20 September 2011

SPORTS

The Don

Tuesday 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011 •

PP423/01/2012(029578)

WORLD

Napoli’s Edinson Cavani dreams of winning Serie A after hattrick against AC Milan

>> pg31

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Family of thieves

SRI PETALING

Count Cage?

Vampire vibes abound with American Civil War photo of man (left) resembling a certain 47-year-old movie star

>> pg15

LOCAL

Online sympathy SRK Kg Jawa’s Facebook gets condolences for top school player killed by goalpost

>> pg4

Police bust burglary ring involving elderly couple, their son and daughter, with some 20 cases in Bangsar, Brickfields to their name EVERY morning, the 64-year-old father could be seen leaving home for his taxi rounds while his 60year-old wife would prepare breakfast for the family.

Their 27-year-old son and 23year-old daughter would help the mother with house chores before going out for their daily routines.

The unemployed son would look for odd-jobs to help support the family while the daughter would head for a nearby private college where she was studying.

This family was seemingly leading a normal life at their apartment unit in PPR Ayer Jerneh, Setapak, for more than five years. With their low-key existence, neighbours never suspected anything amiss about them.

Little did they know the family harboured a dark secret.

While making his cab rounds, the father would scout for houses and offices which had ‘potential’ for break-ins, targetting them for his family’s burglary spree.

Many a time, his son would ride shotgun with him. With several past police records for burglary to his name, the youngster would be tasked with breaking the locks of targeted premises.

Father and son would then steal valuables from the premises. Luck had been on their side as the duo never left a place empty-handed.

As for the mother, she was the ‘marketeer’ for the stolen goods, sourcing suitable buyers of the family’s loot.

It is, however, still unclear if the daughter had been directly involved in the family ‘business’.

At a news conference yesterday, Brickfields district police chief ACP Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Kha-

By AIZAT SHARIF aizat@mmail.com.my lid said the downfall of the family’s crime spree happened after both mother and daughter were busted by police last Wednesday.

“The two women were arrested at 12.45am on Sept 14, three days after a police report was lodged regarding a burglary at an office unit in Jalan

Telawi, Bangsar,” he told reporters.

In the Sept 11 incident, the 40year-old owner of a shop lot unit was shocked to discover her firstfloor office had been broken into and ransacked.

“Several computers, laptops and thumb drives were stolen from the premises. The items are worth RM6,500,” said Wan Abdul Bari.

He said police believe both suspects had connection in the bur-

glary as revealed in an initial investigation.

“We are currently seeking the two prime suspects — the father and son — to help facilitate investigations.”

Wan Abdul Bari said both mother and daughter were released on police bail after recording their statements and completing the investigation on them.

• Continued on pg2

Water hazard Residents fear for safety at flooded Lrg Ampang Ulu work site

>> pg8

Pot of good health

THE Koong Woh Tong herbal tea shop in Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur, has been serving the beverage to the health-conscious for the past 15 years.

Regulars swear by its detoxifying, cooling and moisturising qualities.— Pic: SHAHIR OMAR

>> Story on pg4

Deprived lot USJ 9, 10, 15 have limited space for motorists to park

>> pg9

2

news

Hollywood's hottest 'Halo' addict ACTRESS Megan Fox (pic) recently admitted she's a gaming junkie. “I have Halo: Reach.

I have a complete addiction to that game. It is sick,” she told Collider.com. Fox said her husband Brian Austin Green is well aware of her love for gaming, though the people she plays with in the online world have no idea they're fighting the interstellar war with one of the hottest celebs around. “I play online mostly and (other gamers) have no idea. They make fun of my gamer tag too because it is funny. They are all a bunch of guys and it is clear that I am a girl so they make fun of my name and they have no idea they are making fun of me.”

Live music is big bucks AUSTRALIA'S live music industry contributed AU$1.21 billion (RM3.8b) to the national economy last financial year, a new report says. The Ernst & Young study found Australia's 3,904 live music venues generated AU$652 million in profits and wages in 2009-2010, supporting 14,806 full-time equivalent positions, reports the Herald Sun. Food and drink purchases at the surveyed hotels, bars, clubs and restaurants accounted for the majority of revenue (83.3 per cent), while only 16.7 per cent came from live performance ticket sales.

