18 July 2011

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Monday 18 JULY, 2011 •

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PETALING JAYA

>> pg3

‘Macho’ men thieves on the run

>> pg4

Geraldine wins Astro Star Quest >> pg6 HOTLINE

M-cyclists ‘rule’ Kepong park >> pg8

Sisters flee hell Four siblings turn to The Paper That Cares following claims of torture by mother and her ‘lesbian lover’ Pic: SAMSUL SAID

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

FOUR sisters, aged between six and 15, have sought refuge in a shelter home for children with the help of The Paper That Cares following hellish allegations of child labour, illtreatment, neglect and drugs involving their mother and her alleged lesbian lover.

Another sibling, aged 14, is with their 35-year-old-mother, who was imprisoned for 36 months and fined RM300,000 in 2005 for illegal deposit-taking totalling RM1.7 million in Sabah.

Their father, 46, also served the same sentence for taking

deposits without a licence, an offence under the Banking and Financial Institutions Act in 1999.

They were joint directors of the rogue company that was one of the earliest exposed in Sabah for illegal deposittaking.

The whereabouts of mother and child are currently not known but it is thought she is holed up with her 34-year-old alleged lesbian partner.

It was learnt the mother met her alleged lover while serving time in the Kota Kinabalu prison, where the latter was

convicted for an unrelated crime.

All three were released in 2008.

While the girl’s father stayed put in Kota Kinabalu, the two women moved to Kuala Lumpur and subsequently took the five girls who were being looked after by their grandmother.

That was when the nightmare for the Sabahan sisters unfolded.

After more than three years of alleged torture, four of them, aged six, eight, 12 and 15 respectively, fled their home two

weeks ago when their mother and the other sibling went shopping.

The 15-year-old, a Form Two student, lodged three police reports on July 11 at Bukit Puchong police station, claiming: • All five girls were allegedly subjected to child labour.

• They were forced, among other odd jobs, to sweep and collect trash at Taman Langat Utama , Kuala Langat, under a local council cleaning contract obtained by their mum’s ‘lover’.

• They were paid between

RM1 to RM5 each for 12 hours work.

• She had to work parttime, including as a restaurant dishwasher and mobile phone shop assistant, to allegedly support the drug habit of her mother’s ‘lover’ and to buy rations.

• They were exposed to an environment of lesbian activities at home.

• Hardship of working while studying.

• Insufficient food, mental anguish, agony and deep fear.

• Continued on pg2

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New Angel from Down Under AUSSIE Rachael Taylor (pic) is in intensive physical training as she shoots the television remake of Charlie's Angels, the Herald Sun reports. "I flew in from the set of Charlie's Angels, which I started work on while finishing up on Grey's Anatomy," she said.

The People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) directed to stop carrying out operations on their own to detain illegal immigrants — Rela director-general Datuk Mustafa Ibrahim PETALING JAYA

No place to call home Mum’s 'lesbian' lover ruled house, says teen

By THASHA JAYAMANOGARAN thasha@mmail.com.my

When did the nightmare begin?

In 2008, when my mother brought her female lover saying she would be living with us to help run the family. Since then my mum’s partner had been ruining our lives. We had no choice but to abide to what she said and did since our mother never defended us. My mum’s partner also has two adopted children, aged 10 and 12 who lived a normal life compared to us.

How did you juggle between studies and work?

I was forced to work as a dishwasher and waitress in a

A 15-YEAR-OLD student says her mother's 'female lover' has been abusive to her and her younger sisters. The lover, recently nabbed for drug abuse, has forced them to work to pay for her addiction. Now, the sisters are seeking sanctuary in a shelter home as they have no place to go. The teen relates her ordeal to The Malay Mail reporter Thasha Jayamanogaran in an exclusive interview.

restaurant by my mum’s partner. I could take that but not when my sisters were forced by her to clean the housing estate.

She had a contract with the local council to clean the area at Taman Langat Utama, Kuala Langat, and we had to sweep and throw the trash from 7am till 7pm. I got paid RM5 while my sisters got between RM14. At a mobile phone shop, I worked from 2pm to 10pm.

There were several other jobs I was forced to do as we moved from one place to another, which I don’t want to think or talk about.

What did you do with the money?

All the money would go to my mum’s partner. I suspect she used the money to buy drugs. There were times when she forced me to take advance salary and loans from my employer when she badly needed money to buy drugs.

Were your mother and the other woman lovers?

They sleep in the same room and have close physical contact. She cares for my mother like how husbands

and wives do.

Have you all been physically abused?

We were afraid of her and never fought back. She has, however, injured my mother when they argue as a couple.

Have you had a heartto-heart talk with your mother about this?

She tells me to be patient and listen to her partner.

What of your dad?

Early this year when I contacted him, he came to

Mum's lover out on bail for drug abuse ● From pg1

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The Malay Mail Monday 18 JULY, 2011

Following the reports, police acted the next day and detained a woman believed to be their mother’s lover on suspicion of drug-taking.

Sepang police chief Supt Imran Abdul Rahman said the woman, who was picked up from a home in Taman Dahlia, Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, tested positive for drugs.

Imran said the suspect was on police bail and would be charged with drug-taking.

The police reports were made with the help of the girls’ aunt and uncle whose name cannot be disclosed because the case involves juveniles.

They approached The Malay Mail to help secure the girls in a safe environment for fear of reprisal from their mother and ‘lover’.

In a separate police report lodged on July 11, the uncle stated he feared for the safety of his nieces as their mother and partner knew where they were living.

The Malay Mail took the matter to the notice of the Welfare Services Department and its Subang Jaya office swung into action. The department was, however, unable to get the girls placement in a government shelter as all the homes were full.

The aunt and uncle requested The Malay Mail to help secure the girls

in a NGO-run children’s home while awaiting word from the department.

Pending placement the girls were placed temporarily in a private shelter for children on Friday.

The home accepted the kids although they did not have approval from the welfare department.

DON'T LEAVE ME: Two of the sisters consoling each other

KUALA LUMPUR

MP loses battle against cancer

By IKRAM ISMAIL ikram.ismail@mmail.com.my

TITIWANGSA Member of Parliament Dr Lo'Lo' Mohd Ghazali of PAS passed away last night at Selayang Hospital. The 54-year-old daughter of former Perak mufti Datuk Mohd Ghazali Abdullah was diagnosed with lung cancer since 2009. Her condition took a turn for the worst as she was rushed to the hospital for treatment two weeks ago.

Her son, Muhd Fawwaz (pic), 28, said his mum had been under sedation as her condition was critical.

"She was suffering from lung cancer since August 2009. But my mum

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

endured it all this while."

Fawwaz said last Friday was the last time he saw his mum having a conversation with family members.

Prayers will be held at Al-Akram Mosque in Datuk Keramat at 10.30am today and thereafter burial at Datuk Keramat Muslim cemetery.

She is survived by her husband, Associate Professor Dr Aminuddin Abd Hamid Karim, children Mawaddah, Muhd Fawwaz, Sakinah, Muhd Farhan and grandchild Izz Nu'man.

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LO'LO': Cancer battle since 2009

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see my mum but she refused to speak to him. Recently, he told me he would be coming over again from Sabah.

Why do you want to go to a children’s home with your sisters?

My aunt has helped me lodge three police reports and police have raided our house.

My mum’s partner has been arrested and the police told us she was tested positive for drugs. However, she's on bail now and we feel being at my aunt’s place won’t be safe. She may take revenge for what we have caused her. We are living in fear. We have not heard from our mother too and I would like us to be placed temporarily in a shelter home until the elders decide what is good for us.

PETALING JAYA

We did it for the girls, says home

By EE ANN NEE ean@mmail.com.my

A CHILDREN’S home which took in four sisters running away from their mother and her alleged abusive lesbian partner did so on humanitarian grounds. A spokesman for the home said it was aware approval from the Welfare Services Department was needed before a child could be admitted to a children’s home.

The placement was temporary and the girls were expected to be formally entrusted to a government-sanctioned home soon, he said.

“We don't want the kids to be here for long. We want them to ultimately return to their loved ones,” he said.

He noted the home was a registered body that helped children who were abused, abandoned, neglected or at risk.

Meanwhile, an aunt to the girls’ is seeking custodial rights over the sisters.The 38-year-old Sabahan said her immediate concern was to provide the girls, aged six to 15, proper shelter through the Welfare Services Department.

“The girls also know it is not safe for them to live with us now because their mother and her partner know where we live.

“I have tried talking to my sister but she wouldn’t listen. But we will do anything to get the girls back.”

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The Malay Mail Monday 18 JULY, 2011

The enforcement of the Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Enactment 1997 during the month of Ramadan only applies to Muslims (in Kedah) — Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang

The last word

Survivor of tragic Serdang crash recalls final moments of terror

By AIZAT SHARIF aizat@mmail.com.my

DEAD: Nur Nazirah and Zulkifle

Nur Effendi, 17, who suffered injuries to his right hand.

"I was half-asleep at the time and when the car started swerving, I heard Nur Nazirah screaming Zulkiflie's name just before the crash."

The car crashed into a lamp-post b eside t he expressway

and all 10 of them were thrown out of the vehicle.

Zulkiflie and the two frontseat passengers, 20-year-old Nur Nazirah and their twoyear-old son Mohd Danish Adam, were the only casualties.

"All three were unconscious and I tried to

move Zulkiflie but he was badly injured and died before the ambulance arrived," said Nur Effendi.

Nur Nazirah and Mohd Danish died on the way to hospital.

"Nur Nazirah wanted to visit our uncle again to pray for him and we all agreed to do this the following day (Sunday)."

Of the seven passengers in the back seat, Nur Effendi's other sister Nur Atikah, 29, and their younger brother, Nur Khairuddin, 14, were badly injured and are at Hospital Serdang's intensive care unit.

The remaining five who received outpatient treatment were Nur Effendi, and his relatives Nur Jumaatun Shuhaida, 24, and her three children, seven-year-old Nurul Asyura

NUR EFFENDI: Tried to move Zulkiflie but he was badly injured — Pic: SINAR HARIAN

Mohd Nur Alif, four-year-old Nor Shahidatul Shafiqa Mohd Nur Alif and one-year-old Mohd Amirul Aiman Mohd Nur Alif.

Serdang district police chief Supt Abd Razak Elias urged witnesses to help police in investigations.

The bodies of Zulkiflie, Nur Nazirah and Mohd Danish were taken to Felda Jengka 3 Muslim cemetery in Bandar Jengka, Pahang, for burial.

KLANG

Cops capture Latino jewellery thieves SWIFT JUSTICE: Ab Rashid (right) holding the samurai sword as two officers look on.

(Inset) The weapons used and the recovered loot — Pic: ASHRAF SHAMSUL AZLAN

KAJANG

Young robbers nabbed in parents' home FOUR youths who broke into the double-storey house of a minister's political secretary in Bandar Tun Hussein Onn last Saturday night were nabbed eight hours after the robbery.

In the 7.30pm incident, the political secretary and his family were at Bukit Jalil Stadium watching the Malaysia-Liverpool football match. However, their Indonesian maid, home at the time, alerted her employer after the gang fled.

The four suspects, aged 17 to 21, were arrested at various locations in Kajang yesterday. They comprised two Form Five students, a college student and an unemployed man.

Kajang district police chief

ACP Ab Rashid Ab Wahab said the suspects arrived on two motorcycles.

"Using tools, they broke the back door of the house.

One of the suspects, armed with a samurai sword, confronted the maid and tied her up," he said at a Press conference yesterday.

In the 30-minute robbery, the gang took RM150, a gold watch, jewellery, two laptops and a Playstation 3 game console all worth about RM16,000.

“From descriptions given by the maid, we traced the four suspects, with the first arrest at 10pm the same night and the others at 2.30am on Sunday morning," said Ab Rashid, adding all four suspects live

with their parents.

"One suspect took us to the site where he ditched the 50cm samurai sword about 3km from the scene. We recovered all the loot."

He said the gang has been active for a month and was also involved in robbing a 24-hour convenience store in Kajang.

The suspects have been remanded for seven days under Sections 395 and 397 for gang robbery and armed robbery with intention to cause grievous hurt or death.

POLICE arrested five of 10 members of two Latin American gangs responsible for two heists at the KL International Airport (KLIA), Sepang, on July 11 in which RM1.66m worth of jewellery was stolen.

The members comprise seven men and t hree women aged between 20 and 30 years.

They are also believed to be behind a RM900,000 gems heist in Terengganu in 2009.

Selangor police chief DCP Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah (pic) said the five arrested were all South American men aged 25 to 50. " T h e modus operandi of the two gangs is to use women to distract their victims while removing bags containing jewellery from them," he said.

"This was their tactic in Terengganu and the two

3

Victim's husband nabs rapist

SERDANG

“I HEARD my older sister Nur Nazirah screaming her husband’s name before the crash.”

So said Nur Effendi Sungip, one of seven survivors of a horrific accident at KM35.5 of the North-South Expressway (NSE) near Serdang at 11.50pm on Saturday which claimed the lives of Nur Nazirah, her husband and their toddler son.

Nur Effendi, when met at the Hospital Serdang mortuary, said he and nine other family members were inside a Proton Wira driven by his brotherin-law, Zulkiflie Zainul, 29, a newspaper vendor who married his sister three years ago.

“We were on our way back to Zulkiflie’s house at Taman Seri Intan in Kajang after visiting our ailing uncle at Hospital Pusrawi in Kuala Lumpur,” said

news

cases at KLIA last Monday."

In the first incident in KLIA at 8am, a jeweller lost two bags filled with gems worth RM257,000 w hich he had placed on a trolley.

Forty-five minutes later, a second victim lost a bag containing RM1.4 million wor t h of di amonds and jewellery while waiting for a friend at a fast-food outlet.

The jewellers were returning to Hong Kong after an international jewellery fair in KL on July 10.

Police arrested the five suspects on July 12 but have yet to recover the loot.

FAILED: An Aer Arann plane

A BRIDAL boutique owner was raped at her shop in Bandar Rinching, Semenyih, yesterday by a teenager, who was then apprehended by the victim's husband.

In the 11am incident, the 29-year-old victim was alone when she was approached by the youth pretending to be booking a wedding outfit.

The 19-year-old suspect locked the door as soon as he entered the boutique and forced the victim to go to the back of the outlet. The victim's husband arrived at the store, scuffled with the rapist and apprehended him.

Dead baby found in plastic bag A WHITE plastic bag in an open space behind an empty house was all it took to arouse the suspicion of a grass cutter on his early morning rounds in Kampung Sungai Ramal Baru, Kajang.

About 10am yesterday, he alerted police and upon opening the bag, found the badly decomposed body of a newborn baby. Kajang district police chief Ab Rashid Ab Wahab said it is believed the infant died about a week ago.

"We are trying to ascertain the gender and ethnicity of the infant."

Plane's nose wheel fails on landing PASSENGERS on a flight between Britain and Ireland escaped injury after the plane's nose wheel failed on landing, the Independent reports. Aer Arann, which was operating the Manchester to Shannon service for Aer Lingus, said the aircraft veered off the runway onto the grass. All 21 passengers and four crew members on board disembarked safely and no injuries were reported.

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A GOOD number of urban poor are not aware of the government’s welfare aids which they are eligible for.

To correct this, Deputy Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk M. Saravanan held a fair yesterday to launch a series of “clinics” at the Desa Tun Razak flats to collect data on socio-economic problems faced by the city’s low-cost flat dwellers. Subsequent clinics will be held at all 25 low-cost flats in the city.

K. Ramakrishnan, a labourer who earns RM700 a month and has a son attending Primary One, said he was not aware the government had a school uniform aid for the poor.

“I only just heard about the scheme from

KTM commuter train services, KTM Intercity, ETS and cargo, disrupted by a toppled crane early on Saturday, was restored at 2pm yesterday — KTMB statement KUALA LUMPUR

HELP GIVEN: Saravanan (third from right) attending to disabled residents at the low-cost flats — Pic: ASHRAF SHAMSUL AZLAN

Urban poor learn about eligibility for aid

By JOSEPH KAOS JR joejr@mmail.com.my

D atu k Saravanan,” s aid Ramakrishnan.

“It would ease my burden if I received help to buy school OFF WITH THE SHIRT: Pravintheran was forced to remove the jersey. (Inset) The Facebook fanpage

KUALA LUMPUR

United’s ‘legend’ appears on Facebook

By G. PRAKASH prakash@mmail.com.my

A LOCAL Manchester United (MU) fan who went to watch his favourite club's arch-rival Liverpool's training session while donning a United jersey with Wayne Rooney's name on it at Bukit Jalil National Stadium last Thursday now has a Facebook fanpage dedicated to him.

Despite its creation on Saturday, the fanpage called "Pravintheran Nair - Legend Who wears (sic) MU Jersey at Liverpool Asia Tour 2011", had collected 3,000 'Likes' by midnight Sunday. Pravintheran was described as a 'legend' by the Red Devils' striker himself, Wayne Rooney.

Rooney had, in his personal Twitter account on Friday, tweeted: "The lad who went to watch Liverpool train in MUFC top with my name on the back is a legend."

Support, as shown on Facebook's wall posts, is still pouring in for Pravintheran and his story was even highlighted by Daily Mail and The Sun (UK). Both locals and foreigners took the opportunity to congratulate him.

