20 May 2011

Friday 20 MAY, 2011

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the malay mail

Friday 20 May, 2011

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Friday 20 MAY, 2011 •

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Revote of 2022 World Cup host likely in light of graft claims >> pg30 LOCAL

KUALA LUMPUR

Record high child abuse

Spooked splasher victim scared of outside world >> pg6

Unwanted puppies left at ‘death threat’ vet clinic, but all’s well

257 cases reported last year, highest in five years

>> pg12 ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

By ANDREW SAGAYAM andrew@mmail.com.my LAST year marked a low point in children’s safety and wellbeing, with police recording 257 cases of physical abuse against boys and girls.

The number, compared to 203 in 2009, is the highest recorded over the last five years.

That’s not all. A staggering majority of the abusers comprise guardians or babysitters and, worse, the fathers themselves.

Police records also show the “weapons of choice” for the abusers are rotan and belts.

However, police believe the figure is only the tip of the iceberg as many more cases go unreported.

Federal police sexual crimes and child abuse investigations division deputy director, ACP Hamidah Yunus, told The Malay Mail it was very likely the figures were higher.

“We are certain there are many more incidents of child abuse, be it in urban or rural areas, which go unreported.”

Hamidah urged the public to be vigilant for tell-tale signs of potential cases in their neighbourhoods.

She said lack of information from those with knowledge of abuse cases often hampered police efforts to catch the abusers. “For instance, a neighbour who knows of

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a child being abused several doors away should give us the exact address of where the suspected abuse is taking place.

“If you live in a flat, you don’t even have to give us the unit number, just the floor they live on.”

She said police would not reveal the identities of anyone who gave information. “We want people to realise they are also helping the victims indirectly by giving us accurate information. If it happened to someone you cared about, wouldn’t you try to help as much as you can?”

Even if the tip-off turned

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out to be wrong, she said at least police had the opportunity to investigate and ensure no abuse was taking place.

Hamidah said checks showed a large number of abuse cases stemmed from parents wishing to discipline their children. “In their zeal to teach the children a lesson, many parents go overboard and end up injuring the child.”

It is also linked to domestic abuse where statistics revealed such cases had taken a slight dip, from 3,643 cases in 2009 to 3,173 cases last year. They occurred when the husband, unable to lash out against the

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errant child, turned to the wife.

Police figures show apart from misunderstandings, financial difficulties are a major contributing factor towards such cases.

Hamidah said both local and foreign television serials featuring family feuds could also play a part. “There are too many programmes that feature revenge and jealousy as their common theme.

“It could influence the viewer and, ultimately, lead to family members acting it out without them realising it.”

• More reports on pg4

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news

Parents should change their mindset and respect children as human beings. After all, children, by nature, are mischievous and curious — Childline Malaysia project director P.H. Wong

Tough lessons

The Malay Mail ● Friday 20 MAY, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR

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Many parents go overboard in trying to instill discipline, say police

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By ANDREW SAGAYAM andrew@mmail.com.my

OVERZEALOUSNESS by parents to instill discipline in children has been a major reason for child abuses.

Federal police sexual crime and child abuse investigation division deputy director ACP Hamidah Yunus said police findings showed in most abuse cases, fathers, guardian and babysitters 'crossed the line' in their bid to teach children real life values.

"They go overboard in reprimanding children. In most cases, adults did not know how "powerful" they were and failed to realise the pain they inflict on someone smaller and weaker."

A low tolerance level has also been cited as an underlying reason behind abuses. Reasons given by abusers include a child being stubborn; refusing to stop crying and whining; as well as a child being lazy to study or having failed an exam.

"If the child does not want to comply, parents or the adult taking care of

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them should try a different approach instead of using force. If they find difficulties handling the child, adults should look for a child expert to help them," she said.

When asked how police officers handled such cases, Hamidah explained the interest of the victims was their priority.

"We try to block our feeling and check our emotions. We cannot be emotional when handling such cases. Instead, we have to focus on helping victims first and eventually nab the person responsible for the abuse," she said, adding police had to follow what is provided under the law when investigating such cases.

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Victims of physical child abuse YEAR Total

2006 141

2007 196

2008 220

2009 203

2010 257

2009 98 105 203

2010 162 95 257

Gender statistics YEAR Boy Girl Total

2006 74 67 141

2007 121 75 196

2008 124 96 220

When financial constraints wreck family relationships

FINANCIAL difficulties have been cited as the most common causes of domestic abuse.

ACP Hamidah Yunus said most common scenario is that of a wife questioning her husband over money issues, followed by him flying into a rage and attacking her.

"The man would also set

upon his wife when she disagrees with methods used by her husband to discipline their child. Our findings show that when the woman attempts to stop the husband, she becomes the his next target."

She noted this does not only happen to young couples, but also older ones.

She said other factors that contributed to incidences of domestic abuse include misunderstanding and jealousy.

"Sometimes, the woman might just be friendly with someone known mutually to the couple. However when the husband wrongly interprets the actions of his partner, jealousy occurs.

Recent cases of child abuse ● MAY 13: Shalina Sundiri Abdullah, 41, is charged with splashing hot water on the 13year-old daughter of her lover, hitting her with a rubber hose and stick and inserting a mop handle and chillies into her private part. The case came to light when the accused sent the victim to a child care centre in Taman Radzi on May 6. ● APRIL 19: An Indonesian man was sentenced to 10 years jail by the Shah Alam High Court after he pleaded guilty to an alternative charge of manslaughter of his fourmonth old baby. The court was told Adi Masahab, 29, threw the baby to the floor during the quarrel. ● APRIL 3: A 7-year-old pupil of Sekolah Agama Rakyat Jejawi in Perlis died at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital after he was allegedly assaulted by his teacher on Mar 31. In the 7pm incident, Saiful Syazani Saiful Sopfidee, was allegedly beaten

by a 26-year-old male teacher for two hours after the pupil was accused of stealing. ● MARCH 24: A storekeeper, Mohamad Rizan Jelani, 36, was fined RM2,500 by the Magistrates court for neglecting his four-year-old son, who had been abused. Mohamad Rizan was handed down the sentence after he pleaded guilty to neglecting his son by failing to get the child medical treatment for injuries sustained by the boy. ● MARCH 21: Police detained a man for allegedly abusing his four-year-old son following a tip-off from the Talian Nur hotline for complaints on abuse, neglect, domestic violence and welfare scheme.

The boy was rescued from his home in an apartment in Jalan Duta. ● JAN 27: Four children ran away from their home in Kampung Saujana, Setiu, claiming

to have been abused by their father. Following the incident, police detained the 59-yearold father. The siblings comprising three girls aged 14, 10 and eight, and their sevenyear-old brother fled home.

Their mother was said to have run off since last September, but the children were still in contact with her through the phone. The eldest daughter, who dropped out from school, said their father had kicked, punched and even burnt them with cigarette butts. ● JAN 13: An eight-year-old boy, believed to be a victim of child abuse when admitted to the Ampang Hospital on Dec 13, succumbed to his injuries on Jan 12 from bacteria in the bloodstream. When the boy was taken to the hospital by his mother, accompanied by her brother-in-law, for burn marks on his fingers, doctors suspected it could be a child abuse case and reported it to the police.

"He would then trigger an argument which leads to a shouting match, eventually resulting in him abusing his wife."

Hamidah advised couples to seek counseling or to contact police or the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development or any women's organisation.

She also suggested that the Syariah Court make it compulsory for Muslim couples to undergo counseling upon filing for divorce.

"This can help couples open up and discuss their problems in a constructive manner, therefore, addressing the root of the problem."

However, she said, their

checks showed that in many cases, the husband usually not turn up for counseling.

"There are also cases where after the divorce, the husband remarries and begins abusing the new wife and child.

"Counseling could serve as a way to break up the vicious cycle."

PETALING JAYA

Kids call in to report abuse by parents

By T.K. LETCHUMY TAMBOO t.k.letchumy@mmail.com.my

BUKIT AMAN'S revelation on police recording 257 cases of physical abuse against children last year came as no surprise to child rights groups.

Childline Malaysia, the country's first helpline dedicated to those below 18, said it took 3,000 calls from children since the line was established six months ago.

Its project director, P.H. Wong (pic), told The Malay Mail that 484 of the calls reported abuses by parents.

"Parents can discipline their children but when the child is hurt or injured, that is not considered disciplining anymore."

Wong attributed stress to be a major contributor causing parents to abuse their children.

She said parents should change their mindset and respect children as human beings. After all, children, by nature, are mischievous and curious. It could be they are

lonely and needed attention.

"Communications is key.

Talk to your children, read books on parenting, attend parenting courses, join parenting groups are some ways to counter this problem."

Training and education executive for P.S. The Children, Nitiakaran Selvaraj, echoed Wong's view that parents under stress have higher tendency to abuse their children.

He said parents should be aware of factors that trigger their anger and then deal with it.

Nitiakaran said rather than beating up children, parents should instead impose positive discipline on them.

"Positive discipline is designed to encourage children to become responsible and respectful. Target the behavior, not the individual.

"Basically, you have to let them know that whatever action they are engaging in is wrong, not they themselves that are wrong.

"For example, if you catch your child smoking, engage him in a week of community service as a punishment instead of caning him."

Malaysian Council for Child Welfare president Tan Sri Zaleha Ismail said most parents who abuse their children are stressed out and they should see a counsellor.

Friday 20 May, 2011

the malay mail

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news

I don't know if I'm ready to move around in Brickfields as the suspect is still at large — 'splasher' victim Ruhainah Husin KUALA LUMPUR

Victim faces acid test PETALING JAYA

'One rape case every 15mins'

By AZREEN HANI azreenhani@mmail.com.my

THE police statistics on rape cases in the country may not reflect the actual number of such crimes.

All Women's Action Society Malaysia (AWAM) senior programme officer Abigail De Vries said in their estimation, rapes in Malaysia occur once every 15 minutes.

“We believe that for every case reported, nine other cases go unreported for various reasons.”

De Vries said the overall number of reported cases could be estimated if the total cases reported were to be multiplied by other remaining nine cases which were not included in the calculation.

She was responding to our exclusive frontpage report yesterday, A rape every 2.5 hours, which stated that an average of 10 women become victims of rape every day.

The data was obtained from the Federal police statistics on rape cases in the country from 2006 to 2010.

Another shocking fact was 73 per cent out of the reported 16,159 victims during this period were girls under 18.

“Rape cases here are at an epidemic level and AWAM is frustrated with the rise in such crimes against women,” said De Vries.

She said a total revamp in mindset, enforcement and implementation of law was required.

“We need to inculcate a culture that respects women, and for rape victims not to be blamed and to feel confident that they will get justice against the perpetrators.

“There should be adequate training for the police to be more sensitive when handling such cases, and rape awareness programmes for the public must be intensified.”

Meanwhile, Women's Development Collective executive director Maria Chin Abdullah said the authorities should make public the rape statistics on a regular basis.

“This matter should not be kept secret as it is not a gender issue but concerns public safety,” she said.

“To curb this social problem, everybody need to work together and getting the right information will give us a better idea on how to tackle it.”

Maria said the lack of sex education for youngsters and public apathy, including by the police, were contributory factors in the ever-increasing number of rapes.

“Our country needs to provide an environment where people are fully aware of the seriousness of rape offences, and there should be solid enforcement and a non-discriminatory attitude.”

The Malay Mail Friday 20 MAY, 2011

Those with information on the 'acid splasher' can call police at Rakan Cop hotline (03-2115 9999) or SMS POLISKL at 32728.

Attack continues to haunt me, says Ruhainah

By THASHA JAYAMANOGARAN thasha@mmail.com.my

'ACID-SPLASHED' victim Ruhainah Husin, 30, has been staying indoors since she was attacked two months ago and only leaves home for follow-up treatment of her injuries.

“I'm frightened to be in the open as the attack continues to haunt me.

I've been staying indoors except for going to the hospital for treatment,” said the Malaysian Institute of Accountants executive who has been on medical leave since the attack on her and a colleague on March 24 in Brickfields.

In the 5.30pm incident, Ruhainah and her colleague had finished work and were walking to their cars in Jalan Scott, off Jalan Tun Sambanthan, when they were attacked. Her colleague sustained slight injuries.

Ruhainah suffered serious injuries on her face and the bandages

could only be removed after several weeks. Doctors also prescribed a serum for her scars.

Ruhainah, a newly-wed, said she was not sure if she could resume work on June 5. Her office is near where she was attacked.

“I don't know if I'm ready to move around in Brickfields as the suspect is still at large.”

Since March 2, 10 acid-splashing cases injuring 23 people were reported, most of them women and children, and mainly in KL, except for one case in Ampang, Selangor and another in Mantin, Negri Sembilan. The latest attack was on a police officer's 30-year-old daughter last Friday in Wangsa Maju.

The attacks were often at places with heavy traffic and constant movement of people as it was easier for the splasher to target victims.

On weekdays, the attacks usually occurred during the day but also at night on weekends. The splasher, sometimes with an accomplice, is said to have used motorcycles of Honda EX5 and Yamaha makes.

RUHAINAH: Only leaves home for follow-up treatment

KUALA LUMPUR

Different names, same parcel scam

By AIZAT SHARIF aizat@mmail.com.my

FIRST, there was 'Greg Kennedy', then 'Clinton Morris' and 'James Mattson'. Now, a Mr John Miller has pierced the heart of another lonely woman in cyberspace in the 245th case of parcel scams this year.

All the scammers were Nigerians posing as Britons and operating from here with local women as their accomplices.

Federal Commercial Crime deputy director II Datuk Rodwan Mohd Yusof said the 245 women had lost a total of RM9.4 million to the fraudsters from January to April this year.

He said 48 Nigerians and their accomplices have been caught over the past four months in connection with parcel scams that has left the authorities baffled over how easily some women are sucked into parting with their life savings.

“It’s puzzling how these women, some of them professionals and well-educated, fall for such tricks easily despite such cases being highlighted in the media.”

He said the well-publicised cases of 130 people charged and convicted for such crimes last

BIG LOOT: Rodwan (right) and ACP Rohaimi Md Isa showing the foreign currencies, jewellery and cellphones seized from a parcel scam syndicate

year has not helped prevent more women from falling victims to the fraudsters.

In the latest case, Rodwan said, a 43-year-old Taiwanese businesswoman lost RM380,000 to a Nigerian, who claimed to be John Miller from the UK, and his 38-year-old Malaysian wife.

Police nabbed the duo at a house in Serdang Raya, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, after the victim lodged a report against the couple when she discovered ‘Miller’ had been operating from KL. Police also arrested a 26-year-

old Nigerian college student believed to be an accomplice, at an apartment in Cheras.

Rodwan said Miller befriended the Taiwanese via Facebook in February and soon an online 'romantic' relationship developed.

“Miller then claimed he sent valuable gifts of a wristwatch, jewellery and other valuable items supposedly worth £950,000 (RM4,658,657.05) in a parcel to the businesswoman, using a courier from Malaysia.”

As the 'love affair' bloomed, Miller took advantage by claim-

ing the valuable gifts were stuck at the Customs Department at a local airport and asked the businesswoman to send him money in order to retrieve the parcel.

“After numerous money transactions via Western Union, which reached a total of RM380,000, the woman finally realised that she was conned,” said Rodwan.

Police seized foreign currencies worth US$15,000 (RM45,457.49) and RM14,260, cellphones, several ATM and credit cards, a cheque book, computers, four cars and jewellery worth RM100,000.

Police believe the seized cars were used by the duo to operate a rental car service in Serdang using the money they duped from the businesswoman.

The suspects have been remanded until today to facilitate investigations and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

Rodwan urged the public, especially women, to be wary of befriending strangers via social networking sites, and falling for their sweet promises of love and valuable gifts.

Friday 20 May, 2011

the malay mail

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Friday 20 MAY, 2011 the malay mail

your right to be heard

hotline@mmail.com.my

tel:03-7947 2288 fax: 03-7960 5096 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 AIZAT SHARIF, REENA RAJ, T.K. LECTHUMY TAMBOO, IKRAM ISMAIL and CECILIA VICTOR

Cable trouble Sagging telephone wires block entrance to home for more than a week

EVERYDAY, for more than a week, kindergarten teacher JANE JOSEPH and her husband are forced to park their cars outside their home as telephone cables hanging dangerously across their front gate prevent them from driving in.

However, after being contacted by Hotline, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) immediately sent a team the next day to rectify the problem.

In relating her troubles to Hotline, JOSEPH explains the telephone pole near her house in Jalan SS22/39, Damansara Jaya, began to tilt during a downpour on May 12, causing the cables to sag.

As a result, she says, they now hang right across her front gate.

“The cables dangling in front of my house made it very difficult for my family and I to get in and out of our home. My husband and I must park our cars outside and we have to stoop to enter our house.”

At first, she thought the wires were power lines but checks by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) revealed they were telephone cables.

“On Monday, I lodged a report at TM and the person I spoke to assured me workers would be sent over to fix the problem.”

While the workers did arrive, JOSEPH claims they only looked at the poles for about 15 minutes and went away.

Thinking they would return, JOSEPH waited for two days and was disappointed no one came.

Worst still, she claims the cables are drooping lower and lower each day.

A similar problem exists at the junction of nearby Jalan SS22/39A in which dangling cables prevent vehicles from using the road. The residents association has been forced to close the road.

JOSEPH is worried they pose a danger to children.

“Although they are just telephone cables, I am worried that there may be electrical discharge and someone might get electrocuted.”

She hopes TM would fix the problem immediately.

● A TM

spokesman wishes to apologise to JOSEPH for the inconvenience caused.

“Our technical team

BLOCKADE: The drooping phone lines creating an unwelcome barrier

began repair works yesterday but due to heavy rain, we had to stop.