The study estimated 41.97 million people attended live performances across the year.

Sarawak government will work with the private sector to plant 1.3m hectares with forest by 2020 — Sarawak Forestry managing director and CEO Datuk Len Talif Salleh SUNGAI BESI

Case of once bitten, twice shy EIGHT masked robbers armed with machetes stormed into a bereavement care company Nirvana Memorial Centre off Jalan Sungai Besi here yesterday but left empty-handed.

In the 3am incident, the robbers initially overpowered

three security guards and tied them up.

Police believe the robbers could be the same gang that broke into the same funeral home last year carting away cash and valuables amounting to RM300,000. Clearly,

Nirvana Memorial Centre had learnt from the earlier, costly incident.

Brickfields district police chief, ACP Wan Abdul Bari

Wan Abdul Khalid said the robbers spent 10 minutes searching for cash and other valuables but could not find anything of value.

Soon after they left, the guards freed themselves and alerted the police.

"We have seized the closedcircuit television footage for investigation," said Wan Abdul Bari.

"There is a possibility the latest incident involved the same gang who were more successful last year."

Smashed!

The latest Iranian drug link

CITY police believe they have crippled an international drug syndicate following the arrest of its mastermind, an Iranian, 29, on Thursday at a hotel in Jalan Tun Razak.

The arrest also led to the seizure of 3.3kg of Syabu worth RM550,000.

When police raided the hotel room of the mastermind, he was believed to be packing the drugs in small plastic bags for delivery to another syndicate here, who would then distribute it to the local market.

KL police chief DCP Datuk

By G. PRAKASH prakash@mmail.com.my

Mohmad Salleh said the suspect was taken to the city police headquarters and he later led police to a condominium, also in Jalan Tun Razak, and a woman, 47 and a man, 24, were subsequently arrested the next day.

“The other two suspects were also Iranians and records showed this was the first time the duo entered the country, unlike the mastermind who came visiting three times this year, Mohmad said.

Cash amounting RM16,323 were also found in the condominium unit. The money is believed to be the earnings from recent drug sales.

All three suspects entered the country using a social visit visa. Police also seized several mobile phones and lap tops following the arrests.

The operation was carried out by officers from the Dang Wangi Narcotics Investigation Department and KL police headquarters.

All three have be remanded for seven days.

SEIZED ITEMS: Mobile phones, cameras and laptops, together with the 3.3kg of syabu worth over RM 500,000, were among the confiscated haul. Inset: Mohmad — Pic: KHAIRULL AZRY BIDIN

Suspects involved in house and office break-ins ● From pg1

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KUALA LUMPUR

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The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

RICH HAUL: Wan Abdul Bari (second from left) with the seized loot and tools — Pic: CHINA PRESS

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When police raided the family's apartment, he said they recovered 69 stolen items, mostly electrical appliances, such as desktop computers, televisions, laptops, hairdryers, cameras, handphones, a cooking stove and a portable CD player, worth about RM100,000.

"We also seized several tools believed to have been used by the suspects in the burglaries, including power drills and a car's drive shaft that had been modified into a crowbar."

Police believed the suspects had been involved in at least 20 cases of house and office break-ins around Bangsar and Brickfields since early this year.

"The suspected modus operandi was for the cabbie father to observe potential premises during his rounds in the city, particularly those where security is lacking. Once he

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ALL IN THE FAMILY: Tai Ping (left) and Kok Yew

finds a target, he and his son will force open the premises, which is always empty," said Wan Abdul Bari.

Police are seeking public help to locate the two men.

"The father has been identified as Lee Tai Ping @ Lee Thye Peng and his son is identified as Lee Kok Yew. The duo had been staying together at the same apartment

unit with the two women," said Wan Abdul Bari, adding police records showed Kok Yew had several previous criminal records involving burglary.

The case is being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of up to 14 years, a fine and whipping upon conviction.

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

The United States ready to share with Malaysia its experience in formulating anti-terrorism law — US ambassador to Malaysia Paul W. Jones

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 SEPETEMBER, 2011

news

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PETALING JAYA

Right to free speech Analysts: Allowing undergrads to be active in politics is their right

IT is high time the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971 be reviewed to allow students to be involved in politics as they have a right to freedom of speech and expression under the Federal Constitution, say analysts.