"God bless you and your family... from us in Swaziland, South Africa," said a Facebook

user, Wandile Skreech Fakudze.

Another Facebook user Helmi Ismail wrote: "Salute to you Pravintheran! Will you be doing the same for the Chelsea vs Malaysia game?" One of the posts even went as far as to suggest for Pravintheran's name to be included in Old Trafford's Hall of Fame.

Aside from the fanpage, a YouTube clip showing Pravintheran getting jeered

by Liverpool fans inside the stadium was also uploaded.

At Press time, it received viewership of more than 17,000.

T h e v i d e o s h ow e d Pravintheran, wearing Rooney's No 10 jersey, being surrounded by screaming hordes of Liverpool fans asking him to take off the shirt. The jersey was eventually taken off by one of the Liverpool fans. He was then led away, shirtless, from the crowd.

The clip ended with a photograph of Pravintheran, smiling and wearing a Harimau Muda T-shirt.

uniforms and books for my son. I was not aware of this as nobody informed me.”

Ramli Ismail, a vegetable

seller, said the government should make this information more widely known.

“The clinic is a good effort

and an eye-opener. There were many things I was not aware of, so there should be more of these programmes,” said the 48-year-old.

Mohd Zakaria Yusof, 42, said programmes like this should be organised more often.

“Don’t make this a ‘once in a blue moon’ thing. Some of us are uneducated and not sure where to seek help."

Saravanan said: “We would like to hold these clinics every Sunday, although this may be difficult because Ramadan is approaching.

We want to complete these clinics in three months so that by the end of the year, we would have collected the data we want.”

Saravanan said Barisan Nasional lost a lot of votes at

SERI KEMBANGAN

Thieves with taste

Well-dressed crooks with eye for branded goods caught, others still at large

The Malay Mail Monday 18 JULY, 2011

low-cost housing areas in the March 2008 general election because the government did not do much to address the plight of the poor there.

He said government agencies involved in giving aid to the poor should be more proactive in reaching out.

“Many of the hardcore poor are not aware they qualify for various aids. For example, they do not know they don’t have to pay their flat’s rent and that there are entrepreneurship programmes where we give training and loans to set up small businesses.”

Among the agencies who set up booths at the flats yesterday were the Welfare department, and KL City Hall’s housing, poverty eradication and health department.

‘

We've dubbed them the "macho" gang as they are good-looking

’

— Abd Razak Elias

By G. PRAKASH prakash@mmail.com.my

WITH the arrest of four smartly-attired members of a "macho" burglary gang last Friday, police are looking for their other members who are believed to be equally goodlooking.

Serdang police chief, Supt Abd Razak Elias said the gang's modus operandi was to look smart so they would not arouse suspicion when breaking into houses.

"All four suspects arrested were Malaysians from Kedah and we are now in the midst of

establishing how many houses in Serdang they have broken into," he said.

"They target houses when the occupants are out and would park their Peugeot 206 directly in front of the gate. Due to their smart attire, they do not arouse suspicion when they break in."

Once inside, the gang would take branded items and other valuables which are easy to carry away.

"We’ve dubbed them the “macho” gang as they are good-

looking and we believe there are other members still at large."

However, when two of the four suspects tried to gain entry into a double-storey house at Bandar Kinrara, Puchong, last Thursday, they were spotted by an observant neighbour.

"Due to the quick tip-off, we caught the two suspects in the act while they were trying to open the main door with a screwdriver," said Razak.

"We found several break-in tools on them and when we went to their condominium

at Taman Segar, Cheras, we picked up two more good-looking members and recovered a fake gun and mask."

At the condo, police found many branded items such as watches, clothes, shoes and home appliances, all believed to be stolen.

Also recovered were several computers believed to have been stolen from an office at Bandar Baru Bangi on June 26.

All four suspects have been remanded for seven days.

Quick football update Liverpool fans outside the Bukit Jalil National Stadium going through The Malay Mail's Liverpool Asia Tour 2011 Special 12-page pullout just before the match last Saturday.

For die-hard Liverpool fans, it was a real party for them with The Reds claiming a see-saw 6-3 victory over the Malaysian team in front of 80,000 fans. Many described it as an entertaining game, especially in the second half.

— Pic: ARIF KARTONO

The Malay Mail Monday 18 JULY, 2011

Sri Murugan Centre has set up an alumni club to function as volunteers to assist students prepare for exams — 1MDB chief executive officer Shahrol Halmi

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5

KUALA LUMPUR

The wage factor RM900 with RM300 COLA is fair amount for a start, says MTUC

The Malay Mail: What is the state of the unions in Malaysia now compared with in the past?

Mohd Khalid Atan: At the moment, we see unions as active but we are still disappointed as many workers have yet to organise themselves. If we look at the statistics, MTUC has some 500,000 affiliated members and some 200 trade unions. However, there are 12 million workers in the country, with 5.5 million in the private sector. We have to work hard to explain and promote trade unions so those nonunionised workers will set up or join existing unions.

Q: Are there barriers to joining a union or setting up a trade union?

A: If we say barriers, it is that most workers think that if they don’t join a trade union, they will still get the same benefits they are fighting for. But we are saying workers must be responsible. If they want the same benefits it is better for them to be involved. By being involved, apart from the benefits, our voice will be louder. When more workers are involved in trade unions only then will we get the full impact of the workers' voice.

Q: So it appears there are more members of political parties in Malaysia than trade unions?

A: Yes… if a lot of Malaysians can join various political parties, I do not see why they cannot join trade unions which are set up to protect the rights of workers.

Q: The government recently tabled the National Wages Consultative Council (NWCC) Bill 2011 in Parliament and it was passed. However, it has not announced the minimum wage. MTUC announced that it wants the minimum monthly wage be set RM1,200, is that correct?

A: MTUC has fought for minimum wage for the past 11 years. We proposed the minimum wage be fixed at RM900, 11 years ago. If the amount we proposed 11 years ago is still relevant today, it is up to the relevant parties to decide. It must be said that 11 years after

we made the proposal, it has not been realised. We feel that if RM900 is set at the onset of the minimum wage regulation, that is good enough for now. At the same time, the government must also allow for the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) payment of RM300 that is provided to civil servants. Look, we are not jealous of civil servants getting COLA. But since the government says they pay the COLA of RM300 to civil servants because they are concerned with the workers plight due to the high cost of living, if they can rationalise that civil servants need COLA, why not the same benefits be extended to the private sector workers who also face the same problems? So, we feel RM900 with RM300 as COLA at the start of the minimum wage scheme will be a fair amount, knowing that minimum wage will be increased from time to time to reflect the country’s situation and is not a fixed amount.

Q: Does RM900 or even RM1,200 equate to the high income economy slogan espoused by the government?

A: We do not measure it that way as we do not know what high-income economy means.

If they think RM900 is not relevant to their goal, it is incumbent for them to push it up. To me, RM900 or RM1,200 does not equate to high-income economy if compared with cost of living nowadays which has gone up over the last 15 years, compared with the increase in salary of workers which is only 2.6 per cent. I don’t have the exact statistics, but I was told the cost of living for the last 15 years had gone up by 35 per cent.

Apart from those statistics, one must also take into account that 35 per cent of workers in the country make only RM700 a month or below. If we are really moving towards a high-income economy, we must also look at other factors. For example, the poverty rate in the Peninsula is set for those who earn less than RM730 a month. For Sabah, it's RM780 and Sarawak at RM760.

So, based on these statistics, some 35 per cent of workers in the country are officially living in poverty. So, if the plans to turn Malaysia into a high-income economy is successful, the minimum wage should be set

MALAYSIAN Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Mohd Khalid Atan rose from humble beginnings to lead the country’s federation of trade unions. He started in 1978 as a branch secretary in the Malaysian Timber Worker Unions and 32 years later, last December, he took over as the country's 'top brother'.

He talks to The Malay Mail senior writer MARHALIM ABAS on challenges facing workers and trade unions.

at an amount which will make it possible for workers to have a decent living. Will the amount of RM900 ensure a decent living?

Q: Your thoughts on the National Wages Consultative Council Bill 2011?

A: MTUC was never consulted on the Bill. We only saw it after the first reading, and only read it on the Human Resources Ministry website and we disagreed strongly with some points. When we called for a single national minimum wage, it was meant for the entire country but the Bill says it will be implemented on regional, sector and 'class of workers' basis. We do not understand the term class of workers. Is this to differentiate local and foreign workers? The term has never been used in workshops and the laboratories we participated in always proposed one national minimum wage. Why must we divide it on regional basis? We are a small country. If we are like Indonesia, maybe it will work. We also disagree on the council membership. During the first reading of the Bill, it was announced it will have 29 members, with five work representatives, five from employers, five civil servants and five members of the public. So it will be 20 people together with three office bearers including the president, secretary and treasurer. So, who will be the other six members? When we opposed the composition during the second reading, they cut the number to 20. But, we still opposed it as we will not have a majority. If we allowed it, we will never have a simple majority. What if the independent members and the civil servants opposed us?

Another point which we totally oppose is that in the Bill, the minister is given full powers to appoint people to the council, from the workers side to the employers. We at MTUC want the right to appoint our representatives. Even the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF)

has taken the same stand.

The minister is too powerful.

He has the sole right to appoint members to the council or have them sacked. Even MTUC has not been told whether or not we will be appointed to the council.

After we opposed the 29-member council in the second reading of the Bill, the number was reduced to 23, with five representatives each from the workers side, employers, civil servants and independent, together with three executive members.

Together with MEF, we are also saying that the workers and employers representatives be raised to eight each. We are saying this so that civil servants will not be able to out-vote us.

On the minimum wage, it's the views of the stake holders that are most important. If the chairman of the council should only vote when there is an impasse, MTUC should have the right to appoint representatives to the council. If the minister chooses the work representatives, if he decides to choose five individuals representing five unions, we will not be able to carry out the workers' wishes.

To be honest, we are unhappy with the minister for saying we agreed to have him decide on the five work representatives.

How can we agree to it when we were never consulted in the first place?

Q: The minister has other responsibilities?

A: Yes. Let the council be the final authority on minimum wage. The minister just signs off the deal. If he make suggestions, that's okay. If there is an impasse, he mediates but if he wants to control the decision, then it’s not right. MEF and MTUC have jointly written a memorandum to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to intervene in the matter.

Q: There is the perception MTUC under you is more pro-establishment compared with your predecessors.

A: We have addressed a lot of issues. Of course, most of our work, such as negotiations on review of laws, are not publicised. Our policy remains constant, that whoever supports our struggles is with us. I am not sure why people labelled us as pro-establishment as we are doing our job as MTUC. People do not see our work with foreign workers and we handled a lot of such cases. We raised various issues from minimum wage to others. I do not understand the perception that we are pro-establishment.

Yes, I agree, after I won the MTUC presidency last December, I took some time off due to illness. We are willing to work with anybody as long as the agenda is the same, that is, workers' rights. One thing I need to reinforce here is that at the MTUC, they are many people with different ideologies, from democrats to socialists. But if you bring party politics into MTUC, how are you going to bring unity in the organisation? I believe it is more important for me to want unity in MTUC instead of bringing in a political agenda which might not be liked by others in the organisation. If we bring unity in pluralism and concentrate on the workers agenda — whatever your political beliefs — in the end, it will benefit our cause.

Yes, the speculation started as the Prime Minister attended our May Day celebrations this year. But we had opposition leaders in our functions before.

I was sick in the days leading to the May Day celebrations but I attended the event because I am the MTUC president. So, how anyone could claim that I had been “diUmnokan” (bought over by Umno) by just one event?

I am open to see anybody. In the past, when a decision was made, I agreed to the decision. If we need to demonstrate I went, I never said no. Why should I be afraid now? I have sent memorandums to Parliament and the Human Resources Ministry.

Q: Perhaps the perception arose because your predecessor (Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud) was a prominent member of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)?

A: Syed Shahir holds a post in the party (PKR) while I am not even a member of a political party. Yes, they also made comments in Facebook claiming this and that about me. I am not bothered to respond. Again, I must stress the MTUC constitution is nonpartisan so we can associate with any political party. I receive invitations from the government to attend functions.

Why should someone call us “diBarisankan, diUmnokan” just because we attended these functions? MTUC will remain the pressure group when it comes to workers' rights. For the minimum wage issue, we are still saying 'One country, One Minimum Wage'.

Q: Satu Gaji, 1Malaysia?

A: Yes, Satu Gaji, 1Malaysia (laughs).

Q: Talk is rife that the 13th General Election will be held soon. What if one party says they will set minimum wage at RM1,500 while the other at RM1,200? Which party will MTUC endorse?

A: RM1,500 is relevant. Of course, it’s higher than the RM900 quantum we set. It is our target to get RM900. MTUC's stand is clear. The quantum for minimum wage is RM900 together with RM300 as COLA, so the total is RM1,200. I know there are some people who are saying RM1,500, and we will agree to that.

Q: But as you know, politicians tend to ignore election pledges after winning.

A: Yes, they will say whatever they want during election campaigning but the people will decide which party to back.

6

news

The Raja Bot Market, better known as Chow Kit Market, will undergo a facelift soon, making it a modern facility in the heart of the city — Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin

Twitter Your S@y Are stadium concerts only for top artistes?

PENANG

WITH rock legends Search and Wings having used stadiums for their concerts under the Double Trouble banner to much disappointment, it seems painfully obvious stadium concerts for local acts have almost gone the way of the dodo.

Current big names tend to shun stadium concerts due to the big investment and lack of sponsorship.

Even the more stable acts resort to smaller venues.

Using Twitter to seek feedback, it is worth noting the answer was a resounding "yes" — if the act is of substantial quality and if organisers are able to pull it off.

Here are some responses to this writer at @klubbkiddkl. Portions of the tweets have been modified without altering the intent.

'Quest' winner Gan heads to Taiwan for international contest

'Star' trek

By LOONG WAI TING waiting@mmail.com.my

A HOT favourite from the beginning, 20-year-old college student Geraldine Gan Hwee Peng did not disappoint as she emerged champion at the 15th Astro Star Quest 2011 final on Saturday night at the Penang International Sports Arena.

Accumulating 184 points, Gan, from Muar, Johor, beat four other finalists.

"Even after

they announced the results, I could not believe it. Right now, I'm excited about getting a brand new car as I have been driving a secondhand one all this while," said Gan who received a Toyota Vios TRD Sportivo worth RM92,000 and other prizes.

"This win has given me confidence to represent Malaysia at the One Million Stars contest in Taiwan."

Launched in 1997, Astro Star Quest has become the largest Chinese singing competition in the country. It was

telecast 'live' over Astro's Wah Lai Toi channel.

Tha Kien Ying, 21, from Kuala Lumpur, who emerged first runner-up and who also received the "My Favourite Star" award, said: "I did my best and overall I am happy with the result."

The five finalists had to render songs revolv-

ing around the seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Over the years, Astro Star Quest, which is open to Malaysians aged 18 to 25, has produced winners who have become popular recording artistes, notably, Sarawakborn Nicholas Teo, the 2002 winner.

@ZaAzman: I everything h would, but as to be superb. Dem a but hey, we nding - yes, pay for it!

@AyymanRa h would, but n im: Yes, I ot if it was a n artiste who ju do a concert st wants to fo of having on r the sake e despite not being up to expected standards.

for @hazelhardy: Yes, eila Sh e lik quality acts ch, Siti ar Se , gs in W id, Maj a Zain. an Zi d Nurhaliza an @ShafiraZaihan: Yes, yes and yes.

@DivaAmerul: Yes, I will, especially if it’s Sheila Majid.

ALL WINNERS: Gan (centre) with first runner up Tha (right) and Miko Chu (left) the second runner-up

KUALA LUMPUR

Nicholas may give half his assets to Cecilia

HONG KONG actor-singer Nicholas Tse who filed for divorce on June 14, finally sat down to sort things out with estranged wife C e c i li a

Cheung at their home in Hong Kong.

Their talk, which lasted just over an hour, led to rumours that Tse will give half his assets to actresssinger Cheung, thus ending their fiveyear marriage.

Tse, who recently finished shooting The Viral Factor in Kuala Lumpur, had rushed back to Hong

@_adlysyam: If an artiste is worth it, why not. @MyDaHo123: If it's affordable, and depending if I really idolise the artiste. @dyakam il who the a : Depends on rtiste is.

CO-STARS: Cheung (left) and Tse in action together during happier days

Yingluck will be cleared

PRIME ministerial hopeful Yingluck Shinawatra's (pic) MP status will be endorsed by the Election Commission this week, Pheu Thai Party predicts. The election watchdog is investigating complaints Yingluck, Pheu Thai's candidate for prime minister, allowed her fugitive brother Thaksin Shinawatra to influence the party's affairs, the Bangkok Post reports. Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit yesterday denied the accusations, and said he was confident that Yingluck would be cleared.

No more Medan–Hong Kong route

I like their @YusofNini: If ! se songs, of cour

@yuri_eZ: If an artiste is worth it, yes. The show however has to be really good and the organisers have to be professional too.

The Malay Mail Monday 18 JULY, 2011

Kong, while Cheung arrived after filming The Monkey King in China.