The team will continue tomorrow with completion expected in the

The pizza that never came NOTHING could be easier then picking up a phone and ordering a pizza.

At least that was what ABBY LU from Shah Alam thought when she called Pizza Hut on April 30.

She tells Hotline she placed an order at Pizza Hut in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, about 8pm.

However, after two hours, her pizza had yet to arrive and LU claims the delivery boy then called her asking for her address and directions.

"He told me he needed to confirm my address. He said my area was probably not covered by the company.

“This is ridiculous because I have had pizzas delivered to my house before." LU said she called the outlet after yet another hour of waiting, but to no avail.

It was during her fifth call to the outlet that she was informed her order had been cancelled.

“I never made a request to cancel my order. Even if the restaurant decided to do so, they should have spoken to me first.”

Describing such service as terrible, LU is disappointed at the way the matter had been handled and wants an explanation from Pizza Hut.

● A KFC Holdings (Malay-

sia) Bhd spokesman says: "Upon further investigation, we found that LU had been a regular customer of Pizza Hut Delivery and that her previous address was covered under our delivery zone.

“However, she recently moved and her new address

was not in the area covered by the delivery service.”

The spokesman states the change of address was not noted in their system and so the call centre forwarded her order to the restaurant.

“As LU's new address was not in the zone, our riders could not locate it and after a few attempts to contact her, the delivery was cancelled.”

The spokesman says the delivery that had previously been made to her new address was done without the realisation of the change in address, and the deliveryman was familiar with the location.

“Pizza Hut regrets the issue and immediately took steps to remedy the situation by apologising for the inconvenience caused.”

morning.”

The spokesman says TM fully understands JOSEPH’s concern and assures her its customers’ safety is of the ut-

most importance.

When contacted yesterday, JOSEPH thanks Hotline for helping out and is relieved TM workers have finally begun

fixing the problem. " I am grateful my family and I can finally enter our home easily, and I can park my car inside my house compound."

'Unfair' charge for flight change ARIF ADNAN ZAIN from Bandar Sri Damansara feels it is unfair for Firefly to impose a RM200 charge on those who change their flights.

He explains that in March, he booked a flight to Singapore on July 10 with a return flight the next day.

However, due to unavoidable circumstances, ARIF says he had to change his flight to a different time.

When he reached the ticketing office at Subang Airport, he was shocked when he was informed he had to pay RM200 to make the change.

"Having no choice in the matter, I reluctantly paid. I do not understand

Firefly's policy on charging that amount when the changes in my flight plan will not cause Firefly any difficulty."

Pointing out that his intended flights were more than a month away, he feels some consideration should have been given to passengers who inform the airline of such changes months in advance.

"The Firefly staff also mentioned that seats are available on the flight I will be travelling in, so why do I have to pay a penalty when I am not costing Firefly anything?"

He informs Hotline he has lodged a complaint with Firefly customer service but the only answer he received was that the

airline is governed by rules and regulations.

FIREFLY Marketing and Communications head Angelina Fernandez tells Hotline their business model of offering low fares means passengers pay for what they need.

"Our fees are clearly listed on our website and passengers have the opportunity to review them."

She explains some airlines build the change fee into their fares, where passengers buy tickets and the fare includes flight changes.

"We offer passengers the opportunity to pay the change fee only when they need to make a change."

●

BUS/TAXI/AIRPORTS/ RAILWAYS: • Sky bus (LCCT) - 03-6201 2742 • Star Shuttle - 03-4043 8811 • Comfort Radio Taxi Service - 03-8024 2727/0507

• Public Cab - 03-6259 2020 • Supercab - 03-7805 5333 • Sunlight Radio Taxi - 03 9057 5757/ 1111

Friday 20 MAY, 2011 the malay mail

Spammed by SMS promos HUANG CHIA MING is annoyed about receiving promotional text messages on his Maxis mobile phone he did not sign up for.

"I am getting spammed with daily text messages from certain nightclubs on beer and liquor promotions, but I've never been to any of these clubs. I have also never given out my number for any promotional drive," says the Jalan Klang Lama resident.

HUANG says even his

business card does not carry his mobile number.

"According to the spam texts, I have to type 'OUT' and send it to a number given to unsubscribe. I did exactly that but then I received another SMS stating my text message was undelivered."

HUANG says he tried calling the number given but it went to voice mail.

"I called Maxis customer service to ask them to block these numbers but they said

they can only block one number. They said to block the other numbers, I have to subscribe to their 'Message Plus' service for RM1 monthly.

"I find this ridiculous.

Why should I fork out money for something I never subscribed to?"

HUANG wants an explanation from Maxis.

● A MAXIS Communications Berhad spokesman thanks HUANG for high-

lighting the matter and apologised for his trouble.

"The text messages that HUANG received are from a Maxis mobile number owned by an individual.

For individually-owned mobile numbers, we will investigate if the subscriber has breached any of our terms and conditions.

"If we have evidence the subscriber had breached them, the mobile number will be suspended," says the spokesman.

Construction headache 'SANDSTORM': Neighbours forced to clean up each time it rains

Debris from site causes inconvenience and health risks

JOHNNY CHANDANNIYA and his neighbours are battling a headache with a bungalow construction work in Jalan Tualang, Bukit Bandaraya.

He tells Hotline sand from the construction site has been piling up at his front gate for the last four days, making it difficult to open the gate.

"When it starts raining, the sand from the site

WHEN PASCHAL HERRERA bought return tickets between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore at the First Coach office in Bangsar Utama on April 18, he also paid for two headphones to watch the movies on board the bus.

When the bus reached Sungai Besi, PASCHAL asked the driver to switch the television on but was told the TV was out of order.

He says this irked him

flows all the way to Jalan Tualang where we live and floods our front gate and compound.''

Hotline is told residents in Jalan Bangkuang and Jalan Kemaris are also affected by the problem.

People face difficulties driving their cars in and out of their compounds and find clearing the sand a tough job.

JOHNNY also expresses

his doubt as to the legality of the construction.

"To make matters worse, the construction work is causing congestion and pollution in the area."

He hopes the authorities can look into the matter and, if necessary, issue a stop-work order.

● KUALA Lumpur City Hall Corporate Communications manager Anuar

Mohd Zin says: "We will be sending a team today to investigate the site and will decide the best plan of action, if any, to be taken against the construction company."

When contacted, Johnny says he is pleased City Hall is finally taking the matter into their hands and hopes suitable action will be taken.

Online Hotline comments www.mmail.com.my Poser over wife's PR status (May 16) • I am facing the same problem in getting my wife Permanent Resident (PR) status despite having applied for it three years back. Despite my wife having been residing in Malaysia for the past eight years, there has been no update whatsoever from the department concerned. Everytime I call the relevant department, I would be given the runaround. Even my employee, an Indonesian contract worker, has managed to get a PR for his wife, which was approved within 10 months from the date he applied. The Home Minister must look into this matter and not neglect those who are eligible as well as those who are genuine in contributing towards the nation's development. — Anonymous One tight squeeze (May 16) • Rich equals arrogance. These people think they can get away with anything because they have connections, but it is the poor who suffer paying the fines for every small parking offence. I can bet you these people who park indiscriminately have a long list of summonses for various offences that they will not even bother about. My advice, just tow these cars away. — Anonymous • An example must be set as a deterrent. What is so hard about using tyre clamps on these vehicles?

On-the-spot fines will only create a bother when it comes to payment collection. With tyre clamping, authorities can make these offenders pay upfront. But of course, the authorities must put up warning signs first, before this can be implemented. — Anonymous 'Pondok' party not wanted (May 19) WHAT? The residents must make a police report first?

Hello Mr Policeman! You acknowledged the group was there and residents say they create havoc. Couldn't you have arrested them on the spot? Are you waiting for someone to get hurt or killed first? Surely, the police have grounds to make an arrest, whether or not a police report has been lodged. — Anonymous Riding in the dark (May 19) IT would seem that motorcyclists must choose the lesser devil in this matter. I guess they would rather be mowed down by a car than fall off their bike or get mugged in the motorcycle lane. — ben yap Two-year P1 Wimax nightmare (May 19) PERHAPS the problem in this case was more towards poor customer service. Or maybe the company has cash-flow problems? If this is truly the case, then I feel consumers should put this company on their watch list!

— Curious Cat

Made to buy another bus ticket

because he paid for headphones for a bus TV that was out of order.

PASCHAL says that in Singapore, he realised he had misplaced his return ticket to Kuala Lumpur and immediately called the First Coach office there to confirm his name was registered as a passenger.

He told the staff he had lost his ticket but says he was informed it was company policy not to allow anyone without a ticket to

board the bus.

"I had no choice but to purchase another ticket to KL. I was told the same thing when I called the KL office to double check, despite pointing out my name was registered with them.

"Even airlines will issue another ticket once they confirm the passenger’s name is registered in their system."

● FIRST Coach Bangsar office manager Lo Jin Yi

says PASCHAL is eligible for a refund if it is true the TV on his bus was out of service that day.

"If our ticket counter personnel knew the TV was out of service they would not have sold PASCHAL the headphones. In this case, the staff was unaware, so we will conduct an investigation. I ask PASCHAL to contact our office and notify our customer service staff."

As to why PASCHAL

9

had to buy another ticket despite having his name in the system, Lo explains, it is company policy not to allow anyone without a ticket to board the bus.

As for the reprinting of tickets, some customers purchase tickets for friends and family members so it is hard to determine who had used the ticket from KL to Singapore.

But Lo adds customers can ask for a minimum

refund if they can produce the missing ticket within seven days.

Meanwhile, PASCHAL says the company’s excuse is unacceptable and questions why the company would take down his full details, including contact number, and then claim the ticket could have been bought for someone else.

PASCHAL also claims the company’s terms and conditions were not displayed anywhere.

10 letters&opinions Friday 20 MAY, 2011

the malay mail

â&#x2014;? 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.

KUALA LUMPUR

Email: mmnews@mmail.com.my Fax: 03-7960 5096

Teachers Day goodies

Open letter to Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and the National Union of Teaching Profession secretary-general Lok Yim Pheng.

PROMOTION prospects and pay increments have long been under the whims and fancies of many armchair administrators who know next-to-nothing about the realities and the goingson among the grassroots in the schools.

Despite the recent announcement by the government to provide "goodies" for teachers, there are many in the teaching fraternity who have been left KUALA LUMPUR

â&#x2014;? Letters to the Editor must carry your name, address and contact number. A pseudonym may be included.

Perks for the 'chosen' ones

feeling frustrated, cheated and abandoned.

Cronyism and favouritism have long reared their ugly head and honest and dedicated teachers have and will always be at the mercy of some of these partial administrators and heads of schools who wield unquestionable power. Many a time lackadaisical teachers and under-performing principals have been rewarded and promoted to "Pengetua" and "Guru Cemerlang"!

The last major revamp under The Malaysian Remuneration System (SSM) on pay increments and promotion prospects was a mockery of justice

and fair play. How many aggrieved graduates felt cheated when their nongraduate colleagues with the same number of teaching years leapfrogged over them in the pay brackets?

These graduate teachers who have sacrificed money, time and families to upgrade their professionalism are the laughing stock of their non-graduate colleagues who are gleefully laughing all the way to the bank. Were there any careful considerations over the 10 per cent for graduates and 25 per cent for non-graduates pay hike which set most graduates a few hundred ringgit back

Privatise KTM Komuter services prehend why the Komuter is always delayed during peak hours when people are rushing to work.

One wonders if the precious time and energy of passengers are taken into account whenever there is a train delay.

EVERYDAY AFFAIR: It is the long wait that annoys KTM Komuter passengers

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.

DG48 scale.

Is it too much to ask to emplace this category of teachers under a different scale? Or at least give them a few jumps in their increment!

It i s h i g h t i me t he s e teachers who are mostly in the twilight of their careers get their rightful rewards.

Justice must not only be seen but also served, and served promptly.

For a start, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recruit all Masters and PhD qualified teachers as Form Six lecturers and hence new positions and categories can be created which will merit a promotion in fulfillment of the requirements set by

the PSD and the Ministry of Human Resources. This will definitely upgrade the status of pre-U education in Malaysia as the teachers will surely possess the credentials to impart pretertiary education to the sixth formers.

L astly, if we are serious about elevating the standard of education in Malaysia, a drastic and more objective revamp is necessary to attract the best brains into the profession.

Most importantly, promotions, perks and incentives must only be given to the deserving ones.

Foot Soldier

Hotline Pain on the highway (May 11)

Constant KTM Komuter delays

FOR as long as I remember, KTM Komuter has been the main mode of transportation for those travelling from Serdang to Kuala Lumpur.

I live in Serdang and work near Central Market and I take the Komuter daily.

I find it difficult to com-

against their non-graduate colleagues?

This brings me to the plig ht of p ost-g radu ate teachers. For far too long, teachers with Masters and PhDs have been forsaken, overlo oke d and vic t imised by the Ministr y of Education, Public Service D e p ar t m e nt ( P SD ) an d t h e Hu m a n R e s o u r c e s Ministry.

The teaching profession is the only field that does not reward and acknowledge the status of these post-graduate teachers. As far as I know, doctors with Masters degrees are recognised as specialists in their own field and put on at least

There have been instances where there have been constant delays despite notifications that the trains would be on schedule and this can really be annoying.

There was an instance when was elbowed by another passenger as everyone tried to squeeze into an already packed train. Thankfully, my face wasn't swollen.

Sometimes, there will be two or three trains which have already reached Seremban, but there would still be no trains heading to Rawang.

From my observation, this has been going on from the first day I started work.

I am a new employee under probation and I am thankful my employer understands the daily dilemma I am facing with the KTM Komuter.

However, I am sure my probation period would be extended because of my punctuality problem.

I think KTM Komuter should be privatised so the service can be upgraded, just like the LRT system, where there are fewer complaints.

I dare say that if I have a car, I vow never to take the Komuter again at any cost.

Un happy and annoye d Malaysian

Poor enforcement on motorcycle lanes THE rakyat knows it is good to have a set of laws to nab motorcyclists who blatantly ignore traffic rules while they are out on the road.

Yet many errant motorcyclists get off scot-free under the noses of other road users.

Surprisingly, there has been no mention in recent news reports about bikers not using the motorcycle lanes on the Federal Highway as well as

on highways in other places where there are such lanes.

It is baf f ling how the police and Road Transport Department can miss all this out.

While laws are implemented by the government, enforcement is still lacking.

So, bikers will probably take things lightly and see how long it will take for the matter to cool down, as whenever a new law is put in

force, chances are the matter will cool down after a short while.

When this happens, old habits and practices will immediately return, and likewise, money spent to put these laws into force will be wasted.

The police should take steps to increase surveillance on motorcycle lanes to ensure no bikers are let off the hook.

Lau Bing

Friday 20 May, 2011

the malay mail

11

12

Our clinic is not an animal rescue and adoption centre — Veterinary clinic's doctor

news

Scare tactic fails

PETALING JAYA

Vet clinic gets new 'shipment' of six puppies despite stern warning notice

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

SIX puppies in two small boxes were abandoned at the doorstep of a veterinary clinic here yesterday morning, a day after The Malay Mail reported the clinic had posted a “scare tactic” warning that cats, dogs, kittens and puppies dumped there would be killed.

When The Paper That Cares got there, only four puppies, that appeared to be mongrels, were left.

“Somebody kindly adopted two puppies, and we will feed and medically care for the remaining four until we find new owners for them,” said the clinic's doctor.

“This is the first time somebody abandoned their unwanted pets outside our clinic since we put up the warning notice five months ago.”

A fishmonger said the six puppies in the two boxes were already outside the clinic when he

JILTED PUP: One of the dogs abandoned at the vet clinic

arrived at 6am yesterday to open his shop.

“The puppies looked thirsty and hungry. Whoever abandoned them is not humane.”

On Wednesday, The Malay Mail reported that since last December, the clinic had posted the warning to deter irresponsible people from leaving unwanted canines and felines, and that the notice resulted in no more dumping.

Before that, the clinic, which opened five years ago, had to contend with at least 10 abandoned pets a month.

Although the clinic said they do not kill the abandoned animals and that the notice was a scare tactic, they were lambasted by animal rights organisations, while public opinion was divided.

“Our clinic is not an animal rescue and adoption centre.

However, we will help those who want to find new owners for their pets by posting adoption notices in our clinic,” said the doctor.

“Call us at 03-7954 1997 and provide us with details on the breed and age of your pets, along with your name and contact number.

Please, do not leave your pets at our doorstep.”

When The Malay Mail checked with the clinic again yesterday evening, they were happy to report the four remaining puppies had been adopted.

KUALA LUMPUR

Pop Shuvit makes sweet music with legendary rocker

By CHE'AZ cheaz@mmail.com.my

POP-ROCK group Pop Shuvit have a major surprise in store for their fans.

In their sixth album Cherry Blossom Love Affair, they've roped in legendary rock singer Man Bai for the single Seperti Syurgamu.

Lead vocalist Moots said recording with Man Bai was an experience which will remain in their memories forever.

“We all grew up listening to Man Bai's songs. From the time he was with Gersang and then as a solo artiste, we have always been mesmerised by his voice and songs.

“So, 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.”

Pop Shuvit, whose members include JD (guitar), AJ (bass), Rudy (drums) and Uno (turntables), are out to prove they've still got it 10 years after their debut release.

“It has been three years since we came out with an album.

This time round, our sixth album will be our first Malay album. It will contain six Malay tracks and six English tracks,” said Moots.

“We are also going to launch a re-packaged album after Hari Raya that will include songs we couldn't fit into our sixth album.”

Next month, the band heads to Manila for a tour with Slap-

shock from June 8 to June 13.