However, university authorities and student bodies are divided over the repeal of Section 15 of AUKU which prohibits students from joining political parties.

Political analyst Khoo Kay Peng said doing away with Section 15 was long overdue.

“It is time to free up the

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

university to allow better quality debates at campuses. Such a move also respected citizens' constitutional rights, especially those aged 21 and above, who are allowed to vote.”

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) student representative council (SRC) president Mohammad Iqbal Abdul Wahab said students should be allowed greater participation in the democratic process.

"Such an amendment to AUKU would help students become more mature in thought and action," he said.

“If we want Malaysia move up the university rankings then we must have students able to think critically.”

H o w e v e r, Un i v e r s i t i Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) political scientist Prof Dr Shamsul Adabi Mamat felt increasing freedom for students would only serve to increase

politicking at campuses.

"Not having Section 15 would give rise to students becoming more critical of the university administration and this could cause more problems," he said.

“Instead of leading to the maturity of students, the opposite could happen. Also, not all students are interested in politics."

Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) SRC president Mohammad Izwan Jamaludin was concerned any amendment to AUKU would only provide political parties direct access to campus students.

KUALA LUMPUR

“In campuses, they don’t call it political activities but leadership camp, so there will be no effect, except political activities will be done openly. The only difference is students who write anonymously on the Internet will be able to reveal their identities."

Checks by The Malay Mail with various political parties found it easy for those aged 18 and above to join the parties. " AU K U ? No p r o b l e m .

University students and others can join so long as you are over 18, so don't worry," said a party membership registrar.

PETALING JAYA

Ministry told: Don't dismiss survey findings THE Education Ministry should not pass judgment on Jaringan Melayu Malaysia (JMM), survey which showed 54 per cent of the respondents nationwide, including parents from rural areas, preferred the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) to be retained.

JMM president Azwanddin Hamzah told The Malay Mail it was unfair of the ministry to simply reject the survey which obtained a one-on-one feedback.

He was also disappointed with the reaction of Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (pic), who dismissed the survey without even looking at it.

"We put a lot of effort into the survey and took the initiative to find out what people want. It was a self-funded survey without government help. They should at least go through the survey, look at our findings instead of making dismissive remarks," said Azwanddin.

"I think it's unfair for Mohd Puad to question how we did the survey. He did not even call to check, so how can he pass judgment if he didn't even see our findings? We are not going against the government but are, in fact, helping to find out what people on the ground want."

Azwanddin said JMM spoke to the other races, not just Malay parents, during the survey.

"We spoke to everyone as education is for every race. We wanted to know what parents want for their children. We are a Malay-based NGO and we were surprised with the feedback. We are not hypocrites or like other Malay parties who are sensitive about certain points when

"Section 15 sets perimeters for proper student conduct which ensures clear separation of academia and politics," he said.

"Dropping that will result in the university's academia becoming politicised too.”

Monash University Malaysia political scientist Dr James Chin said whether or not AUKU was reviewed or abolished, would have no effect whatsoever.

"Many university students are already members of organisations with political affiliations and many are even members of political parties," he said.

By ANDREW SAGAYAM andrew@mmail.com.my

it comes to this issue. We are just voicing what parents want the government and ministry to hear."

He added although the Federal Constitution upholds the Malay language, the views of parents supporting the PPSMI policy and wishing the best for their children must not be denied.

On Sept 9, Mohd Puad questioned the accuracy of JMM's nationwide survey which concluded a majority of Malays want science and mathematics to be taught in English. He said the ministry suggested JMM should produce more empirical data and sampling if they wish to convince the government their four-month survey findings is solid.

Mohd Puad had said: "When the ministry decided to abolish PPSMI, only eight per cent of teachers were teaching both subjects in English. We also found school exam results for maths and science in 2009 declined."

PPSMI was introduced in 2003 but the Education Ministry chose last year to abolish it from next year after consulting teachers and parents.

The JMM survey canvassed 15,000 people, mostly parents who were interviewed in surveys outside 33 schools throughout the Peninsular. The survey also revealed 66 per cent of parents from rural areas felt PPSMI would give children a brighter future.

