBC in a 2006 interview. "I always had a sense of music and rhythm. And that worked in my favour."

— AFP

ABIDJAN

LOS ANGELES

Goodbye Princess Road

'Apes' hang onto top branch RISE of the Planet of the Apes hung onto the top spot in the North American box office for a second weekend in a row, raking in US$27.5 million (RM82.5m), industry estimates showed yesterday.

Though the earnings marked a 50 per cent drop from last weekend, the prequel to the 1968 film Planet of the Apes still brought a total of US$104.9 million after 10 days, according to earnings tracker Exhibitor Relations.

In surprise second came the on-screen adaptation of Kathryn Stockett's 2009 debut novel The Help, about African American maids working for white households in 1960s Jackson, Mississippi.

It opened Wednesday and earned US$25.5 million over the weekend, for a total take of US$35.4 million so far.

Final Destination 5 the fifth installment of the franchise, landed in third. With fans possibly tiring on the once innovative concept of teens

most popular and memorable tunes.

But he admitted much later that he was never a natural dancer, even if his original moves were a big draw for audiences and made him an unlikely romantic hero.

cheating death only to have death come clawing back at them, the film sold a less-thanexpected US$18.4 million in tickets.

The Smurfs dropped from second to fourth in their third week, with a take of US$13.5 million. The live-action and animated film, starring Neil Patrick Harris and featuring the voice of pop star Katy Perry as Smurfette, has so far generated an estimated US$101.5 million in North American sales.

Fifth went to 30 Minutes or Less, starring Jesse Eisenberg of The Social Network as a pizza delivery guy kidnapped by fledgling criminals who strap a bomb to his chest and order him to rob a bank. It earned US$13 million.

Hollywood action thriller Cowboys & Aliens starring Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig, marked its third week in theaters with US$7.6 million in ticket sales, slipping from third to sixth place. — AFP

top ten weekend BOX-OFFICE 1 Rise of the Planet of the Apes — US$27.5m (total - US$105m) 2 The Help US$25.5m — (total - US$35.4m) 3 Final Destination 5 — US$18.4m (total - US$18.4m) 4 The Smurfs — US$13.5m (total US$101m) 5 30 Minutes or Less — US$13m (total - US$13m) 6 Cowboys & Aliens — US$7.61m (total - US$81.5m) 7 Captain America: The First Avenger — US$7.12m (total US$157m) 8 Crazy, Stupid, Love — US$6.93m (total - US$55.4m) 9 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 — US$6.88m (total - US$357m) 10 The Change-Up —US$6.22m (total - US$25.8m)

ABIDJAN'S most famous fun street has lost its smile: Princess Road, known for its parties and music, has been mowed down by bulldozers, swept away in a vigorous government clean-up.

"A black Saturday," mourned a weekend regular after the machines moved in and did their damage.

Kadjona, Metropolis and Cyclone are among dozens of discos, bars and small restaurants called maquis that were torn down, never again to throb to the the Ivory Coast's zouglou and "coupé décalé" dance music.

In the rubble of the demolition, only the thin strain of a tune from a lonely speaker pierced the silent and gloomy street in the city's western Yopougon suburb when a reporter visited last week.

The newly installed government of President Alassane Ouattara launched its operation "clean country" a few weeks ago, aiming to clear out the shabby stalls crowding the pavements, and garages and car washes intruding into the streets.

With the economic capital left even more dirty and shabby than ever by this year's post-election battle that saw 10 days of fighting

in the city, the drive targets structures thrown up in violation of any attempt at urban planning.

After 20 years in existence, the end was quick for Princess Road, one of the city's main entertainment hubs which also had a seedy side, becoming notorious for its prostitution.

"We were informed at 10pm and the next morning at 8am the machines were sent in for the demolition operation," said Ibovic Ouattara, manager of Cyclone. " It re a l l y hu r t s m e , " added bar owner Guillaume Taki Kouakou, who had just taken out a loan to expand his establishment, the Metropolis.

Martin Kouame, who ran the trendy Jackpot, was devastated to find himself among the nearly 1,000 people who had worked on "The Street" now without jobs. "I feel like crying," he said.

The authorities should r at h e r h ave " prom ot e d this cultural heritage" than demolish it, said Kouame.

Princess Road was a tourist draw, rather like Paris's Pigalle, added a resident, referring to the French capital's neon-lit street of bars, sex shops and cabaret. — AFP

lifestyle 15

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

Hans remains optimistic

By CHE'AZ cheaz@mmail.com.my HANS Isaac has really come full circle. Once a young aspiring model who somehow successfully switched to acting at such a young age, he is looking at the industry with a different perspective now.

Now a producer and director as well, Hans said his experience in the business has taught him to be a wiser businessman.

Now a managing director of his own company, Tall Order Sdn Bhd, Hans does not look like he is slowing down either.

He seems to have his fingers in every jar in the entertainment business and he aims to have more fun trying out new things. What he wants to do now is to dabble in a line he is passionate about, while at the same time, he'd like to give back a little more to the society.

"I think I've gone through the right phases in my journey as an actor

before moving progressively as a director and producer.

This is the right time for me and all of us who are involved in this industry to be wise. I want all of us to benefit while producing something that is on international level," Hans said.

He believes that Malaysia is now moving towards a more progressive film and theater industry. Hans said the public and consumer are getting smarter and they know how to differentiate if a product is worth the ticket.

Based on his knowledge and experience in the industry, Hans said Malaysians can change and be even more educated on the entertainment business and products.

"To be honest, I believe in the Malaysian theatre scene more than film making business now. I'm not saying that I will stop making films and focus on theare

BUDDIES: Hans having a buka puasa session with his celebrity friends at Wau Penyu

only. What I'm trying to imply is, the theatre scene in Malaysia has rapidly become very healthy and conducive. I am so happy with it.

"Our public is finally is enjoying and watching theatre. Most importantly is, our people know how to appreciate it now. I mean we can just approach anyone as they leave Istana Budaya, and ask their opinion on whatever they just watched, and you would definitely get a solid opinion â&#x20AC;&#x201D; how they like their shows, or what are missing in them."

Hans truly thinks the country is ready for a "second Istana Budaya", to cater for a more people who are into theatre. The demand is there.

"If I have my way and permitted to do so, I would gladly spend my own budget to build another place like Istana Budaya where everyone could come and watch live shows every day. After all, investing in theatre scenes is more profitable and you get back what you've spent on quite fast!" he said. Despite his

grouses, Hans is still very much involved in film making, with a few projects to complete within this year.

As it is, he is about to complete Langgar, a gangster-themed film with Tayangan Unggul. Hans will then immediately continue with his own film Lemak Kampung Santan which is expected to start shooting by Sept 8. Among the cast are Neelofa and Scha Al-Yahya.

"Basically the plan for the rest of the year is pretty aligned for me.

I need to follow the schedule and if God willing, I will meet all the deadlines as planned.

"As soon as we finish Lemak Kampung Santan, we will straight away start with Lat Kampung Boy the film." Yes, the musical is expected to be transformed into a film and this time around, it is going to evolve around Lat's kampung story.

Meanwhile, Cuci the Musical

2 will meet its audience next year between Feb 23 and March 11.

Right after that, Hans will stage Lat Kampung Boy The Musical 2, also at Istana Budaya, the following month.

"And yes, maybe... just maybe, only after that I will get to fly to the amazingly breathtaking Maldives and enjoy my vacation for at least two weeks. Everyting else will be dropped."

If I have my way and permitted to do so, I would gladly spend my own budget to build another place like Istana Budaya where everyone could come and watch live shows every day. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Hans Isaac

x news lifestyle 16

How far would you go?

Hear, Say

By JOE LEE joelee@mmail.com.my

twitter @klubbkiddkl

WHY oh why is the cult of personality affecting our young ‘uns so unbelievable? We have to admit, it was pretty surprising when a 22-year-old, who claimed to be from a daily, was arrested for impersonating a member of the entertainment media.

The diploma holder in Syariah law, and a former cook reportedly appeared to know his way around the organisation, even paying for artistes' photography sessions which were supposedly vouched for

by the organisation he claimed to represent.

So far, four artistes have fallen for the ploy and underwent photography sessions with the impostor, including Nubhan, Farawahida, Man Kidal and newcomer Firdaus.

Apparently, the wannabe would peddle photos and stories to any party that is willing to pay. Now, how much money can this poser make? After all, he also paid for the photography sessions.

The more pertinent ques-

tion is — why? Couldn’t he just apply for a job? Was he really that starstruck?

Oh well… truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

THE collaboration between pop diva Datuk Siti Nurhaliza and Sean Kingston is on.

While plans were on from ages ago, the JamaicanAmerican’s near fatal jet ski accident last year left the plans in limbo. Now that he’s back on his feet and in the studio, word is Sean will indeed be recording the collaboration with Siti, who’s out in full force for her debut English venture.

Poor young Miera AFTER having revealed too much in a rather dodgy moment of fashion disillusionment a few months ago, newcomer actress Miera Liyana has hit the goss rags again for all the wrong reasons.

This time for pictures of her

and actor Lash Mokhtar partying the night away together.

She said she wan’t ‘that kind of person’ and that the two were only friends who became close after doing the drama Psikik together.

She also denied eyewitness

claims that she was drunk and said she was the victim of false rumours and that she was not the sort to go for cheap publicity.

Poor dear.

THERE’S load of good news for local live concert enthusiasts. First and foremost, is something we hear that sounds almost impossible.

Rather the reason for her busting at the seams would be — a amply-padded bra which takes up more space that the actual contents.

Ouch! Apparently a production crew member revealed the secret after she tried to be seductive and lean forward, but instead revealed the fillers which popped out.

A 'con artiste'?

THIS fairly new singer may have been enjoying lukewarm response back home, but she’s supposedly breaking new grounds abroad.

We say supposedly because she has announced having recorded an album away from home, which will be out soon.

Good for her — but the rumour we heard was that she was offered the deal through a couple of individuals who were caught in the middle of a con-job involving another established local artiste some years back.