They will then represent Malaysia at the Music Convention “Music Matters” in Singapore on June 27.

“This year is going to be a great one for us. We will debut Seperti Syurgamu with Manbai as part of our six-song set at the MTV World Stage Live at I-City, Shah Alam, on July 24,” said Moots.

“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.

“This is going to be a great gift to our fans and those who love and know how to appreciate good music.”

Seperti Syurgamu will be released as a single ahead of the album next month to mark their 10th-year anniversary as a band.

The Malay Mail Friday 20 MAY, 2011

TWITTER YOUR S@Y

By ANURADHA VENUGOPAL anu@mmail.com.my @anunair THERE'S a lot of talented musicians, actors, directors and fashion designers in the country but some of these homegrown talents struggle for recognition and appreciation by fellow Malaysians.

Ironically, some of them only get respect after making their mark overseas, among them, Jimmy Choo, Zang Toi and Zee Avi. Taking this topic to Twitter to gain feedback, here are some reactions to the writer at @ anunair. Some portions of the tweets have been modified, without altering the intent of the message.

@sirilah: Everybod y knows if you've made it int ernationally, you have official ly 'arrived'.

So why bother wi th nobodys until they are som ebodys? @hindichic: Only when the person is internationallyrecognised will Malaysians think it's cool. We hardly have any respect for local artistes until they make it big elsewhere.

tu ra l fo r @s m ee ta : It is na to decide e people to take tim adore an or te ha e, if they lov e time tak o artiste. Artistes als why so e, ag im eir to grow th it? r fo blame the public @j un ai di as m ar a: Ge ne ra lly, most Malaysians believe those who make it big int ernationally are talented. Many people also think they are of a higher class since they have fo und success overseas.

THREE-YEAR-WAIT: Pop Shuvit's sixth album breaks new ground

PETALING JAYA

Ex-beauty queen confirms TVB contract

By LOONG WAI TING waiting@mmail.com.my

BELLE THENG (pic) is packing her bags for Hong Kong.

“I saw this as a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to go overseas to experience a different working environment and live in a different culture,” the 25-year-old told The Malay Mail.

Belle signed a two-year contract with Hong Kong television magnate Television Broadcasts Limited, better known as TVB, in March, and all the former beauty queen did

to confirm the news was update her status on her Facebook account!

“I am confident about breaking into the local scene but no one can predict the future. I promise to give my best and stand up to all the challenges. In the end, I’ll leave all the judgment to the audience.”

Born in Sandakan, Sabah, the former Miss Astro Chinese International Pageant 2009 has hosted programmes such as U-Report, Astro on De-

mand preview channel, Astro AEC's Chinese New Year Live Countdown before landing in a role in Ah Beng, a comedy sitcom premiering on Astro Wah Lai Toi. “The experience I gained from hosting and acting built up my confidence in the runup to the Miss Chinese International Pageant in 2010,” said Belle, who came in first runner-up at the event, as well as being clinching the Miss Home Beauty title.

Since then, Belle has been excited about her career shifting gears.

“Everyone has a dream to

pursue what they love doing and it’s subjective when it comes to deciding on how to advance your career. I take Vivien Yeo (another Malaysian actress under TVB management) and other seniors of mine as an example to be as good as they are and make the country proud.”

Her main concern now, however, is adjusting to Hong Kong life, saying: “It’s not easy to move away from home to a foreign land. While I am going to miss my family and friends, I am looking forward to settling in a new environment and getting to know people along the way. ”

Friday 20 May, 2011

the malay mail

13

14

The doctors are not optimistic and he is fighting for life right now.

— Phil Brock, member of Jeff Conaway's management team

world

Bizarre beer brewers challenge TAXPAYER cash earmarked for road safety was to be used to promote a new lowalcohol beer in a bizarre plan to cut crash deaths. Australia's Transport Accident Commission wanted to challenge brewers to make a brew with an alcohol concentration of no more than 1.15 per cent and offered a A$250,000 (RM806,000) reward to promote the winning beer, the Herald Sun reported. But it was cancelled yesterday after a last-minute intervention by a furious Victoria Premier Ted Baillieu when he learned the Herald Sun was going to reveal the competition.

Foxy Megan panned in racy role ONE of the world's sexiest women, Megan Fox, has been unable to impress critics with her latest role which involves her going topless. The Daily Mail reported she was picked to play an angelic Bird Woman in the film Passion Play.

The actress went topless in the movie and brings her usual vamped up sensuality to the role.

But even her toned body could not help the film, which has been universally panned.

RM3m bail

The Malay Mail Friday 20 MAY, 2011

NEW YORK

Ex-IMF chief under house arrest, set strict security conditions FORMER IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was indicted yesterday on sexual assault charges but ordered released on bail by a New York judge after agreeing to house arrest and to post US$1 million (RM3m) in cash.

He also had to put up a US$5 million bond, surrender all travel documents and pay to have an armed guard with him at all times.

Judge Michael Obus agreed to free the former head of the International Monetary Fund on bail shortly after he was formally indicted. An arraignment hearing in which the exact charges will be revealed was set for June 6.

"An indictment has been voted and filed against the defendant," prosecutor John McConnell told a packed New York court.

As Strauss-Kahn arrived, looking shaven and wearing a jacket and shirt, the former IMF chief smiled at his American-born wife, French television journalist Anne Sinclair, who looked redeyed but calm, while his daughter Camille openly sobbed.

The hearing came just hours after Strauss-Kahn, 62, resigned from the IMF vowing to clear his name after being charged in the alleged attack on a 32-year-old chambermaid in a luxury New

'Grease' star Conaway in coma JEFF CONAWAY (pic) of Grease fame is in a deep coma after taking an overdose of painkillers, the Daily Mail reported. The actor, who played T-Bird Kenickie in the classic 1978 film which also starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, is unlikely to survive, according to his manager.

Conaway has been in a California hospital for a week after being found unconscious on the floor of his Encino home on May 11. His manager, Kathryn Boole, said: "The doctors are not optimistic and he is fighting for life right now." Phil Brock, another member of the star's management team, said: "These could be his final moments. He slightly moved his head three days ago but since, there’s been no sign he’ll recover." The 60-year-old actor has been battling a long-time addiction to booze and drugs.

York hotel suite on Saturday.

Defence lawyer William Taylor had urged Obus to grant StraussKahn bail, assuring the court that the veteran French politician was an "honourable man" who would not try to flee.

The prosecution contends that Strauss-Kahn, was seen rushing from his hotel room on Saturday fleeing the scene after sexually assaulting and attempting to rape the woman, an immigrant from West Africa.

"The proof against him is substantial. It continues to grow every day," McConnell said, referring to the man once seen as a strong contender to be the next French president.

But the defence argued that Strauss-Kahn was innocent of all charges, as they offered strict conditions for his bail.

Strauss-Kahn will live in 24-hour confinement in an apartment owned by his wife in New York in which his daughter has been staying, with video cameras and a security guard posted with him.

"I deny with the greatest possible firmness all of the allegations that have been made against me," Strauss-Kahn said in his letter of resignation from the IMF early yesterday. — AFP BERLIN

Orgy reward for salesmen

A GERMAN insurance company says it organised an orgy with prostitutes in a renowned Hungarian spa to reward its best salesmen.

A spokesman for Ergo insurance said yesterday one of its subsidiaries had organised the party in Budapest's art nouveau Gellert Baths in a clear violation of the company's values.

Alexander Becker said about 100 of the company's best salesmen had been invited to the orgy, which featured numerous scantily clad hostesses and about 20 prostitutes.

He added those responsible for the June 2007 trip have left the company. — AP

1941: Born May 24, as Robert Zimmerman, in Duluth, Minnesota 1961: Heads to New York, playing clubs in Greenwich Village.

First album, Bob Dylan, released 1963-64: Protest songs such as Blowin’ in the Wind, A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall, and The Times They Are a-Changin’ become anthems for U.S. civil rights and anti-war movements 1965: Use of electric guitars proves controversial. Six-minute Like a Rolling Stone revolutionises perceptions of popular music 1974: Returns to live touring after seven-year break following near-fatal motorbike accident 1975: Releases Blood on the Tracks, now regarded as one his finest albums 1988: Never Ending Tour – still in progress – begins 1991: Receives Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award 2005: Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed film biography, No Direction Home, broadcast 2011: At least 30 tour dates scheduled worldwide © GRAPHIC NEWS Illustration: Bob Hoare

PORTLAND

Free weed at pot bar

LIGHTS dim. A white-haired man of perhaps 50 approaches the stage.

He's wearing a blue suit jacket, openneck shirt, black leather loafers and sunglasses, indoors, at night. He's got the Sinatra panache down.

Then, the voice, a rich baritone, sweeps over the audience of a couple dozen glazed and grinning pot smokers.

"Day and night, night and daaaaay," he croons the Sinatra standard. "Only you beneath the moon or under the sun, whether near to me or far, it's no matter darling where you are."

The audience yelps and coos in appreciation.

This is karaoke night at Portland's Cannabis Cafe, a combination of the bar from Cheers and a street-side pot palace in Amsterdam. It is perfectly

legal in this smoky room for medical marijuana patients to burn, eat, rub, filter and roll marijuana.

There are cancer patients, AIDS patients and sufferers of smashed vertebrae and pinched nerves. There are also those who find refuge under Oregon's "severe pain" allowance, tell a marijuana-friendly doctor you've got pain, and you've pretty much got weed.

Since the medical marijuana law's passage in 1998, nearly 40,000 patients have gotten access.

The pot in the cafe is brought in by patients or donated by growers.

Money doesn't change hands unless it's to buy a sandwich or coffee. The price of admission: a US$20 (RM60) monthly charge and a US$5 door fee. — AP

BUENOS AIRES

Plane crash kills 22 in Patagonia A TURB OPROP pl ane c ar r y i ng 22 people crashed and exploded in Argentina's southern Patagonia region, killing all on board and disintegrating the plane. At the crash scene yesterday, firefighters examined small pieces of burned wreckage and bodies scattered over a wide swath of the desert.

The plane's owners Sol Lineas Aere as s aid We dnes day's Flig ht 5248, carrying three crew members and 19 passengers, including a baby, communicated an emergency while flying from Neuquen near the Andes to Comodoro Rivadavia along the coast of Patagonia. The company confirmed the wreckage was found

about 25km southwest of the town of Los Menucos, and local firefighters found no one alive.

"Unfortunately there are no surv i v o r s . We s e e b u r nt r e m a i n s , everything burned," Ismael Ali, who directs the hospital in the nearest town of Los Menucos, told the Todo Noticias channel.

Sol vice-president Juan Ny f f e n e g g e r s a i d y e s t e r d a y i n Buenos Aires the twin-engine Saab 340 had taken off normally and had no record of technical problems.

The plane was relatively modern, built in the late 1980s, and the pilots were quite experienced, he added. — AP

The Malay Mail Friday 20 MAY, 2011

It is imperative we acknowledge and tackle social issues and ignore the old, archaic mindset that made it taboo to talk about issues related to sex, including rape — Yushaimi Yahaya

news

15

The evil that is rape ANYONE, especially parents, would have cringed reading our front page report yesterday.

The latest statistics furnished by the overworked Bukit Aman's sexual crimes unit to The Malay Mail reveals a spike in the number of sex crimes.

Rape, for instance, occurs every 2.5 hours, if you go by the 2010 figures. Molest cases are also frequent.

Even more startling is the fact that most of the rape victims are 18 and below.

The cops' findings also tell the now-familiar story of how the victims were "ensnared".

At that age, when they are about to cross the line into adulthood, they want to think that they know how to handle themselves, but sadly, this can be a misplaced belief.

Gullibility is the victims' worst enemy. Most of the rape cases occurred in houses. There are more suspects than there are victims, giving rise to the assumption that some may be pre-meditated.

In most cases, the crime had been committed by people known by the victims. Many of these cases fall under the category of statutory rape as they involved minors — some of whom had indulged in consensual sex, thinking this was not an offence.

The cops have their hands full; and not many rape cases end up with prosecution in court.

Cases of being under the influence of alcohol, or even rape drugs, further complicate matters as the victims would have trouble recalling the incident.

ForTheRecord With Yushaimi Yahaya

ON FRIDAY It's depressing, and there is no real solution to this.

One of the factors leading to this is the reluctance of the victims to come forward.

Bukit Aman sexual crimes and child abuse investigations division deputy director ACP Hamidah Yunus told The Paper That Cares public apathy in not wanting to report such matters was a real headache.

A report back in 2002 revealed nine out of 10 rape cases go unreported.

I am stricken with worry. Rape is a double-edged

sword.

There are the victims who have to go through life traumatised.

Aside from the "hardcore", there must surely also be minors who were unaware they were committing a crime by having sex.

That same report, which appeared in The Sunday Mail in 2003, quoted the findings of a research by a local women's organisation that showed almost all convicted rapists believe themselves to be faultless and undeserving of their punishment.

Many of these cases involved juveniles.

Maybe there is a cause to expand awareness on this.

In a progressive society, it is imperative we acknowledge and tackle social issues and ignore the old, archaic mindset that made it taboo to talk about issues related to sex, including rape.

Let our children know it is legally wrong to have sex with minors, and the defence of it being consensual doesn't hold water.

Use religion, coaxing, campaigns in schools, over TV and radio — whatever it takes — to drum home the message.

Include tips to prevent rape, especially those that occur as the result of a date.

Simple things like going to a public place so that you are not alone with a

new acquaintance, or never allow to be taken to a second location that will give a potential perpetrator the opportunity to harm you; or even encouraging a girl, or a woman, to be assertive when saying "no" to not give the impression of playing hard to get, would be useful.

Let's be gung-ho about this. We can start today by telling our own kids the straight-laced reality of things.

YUSHAIMI YAHAYA is Editor-in-Chief of The Malay Mail. He prays hard that he would be greeted with a reduction in the number of rape cases in the years ahead. Banter with him at yushem@ mmail.com.my

16 lifestyle

Great view inside and out Peugeot 5008 offers the family spacious, airy and visually spectacular transport

THE Peugeot 5008 is not the first Multi-Purpose Vehicle to feature a large piece of glass in the roof. The Renault Espace offered the option some years ago but this time the glass area is huge and the cabin is washed in beautiful natural light as if it is a convertible.

Sit in the second or third row of seats of the 5008 and passengers cannot avoid but notice the skyline passing by and clouds wafting above.

Obviously this feature is as useful as a refrigerator in an igloo when the full tropical sun is out at midday because

the cabin quickly starts on an impression of a slow-cooker but early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the light is golden and the temperature wonderfully cool, it is like taking the family out on a drive in a topless seven-seater.

Mind you, the glass comes coated in all sorts of materials designed to keep the sun’s heat out but they are nothing compared to joules pouring out of our mid-size, mid-life star onto an equatorial country like ours.

While we can spend the rest of the article waxing

lyrical about the glass roof, the 5008 also has other features and qualities to offer.

Chief among those qualities are the ample cabin space that makes long distance family travel a pleasure. The first and second

Continental opens first tyre plant in China

CONTINENTAL, one of the leading international automotive suppliers and tyre producers worldwide, officially opened its first Chinese plant in Hefei, Anhui province as part of their strategy of strengthening its position in Asia.

“Asia is one of our key growth markets. This investment is another major step

into this direction, with which we are significantly enhancing our position in the automotive industry in China and in the Asia Pacific region,” said Dr Elmar Degenhart, CEO of the Continental Corporation.

This is the German conglomerate’s first tyre manufacturing facility in China.

The €185 million (RM799

million) manufacturing facility will have an initial capacity of four million passenger tyres and once completed, the entire complex will be able to produce 16 million tyres.

Continental says the plant is equipped with the top end tyre production lines, the new plant’s automation level in the manufacturing process and quality inspection is nearly unprecedented in the Chinese tyre industry.

The state-of-the-art production facility is designed such that its capacity can be modified flexibly to satisfy expected future growth.

The Hefei plant produces premium medium- and highend passenger tyres to meet both local demand in China as well as internationally.

In 2011, the first highvolume products from the new plant will include the ContiPremiumContact 2 and ContiComfortContact 5, both of which are tailored for the Chinese market.

row of seats offer fantastic leg room and shoulder room but the fold-flat third row is a bit of a compromise and is really suitable only for younger children.

This is really the most common compromise in the MPV category and it is not a real criticism of the 5008 but rather a statement of fact for the genre.

The interior is also well designed and well built, giving the 5008 a luxurious and exclusive feel.

The specification level is also quite generous as it comes with leather seats, power windows all around, multiple airbags and electronic stability programme that helps to keep the car under control in tricky circumstances.

It also comes with a dual-zone air conditioning system that has a rear blower with dual individual controls, a very useful feature because not everyone enjoys the same thermal comfort zone.

While these are nice, the main feature of the creature comfort is the in-car entertainment system that consists of a head unit that plays mp3 and can receive music from a USB source.

The sound quality pouring out of the speakers are also commendable and certainly good enough for most owners with good bass projection, clean mid range and decent high frequency presentation.

The rear passengers will find two LCD screen staring at them and these can be plugged into portable CD players or game consoles to keep the second and third row entertained.

There are two power outlets at the base of the central rear air-conditioning vents and they sit next to two sets of AV input jacks that would take signals to the LCD screen.

While this is a certainly an interesting and noteworthy feature, we found it peculiar that the car did not come with a portable video player to begin with.

After all, an owner who has just paid nearly RM155,000 would probably want a video player already installed in the new car.

Apparentyl the 5008 doesn’t come with a mobile DVD option and since it is a fully imported vehicle, Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official importer dare not tamper with the car because it would void their warranty with head office.

I would like to suggest that

By SHAMSUL YUNOS lifestyle@mmail.com.my

Nasim buy portable DVD players and give it away with the car because it would mean a lot less questions about the curious equipment list.