Some 70 per cent of respondents were Malays.

When contacted, the Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE) also favoured the survey findings.

PAGE president Datin Azimah Rahim said the world applied mathematics and science in English, and JMM's findings reflected what Malaysian parents want.

"The lingua franca for mathematics and science is English is common knowledge. A survey is a survey and what more on an education issue as important as this," she said.

"JMM did a great job getting views of 15,000 people, a majority of them parents, to find out what they really want for their children.

Judging from the feedback, parents strongly feel PPSMI should be retained."

Azimah said she was disappointed with the reaction of Mohd Puad towards the survey.

"As deputy minister, Mohd Puad shouldn't have said such things.

He should at least have checked the sur vey report's findings before making up his mind.

The ministry should view the survey which was done in good faith and see what JMM had found," she said. " J u s t because the survey's results were not in the ministry's favour, it does not mean it is not true

and you reject it just like that."

Azimah also suggested more subjects be taught in English, such as arts and music.

"By not taking the JMM survey seriously, the ministry is stopping children from progressing. In the last four years, rural children have been doing better in science in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) throughout the country with 92.3 per cent passes for rural students compared with 91 per cent in urban schools," she said.

"As also stated and provided for in our country's Education Act 1996, 'children are to be educated according to the wishes of their parents'."

Attitudes must change to combat diabetes DIABETES is on the rise among youths here, including children as young as five.

To combat this, Malaysian must change their attitude towards this disease.

Nut r it i on S o c i e t y of Malaysia (NSM) president Dr Tee E Siong said parents must play a more active role in their children's lifestyle and dietary habits.

“We know diabetic patients are getting younger and younger. What that means is children are not eating right.

Parents must intervene and do something early and not wait until their children are 25. It is a serious problem and needs urgent action to combat this chronic disease,” she said.

"A child's eating habit should be moulded early.

In fact, Malaysian attitudes must change and revert to previous dietary habits of more plant-based food."

Dr Tee was commenting on the National Diabetes Institute Malaysia's (Nadi) recent statement that the sedentary lifestyle of Malaysians is a major factor in diabetes reaching alarming levels.

Health Ministry direct o r- g e n e r a l D at u k D r Hasan Abdul Rahman also revealed that some 1.2 million Malaysians are diabetic, accounting for four per cent of the population.

“The government launched the National Strategic Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases last year. We should place that strategy into

action," said Dr Tee. " Profe ss i ona l b o d i e s , industries and consumer bodies should be partners in this programme because the government cannot do it alone.”

Malaysian Association for Study of Obesity (MASO) president Prof Dr Mohd Ismail Noor provided a more gloomy outlook, claiming there is "no hope" unless there is a drastic change.

He also urged the government to cut subsidies for sugar and palm oil to encourage a healthier lifestyle.

“We cannot blame individuals because they are already part of the system.

We have to address the root causes and that is sugar and fatty food. So there must be a will because when we talk about fatty food, people won’t blame it on palm oil because that is our bread and butter," said Dr Mohd Ismail.

He warned there will be no short fix to the problem unless Malaysians take the diabetes problem seriously.

“I don’t think we can reduce the number of diabetic cases. It is going to be around for a long time and the figures will move up.

I don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel, unless we are serious in changing Malaysian attitudes. We teach them about diabetes but at the end of the day, the individual must decide for himself.”

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news

Perak government will not compromise with any quarters encroaching wildlife corridors and other protected forest areas — Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 september, 2011

Condolences pour in

KLANG

Messages continue being posted on Fakhrul Amin's school's Facebook page remembering him THE death of 11-year-old Muhammad Fakhrul Amin Abdul Rahman after being hit by a falling goalpost at Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Kampung Jawa over the weekend has drawn many condolence messages from netizens.

The Facebook page of Sk Kampung Jawa 2 where Fakhrul Amin was studying has been inundated with messages from the online community, many of them bemoaning the unfortunate incident and highlighting the school had lost a great striker for its hockey team.

By Ram Anand mmnews@mmail.com.my

A commenter, B adr ul Hisham, who represented the school’s hockey team, said Fakhrul was a ‘top striker’ with a lot of potential.

“There won't be a striker for us next year. Why should it be him?” posted a fellow commenter, Loqman Hakim.