Some folks in the local music industry whispered of the supposed connection, and said they were looking into the matter to avoid another local act ‘victimised’ by outsiders who lavish promises but end up scooting with the dough.

A little bird whispered to us that none other than the Queen of Pop, her 'Madgesty' Madonna, is headed to Kuala Lumpur in 2012! While no detail has been revealed, the source insisted that the concert is happening!

And expect Danish-American hard rockin’ heavy metal act, Madonna

Lost dough

Tony Eusoff

Sean Kingston

More reasons to

'Fillers' alert THIS is laughable. This newcomer actress may love to flaunt her assets given her rather narcissistic mannerisms and attentionseeking attributes.

However, we hear that at a recent shoot, the secret behind her rather ample assets were discovered.

A boob job, you say? Nay, something much tackier.

Ready for Siti and Sean?

ACTOR Tony Eusoff lost RM8,000 from his bank account after losing his wallet. Word is the theatre leading man had gone for supper after a rehearsal for The Secret Life of Nora, only to realise the loss the next day.

By then unfortunately, his loss was unavoidable.

Tony is now apparently fuming over the bank’s lack of assistance due to its policy on obtaining the closed circuit security cameras which will take ages.

Miera Liyana

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

o?

17

Destined to be young and fiery FOR South Korean actress, Im Soo Hyang, destiny came a calling when she was just a student.

“It is a little bit of a cliché, actually. I was spotted by a casting agent on the street, and from that moment I became interested in acting,” Soo Hyang said.

Despite the o p p o r t u n i t y, her parents were

more adamant on Soo Hyang to continue her studies. She took the advice and went abroad.

While studying, the pull of the acting world got even stronger, and Soo Hyang was hit by the realisation that she was meant to become an actress.

“After realising that acting was all I wanted to do, I came back and enrolled in a local college and chose theatre and performing arts as my major,” she told The Malay Mail in an interview recently. The rest, is history.

In New Gisaeng Story, Soo Hyang plays Dan Sa Ran, a

Siti Nurhaliza

rock on!

White Lion to hit the stage in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 30.

Meanwhile, for those who have already heard, you may just be rejoicing at the Oct 8 Rockaway 2011, deemed to be the biggest rock festival in Malaysia and the Asean region.

Sum 41 and Dashboard Confessionals will be headlining the show which also features Malaysian acts in One Buck Short, Love Me Butch, Jason Lo, Hujan, Metalasia, Popshuvit & Project E.A.R., Monoloque, Deja Voodoo Spells, They Will Kill Us All, Kyoto Protocol, Massacre Conspiracy, Dichi Michi, Busco, Tres Empere and Oh Chentaku.

However on Saturday night, Sum 41 tweeted that, “Sadly, Deryck injured his back again & we have to cancel the rest of this tour.” (sic) More event details are expected to be announced soon, including whether Sum 41 will actually make the Rockaway 2011 stage.

If it’s any consolation, expect SheilaOn7, Dewi Persik, and Monata as well as yet unnamed local acts in concert on Oct 23 at Merdeka Stadium.

Oh, and also a Search 30th anniversary concert. And did we forget to mention there’s Westlife in the next couple of months too?

And we also hear of the Sunburst Music Festival happening again next year after a hiatus.

EPIC: New Gisaeng Story is a 52-episode long drama

young girl who faces an uphill battle after her mother dies. Her father remarries, bringing with him a stepsister and a materialistic mother.

Sa Ran's exceptional beauty has also attracted much attention. A head Gisaeng (professional entertainer similar to Japanese Geisha) at Buyongkak then recommends her to become a Gisaeng.

“It’s really an honour to play Sa Ran. It’s a 52-episode long drama, so of course I felt the pressure and was very nervous.

At the same time, I’d been waiting all my life for such a role and when that moment came, I was elated. I just wanted to focus all my energy and did my best,” she said.

While some might say that life imitates art, things are different for the actress.

“There aren’t many similarities between my character, Sa Ran and myself. In real life, I’m very outgoing and fun, unlike Sa Ran. It was difficult for me to portray the complicated character. However, what attracted me to Sa Ran was her sophistication and elegance,” she said.

For the happy-go-lucky actress, the toughest thing while shooting New Gisaeng Story was when she had to make her character more believable.

“The character of Sa Ran is complicated and detailed. And she is always crying. Besides relying solely on my acting to bring the character to life, there isn’t any part that could be tougher than this,” she said.

Soo Hyang told The Malay Mail that she would be privileged and honoured if she could

POISED: Soo Hyang plays Sa Ran in New Gisaeng Story, a girl whose exceptional beauty has attracted much attention work with brilliant senior actors like her idol, Kim Hee Ae, who was previously seen playing Yoo In Hye in Midas — another South Korean big production.

There were rumours about her dream coming through, but the 21-year-old actress who already has two dramas and a movie under her belt, is keeping things under wraps.

"My management is currently discussing with the production house and I hope that I will be able to

see my fans in my new drama hopefully by end of this year.

“It would also be great to be invited over to Malaysia and to meet fans of New Gisaeng Story,” she said. — By LOONG WAI TING NEW Gisaeng Story currently airs on Astro ONE HD (Astro 393) on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.50pm.

Sweet sorrow RECENT news of the supposed Metallica and Aerosmith concerts this year in Kuala Lumpur may have delighted local fans, before the following news that the giants are only in talks with local promoters for a concert here that may only take place... next year.

Still, fret not, for there will be some major axe-grinding come the next installment of the Rock-

One Buck Short

away 2011 which will be held at Carpark A of the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Oct 8.

The festival will feature international headliners in Canadian pop punk outfit Sum 41 and American modern rock act Dashboard Confessional.

If that’s not enough, expect an impressive local line-up that includes the who’s who of Malaysian rock industry.

Popshuvit Hailed as the biggest rock fest in Malaysia and also the Asean region, four local acts were also selected to join the line-up from online searches, namely Dichi Michi, Busco, Tres Empere and Oh Chentaku.

The first Rockaway fest boasted more than 10,000 fans in attendance and more than

300,000 viewers online. The upcoming edition that boasts to be a 12-hour rock festival is set to double that figure Limited pre-sale tickets are at RM68. For more details, browse www.rockawayfest.com or-

ganised by One Buck Short & Friends, and Livescape.

Organisers have updated that they will get more information by today, or latest on Friday.

18 lifestyle

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

Not your average pretty face

Zain Saidin dreams of a ground-breaking major role

By CHE'AZ cheaz@mmail.com.my HE has won many hearts with his good looks, appearing more Caucasian as a result of mixed parentage. In fact, he has confused many about who he really is â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a mat salleh who speaks and behaves like a Malay perfectly.

He is even more popular these days, and currently the talk of the town particularly about his 'romantic link' with Rozita Che Wan, another current hot property.

Born Mohamad Zain Mohamad Saidin (stage name Zain Saidin), he is now one of the busiest actors who is involved in many TV dramas.

He might not have been cast as the lead man yet, but Zain seems to be having the time of his life right now.

So far, he is seen as one of the most sought-after supporting characters, and via all the TV projects we've seen, he has proven that he is not just a pretty face after all.

While many wants his looks, Zain said his physique has somehow hindered his movement as an actor. It was at one point rather difficult to convince many that he could really push the envelope. People did not seem to know where to place him during the initial part of his career.

"That happened quite a lot during the early days when I started out as an actor. People were not too sure. They did not know where to fit me in the Malay world.

"I think it is changing now.

There are more people who see me beyond my looks, and appreciate my acting. I'm not saying that I'm already good at it, in fact I believe I need more coaching and practice, but what I'm trying to say is, I'm glad that now I have people who come to me and say that I'm doing better, and that they would want to see me playing bigger roles," said Zain.

"Of course I hope to play major roles. I believe I'm alright with it and hopefully producers and directors might be more confident with my acting. The directors have to push me, and I do not mind being pushed at all."

Zain said he wants to be in the industry for a long time, and hopes to be a character actor even when he becomes some-

one's grandfather one day.

"To me, if you want to do something you better do it right."

Zain is now quite busy with shootings, and attending many events, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Yet, he still finds space to spend time with his family as they have given him never ending support.

"My mother is my inspiration to be honest. She pushes me a lot. Hopefully by the end of this year I'll land a major role... I mean

was not as popular as I am now where everyone seems to know my name. When there's popularity, there's income.

"No, I am not chasing popularity that much. Honestly if I could be rich without being popular, that would be just fine with me."

Zain is not one who is easily satisfied with his achievements. He constantly feels the need to go deeper and venture further for more experience and knowledge in this industry.

To improve, Zain is also contemplating to further his studies in a related field very

My mother is my inspiration to be honest. She pushes me a lot.

Hopefully by the end of this year I'll land a major role... I mean like being the actual hero. I will take anything that could showcase my spectrum.

After all, acting is a passion. It's an art.

There's no limit to it. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Zain Saidin like being the actual hero. I will take anything that could showcase my spectrum. After all, acting is a passion. It's an art. There's no limit to it.

"Just give me anything and I'll do my best to nail it. And if I don't, I'm open to criticism too. Like I said earlier I don't mind being pushed or coached by anyone who can help me find the right flavour, " he said.

Zain said he had learnt a lot and is now on the right track.

"Although it has been quite difficult at first, the public has now come to realise that I am actually very much a Malaysian. Nowadays, TV stations, producers and the media have the power to change such perceptions, and thank God, life is getting better now.

"It has been really good.

Last year, I

Rozita C he Wan

soon.

"I do want to expand my knowledge. I have a brotherin-law who is an Indonesian.

So who knows, I might just move there to further my studies. Like any other actors in the country, I also have a dream that someday I could penetrate other markets outside Malaysia.

"Indonesia sounds fun too and if I were given the chance to go there and develop my acting career, why not? There are always options everywhere," Zain said.

But what about Rozita Che Wan then?

"I'm still single! I have friends but nothing serious is going on. However, I do have a target. I would love to be married by 30."