Tse was also reported to have spent time with their two sons, four-year-old Lucas and 14month-old Quintus.

After the meeting, Tse left to stay at a service apartment and refused comment when approached by reporters.

Cheung and Tse are both award-winning actors, with Cheung winning Best Actress at the 23rd Hong Kong Film Awards for 2003's Lost In Time and Tse winning Best Actor in April this year for 2010's The Stool Pigeon.

The Viral Factor will open in cinemas in December, while The Monkey King is slated for release in July 2012.

LOW-COST carrier AirAsia Indonesia said it would end its Medan–Hong Kong route as of Sept 12, due to soaring oil prices, the Jakarta Post reports.

“The route which runs more than four hours, has the highest fuel consumption,” a company statement read. “As a low cost carrier, we are very cautious [about] adjusting ticket prices. We will reconsider when oil prices stabilise.”

KUALA LUMPUR

Sponsorship for KL badminton junior squad THE Kuala Lumpur Badminton Association (KLBA) has signed a sponsorship agreement with sports goods distributor Sunlight Sports Pte Ltd which will supply Li Ning badminton accessories and equipment to KLBA junior squad members aged 12 to 18.

KLBA was represented by its president Datuk Mohamad Norza Zakaria and the Sunlight Group by its director Mahender Kapoor of Sunlight Sports Singapore at the signing ceremony on Saturday at the Olympic Sports Hotel in Jalan Hang Jebat.

Also present was Datuk Dr Mohamed Al-Amin Abdul Majid who's deputy president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and vice-president of the Badminton Asia Confederation (BAC).

"We hope to develop a long-term relationship with both the Sunlight Group and

Li-Ning to help our youths move up to the next level," said Norza.

The sponsorship comes in the wake of the team's success at the June 2011 Malaysian National Junior Interstate Championship in Penang and the 2011 Asian Junior Badminton Championship in Lucknow, India in July.

The signing ceremony was followed by a presentation on the brand and group photo session with the VIPs and the 60 junior KLBA representatives who were present.

Li Ning Company Limited, which made its name selling footwear and sporting apparel in China, is named after the well-known Chinese national artistic gymnast and entrepreneur Li Ning, who founded the company in 1990.

He was also the first Chinese inductee into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2000.

MonDay 18 JuLY, 2011

the malay mail

7

8 ● ● ● ●

Monday 18 JULY, 2011 the malay mail

hotline@mmail.com.my

your right to be heard

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

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 SHAHRIM TAMRIN, FAIZAL NOR IZHAM and REENA RAJ

Terror in the park Motorcyclists, Mat Rempit causing fear among joggers and families

MOTORCYCLISTS and Mat Rempit are causing havoc on the walking and bicycle track at Kepong Metropolitan Park and spreading fear among joggers, parents and children, especially on weekends.

HELMY KAMBALI, a financial controller who regularly takes his wife and daughter to the park during weekends, feels that motorcycles should not be allowed on the track.

"The Mat Rempit are treating it like a race track.

The track is meant for joggers and families and children. I wonder why no one is stopping them. This is a walking track but we have to make way for these Mat Rempit," he tells Hotline.

Housewife PRIYA DIVAKARAN says visitors to the park feel uneasy about the presence of the motorcyclists. "I fear for the safety of my two daughters and the other children.

This is a public park and it's only natural for children to run around."

The Hotline Roving Team, which visited the park, saw motorcyclists weaving in and out of the crowd on the track. There was no peace of mind for parents who wanted to give their children some fresh air. Even adult joggers had to constantly look back to see if motorcycles

WATCH IT: A woman attends to her baby, oblivious to a motorcycle behind her — Pics: SHAHRIM TAMRIN

NO PEACE: A day out at the park is spoilt by motorcyclists who encroach onto the walking track

were trailing them.

Enterpreneur YEONG TEONG HOOI, who runs

a stationery shop, urges the local authority to bar motorcycles from enter-

ing the track and to strictly enforce the ban.

"This is a nice park

where children should be running around and people play kites. Unfortunately, it is being abused by the Mat Rempit.

"I urge City Hall to do something quickly, like assigning enforcement officers to stop the motorcyclists. Surely they are not waiting for a tragedy to happen. Two weeks ago, I saw a motorcyclist almost hit a baby stroller."

●

KUALA LUMPUR mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail says City

Hall is installing barriers at the jogging and bicycle track at Kepong Metropolitan Park.

"The barriers are designed to stop motorcyclists from entering the track. The installation is expected to start within the next three months."

For now, he says, enforcement officers will be sent to monitor the situation.

"We are concerned about public safety at this park," adds Ahmad Fuad.

No Internet connection after 'upgrade' HE wanted faster Internet speed but, in the end, WOO TZE KEONG, of Ipoh, Perak finds himself with no Internet connection at all.

A distressed WOO tells Hotline his predicament started when he wanted to upgrade his 1Mbps Streamyx service, which he has been using for two years, after discovering Streamyx’s Blockbuster Combo 4Mbps last month, offering 4Mbps Internet speed and a netbook.

He went to the nearest TM Point but, to his surprise, the staff was unaware of such a promotion. However, he was told to return, when he successfully signed up for a new package.

"The staff advised me to disconnect my 1Mbps service in order for their technician to check the availability of the 4Mbps service in my area. When I asked the reason for this, I was told it is standard procedure," WOO says.

He was assured the new service will be installed

within a week and the netbook will reach him in two weeks.

WOO claims he also made it clear to the TM

● A TELEKOM Malaysia Berhad (TM) spokesman says: "We would like to clarify that whenever a customer requests for an upgrade to 4Mbps, our technical team would be required to conduct a site survey of the cus-

staff that if the service is not available in his area, he wants his old connection back.

But when more than a tomer’s premise location to ascertain that we are able to provide the service."

As WOO’s premise was within the stipulated distance for the Streamyx 4Mbps access speed, TM says it proceeded to pro-

week passed and there was no Internet connection, he went back to TM Point to inquire.

Only then, he says, was cess his upgrade request.

"However, the upgrading process was hampered by faulty equipment at our exchange.

Our technical team has since replaced the equipment and we activated his 4Mbps line."

he informed that there is no 4Mbps service available in his area.

“Now I am left without any Internet connection.”

The spokesman says TM has contacted WOO and verified the service is up and running. TM has also advised him to pay for his netbook at TM Point in order to facilitate delivery by the vendor.

AMBULANCE SERVICES • EPF Kuala Lumpur (HQ): 03-26946566 • EPF Customer Call Centre: 03-89226000 • National Registration Dept (KL): 03-26925044/5018

• National Registration Dept (Shah Alam): 03-55107255/4964 • National Registration Dept (PJ): 03-79562634

Monday 18 JULY, 2011 the malay mail

9

Car broken down, stranded on highway AUTOMOBILE Association of Malaysia (AAM) member WONG YOKE FUN contacted the AAM call centre when his car broke down on the Federal Highway about 7.20pm on Jan 4.

“There was an explosion and fumes came out from beneath the vehicle and the car stalled in the middle lane near PJ Hilton," he says. "I called AAM immediately for a technician to attend to my emergency."

At 7.42pm, the AAM call centre contacted him to say help was on its way with an AAM technician coming from Jalan Klang Lama.

“After waiting for about an hour, I called AAM again but the lines were engaged. I also asked my son to call AAM to say I was still waiting for help.

“Later, at around 9.50pm, police came to push my car to the emergency lane and, luckily, a friend of mine, who is also a technician, happened to pass by and checked my vehicle. He told me the air-cond hose had burst but my vehicle was still safe to drive.”

About 10pm, WONG received a call from AAM and he told them he did not need help any more.

“I received their call only

after waiting for more than two hours. This is a huge disappointment as I have been an AAM member since 1998 and always had trust in their service, which they will deliver in moments when help is needed.

“Imagine the disappointment and fear that I had to go through as I was standing by the emergency lane while my car was still in the middle lane. I could have been run down by a fastmoving vehicle or my car could have been hit.”

He later wrote to AAM on Jan 10 asking for an explanation.

“After several phone calls and emails, AAM replied to my complaint on April 13.

However, I was not happy with their explanation.

"I am still upset and disappointed and so I have decided to turn to The Malay Mail Hotline to get a more thorough explanation from AAM.”

● AAM operations manager Mohd Hamdan Mohamed says the AAM call centre had arranged for a patrolman to assist WONG. The patrolman was in the opposite direction when he received the call.

Smoky hazard Apartment residents hit by smell of oil and stale food

RESIDENTS at the Menara Jaya apartments in Section 14 want the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to act against the smoke and noise hazard in the area.

They say that three exhaust fans installed at a commercial centre nearby, which are connected to the kitchens of two restaurants, are spewing white smoke, much to the annoyance of the residents.

They tell Hotline the smoke can be felt by the residents as early as 8am and lasts until 2am the next day. It is particularly "strong" during dining hours, and those staying as high up as the third floor are exposed to it.

The residents say this has been going on for the past six months despite the complaints they have made.

"We are concerned about our health," says Menara Jaya property manager AMMIRUL ABDULLAH, 54.

"The situation gets so bad that our cars end up coated

with oil not long after being exposed to the smoke."

Security guard AZLAN ISMAIL, 37, says the smoke also gets on to the clothes of pedestrians and leaves a dark coating on their skin.

"Our management has approved the installation of air-conditioning in the guard house, which is rare.

This is so that we can keep the windows closed at all times. The smoke smells of stale food," he says.

The residents also complain about the noisy cooling tower on the roof of the commercial centre which disrupts their sleep.

A. RAMALINGAM, 66, says he and other residents in Block A are having problems with the smell, smoke and noise.

Adds Menara Jaya council member and retiree JASWANT KAUR, 65: "I can't open my windows for fresh air anymore."

The other problems which the residents say they encounter include double-parking along the

PARKING WOES: The residents say no action is taken against traffic offenders

He only managed to arrive at the location about 9pm but could not locate the car, so he rang the call centre to contact WONG. However, the call centre was not able to reach WONG immediately and left a voice mail message for him to return call. It was only at 10pm that the call centre managed to reach WONG. Hamdan says the average response time for AAM’s 24-hour breakdown assistance in the Klang Valley is 45 minutes to an hour.

“This response time depends on the traffic condition, location and unfore-

seen circumstances such as heavy rain, accident and the number of breakdowns we are notified during that period, as stated in our previous email to the complainant.

“We do understand the predicament our member was in that moment of need. But some circumstances were just unavoidable.

"AAM has been taking action to reduce the inconvenience to our members. Motorcycles were purchased in order to circumvent traffic conditions in order to reach our members faster.”

Online Hotline comments www.mmail.com.my Danger ahead (July 14) ● The manhole cover was definitely stolen by metal thieves. No matter how many times the authorites replace the cover, it will surely be gone later. — Anonymous Uncalled-for phone Internet service (July 12) ● Hah? Many phones have 3G features already. Owner either didn't read the manual properly or simply ignorant.

Go to the service provider and request they disable all Internet access. I have tried this with other service providers. But you have to be firm with them. Make a fuss at the centre if possible. — Anonymous

UNHEALTHY: One of the exhaust fans emitting smoke from the commercial centre — Pics: Arif Kartono

1 massive jam (July 12) ● I live in Bandar Utama. I am sick and tired of the developer saying they cannot do anything about the traffic between the old and new wing. Just close the entrance and exit to the mall in this short stretch of road. There are so many other entrances. As for the taxis, just erect a set of railings along the road! Aiyah, so simple also cannot figure out? It looks like the developer is only motivated by profit from the mall. It is that simple. Tell the truth and stop giving silly excuses. — Another BU resident

roads surrounding the apartments, roots of trees which have caused cracks in pavements and walls, and weeds in the drains which they fear may breed snakes and Aedes mosquitoes.

Says AMMIRUL: "The road in front of the apartments is one-way but vehicles still come from the opposite direction.

"Taxis and cars like to stop right in front of the guardhouse, which obstructs the

view of exiting vehicles. We nearly had an accident a few days ago."

The residents say summonses are rarely issued against traffic offenders, and so double-parking is common, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when people go to the commercial centre for dinner.

Although parking lots are available inside the centre, many do not want to spend money on parking.

● PETALING JAYA City Council (MBPJ) complaints department director Tengku Nazaruddin Tengku Zainuddin says a team from the Health Department will be sent to Section 14 to investigate.

Complaints department

spokesman Rizal Abdul Rahman also says the Department of Environmental Health has been alerted on the situation.

He says the residents’ complaints will be accorded priority by the council.

● The columns supporting the linkway between the new and old wing have reduced this short stretch by one lane, resulting in the slowing down of traffic. The setback on both the old and new wings was not provided for when they decided to build the link bridge columns. In addition, the opening of 1st Avenue also adds to the number of vehicle using the roads along Bandar Utama and I do not see any road widening or traffic improvement initiatives by the developer. Can't blame MBPJ solely, as the funding for all these should be borne by the developer.

— YS Lee Hospital stay covered by policy (July 12) ● Thumbs-up to MM. It's very, very disappointing to see most of the issues reported in MM first and only then do the relevant parties jump into action. I wonder what would happen if MM does not provide this service? I don't believe this at all. Don't they have to be accountable to the people? Their staff are paid to do their job.

Do they expect MM to do their work everytime there is an issue? — Anonymous Shocked by cracked tyres (July 11) ● Perhaps you should stick to other brands. — Persona ● Their QC has gone down the drain. — Anonymous

10 letters&opinions Monday 18 JULY, 2011

the malay mail

● Opinions may be in the form of Letters to the Editor or comments posted in relation to all news.

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

● Letters to the Editor must carry your name, address and contact number. A pseudonym may be included.

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

Stop wildlife crimes

Animal trafficking

I REFER to the smuggling of exotic species of turtles, chameleons and snakes into KL International Airport allegedly by a Madagascan woman who was detained for eight months and later deported back to her country.

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) learnt that before her deportation, she had lodged an official report disclosing details of the wildlife racket involving a well-known Malaysian wildlife smuggler and his accomplice.

It was pointed out by the president of ROAR that the Malaysian authorities, namely the police and Wildlife Department, had wasted a

rare opportunity in getting vital information from this key witness involved in the global wildlife trafficking syndicate linked to the smuggler.

SAM is exceptionally disappointed at the inaction of the authorities despite the report disclosing the network connections of the smuggler and his accomplice.

Given the stature and notoriety of the individual, the Wildlife Department should conduct a full and vigorous probe into the networking cronies of this infamous trafficker.

It is unbelievable, considering his wide connections locally and abroad, that up till today

KL PPR rent issue: Freeloaders! (July 13)

there have been no further arrests made.

It is incomprehensible that the police and Wildlife Department, with decades of experience, could have allowed such an excellent opportunity to slip by without demonstrating a sense of urgency in questioning the witness.

Pretending that a problem does not exist will not make it go away.

Taking action will serve as a wake-up call to the authorities that they must not be complacent and need to improve their performance in eradicating and deterring crimes of this nature.

It is about time the police, Customs Department and Wildlife Department addressed the issue on wildlife crimes to stop the spread of the number one threat — trafficking — that is draining the world’s wildlife.

The problem is not just in the jungles as poaching is done to supply urban demands both locally and abroad.

Enforcement efforts should extend from the forests to the cities, all the way down the trade chain from the source to the consumer.

There is no official or reliable private estimate of the size of the rare animal smuggling

FREE STAY? City Hall should ensure tenants of PPR flats settle their arrears

market in Malaysia but there is plenty of evidence that it is a big problem.

Malaysia puts a lot of emphasis on catching smugglers of contraband goods and drugs.

But the government is not focusing much on endangered species of wild fauna and flora.

Part of the problem is that an animal becomes more sought after once it is classified as endangered or protected. Once certain animals are declared endangered, it is the official approval that it is rare and these are the ones highly sought after by consumers.

The delay in the investiga-

tion is totally unacceptable in a country that claims to be effectively addressing illegal wildlife trade.

If the illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade is not addressed, Malaysia can stand to lose many species.

Can animals be saved from extinction?

Only if the authorities act with urgency to tackle issues on the movement of people, goods and money in today’s borderless world.

S.M. Mohd Idris President Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM)

THE MALAY MAIL-DUTCH LADY HAMPER FOR CHARITY THE best opinion of the week as decided by the editor will win a hamper from Dutch Lady Malaysia for charitable institutions. Readers are encouraged to nominate charities deserving of this gesture. The Malay Mail will deliver the winning hamper.

Nothing is free

Pay up or move out CITY HALL needs to buck up on its enforcement against these freeloaders.

After all, this has been going on for a long time now that it has become common knowledge among city dwellers.

A quick visit to these PPR flats around the city should be an eye-opener.

Don't tell me none of the officers noticed the type of cars these People's Housing Project (PPR) tenants are

driving these days or the furniture and electrical appliances they use.

Surely, if they can afford these luxuries, they can afford to pay the rent.

City Hall, like any landlord,

should exercise its rights and force these people out if they countinue failing to pay the rent.

Enough is enough.

Mark

KL Rally causes RM100m loss to tourism industry (July 12)

You lose some and you win some TOURISM Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen has claimed the industr y incurred over RM100 million in losses because of the July 9 rally.

How is this possible when logic will tell you that if you

have to take the tourists away from one place, you are actually dispersing their purchasing power to another locality?