Leaving aside this anomaly and considering the generous equipment list and the 5008’s handsome looks, the price is very reasonable and since Nasim has been working hard to ensure that parts pricing are competitive with the Japanese, there are less reasons now to make Peugeot your second choice.

Sexy A6 Avant sets new standards THE steady and deliberate progress of the current Audi design language has given rise to one of the most handsome estate cars ever made and its birth was met with near unanimous praise by the international motoring Press.

Apart from the coherent, modern, sleek and elegant proportions, the A6 Avant, like the saloon variant, also features many cutting edge automotive technology such as the steel and aluminium lightweight body construction and a long list of electronic driver aid and safety enhancements.

The new lightweight body sets new industry standards, weighing about 70 kilogrammes less than the previous model. The

new Audi A6 Avant clocks in at 1,640kg.

A wagon is nothing without a cavernous boot and the A6 features a luggage compartment that can accommodate 565 litres in volume with the seats up and with the second row folded down, the load area can carry 1,680 litres.

The A6 Avant also features a ‘gesturecontrolled’ rear hatch. Apart from opening the cargo door with the key or by remote control, the hatch would also open if the owner wave their feet under the

rear bumper.

In Europe, the new Audi A6 Avant is available with a choice of six engines — two gasoline engines and four diesel units. They develop between 130 kW (177 hp) and 230 kW (313 hp). This ample power is combined with groundbreaking efficiency. The 2.0 TDI consumes an average of just 5.0 liters of fuel per 100km (47.04 US mpg).

Choice of transmission includes

The Malay Mail Friday 20 MAY, 2011

MULTIPLE award-winning coupe, the Peugeot RCZ was launched on Thursday by Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia.

In the coupe segment, most buyers buy a car with their heart and good looks and as the RCZ was voted as the most beautiful car of the year at the 25th annual International Automobile Festival, the French coupe has one of the best credentials in the market.

Among the key design features of the RCZ 2+2 coupe, are the double bubble roof and rear windscreen which showcases Peugeot’s technological and engineering prowess. This engineering and aesthetic feature is enhanced by the brushed aluminium arch that frames the roof and side windows and creates flowing lines that lead the eye from front to rear.

Other key characteristics of the RCZ’s exterior includes xenon with dynamic directional lighting, LED rear tail lamps, aluminum 19-inch alloy rims, front and rear parking assistance and an active bonnet system whereby a pyrotechnic system raises the bonnet’s hinges by 55mm in 0.1 seconds when there is a frontal collision.

This feature is developed to enhance the pedestrian safety of the RCZ. It also comes with an active rear spoiler that can be deployed in two positions depending on the speed of the vehicle and apart from being a cool addition to the RCZ’s looks, the active spoiler also helps to ensure ideal balance between fuel consumption and road holding.

Stylish Lion unleashed

It is deployed at a 19-degree angle (Position 1) at speeds more than 85 kph and folds back at speeds below 55 kph.

At speeds in excess of 155 kph, the rear spoiler is deployed at a 34-degree angle and folds back to Position 1 at 145 kph. In addition, drivers can choose to activate the rear spoiler manually by engaging a button on the centre console.

“The RCZ is a design statement from Peugeot. Its futuristic exterior, luxurious interior and powerful engine are catered for enthusiasts who enjoy driving and want to be noticed. The RCZ enters the niche premium coupe segment in the market and we are confident it will be well received,” said SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, CEO of Nasim.

The extroverted exterior is matched by the equally spectacular interior that features Nappa leather upholstery, high powered in-car entertainment system and high quality fit and finish.

Front passengers are pampered with electrically-

powered seats and 240-Watt sound system from well known brand JBL. The Press release also says: “In addition, the 200 bhp RCZ features a sound system technology to enhance the driving experience through different engine harmonics according to the rate of acceleration”, which probably means that the sound system works together with the exhaust system to create pleasing engine notes throughout the rev range.

“The RCZ reinforces Peugeot’s strength in the areas of innovation

and design. From the Peugeot 202 and 402 ‘Andreau’ of the 1930s to the RCZ, Peugeot has constantly changed the way we think and understand about automotive design and engineering,” said Datuk Samson Anand George, COO of Nasim.

For safety, the RCZ is equipped with four airbags, ESP, ABS, EBD, EBA, anti-skid regulation and dynamic stability control.

For more efficient braking, the manual RCZ is equipped with larger ventilated discs.

The automatic variant delivers a fuel consumption of 7.3-litres per 100 km (combined cycle) and CO2 emissions of 168g per km while the manual variant has a fuel consumption of 6.9-litres per 100 km (combined cycle) and CO2 emissions of 159g per km.

Both variants of the RCZ are available in either Pearlescent White or Haria Grey.

The RCZ will be part of a roadshow at the Bangsar Shopping Centre from today till May 22.

Profit and sustainability in sync at Volvo

six-speed manual, seven speed S-Tronic and a continuously variable transmission with eight– speed tiptronic function. Audi also offers a choice between two and four wheel-drive systems to accompany their stylish wagon.

Electronic driver aids include a new electro-mechanical power steering system, a new electronic stability programme that also acts as an electronic limitedslip differential.

Options include air suspension and dynamic steering.

WITH a strong new product line-up, Swedish carmaker posted record profit in 2010, with SEK2,340 million (Swedish Krona), that’s nearly SEK7,525 up from their position of loss in 2007.

"I am very pleased to see that all of the dedication and efforts within the company is generating bottom line results.

During 2010, we witnessed a turn-around in the car market and we have now returned to profitability," said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO, Volvo Car Corporation.

Volvo enjoyed revenue of SEK113 billion, an increase of SEK17.4 billion on higher vol-

umes and stronger pricing.

Retail sales increased by 11.6 per cent to 373,525 units, compared to 334,808 units in 2009.

In China, sales improved versus 2009 by 36.2 per cent and in Nordic region by 29 per cent.

Europe grew by 10.4 per cent and market share improved by 0.14 percentage points to 1.2 percent. In the US, volumes decreased by 12.2 per cent to 53,952 units, compared to 61,246 in 2009.

Volvo attributes the improvements to the success of the S60 sedan, V60 wagon and XC60 crossover.

The improved profits have not come at the expense of the

company’s environmental and sustainability objectives as the company recently announced.

"I'm very proud of the progress we have achieved on our journey towards sustainable development. Social and environmental responsibility is an integral part of what Volvo stands for and it's very pleasing to see that it is an important factor for our customers when they choose a car," said Linn Fortgens, director of Sustainability and Financial Communication.

Part of their sustainability commitment includes launching the V60 diesel plug-in hybrid and the C30 Electric — a fully electric car with no tailpipe emissions and a range of up to 150km.

Volvo said it has maintained position as world leader in emissions to air in production facilities. Reduction of 57 per cent in energy consumption over the past five years, with all European plants now using climate neutral electricity mainly from hydropower.

17

Mazda’s fantastic SkyActiv engine JAPANESE carmaker Mazda may be best known for their rotary engines and now they are adding high-efficiency engine to their stripes with the launch of the SkyActiv-G 1.3 motor.

Mazda unveiled the engine at the Automotive Engineering Exposition, held from May 18 through 20 at the Pacifico Yokohama Convention Centre near Tokyo, Japan.

One of the key innovations of the engine that helps to achieve the high efficiency is the unusually high compression ratio of 14.0:1.

In the past, such high compression would result in terrible engine knocking or premature ignition, under high load situations at low engine speeds.

Mazda solved this problem with the use of the Miller cycle with unusually late intake valve closing, specially designed piston cavities that are precisely shaped to optimise combustion and multi-hole injectors that allow for very precise injection control.

Mazda engineers also achieved 30 per cent less mechanical friction, due to a narrower crankshaft, new roller followers and low-tension piston rings that also reduce oil consumption.

Other innovations include a cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation system.

Mazda plans to introduce the SkyActiv-G 1.3 to the Japanese market in the facelifted Mazda Demio (known overseas as the Mazda2) soon.

It will be the first ever 1.3-liter direct-injection gasoline engine to be equipped in a compact car manufactured in Japan.

Combined with Mazda's unique idling stop system, i-stop, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), SkyActiv-G 1.3 will achieve fuel economy of 30km/L under Japan's 10-15 mode test cycle.Mazda has applied for over 130 patents in relation to the engine as of the end of February 2011.

Major specifications of the SkyActiv-G 1.3  Inline four-cylinder 1.3-liter direct-injection engine (with i-stop)  Engine displacement: 1.298L  Bore and stroke: 71.0mm x 82.0mm  Compression ratio: 14.0:1  Maximum output (net): 62kW@5,400rpm (84ps@5,400rpm)  Maximum torque (net): 112Nm@4,000rpm

Company wins a Mercedes THE name of the winner of the NAZA World lucky draw was announced earlier this week after it was drawn by NAZA Group of Companies, director of Corporate Affairs, Zakaria Ismail. The winner was a company, Orient Electric Special Leadwires Sdn Bhd. All NAZA World customers who had purchased a car between Sept 24 and Dec 31, 2010 were eligible to take

Mercedes-Benz SLK 200K

part in the draw. As many as 900 customers were in the running to win the Mercedes SLK 200K. “This is our special way of thanking our customers who have been loyal to us. The contest was held over four months and every NAZA World customer has an equal chance of winning the Mercedes SLK 200K,” its executive vice president Datuk SM Zulkifli SM Amin said.

18 lifestyle

The Malay Mail Friday 20 MAY, 2011

Team preparations going according to plan

By SHAMSUL YUNOS lifestyle@mmail.com.my THE Perodua Eco-Challenge 2011 continues its quest to seek out new talents among the country’s pool of undergraduates. The final is just around the corner whereat they will pit their capabilities at the final ‘race’ day, scheduled to be held at the Melaka International Motorsports Circuit (MIMC) on June 25.

The third installment of Perodua’s Corporate Responsibility initiative kicked in early this year during which the 13 participating institutions of higher learnings were each given an engine and a transmission system.

The main objective of the Perodua Eco-Challenge 2011 is to provide a training ground for undergraduates to challenge their engineering capabilities and to spur the essence of innovation and creativity among

Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh

local students.

Perodua’s managing director, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said, “As a concerned corporate citizen, we shall continue to play our role to provide opportunities for our able young adults. Through this EcoChallenge competition, the students’ innate capabilities, spirit of innovation and creativity can be developed, very much in line with the aims of the 10th Malaysia Plan.”

Since the 2011 kick-off, Perodua led by Alias Abu Hassan, the project chairman together with Hasrol Hashim, the R&D technical advisor and Perodua colleagues, have been visiting the teams, to co-ordinate with the students and their team leaders.

“Through these visits, Perodua will be able to monitor and counsel the teams besides checking on their progress and also any problems encountered along the way,” Aminar added.

The visits saw the institutions presenting their progress and the Perodua team was able to check on whether the teams are complying with the rules and safety regulations. Additional enquiries on technicalities were assisted by the Perodua R&D team while non-technical matters were handled by Perodua’s Corporate Communications’ committee members.

Aminar stressed, “We take into account their participation, presentation, commitment, enthusiasm and teamwork. This ensures that they will come up with exciting, new developments and technology on the engine. We hope to see many new ideas materialising. This will showcase our engineering students’ capabilities.“ The winning team whose vehicle can go the furthest on half a litre of Petronas Primax 95 will take home the grand prize of RM20,000 and those

with the best engineering feat will receive RM10,000 followed by the best design and participation being awarded RM5,000. New participants for this year’s challenge include Politeknik Port Dickson, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka.

The other institutions are Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Spanish Institute, Politeknik Sultan Azlan Shah, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Universiti Industri Selangor and Politeknik Ungku Omar.

140-acre parcel of land.

The first ever vehicle produced at NAM was a Naza Ria and as of May 2011, over 140,000 vehicles comprising 17 models have been assembled at the facility.

Among the models that have been produced at NAM include the Ria, Citra, Sorento, Spectra, Suria, Bestari, Forza, Sportage,

Spectra 5, Optima, Rondo, Pregio, Peugeot 407, Peugeot 308, Picanto, Forte and the Peugeot 207.

At present, the following models — Picanto, Forte, Pregio, Citra, Rondo, Peugeot 407, Peugeot 308 and the Peugeot 207 are assembled at NAM. Going forward, there are plans to assemble the Peugeot

3008, 508 and the new Kia Optima at NAM. The establishment of NAM has also spurred economic activity in Gurun and the surrounding areas in Kedah as it currently engages the services of 219 support service vendors and 64 parts and component vendors in Gurun and its surrounding areas.

WATCH the video of the teams presenting their preparation so far during a special event at our video channel at www.youtube. com/mailmotor

NAZA set for RM2.5 billion sales TAKING advantage of the growing markets within Asean Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (NAM), the manufacturing arm of the Naza Group of Companies are targeting to export RM2.5 billion worth of models assembled at its plant in Gurun over a six-year period ending 2016. Its Joint Group Executive Chairman, SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin said NAM is targeting to export a total of 64,000 units assembled at the plant from 2011 to 2016.

These models will include a new C-segment Peugeot sedan codenamed T73 as well as the Peugeot 207 and the Kia Pregio.

“In May 2004, NAM commenced operations and began a new chapter for the Naza Group as it marked our entry into the market as a manufacturer. Seven years later, we are poised to become a major exporter of vehicles assembled in Malaysia to markets in the region,” said SM Nasarudin.

For 2011, he said the Naza Group expects to export 2,000 units to markets in the region with a bulk of the exports comprising the 207 sedan as well as the Pregio van to Indonesia.

He said vehicles assembled at NAM are currently exported to Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei

and will soon be shipped to Australia, New Zealand and right-hand drive markets in the region.

SM Nasarudin added that NAM will also begin exporting specific components for the Forte to Vietnam in the second half of 2011. The Forte is currently being assembled in NAM for the Malaysian market.

Since commencing operations in May 2004, the Naza Group has invested RM714 million to-date in the facility, which includes an assembly plant, two-storey office, a test track, lots for vendors and suppliers and staff accommodation on a

lifestyle15 19

The Malay Mail Friday 20 may, 2011

Proton finishes 4th in Australian rally

By Shamsul Yunos lifestyle@mmail.com.my Alister McRae and co-driver Bill Hayes braved the odds to fend off a series of misfortunes on the third and final day of the International Rally of Queensland to give Proton a strong 4th place finish in what is considered the strongest field in the Asia Pacific rally championship in recent years.

Beginning the day with an eight second advantage over Mitsubishi’s Gaurav Gill, the pair was forced to relinquish the rally when the Proton Satria Neo S2000’s engine began misfiring after a water crossing in one of the day’s seven special stages.

Their charge back to the top

was dealt with an even serious blow when they were forced to slow down considerably as a result of a broken drive shaft over 50km of the last three special stages of the rally, causing them to lose more time.

Despite this, they managed to hang on to 4th place in front of a charging Rifat Sungkar of Indonesia, in a Mitsubishi Evolution 10.

“With no service interval, we were forced to slow down and nurse the car to the finish. It was a tough event, one that presented us with a lot of challenges. McRae and I are obviously disappointed in not being able to secure a podium finish but considering the circumstances, finishing 4th at least sees us heading to the

next APRC round with valuable championship points,” said Hayes.

Rejoining the final day of the rally after an early retirement on day two, Proton teammate Chris Atkinson endured a second electrical failure which ended his rally.

The rally was won by British driver Mark Higgins, who finished 16 seconds ahead of Gill, while in 3rd place was Japanese driver Katsuhiko Taguchi.

“It was a hard fought rally.

While we were hoping for a better result after a strong start, 4th place amidst an unfortunate last day will nevertheless go a long way in extending our position in the overall manufacturer’s championship, with full points on

Leg 1 and some good points on Leg 2 with a 4th overall and 1st in Class 2,” said Datuk Abdul Razak Dawood, the head of Proton Motorsports.

“Credit goes to Alister and Bill who were able to use all their experience to steer the car to the finish. The Satria Neo S2000 has clearly demonstrated that it has good pace and performance, and this is something we will work to further build on in our fight for the championship.”

Another consolation for Proton was the fact that its 1600cc group N Satria Neos finished 9th and 11th overall in the rally, and 1st and 2nd in class at the hands of Karamjit Singh and Proton Cusco Rally teammate Akira Bamba.

column Jazeman jives about his european job It’s about time I brought everyone up-to-date with what’s been happening over in Europe, where I am currently living and racing. The first race of the season was a little over a month ago, but since then I’ve been racing nearly every weekend which has been great.

Just to give you a little background, I’m competing in my second season of the British F3 championship, which is recognised as one of the key feeder series on the path to Formula 1. My first year in this series was a steep learning curve, with a bigger, more powerful and more aerodynamic car than I had previously driven. Most of the tracks were new to me as well, so the first part of a weekend was usually learning this before I could focus on developing the car set up.

I learnt so much last year and now I need to capitalise on this. I’m also competing in a new series called the FIA Formula 3 International Trophy, which brings together six existing F3 races and points scored in each of these count towards this championship.

Some of the races, like Macau, I’ve done before, and one of the events is the Spa round of the British F3 championship, but some of the others, like Zandvoort Masters, will be new to me, but are classic events. It’s a great opportunity for me to get more racing at this level, and gain knowledge of different race tracks, which we don’t visit as part of the British F3 series. There’s also a big prize for the top three in this series, which is qualifying for an F1 superlicence – so now you know why I decided to race in this as well!

As I write, I’ve done two rounds of the British F3 championship, which is six races – there’s always

three per weekend. I’ve had three podium finishes so far, and all the other finishes have been within the top six. This has put me in joint second place of the drivers’championship, and I’m pleased with this early season success. I need to keep this momentum going every time I’m out racing to be in with a chance of winning the title. An outright win has eluded me so far, but I’m knocking on the door and hope it will happen soon. I’ve raced in the first of the six rounds of the F3 International Trophy, which was an F3 Euroseries event at Hockenheim.