Currently Zain is shooting a 13-episode drama, Biarlah Rahsia, produced by Zeel Productions.

"Each episode is one hour and I get to work with fun people in the industry such as Natasha Hudson, Eizlan Yusof, Zach X-Factor and Rozita Che Wan. Oh yeah! One of my Ramadan side businesses is selling cookies online," Zain said.

So far, according to Zain, the demands and orders for the 10 different types of cookies are encouraging. Those who are interested, can visit Zain's facebook fan page at www. facebook.com/zainsaidin.

lifestyle 19

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

Ramli to sue for real

By JOE LEE joelee@mmail.com.my twitter @klubbkiddkl

MUSIC director Datuk Ramli MS has announced that he will sue two companies that were responsible for organising the Konsert Keunggulan 33 Tahun Francissca Peter for not settling amounts due to him and the musicians involved.

The two-day concert to commemorate Francissca Peter’s 33 years in the music industry, was held over two days on Feb 5 and 6 at Istana Budaya with special appearances by Royston Sta Maria and Imran Ajmain.

Met last week, Ramli said the musicians involved had only received 75 per cent of the payment due for their services, while he had yet to receive a sen after leading the orchestra for the performances.

“The organisers paid half on the first day of the concert to my 45 musicians, while another 25 per cent was paid after 10 days, only after my lawyer contacted them to settle the

Francissca Peter

amounts due.

"They have since remained silent over the owed payments, despite the fact that I have stressed on the way I work that they should settle all payments before the concert goes on.”

He said the failure to comply had resulted in the concert going on late for 20 minutes for the opening night show, just to accommodate discussions over payment then.

“The musicians and I had to go on with the concert, with

promises of settlement for payments due the next day, but again, this was not done.”

Among excuses offered, said Ramli, was lack of funds on the part of the organisers.

“As a result, I am hunted for

by the musicians involved for their payments since then, which has seriously affected my reputation in this business.

“This is the first time I have faced this in my career as a musical director and it is damaging to my reputation.”

Organised by Eye Design with ticketing sales handled by www.ticket2u. biz,, the latter has biz been named in Ramli’s claim forwarded three weeks ago.

The concert received rave reviews for Fran’s outstanding performance, but was marred by the drama behind the scenes.

Fran herself was heard to be dissatisfied with the organisers over several matters.

Datuk Ramli MS

20 lifestyle

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

Contemporary arts at its peak IN conjunction with 1Malaysia Contemporary Arts Tourism Festival 2011 (1MCAT), Resorts World Genting is organising Genting Arts Festival 2011 from now until Aug 21.

During the festival, 36 Malaysian artists in Malaysia will show off their contemporary arts and paintings at Resort Hotel.

Genting Malaysia Bhd vice president of public relations and communications, Katherine Chew said this would be the first time the group organises the Arts Festival, in tandem with the Ministry of Tourism's campaign.

"With over 20 million visitors annually and over 60,000 visitors on a normal day at the resort, we feel with this festival we can further promote the love of art and nature. That is also why we have invited nine top artists to paint Genting Highlands. And of course, we pair this exhibition with our food which we feel are a form of art as well," Chew said.

For 10 days, guests can also savour deliciously decorated food at The Olive restaurant while enjoying the paintings by the top artists. Not only will the visitors will also treated to an-hour talk on why paintings are an alternative to a great investment. The talk is conducted by Philip Wong, the curator of the exhibition.

Three main highlights that will set the ambience for this festival are the Arts Exhibition that comprises three main exhibition areas, the first being For Your Eyes Only, showcasing a mixture of 43 paintings, sculptures and photographs by 20 of Malaysia's renowned artists.

Among them are Datuk Chuah Thean Teng, Tew Nai Tong, Sharifah Zuriah Aljeffri, Khoo

Chew (right) admiring one the masterpieces by Patrick Lasak (wearing glasses) which is featured in the Genting Nature Series art exhibition

Sui Hoe, Ismail Latiff, Azman Hilmi, Dr Choong Kam Kow, Chin Wan Kee, Eric Quah, Peter Liew, Hoe Say Yong, Chuah Seow Keng, Ismadi Sallehudin, Raja Azahar Idris, Dato’ Raja Zahabuddin, Sivarajah Natarajan, Liew Choong Ching, Suzlee Ibrahim, Tan Chee Hon and Yap Poh Sim. The second area is the Genting Nature Series 2011, which sees nine of Malaysia’s renowned artists showcasing works that were recently completed featuring pristine scenes and landscapes of

NO BETTER TIME THAN NOW: Renowned Malaysian artists feel with this festival they can further promote the love of art and nature to the masses

The eye-catching moving sculpture (left) dressed in rags symbolises the roaming nature spirits

Genting Highlands.

The nine artists were specially invited by Genting Malaysia Berhad to Awana Genting to paint and capture the surroundings of the 130 million-year-old virgin rainforest here.

The celebrated naturepainting artists were Leong Chee Siong, Zainal Abidin Musa, Leong Kok Shee, Yap Kim Boon, Tew Nai Tong, Calvin Chua, Dr Wong Seng Tong, Tan Hong Lee, Patrick Lasak and Yong Look Nam. As a result, 27 never-seenbefore pieces will be displayed for visitors to appreciate and enjoy.

The third area of the arts exhibition features the bright, young talents of Malaysia with the Installation Art on Conservation of Nature and Environment.

Led by well-known artist Phillip Wong, the names involved in the project include Khairunissa Zainal Abidin, Mat Ramli Mansor (Awie), Muji Lee Mok Yee, Nazmi Ismail, Rorn Lew Cheen Khuang and Boon Yik Chung.

Visitors to the exhibition might just be pleasantly surprised with what they have designed using recyclable items such as plastic bottles, newspa-

pers and cardboards.

Patrons to the arts exhibition will be delighted at the presence of a moving sculpture, dressed up in rags, signifying the spirit of nature and highlighting the importance of environmental conservation.

Besides paintings and art pieces, The Olive will also be demonstrating their Contemporary Food Art Dinner.

Just like great art pieces, the rich sophistication of fine-dining cuisines together with the right pairing of wine is an art form to be appreciated too.

A specially crafted contemporary art dinner menu featuring dishes created by

Kids should have it all, too!

CONTEMPORARY arts are not just for the grown-ups to appreciate.

Bring along your kids to attend Phillip Wong’s Transparent Glass Painting Workshop priced at RM50 per pax.

Enjoy the fresh smell of paint and delight yourselves with every bold stroke of lovely colours as the workshop is a not-tobe-missed opportunity to unleash the creativity in your kids!

the chefs, incorporates artistic techniques to an already delicious cuisine that will awaken all your senses.

The Olive Provenance Montage is a taste teaser that consists of Portobello & Pecorino, Salmon & Black Beans, Prawn & Mango, Foie Gras & Fig and Crab & Avocado dishes.

The fine-dining experience continues with Double Boiled Chicken Soup with Black Fungus, Dried Scallop Chef Daniel Sheen and Chef Chern Chee Hong proudly presenting two special Contemporary Food Art Dinners in conjunction with the Gentings Arts Festival 2011

The workshop is available on walk-in basis, on Aug 20 and 21.

The paintings and art pieces promoted there are for sale from RM8,000 to RM150,000 each.

So come and celebrate the great talents of Malaysian Contemporary Arts at Resorts World Genting with your family and loved ones! For more information,visit www. rwgenting.com or call 03-27181118.

and Cabbage; Poached Lamb & Fava Impasto with Basil Mousse, Wilted Spinach and Lie de Vin Juice; and Abalone Triptych with Foie Gras, Marinated Portobello and Red Wine sauce.

The entire experience is then capped with Abstract Palate dessert which proved to be a charming surprise, consisting of passion chocolate sphere, raspberry gelee, raison and saffron rice pudding.

The exclusive Contemporary Food Art Dinner is priced at RM308 with pairing of wine or RM188 (without wine). The dinner comes with a guided art tour of the Arts Exhibition at Resort Hotel Function Room and a talk on arts as an alternative investment.

For reservations, send an email to gentingartsfestival@ rwgenting.com or call The Olive at 03-61059668.

lifestyle 21

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

Concerned Brand

Nothing as good as 'Slumdog' and model before she was cast in Slumdog Millionaire, and admits it would have been "stupid" to turn down the opportunity to appear in the blockbuster.

Freida added to InStyle magazine: "I think for me, the opportunity was so big that I'd be stupid to waste it and walk away from it. Because acting is something I've always wanted to do.

"I never knew it was going to happen the way it happened. But if I'm going to be presented with an opportunity, it would be silly not to lap it up. And that opportunity was given to me by Slumdog."

Joe Jonas regularly wears dirty clothes THE Jonas Brothers singer admits he is quite happy to take items from the dirty laundry basket, as it's a "quick and easy" solution.

When asked if he'd worn something out of the dirty laundry, Joe replied: "All the time — especially If I'm working out. It's quick and easy."

As well as wearing dirty clothes, Joe also admits he and his brothers — Nick, Kevin and Frankie — used to play practical jokes on their neighbours when they were

growing up, although they would often get caught.

He revealed: "I once wrapped toilet paper around all the trees in our town. The local sheriff came round and said to my dad, 'I'm not accusing your sons of anything but your house is the only one without toilet paper outside'. I got a real talking to after that."

However, the 21-yearold heartthrob — who has previously dated the likes of Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato and Ashley Greene

than since being in exile and I naturally begin to wonder what would make young people destroy their communities.”

Although the 36-year-old star believes he does not know the answer to the problem — which was sparked by the killing of Mark Duggan by police last week — because of his celebrity lifestyle, he hopes people learn to deal with their problems spiritually.

He added: “I don’t know enough about politics to ponder a solution and my hands are sticky with blood money from representing corporate interests through film, television and commercials, venerating, through my endorsements and celebrity products and a lifestyle that contributes to the alienation of an increasingly dissatisfied underclass.