For example, if the tourists cancelled their order in one location and booked another

one, this simply means the money will still be spent but outside of Kuala Lumpur.

Accommodation, transportation, shopping, sightseeing, highway tolls, food, souvenirs, tips etc remain the same.

The money is still being spent by the tourists.

If the so-call 'losses' is RM100 million for KL, then another city or town will gain the RM100 million.

JohanssmKhunPana

HAS anyone seen the cars and household items these socalled flat dwellers are using these days?

They are enjoying quite an affluent lifestyle, while insisting on staying in the PPR flats and yet have the cheek to default their rental payments for such a long period.

City Hall should just kick them out if they still refuse to pay their rental because nothing is free in this world except for sunlight, rain and air provided by God.

Everyone have to pay for something.

City Hall is being too lenient on these tenants, allowing it to accumulate to thousands of ringgit.

Why can't the authorities just disconnect their water or electricity until the tenants settle the full arrears?

After all, the rent for the PPR flats is only about RM100 plus a month, depending on the units.

Shaktiman

KL Malaysia put up good fight against Liverpool (July 17)

Rooting for Malaysia and Liverpool

DESPITE losing 3-6, Malaysia indeed put up a good fight against Liverpool FC at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Saturday.

Having lost 0-4 to Arsenal, the scoring of goals was welcomed.

However, at the stadium stands, the situation was more colourful and memorable.

I believe more than threequarters of the 80,000-crowd came wearing Liverpool's jersey.

It was quite funny watching how easily swayed (or perhaps

patriotic) were the Malaysian fans during the game.

When the Malaysian team scored, they were all seen rooting for Malaysia.

However, when it was Liverpool's turn to score, the spectators — being diehard fans at that — screamed and cheered for the team in red.

And this strange ritual went on until the game ended.

It just portrayed how unreliable Malaysian football fans can be.

Lee

The Malay Mail Monday 18 JUly, 2011

Mohammed Kamel Amr, a former senior diplomat who has worked at the World Bank, was appointed Egypt's new foreign minister yesterday -- AFP

Karzai's man murdered at home A SENIOR adviser to Afghan President Hamid Karzai has been murdered at his home near the parliament in Kabul, a senior government official said yesterday. Jan Mohammad Khan, former governor of southern Uruzgan province and a key ally of the embattled president, was killed in an attack that was still ongoing, according to Afghan news channel Tolo TV. — AFP

Jerusalem forest fire put out ISRAELI firefighters brought a forest fire in Jerusalem under control yesterday after the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum was evacuated as a precaution, a police spokesman said.

"The fire has been brought totally under control but the fire service is continuing to work on the ground to make sure it doesn't restart," Micky Rosenfeld said. The blaze had started at three different points, "which could mean it was deliberate," he said, adding that police and the fire service were investigating the cause. -- AFP

Two missing in Arctic mine

TWO miners were missing in an Arctic Russian mine after an accident at a coal face, the owner, a unit of steelmaker Severstal, said yesterday. Seventysix miners working in the pit escaped immediately after the collapse on Saturday evening, which was caused by a geological event, mine operator Vorkutaugol said in a statement without going into detail. One miner was rescued a day after the collapse, Interfax news agency reported.

Two more miners were unaccounted for.

— AFP

ROME

Watershed in AIDS story

New developments enable better control over HIV infection A GLOBAL medical forum on AIDS got down to business yesterday for four days of debate on powerful new weapons to combat a pandemic that in 30 years has claimed as many lives as a World War. Held ever y two years, the meeting is taking place in Rome amid a flurry of startlingly good news from scientific trials, prompting some veterans to talk of a watershed in the AIDS story.

"This conference could well be a turnaround," Elly Katabira, president of the International AIDS Society (IAS), told a press conference.

"The results presented this week could prove today as important as the antiretrovirals breakthroughs of the

mid-nineties."

Huge excitement has been stirred by proof that the famous drug "cocktail" used to treat people with the human immunodeficiency virus can also be used to prevent HIV infection in others.

The conference will hear the latest data from a trial conducted among "serodiscordant" heterosexual couples in Africa, meaning couples in which one partner had been tested positive with HIV while the other was uninfected.

The risk of HIV infection fell by 96 per cent when the infected partner started early use of daily antiretrovirals.

This highlights a stunning way of stopping the relentless rise in new HIV infec-

tions, simply by treating those who already have the virus, say some experts.

Already some 30 million people have been killed by AIDS since the disease first came to light in June 1981.

In 2009, more than 33 million people were living with HIV and 2.6 million people became newly infected, according to UNAIDS. In his keynote speech, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe talked of "a game-changing moment for all of us, the first time we can talk of control of HIV." But he also spoke of the practical tasks ahead, especially mustering the funds to turn "treatment as prevention" from a bright new theory into action on the ground.

Today, some 6.6 million

people in poor countries have grasped the drug lifeline, a massive increase compared with a decade earlier, but another nine million are still in need of treatment.

AIDS spending today is around US$16 billion (RM48b) annually, compared with current needs estimated at US$24 billion, according to UNAIDS. The conference gathers 5,500 specialists, ranging from virologists to pharmacologists and disease trackers.

Other trials to be discussed in Rome will look at the effectiveness of giving uninfected people HIV drugs — an approach called "pre-exposure prophylaxis," or PrEP, that can reduce sexual transmission by up to 73 per cent. — AFP

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ROME

Berlusconi faces bribery, sex hearings ITALIAN Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (pic) faces trial hearings for bribery and paying for sex with a 17-year-old girl today, as the Italian leader fights off growing unpopularity and financial woes.

Berlusconi, 74, is a defendant in three ongoing trials.

In the corruption hearing he stands accused of paying a bribe to his former British lawyer, David Mills, to give false testimony in court.

The other hearing centres around allegations Berlusconi had sex at his villa last year with Moroccan-born nightclub dancer Karima El Mahroug, better known by her stage name as "Ruby the Heart Stealer". He is also suspected of abusing his powers by having the girl sprung from police custody when she was arrested last year for alleged theft. — AFP

LONDON

Scotland Yard chief quits, Murdoch aide arrested BRITAIN'S top police officer resigned yesterday and Rupert Murdoch's former aide Rebekah Brooks (pic) was arrested as the phone hacking scandal finally tore into the heart of the British establishment.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Paul Stephenson said he was quitting due to speculation about his links to Murdoch's empire and the force's botched investigation into hacking at the now-defunct News of the World tabloid.

His shock announcement came just hours after police arrested Brooks, who resigned on Friday as head of News International, Murdoch's British newspaper arm, on suspicion of phonehacking and bribing police.

"I have taken this decision as a consequence of the ongoing speculation and accusations relating to the Met's links with News International at a senior level," Stephenson said in a hastily arranged televised statement.

Stephenson was linked to former News of the World deputy editor Neil Wallis in reports yesterday which said the police

chief accepted a five-week stay earlier this year at a luxury health spa where Wallis was a PR consultant.

The force, which reopened the investigation into hacking in January, six years after it first broke, is already facing questions about why it hired Wallis as an advisor two months after he quit the tabloid.

Wallis was arrested last week.

"Let me state clearly, I and the people who know me know that my integrity is completely intact," Stephenson added. "I may wish we had done some things differently, but I will not lose sleep over my personal integrity."

The scandal first emerged when two people were convicted over phone hacking at the News of the World in 2006, but did not explode until July 4 when it emerged that one of the victims was a murdered teenager, Milly Dowler.

Brooks, one of Murdoch's closest lieutenants, was editor of the News of the World at the time that Dowler's voicemail messages were hacked and deleted. — AFP

CIVIL UNREST: Thousands of pro-regime Syrians waving the flag and portraits CRO of President Bashar al-Assad during a rally in Damascus yesterday. In Homs, 30 anti-regime protestors were killed on Saturday — AFP

NICOSIA

30 killed in clashes in Syria AT least 30 people were killed in 24 hours in the central Syrian city of Homs in clashes between supporters and opponents of President B a s h a r a l - As s a d ' s regime, a human rights activist said yesterday.

"More than 30 civilians have been killed over the past 24 hours in Homs in clashes that broke out late on

Saturday between the opposition and supporters of the regime," said Rami Abdel Rahman of the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

He said the clashes came after three re g i me supp or te rs kidnapped last week were killed and their dismembered bodies were returned to their

relatives on Saturday.

"The two sides started out beating each other with sticks, but then firearms were used," Abdel Rahman said.

A large number of the dead were killed by gunmen lying in ambush. He claimed security forces did not intervene to stop the clashes. — AFP

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world

Two die in Afghan wedding party UNKNOWN gunmen opened fire at a wedding party in northern Afghanistan overnight, killing at least two guests and wounding seven others, an official said yesterday. Police have launched an investigation to find out who attacked the ceremony in Baghlani Jadid district in the northern province of Baghlan, an area where the Taliban and other insurgents are known to be active, the official said. -- AFP

Tunis police fire in air to stop rioters TUNISIAN police fired into the air to disperse rioters in the capital early yesterday and were attacked by crowds throwing petrol bombs in another city, in the most violent clashes yet involving Islamists.

The rioting is the starkest sign to date of the friction between Tunisia's secular establishment and Islamists who have been growing more assertive since the country's autocratic leader was ousted in a revolution six months ago.The government said the rioting was orchestrated by extremist groups trying to undermine stability. — Reuters

Mubarak coma denial THE director of a hospital in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh were Hosni Mubarak is being treated denied a statement from his lawyer that the former president had fallen into a coma, State television reported.

"The director of Sharm al-Sheikh International Hospital denies the statements of el-Deeb about Mubarak falling into a coma," television said in a brief headline.

— Reuters

Seven people were killed in gun and bomb attacks in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad and the northern city of Mosul yesterday, police said — AFP LOS ANGELES

SYDNEY

Shattering finale

'The Lady' Vanishes star dies BRITISH actress Googie Withers (pic), best known for her role in Alfred Hitchcock's 1938 film The Lady Vanishes has died in Sydney aged 94, friend and theatre producer John Frost said yesterday.

Withers, who was married to Australian actor and producer John McCallum until his death last year, was a star of film and theatre in Britain before she emigrated in the 1950s.

"For a lot of women who went through the war in Australia, when she came to Australia it was about glamour. She came in the 50s and brightened up a lot of lives," Frost said.

He said the passing of Withers and McCallum, was the end of an era.

"She was formidable," Frost said.

"She was certainly up there in the 40s with great British film stars like Vivien Leigh. She was a big deal in her day."

B orn Georgette Lizette Withers, Googie was raised in

The final 'Harry Potter' instalment breaks US box office records

Britain where she took to the stage dancing and acting at a young age.

But she was adopted by Australia, which appointed her an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1980 for her work in building the country's film, theatre and television industries.

Frost said Withers died in her sleep on Friday. — AFP

LOS ANGELES

Hollywood starpower for Comic-Con MEDIA watchers at this year's giant C omic-C on International pop culture convention in San Diego, believed Hollywood might play a smaller role because some heavily promoted movies there last year fizzled at box offices.

But as Thursday's opening day ne ars, t his year's gathering of comic book readers, sci-fi lovers, fanboys, fangirls and pop culture watchers, many costumed as space aliens or invaders, appears b i g g e r, g l i t z i e r and more crowded than ever.

Forecasters predict anywhere from 130,000 to 200,000 people will invade San Diego over the four-day convention, although numbers are difficult to track given the volume of people who come just to be

The Malay Mail Monday 18 JULY, 2011

part of the scene.

Perhaps the most accurate indicator of the show's growing popularity in recent years is that while it took six months for four-day event passes to sell out in 2009, and two months last year, this year those passes were gone in seven hours.

And rabid fans likely won't be d i s ap p o i nt e d with the number of events and starpower at the show nicknamed, "The Con".

T h e r e are numerous panels for directors and stars to talk up films such as Twilight: Breaking Dawn and The Amazing Spiderman, as well as several science-fiction TV shows. Even the cast of hit musical Glee will be on hand. — Reuters

THE final Potter film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2 has smashed the all-time record at the North American box office for an opening weekend, dragging in US$168 million (RM505m), industry trackers said.

The eighth film in the Harry Potter series, which surpassed the last Batman film The Dark Knight by US$10 million to notch up the weekend milestone, had already raked in a record US$92.1 million in opening day sales.

Deathly Hallows — Part 2, the finale to one of the most successful movie franchises of all time, sees the boy wizard take on the evil Lord Voldemort in a climactic showdown, the second of two movies based on the final Potter book by British

author J. K. Rowling.

The Dark Knight, the most recent Batman film, which featured the late Heath Ledger in his final and most acclaimed role, previously held the opening weekend

title with a US$158-million take upon its 2008 release.

The latest Potter movie, in which stars Daniel Radcliffe (pic), Emma Watson and Rupert Grint reprise their lead roles, pushed past single-day records previously set by The Twilight Saga: New Moon, which took US$72.7 million in 2009.

More than 400 million copies of the Potter books have been sold since struggling single mother Rowling published the first instalment, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, in 1997.

The first Harry Potter film was released in 2001 and the eight films so far have earned over US$6.4 billion globally, making stars and multi-millionaires out of R adcliffe, Wa t s o n and Grint, with each taking different paths on their postPotter journeys.

Radcliffe has gone into musical comedy, Watson into modelling a n d G r i nt into lowbudget films, each seeking to make their name outside the Rowling books. — AFP

BOX-OFFICE top ten Top grossing films last week 1 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II -- US$168.5m (total US$168.5m) 2 Transformers: Dark of the Moon — US$21.2m (total US$302.8m) 3 Horrible Bosses — US$17.6m (total US$60m) 4 Zookeeper — US$12.3m (total US$42.3m) 5 Cars 2 — US$8.3m (total US$165.3m) 6 Winnie the Pooh — US$8m (total US$8m) 7 Bad Teacher — US$5.2m (total US$88.5) 8 Larry Crowne — US$2.5m (total US$31.6m) 9 Super 8 — US$1.9m (total US$122.2m) 10 Mr. Popper's Penguins — US$1.3m (total US$61.4m)

MonDay 18 JuLY, 2011

the malay mail

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The Malay Mail Monday 18 july, 2011

The prince spreads his love

By Loong Wai Ting waiting@mmail.com.my IF you haven't had enough of Jeff Chang the 'Prince of Love Ballads', get ready as he swings his way here again to woo you with his smoldering sentimental love songs.

The singer, who performed in Malaysia last year, will once again be in the country for a highly anticipated concert.

Best of all, he would not only do one show. Due to the overwhelming response by fans, the organiser has decided to add another night to the concert.

JEFF CHANG: Plans to incorporate new media in his Malaysian concert

Billed 'Jeff Chang I Saw World Tour 2011', the twonight concert will be held on Sept 23 and 24 at 8pm, at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands. It is said to be the epitome of Chang's immensely popular love ballads and would be a reflection of his career as a singer.

"I want to do a bit of change to my concert here in September," Chang said during a short tele-interview held at Wisma Genting in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Chang, who was about to leave China during the interview, said he plans to incorporate "new media" in his upcoming performance.

"From the stage design, to the use of new media, I want to have a different concert

altogether. I want to do something that I've not done before in my previous stops.

Of course they'll be golden, classic songs from my own albums. Overall, the audience will experience a steady flow of story throughout the night.

It would be something like watching a TV series," he said.

On his previous sold-out concerts, Chang as always, remains humble and attributed his success to his fans and team of musicians.

"Of course I am happy. It is those little things that drive my team and I to perform even

better. After our show last year in Genting, I hope to do better.

I hope fans who couldn't make it last year would come for this one," he said.

Besides all the tours, Chang is also involved in theatre productions. Once during a scene-change in one theatre project, someone from the audience "shot" him with lights while he was performing on stage, as if it was a concert. As a result, Chang was "blinded" temporarily.

"The entire stage was pitch black and all of a sudden, a bright light stabbed my eyes!

It was something unexpected.

I couldn't see a thing in front of me and fell on my knees. I was in a lot of pain but I kept pushing myself as I did not want to drag the whole team behind," he said.

The singer admittedly said he hasn't slowed down, and that he has not much time to even relax. To ensure that everything is on the money, he has been diligently dividing time between preparing for concerts and making new albums in the studio.

"Yes, I am in the midst of my final preparation for my

new album. If everything goes right, the album would be out in either late July or August.

It'll be exciting, just wait for it.

For the fans, be rest assured that I will share one or two songs from my new album with you during my concert in Malaysia," he said.

Tickets to 'Jeff Chang I Saw World Tour 2011' on Sept 23 and 24, are priced at RM330 (VIP), RM250 (PS1), RM190 (PS2), RM130 (PS3) and RM90 (PS4).

For reservations, call 03-27181118 or visit www. rgenting.com

Get into the 'volume war' IF you are a fan of legendary rock bands (most of whom have never made it to our shores), rejoice that despite past prejudices and tight regulations, they may all just be grinding their axes at a venue near you.

As part of the 'Rock Legends Tour', expect more leather clad, big-haired wailers and accompanying musical maestros of the golden age of rock who finally may meet their Malaysian fans.

Now get your tight jeans out and saddle up! The first act that rode out the rock wave of the '80s and '90s coming this way is Loudness, the Japanese band that paved the way for Asian bands for international recognition.