It was a big challenge, but I came away with a top ten finish and I’m lying sixth overall in the championship, which is a good start.

When I’m not racing I’m always doing something connected with it, from training and publicity events to meetings with my team and getting together with my engineer to look at last year’s data and plans for the next race. I race with Carlin in the British F3 series and often go to their HQ to spend time on a simulator, which is good preparation for racing.

Since the start of the year I’ve only managed to get back home in KL once, and that was a flying visit to join PETRONAS and Mercedes GP PETRONAS at the PETRONAS Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang. I had an excellent weekend, with the chance to hang out in the team’s garage and benefit from being part of the PETRONAS family.

I’m hoping to go to more F1 races if I can fit them in with my racing commitments, as I learn so much and really enjoy representing PETRONAS in the paddock.

It’s back to the cockpit for me now, I’ll catch up with you all again soon.

20 lifestyle

The Malay Mail Friday 20 MAY, 2011

A little push from the smiling lady luck

By LOONG WAI TING waiting@mmail.com.my “STAY calm, cool and collected at all time. Visualise the course and make no mistake.” That was what Kevin Kong, winner of the Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD) While Gymkhana is fast gaining name in the sporting arena, a lot of its drivers remained “un-scouted” challenge at the recent Cyberevent; and we even have RM200k on my 1980 Nissan think my preparation can be jaya Gymkhana world class drivers in our 280ZX Fairlady. The amount considered as the simplest.

Challenge 2011 own backyard.

I spent on the car was huge All I did was to hunt for a said when be“Well, I hope my good couple of cheap, secondhand that not even my mother ing asked about luck holds up for as long as I tyres. Tyres don’t come cheap knows about it,” Kevin said his winning continue to do this. I rather with a chuckle. these days, so I have to recipe. be lucky than talented,” Kevin “I bought it from an exresort for other cost effective Held at the concluded. rally car driver. My car is means.

Sports Arena As for Vijay, he will be out a street-driven car, which “It was really nerve-wreckin Cyberjaya, of action for a while — at means it’s not meant for the ing. The fear of screwing up some 50 drivers least for now. track. I have spent a total or forgetting the layout of participated in “The next event is in May, of RM200k for the past six the course would lead to a the challenge, but I don’t think I would be heavy penalty. Being the new years doing a lot of R&D on witnessed by able to make it as I have a kid on the block, I find it very my own and walked the path around 500 It is always best to remain calm in whatever sport a person is into wedding to attend to. But I less travelled. But apart from difficult to memorise the spectators, who would definitely be back for that, nothing was stripped layout.” braved the rain the next round.” off the car.”

Every man has his dream just to witness The sponsors for round The fact about the drifting and being a Gymkhanist is the spectacular fleet.

Other times, a lot of things Vijay Raj, who considers him1 are Red Line Oil Malaysia, something more like a hobby scene in Malaysia is that a lot While some have no can go wrong. No doubt, I self as a newbie to the sport.

Ultra Racing, Chumes, Selia of potential drivers, some of for Kevin than an actual task. trouble staying in the game, was the luckiest person on But Vijay, who also keeps a Group, Go-Pro Malaysia, whom are big-time winners “I do this for thrills and it is always best to remain that day,” he said. day job in the F&B and cusCyberview Sdn.Bhd, Midah (locally and internationally) kicks. Winning is secondary calm in whatever sport a “I rush to get last minute tomer service industry feels Electrical & Furniture & Zeroare given very minimal supbut necessary to prove to person is into, especially a touches done the day before that the biggest competitor tohundred.com. port. big game that is about to the actual competition starts; yourself and justify the effort in the competition is none Catch more tyre-screechWhile Gymkhana is fast you put in preparing the car happen. And for Kevin, time and tried to turn on an early other than the champion. ing action in round 2 tomorgaining name in the sportand event,” he shared. is also another huge factor night, which is quite rare as I “For now, it would be the row from 2pm to midnight, ing arena, a lot of its drivers “People from all walks of when it comes to balancing never have enough time in a person, who is currently in at the Sports Arena, Cyberjaremained “un-scouted”. life come together for one between work and play. the first placing,” he said half- day to complete everything ya. Please note that competi“They are a lot of extremecommon passion. GymThe champion said, “I had in my hands. The anxiety jokingly. tors will be parking inside ly talented and capable drivkhana-ing is my only fix for to make a lot of sacrifices prior to the race keeps you “Somehow I feel that it’s the car park compound; ers. I owe my winning this need-for-speed.” between play time (drifting) not enough coming in fourth thinking and up the whole spectators will need to park last event to them. Drifting There used to be a saying and work. In my case, I mannight for the most part.” place at the finishing race, at designated areas outside, is a sport that deserves its that sounds more or less like age my own business so I try Vijay, on the other hand, and that I can do better next media coverage as it is a very and please do not block the “racing is a rich man’s sport.” to be as discipline as I can, has a different view. “In comtime. Hopefully next time I public road. exciting form of motorsport “It’s true, I’ve spent over dividing what’s work and not. would be able to find someparison to the other drivers, I For me, work always comes one who is willing to sponsor first, if not I won’t be able to me, especially my tyres!” he afford to indulge in my pasjoked again. (Much will be sion for street drifting, also explained later in the article). known as Gymkhana.

Being in a competition is “Cars have become my not about winning, and half 'wife and girlfriends' whenof the time it’s about gaining ever I am free. I spend a lot experience. However, the of time just to maintain my winning formula does not cars. Being a homely person, just depends on the years of I spend a lot of time accomexperience, but rather a little panying my parents and help push from the lady luck heraround the house,” he shared. self — or so Kevin thinks.

More great news for the “No one goes into a race ladies! Kevin is still single at with at least a slight sense of the moment. going home a winner. Some On the other side of the days, luck is on your side and racing track is familyman, everything works perfectly.

The fact about the drifting scene in Malaysia is that a lot of potential drivers, some of whom are big-time winners locally and internationally, are given very minimal support

lifestyle15 21

The Malay Mail Friday 20 may, 2011

Victoria wants to give birth on Independence Day FASHION designer Victoria Beckham — who is expecting her fourth child, a daughter, with soccer star husband David — has booked in for a Caesarean section at a private hospital near her Los Angeles home as the couple are keen for the tot to be born in the USA as everyone has been so welcoming since they arrived in 2007.

A source close to the couple — who had originally intended to have their daughter in London’s Portland Hospital on the same date — told The Sun newspaper: “It’s going to be a massive family affair in America. While the date hasn’t changed, it was decided a Los Angeles clinic would be best for the immediate family.

“Victoria and David love America, its culture and her people, who have welcomed them with open arms. The most important thing is the health of mother and baby and things can always change at the last minute.

“But if it’s possible for the baby to be born on Independence Day, Vic and David would be thrilled.”

Jennifer Aniston is dating actor Justin Theroux The former Friends star — who was previously married to Brad Pitt and has dated Vince Vaughn and John Mayer — enjoyed a romantic dinner date with the Your Highness star Justin Theroux (pic) at the Sunset Towers Tower Bar in West Hollywood Wednesday night and the pair are said to have been getting to know each other "for a while".

A source told X17online: "Jen and Justin have recently started dating. They've known each other for a while, but they're more than friends now. They're cautious — they're both taking it slowly."

The couple arrived at the

restaurant separately, enjoying a three-hour dinner, but left via an underground car park, ducking down in the back of a chauffeur driven car which took them both back to Jennifer's Beverly Hills mansion.

The 42-year-old actress — who recently had to deal with the death of her beloved dog Norman — was recently told by her Greek-born father John she should start looking for a man with similar heritage to himself.

Asked if he wanted Jennifer to be with a Greek man, John said: "Yes, I would be glad about that.

But he'd have to be a good Greek man." — Bang Showbiz

'Glee' star thinks he would be a decent TV judge The date will also mark the couple’s 12th wedding anniversary.

Victoria and David — who moved to Los Angeles in 2007 with their three sons, Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, eight, and six-yearold Cruz after David signed for the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team — have hired a house near the hospital so their friends and

family can be near them once the baby arrives. It is also thought the pair want to give their daughter a name that pays tribute to their adopted home, with Atlanta being the favourite.

The source added: “David wanted a name that was relevant to their lives during the conception.”

— Bang Showbiz

Singer-and-actor Matthew Morrison, 32, best known for playing Will Schuester in musical TV drama Glee, insists he has no interest in being a panellist on a programme like The X Factor or America's Got Talent, because he would rather focus on his own career. Asked if he would be interested in judging The X Factor, he said: "Never.

I'm not a judge. It's something

I've never even thought about or aspired to be. Not that there's anything wrong with it and I'm sure I would probably be a decent judge, but I want to perform.

"I'd feel weird judging people too, because in this business I get judged a lot, so I wouldn't want to be on the other side. Who am I to judge?"

While Matthew has no interest in appearing on such a pro-

gramme, he thinks the decision to make British singer a judge on the new US X Factor alongside Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and L.A. Reid was the right one.

He added in an interview with heat magazine: "I don't know too much about her, but she was a judge in the UK. And she's a singer so she knows what she's talking about. So I think she'll be wonderful." — Bang Showbiz

Come for Hannah, stay for the games

By SHUHAIDAH SAHARANI iedas@mmail.com.my DiGi LIVE K-Pop: 2AM showcase

WHAT: After a successful Digi Live K-Pop Party 2011 with Cube artistes early this year, DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd is collaborating with Universal Music Malaysia to have Korean boy band 2AM here. If you’re a fan, don’t you dare miss it as this is the boys’ first time in Malaysia. To secure the showcase passes, prepaid and postpaid DiGi customers need to reload RM50 via flexi e-load and activate DiGiMusic Pluz at RM5 to get ONE showcase pass per mobile number. For fans who have not pre-booked, passes are available at DiGi Stores at Berjaya Times Square and Sunway Pyramid, while stocks last.

WHERE: Wisma MCA, Jln Ampang, KL WHEN: 6pm, May 21 WEBSITE: www.universalmusic. com.my

For the comic, anime, games and cosplay enthusiasts, here’s the chance for you to dress up and show off your other side!

HELP University College is hosting a two-day Cosplay, Comic, Anime and Games Exhibition (C2AGE) event on May 21 and 22 at Tropicana City Mall from 11am to 7pm. And it’s open to public for free.

Also attending the occasion is the living anime doll, singer and actress Hannah Tan (pic) as the special guest.

“I’m honoured to have been invited to officiate the opening of the event,” she told The Malay Mail with a smile.

Since Hannah has been spreading her talent to Japan — the centre of cosplay, manga and anime — we wondered if she has embraced the culture there and become a hardcore fan of comic and cosplay.

“Personally, there is a great level of interest, although compared to the rest of the other anime enthusiasts I wouldn’t do the term ‘fan’ much justice!” she said, laughing.

WHERE: Ministry of Sound, Euphoria at Sunway Lagoon Resort WHEN: 10pm, May 20 PRICE: RM60, RM390 (4 pax) CONTACT: 03-74951788, 03-74951789 WEBSITE: euphoria.com.my

‘Baroque Bon-Bons’ with the MPO

White Nite with DJ Romel

WHAT: DJ Romel will heat the night with you with the Sounds of Techno, provided that you move your body right on the dance floor that is! Guests dressed in white will enjoy a Martini cocktail “Bootylicious” on the house. Party the night away with the ethereal chillout feel perfectly complemented by the white décor.

WHERE: 7atenine, Ascott KL, No. 9 Jln Pinang, KL. WHEN: 10.30pm, May 21 CONTACT: 03-21617789, 012-2103055

Super8 & Tab at Euphoria

WHAT: Nominated as “Best Breakthrough DJ” at 2010 Miami WMC IDMA Awards, Super8 & Tab are renowned for leading the charge of the Nordic Trance Revolution by taking the sound to a whole new level. Meet Finland’s Miika Eloranta and Janne Mansnerus, the duo behind Super8 & Tab live tonight and experience the sounds of the forward-thinking originators that are at the front of the breaking trance pack first hand!

WHAT: The MPO will present a dose of Baroque music in an enticing programme aptly themed ‘Baroque Bon-Bons’ consisting works by Corelli, Handel, Pachelbel and Albinoni. All performances by the MPO will be led by the director of music at Trinity College, Cambridge, Stephen Layton, who is probably best-known for his award-winning discs of choral music. Listen to the virtuosity of the MPO and soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, presenting nothing but the best in classical music, only at DFP. WHERE: Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Petronas Twin Towers WHEN: 8.30pm (May 21) and 3pm (May 22) PRICE: RM20, RM40, RM65, RM85 CONTACT: 03-20517007 WEBSITE: www.mpo.com.my and www.dfp.com.my

Spin Party

WHAT: The Carlsberg DJ's Spin Party will see DJ Keli Hart on the deck at Ecoba this week. The night will also feature DJ/model Patricia Knudsen and Joey G as emcee.

“Living in Japan has put elements of the Japanese culture very close to my heart and events like these are probably the closest I can get to the Japanese expression of ‘creativity’ in KL. It’s great.”

We can’t help but wonder if she’ll be in costume that day.

“Haha, no I will leave the essence of cosplay to the people that do it best!”

But if she were to get all dolled up in costume, what would she dress up as?

“Choice of character — I’ve always wanted to try out a superhero costume so perhaps Wonder Woman?” she said, before pausing. “Oh God I can’t possibly imagine myself as that!” said the Penang-born lass who added that she will be at the event only on Saturday morning. So come on down to meet Hannah in person, as it is an opportunity not to be missed!

C2AGE also promises a host of other exciting activities such as art competition, eat-all-you-can noodle contest, band performances, life size checkers, treasure hunt and many more.

WHERE: Ecoba Restaurant & Bar B-G-02, Level 1, Menara Bata (Tower B) PJ Trade Centre, Bandar Damansara Perdana, PJ WHEN: 10pm, May 20 CONTACT: 03-77101118 WEBSITE: http://www.ecoba.com. my/

Soul up with Maya Tan and Friends

WHAT: Maya Tan will be playing some of her original songs that night. Others include Zalina Lee, Peter Ong and the Nish Tham trio, where the ensemble celebrates soul with songs from Al Green, The Isley Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and The Pips. The entertainment is free!

WHERE: Alexis Bistro, Ground Floor, Great Eastern Mall, Jalan Ampang, KL WHEN: 10pm, May 20 and 21 CONTACT: 03-42602288 WEBSITE: http://www.alexis.com. my/

Blowout!

MINES: 2011 International Book Fair

The International Book Fair will be held at Mines International Exhibition Centre, 2nd Floor, MIECC, Jalan Dulang, MINES Resort City, Selangor from 11am till 10pm, on May 27 until June 5. Admission is free. Contact 03-89495566 for enquiries or visit http:// www.readmalaysia.my.

SUBANG JAYA: Assunta Class of '78 Reunion Cum Birthday Bash

Other than that, JPM Motorsport, the organisers of Autobac SUPER GT 2011 Series Round 3, will also be showcasing a mock race car and (real) GT Queens. Also, look out for booth display of drawings, rare collectibles and master replicas exhibited by artists and toy collectors all over Malaysia. What’s more, enthusiastic gamers can test your gaming skills at GAME MAX DOTA and Counter Strike 1.6.

For more information, log on to http://www.help.edu.my/ c2age2011 WHEN: 10pm, May 21 PRICE: RM35 (ladies), RM45 (men) CONTACT: 03-22822018 WEBSITE: http://www.mistclub. com.my

KAM...Fully Loaded!

WHAT: Malaysia's Queen of Risque, Joanne Kam, together with diva-comedian Bibi Kay Poh and Will Quah are fully loaded with sequins and bawdy wit to challenge the intelligence of its discerning audience with their new, burlesque-inspired show, KAM Fully Loaded! Fully loaded with risque humour and campy theatrics to loosen inhibitions, the irreverent trio will be supported by the smokin' hot Sexy Divas in a glittery spectacle to glam up PJ Laugh Fest.

WHERE: PJ Live Arts Sdn Bhd, Ground Floor, Block K, Jaya One, 72A Jalan University, PJ WHEN: 5.30pm, 8.30pm, May 20-22 CONTACT: 03-79600439 EMAIL: boxoffice@pjla.com.my WEBSITE: http://www.pjla.com. my/event/kamfully-loaded

A History of Falling Things

WHAT: To celebrate the international anniversary of the biggest Malaysian hip hop management, Livescape presents International and local DJs Theo Martin (US), Mizz Nina, Joe Flizzow, Sona One and The Stylustiks for a birthday bash that's just out of this world!

Admission is free for ladies before 11pm.

WHERE: Mist Club, 18, Jalan Liku, Bangsar

What’sUp

WHAT: The debut performance of this year’s Theatre for Young People ensemble (T4YP), A History Of Falling Things tells the story of Robin and Jacqui who met online and communicate solely via webcam. They both suffer from a fear of satellites falling from the sky. So how will their relationship develop if they cannot meet in person?

WHERE: Pentas 2, KLPac, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, Off Jalan Ipoh, KL WHEN: 8.30pm (May 21) and 3pm (May 21 and 22) PRICE: RM23 and RM13 CONTACT: 03-40479010 WEBSITE: http://www.klpac.org

Assunta girls who left school in 1978 are invited to the reunion and birthday bash get-together, which will be held at Holiday Villa Subang on June 25 at 6.30pm. The guest of honour for the evening will be Sister Enda and a host of teachers, advisors, PTA members and your childhood friends.

For ticket reservation and inquiries, contact Sabrina (012-6324611) or Jacky Klassen (012-3298470).