“But I know, as we all intuitively know, that the solution is all around us and it isn’t political, it is spiritual. Ghandi said, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’ ”

SUDOKU

— insists he has now grown up and learnt to behave himself, to the extent that he wouldn't even go through an exgirlfriend's phone.

He added to heat magazine: "I've only gone through an ex's phone because she wanted to show me something.

I wouldn't do it without asking!"

SUDOKU

Separate spiritual journeys JENNIFER Lopez and Marc Anthony (left) split after failing to "see eye-to-eye" on Scientology.

The On The Floor hitmaker — who called time on her seven-year marriage to the singer last month — was reportedly hoping to send the couple's three-year-old twins Max and Emme to a specialist Scientology school, however Marc wasn't so keen on the idea.

A source told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: "Jennifer and Marc couldn't see eyeto-eye on the subject. She's always been more into the church than him. He wasn't a huge fan and it caused problems."

The 42-year-old star recently admitted she wished people wouldn't judge the Scientology religion — also followed by Jennifer's close friends Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes — before they know what it is.

She said: "I just wish that people wouldn't judge it without knowing what it is."

Despite the couple's shock split, Jennifer claimed she will remain an "eternal optimist", and is still confident about finding love again. She recently explained: "I really wanted this family to work. We both did. But I remain an eternal optimist about love. I believe in love... it's still my biggest dream." — Bang Showbiz

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

FREIDA Pinto (right) says none of her filmmaking experiences have been as good as Slumdog Millionaire.

The Indian actress shot to fame after starring in the movie alongside now-boyfriend Dev Patel and though she has made numerous films since, she wishes they were all as enjoyable as the Danny Boyle-directed story.

She said: "Danny would tell us, 'Just know that you've had a great time doing this film and that you've enjoyed yourself. Let the experience be superlative rather than the expectation.'

"The experience was phenomenal.

I've not had an experience like Slumdog in all of the seven films I've done since. It was a baby that you want to keep repeating over and over again."

The Rise of the Planet of the Apes star was working as a TV presenter

RUSSELL Brand thinks the UK riots are “sad and frightening”.

The British comedian — who now lives in Los Angeles with his wife Katy Perry — is upset areas he has previously lived in London have been affected by the looting and violence in the last week and hopes his views do not irritate because he no longer lives in England.

He wrote on his website: “This week’s riots are sad and frightening and if I have by virtue of my temporary displacement forgone the right to speak about the behaviour of my countrymen then this is gonna be irksome.

“I’ve lived in Dalston, Hackney, Elephant, Camden and Bethnal Green, I grew up around Dagenham and Romford and whilst I could never claim to be from the demographic most obviously affected I feel guilty that I’m not there now.

“I feel proud to be English, proud to be a Londoner (alright an Essex boy) never more so

22

the malay mail

Bangsar South

Brickfields

Bukit Bintang

Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

Bukit Jalil

Penang

MonDay 15 August, 2011

the malay mail

23

24

PROPERTY / MOTORING / HEALTH / HOME / OTHERS

the malay mail

Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

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

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M393

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TRAD MASSAGE, RM50, SS21/12, PJ. Newly open. Call: 03-7873 0971.

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Business opportunities ADULT STEM Cells, the miraculous answer to wellness, longevity and financial freedom. Call: 012-298 6207 BEST BUSINESS Opportunities, run your own free organic store, no investment, no renovations, risk free with multiple income sources. Call 012-256 9668 for more info.

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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

CHEAPEST RATE Car rental in KL. Many types of Cars & MPV. (Pajak- accepted) Call for RAYA booking: 012-987 7756

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M430

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Home repairs/maintenance

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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.

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CENTURY ROLLER SHUTTER specialist. Installation, service & repairing all kind of door roller shutter. Call Lee 012-649 9238

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M394

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Raya sale up to 50%!!! For HOOD + HOB (3 burners)= RM1988 + FOC Microwave Oven, Limited Unit Only!

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

Easy, good income. Low capital.

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OTHERS / JOBS

Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011 M434

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M110

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M323

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M515

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M515

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Contact Ms Kim: 012-636 9215

IMMEDIATE VACANCY FOR Sales Exec with min.

SPM. Senior Technician & Junior Technician preferably with experience in Forklift industry. Call: 03-7848 3122 / 3133. Loc: Subang, Mahsing.

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

TOY POODLE 2 month old vaccine and dewormed. price: RM550-750 Call: 012-249 5424 view:www. puppiesglobe.blogspot.com.

M370

BISTRO BAR AT Damansara requires (1) Manager; attractive salary RM2K++ plus comm.) Required with working experience in Pub & Bistro, Chinese female encouraged to apply. Interested call Chris at 014-262 6300

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

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AFFORDABLE RENTAL Rates for cars, Van & we do Inbound Tours as your convenience Call: 03-5882 9445 / 0126799987 / 013- 384 1299

M398

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ANTIQUE PREUSED items for sales at 1-059 First Floor, Millennium Square, Jln 14/1 Petaling Jaya. 037956 7753/ 017-287 3789

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

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

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Come to USJ9 Mall, Puchong 017-707 8383

M372

Articles wanted INTERIOR & ARCHITECTURAL Design Consultancy Tel: (603) 3325 9166 Fax: (603) 3325 9366 Hp: (6012) 321 2096 www.lazern.com

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

BUS DRIVERS WITH E License needed for international school based in K.L (Call: 012-234 8081/03-4044 8081.

Centre Associates Wanted.

Mail Boxes Etc. Damansara Heights. Please email your resume to mbe_damansara@ mbe.com.my or call 03-20939020 for interview. For more info about us, visit www.mbe.com.my

CORPORATE PROJECT Executives. (Sales & Marketing Division). Required urgently at Menara Yayasan in Petaling Jaya (next to Amcorp Mall). SPM/ fresh graduates are encouraged to apply. No experience required as training will be provided.

Email: admin_gm@keneve. com.my Call Ms Jeesha at 018-295 5135 for an immediate interview appointment.

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

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

208 Plaza Ampang City, KL

LEGAL FIRM in Hicom Glenmarie requires.

(1) Conveyancing lawyer (2) Conveyancing Secretary.

Call 03-5569 1760/ 1746 or 012-205 3197.

DRIVER FOR SENIOR Management urgently wanted.

Must have a minimum of 5 years experience. Honest, good road knowledge and attitude are required. Call Hema at 03-7958 7611 ext 299.

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

REAL ESTATE in Kota Damansara requires Negotiator. With / without experience.

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M515

Jobs REAL ESTATE Negotiators successful Real Estate Negotiator earns high income and an exciting Career!

You could be one of them if you meet the following requirements:- 1) Minimum SPM qualification. 2) Ages 24 to 30. 4) Friendly personality with good spoken English. 5) Friendly personality with good spoken English. 5) Minimum 2 years working experience. 6) Have own transport. Successful candidates will have a minimum allowances of RM1200 plus attractive commission call Ms. Chin @ 03-2093 7777 for pre-selection or interview

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

the malay mail M515

M515

M515

Jobs

Jobs

Jobs

VAN DRIVER Required at USJ for 5 days week. Min SPM with 1 year related working experience and able to work in a fast pace environment.

Possesses GDL badge and able to speak English. Call: 03-5638 2208 (Ms. Jessica ) for interview.

VETERINARY DOCTOR & Surgeon needed on full / part time basis Interested pls call: 012-249 5424

Retiree with 42 years’ experience as a Secretary seeks full-time employment in KL. Interested parties, please email to suitching.liew@yahoo.com 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 EXECUTIVE. Age 18 & above. Basic salary RM 800 + commission + bonus with/ without experience.

Professional training provided.

Own transport preferable.

Vacancies are available at these locations: - Kelana Jaya, Shah Alam, Tmn Segar & Low Yat Plaza. Contact Cik Eyra (T) 2142 9405 (HP) 019-221 1559

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

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

03-7495 1273

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LEGAL / NOTICES

the malay mail

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M580

Notices/legal/proclaim

Notices/legal/proclaim

M580

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M580

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M580

Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

03-7495 1273

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

I'll certainly be racing next year, that is definite — Michael Schumacher

PETALING JAYA: FOOTBALL

Private and confidential Safee keeps 'em guessing on German woo

NATIONAL striker Safee Sali continues to keep fans guessing as talks of him plying his trade in Germany heightens.

Safee, who currently plays for Indonesian outfit Pelita Jaya, insisted he is still unaware of the extent of the supposed deal and refused to reveal the club that apparently contacted him.

"It's still early and it's private and confidential at the moment," Safee told Mailsport.

"There's not been any formal discussions yet but I really hope I'll be given a chance to go."

If the deal materialises, Safee could join the likes of Akmal Rizal Rakhli, Fadzli Saari and Rudie Ramli and Titus James Palani.

Akmal played for French sides RC Strasbourg and FCSR Hanguenau while Fadzli and Rudie enjoyed short stints with German side SV Wehense. Titus was attached to French clubs FC Villenoy and Nanteuil FC. Former international Lim Teong Kim, meanwhile, played for Hertha Berlin in 1988 and is now coaching at the Bayern Munich Academy in Munich, Germany.

Safee, 27, played for Telekom

By HARESH DEOL haresh@mmail.com.my

Melaka FC, Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak and Selangor before earning a place in Indonesia.

He first represented the Malaysian Olympic squad during the 2004 Olympic qualifiers and represented the senior squad in the 2007 Merdeka Tournament followed by the 2007 Korat Sea Games.

Safee helped the nation win the Asean Cup last year and was the top scorer of the tournament with five goals.

He first spoke about the offer to Astro Arena last week.

He had then explained he received a phone call from "a German club" after Malaysia played Singapore in the second round pre-World Cup tournament recently.

Safee scored three goals in the two-legged match but it was not enough as Malaysia lost 6-4 on aggregate.

"I've heard they are interested but I've not received anything concrete from them yet so it's best I not comment," he told the TV station.

Since then, postings and threads of Safee's possible German stint was an instant

SAFEE: No formal discussions yet

hit on blogs and forums alike.