Yes, Loudness will be performing here next week – making inroads for more household names of rock to our shores in droves.

Amy, the frontman of legendary local rock outfit in Search, who will be performing with the rockers from the Land of the Rising Sun, said it is indeed an exciting time for lovers of hard rock and heavy metal of the past three decades.

“Names that I have heard coming our way, include Metallica, Motley Crue and Poison, among many others who will be performing here.”

If that’s not enough, rumours of confirmed bookings for Brazil's Sepultura to

THIRSTY FOR ROCK: It's going to be an exciting time for heavy metal fans of the past three decades

perform in Kuala Lumpur too, might just rock the socks off more fans.

For now, tickets for Loudness are enjoying brisk sales (only a limited lot of 3,000 people will be privileged to watch them). Now that signals a very encouraging response, although their trip here was announced recently.

Sole-surviving founding member and guitarist of the band, Akira Takasaki will lead the original members — vocalist Minoru Niihara and bassist Masayoshi Yamashita, with new drummer Masayuki Suzuki (who replaces another founding member Munetaka Higuchi who passed away in 2008) — in the upcoming showcase.

The first Japanese heavy metal act signed to a major label in the United States, Loudness has released some two dozen studio albums to date.

Clockwork Events, the outfit that is bringing in Loudness (and soon some of the biggest

names in rock history), is not just keen on pleasing fans of the heavyweights of international retro rock, but also cult local acts in the same vein.

“To kick off Loudness’ 30th anniversary concert, we pay tribute to the best we had with old school rockers Satira and legendary metal ensemble, Sofea/SYJ,” said Clockwork director Iman Tang.

Apart from that, Tang said the show will also feature up-and-coming, all-girl metal machine SheWolves for the show that will begin from 5pm onwards.

Amy noted that the organisers’ inclusion of local names was a praiseworthy effort.

“For too long, local acts have been openers only as a token representation of homegrown names. It’s good that Clockwork has taken the initiative to celebrate the best and the up-and-coming names of local talents this way, to offer a platform to perform alongside bands that have been our idols and influences.”

Amy himself, was grinning ear to ear, after it was announced that he would share the stage with Loudness as a featured act, to duet with Niihara while backed by Loudness for one of their biggest numbers in Shadows of War, the title track of their Japanese release, and Lightning Strikes (the US version of the album) from 1986.

“I’m definitely hoping this will serve as a form of rejuvenation for local rock acts, and the live concert circuit which has dulled in the last decade.”

Loudness will be performing at KL Live on July 24. Tickets are priced at RM138 for upper tiers with limited VIP, lounge, seated and standing areas, and RM98 for free-standing lower-tier spots.

More information and ticket bookings are available via www.ticketpro.com.my , Ticketpro Hotline at 03-78807999, Clockwork Events at 0133289798 while Blackberry users can add 2305727D. — By JOE LEE

MonDay 18 JuLY, 2011

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To respect is human

LAST week, we shared about how celebrities ruffled some feathers with their personal political leanings (or at least assumed) in a spillover of the Bersih rally that occurred in the city.

This week, we would like to share something as disturbing, about a TV personality who obviously got overzealous with his ideals.

While everyone has his opinion about the entire issue, the one thing that could perhaps be treated neutrally would be death and tragedy. Anyway, after news of the passing of a person who participated in the rally, one would expect 'apolitical sympathy' or even a prayer from the more humane quarters.

This particular personality however, seemed rather indifferent. In fact, he even shared his thoughts with friends and made a pretty scathing “serve him right!” comment (referring to the individual who passed on).

We understand political

Hear, Say

Siti's fans united DATUK Siti Nurhaliza’s fans are quite a loyal lot. The diva joined Twitterdom in September last year, and since then she has garnered the following of some 67,000 people. Now, her legion of admirers are petitioning for the micro-blogging tool to verify her account.

By JOE LEE joelee@mmail.com.my

twitter @klubbkiddkl discussions and related topics can get heated, but it’s ridiculous to think that someone as influential as the personality would actually say something like that.

To the celebrity concerned, at least have the sense and decency not to be as disrespectful.

As the saying goes, “if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all,”. And yes, "speak no ill of the dead".

Confused soul

Siti Nurhaliza

Even the pretty ones get rejected THIS newcomer actress has taken on her actor’s nowon-now-off beau’s sibling as her personal assistant, which is hardly news for gossip. What we do think

is justifiable gossip is how the personal assistant accompanied the actress to a shoot location, and was immediately smittened by a hunky leading man.

With Twitter having shut down applications for verification services to the public (with only select individuals actually gaining verified status to ascertain that it is the official account of the personality), it is doubtful that their petition will achieve its cause. Still, it’s a good effort.

And when advances were rejected, we hear both the actress and her minion went about talking smack about the actor. Are you serious?

THIS lukewarm singer may pride himself on being signed to a major label. We’ve written about how he’s trying to gain credibility by claiming singer-songwriter status with a new single that he composed.

However, it was discovered that the song was ‘taken’ from a new act.

Well, apparently karma bites hard as the singer is in the midst of being dropped by the management and

recording label. Word has it that despite the star’s claims that he is a hot item, his label said he was a lost cause, and that the management had exhausted all avenues in their efforts to make him an act that can go any further.

Ouch!

Drama in between rehearsals

Aizat

Minor hiccups on opening night AIZAT’S Borneo Tour ran into some snags. It was not really the fault of the singer’s production outfit, Kasi Gegar that organised the East Malaysian shows.

We heard that his company ran into some problems during the Kuching leg last weekend. Kasi Gegar was approached by a party offering, err, ‘protection’.

If that’s not enough, another party that was paid to help promote the tour, including ticket sales, appar-

ently claimed to have sold 2,000 of the 3,000 passes that were entrusted to them.

With the setbacks, the team did not really manage to pack Stadium Perpaduan in Kuching, Still, it was an admirable turnout of more than 3,000 of Aizat's fans.

The audience was entertained by the singer, along with Amir Jahari and other featured acts Altimet and DJ Fuzz as well as local names Masterpiece and Jerry Kamit.

SO this gossip circulated that newcomer actors Aeril Zafrel and Anzalna Nasir were an item. More rumours were spun on how the couple recently had a spat during Aeril’s rehearsal for the theatrical production of Tok Wali. Apparently, Anzalna stormed off as Aeril chased after her. Very dramatic!

Eyewitnesses claimed that the couple’s loud scene also disrupted rehearsals.

However, the couple denied being together, and Aeril has told us that since he had only one scene in the production, the "non-event" was not a

big deal.

Anzalna said she was tired after a long day, and the exhaustion of waiting for Aeril at the rehearsal had caused her to storm off. She insisted that she would return, while Aeril chased after her to pacify her.

Both insisted there was no disruption to rehearsals and that they had no idea how such rumours could have circulated. Ah well... they are newomers after all.

Anzalna Nasir

In need of time-keeping SHE’S known for her tardiness, and yet, while she constantly issues denials, her co-stars continue to rant of her lateness and

no-shows.

The green actress should really learn to keep time as it’s starting to get old. It is tiring to

keep track of her co-stars who have resorted to social networking to complain about her continued indiscretions.

By ANU VENUGOPAL anu@mmail.com.my IF there is one thing you will have to do before your last days, it would be to go for the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF).

Chances are, you will want to go back to the annual festival again – whether for its diversity in music, for the cultural Kamafei experience or simply to feel the energy of thousands of music lovers lost in a fantasy world where music is king.

This year’s music festival held from July 8 to 10 was positively packed with messages of peace and unity amidst humid conditions. At the festival grounds at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong, music was the only one on spotlight.

Like previous years, RWMF was a meeting of music lovers, starting with musicians and ending with music aficionados, many of whom travelled from all corners of the world to experience and be part of a world-known festival.

With over 20,000 visitors over the three days, the festival had all the makings of an international fringe festival.

With 21 bands during the festival, there was no shortage of talents to admire. It was easy to be enthralled by the women performers at the 14th edition of the musical festival.

On day one, Iskwew from Canada gave the audience a chance to connect with Mother Earth, as they sang songs about their connection to Earth using traditional drums and vocals.

Similarly, New Zealand trio Pacific Curls also paid tribute to nature and connection, albeit with a unique original mix of Polynesian-Celtica sounds.

One of the more unique groups this year was the Leweton Women’s water music from Vanuatu. Dressed in traditional costumes of flowers and leaves, the women transformed the pond at the village into a stage.

Using water as their instrument, the ladies produced some intoxicating rhythms with pieces titled Big Whale Fish Playing with Small Whale Fish and Waves Breaking on the Reef.

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17

Joaquin Diaz

No rain, just good music

s of the Sap AgungBeat and Master

Not only did the music pay tribute to their ancestors, it also gave festival goers a glimpse of traditions still flourishing in today’s modern world.

Other bands featured on stage were Joaquin Diaz (Dominican Republic), Duoud (Tunisia/ Algeria), Kamerunga (Australia), Kenge Kenge Orutu System (Kenya), Paddy Keenan Trio (Ireland), Warsaw Village Band (Polland), The Blue Canyon Boys (USA), Lisa Haley & the Zydekats (USA), Malick Pathé Sow & Moaba (Senegal), Startijenn (France), Ilgi (Latvia), Frigg (Finland) and AgungBeat and Masters of the Sape (Malaysia).

It was not just the ladies that made an impact.

Kamerunga

Kamafei (Italy) managed to enthrall audience with their combination of pizzica pizzica music, built on rhythms of tambourine and dashes of reggae, rock and hip-hop, to create a festival-like atmosphere on day one.

The Shin got the audience going with their fusion of Georgian-style vocal pyrotechnics combined with jazz scat, funk, fusion, flamenco and skills on guitar, flute and percussion on the second day.

Among the highlights on day

Frigg

Victor Valdez Trio

The Blue Canyon Boys

e

three was songstress Mamak Khadem, whose love for singing and music led her from her native Iran to the US to pursue her love for music.

Combining ancient poetry and music of Persian masters with her band, their songs are strong yet revolutionary, with new fans embracing to cultural diversity that is both rich and deep.

Marred by uneven sound quality during their performance, Mamak Khadem and her band still managed to give the audience a delightful experience.

UK-India band Kissmet ended the RWMF festival on a high note, blending rock and bhangra in one smooth performance before making way for all bands onto the stage.

While many may believe the highlight of the RWMF were the jam-packed performances held every evening, the truth is that, the magic really happened in the workshops held during the three-day musical extravaganza.

With 27 workshops starting at 2pm until 5pm throughout the festival period, orchestrated by festival artistic director Randy Reune-Reush, the workshops were a spontaneous and enlightening experience for most music lovers.

Among the impactful workshops was one entitled 'Sisters in Song, We are Strong’. Featuring five strong and vocal women,

Kim Halliday (Pacific Curls), Mamak Khadem, Lisa Haley (Lisa Haley & the Zydekats), Sandy Scofield (Iskwew) and Sylwia Swiatkowska (Warsaw Village Band), the workshop held at the Iban Longhouse was filled to the brim with music lovers, who withstood hot and humid conditions to hear the powerful voices of women.

Equally mesmerising were the male dominated ‘My Best Pick-up Line’ workshop at the Theatre, where Alexandre Chumburidze and Zurab Gagnidze (The Shin), James Riley (Paddy Keenan Trio), Miguel Fenton (Joaquin Diaz) Quintino Bandello and Antonio Melegari (Kamafei), George Odero – (Kenge Kenge Orutu System) and Will Kepa (Kamerunga) showed how their vocal skills and traditional instruments could pick up any women listening in their jam sessions.

Even more amusing were the jam sessions that happened after the concert was over at One Santubong Hotel until the wee hours of the morning, a treat for media and hotel guests.

Festival goers also had the chance to wander around and take in cultural aspects of the village while being a part of the Rainforest World Craft Bazaar, with the theme 'Green Crafts' promoting the use of recycled and organic craft materials as well as traditional crafts.

With a variety of activities and music offered, it is no wonder why the RWMF is recognised as one of the top 25 best international festivals across the globe.

Despite the intense commercialisation of the event by the Sarawak Tourism Board, the festival’s aim to bring in world music from all corners of the world is one that music lovers should experience, at least once in their life.

MESMERISED: Fans embracing the cultural diversity

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The Malay Mail Monday 18 july, 2011

The mindset of Pesawat

By JOE LEE joelee@mmail.com.my

twitter @klubbkiddkl AN album is a milestone for an artiste, and it’s necessary to mark the opening or closing of a chapter for a musical act, be it a solo artiste or band.

So said Kudux, the drummer of rock act Pesawat who shrugged off all the negative notions that have been shared by industry authorities about full-length feature albums.

Many big labels are not too keen on producing full albums these days. Recently, even Recording Industry of Malaysia (RIM) decided to shelve the album categories for the upcoming Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM), save for the Album of the Year award.

The disappointment is very much present in the voice of not just Kudux, but also other members of the band comprising Jipie (vocals/guitar/piano), Nizam Camel (guitar), Mann (bass) and Danial (synthesizer) after the launch of their debut album, Take Off. “To go further, an album is the real measure abroad, and not just singles, as it becomes a defining point for an act, showing that they’re serious about their music,” said Jipie.

It is indeed disturbing that independent acts now form the bulk of those who actually produce and release full albums, as mainstream major labels stress on cutting corners and saving pennies by merely relying on offering singles.

Jipie noted that it is indeed a worrying trend for the Malaysian music industry. Kudux echoed his concern.

“For us, being an independent act after a few singles, we got ourselves known and after that comes an album. It’s not worrying for acts like us, but perhaps it does raise the red flag for the mainstream to rethink things."

“We want to send a message that albums are still relevant,” said Jipie, adding that “the move is unfair for indie bands, but we won’t stop because of AIM.”

COMMITTED: The band now hopes to reach out to fans across the region

After having released seven singles since they emerged in 2008, Pesawat now has a 13-track bilingual release, comprising six new tracks and a bonus song Take Off. Self-financed, the album cost about RM30,000 and took some three years to complete. The band members had to divide between their respective day jobs and their commitment to music.

Kudux said apart from the singles, the new material took them a while. Since the end of last year, they started to assemble all the materials needed.

On the presence of previously released singles in the new album, Kudux admitted that it appeared more of a trend, with Pesawat joining the fray of those who have also put out offerings in the same vein.

“We think that’s a better move, as people are familiar with more songs, and not just a fresh album with just a single, resulting in an album being less sustainable.”

Jipie said: “We don’t want it to be a trend, but since the market is such that it’s leaning towards singles, this is how we approach it.”

The band now hopes to reach out to more potential fans, not just nationwide but regionally and internationally.

“We’re talking to Laguna Music to move into Indonesia, and also perhaps Hong Kong where we’re in talks with distributors, apart from trying to hook up in Europe and moving into iTunes.”

The band meanwhile, has another hurdle to prove that it is

beyond a one hit wonder, as the members struggle with coming up with a hit that is as commercially big as their debut song in Mirage.

“It took us quite a while since the success of Mirage. Only after we released Mesti Mau did we receive response anything near to the impact of Mirage,” said Jipie.

“It’s a burden but also a target.”

Take Off is available nationwide at all 7-Eleven stores for RM27, or RM29.90 at all music stores.

Fans can save a few ringgit by buying it personally (at RM25) from Laguna Music, or at any of Pesawat’s live gigs.

Produced by Pesawat, Take Off is released under the band's own label Pramugara Music.

For more info on Pesawat, join the band at www.facebook/pesawatmusic or www.pesawatmusic. com, or follow them on twitter. com/pesawat.

Purchases online are available at store.lagunamusic.my.

• PESAWAT will perform in a showcase on July 23 themed 'Pesawat And Friends Take Off To Johor Baru' at CT Café City Plaza to commemorate the release along with friends MonoLoque, Love Me Butch, Statik, The Bluebirds and Skudap Skudip. They will also perform on July 30 in an intimate acoustic session called 'YES World Live: Pesawat Take Off Unplugged'.

lifestyle 19

The Malay Mail Monday 18 JULY, 2011

Family in (good) conflict

By CHE'AZ cheaz@mmail.com.my PEOPLE normally say families who do things, eat and live together will still be united through thick and thin.

While most families out there might agree and live by that creed, this particular small family of five however, does not believe in it. The members have been doing the exact opposite, by keeping themselves apart from each other.

Despite that, this 'small family' known to the music

sudoku

world as Pop Shuvit, has remained strong as a unit for 11 years.

Say what you want, but whatever the members are doing is working and they are still popular with their unique identity in music. They are still very much in demand and their performances have been received with positive reviews almost all the time.

Let it be known that Pop Shuvit members do not believe in hanging out together in order to be a real band that makes good music. The rap/ rock band, comprising Moots as the front man, JD (guitar), AJ (bass), Rudy (drums) and Uno (he scratches the turntables) are also very much in the news.

"I think the best part about being in Pop Shuvit is that we still know how and when to break apart or to be together.

I mean we keep everything as professional as we can.

Of course when we were younger we spent quite a lot

sudoku

how to play

Friday'S solution

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.

of time together to jam and brainstorm to produce good quality music, but that was just it.

"We all have our personal lives too. I honestly think that this is one of the major or key ingredients for our band to still be strong and tight," AJ said.