PETALING JAYA: MasterChef audition

Astro will be airing the local version of the popular cooking reality show MasterChef and is currently on a drive to find their reality chef contestants at Kolej Damansara Utama, Jalan SS 22/41, Damansara Jaya on May 21 from 11am to 1pm. For

more information on what you have to do or prepare, log on to http://www.astro.com.my/ masterchef/

KUALA LUMPUR: III Latin American Fiesta

Come and join the grand annual Latin American Fiesta on May 22 from 11am to 6pm at BB Park at Bukit Bintang Central, where you will find plenty of food, arts and crafts on sales from various Latin American countries. The Cuban stall will offer authentic Cuban cuisine, Cuban cocktail “Mojitos” and many more. The proceeds generated by this event will be donated to UNICEF in aid of the children of Haiti. Entrance is free.

KUALA LUMPUR: ITEX 2011

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre will play host for the 22nd International Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition on May 20 till 22, from 10am to 6pm.

This exhibition features the latest inventions and innovations by universities, research institutions, individual inventors and corporate sectors from ASEAN countries, Asia and Europe, and is organised annually by MINDS (Malaysian Invention & Design Society).

Admission is free. Contact 0379824668 for more details.

sudoku

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

MONDAY'S solution

22lifestyle

The Malay Mail Friday 20 may, 2011

PROPERTY / MOTORING / HEALTH / HOME

Friday 20 MAY, 2011

the malay mail

23

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

M30

Apartments for sale

M131

Vehicles for tender

M131

Vehicles for tender

M131

Vehicles for tender

M131

Vehicles for tender

Vehicles for hire

ONE DAY, WEEKLY, MONTHLY for cars / Mpv manual/ auto.

Expat welcome . Fast delivery.

Call: 017-638 1954 CARS REQUIRED

SYMPHONY HEIGHT Batu Caves Unit Terhad Utk Bumi Shj tanpa bayaran muka tanpa SPA fees Tel: 03-6187 7888 / 012-953 6189 Azman

M33

M321

M321

Fashion/health & beauty

Fashion/health & beauty

AAAAA QUEENS SPA Male and female masseurs, out call service available. Private & Cosy. Call: 03-9057 1336/ 016-646 9891 www.klqueensland.com

OUT DOOR/ HOTEL Full Body massage by young Chinese, Indo, Thai girls. Call: 016-245 1749

M138

Apartments to let CASAVISTA CONDO. 17, JALAN KAPAS, BANGSAR. 1288sf with 1 c/park Amazing view and location. pool, gym, tennis court. 4 mins wlk to bsc, quiet, 2 mins to shuttle to KL Sentral. rent - RM 2700-2900 Tel : 011- 1632 6448/ 012- 248 6006

M135

Financing/insurance service

M130

Car for sale

M130

Car for sale

M130

Car for sale

AKS BEAUTY CENTRE INDIAN Traditional Hot stone oil massage. Come Experience our exciting services. Call: 037984 3077 for appointment.

M135

Vehicles for hire

OUTDOOR-GOOD MASSAGE for better. Pre-Postnatal too. By matured experienced malay. Seeks JV. 017-640 4919 ct Klang.

M34 CAR LOAN Refinancing,Maintain name/ NCB. Blacklisted individual are qualified to apply & purchase. Aerowatts Auto S/B (678070-M) Tel:03-6185 8982, 012-308 3528

Apartment for sale/to let UKAY PERDANA, Sri Hijauan Aprt. 800sf, 3r2b, s/ pool, security, Sales 135K. Rent 700.

Const. just completed. 012-292 3552 E(3)1317

M38

ALL NEW MODELS. Stk available. Attractive promotion.

Stock 2011 Fast delivery. Full loan. Free gifts. 012-326 9849, 012-6961 552

Properties to let

GOOD NEWS !!! Great promotion. Immediate stock , Fast approval. High trade in. Low d/ payment. Free body kit & sport rim for Forte. All new Sorento ready stock. Sportage, Citra RS, Rondo, Picanto, Pregio.

Call: 03-4256 5556 Ampang

APARTMENT IN SEC17, 4 Bedrooms, available from 1st June, RM 1,500. FLAT in Sri Manja, available from 1st June, RM 650. Call Foong at 03-4293 6223 / 016-247 5820

WISMA YAN, Jalan Selangor PJ, Prime & Commercial area, carpark bay, security. Available space Grd floor 5,350sf,1st floor approx 1000 sq ft, 1960sq ft. 2nd floor approx 7,784 sq.

Interested, please call at Doris 03-7955 4157

ALZA, MYVI, VIVA. Great disc.

Low d/p. Low interest. 0 d/p can arrange. Nadzrin 019-228 2800 KL, Sel, Putrajaya.

Shops for sale/to let

M130

Fashion/health & beauty

AROMA TRADITIONAL Massage by local Indian girl. Relaxing for male. 1pm -11pm.

Appointment DIVYA 014-6315 227 (002010495-XX)

Commercial vehicles for sale HYUNDAI PROMOTION !!!

Sonata, Tucson, Santa Fe, Starex, Avante, i30, Accent, Getz, i10. Special discount.

Super high trade in (any car).

Low d/p & interest. Easy loan approval. Mystery gift. Beautiful plate no. Fast delivery. Excellent customer service. HQ 012-381 0737

ALL MODELS CAR Van & MPV, Toyota Alphard, Wish, BMW, Naza Ria, Kia Spectra, Vios, Waja & Perdana V6 etc. Reasonable price. Free delivery. Tel: 019-599 9973 / 012-2532 566 Roadster Travel (KPL/LN 3540)

0 AARON MASSAGE Services (1606620-V) by Female.

Privacy assured. Out call service available. +6012-393 0136

CHERY EASTAR ES MPV 2.0L.Now with sunroof,free gps and more gifts for May 2011 customer!unbeatable price!call to believe! Terry Nyap 016-812 5671.

NISSAN ALL NEW Models Promotion. Full loan. Debit cash RM3k - 10K. 100% ready stock with impuls earo kit.

Leader seats, tinted. Guarantee 1 week delivery. High trade in. 24 hrs approval. Door to door service. Call: Junson 0166666 132

ERA KOMUTER 2.5D (15 seater) Reverse camera, touch screen monitor. Aero seats. LCD monitor & foldable rear seats. Price from RM99,888.00. Era Jinbie 2.2L Petrol (14 seater) Reverse camera. LCD Monitor ABS + EBD Price from RM68,800.

MR Chua 012-855 9229

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

3 HERBALS (Radix Eurycoma, Ginseng & Maca Root) To reestablish sexual performance & General health. 013354 3369/ 012 3026568

CUSTOMIZE HAIRPIECE / Toupee / Wig - RM1,700 only.

More info : www.hairsetup.com Call: 019-3118916 , 03- 9274 7857

TRADITIONAL MASSAGE Newly Opened in Damansara .Call Sandra,Nancy, or Fifi, Cindy.Tel: 012-258 1334 ( Just Relax Massage Centre )

AROMA ASIAN Massage. For outdoor only. With Promotion price. Interested please Call Julie: 016-293 1051 OUTCALL TRADITIONAL MASSAGE, pre / post natal,body Scrub for men / women by experienced masseur. Call: Mira 013-336 3160

(NEW) INOKOM & HINO Special promotion, free body.

Call:012-3211 453/ 0123225334

OUTDOOR / INCALL MSSG by local indian girls. 2 1/2 mile jln ipoh. 16-679 7786 / 016-642 3786 Kajal.

99 MASSAGE & SPA (1452468-W). Massage done by young girls. Release your tensions. Tel: 014-2288 921

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON TO BUY MEN & WOMEN HEALTH PRODUCTS? Tongkat Ali Ginseng, Pearl Collagen Miracle etc?

Want to gain & retain vitality & vigor? Call En.Zaini (free delivery): 012-232 7577

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

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

MAN MUST TRY!!! Increase Erection & Long lasting. No side effects & Non-addictive, Malaysian Made. Man 0192222 503

LORRY AVAILABLE IN Six variantsNKR-(4500KG), NPR-(5000KG) Trade -in accepted. Call: 012-333 1189 / 019-329 2222

03-7947 2288

THAI MASSAGE Jln Tun Razak, near Pasar Pudu - Wisma Indah, Interested please call: Erna 016-963 6465

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT Coaching. Take control of your weight. For 1st Free session sms name to 016 2366 381

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

PROTON ISWARA SEDAN 1.3 (M) 01/ 02 Whit.One owner, tip top cond, acc free. See to believe. RM7,500 Nego. Mr Raj 012-208 9447 / 013-208 9447

BLUE ROSE AROMAS 24A, Lrg Ara Kiri 2, Lucky Gdn Bangsar.Therapist local Indian girls.Private&cosy.11am-11pm. Ms Meera 03-20945542/ 016-2056003

(NEW) HICOM, High discount, high trade in, cheapest in town.

Call: 016-248 8363 / 012-676 3609.

Car for sale

‘0’ DEPOSIT ALL PROTON Models, no license can buy, 100% loan for gov. & private staff, int from 3.0%, loan fast approval, high trade in. Meet at your place. Free smart tag, touch n go, full fuel, steering lock, tinted. Open everyday.Mr Lim 012-214 0207

M321

ASX. MIT TRITON. PAJERO Sport, Lancer & Grandis. Trade in accepted . Call: 012-977 6961 HARUN

M54

RESTAURANT FOR Sale/ Lease at Jalan Tun Sambanthan 3, Brickfields. KL. Corner lot 100’ X 28’. Renovated, on going business. RM180k Nego.

Rental per mth only RM5000/ Call: 012-233 1252

A DAILY, WEEKLY, MTLY. RM50-RM300. All types of cars. MPV, Van & 4 x 4. Call: ARI 016-683 2111 / BEN 016901 2276

M133

M43

Office to let

PROTON MAC 2.58% Saga FL 37k, d/p 0 9yrs RM398 Pesona 46k, d/p 0 9 yrs RM498 Exora 58k, d/p 0 9 yrs RM 608 - Exchange old car get 6K. SALARY RM1200 aprv. - GOV, BLACKLIST Aprv. Student welcome - loan 140% -Trade in accpt. face book: rejalfaaisproton 013-679 9967

EURO RENT (KKKP4225) New fleet of Proton cars, MPV & vans. Long/ short term rentals. Corporate/ expats. Credit card accepted. Call Fabian: 037877 1834/5, 012-238 1769. www.euro-rentacar.com.my

UNWIND YOURSELF In/ Outcall massage. Buy 3 free 1.

Courses in Beauty & Hair styling. 012-360 5734/ 016-380 1297

24

the malay mail

M399

Maids available/wanted

INDONESIAN HOUSE MAID WANTED. Age below 23. Employer in KL. Email profile and T&C to employer (maid@ gk.my)

HOME / OTHERS / JOBS

M414

M303

Photography

VIDEO to DVD Conversion.

Video filming & Photography Svs. 03-4041 6850 / 6277 4991 / HP 012-235 5190. www.sheelvision.com

M390

Home services/renovations

M300

Education

Computer

CREATE PROGRAM MLM / Affiliate For your own Products, or your own Website for your MLM Group that you joint.

You can set levels of members from 0 - Unlimited Level, Website Replica, E-Wallet, System Matrix, System REF Sponsor Randomizer / AutoFill / Admin.

Promotion price: RM 950.

(Including Hosting + Domain + Design). Normal price : RM 1500 â “ RM 5000. Www.WangLebat.Com. 016 - 323 5658 / 013 - 3058445. AIDA

M430

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

OUR MINDS Can heal our body.Heartaches, Headaches, Stress, Pains, Phobias, Fears, Bad Habits?Join 1 hr FREE talk & take home some great ideas how you can heal yourself. Reg. now. Tunku 03-2095 9513.

HOUSE RENO Painting, A/ cond, marble polish, parquet, carpet, sofa wash, plumbing & grill. NIZAM: 019-3811510

WOOD STAIRCASE, FLOOR, Timber, Pergoda, Furniture, Kitchen Cabinet, Chengal, Balau, Merbau.

Call: 019-669 0029 Darwin.

PROVEN & TESTED: Over 9,215 people won 4D in a week! Last 2 days for those who want to take the 1 hour 4D Training Prediction Course, to win this week coaching by the Professional Author and Physics Maths Expert at our Training Center at Pusat Kajian Fizik Sains, Sunway. Call: 019329 4728 Mr. Yap or 012-239 2775 Mr. Goh to book now.

Get this new 4D Formula book title: Rahsia Menang Lottery 4D Akhirnya Terbongkar. Click to see www.SureKena.com

GET A 100% Free, fully customizable, professional online e commerce store to sell your productsâ ¦ via Online/Internet.

The Benefits:+ Keep 100% of the profits + Expose to 26 Million people in Msia. + Start accepting orders immediately + Multi language & multi currency. + No admin charges. No onetime fee + Free shopping cart designs. + Integration to Paypal-Ready + Integration to MBB, PBB, HLB, Affin Bank, Ambank, etc is upon request. Visit www. arkdata.com.my now & register your free copy. For further inquiries, - Mr.Kong at 03-2096 9089 - Mr.Eric at 012-323 3429

M393

M394

Home electrical appliances

4D JACKPOT SOFTWARE Super Skill for high accuracy numbers each RM289.90 Call: 013-3257 008

EXECUTIVE DIPLOMA RM3000. BBA, MBA, PHD, US University. Home study, no MQA. Call: 016-672 4995 / 032718 0901 MQA APPROVED DIP.in accountancy (ACCT) & Mgt (FT / PT) RM 400 p/m - PTPTN & EPF claimable. Call: 03-6092 5254 / www.asa.edu.my / SMS: 012- 656 1160.

MQA/ JPA recognised MBA programme.Credit transfer and exemptions acceptable.P/T weekends.EPF withdrawable.

Shree 0126561160 UNLEASH THE MUSIC INSIDE YOU. Classes for-guitars, drums, saxophones, keyboards, Piano, violin.Call 03- 7873 6388.

CUPID’S TOUCH high success rate genuine clientele. 0321426118 / 21421118 / 016650 1118 www.cupidstouch. com.my

M515

Jobs

Jobs

Jobs

AN ESTABLISHED Logistics Company urgently required General Clerk & Drivers with GDL. Interested candidates kindly call 03-5638 9533

Articles for sale BUSSINES FOR SALE at Pantai Hill Park. Hair Saloon & Beauty Centre. Regular customer. Good location. Neg. Tel: 010-4389700.

WE HAVE more than 1 Million Malaysia Updated Email & Phone List to Boost Up Your Business.10,000 Email List for RM200 & 1,000 Phone List for RM200. This Month Promotion: Free Email Blasting Marketing Software + Training. Call Mr Goh :012-2392775 or Mr Yap :012-2168427

MAMYPOKO/ HUGGIES/MAMAN, Korea/ USA/ Europe.

Direct from factory! Packing 80 pcs. From RM28 SMS: 012624 9699 Ms Lim

PLSG ONLINE RM50.00 The Mark of The Great Man.Mobile Agent Wanted. Hotline HQ: 012-758 5800 www.abangpower.com

CO FORMATION RM1,400.

Work permit, shelf co., rep. of office, MOF, close down, secretarial & audit. Call: 012-696 3631.

Tour & travel

AS PART OF Our Diversity & Inclusion work culture, we would like to extend opportunities for experienced retirees and housewives to work in our reputable organization in the areas of finance & accounting; payroll services; and IS. Diploma and/ or Certificate holders are also encouraged to apply. Call Maimunnah at 03-224 69728 for an interview appointment

TOMAZSHOES! LEATHER Shoes! RM69-RM89! High Quality and Comfortable! eCurve, D’sara and IOI Mall, Puchong 017-707 8383

CRAFT BAKERS, an European style community bakery for breads and sandwiches located at Solaris Dutamas urgently require 2-3 café/bakery staff to prepare sandwiches and coffee. Training will be provided for sandwich / food preparation and for barista skills. Working hour between 8am and 4pm.

Hourly rate between RM6 to RM7 depending on experience and performance. Must be able to speak in English. School leavers are encouraged to apply if you would like to develop skills in bakery industry. Contact Gandhi at 012-290 0504 or email to craftbakers@craftbakers.org.uk.

Articles wanted ONLY RM800. To take up 5 Days/ 4Nights Travel Packages. India, Phuket, Bali, Philippines/ more. Call: 010-218 9198 or 017-641 5062

DO YOU speak English? Work from Home or Office. P / T 1K - 8K / Mth. SMS: 012-940 5754 Mr. Rob Or www.wfhweb.com/ eastasia

INVEST US$10+ To Gain RM5000+ p.m. lifetime passive income or invest US$100+ to gain 150% free benefits for pre IPO international bank shares.

Call : 6010-210 1649 KEMENTERIAN KEWANGAN MOF Registration, Bumi status. Call: 03-40434000 / 0193840000. www.Ready Companies.com

03-7947 2288

ADMIN / GENERAL CLERK wanted. Female only. With/WO experience. Training provided.

Shah Alam. Call: 03-5569 4992 / 72 or Email: homewestsb@ hotmail.com ADMIN COORDINATORS vacancies for Admin Coordinators, min 1 yr working experience, good interpersonal & communication skill, good salary + allowance, preferably Chinese & staying nearby Old Klang Road, KL. Interested candidate pls call Ms Yani / Sara - 03-7981 8166 / 019-273 1989 or email your resume to: iscahr@yahoo.com

AUDIT/ ACCOUNT assistants needed. Call: 03-2070 0443 / 5. Send your resume & application to lca883@hotmail.com or Fax: 03-2070 2945. Salary up to RM2500

BISTRO BAR AT DAMANSARA requires: Cashier. (Salary RM 1100++). Preferably Malaysian female. Interested, call Julie at 014-262 6300 BOUTIQUE / Retail Assistant (Female) wanted at Cats Whiskers boutique. Good salary package. Call 7725 0460 on Mon -Thurs between 9am-6pm.