The German league comprises the elite Bundesliga and t he s e cond-t ier 2.

Bundesliga.

The Bundesliga official website states there are 47 per cent of foreign players in the Bundesliga and 36 per cent of non-German nationals playing in the lower league.

These figures came about after the limitation on the number of European Union (EU) and non-EU players

in a team was lifted for the 2006/2007 season. It, however, remains unclear if the Fifa rankings of a nation is a criteria for players competing in the German leagues.

Malaysia are ranked 146 in the world standings — behind Thailand (119), Singapore (131), Indonesia (137) and Viet nam (144). Among Asians who are now playing in Germany include Japan's Shinji Okazaki (VfB Stuttgart) and S outh Korean Koo Ja-Cheol (VfL Wolfsburg).

SELAYANG: FOOTBALL

Future looks bleak for City side

KUALA LUMPUR could lose some of their key players, including midfielder Yong Kuong Yong, defender Shahrom Kalam and goalkeeper Norazlan Razali, next season.

Kuong Yong has been contacted by Kelantan and Johor FC while Shahrom has apparently been in talks with Perak and Johor FC. Norazlan, meanwhile, could see action with Johor FC or Kelantan.

Kuong Yong, who turns 23 on Sept 18, has caught the attention of many, including national coach Datuk K. Rajagobal throughout his stint with KL. The Negri Sembilan-born lad, however, refused to

divulge his future plans and prefers to concentrate on KL's Malaysia Cup campaign instead. KL join Selangor, T-Team and Police in Group D. "There have been offers but I told them to hold on. I would like to help KL in the Malaysia Cup," said Kuong Yong.

"I believe we have a good chance of advancing beyond the group stage. Selangor are the obvious favourites but we are on par, if not better, than Police and T-Team."

Nevertheless, Kuong Yong stressed the players need to work as a unit to ensure they keep their hopes alive in the critical stages of

the tournament.

"I've been attending training without fail. But some of us lack training and we all need to work hard to make this work. We still have time and hopefully we will get better."

More K L pl aye rs are expected to jump ship as they have not received their wages for several months.

Most have not been attending training regularly and this has affected the team's performance, as seen in the friendly match against Kelantan at the Selayang Stadium yesterday.

KL suffered a 5-0 defeat in the match. The Red Warriors got their goals through Nurul

Azwan Roya (11th minute), Azamuddin Akil (23rd), Badri Razi (55th), K. Solihin (75th) and R. Surendran (88th).

It is learnt KLFA officials will meet Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin tomorrow to update the latter on the team's current situation and hopefully secure grants to pay the players.

KL have lined up several friendly matches ahead of the Malaysia Cup. They play Felda United tomorrow, followed by Selangor PKNS (Saturday), Johor FC (Aug 23) and Sime Darby (Aug 27).

sports

27

BRNO: MOTORSPORT/ MOTOGP

Stoner cruises to win at Brno, widens lead

AUSTRALIAN Casey Stoner won the Czech motorcycling Grand Prix yesterday, extending his lead in the MotoGP championship following his success at the US Grand Prix last month.

Italian Andrea Dovizioso came in second and his compatriot Marco Simoncelli finished third, his first podium finish in MotoGP, completing a clean sweep for Honda.

Stoner took an early lead and built up a 6.532 second advantage by the time he crossed the finish line, leaving champion Jorge Lorenzo and the rest of the field to scramble for the second position.

Lorenzo, last year's winner in Brno, finished in fourth spot followed by fellow Yamaha rider Ben Spies of the United States.

It was Stoner's sixth triumph in this season's 11 races so far. Stoner leads the championship with 218 points, 32 ahead of Lorenzo.

Spaniard Dani Pedrosa, who started from pole position, crashed over the front end at a right curve early on, a blow to his chances of challenging in this year's championship.

Lorenzo gained the lead in the first lap but 2007 world champion Stoner soon took

FLYING HIGH: Stoner does a wheelie after his win — GETTY photo

over to take the race in dry and sunny conditions at the fast Masaryk Circuit.

Earlier, Italian Andrea Iannone took the Moto2 category win ahead of Spaniard Marc Marquez and Germany's Stefan Bradl.

Germany's Sandro Cortese won the 125cc race, followed

by Johann Zarco of France and Spaniard Alberto Moncayo.

There are seven more events on the MotoGP Grand Prix calendar this season, with the next race in Indianapolis on Aug 28. — Reuters

NORTH CAROLINA: ATHLETICS

Hearing will determine Rodgers's fate FORMER US 100m champion Mike Rodgers's World Championships eligibility rests in the hands of a panel who will hear his doping case, American officials said this morning.

Rodgers, the year's fourth fastest 100m runner, and his agent are urgently trying to have his positive test for a stimulant adjudicated by an arbitration panel before final declarations are due for the Aug 27-Sept 4 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

"Usada (the US AntiDoping Agency) are doing his adjudication and they will determine his eligibility," USA Track and Field spokeswoman Jill Geer said.

"If they say he is eligible, he will be eligible to compete. We

have not removed him from the (World Championship) roster."

Rodgers, the 2009 US sprint champion, was selected to the US team in both the 100m and 4x100m relay pool.

His agent Tony Campbell said he had tested positive for the stimulant last month in Italy after mistakenly consuming an energy drink that contained the unidentified banned substance.

Penalties for a stimulant positive generally range from a public warning to suspension for several months.

"Ultimately, an independent panel of judges following a full legal process makes the final decision regarding the appropriate sanction," Usada spokeswoman Annie Skinner said. — Reuters

28

sports

MONTREAL: TENNIS

Djokovic wins this year's ninth title

WORLD NO 1 Novak Djokovic continued his near-perfect season with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 defeat of Mardy Fish to win the ATP Montreal Masters this morning, his ninth title of the season.

The Serb confirmed the world No 1 ranking which which he claimed after winning Wimbledon as he beat Fish for the seventh time without a loss.

Djokovic has now won nine titles in 2011 in nine attempts.

He stands a phenomenal 53-1 this season, with his only loss coming against Roger Federer in the French Open semifinals.

Djokovic becomes the first man to win five Masters 1000 titles in the same season having also claimed trophies at Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid and Rome.

Djokovic now stands 27-13 in career finals while Fish, winner of the Atlanta title last month, was competing in his third straight final of the preUS Open summer.

The American saved three match points in final game from Djokovic errors before the Serb triumphed on his fourth opportunity with a service winner after two hours, 23 minutes. — AFP

CINCINNATTI: TENNIS

Del Potro sets date with Federer JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO won his opening round match at the ATP Cincinnati Masters this morning, setting up a second-round rematch of his 2009 US Open final against Roger Federer.

Del Potro was 4-1 ahead against Andreas Seppi when the Italian withdrew because of an injured right foot.

The Argentine reached the round of 16 at Wimbledon for the first time this year and is seeking to regain his form heading into the US Open which begins in two weeks.

Del Potro upset Federer in the US Open final two years ago, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2.

Del Potro and Federer have faced each other eight times with del Potro winning the last two after Federer beat him six straight times.

Play began this morning in the men's draw at the tournament, which combines the Cincinnati Women's Open and the Cincinnati Masters for the first time. — AFP

The BWF will get tough on players withdrawing late from tournaments and on uncompetitive practices in matches between players of the same country — AFP

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

Danish delight for Rory

GEORGIA: GOLF

McIlroy glad to leave PGA Championship for Cincinnati tennis trip US OPEN Open winner Rory McIlroy could not wait to finish a disappointing PGA Championship this morning and head off to Cincinnati, where his friend Caroline Wozniacki, the top women's tennis player, is playing in a tournament.

McIlroy came into the year's final Major as the bookmaker's favourite but suffered a wrist injury on the third hole of his first round and never truly got into his stride at the Atlanta Athletic Club.

The Northern Irishman shot a four-over 74 this morning to end the tournament at 11-over overall.

"To be honest, I'm glad to be done," said McIlroy.

"It was a struggle. I basically played 70 holes of this tournament not at 100 per cent, so it was always going to be tough.

"Still, some good play out there the last few days, birdied the last, so nice to come off with a positive each day."

The 22-year-old had a ready-made excuse in the form of the strapped-up forearm that he has been forced to play with since Friday but

ANYTHING FOR CARO: McIlroy (inset) is romantically linked with the women's world No 1 — GETTY photo

he said the injury had eased through the week.

"It's fine," McIlroy added.

"To be honest, the swelling in the tendon went down. The pronator muscle is still a little sore, and going up into the medial ligament up into the inside of the elbow, so just a little bit of rest.

"I'm looking forward to a couple of weeks off, and

you know, get rested up and get ready for the end of the season."

McIlroy will fly to Cincinnati where Dane Wozniacki, with whom he has been romantically linked, is playing in the Masters series event.

"I'm actually going to go to Cincinnati for a few days. I hear it's nice there this time of year," McIlroy said.

Although the pair have been photographed together and Wozniacki has mentioned McIlroy frequently on Twitter, neither has formally confirmed any romantic relationship.

McIlroy's season will be remembered for his outstanding victory in the US Open at Congressional in June and, despite his disap-

pointments in the other three Majors, he hopes to build on his victory.

"Looking back at the results, with the win, obviously the win was great but 15th at Augusta and 25th at the (British) Open and then 66th here, well the first-half, the first 2½ Majors I was right in there," he said.

"Just one bad day on the Saturday at the (British) Open really cost me. I feel comfortable in these events, and the win this year in the US Open will give me a lot of confidence going into them next year again."

McIlroy will re-join the US PGA Tour next year and plans to squeeze in some house hunting in Florida before focusing on his preparations for the 2012 Masters.

"I'll play the rest of the season and try and do well and try and finish up the (European Tour's) Race to Dubai as high as possible," he said.

"I'll think ab out (the Masters) during Christmas and the off-season and try and get ready for it basically from January to April." — Reuters

TORONTO: TENNIS

Williams wins, boosts US Open hopes SERENA WILLIAMS won her second straight tournament and proved her mettle ahead of the US Open with a convincing 6-4, 6-2 win over Australia's Samantha Stosur

in the Roger's Cup final this morning.