Leman Ismail went on to shed some light regarding the condition of the goalpost.

“Only one side of the goalpost is in fine condition. One of

the support beams was already cracked.”

Aiman Syafiq posted: “I managed to see him ride his bicycle that evening, before my mother told me he was hit by a goalpost.”

A few commenters also said the incident should serve as a cautionary note for other students.

At Press time, the condolences thread on Facebook had 66 comments.

Fakhrul Amin passed away on Saturday evening at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah

Hospital in Klang after the support beam of a goalpost gave way and fell on him, causing severe bleeding and a cracked skull.

It was reported that Fakhrul wanted to buy a new pair of football boots with his RM120 duit raya, a wish that is now unfulfilled.

His father Abdul Rahman Sarbaini had said his son had wanted to buy the boots but he was short of money, but his mother Faizah Ayob told him to be patient and wait until the end of the month.

IN MEMORY OF FAKHRUL: Condolences keep pouring in

KUALA LUMPUR

KUALA LUMPUR

Police will enforce all laws passed in Parliament THE police will carry out any new law passed in Parliament as they are the enforcement body for the government.

Federal police assistant director of management (Public Relations) ACP Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar, told The Malay Mail the Royal Malaysian Police will enforce whatever new laws the government has decided upon. " Wh at e ve r t h e Hom e Ministry decides, we will follow. If a new law has been passed in Parliament, we will enforce it accordingly," he

KUALA LUMPUR

By ANDREW SAGAYAM andrew@mmail.com.my

said yesterday, when asked to comment on the Malay rights group Perkasa which has urged the government to give the police proper means to act on subversive and terrorismrelated activities.

This follows a move by the government which intends to repeal the Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960 and lift the Emergency proclamations.

Meanwhile, Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mahmood Adam told The Paper That Cares, the govern-

ment will issue a statement on the new law when the time is right.

"We will inform the people when we are ready. We are still in the midst of sorting them out," he said, while declining comment on Perkasa's statement on the issue.

On Sunday, Perkasa chief Datuk Ibrahim Ali said the two new laws must preserve the preventive elements of the ISA so that security and the stability of the country would not be jeopardised.

Ibrahim also said the new security acts should consider the religious, cultural

and racial sensitivities of the rakyat.

He said Perkasa would send a team of 40, including eight lawyers, to meet Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to discuss details of the two new laws.

Ibrahim, who is also Pasir MP, urged the government to consider abolishing the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971 and Official Secrets Act (OSA) 1972.

He also said Perkasa wanted preventive elements of the ISA, which had become an

instrument for the police to check subversive activities in the country, to be retained.

"We want the two new acts to be better than the previous act and at the same time, also want preventive elements to be retained, namely, prevention and rehabilitation as these have been most effective in tackling security issues."

L ast Thurs day, Pr ime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in his Malaysia Day message, announced that the ISA would be abolished and two new laws would be formulated to preserve the peace prevailing in the country.

Aston University engineering alumni reunion

THE Aston University Alumni Association of Malaysia organis e d its inaugura l reunion for its engineering alumni recently at Istana Hotel.

Among the guests-of-honour were Ancom Berhad director Datuk Ir Mohamed Al Amin Abdul Majid and Aston's associate dean of undergraduate programmes Dr Trevor Oliver.

"The alumni who attended this year's reunion were graduates from the 1970s until now and I am very proud to be the president of my alumni and

ONE FOR THE ALBUM: (Seated, second from left) Oliver, Mohamed Al Amin and Dr John Fletcher and others at the reunion — Pic: Ashraf Shamsul Azlan

be among such distinguished professionals," Mohamed Al Amin told The Malay Mail,

adding the alumni was formed four years ago with some of the current members.

Oliver said Aston University, located in Birmingham, England, is known for the

large number of Asians residing there.

"It is a proud fact the university has a rich history of having so many Malaysians studying and living there."

Other alumni who graced the event were Universiti Tenaga Nasional's deputy vice chancellor (student affairs, alumni and management) Prof Ir Dr Kamal Nasharuddin Mustapha, engineering company SMHB Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Ir Teo Chok Boo and Olio Resources Sdn Bhd project services director Hassan Haron.