PERSONAL ASSISTANT (Female) and Models as Umbrella girls. Call Garang Racing. 037784 9241, 019-3633 431

COUNTER SALES, Accounts Executive, Technician, Sales Executive, Inventory & Lorry Driver. 019-601 1000 / 03-4048 1000 / 4042 4688 CREDIT RECOVERY OFFICERS wanted at Klana Jaya.

School leavers or fresh graduate encourage to apply. Interested call: 016-2070 228 John

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kad Kahwin & Banner Manufacturer in PUDU (near time square) needed Graphic Designer. 18 - 30 years old. Full - Time positions. Call Ms. Chin 03-2145 5459 or walk in interview at 24, Jalan Nyonya, Off Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur. Fresh graduates are encouraged to apply. Further info at web: www. orange2u.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER NEEDED urgently. Able to work independently. Location: Diamond Square, Setapak. If interested call: 017-880 7325

IMMEDIATE VACANCY FOR 1) General Clerk cum Cashier.

2) Sales Assistance. Salary RM1200-RM1300 + commission. Age below 35yrs old. Able to speak English. Off on week day. 3) Part-time Cleaner. In a batik shop at Jln Imbi. Interested call: 03-2143 2825 / 032144 2596

IMMEDIATE VACANCY For pharmacies and Lab Technology at International Pharmacy.

Call: 016-244 9689/ 019-642 8899

IMMEDIATE VACANCY. Wanted female general clerk with SPM qualification. Computer literacy. 5 day per week at Segambut, Sri Sinar. Interested call Mr. Lim 019-275 3585

LORRY DRIVER NEEDED urgently. Age 35 years and above.

Location Puchong. Interested please contact 03-8062 2228

RECOVERY OFFICERS Supervisor/ Manager needed. Attractive basic salary, commission and performance bonus provided. Located near the Pudu LRT station. (walking distance) Call: 03-9195 5551 @ 5552 or E-mail gtr@galatrack.com

SALES EXECUTIVE - Min SPM / Diploma in Mechanical 2 years exp in Sales - Dynamic, self motivated and work independent - Possess own transport - Basic salary + Commission & Allowance) Call:03-4291 7811 / 7129

SALES EXECUTIVE wanted.

Start immediately with/without experience. Training provided.

Own car. Based near Bandar Utama. Age 21 to 40. Malaysian only. Earn RM3k-6K. Contact Jimmy 017-252 9802

SALES REPRESENTATIVE customer care executive.

Wanted in Puchong urgently. Attractive remuneration package.

Interested candidates please call or email resume to info@rptanks.com Tel: 03-8076 2886

M398

Services

EARN RM5K / MONTH or more as EXTRA INCOME without selling! YES! WITHOUT SELLING! Unbelievable? BELIEVE IT! SMS BB/name/age/location to 013-277 8625 for details. Bumiputera only!

ACCOUNTS CLERK able to handle full set of accounts with knowledge in payroll (knowledge in UBS preferred). 2) HR Exec with UBS payroll knowledge. 3) Admin cum Sales Clerk with experiences on shipping documentations.

Vacancies are available at Balakong, pls contact Ms Yap 019-655 6018, Rose 016-269 2369 or email to sch_yap@yahoo.com

CAR PARK CASHIER , full time, with OT claim & allowance, any ages, experience, training provided, computer literate. Retirees & School leavers encourage. Ms Abby 03-7983 8802

BUY NEW TONER or ink cartridge, HP, Samsung, Canon, Fuji Xerox, Brother, Oki, Lexmark, high value plus bonuses.

Call: 017-674 6308

M372

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sports

Malaysia, UAE, Oman, Lebanon, Myanmar, Vietnam and hosts Sri Lanka set to contest Group III at next month's Asia-Oceania Davis Cup tie in Colombo from June 15-18 KUALA LUMPUR

Partnership blossoms

ARIEZ

TOP national junior player Ariez Elyaas Deen Heesham was full of praise for partner Ahmed Deedat Abdul Razak.

"He has strong character with a drive to succeed," said Ariez, 17.

Ariez partnered Deedat in the second-leg of the national championships. The partnership was impressive as they reached the final, losing to Si Yew Ming and Muhd Ashaari Zainal 6-4, 7-5.

"It was the first time we partnered. Despite the loss in the final it was a good tournament.

"We were a good team. We were comfortable with each other — on and off the court.

I hope we can be partners more often," said Ariez.

BackToSchool with Vijhay Vicks

vijhayvick@mmail.com.my

LISTEN AND LEARN: (From left) National coach Deen Heshaam Tan Abdullah, Deedat and Ariez at a training session yesterday — Pic: RAZAK GHAZALI

Ariez, who spent several training stints in Barcelona under former world top 20 player Albert Portas, recently picked up six doubles ATP points after reaching the semifinals at the Thailand F3 Futures.

He partnered Hungarian Gabor

Csonka.

"I want singles points as well," said Ariez.

Ariez leaves for Jakarta today to compete in three Futures events there. He hopes to qualify for the main draw and pick up ATP points.

The Malay Mail Friday 20 MAY, 2011

CHRONOLOGY OF DEEDAT’S ACHIEVEMENTS At age of 10 — Deedat was averaging quarterfinal/ semifinal appearances at national Under-10 tournaments At age of 11 — Ranked No. 1 in national Under-12 circuit At age of 12 — Highest achievement was semifinal appearance in national Under-14 circuit At age of 13 — Ranked No. 4 in ITF Asian Under-14 Tour At age of 14 — Began playing in ITF Asian Under-18 Tour, mainly reaching the second round.

Best Deedat did was being losing semifinalist in the Malacca leg At age of 15 — Underwent training in US. Represented Malaysia in World Junior Under-16 championships

On the right track Deedat set to achieve potential

IT all started one evening eight years ago when Abdul Razak Mohd Yussof took his eight-year-old son to the tennis courts at their condominium in Ampang.

Today, that boy, Ahmed Deedat, speaks proudly of his progress and is thankful to his dad for introducing him to the sport.

"We used to play four times a week for fun. I started to improve over the next two years," said Deedat.

It was then that father and son decided to take up the sport actively. The duo watched tennis videos to improve their skills.

"My dad took extra effort.

He read several tennis books and asked around for guidance to improve my play.

He needed to do that as he was just a social player," said Deedat.

Surprisingly, Abdul Razak did not hire a personal coach for Deedat.

It was only last year that Deedat trained under renowned coach Nick Bollettieri for four months in the United States. The American has worked with some of the world's biggest names in the game — Andre Agassi, Maria Sharapova, Martina Hingis and Tommy

Haas, to mention a few.

"It was a good experience but I did not like it there.

The coaches are dedicated but those under them didn't have the right attitude. They were more interested in partying!" Deedat added.

Since coming back Deedat, has been under the watchful eyes of national coach Deen Heshaam Tan Abdullah.

At the second-leg of the national championships in March, Deedat showed just why he is a player to watch.

In fact, his performance in the tournament surprised many.

Deedat, seeded 13th, showed several top seeds the exit en-route to the final. The likes of Marco J. Sitepu (fifth seed), Muhd Ashaari Zainal (third), and Abdul Hazli Zainudin (second) were among his victims.

He came mighty close to defeating national No. 1 Si Yew Meng in the final, losing narrowly 7-6, 7-6.

Deedat will have to do well in the third-leg of the national championships this week.

"I must prove my runnerup position in the second-

leg was not a fluke. But focus should not be on reaching the final again, it is about improving my game," said Deedat, who stands at 1.73m.

Deedat targets a top 300 world ranking in the next five years.

According to him, besides improving his technique he will need to be stronger physically and mentally.

DEEDAT

friDay 20 MAY, 2011

the malay mail

27

28

sports

The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) will only compete in 12 international tournaments this year after suffering budget cuts from the National Sports Council

JOHOR/Athletics

Tell us!

Neglected States demand answers

By VIJHAY VICK vijhayvick@mmail.com.my

The Johor AAA wants to know why they have not received any equipment that was supposedly distributed to all States under the core sports programme.

It was reported yesterday in The Malay Mail that the national athletics body received funds to purchase equipment but over RM280,000 was not utilised.

Johor AAA general secretary S. Rajasegram is crying foul.

“They were given the money for a purpose. They have to use the money for only that,” said Rajasegram. “Where is the money?”

“MAAU must be trans-

parent and come clean on this matter."

Saying this reflected badly on MAAU, Rajasegram wanted to know why the national body was being badly managed when they had a full-time general manager.

"The general manager is supposed to ensure the smooth running of the association. He should report to the president directly if something is amiss."

It was learnt Malacca too did not benefit from the allocation while it was confirmed that Kuala Lumpur and Perlis did receive some equipment.

Attempts to contact some of the other MAAU affiliates were futile.

Malacca AAA general secretary Rengan Pakkri was stumped when he heard his State was supposed to receive equipment.

"I know nothing about this and we didn't receive any," said Rengan.

John Ayaru of Perlis and Federal Territory's S. Vegiyathuman both acknowledged receiving equipment.

Meanwhile, a former member of the core sports programme unit revealed NSC did indeed park close to RM500,000 with MAAU and used part of it to purchase the first batch of equipment. He said MAAU had later insisted on handling the second batch.

The Malay Mail Friday 20 MAY, 2011

SUNWAY/BOWLING

Li Jane hopes momentum will carry her through

National bowler Sin Li Jane is looking for a flourish at the Malaysian International Open at Sunway Megalanes in Sunway Pyramid which begins today.

However, she admits the championship will be tough as a strong line-up was announced yesterday. Li Jane reckons Australia, Hong Kong and Korea will pose strong challenges.

Yet, she insists anything can happen and Lady Luck may play a role in determining the winner.

“As usual, anybody can win it. Bowling is such,” said Li Jane, 19. “It boils down to performance on competition day. Hopefully, homeground advantage will help."

Li Jane is aware she must do well this year to gain momentum going into the world championships and Sea Games later.

“The Malaysia Open and Singapore Open (right after

RIDING THE WAVE: Li Jane hopes to maintain her form all the way to the world championships and Sea Games later this year — Pic: Sharul Hafiz Zam

the Malaysia Open) will indicate who goes to Hong Kong (world championships) and Indonesia (Sea Games).”

Li Jane only joined the elite squad this year, having spent

a couple of years in the nowdisbanded back-up squad.

Only six of the 12 elite women squad bowlers will be selected for the world championships.

The Malay Mail Friday 20 MAY, 2011

In 2017 maybe there will be another contract. We will see if I'm not too old and they are still happy with me — Fernando Alonso, after signing a new contract with Ferrari

sports

Spicier battles Pirelli tyres, DRS make races more interesting

THERE has been a lot of debate on how exciting Formula One has been this year and what has contributed to it. Mostly how the FIA and Pirelli have got it right with the Drag Reduction System or DRS and the highdegradation Pirelli tyres.

I, for one, have been praising Pirelli's bold desire to increase the over taking opportunities by making their tyres degrade more than usual. Drivers complaining about tyres going off and ruining their race has been a usual occurrence since racing on rubber first began.

But all drivers and teams are aware that to make racing exciting, we needed tyres that go off quicker. And so now we have that, everyone has been working hard to praise the new tyres instead of complaining about it.

The DRS has been very good in my opinion, although some say it has made the

FROM THE DRIVER’S SEAT Alex Yoong racing a bit artificial. I don't believe that to be the case.

In motorsports, whether on two wheels or four, there has always been an advantage for the following competitor due to the slipstream effect.

Meaning there is less drag when you follow a vehicle as it cuts through the air, affording an advantage to the chasing car.

Since wings came became more efficient around 20 years ago, this started to change as cars following now had a disadvantage as they could did not receive clean air, which allowed their wings to work properly.

So in a way since wings

became attached to race cars, the racing has been made artificial as it allows the car in front to stay in front despite being a second or two a lap slower than the car trying to overtake him.

That is why we have had processional racing for all these years, until this year that is.

The DRS is a device that tries to get rid of the advantage the leading car always had.

There is still a bit of work to be done, on making sure that the overtaking does not get too easy. In Turkey, cars were able to overtake from a long way back and drivers

SEBASTIAN VETTEL

were not able to defend. So I can see next year's DRS zone being a little shorter and less effective.

I would also like to see Pirelli making their hard tyres last a little better. At the moment, the softer tyres are quicker over a single lap, but they both seem to last the same amount of time too. Harder tyres being a bit slower should give a tradeback by lasting longer.

We are now in Barcelona this weekend, and it has sim-

ilar characteristics as Turkey with long sweeping corners.

This should play into Red Bull's hands and they will be the favourites.

Hopefully, McLaren and Ferrari's updates should help and if that happens, we might have a three-way fight for the win. Fingers crossed.

One thing different about the Barcelona track as compared to Turkey is that it does not have a massively long straight, and in years gone by, there has been very little overtaking.

DRS and the Pirelli tyres should work again in changing that, and hopefully we have a cracker of a race compared to the usual snore fest that is usually associated with the Spanish Grand Prix.  Catch Alex Yoong on STAR Sports' coverage of this weekend's Formula One Spanish GP on Race Day and Chequered Flag

29

DRIVER'S STANDINGS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Sebastian Vettel Lewis Hamilton Mark Webber Jenson Button Fernando Alonso Felipe Massa Nick Heidfeld Vitaly Petrov Nico Rosberg Kamui Kobayashi Michael Schumacher Sebastien Buemi Adrian Sutil Paul Di Resta

93 59 55 46 41 24 21 21 20 8 6 6 2 2

CONSTRUCTORS' STANDINGS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Red Bull 148 McLaren 105 Ferrari 65 Lotus Renault 42 Mercedes GP Petronas 26 Sauber 8 Toro Rosso 6 Force India 4

30

sports

I hope to fill the boots of the legendary Paolo Maldini — AC Milan's new signing Taye Taiwo

ROME: french open TENNIS

Cool Federer aims to shine in Paris

A rested Roger Federer will come out swinging when he begins his French Open campaign after being left behind by favourites Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

The 16-time Grand Slam champion has been struggling this year — having won only one title in Doha — but believes he can win his first major since the 2010

Fixtures SUNDAY Malaga v Barcelona (12am) Away win Hercules v S. Gijon (2am) A draw Real Madrid v Almeria (2am) Home win Deportivo v Valencia (4am) A draw Espanyol v Sevilla (4am) Away win Levante v R. Zaragoza (4am) Home win Mallorca v Atle Madrid (4am) Away win Osasuna v Villarreal (4am) A draw R. Santander v Ath Bilbao (4am) Away win R. Sociedad v Getafe (4am) A draw Predictions by Mailsport

Standings

P W D L F A Pts Barcelona 37 29 6 2 92 20 93 Real Madrid 37 28 5 4 94 32 89 Valencia 37 20 8 9 62 44 68 Villarreal 37 18 8 11 54 43 62 Sevilla 37 16 7 14 59 59 55 Ath Bilbao 37 17 4 16 57 54 55 Atle Madrid 37 16 7 14 58 50 55 Espanyol 37 15 4 18 44 52 49 Malaga 37 13 7 17 53 65 46 S. Gijon 37 11 13 13 35 42 46 R. Santander 37 12 10 15 40 54 46 Levante 37 12 9 16 40 50 45 Mallorca 37 12 8 17 38 52 44 R. Sociedad 37 14 2 21 48 65 44 Osasuna 37 12 8 17 44 46 44 Getafe 37 12 7 18 48 59 43 Deportivo 37 10 13 14 31 45 43 R. Zaragoza 37 11 9 17 38 52 42 Hercules 37 9 7 21 36 60 34 Almeria 37 6 12 19 35 62 30 Note: Barcelona are champions.

Hercules and Almeria relegated

Leading scorers 38 goals 31 goals

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

18 goals David Villa (Barcelona)

Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal) Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla) 17 goals Roberto Soldado (Valencia)

Sergio 'Kun' Aguero (Atle Madrid) Fernando Llorente (Ath Bilbao)

Leading assists Lionel Messi (Barcelona) Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid) Dani Alves (Barcelona) Xabi Prieto (Real Sociedad) Juan Mata (Valencia)

18 16 14 12 12

Australian Open.

Having lost in the third round of the Rome Masters to France's Richard Gasquet last week, Federer benefited from a few extra days off before the Paris showcase event.

"I'm definitely happy to have a couple of days off — two, three or four days off to feel physically and mentally fresh for the French Open,"

said Federer.

"I am feeling great now and I'll practice when I get to Paris and that is the plan so it is in the same the last few years. This time I will get a couple more days of which is not bad.

Current world number three Federer, a less formidable player on clay than any other surface, won the 2009

French Open after Nadal slumped to a shock defeat to Swede Robin Soderling, whom the Swiss beat in the final.

He should arrive in Paris without any kind of pressure, although the sense that the mighty Federer is no longer a force has been irritating arguably the game's greatest ever player.

"There is nothing to panic about. The Rome defeat will not affect my preparation and work for the French Open. I will be fine," he said, even looking beyond Roland Garros.

"It's still important for me to get back to being number one. I mentioned after Wimbledon last year it was a goal of mine."

ARGENTINE FURY: Tevez is unhappy with national team coach Sergio Batista for not telling him face to face of his expected exclusion from the Copa America squad. INSET: Raul — GETTYpic

Good old Raul LatinHeat

with Mustapha "El Loco" Kamaruddin moose@mmail.com.my

Atletico Madrid and his early days with Liverpool. Torres is trying hard with Chelsea but things are not happening for him, the poor soul.

One wonders if things will change for him in the new season, which would be good news for Spain by the time Euro 2012 begins.