The former world No 1, playing in just her fourth tournament since returning from an 11-month

THIS ONE'S FOR YOU: Williams acknowledges her fans after her win — AFP photo

layoff in June, capped the victory in style with an ace and then raised her arms in the air before jumping up and down repeatedly.

Williams, who won the Stanford Classic last month, held her serve throughout the 77-minute match and called her game solid despite acknowledging there is room for improvement for the US Open, which begins on Aug 29.

"My game is here and I feel like there are a lot of improvements I want to make — being able to close out big points and winning on big points and capitalising on that and still returning a little bit better," Williams said.

"But overall it's solid, I want to definitely keep it up and

not go down."

Stosur went toe-to-toe with Williams in a first set that went with serve until the 13-time Grand Slam champion broke in the ninth game with a forehand volley to the empty side of the court. She served out in the next game.

Williams had sent a screaming backhand winner down the line one point previously, which she said was when the match turned in her favour.

"I definitely think that's when the match started changing, but for the most part I was really fighting until that point," Williams said.

Williams broke Stosur in the opening game of the second set with a cross-court winner.

Williams, who next plays the

Cincinnati Open, improved to 11-0 in hard court matches this year and is looking like the dominant player who captured the Wimbledon title last year before her layoff.

She entered the tournament as the world No 80 but is projected to go as high as 31 when the rankings are released today.

Despite that, Williams considers herself an underdog for the year's final Grand Slam.

"I never go in as a favourite, I feel like I'm still the underdog," she said.

"I went through a lot of things physically, mentally and emotionally, and going through so much so I am just taking it one day at a time and kind of like one match at a time." — Reuters

I saw that I could not perform to the level I would like, so I do not want to be dragging myself — Former Spain and Valencia striker Mista on his retirement

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

LONDON: FOOTBALL/ CHAMPIONSHIP

Ballack leads the way Ex-Germany captain helps Leverkusen to first win this season

OVER-JOYED: Hudson jumps on his teammates to join the celebrations as Conway celebrates scoring the second goal for Cardiff — GETTY photo

their winning start to the season with a 2-1 victory over Peterborough.

Phillips, 38, set Blackpool on their way to a second successive victory with a clinical first-half header and

struck again three minutes into the second-half.

Peterborough pulled a goal back through George Boyd in the 82nd minute but Blackpool held on. — AFP

MADRID: FOOTBALL/ PRIMERA LIGA

Mourinho pleased with progress of Sahin, Varane

REAL MADRID boss Jose Mourinho has stressed Nuri Sahin is recovering well from his knee injury and could resume squad training after the Primera Liga match against Athletic Bilbao on Aug 19.

The 22-year-old midfielder picked up the problem ahead of his side's pre-season tour to the USA and has since been working on his recovery.

"Sahin has been improving, unlike what some people with bad intentions have said.

"He has recovered well and could start training with the team after the match against Athletic Bilbao," Mourinho told the club's official website.

Sahin joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund this summer after an impressive 2010-11 campaign with the Bundesliga champions.

Mourinho also discussed French youngster Raphael Varane and stated that the defender still has plenty of room for improvement.

"Varane is a kid with great potential, but he is young and has to work a lot.

"He is very smart and knows

29

BERLIN: FOOTBALL/ BUNDESLIGA

Cardiff set early pace CARDIFF have set the early pace in the race for the Premier League after moving to the top of the Championship with a 3-1 victory over Bristol City this morning.

The Bluebirds were beaten in the play-off semifinals last season but there was no sign of a hangover as captain Mark Hudson headed the hosts into an early lead and Craig Conway added the second for Malky Mackay's team.

Robert Earnshaw tapped in from close range to make it 3-0 after just 36 minutes with his first goal back in Bluebirds colours since leaving the club in 2004.

Bristol City, who lost 3-0 at home to Ipswich on the opening day, got one back through Nicky Maynard in the closing stages, but it was too late to stop Cardiff going top with six points from two games.

In Sunday's other match, former Sunderland and Birmingham striker Kevin Phillips scored his first goals for Blackpool as Ian Holloway's side maintained

sports

MICHAEL BALLACK led Bayer Leverkusen to their first win of the season on Sunday as Czech midfielder Michal Kadlec's late goal sealed a 1-0 win at home to Werder Bremen.

Last season's German league runners-up have had a torrid time of late, throwing away a 3-0 lead at second division Dynamo Dresden two weeks ago in the German Cup to suffer a 4-3 defeat.

They were then beaten 2-0 at Mainz last weekend in the opening weekend of the Bundesliga season.

To add insult to injury, goalkeeper Fabian Giefer — who was filling in for injured Germany shot-stopper Rene Adler — was so badly concussed at Mainz that he suffered a complete memory blank.

Leverkusen coach Robin Dutt was forced to bring in teenage goalkeeper Bernd Leno from VfB Stuttgart as emergency cover, and the 19-year-old stood up to the task before Kadlec's 85th minute winner gave his side victory.

Ballack captained Leverkusen for 83 minutes before he was replaced by regular Bayer captain Simon Rolfes, who provided the final pass for Kadlec to score two minutes after coming off the bench.

E arlier, newly-promoted Augsburg drew 1-1 at

WELL DONE: Leverkusen's head coach Robin Dutt (right) thanks Ballack — AFP photo

Kaiserslautern to pick up their second draw of the season.

Yesterday, defending champions Borussia Dortmund crashed to a 1-0 defeat at Hoffenheim while Wolfsburg's coach Felix Magath demanded the introduction of video replays to correct referee blunders after his side lost to Bayern Munich.

Hoffenheim poached an early lead when Bosnia striker Sejad Salihovic curled in a free-kick after just nine minutes.

Having beaten Hamburg 3-1 last weekend, Dortmund showed none of the self assurance which secured that victory despite Jurgen Klopp reshuffling his attacking midfield with three second-half changes.

Having been shocked at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach last weekend, Bayern picked up their first win as Brazil midfielder Luiz Gustavo scored in the 91st minute at 2009 champions VfL Wolfsburg.

French playmaker Franck

RESULTS Yesterday K'slautern 1 Augsburg 1 Leverkusen 1 Bremen 0 Saturday Schalke 5 Cologne 1 Hamburg 2 Berlin 2 Nuremberg 1 Hanover 2 Freiburg 1 Mainz 2 Hoffenheim 1 Dortmund 0 Wolfsburg 0 Munich 1 M'gladbach 1 Stuttgart 1 Ribery provided the final pass and Gustavo drilled his shot into the top left-hand corner to break Wolves' hearts.

Wolfsburg had the ball in the Munich net in the first-half, thanks to a header from former Germany striker Patrick Helmes, but the effort was ruled offside, leading to Magath's call for video referees.

"If four referees are not able to assess the situation properly, then it's time for television referees," fumed Magath after replays showed Helmes was not offside. — AFP

MILAN: FOOTBALL/ SERIE A

Ibra warns losing Eto'o would be disastrous

FAST RECOVERY: Sahin (right) is recovering well from his knee injury — GETTY photo

he has a lot to improve. We have a lot of faith in him and he has won us over, thanks to his humility and work ethic."

Varane j oine d Madr id

from Lens and could make his full debut in Sunday's Spanish Super Cup first-leg against Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu. — Agencies

AC MILAN'S Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hinted that Inter will lose a lot of quality if they decide to sell Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o this summer.

The San Siro side are allegedly on the verge of offloading the 30-year-old to Anzhi Makhachkala for a fee in the region of £30.7m, but Ibrahimovic has advised his former side to hold on to Eto'o rather than cash in on the striker.

"It's normal that Inter lose a lot of quality if they lose Eto'o.

There are not many players like

him around. He has proven to be one of the best players in the world," the Swede was quoted as saying by Il Corriere dello Sport.

Eto'o joined Inter from Barcelona in the summer of 2009 in a deal that saw Ibrahimovic move in the other direction.

The African forward has since become a key player at the Italian side and has won Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, Club World Cup and Champions League trophies with the Giuseppe Meazza club.

IBRAHIMOVIC

His current contract with Inter runs until the summer of 2014. — Agencies

30

sport

presstalk METRO

Sell one, get two deal TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp wants chairman Daniel Levy to sanction the sale of Luka Modric to Chelsea in order to finance raids for Giuseppe Rossi and Emmanuel Adebayor.

The Spurs boss is believed to be privately willing to let the wantaway playmaker quit White Hart Lane, so long as he can use the recouped transfer funds to strengthen the side. Levy, who has so far taken an unmovable stance with the Blues in the Modric negotiations, still remains unwilling to budge, and is relying on the sale of Wilson Palacios and Peter Crouch to free up some cash for the manager.

Rossi has long been a target for the Spurs boss, while Adebayor continues to be linked, as does Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente, who could be an alternative answer to the Manchester City hitman.

METRO

Jadson set for Arsenal transfer SHAKHTAR DONETSK head coach Mircea Lucescu has confirmed Arsenal are in for their Brazilian playmaker Jadson to replace Barcelonabound Cesc Fabregas.

"I can confirm Jadson is wanted by Arsenal," said Lucescu. "Now it all depends on him." Last Thursday, the player himself hinted at a move when he said on his Twitter account: "My friends, if all goes well at the start of next week, I will have news for you." Samir Nasri is also close to the Emirates exit door, and with Gervinho now suspended for the Gunners' next three league games, Wenger is in desperate need of creativity in midfield.

SUNDAY EXPRESS

United turn to Goetze now MARIO GOETZE has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson ended his pursuit of Wesley Sneijder.

The Red Devils boss had been keen to bring in the Inter Milan playmaker as a replacement for Paul Scholes, but pulled out of the race to sign him because of his salary demands.

The 19-year-old Goetze established a reputation as one of the rising stars of European football when he helped Dortmund win the Bundesliga title last season.

He is already a regular member of the Germany squad and scored his first international goal in last week's 3-2 victory over Brazil.