Recharging health over a cuppa

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

ANY shop that can last over a decade surely has builtup a bedrock of regular clientele.

Such is the case of Koong Woh Tong herbal tea shop at a corner of famous Petaling Street.

"Our regular customers are elderly and health-conscious folk who feel recharged after drinking our herbal tea," said Gan Ooi Yat, 58, who has helped run the shop the past 15 years.

"Two of the most popular teas we offer are called Wong Lo Kat and Five Flowers which we serve in either a glass or bowl depending on the customer's preference."

Gan says herbal tea aids body detoxification and restoration, relieves internal body heat and even moistens the skin.

"Our tea comes from a local factory and we boil the herbs in pots before serving as most customers prefer to sip it warm," she said.

The outlet is open daily from 9am to 11.45pm.

TuesDay 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

the malay mail

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news

The privatisation of solid waste management will not incur additional charges to consumers — Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung

PETALING JAYA

Aid for cancer patients Friends climb Mt Kinabalu to raise funds for ailing sufferers

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

WHEN friends Doreen Wan and Kattie Hoo decided to climb Mount Kinabalu in Sabah on Aug 26 to raise funds for the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), their mission soon garnered support from well-wishers and the corporate sector to the extent of raising a whopping RM50,000.

"The climb was my way of thanking NCSM for providing guidance to my sister who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year," said Wan, adding she and Hoo began organising the climb in June.

"I witnessed NCSM supporting cancer patients and wanted to raise funds for them so they could help more patients. Hoo and I called our mission 'Climb of Hope' as it aptly reflects the uphill struggle cancer patients endure to survive and lead meaningful lives."

Joining the duo were about 20 others, including Wan's daughter Alexis Sue-Ann, Hoo's son Wymann, Miss Malaysia/World 2009-2010 Thanuja Anathan and her twin sister Anuja.

When their mission became publicly known, they received support from Kota Kinabalu-

WE DID IT! Part of the group who successfully reached the summit including Hoo (bottom, third from left) and Wan (bottom, fifth from right)

based Sutera Harbour Resort which sponsored their accommodation and meals, and Firefly Airlines which provided the flight tickets for Thanuja and Anuja, as well as reimburse the flight tickets for the first two climbers to reach the peak, later duly claimed by Cheryl Kow and Cris Lee. Each climber had their own purpose for participating.

Thanuja and Anuja joined because they had witnessed their late aunt suffer from cancer, while Cecelia Thomas did so in memory of her mother and sister who lost their battle against cancer years ago.

"We managed to raise pledges close to RM50,000 for NCSM, which is Malaysia's first cancer-related non-governmental organisation that provides

education, care and support services for cancer patients," said Hoo. On Aug 26, the group commenced climbing Mount Kinabalu at 8.30am, pacing themselves with short rests at marked stations every kilometre.

Covering an average of 1km per hour, the group scaled the rock faces with the aid of a rope

along the ledges.

"Prayers, a positive mindset and motivational boosts from fellow climbers kept us focused," said Wan. "The climb was extremely challenging, both physically and mentally, but we were blessed with perfect weather conditions. We trudged up what seemed an endless footpath of irregular steps.

"It was also pitch dark, and we followed a trail of lights from climber’s headlamps until we arrived at the Sayat-Sayat checkpoint at 5am on Aug 27 to register ourselves. Some of our stronger teammates had already reached the summit as early as 4.30am on Aug 27.

My group reached the highest point, Low's Peak at 8.30am on Aug 27, and took time to snap pictures of ourselves despite our tiredness."

Said Hoo: "We all managed to pull through and completed the mission. It was satisfying to know we had done something for the good of cancer patients."

Mount Kinabalu, at 4,095m at its peak, is the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia and 20th tallest in the world, and is located in Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, a World Heritage Site.

GENTING HIGHLANDS

Malaysia Day celebrations in the clouds

OVER 20,000 visitors gathered at the Genting Outdoor Theme Park on Malaysia Day's eve and were treated to a spectacular fireworks display, among others.

Also present were Genting Malaysia Berhad executive vice-president Datuk Kevin Sim, senior vice-president of public relations and communications Datuk Anthony Yeo and other senior staff.