Llorente is the best performer among the three as his 17 goals thus far in the league has propelled Bilbao towards a place in next season's Europa League .

In a latest development, Raul says he is ready to make a comeback should he be called into action by Del Bosque.

The former Real Madrid superstar, idolised by millions, last featured for Spain in October 2006 and in his absence, "La Furia Roja" won the European Championships and the World Cup. "Del Bosque is the coach of Spain and he picks the squad.

I would never say it is out of the question," said Raul, who scored 44 goals in 102 games for Spain.

He has also scored 19 goals

from 49 matches for Schalke which helped the club reach the Champions League semifinal, only to lose to Manchester United, and the final of the DFB Pokal, to be played against Duisburg this weekend.

At the rate Raul is going, it's not a sin to afford him the chance to wear Spain colours again. No harm done there. On the contrary, Del Bosque will have another option upfront.

Good for Raul and his fans if he makes a successful return.

Raul aside, Manchester City's hot-shot striker and skipper Carlos Tevez is hurt that Argentina coach Sergio Batista 'would cut him out' of his Copa America squad without telling him face to face.

Tevez, or 'The Apache', has been in excellent form — scoring 21 goals to take City into the Champions League next season and as well as lifting the FA Cup last Saturday.

For the record, the Copa will be hosted by Argentina from July 1-July 24.

However, for the 'Albiceleste', it has been a different story.

Presstalk

DAILY MIRROR

Qatar World Cup in jeopardy Fifa president Sepp Blatter refused to rule out a re-run of the 2022 World Cup bid vote if bribery allegations are proven after announcing that the whistleblower at the centre of the claims has agreed to give evidence in person.

The whistleblower alleged Fifa members Issa Hayatou and Jacques Anouma were paid US$1.5million each to vote for Qatar, according to evidence given to a Parliamentary committee by the Sunday Times. The pair deny the claims.

Blatter said the newspaper has agreed to bring the whistleblower, who had worked for the Qatar 2022 bid organisation, to Zurich to testify in person but would not be drawn on the possibility of a re-vote taking place.

He said: "This is an idea circulating already around the world which is alarming.

"But don't ask me now yes or no, let us go step by step. It's like we are in an ordinary court and in an ordinary court we cannot ask: 'if, if, if'."

DAILY MIRROR

Legendary striker can still play a part for 'La Furia Roja'

HOLA! Well... Spain national coach Vicente Del Bosque says legendary striker Raul, now with German club Schalke, may well be in his plans after all despite the presence of so many talented strikers as the champions prepare for Euro 2012.

But why the 33-year-old Raul? Is the veteran tactician that desperate?

Del Bosque has at least three established and deadly strikers in Barcelona's David Villa, Chelsea's Fernando Torres and Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente to rely on.

However, the problem is that Villa and Torres are having problems scoring the goals expected of them at club level.

Villa, who joined the Catalans from Valencia last summer, may have 18 goals so far in Primera Liga but most of them were scored earlier in the season. Maybe one of the main reasons for his goal drought is because he is playing on the flank for Barca rather than in the centre — which he is more accustomed to.

For the record, Lionel Messi is now playing the central role.

And what of Torres?

El Nino is even worst. He has been a pale shadow of himself compared to his time with

The Malay Mail Friday 20 MAY, 2011

PFA warns players over social media Tevez has not featured in Batista's squads since dropping out against Brazil last November, and was pointedly snubbed in a European tour taken by 'Checho', where he met almost all the players expected to play a part in the Copa America.

Batista denied that Tevez is out of the running but the striker sees it somewhat differently.

"I was hoping though, and I am still hoping, to be given a reason. Only that, because you have to respect the coach's wishes. If it is for football reasons, that is fine with me.

I can't do anything, but I want to know why."

Tevez was most upset when his coach refused to talk directly to him, something he thought was outrageous for the head of a national team.

"It has to be done that way.

You are the national team coach, call me and tell me 'you are not there because you didn't want to play against Brazil'. I would tell him, knowing who I am you know that I would never do that, but I respect your decision, thanks for calling, and best of luck.

"This has never happened to me with any other coach in all my career," he fumed.

Tevez is surely on a warpath.

Adios!

The Professional Footballers' Association will warn players they need to be "vigilant" about their use of social networking sites.

The PFA have become increasingly concerned at the amount of abuse aimed at their members and plan to put the matter near the top of their agenda in the summer.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was the latest high-profile player to come under attack.

He had a heated exchanged on Twitter during which he wrote to a follower "I'll put u asleep within 10 seconds" after being provoked. Rooney said later it was nothing more than banter.

DAILY MIRROR

Osvaldo set to earn his Spurs HARRY REDKNAPP is ready to launch a £14milion bid for Espanyol striker Pablo Osvaldo.

Espanyol have decided to sell the 25-year-old, and Osvaldo’s agent, Dario Decoud, has been given the green light to set up a deal.

Tottenham are facing competition from Atletico Madrid, but Redknapp is hopeful of winning the race to land him after the Spanish club tabled an offer of around £11m.

It has left Spurs in the driving seat and Redknapp believes he can land the Argentina-born Osvaldo.

The Malay Mail Friday 20 may, 2011

To beat an in-form Liverpool team at Anfield was great and we have to make sure we finish the season strongly in front of our own fans against Birmingham — Peter Crouch

Presstalk

DAILY MIRROR

Falcao to stay PROLIFIC Porto striker Radamel Falcao has dashed the hopes of some of Europe's biggest clubs by insisting he will remain with the newly-crowned Europa League champions for at least another year.

Falcao enjoyed a stellar season at Estadio do Dragao, scoring 16 goals in Porto's victorious league campaign while hitting the net a recordbreaking 17 times, including the winner in the final, in the Europa League.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Tottenham and Arsenal have all been linked with the 25-year-old, who has a release fee of €30 million.

DAILY STAR

Bassong wants out SEBASTIEN BASSONG (pic) is desperate to quit Tottenham and move to another club after a season of "hell" at White Hart Lane. The former Newcastle defender signed for Spurs in 2009 and was a first team regular in his first season at the club.

But since William Gallas joined the club last summer he has often found himself on the bench rather than in the team, and says he has now had enough of simply being a substitute.

METRO

sports

premierleague

Let’s not do the drop Five teams out to escape relegation in interesting finale

JOSE MOURINHO anointed himself the "Special One", and such is his self-confidence that he probably genuinely believes the accuracy of the epithet.

I feel though, that it is only right and proper for him to lend it to Alex Ferguson for a while — say until the Scotsman retires from football — following Manchester United’s recordbreaking 19th English league title — secured at the weekend with a 1-1 draw at Blackburn.

Looking at United’s squad at the beginning of the season, very few non-partisans gave them much hope of launching a sustained title challenge, and even half way through the season, after some distinctly subpar performances, the sentiments hadn’t changed much.

And yet somehow, United have come out on top, despite rarely being able to field a first choice starting 11, or having players whose quality (on paper) shouldn’t have been able to stack up against Chelsea or Manchester City, and maybe even Arsenal.

Ferguson made more changes to his sides through the course of the season than any other manager, and caused a fair few eyebrows to be raised in reaction to some of his selection decisions.

But he has been completely vindicated, and indeed, has made the difference this season, not only for his tactical acumen on the field, but for his man management off it.

Retaining the services of Wayne Rooney, and somehow helping to keep the fans sweet on him, turned out to be an extraordinary coup.

A season that was threatening to peter out in acrimonious circumstances with the loss

of a favourite son, turned into a glorious success, and could get even better if Ferguson can manage to plot the downfall of Barcelona in the Champions League final.

While the title is done and dusted, the same can not be said of the relegation situation, and this season has produced an unprecedented scenario at the bottom of the table, with only one game of the campaign remaining.

The Championship play-off final, at Wembley on May 30, is said to be worth around £90 million for the club that make it into the promised land of the Premier League, so it’s fair to say that there’s a similar quantum of lost revenue for the clubs that drop out of it.

Heading in to the final game of the season, West Ham’s relegation (and Avram Grant’s precipitous subsequent sacking) has been confirmed, while any two of five clubs will be joining them in the snake pit of the Championship for next term.

Almost incredibly — and as the saying goes, "you couldn’t write this stuff " — those five teams, Wigan, Blackpool, Birmingham, Wolves and Blackburn, are separated by one point.

We are faced with the very real possibility that goal difference could keep a club in English football’s elite league, and by the same token thrust it into the second tier of English football, from which many a once great club have failed to emerge.

king of the castle: Mourinho may be the 'Special One', but Ferguson is 'The Greatest' — GETTYpic

The permutations are seemingly endless, but most of us will fear for Blackpool the most.

They have the unenviable task of trying to get something at Old Trafford on Sunday — a ground where only West Brom have escaped with so much as a point this season — and from which 17 other clubs have retreated, empty-handed, with their tails between their legs.

United will display the Premier League trophy, and the Theatre of Dreams will be "party central" come kick-off time, and even if Ferguson decides to feature some second string players, it’s still going to be tough for the Tangerines (just ask Schalke).

After Blackpool and Wolves won last weekend, all hopes that Wolves and Blackburn would be able to play out a comfortable draw at Molineux to ensure survival for both clubs have been extinguished, and the losers of that game could well face the drop.

Birmingham have a difficult tie away at Tottenham, with Harry Redknapp’s men beaten only once at home all season, and needing a win to make sure of fifth spot.

If any team could yet make a Houdini-like escape from the mire, it might be Wigan, who

travel to Stoke and are certainly good enough to get the job done.

In terms of spirit and passion, there can be no denying that of the Wigan players, who somehow managed to come back from a 2-0 half-time deficit against West Ham last Sunday, to grab all the points.

For the neutrals, there simply couldn’t be a more dramatic end to the season, and the fact that all the games are played at the same time, simply enhances the drama.

There will be ebb and flow for sure. Teams will be safe one minute, and then staring into the abyss the next, so spare a thought for the 55 brave souls who enter the battlefield on Sunday, as well as their commanders. Mobile phones and radios will be to hand, and dice at the ready to make possible last throws.

In the best traditions of true drama, for some there will be a happy ending, for others, nothing short of tragedy.

Catch Andrew Leci on Monday Night Verdict every Monday at 8pm on ESPN and send in your feedback to theverdict@espnstar.com

LONDON

Gervinho in demand ARSENAL and Manchester City have their eye on Lille winger Gervinho (pic), and could potentially land him for a bargain £9 million fee.

The skilful winger was also watched by Tottenham during the French Cup final, but L’Equipe say it’s the Gunners and City who are leading the race for the 23-year-old.

Gervinho has just one year left on his current contract, and has impressed during his time at Lille, scoring 25 goals in 54 games.

31

Defiant Gunners out to finish third

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger (right) insists they are determined to win their final game of the season against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday and finish third.

The Gunners dropped to fourth in the standings in midweek following Manchester City's 3-0 success over Stoke and Wenger is unwilling to relinquish the position without a fight.

Wenger is keen to end their season on a high with victory

and apply as much pressure as possible to Roberto Mancini's men with the hope of climbing a place.

Although both positions can secure Champions League football, Wenger wants to guarantee his side reach the competition proper rather than having to go through the qualification process.

"There is a massive difference between third and fourth," he said. "Fourth is to play a qualifier for the Cham-

pions League — that is not Champions League football.

Third is guaranteeing to be in it.

"We will try to win against Fulham. A draw could be good enough if City lose. I do not want to have any regrets and just want to win the game."

While Wenger has confirmed Arsenal, with a reported £35 million war chest, will be set for a busy summer in the transfer market, he would not be drawn on po-

tential targets.

The club have offers on the table for players, although the Frenchman concedes that should money be the only factor in deals then their rivals have the edge.

"If you speak only about money, we are certainly less attractive than some other teams. However, if you speak about the quality of the club and the style of play, we have many offers on the table for players who are desperate to join us," he said.

RESULTS SUNDAY Aston Villa v Liverpool Bolton v Man City Everton v Chelsea Fulham v Arsenal Man United v Blackpool Newcastle v West Brom Stoke v Wigan Tottenham v Birmingham West Ham v Sunderland Wolves v Blackburn

Standings

P W D L F A Pts *Man Utd 37 22 11 4 74 35 77 Chelsea 37 21 8 8 69 32 71 Man City 37 20 8 9 58 33 68 Arsenal 37 19 10 8 70 41 67 Tottenham 37 15 14 8 53 45 59 Liverpool 37 17 7 13 59 43 58 Everton 37 12 15 10 50 45 51 Fulham 37 11 15 11 47 41 48 Stoke 37 13 7 17 46 47 46 Bolton 37 12 10 15 52 54 46 West Brom 37 12 10 15 53 68 46 Newcastle 37 11 12 14 53 54 45 Aston Villa 37 11 12 14 47 59 45 Sunderland 37 11 11 15 42 56 44 Blackburn 37 10 10 17 43 57 40 Wolves 37 11 7 19 44 63 40 Birmingham 37 8 15 14 36 56 39 Blackpool 37 10 9 18 53 74 39 Wigan 37 8 15 14 39 61 39 *West Ham 37 7 12 18 43 67 33 * Note: Man United are champions.

West Ham relegated

Relegation battle heats up final day of the season Look out for

FootsyFever

with Hussein Shaharuddin

on Monday

LOCAL

Who’s to blame?

MAAU has come under question from certain States after it was learned that not all of them were allocated equipment under the nation’s core sports programme

>> pg28 LATIN HEAT

Friday 20 MAY, 2011

football

ChampionsLeague

>> pg31

Genius Devil MANCHESTER

Ferguson has a plot for Barca’s downfall

Return of Raul SCHALKE’S Raul proved his class after Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque revealed the striker could still do a job for the national team

>> pg30 presstalk

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Alex Ferguson claims to have hatched a plot he hopes will bring down Barcelona when they clash in the Champions League final at Wembley on May 28.

The Catalans will arrive in London as favourites, with their unique brand of freeflowing and sexy football seeing them sweep all before them at home and abroad.

However, United have just won the English Premier League and believe they are capable of knocking Barca off their lofty perch. And Ferguson is the man who must identify Barca’s weaknesses and select a side capable of exposing those flaws on the grandest of stages.

The Scot believes he is close to piecing together that particular puzzle, with the majority of his starting XI already decided in his head.

“We have the nucleus of a team in place. There are others that deserve a place. But

we can only pick 11. That is the horrible part of being a manager. It is absolute agony,” he told Sky Sports.

“It is something you don’t relish at all. I have to pick a team and I have to leave some very good players out.

Hopefully those who have all played a part in the European campaign will feel satisfaction at the end of the night and we win the cup.”

United have seen off Marseille, Chelsea and Schalke in the knockout stages of this season’s competition and Ferguson admits to being delighted at the form his team have shown in continental competition.

“Our form in the European Cup has been sensational.

We have not lost a goal away from home,” he said.

“You have to play well to beat Chelsea. They are a very experienced, powerful team.

You have to give credit to the players for these tremendous performances.”

Meanwhile, Ferguson re-

iterated his intention to remain in management for as long as his health allows.

He has continually been forced to fend off questions regarding possible retirement, following 25 glittering years at the Old Trafford helm.

However, he is showing no signs of slowing down and has taken as much pleasure from United’s successes this year as he has done from any others.

A record-breaking 19th top-flight crown, which has edged United above Liverpool on the honours board, has helped to feed his hunger and sustain his enthusiasm for the game.

“You hear many stories of people who come off the treadmill and their system breaks down. I don’t want that happening to me,” the 69-year-old Ferguson told MUTV. “I have no plans to retire, I must say that and my wife Cathy is delighted.”

scottish agony: Ferguson has proved he is human after all by admitting how tough it is to come up with a starting line-up for next weekend’s Champions League final against Barcelona — GETTYpic

KELANA JAYA

Fifa hand over names of seven sinners to police

By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my

Falcao going nowhere PORTO’S in-demand Colombian striker Radamel Falcao is set to stay with the club for at least another season

>> pg31

THE seven Malaysian-registered numbers retrieved from Singapore match-fixer Wilson Raj Perumal were handed over to a police task force investigating football corruption.

However, the Fifa investigation team, headed by Chris Eaton, would not say if the seven individuals, including a former FA of Malaysia (FAM) official, were involved in matchfixing.

“It was a promising meeting.

We hope to share more information and establish ties with your federation (FAM) and the police,” said Eaton at Wisma FAM yesterday.

The Malay Mail, had on May 9, exposed two Malaysians were on Fifa’s wanted list. On May 13, the paper revealed another five individuals based in Malaysia implicated when Eaton spoke with Wilson Raj who is in custody in Finland for allegedly rigging matches in the

Finnish leagues.

“We can only gather and share intelligence but the power of prosecution lies with the local authorities. I’m happy to note Malaysia is using all its resources to address this issue.”

Accompanying Eaton were Fifa lead investigator Terrance J Steans and lead information officer Javier Mena.

Newly-appointed Internal Security and Public Order director Datuk Salleh Mat Rashid said

police’s hands were tied, especially when dealing with online betting sites based abroad.

“The websites are based overseas. However, we can utilise other laws to catch the culprits,” said Salleh.

“We have close links with many other agencies especially Bank Negara to monitor the outflow of cash from the country.”

Principal assistant director of Secret Societies, Gambling and Vice Division SAC II Abdul Jalil

Hasan will spearhead the task force. They will work closely with FAM and Fifa.

Earlier, FAM deputy-president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah issued a stern warning to players and team officials against getting involved in football bribery.

“We are watching you. We are serious in combating this illness and want to educate the players and coaches that this is not the right way,” he said.

Published by Malay Mail Sdn Bhd (239512V), Lot 2A, Jalan 13/2, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and printed by The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad (4485-H), 31, Jalan Riong, 59100 KL