AJ and gang are also not too shy to share their opinions about other bands whose members are still uncertain about their own identity. Bands nowadays are more exposed to new elements which could easily shake their faith after being together for a while, it seems.

Some of these bands are too pent up together because they believe that as rock bands, members must stick together or even go anywhere together. That itself would make them more vulnerable to each other's issues.

"We are not saying it's wrong to spend time together as a band but we think it is better if everything could be done in moderation. That will keep the relationship fresh and positive. Plus, we believe that if we have gaps in each other's lives, our songwriting ideas would be sharper when we do occasionally meet," JD said.

Being a Pop Shuvit is not an easy task as the band has been touted as Asia's leading hip hop rock band who have wowed the region with their eclectic sound. The band has also gained a sizable fan base

in Asia notably in Malaysia, Japan, Thailand and Singapore.

Despite being known for their adrenaline-packed live shows, Pop Shuvit members have always been under the radar. Still this group is not showing any sign of slowing down or retiring either. In fact, they are going to release their sixth album.

The new project is the band's first album in Bahasa Malaysia with six songs in it.

Titled Cherry Blossom Love Affair, this long-awaited album (the fifth was out three years ago) is expected to excite new and loyal fans all around Asia as it will include some special features in it. Fans will also have the opportunity to savour Pop Shuvit's collaboration with Man Bai in Seperti Syurgamu.

"We can't wait to have this album out. It will be in the market some time this month. This album is definitely worth all the efforts as we have compiled a great list of songs that will quench our fans' thirst. Man Bai's appearance in this album is exactly like a cherry on top of the icing.

"Working with him in this album is amazing. We all grew up listening to Man Bai's songs. From the time he was with Gersang and as a solo artiste. For our latest album, Man Bai crossed our minds and we decided to give him a call. He agreed immediately and the next thing we knew, he was in the

studio with us.

"He stepped into the recording room and it was done. All this happened in just one day! We had goosebumps. That was a magical experience for all of us. We've said it before and we will say it again, it was magical," AJ said.

To mark the band's 11th anniversary, Pop Shuvit will also launch another set of a re-packaged album after Hari Raya which include extra songs in it. It will be a "signature album" that is collectible.

"We are excited about producing our collector's item album. It will not look like a normal album and it will have more songs which we could not fit into Cherry Blossom Love Affair. Basically the album will look like a coffee table book. You can find lots of interesting sketches that define us as Pop Shuvit," AJ added.

We believe that if we have gaps in each other's lives, our songwriting ideas would be sharper when we do occasionally meet.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; JD

PRIVACY IS CRUCIAL: JD and AJ think the best part about being in Pop Shuvit is that its members know how and when to break apart or to be together

The band's schedule is packed for the whole year, and Pop Shuvit is grateful that they are still relevant to the industry. "We just came back from Manila for a tour with Slapshock last month and we also had the opportunity to represent Malaysia at Music Matters in Singapore last month," AJ said.

Seperti Syurgamu will also be performed at the MTV World Stage at I-City, Shah Alam this coming July 24.

"This is going to be our first performance after a long time and we will be there with other acts from South East Asia, who are part of the East Asian Revolution project.

Hopefully, it will be a memorable one," JD said.

Eleven years and still going strong and the band has certainly made its mark in Malaysian music history.

Perhaps it is time for other bands to learn from the Pop Shuvit experience.

20

the malay mail

Monday 18 July, 2011

MonDay 18 JuLY, 2011

the malay mail

21

22

PROPERTY / MOTORING / HEALTH / HOME / OTHERS

the malay mail

Monday 18 JULY, 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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Car for sale

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OTHERS / JOBS / LEGAL / NOTICES

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M580

IMMEDIATE VACANCY FOR General Clerk. Malay Female.

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Friendship ARE YOU Single/unattached.. ready to commit? Seeking the right one can be tough!

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M515

Jobs ADMIN & ACCOUNT CLERK, Sales Exec, General Workers & Lorry Driver required at Cheras.

Please contact:: 03-9223 0037

IMPORTED MANGO Juice for retail, wholesale, caterers or for individual consume. For more info call Ms. Wan 012296 9458 / Sue 016-913 0622

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Indoor / outdoor. With / Without experience. Urgently required in Tmn Shamelin, Cheras. Good basic salary + high commision.

Call Ms.Yatie 03-9285 0500.

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PART TIME/ FULL TIME 1.

Promoters(KL,Balakong, PJ) 2. Hamper Packers (Kepong area) We also sell ribbons, organzas and hamper baskets.

Agents are welcome to call: 012 337 3310/ 03-6277 7248

PERSONAL DRIVER. Min 2 years working experience as Driver. Familiar with Klang Valley.

Willing to work long hours. Own transport. Prefer applicants staying in Cheras and Kajang area. Please contact Poh Leng 012-903 2060 (Weekdays only) PROJECT SUPERVISOR required by Factory at Klang.

Min 3-4 years experience in Automation & Engineering.

Prefer with Mechanical background. Dynamic, self motivated and work independent.

Interested candidates kindly call 03 - 4291 7811 / 7129

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

M580

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SALES PROMOTERS wanted to promote and sell health supplements at retail outlets throughout Selangor & Klang Valley. Basic salary (min. RM 1,500, based on years of related working experiences), allowances, commissions, guaranteed bonus, annual monetary incentive & incentive trips. Contact Ms Catherine at 03-7729 3873.

SECURITY GUARDS with Min SRP/PMR qualification, who can speak Malay and English, Age between 20 to 55 yrs required immediately at Electronics Company located at Senawang Industrial area, Seremban. Salary RM900.00 for 26 days (9 hrs) job.SOCSO & EPF. Please contact Mr Suresh at 012-259 1815 or 06-7614 673/ 06-761 6673

SHELL PETROL Station in Klana Jaya (PJ) needs Shop Assistant/ Cashier. Able to work on weekend & shift duty.

Min.SPM. B*salary. OT EPF/ Socso & other allowances.

Call Pn Hanisah 012-2071 207 (9am - 6pm) / SMS

WE ARE AN Established Air-Conditioning specialist contractor in Bndr. Puteri Puchong & looking for suitable candidates to fill the following position.

1) PROJECT ENGINEER with Dip./ Deg. in Mechanical Engineering. 2) ESTIMATOR with min.SPM / Dip. Positions 1 & 2, require good communication skill & computer literate with 2 yrs working experience in airconditioning industry. Fresh graduates encouraged to apply.

3) M & E DRAUGHTSMAN with preferably min.1 yr experience in related field. Able to work with min. supervision. 4) GENERAL CLERK with min.SPM / equivalent and computer literate.

Interested candidates, kindly email / send resume stating experience, current/expected salary & recent photograph to: Wai-K Engineering Sdn Bhd, Puchong. Email: waik9911@ yahoo.com.

Tel: 03-8065 3133 or Fax: 03-8065 1776.

03-7495 1273

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LEGAL / NOTICES

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sports

The Malay Mail Monday 18 JULY, 2011

25

petaling jaya: motorsport/ aprc

Surging ahead Proton's lead picking up pace

PROTON ' S S a t r i a N e o S2000 surged ahead to claim their third successive victory in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), winning the Pacific Cup with driver Chris Atkinson (pic) finishing first outright in the International Rally of Whangarei in New Zealand.

Three victories in four rounds of the APRC contested so far consolidate Proton's position at the top of the 2011 APRC Manufacturer's and Driver's standings, with two more rounds of the championship to be run.

Proton's Alister McRae finished seventh overall in

the rally, but was second amongst the registered APRC contenders to give them a 1-2 finish for maximum points in the championship.

He was in third overall for most of the day in a battle with highly experienced Kiwi Richard Mason, who was fourth.

Unfortunately, a spin in SS15, the second last stage of the day, dropped him to seventh.

Proton also went on to clinch first and second place in the two-wheel drive category of the APRC championship with drivers Karamjit Singh and Akira Bamba in Proton Cusco Rally Team 1600cc Satria Neos.

Karamjit and Akira finished fourth and and fifth overall in the APRC classification, and 18th and 19th overall respectively for the International Rally of Whangarei from a field of 48 cars that restarted the second day of rallying. A third 1600cc Satria Neo, in the hands of Indian driver Sanjay Ram, finished 21st.

For Atkinson, victory in New Zealand was his third af ter Ma l aysia and Ne w Caledonia.

The Australian and former World Rally Championship (WRC) driver ran a troublefree rally over the final day's eight special stages contested against the backdrop of intermittent rain, setting the fastest time on five special stages

to seal victory for Proton 12.4 seconds ahead of local favourite Hayden Paddon in a Subaru Impreza WRX STi. Chasing Atkinson to reduce a 6.2-second overnight lead, Paddon went off the road near the end of the second special stage, bending a steering arm.

Atkinson maintained great consistency throughout the two-day event and had even gone on to set a new record in the 10.99km special stage 14 with a time of 6 minutes 48.5 seconds, bettering the previous record held by Paddon by five seconds.

"Proton finished second here last year and to win this time round reflects on the amount of work that has gone into developing a rallywinning car," said Atkinson, who seized the lead in the rally from the third special stage of the first day.

"The Proton Satria Neo S2000 was trouble free all weekend and I didn't have to do much with the set-up, with tyre choices deciding the day."

"It wasn't an easy rally though with Hayden Paddon putting lots of pressure on me all weekend and we're now lo oking for ward to Hokkaido, Japan."

Round five of the APRC moves to the Rally of Hokkaido in Japan in September with the final round being the China Rally in November.

kuantan: softball

Silver State get gold this time

PERAK A, represented by Big Foot club from Setiawan, over whelmed Polytechnic Sports Council (MSP) "B" 9-0 to win the men's category of the 37th edition of the National Open Softball Championship in Kuantan yesterday.

It was sweet revenge for Perak A after they had lost 6-3 to MSP B in the group stage. The Silver State were the losing finalists last year.

Perak A coach Liong Lii Shin explained that their first round loss to MSP "B" was due to overconfidence and

also not being ready for the challenge.

"We were more focused in the final. We wanted to make sure we took the title and that it did not slip away like the last time. I am very happy we did just that," said Lii Shin.

MSP team coach coach Shukri Abdul Rashid was upset that having reached their first final after five attempts, they let the opportunity to wrest the title slip away.

"Somehow the players were nervous and never got into

their game. It is disappointing, but a lesson learnt for the future to be more composed when it matters most," said Shukri.

Brunei won third place in the playoff, beating Pahang 11-1.

Fresh from winning the Malaysia Games, Terengganu turned the tables against Penang after beating the Islanders 5-4. The east coast team, strengthened with a number of seasoned players, were in joyous mood as they had lost to Penang in the final last year.

26

sports

Over 11,000 people took part in the Olympic Day Run 2011 at the Dataran Merdeka yesterday, the event's highest number of participants so far — Bernama

Red Giant sings Chelsea's Blues

The Malay Mail Monday 18 JULY, 2011

Bukit Jalil: football

Amri hopes to spoil EPL team's Malaysia visit

By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my

SELANGOR ace Amri Yahyah (pic) has only one mission.

"I want to stun the fans!" was Amri's immediate reaction before smiling.

Amri was surprised to be called up by national Olympic team coach Ong Kim Swee for the exhibition match against Chelsea at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Thursday.

But he is not going to let such an opportunity pass by that easily.

Many still remember Amri's exploits when the national selection played Manchester United in 2009. He scored two fantastic goals that saw Red Devils fans applauding as the host side lost 3-2 at the same venue in Bukit Jalil.

"It was a great feeling scoring a brace against United and I

really hope to pull off another memorable feat against Chelsea."

Perhaps the perfect blend of youth and experience — as seen against Man United — could promise a fairytale-like result against the Blues.

A bulk of the national selection are from the Olympic squad as they prepare for their final round of matches in September.

Kim Swee and lads, however, will travel to Slovakia a day after the Chelsea match as they are scheduled to play several friendly matches against the Slovak clubs there before returning to KL next month.

The other seasoned players to join Amri for the match against Chelsea are Hairuddin Omar, Joseph Kalang Tie and Daudsu Jamaluddin. The Malaysian

selection held a training session at the National Sports Council field yesterday.

"We've been together for the past week. The young players are great and they are a disciplined bunch. There's mutual respect among one another and that's very important," said Amri.

A good performance against the English club could soothe Amri's rather disappointing season with the Red Giants.

"We finished third and it wasn't something we had hoped for. We achieved much success in 2010 and our focus will be on the Malaysia Cup. "Being called up was a pleasant surprise and yes, in a way I feel happy. I would love to contribute to the team and perhaps score a goal… or two!" he added.

LESSONS FROM THE MASTERS: Some of the children taking part in the football clinic

BANDAR UTAMA: football

Get behind the team and watch them grow, says Rush MENTAL toughness is crucial.

That was what Liverpool legend Ian Rush had to say when asked what football teams in this region lack.

"It's very simple actually.

This part of the world lacks mental strength. If you look at countries that are successful in football, they all have the mental toughness to succeed and not to forget the determination."

He also cited Japan and South Korea as countries in Asia that have made a step up to the international level.

According to him, they do not show fear when they play.

Rush believes the sooner Malaysian players develop their mental strength the better.

However, Rush thinks the players cannot do this on their own. They will need the support of the people, coaches

and officials in the association as well.

"When you look at the fan base of Liverpool and Manchester United in this country (Malaysia), you would think the national team has an equal number of fans but this is not the case.

"It's easy to spot someone with a Liverpool or MU jersey.

The people must get behind their national team," said Rush.

Rush insists the players will feel motivated if they see people wearing the national colours more often.

Rush was met alongside former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson at a futsal court in 1 Utama. The duo and several of the English club's coaching staff were conducting a coaching clinic organised by Standard Chartered as part of the Liverpool Asia Tour.

Bukit Jalil: football

Raja close to naming line-up for Singapore clash

THE exhibit ion matche s ag ai nst Ars e na l and Liverpool have given national coach Datuk K. Rajagobal a clear picture of his starting-XI ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Singapore.

He had said from the beginning these two matches would only serve as a preparation for the showdown with the Lions.

While the Arsenal match saw the need for alarm bells all over, our Tigers made Liverpool's first appearance in Malaysia a night to remember.

Despite losing 6-3, Raja's boys can hold their heads up high. They put on a fighting

display that has not been seen in recent times and the movement on the pitch was also a joy to behold.

However, Malaysia will need to beef up their defence. Some of the goals conceded could have been avoided.

"It is good for me that t h e y s l a c ke d . It a l l ow s me to warn them for the Singapore games and make the necessary changes," said Rajagobal.

"I sort of have a starting line-up for the Singapore match in my mind."

Meanwhile, national skipper Safiq Rahim is hoping Malaysia gets a freekick just outside the penalty box

FINE TUNING: Safiq (left) watches the action from afar during Malaysia's match against Liverpool on Saturday — Pic: RAZAK GHAZALI

against the Lions.

After converting two freekicks in the last three games,

the Selangor player believes set-pieces have become a strength of the team.

"But we cannot rely on freekicks only. Field goals are crucial too," said Safiq.

According to Safiq, the Liverpool match taught the lads how to approach teams that play a physical game.

"Singapore has several naturalised players and will rely on them on the physical aspect. We played a physical game against Liverpool as a preparation," he added.

The aggressiveness deployed by the Tigers on Saturday did manage to contain Liverpool to just one goal in the first-half.

The first-leg against the Lions will take place at the Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore, on July 23 while the return-leg will be played at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on July 28.

The Malay Mail Monday 18 JULY, 2011

An Iraqi trainer has been arrested for allegedly taking part in the beating of three national athletics team members and their Algerian coach — AFP

bastad: tennis

Swede win for Soderling SWEDEN'S Robin Soderling easily won the ATP Swedish Open this morning by beating Spain's David Ferrer 6-2, 6-2.

After rain delayed the start of the match by two hours, Soderling needed just 67 minutes to dispatch his opponent as he carried over the form he showed in crushing Czech Tomas Berdych in yesterday's semifinal.

The win is Soderling's fourth tournament triumph of the year following victories in Brisbane, Rotterdam and Marseille.

It is also his second Swedish Open crown, having also won in 2009, and the tenth ATP title of his career.

Meanwhile, Spanish lefthander Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez won her fourth career title, but first in 14 months, when she defeated Austria's Patricia Mayr 6-0, 7-5 in the Bad Gastein final.

The 28-year-old added the Austrian title to her wins on clay at Bogota and Bastad in 2009 and Rome in 2010. — AFP athens: swimming

Manaudou through to finals FORMER Olympic and world champion Laure Manaudou qualified for the finals of the 100m freestyle and the 200m backstroke at a meeting this morning.

The 24-year-old, who is making her comeback after two years away from the sport, recorded the thirdfastest time -- 56.511 seconds - in the 100m freestyle, over a second adrift of the American Megan Romano.

Manadou, who is hoping to qualify for next year's London Olympics, was only fifth fastest in the 200m backstroke in a time of 2min 17.13sec.

That was almost four seconds behind Romano and a long way short of her French national record of 2:06.64, set at the French Championships in 2008.

The finals are due to get underway tomorrow.