I've got a good understanding with the players, but everyone's got a great understanding here, that's why they've won so many titles — Ashley Young BIRMINGHAM: football/ premier league

Long way to go But Ferguson says De Gea could eventually be the next big thing DAVID DE GEA was spared the ignominy of ruining the start of Manchester United's title defence as the champions snatched a late 2-1 victory against West Bromwich Albion yesterday.

The Devils' summer signing was given a harsh welcome to the Premier League with manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitting the Spanish Under21 star "should have done better".

The 20-year-old let a straightforward Shane Long shot squirm under his body on his league debut at the Hawthorns and, after condeing twice to Manchester City in last week's Charity Shield, Ferguson believes his No 1 still has a long way to go.

Ferguson told Sky Sports: "David should have done better. I think he’s lost a bit of concentration there, but welcome to English football because he took a battering in the second-half.

"He should have been protected more by the referee — he wasn’t — and on this occasion, he has to withstand it. It’s a good experience for him.

"My recollection of goalkeepers coming from Europe is there’s a learning process, it’s a different game.

"Peter Schmeichel was the same when he came,

Wimbledon in his first away game and they gave him a torrid time.

"But Peter came on to become the greatest goalkeeper of all time possibly.

The boy is 20 years of age, you suspect a learning process to be in operation at the moment and he’ll see it through."

When asked how he will help De Gea get over his errors, Ferguson added: "Just pat him on the head."

United took the lead through Wayne Rooney before Long's equalier, but won it late on through a Steven Reid own goal.

It was an Ashley Young run down the left which resulted in the Reid own goal and Ferguson was full of praise for his £18m (RM87.9m) summer signing from Aston Villa.

"Yes, he's got good composure on the ball, not just crossing but his interplay with the rest of the players," Ferguson added.

"He made a goal for Wayne (Rooney) from a good pass and he was a threat all the time.

"He had a few crosses blocked, but when he decided to go the opposite way and go towards the byline he was an instant threat.

"The first 25 minutes I thought we were superb, moving the ball was great, the

Ferdinand out for six weeks MANCHESTER UNITED defender Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out for six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in a 2-1 win at West Bromwich Albion yesterday.

Ferdinand limped off in the second-half of the champions' Premier League opener and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed after the game that the former England captain is expected to be out until October.

It means the 32-year-old will miss United's games against title rivals Arsenal and Chelsea and England's Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales.

United captain Nemanja Vidic was also injured and the Serbian defender could be out for two weeks after coming off in the second-half with a calf problem.

There were further defensive concerns for Ferguson yesterday as the Scot discovered

RIO FERDINAND

that rightback Rafael da Silva will be out for 10 weeks after he dislocated a shoulder in training.

"We've had a rough time with injuries," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "Young Rafa has done his shoulder in training on Friday and will be out for 10 weeks. He's probably going to have an operation.

"Rio will be out for six weeks.

Vida will have checks tomorrow (Monday), we don't know if it's just a nerve or something, but he could be out for a couple of weeks." — AFP

RESULTS Yesterday Stoke 0 Chelsea 0 West Brom 1 Man Utd 2 Saturday Blackburn 1 Wolves 2 Fulham 0 Aston Villa 0 Liverpool 1 Sunderland 1 Newcastle 0 Arsenal 0 QPR 0 Bolton 4 Wigan 1 Norwich 1 Postponed Tottenham v Everton

FIXTURE Today Man City v Swansea (2am)

Standings DE GEA

interplay, the speed of play was great.

"Then for some reason, we started to slow the build-up to a level where we lost the momentum, then we lost a goal."

Ferguson reserved special praise for goalscorer Rooney, who notced his first goal of the season.

"He's looking great, he was fantastic today, he was all over the place," he said. — Agencies

Bolton Man Utd Wolves Liverpool Norwich Sunderland Wigan Arsenal Aston Villa Chelsea Fulham Newcastle Stoke Everton Man City Swansea Tottenham Blackburn West Brom QPR

P W 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0

D L F A Pts 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 2 1 3 0 0 2 1 3 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 0 4 0

The Malay Mail Monday 15 AUGUST, 2011

Player ratings West Brom Foster Olsson Shorey Tamas Reid Brunt Scharner Mulumbu Morrison Tchoyi Long Substitutions Jara Cox

5.0 5.0 6.0 5.5 6.5 5.0 5.5 6.5 6.0 6.0 6.0 N/A N/A

Match facts West Brom Man United 16 (3) Shots (on Goal) 11 (1) 19 Fouls 11 6 Corner Kicks 5 1 Offsides 0 41% Possession 59% 3 Yellow Cards 2 0 Red Cards 0 0 Saves 2

Man United De Gea Ferdinand Smalling Da Silva Vidic Young Cleverley Anderson Nani Rooney Welbeck Substitutions Jones Evans Berbatov

4.5 6.5 6.0 6.0 7.0 8.5 6.5 6.0 5.5 8.5 6.0 6.5 6.5 5.5

STOKE: Football/ PREMIER LEAGUE

Bruised Villas-Boas hits out at robust Stoke

A N D R E V I L L A S - B OA S became the latest Premier League manager to criticise Stoke City's notoriously robust playing style after the sides kicked-off the new campaign with a 0-0 draw yesterday.

In Villas-Boas' first competitive game in charge of the London club, Chelsea were left frustrated when referee Mark Halsey waved away appeals for a penalty after Frank Lampard went down under a Marc Wilson challenge early in the second-half.

The former Porto coach refused to comment on that specific incident after the game at the Britannia Stadium, but he made it clear that the hosts' approach was

not to his liking.

"The amount of pushing and grabbing in the box is out of this world," he said.

"I want to draw the referees' attention to these kind of details as they say they are going to be aware of them.

Maybe they need extra help."

There are parallels between Villas-Boas' comments and those made by other English managers unhappy at the way in which Tony Pulis' Stoke have gone about establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.

Arsenal manager Arsene We n g e r br a n d e d St o k e "cowards" for their physical approach in a meeting between the sides in 2008,

and was left incensed the following season after midfielder Aaron Ramsey suffered a broken leg under a challenge from Ryan Shawcross.

Last year, he accused them of "rugby-style tactics."

"You cannot say it is football any more. It is more rugby on goalkeepers than football," he said after witnessing the Potters' defeat to Tottenham in August last year.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson, who was already working as a manager before 33-year-old Villas-Boas was even born, defended Pulis and Stoke last season.

"People have criticised their physical style of play but they stick to what they do best," the Scotsman said. — AFP

LONDON

QUEENS PARK RANGERS manager Neil Warnock insists there is no reason to "commit suicide" after their first Premier League game since 1996 ended with a 4-0 home defeat to Bolton on Saturday.

Gary Cahill curled in a fine 20-metre strike on the stroke of half-time, and once debutant defender Danny Gabbidon had put through his own net, there was no way back for Rangers.

The other scorers were Ivan Klasnic and Fabrice Muamba.

QPR lost summer signing Kieron Dyer to a metatarsal injury after just five minutes and finished the match with 10 men after defender Clint Hill was sent off in stoppage time for putting his head into the chest of Martin Petrov.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle maintains Cahill once again showed he has the quality to "play for anyone" with his performance — but insists there have been no formal bids for the England centreback, who has been linked with a summer move to Arsenal.

"Cahill has put himself in the shop window year after year," said Coyle. "I love having him in my team, but he could play for anybody — and I mean anybody."

"He has got feet which belong to a striker, he has got pace, and tremendous timing in the air."

RESULTS

Yesterday Stoke 0 Chelsea West Brom 1 Man Utd Saturday Blackburn 1 Wolves Fulham 0 Aston Villa Liverpool 1 Sunderland Newcastle 0 Arsenal QPR 0 Bolton Wigan 1 Norwich Postponed Tottenham v Everton

0 2 2 0 1 0 4 1

Standings P 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1

W D 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

F A Pts 4 0 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 2 0

Fixtures

Today Man City v Swansea

(3am)

31

PRESSTALK

MANCHESTER: football/ premier league

Learn from errors and not commit suicide, says Warnock

Bolton Man Utd Wolves Liverpool Norwich Sunderland Wigan Arsenal Aston Villa Chelsea Fulham Newcastle Stoke Everton Man City Swansea Tottenham Blackburn West Brom

sports

I've always said the first five or six games are so important. You want to get off to a good start, set your stall out and show all the teams that you mean business — Tottenham Hotspur's Jermain Defoe

The Malay Mail Monday 15 August, 2011

Tricky Swans

BENTLEY

City boss Mancini not taking things for granted against Welsh delight MANCHESTER CITY manager Roberto Mancini is anticipating a tough time when his side host newlypromoted Swansea at Etihad Stadium tomorrow (3am).

On paper, a home fixture against a team who have come up from the Championship would appear to many to be an ideal assignment for City in their Premier League opener.

But last season's promoted trio Newcastle, West Brom and Blackpool — who memorably got their campaign started with a 4-0 thumping of Wigan at DW Stadium — all fared well in their initial round of league matches and were each positioned in the top half after 10 games.

With that in mind, there is no danger of Mancini underestimating the task that awaits his players.

"When you start the season and you play against a team who come from the Championship, it is really difficult," said the Italian.

"Last season, with all the teams that came from the Championship, it was very hard to play against them in the first 10 games and it will be the same this time around.

But this is why the Premier League is difficult. Every game is hard."

Swansea will be the first Welsh team to compete in the Premier League.

Mancini: Difficult to play against a newly-promoted side — GETTY photo

They have become renowned for their dynamic brand of football over the last few years and Mancini is well aware of the kind of challenge

the Swans are likely to pose.

"I have watched many of their games," said Mancini.

"Swansea play good football. They don't play long

ball and they have good players.

"Their manager Brendan Rodgers is good — last season, he played really good football and got promoted."

Although Mancini's expensively assembled squad are being widely tipped to mount a serious title challenge this season, he has been keen to stress the difficulties of the early part of a season, both in terms of player recruitment and condition.

He is currently being forced to operate short of what he had hoped, with any talks over Samir Nasri's expected move from Arsenal too late to give the Frenchman a chance of being involved against Swansea.

Record signing Sergio "Kun" Aguero is still some way short of full fitness as well, while controversial Carlos Tevez only came back to training last Monday.

"I think the first 10 games are very difficult — the squad is not 100 per cent ready," said Mancini.

"It needs four or five games to find good form for the players."

Tevez will sit out the game tomorrow, while Aguero may feature for the first time since his £38m (RM185.7m) move from Atletico Madrid, but Mancini reckons the 23-yearold can contribute only 45 minutes at best.

SWANSEA: football/ premier league

Swansea to battle it out for survival

SWANSEA manager Brendan Rodgers says they will "die for the cause" as they look to confound expectations and avoid a rapid return to the Championship.

Rodgers and his squad are preparing for their Premier League opener at Manchester City tomorrow (3am), after the 4-2 play-off final win over Reading in May catapulted the south Wales club back to the top flight for the first time in almost 30 years.

But the bookies instantly installed the Swans as relegation favourites after their Wembley success.

Swansea are huge underdogs ahead of the trip to Etihad Stadium, but Rodgers insists his side will give their

all to prove those predictions wrong.

"In every game, we will be underdogs," he said. "Our shirts weren't dry at Wembley when we were made the bookies' favourites to go down. They said there was more chance of seeing an alien (than Swansea staying up), so that's what we're up against.

"It has given us a cause and we will die for the cause. We need to work harder than we worked last season."

Swansea have been prudent in the on-going transfer market, which is understandable given the club nearly went out of business just eight years ago. However, Rodgers made six acquisitions

in the form of record signing Danny Graham, Leroy Lita, Steven Caulker, Michel Vorm, Jose Moreira and Wayne Routledge.

Rodgers believes the quality of his squad will surprise people, but knows it is vital his side retain their attractive style of play — even during difficult periods in the season.

"The players I have got in at this moment, I believe they have great quality. I like what they have done since I came in, they have given everything.

"Their work over pre-season has improved from last season and they are competing to play in the best league in the world.

RODGERS

"There is an excitement there and you are always a little unsure until you get that first win. You will also be asking yourself about your quality. But I know this group is more than good enough if we continue to believe in our philosophy and how we work."

DAILY MIRROR

Another blow for Bentley DAVID BENTLEY has suffered a new blow in his Tottenham nightmare after boss Harry Redknapp left him out of their 25-man Europa League squad for the play-off round tie against Scottish side Hearts. William Gallas, Steven Pienaar and Sandro are also absent, but they are all battling injuries, whereas Bentley has been training as normal.

Others linked with moves away, including Robbie Keane and Alan Hutton, as well as fringe players such as youngsters Danny Rose and Jake Livermore, have been included for the tie, which will decide who advances to the group stage. Bentley has made no secret of his plans to leave White Hart Lane after a frustrating three years.

DAILY MAIL

Barton's weekend to forget JOEY BARTON'S eventful weekend did not end with a slap from Arsenal debutant Gervinho. The drama was to continue overnight when he was roused from his post-match slumber by an intruder trying to break into a neighbour's house. He tweeted: "5.26am was awoken by a banging sound, burglar attempting to break in to neighbour's house. Needless to say, he was disturbed and apprehended. What with the burglar and Arsenal game, it's been an incident-packed 24hrs."

LE SOIR

Defour, Mangala move to Porto STANDARD LIEGE’S Belgium international Steven Defour and France’s Eliaquim Mangala have both signed fiveyear contracts with FC Porto.

The Belgian club will receive €13m (RM55.6m) for the two transfers — €6m for midfielder Defour and €7m for defender Mangala. Defour, 23 and capped 30 times, arrived at Liege in 2006 and was Belgian champion in 2008 and 2009, winning the Belgium Cup last season. French youth international Mangala, 20, joined the club in 2008, and had been targeted by clubs, including Spanish outfit Valencia.

Runaway winner Serena Williams wins WTA Rogers Cup and hammers home her credentials as US Open Monday 15 August, 2011 favourite

Trembly in Wembley

In the name of love

>> pg28

US OPEN champion Rory Mcilroy leaves PGA championship to support Caroline Wozniacki in Cincinnati

LONDON: BADMINTON

Chong Wei goes down fighting as Lin Dan wins thriller

CHINA’S Lin Dan captured the world title for a fourth time yesterday, surviving two match points before beating old foe and world No 1 Lee Chong Wei 20-22, 21-14, 23-21 in an exciting final at the Wembley Arena.

It was more heartache for Chong Wei who had lost heavily to Lin in the 2008 Olympic final in Beijing.

Although the Penangite extracted some revenge in March, beating Lin in the All England Championships in Birmingham, he had to play second fiddle again and their head-tohead record now stands at 16-8 in favour of the Chinese.

Lin’s victory, cheered to the echo by a large and noisy Chinese following in the London

arena which will host next year’s Olympic event, came at the end of an exhausting 81minute tussle.

Amid emotional scenes, the winner raced to the crowd, threw his shirt into the seating and hugged his delighted coaches.

Subdued Chong Wei, left to ponder another defeat on a major stage, politely applauded his fans before exiting.

He later suffered severe cramps and left the arena to rest at his hotel.

“It was an honour to play in such a great match but I am obviously disappointed that I couldn’t quite get over the finish line,” he said.

“This has been my best world championships to date and I

am looking forward to coming back to Wembley next year for the Olympics.”

Malaysian singles coach Tay Seu Bock said: “He (Chong Wei) missed out on the two match points because at the end of the game he still dared to gamble on his strokes but mentally Lin Dan was a little stronger.”

Malaysia have never won a badminton title in any of the five disciplines since the inception of the championships in 1977, but for a while it looked like the sequence might finally be broken.

Chong Wei clinched the first game despite Lin saving four game points from 20-16 down and the Malaysian then led 3-0 in the second.

>> pg28

LOCAL

Safee’s German link

Safee Sali mum over red-hot link to Bundesliga

>> pg27

motorSPORT i beat you again: Lin Dan (left) topples Chong Wei for badminton World title — AFP photo

But once Lin found his stride, it always looked as if he could turn the tables and Chong Wei did not help his cause with four or five misjudged “leaves”.

There were rarely more than a couple of points in it in an incredibly tense third game but the world No 1 looked to at last to be on the verge of his first world title at the age of 28.

But brave Lin survived match point at 19-20 after an error by his opponent and again at 2021. When Chong Wei netted on Lin’s first match point, the Malaysian dream was over to the huge disappointment of a large following in the arena.

The Chinese second seed quipped: “I want to go sightseeing now. I have orders to go shopping for clothes for my

wife and friends while I am here.”

For the second year running, China swept all five titles.

Wang Yihan captured the women’s singles, overcoming gallant Taiwanese Cheng Shao Chieh 21-15, 21-10 and Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng won the men’s doubles for the fourth time, ousting South Korea’s Ko-Sung-hyun and Yoo Yeonseong 24-22, 21-16.

The women’s doubles went to Wang Xiaoli and Yu Yang who beat compatriots Tian Qing and Zhao Yunlei 22-20, 21-11.

Zhao had better luck in the mixed with partner Zhang Nan, the pair ending the fine run of unseeded British duo Chris Adcock and Imogen Bankier 21-15, 21-7. — Reuters

Stoner’s Czech-mate

Casey Stoner moves closer to a second world title with victory in Czech MotoGP

>> pg28

football

Rio’s out of it

MADRID: FOOTBALL/ SUPERCUP

Barca hold Real at Bernabeu in first-leg

EUROPEAN and Primera Liga champions Barcelona have the advantage of two away goals after holding arch-rivals Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup this morning.

Copa del Rey holders Real started stronger and Mesut Oezil put the hosts in front after only 13 minutes stoking a vibrant atmosphere at the Bernabeu.

Barca struggled to settle into their game but out of nothing David Villa levelled with a stunning shot in the 35th, and Lionel Messi rubbed salt in the wound as he scampered through to make it 2-1 just before the break.

Real stormed back in the second-half with Xabi Alonso equalising early on, but

despite creating the better chances Barca hold the edge going into Thursday’s secondleg at the Nou Camp.

Meanwhile, Arsenal announced they have finally agreed a deal with Barcelona for the transfer of captain Cesc Fabregas to the Spanish and European champions, the player’s boyhood club.

“Arsenal announces today that they have reached an agreement in principle with Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas to move to Spain,” said a statement on the Arsenal website.

Barcelona confirmed the deal, news of which was released at half-time in their Supercup clash against Real Madrid, which is expected to be worth between €36 million (RM154m) and €40 million.

“Initial agreement between Arsenal and FC Barcelona for the transfer of Cesc with the signing of contracts and medical to take place on Monday,” said a Barcelona club statement.

The deal, which brings to an end a transfer saga which began last year, will take Fabregas back to the club which he left as a 16-year-old in 2003.

“We have been clear that we didn’t want Cesc to leave and that remains the case,” said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Sunday.

“However, we understand Cesc’s desire to move to his home town club and have now accepted an offer from Barcelona. We thank Cesc for his contribution at Arsenal and wish him future success.”

Red Devils’ Rio Ferdinand suffers hamstring injury and is out for six weeks

>> pg30 PRESS TALK

no mour pep talk: Guardiola (left) and Mourinho will meet again in the second-leg at Nou Camp — AFP photo

Barcelona had already failed with an offer of €34.4 million and an improved reported bid of €29 million plus €6 million in future add-ons had also failed to tempt the Gunners.

However, the British Press

over the weekend reported that Arsenal were finally ready to accept a €36 million offer, with Spanish sports daily Marca putting the deal closer to €40 million, of which €6 million would depend on results. — Agencies

Harry lets Luka go

Spurs’ boss Harry Redknapp wants sale of Luka Modric to finance Giuseppe Rossi and Emmanuel Adebayor to White Hart Lane

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>> pg30