Manaudou, who won 400m freestyle gold in the Athens Olympics in 2004, has already claimed victory in the 200m freestyle this weekend, as well as finishing runner-up in the 100m backstroke and the 50m free. — AFP

sports

27

Painfully devoted

petaling jaya: football

Amazing Liverpool fans willing to suffer big time for Reds

By MUSTAPHA KAMARUDDIN moose@mmail.com.my

INCREDIBLE! Liverpool fans, in Malaysia that is, are just crazy for the Merseyside giants.

More than 80,000 fans were at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday to watch their team in action against Malaysia.

This is not the main point here as this had been earlier expected based on the sale of tickets. The club already have massive support in the country.

It was more the suffering or torture they — especially those who travelled by LRT — had to endure just to watch their stars in action. And there were thousands and thousands of them involved as the LRT was the best and most convenient way to get to the stadium.

There was not much hassle in getting to the stadium. It was after the match that all the suffering began but the fans did not mind a bit.

Instead, they enjoyed themselves to the fullest and embraced the satisfaction of having watched what turned out to be an entertaining match as well.

Imagine this.

First of all, thousands of fans had to endure the pain of being stuck and squeezed within a sea of people before they were allowed to enter the Bukit Jalil station — one group at a time — which took at least 20 minutes.

This was because there was only one entrance to accommodate them. This move by the LRT authorities was understandable. It was for safety reasons as they just could not allow so many people on the platform.

This is a train station, remember.

One would not have bothered to endure all the suffering unless he or she was a devoted fan of Liverpool.

These fans, while waiting for their turn to get into the station, just could not move as every space was taken up amid the humidity, sweat and all sorts of smells... you name it. And this was not for a short time.

DEDICATED FANS: Some of the Liverpool fans who flocked the stadium on Saturday — Pic: RAZAK GHAZALI

But while waiting for their turn to get into the station, these fans were joking around, while some were singing the Liverpool anthem You'll Never Walk Alone.

Once they had overcome this initial hurdle, they had another one to endure — which was to wait for their turn to get on the train. This took some time as well but the good thing was, there was space for everyone to breathe this time. It was a relief, of course.

Boarding the train next proved to be just as bad as entering the station.

As the saying goes, it was packed like sardines. Some shouted the air-conditioning was not working but it was to no effect because of the packed coaches.

And an incident also occurred at the platform when a group of fans spotted someone in a Manchester United jersey.

No need to explain what happened. This poor soul must either be crazy or naive. He was belittled by the Liverpool fans.

This continued when he boarded the train as a group of young women took pictures of him blushing.

There were comments saying he was not going on YouTube, though, which drew a big laughter.

It was nightmare for this particular "Devil".

Perhaps, the consolation was that he came to know at least two or three more women in his life.

28

sports

FINAL LEADERBOARD 275 - Darren Clarke (NIR) 68-6869-70; 278 - Phil Mickelson (USA) 70-69-71-68, Dustin Johnson (USA) 70-68-68-72; 279 - Thomas Bjorn (DEN) 65-72-71-71; 280 - Chad Campbell (USA) 69-68-74-69, Anthony Kim (USA) 72-68-70-70, Rickie Fowler (USA) 70-70-68-72; 281 - Raphael Jacquelin (FRA) 74-67-71-69; 282 - Sergio Garcia (ESP) 70-70-74-68, Simon Dyson (ENG) 68-72-72-70, Davis Love (USA) 70-68-72-72; 283 - Steve Stricker (USA) 69-71-72-71, Martin Kaymer (GER) 68-69-73-73, Lucas Glover (USA) 66-70-73-74; 284 - George Coetzee (RSA) 69-6972-74; 285 - Richard Green (AUS) 70-71-73-71, Yang Yong-Eun (KOR) 71-69-73-72, Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 71-67-75-72, Fredrik Jacobson (SWE) 70-70-73-72, Webb Simpson (USA) 66-74-72-73, Zach Johnson (USA) 72-68-71-74; 286 - Tom Watson (USA) 72-70-7272, Tom Lehman (USA) 71-67-7375, Anders Hansen (DEN) 69-6972-76; 287 - Rory McIlroy (NIR) 71-69-74-73, Adam Scott (AUS) 69-70-73-75, Miguel Angel Jimenez (ESP) 66-71-72-78; 288 - Ryan Moore (USA) 69-74-76-69, Charles Howell III (USA) 71-70-73-74; 289 - Stewart Cink (USA) 70-71-77-71, Jason Day (AUS) 71-70-76-72, Gary Woodland (USA) 75-68-74-72, Noh Seung-Yul (KOR) 69-72-75-73, Tom Lewis (ENG) 65-74-76-74, Bubba Watson (USA) 69-72-74-74, Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 68-70-76-75, Ryan Palmer (USA) 68-71-7278; 290 - Simon Khan (ENG) 71-72-77-70, Jeff Overton (USA) 68-71-78-73, Gary Boyd (ENG) 71-70-76-73, Robert Rock (ENG), 69-71-74-76, Trevor Immelman (RSA) 70-72-72-76; 291 - Spencer Levin (USA) 72-69-81-69, Justin Rose (ENG) 72-70-79-70, KJ Choi (KOR) 71-72-75-73, Kyle Stanley (USA) 68-72-77-740; 292 - Gregory Bourdy (FRA) 73-70-77-72, Floris De Vries (NED) 70-73-76-73, Jim Furyk (USA) 72-70-76-74, Peter Uihlein (USA) 71-71-75-75, Robert Allenby (AUS) 69-72-75-76, Richard McEvoy (ENG) 69-72-75-76; 293 - Paul Casey (ENG) 74-69-78-72, Rory Sabbatini (RSA) 71-70-77-75, Louis Oosthuizen (RSA 72-70-7477, Richard McEvoy (ENG); 294 - Bill Haas (USA) 72-70-79-73, Gregory Havret (FRA) 72-71-78-73, Ricky Barnes (USA) 68-74-78-74, Fredrik Hed Andersson (SWE) 68-75-77-74, Stephen Gallacher (SCO) 70-71-77-76, Bo Van Pelt (USA) 73-69-73-79; 296 - Matthew Millar (AUS) 71-72-80-73, Joost Luiten (NED) 73-69-79-75, Mark Wilson (USA) 74-68-75-79; 297 Paul Lawrie (SCO) 73-70-81-73, Edoardo Molinari (ITA) 69-74-76-78; 298 - Henrik Stenson (SWE) 72-7175-80; 299 - Harrison Frazar (USA) 72-70-77-80; 301 - Kenneth Ferrie (ENG) 71-71-76-83; 304 - Hwang Jung-Gon (KOR) 68-74-83-79

Oh, man, that was some of the most fun I've had competitively — JPhil Mickelson SANDWICH: GOLF/ BRITISH OPEN

Tiger inspired triumph Texts from Woods spurred me to victory, says Clarke

DARREN CLARKE (pic) revealed that inspirational text messages from injured superstar Tiger Woods had helped him clinch his maiden Major victory at the British Open this morning.

Clarke, one of the most popular players in world golf amongst fellow professionals, said Woods had sent him messages after yesterday's third round after the Ulsterman became the overnight leader.

"I had a couple of really good messages, texts from Tiger," Clarke revealed. "He was giving me a couple of bits of advice, which was brilliant.

"I replied to him and blah, blah, blah. But just getting little bits of advice and stuff like that, as well, made today even a little bit easier than what it otherwise might have been."

Clarke declined to elaborate on the details of his messages with Woods, who was ruled out of the Open as he recovers from a leg injury.

However he did divulge that US Open champion and fellow Ulsterman Rory McIlroy had sent him messages on how to handle the final day pressure.

"With Rory it was 'keep doing what you're doing, keep playing the way you're playing'... as opposed to me being the old wise one, he was trying to give me all the information," he said.

Clarke also shared a warm moment with runner-up Phil Mickelson, a player he has become close to ever since his wife Heather lost her fight

against breast cancer in 2006.

Mickelson's wife Amy has also been diagnosed with breast cancer.

"It is something that I could talk about but I'm not going to.

Again, that's personal between friends, and Phil has been through an awful lot with Amy and we have spoken quite a lot," Clarke said.

"He has turned into also a very good friend of mine through thick and thin, and he said some very, very kind words to me there after the thing, which is great. And Amy is looking fantastic, as well."

Mickelson meanwhile revealed Clarke would be a popular Open winner.

"He couldn't be a nicer guy.

There're a lot of players that are extremely happy for him," Mickelson said, revealing Clarke had offered support when his wife Amy had been diagnosed with cancer.

"He was one of the first people that called us, Amy and I, a couple years ago.

He's been through this and couldn't have been a better person to talk to. He's a tremendous person and a very good friend, and I couldn't be happier for him." — AFP

'Normal bloke' having fun again FEW saw it coming, many celebrated when it did — Darren Clarke's British Open triumph at Royal St George's this morning will go down in the annals as one of the most emotional of all time.

The larger-than-life Ulsterman has long been a fixture in the golf scene both at home and abroad and the ups

The Malay Mail Monday 18 JULY, 2011

and downs of his life are well documented.

Clarke believes people, golfers and non-golfers, can identify with him.

"Because I'm a bit of a normal bloke, aren't I, really?" he said.

"I like to have a pint, I like to go to the pub and have a pint, jump on Easy Jet, fly home, buy everybody a drink,

just normal.

"There's not many airs and graces about me. I was... a little bit more difficult to deal with in my earlier years, and I've mellowed some. Just a little bit.

"But I'm just a normal guy playing golf, having a bit of fun."

As a young player, Clarke had three top 10 finishes in the

Open in a five-year spell from 1997, including a tie for second place at Troon in 1997 and a tie for third place at Royal Lytham in 2001.

His fortunes then waxed and waned, along with his weight, but he will be forever remembered for his heroic performances in the 2006 Ryder Cup at The K-Club outside Dublin

shortly after the death from cancer of his wife Heather.

He endured a barren spell over the last two years when, on his own admission, he even considered giving up golf alltogether.

But in May, he won once again in Spain and rekindled the belief in him that he could compete with the best. — AFP

Plaudits for Fowler GOING into this week's British Open at Royal St George's here, Rory McIlroy was by far the brightest new kid on the block. Now he has company in the shape of Rickie Fowler (above).

The 22-year-old American may not have broken his tournament-win duck, but he gave a consummate display of links golf and his shot-making was second to none until the last few holes of a gruelling, wind-and-rain battered tournament.

He parred 13 holes in a row before a bogey on the par-five 14th effectively ended his challenge and he finally came in with a two over 72 for a level par total of 280.

Fowler said his career could only benefit from the experience he had gained over the last four days grafting it out on the wind-swept Kent coastline.

"I haven't really been in contention in a Major yet, so to do that here and to play two solid weeks in a row, and obviously a Major is a little bit different than a normal Tour event," he said.

"So I am obviously pleased with where my game is right now and looking forward to getting on with the rest of the year," he said.

Fowler, the son of a lorry driver from California, grew up near a driving range and it was there that he learned his golf before his talent allowed him to move into the US collegiate system.

With his long hair and keen youthful fashion sense, Fowler quickly became a dream vehicle for brand promotion, but he also makes sure to take a very serious approach to his golf.

This was in clear evidence last year when he made a successful Ryder Cup debut in Wales despite several voices being raised at his wildcard selection.

Fowler notably birdied the last four holes in his singles match to salvage a tie against Edoardo Molinari.

Now he has proved that he has what it takes to win a Major and his no-nonsense attitude during the week impressed many. — AFP

The Malay Mail Monday 18 JULY, 2011

●

Argentina vented their fury at their Copa America quarterfinal exit, with some calling for former coach Diego Maradona to return — AFP

sports

29

moscow: motorsport/ FORmula 1

Button takes Kremlin detour

FORMER world champion Jenson Button took a detour around the walls of the Kremlin this morning before setting his sights on resurrecting his title hopes at Germany's Nuerburgring next weekend.

The British driver, who was representing his McLaren team at the fourth annual Moscow City Racing show, is 95 points behind Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel in the title chase as the Formula 1 season reaches the halfway stage.

Shrugging off his retirement at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone last weekend, he insisted the season is not yet over.

"Perhaps we've lost a bit of the momentum we'd built up in previous races, but not much," he said.

"Although Silverstone was disappointing, our pace has been good this year.

Sometimes we've been quickest, sometimes we haven't.

"Nuerburgring is a race I'd really like to win. In my championship year I finished fifth and my best position before then was third, back in 2004. — AFP PADUA: ATHLETICS

Pistorius suffers new world blow SOUTH AFRICA'S "Blade Runner" Oscar Pistorius failed in his latest attempt to register a qualifying time for the 400m at next month's world championships this morning.

The 24-year-old was third in a time of 46.65sec, still outside the 45.25sec time that he needs to compete in the championships in Daegu, South Korea in August.

Jamaica's Lansford Spence won the race in 46.34, with Martyn Rooney of Great Britain taking second spot in 46.36.

Pistorius, who has a best time in the 400m of 45.61sec, now has one more chance, in Lignano on Wednesday, to break the qualifying barrier.

"Picked up a 3rd in a pretty strong field," Pistorius wrote on Twitter. "Wind was insane and times were terrible but am content with my effort. Lignano in 2 days!"

The South African, who had both lower legs amputated when he was 11 months old, has captured four Paralympic gold medals but since 2008 has been cleared to run in able-bodied races using his artifical legs: springy, lightweight, J-shaped limbs called "Cheetahs". — AFP

HISTORIC WIN: Sawa (centre) celebrates with the trophy after the match. Japan won 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out after the final had finished 2-2 following extra-time — AFPpic

Japanese fairytale

frankfurt: football/ women's world cup

Goalkeeper Kaihori hero as Japan beat USA

JAPAN twice came from behind to win the women's World Cup for the first time this morning, beating the United States 3-1 on a penalty shoot-out after the final had finished 2-2 in extra-time.

Japan captain Homare Sawa, who won the tournament's golden boot, kept her side in the game with a header in the 117th minute after US striker Abby Wambach's had put her side ahead early in extra-time after the two sides were locked at 1-1 over 90 minutes.

The Japanese had defender Azusa Iwashimizu sent off in the 121st minute for a foul on US striker Alex Morgan.

In the dramatic shoot-out, Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori saved two penalties before defender Saki Kumagai hit the winning spotkick.

The US had taken the lead in the second-half of normal time thanks to striker Alex Morgan's sublime strike, but Japan's Aya Miyama poached the equaliser after a mix-up in the American defence in the 81st minute.

This was Japan's first win over the Americans at the 26th time of trying and was heartbreak for the Stars and Stripes as they missed out on a third World Cup title despite dominating Japan for large periods of the game.

"We made just a couple of mistakes. We let them back in the game but I still think we did well," said USA coach Pia Sundhage.

"We had a lot of possession and played some good football. It's hard to lose on penalties, some go in and some go out.

"It's a small difference between winning and los-

ing. We just didn't take our chances."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel celebrated her 57th birthday by joining the 48,817 sell-out crowd in Frankfurt, while Dr Jill Biden, wife of US vice-president Joe Biden, and Chelsea Clinton, daughter of US Secretary of State Hillary, were also in the stands.

Japan made it to the final after their shock 1-0 defeat of Germany in the quarterfinals before they dominated Sweden 3-1 in the last four.

The USA followed up a dramatic 5-3 win on penalties over Brazil in the last eight before they beat France 3-1 in the semi-finals.

The USA controlled the op ening 20 minutes as leftwing Megan Rapinhoe and forward Lauren Cheney, who replaced striker Amy Rodriguez in the starting

Swedish Press lauds third place

S W E D I SH m e d i a c e l ebrated the country's third place in the women's World Cup yesterday, after beating France 2-1, and hinted at a medal in next summer's Olympic Games in London.

The countr y's leading daily Dagens Nyheter praised "the golden goal that gave Sweden the World Cup bronze", with a large picture of players celebrating substitute midfielder Marie Hammarstrom's superb strike in the 82nd

minute that won Sweden the bronze medal.

Its competitor Svenska D ag bl a d e t ( Sv D ) r an a close-up of the same shot over the headline "Bronze jubilation".

"It was a classic Swedish football goal," SvD sport columnist Ola Billger wrote. "The World Cup's most beautiful goal, and the national team's most important," he wrote.

Both Sweden and France had already secured the two avai lable Europ e an

places at the 2012 Olympic Games by re aching t he semifinals.

"Next year there could be another medal," Billger wrote.

A columnist in tabloid Expressen agreed.

"Just a question: if it feels this fantastic to win the bronze, how does it feel to win the gold?," Tomas Pettersson asked.

"The answer could come as early as next year," he said, lauding "the nicest goal ever". — AFP

team, caused havoc, while Wambach hit the crossbar on 28 minutes.

Japan's first real chance came with 30 minutes gone but midfielder Kozue Ando fired her shot straight at US goalkeeper Hope Solo (pic).

The first-half finished goalless, but Cheney, with a heavily strapped ankle, was replaced at half-time by goalscorer Morgan.

The USA kept up the pressure and Kaihori palmed Wambach's header over the bar on 64 minutes.

The Americans' pressure finally told when Rapinhoe's long-range pass - which was half the length of the pitch found Morgan who blasted her shot across Kaihori on 69 minutes.

Japan were gifted the equaliser on 81 minutes when defenders Rachel Buehler THE GIRL WITH THE GOLDEN GOAL: Hammarstrom (right) beats France's Sonia Bompastor to score Sweden's winning goal — GETTYpic

and Krieger scrambled to clear the ball in their own goalmouth, but left-wing Miyama reacted fastest and stabbed the ball home.

In extra-time, Wambach headed the US back into the lead in the 104th minute.

But Sawa equalised from a corner in the 117th minute with her fifth goal of the tournament to take the game to penalties. — AFP

30

sports

Defiant Batista not quitting

It was a dream match for us. We are really overjoyed — Uruguay's Argentinian-born goalkeeper Fernando Muslera

The Malay Mail Monday 18 JULY, 2011

SANTA FE: football/ copa america

Magic is back Uruguay now look good for title challenge, says Tabarez

UNDER-FIRE Argentina coach Sergio Batista (above) insists their failure to make the semifinals will not make him resign.

The hosts were defeated 5-4 on penalties by traditional rivals Uruguay in Santa Fe yesterday after the teams tied 1-1 in extra-time in a clash which saw both teams ending up with 10 men.

"I don't think it was a failure, we did everything possible to try to win the cup, but we couldn’t. Failure is a very strong word, we worked to win the competition," said Batista.

He felt his team performed well in the earlier stages of the match yesterday.

"But after that, we did not play that well. The balance of play we wanted did not happen," said Batista, who took command of the team five months ago.

"Now we have to work on improving our weaknesses."

The dumping by Uruguay means Argentina have not won this tournament for 18 years.

"That's not on my mind.

The pain of defeat is here, but you have to keep working. My work began five, six months ago, we were intending to win the Copa America, but our main goal is the World Cup," said Batista.

Batista hailed Lionel Messi , saying the Barcelona wizard "played exceptionally well in the first 30 minutes and a key figure in the team."

The Argentines, for the record, only won one match in the tournament — the 3-0 win over Costa Rica in the group stage. They drew 1-1 with Bolivia and 0-0 with Colombia in the other two matches.

When the tournament was held in Venezuela four years ago, Argentina under coach Alfio Basile, made the final only to be beaten 3-0

by Brazil.

URUGUAY coach Oscar Tabarez believes they showed glimpses of last year's World Cup form after beating Argentina at Brigadier Gral Estanislao Lopez yesterday to book their place in the semifinal against Peru.

The thrilling and dramatic clash ended 1-1, but a penalty miss by substitute striker Carlos Tevez after extra-time proved crucial as Uruguay won 5-4 on penalties.

Tabarez believes Uruguay found it tough against the likes of Lionel Messi but hailed their determination to pull through.

"We are very happy. We knew the team were improving and we had to do well against a team with great history, great players and the fans behind it," he told Marca's website. " And, i n t he hard e st moment, and when we needed it most, we showed the things we saw at the World Cup. Now we will celebrate, and after that we have the chance to go even further, but it will not be easy."

On keeping Messi rather quite in the first-half, he said: "He is a great player when it comes to individual play, but we planned the game very well. He played a good game, but we are happy as it is not easy when you play against players like these."

The Uruguayans stunned Argentina by taking the lead in the sixth minute through

UNBELIEVABLE: Uruguay's Diego Forlan (No. 10) celebrates with teammates at the end of the quarterfinal match against Argentina — AFPpic

Diego Lopez but Gonzalo Higuain erased this advantage with a goal in the 17th minute after being set up by Messi.

Uruguay take on Peru in the semifinal showdown on Wednesday (8.45am) in La Plata.

The Peruvians had earlier stunned formidable Colombia 2-0 after extra-time in another quarterfinal yesterday.

The Uruguayans must also be thankful to their goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who produced several good saves from Gonzalo Higuain and Tevez.

Muslera, named Man-ofthe-Match, also proved to be the key figure in the shootout, keeping out Tevez's third spot-kick.

Messi, Nicolas Burdisso,

Javier Pastore and Higuain were a l l successf u l for Argentina while Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez, Andres Scotti, Walter Gargano and Martin Caceres kept their cool for Uruguay.

Muslera was excited with his feat.

"We are very, very happy to make such a big step in the tournament," said the Lazio man.

"I hope I have just played one of the best matches in my short career. I'm very happy for all the people in Uruguay. This team deserve this win. We were better than Argentina, even playing with 10 men. Then, penalties are just a matter of luck," he said.

With the game played on July 16, the date also brought back sweet memories for Suarez — In 1950, Uruguay edged Brazil 2-1 in the final of the World Cup, upsetting the hosts at Maracana Stadium.

"July 16 was a historic date, and we talked about it, and we also wanted to make history," said the Liverpool star.

"It's an incredible moment.

I believe we deserved it because in the first-half 'the Russian' (Perez) was sent off in the 39th minute, and justice was served."

Argentina captain Javier Mascherano was also dismissed in the 87th minute after receiving two yellow cards.

Oscar Tabarez

MATCH FACTS ARGENTINA 1 URUGUAY 1 (Uruguay qualified for semifinals 5-4 on penalties) 18 (10) Shots (on goal) 8 (2) 24 Fouls 25 6 Corners 4 3 Offsides 4 6 Yellow cards 3 1 Red cards 1 1 Saves 9

PLAYER RATINGS ARGENTINA

Sergio Romero Pablo Zabaleta Nicolas Burdisso Gabriel Milito Javier Zanetti Ángel Di María Javier Mascherano Fernando Gago Lionel Messi Sergio "Kun" Aguero Gonzalo Higuaín

6 6.5 6 5 7 6 5 6.5 7.5 6 7.5

SUBSTITUTIONS Lucas Biglia Carlos Tevez Javier Pastore

6 4 6.5

URUGUAY

Fernando Muslera Maximiliano Pereira Diego Lugano Mauricio Victorino Martin Caceres Alvaro Gonzalez Diego Perez Alvaro Pereira Egidio Arevalo Diego Forlan Luis Suarez

8.5 6.5 6.5 5.5 6.5 6.5 5 6.5 7 7 6.5

SUBSTITUTIONS Andres Scotti Walter Gargano Sebastian Eguren

7 6 n/a

CORDOBA: football/ copa america

Gomez: Colombia don't deserve the defeat

COLOMBIA coach Hernan Gomez (pic) felt that his side did not deserve to be knocked out of the quarterfinals at the hands of Peru yesterday.

T h e sides were locked

together at 0-0 before extratime proved decisive in Peru's favour — thanks to two goals from Carlos Lobaton and Peru captain Juan Manuel Vargas.

Despite the defeat, Gomez thought his side had done well throughout the competition.

"We gave it everything but we did not win. I note that we created 36 goalscoring opportunities in four matches. We have a good defence and we played good football at times," he said.

The Colombians could have won the game in normal time but for a missed penalty by

Porto star striker Radamel Falcao in the 66th minute, which proved costly.

Gomez was surprised Falcao failed to find the net from the spot.

"These kind of games happen in football. We had to win the game in 90 minutes. Radamel Falcao never missed a penalty, not even in training. But today (yesterday) he failed."

Lobaton said the Peruvians took advantage of the mistakes of the Colombians to advance to the last four.

"I am very happy, it was a close result, but we left with

the victory. We took advantage of the mistakes of Colombia to seek the triumph," said Lobaton.

Peru coach Sergio Markarian, thanked "God" for the triumph.

"Glory to God for this victory!” he said. "If Colombia had converted the penalty, the story would have been different.

"It was a huge effort, because Peru have played against a team of players who are exuberant and have great physical ability. My players showed great discipline".

A player doesn’t get to that level without working hard.

He’s exceptional — David Beckham on Cristiano Ronaldo

The Malay Mail Monday 18 JULY, 2011

PRESSTALK THE SUN

Clasico rivals fight over Neymar

NEYMAR'S (pic) agent Wagner Ribeiro claims Barcelona and Real Madrid are battling it out for the Brazilian's signature.

The 19-yearold Santos star has also been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea but his representative has revealed Neymar would prefer to join Madrid despite his current club's desire to agree a deal with Barca.

Insisting Neymar will make a final decision once Brazil's involvement in the Copa America is over, Ribeiro said: "The exact situation is as follows: Barcelona want him next year and will pay next year, Madrid want him now and are prepared to pay now."

THE PEOPLE

Tevez out, Kun in

MANCHESTER CITY last night backed down on demanding £50m for Carlos Tevez as his fellow Argentinian, Sergio "Kun" Aguero, moved a step closer to joining Roberto Mancini's stars.

Brazilian club Corinthians have tabled a take-it-or-leave-it £40m (RM194m) offer for the City talisman and captain.

And with Brazil's transfer window set to close on Wednesday, City finally seem willing to drop their huge asking price and let Tevez go.

Juventus were prepared to top the bid by £2.5m but City would prefer their unhappy striker went to South America, where he would be nearer the two daughters he dotes on and where he cannot do City any damage in the future.

LIVERPOOL: football - premier league

Henry impressed Aquilani, Ngog awe owner in Liverpool's tour of Asia

LIVERPOOL owner John Henr y has given misfits Alberto Aquilani and David Ngog hope of extending their Anfield careers.

Aquilani spent last season on loan at Juventus after being loaned out by then manager Roy Hodgson, even though the Italy international had looked like finding his form towards the end of the previous campaign after a long time out with injury.

His days at Anfield appeared numbered, despite manager Kenny Dalglish being a fan of his ability, with plenty of speculation linking him to a move back to his homeland.

David Ngog

Juventus, however, were not interested in signing the 27-year-old permanently and he returned to Merseyside for pre-season before flying out with the squad for their matches in China and Malaysia.

The Italian, whose £17m (RM82.5m) signing by Rafael Benitez was ridiculed in many quarters because of his poor injur y record, impressed in Saturday's 6-3 win o v e r Malaysia

Alberto Aquilani

METRO

Cissokho 'within days' of transfer

LYON'S Aly Cissokho is set to complete a £9m (RM43.6m) transfer to Liverpool in the next few days, according to reports in France.

Remi Garde, the coach of cashstrapped Lyon, recently revealed the board were willing to listen to offers for Cissokho, who joined the French club from Porto in a £13m deal in 2009.

The announcement persuaded Liverpool to make a bid and with Lyon officials apparently happy with the sum offered, the France international is likely to become a Reds player some time this week.

at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Ngog has been nothing more than a back-up striker since arriving at the club from Paris Saint-Germain for £1.5m in the summer of 2008.

He has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs but a goal against Guangdong last weekend and his two against Malaysia caught the attention of Henry.

Henry, who was also impressed by Aquilani against the Chinese side and joined the squad out in Malaysia, believes the midfielder is making a difference in pre-season.

"One missing lin k last ye ar : Acquilani (sic)," Henry wrote on Twitter.

"Put the ball near Ngog and the goal and it's going in.

Too much talk of them somewhere else."

Aquilani or "Aquaman" to his fans, was easily one of the better players on the pitch on Saturday with some defence splitting passes. If he is not injured and continues his form, he could play an influential role for Liverpool in the new season.

LONDON: Football/ PREMIER LEAGUE

Mancini moves to defuse Wenger row MANCHESTER CITY manager Roberto Mancini has moved to defuse his feud with Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger over his public pursuit of Gunners star Samir Nasri.

Mancini enraged Wenger on Saturday when he admitted in a television interview that he hoped to sign France midfielder Nasri "by the end of the month".

The Italian's comments broke the unwritten rule

that managers never speak publicly about their interest in other teams' players and Wenger gave a scathing response.

Wenger accused Mancini of lacking respect and breaking the "basic rules of football" by being so blatant in his desire to tempt Nasri to Eastlands.

But Mancini, who also went public with his interest in Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero in the same interview, was surprised by

Wenger's outburst.

"I said only that Nasri, (Sergio) Aguero are two good players and I said also that Nasri is under contract with Arsenal," Mancini said on Sky Sports News this morning.

"I don't know why he's upset. Because the question was about some good players, I say it like this.

"I said also that Nasri is under contract with Arsenal and it's difficult.

Only this." — AFP

sports

31

LONDON: football - premier league

Villas-Boas vows not to make sweeping changes CHELSEA manager Andre Villas-Boas (pic) has told the club's established stars that he does not plan to make sweeping changes in his first season at Stamford Bridge.

Villas-Boas has been linked with a host of big-money signings since his appointment last month, but the former Porto coach plans to take his time assessing his current squad before deciding if major alterations are needed.

The 33-year-old has taken over a group of players with vast experience and plenty of silverware on their CVs, but critics claim the likes of Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard are losing their edge as they move into the twilight of their careers.

However, although VillasBoas is expected to bring in one or two new signings before the transfer window closes on August 31, he is keen to keep the squad together and also promote from the youth academy.

"I am still evaluating things at the moment. It is not that I have to change things radically and I will take it step by step," he said.

"I think it is pretty obvious that we will go into the market at one time or the other but not with radical changes to the team. The team will keep itself (together) and most of the players.

"It is important for us to show the fans the future of Chelsea.

Against Portsmouth we had a 16-year-old (Nathan Chalobah) on the pitch

— that promises a lot.

"He is English, he has a future and these are all things the fans must see."

Asked if his players must feel as though they are on trial as the new coach gets comfor table at Chelsea, Villas-Boas said: "No, I don't think so.

"I t hin k t he opp osite because I gave them that flexibility from the beginning.

"Normally people would expect you to arrive at Chelsea and make radical changes and we are taking everything on board and making the right decisions.

"Again our arrival is much more about freeing these players and finding their talent rather than making radical changes." — AFP

Tiger texts Clarke to triumph

>> pg28

Keeper saves the day

TEXT messages from injured superstar Tiger Woods helped Darren Clarke (pic) get his maiden Major victory at the British Open

Monday 18 JULY, 2011

LOCAL

la plata: football/ copa america

AMRI YAHYAH, who scored a memorable brace for Malaysia against Manchester United in 2009, hopes to repeat the feat when the national team take on Chelsea this Thursday

Stale Samba

Amri hopes to repeat feat

>> pg26

MOTORSPORT

Button to get back on track

JENSON BUTTON is setting his sights on resurrecting his title hopes at Germany’s Nurburgring next weekend presstalk

Real, Barca in tug-of-war

>> pg31

football

Rejuvenated Reds excite owner

LIVERPOOL owner John Henry believes fringe players Alberto Aquilani and David Ngog can make a difference for the club in the new season

>> pg31

>> pg29

DEJECTED: Brazilians Thiago Silva (left) and Ramires leave the field together after losing in the penalty shoot-outs — AFPpic

>> pg29

SANTOS wonderkid Neymar would prefer a move to Real Madrid despite his club’s desire to agree a deal with Real’s rivals Barcelona according to the player’s agent

GOALKEEPER Ayumi Kaihori was the hero for Japan as the Asian team beat USA to win the women’s World Cup

Holders Brazil crash out of Copa America PARAGUAY, who did not have a single shot on target in 120 minutes of a goalless Copa America quarterfinal, sent holders Brazil crashing out 2-0 on penalties this morning.

Brazil dominated the 120 minutes of play, creating a string of chances which Paraguay repelled with a mix of stubborn defending, some luck and a Man-of-the-Match performance from goalkeeper and captain Justo Villar.

The teams were down to 10 men each from the 13th minute of extra-time after a scramble for the ball by several players on one side of the pitch developed into a free-for-all with Paraguay

defender Antolin Alcaraz and Brazil midfielder Lucas Leiva sent off.

The Brazilians, brilliant at times in open play, were dismal in the shootout with Elano, Andres Santos and Fred all firing their penalties wide while Villar saved from Thiago Silva.

Edgar Barreto missed Paraguay’s first penalty but Marcelo Estigarribia and Cristian Riveros converted theirs.

“It was a match dominated almost entirely by Brazil. We had to take refuge a lot of the time at the back and, well, the penalties are a lottery which we took well and they failed with theirs,” Villar said.

Brazil had the best moves

of the first-half. In the seventh minute, Robinho ran from the right across to the left and fed Pato whose pass back into the middle was only half-cleared with Neymar volleying the ball just over the bar.

They should have scored close to the half hour when Paulo Henrique Ganso passed forward to Robinho who threaded a good ball out right to the unmarked Neymar whose low shot went just outside the far post.

Leftback Andre Santos took a 33rd-minute free kick, putting it low into the edge of the six-yard box where centre back Lucio broke through but had his effort

blocked by Villar.

Andre Santos shot over when set up by midfielder Ramires’s diagonal pass from deep on the right as the firsthalf wound down.

Brazil got back to business right away in the second-half as Maicon set up Neymar for a shot that was scrambled away to Maicon, whose shot was also blocked.

Ganso had a brilliant low shot saved by Villar at the base of the near post in the 67th and five minutes later the goalkeeper blocked a point-blank effort from Pato.

Pato looked set to score in the 82nd when put through

by Robinho but Villar blocked his effort and the

striker headed the rebound into the side-netting from a tight angle.

As Brazil continued to pound the Paraguay defence, substitute Fred’s header from a corner was cleared off the line by Barreto.

Two minutes from the end a shot by Barreto appeared to hit Thiago Silva’s arm as he blocked it and striker Nelson Haedo Valdez also came close with a shot from outside the box.

Paraguay had their best of very few chances two minutes from the end of extra time but Haedo Valdez volleyed Estigarribia’s left cross wide of Julio Cesar’s righthand post. — Reuters

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