With Baki Zainal as the event’s emcee, the visitors were entertained by the Hands Percussion ensemble, brass performances, stage games and guest singer Z enny Salihuddin.

At the stroke of midnight, visitors were treated to the much-anticipated countdown to Malaysia Day with the accompaniment of the national anthem Negaraku and the 1Malaysia song. Shouts of “Merdeka” filled the night, followed by Resorts World

Genting’s dazzling fireworks display.

In conjunction with Malaysia Day celebrations, Resorts World Genting is offering enticing food promotions, with Resorts Café & Restoran Kampong offering 2 dining experiences at 1 price with Best of 2 Worlds for lunch and dinner from Sept 5 to 30. A wide range of ikan bakar is served at the buffet line. Both buffet spread are priced at RM41++ for adults and RM20.50++ for children. A special 40 per cent discount is given for senior citizens during buffet lunch and dinner. Early bird diners from 5pm to 6pm are entitled to 20 per cent discount and Theme Park wristband holders are also entitled to 20 per cent discount for lunch and dinner during this period.

For more details on these and other Resorts World Genting promotions and activities, visit www.rwgenting.com.

CELEBRATION: Spectacular fireworks display at Resorts World Genting on Malaysia Day

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 SEPETEMBER, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR

Canon's PhotoMarathon Malaysia challenge THE Canon PhotoMarathon Malaysia 2011 challenge will be held on Oct 15 at the Bukit Bintang entrance of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur from 8am to 9pm.

Photographers participating will be given specific themes to be interpreted within a specified time limit and will be tested on their creativity, skill and endurance in creating the ultimate photographic masterpiece.

There will be three themes and these are being kept secret until the day of the event. Each theme will be revealed at specified times and the challenge is for participants to get the best photo for each theme.

The grand prize is RM10,000 cash and an all-expense paid eight-day photo clinic trip to Tasmania, Australia, hosted by acclaimed photographer Triston Yeo. This is the ninth consecutive year the Canon PhotoMarathon is being staged and is the region's largest photo competition.

Besides Malaysia, it is also organised in six other countries — Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Judges for the Canon PhotoMarathon Malaysia 2011 include Zainal Abdul Halim, one of Reuter's photojournalists, Peter Tan who was awarded and certified a Master Photographer by the prestigious Master Photographers Association (UK), Din Arshad who has 30 years experience in the photography industry, and Harry Woo, recognised locally and internationally with a list of awards under his belt.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, C a n o n Marketing (Malaysia) is partnering with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation this year, with all proceeds from the registration fees going towards supporting the foundation's research and awareness programmes. Those registering online at http://www.canonasia.com/photomarathon/my/ register.jsp will be charged RM20 per participant, while it is RM25 for walk-in participants.

For more information, visit Canon Asia’s website at http:// www.canon-asia.com/photomarathon or Canon Camera (Malaysia)’s Facebook page or follow Canon’s twitter. For instant updates on Canon events and products, download the Canon app from iTunes.

TuesDay 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

the malay mail

7

8

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

hotline@mmail.com.my

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

your right to be heard ● ● ● ●

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

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

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

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

By cecilia victor, IKRAM ISMAIL, FAIZAL NOR IZHAM and Hamzah Nazari

It's safe, says City Hall Construction site in 'acceptable state' but Ampang residents worried

RESIDENTS in Ampang are worried about the danger at a construction site in Lorong Ampang Ulu, opposite Plaza Ampang City.

They say the site is partially flooded with water and poses a threat to children and passers-by.

According to JONATHEN CHENG, the area filled with water is 5m deep and about the size of two football fields.

It is surrounded by a 3mhigh zince fence, a section of which has collapsed.

"It can be dangerous if children wander into the area," he says.

"It scares me to think what will happen if someone falls into the water."

CHENG says he has noticed clothes hanging on a line inside the fenced area.

"I've also seen people walking down there.

"It’s on the same street as Kuala Lumpur City Centre and a place like that shouldn't be left in that condition."

Another resident, KAMA-

EXPOSED: The construction site after part of its zinc fencing came down — Pix: Sharul Hafiz Zam

LA, says the area has been left abandoned for a long time.

"As far as I can recall, it's been like this for at least five years," she says.

"It's not only a threat to safety and an eyesore but a

potential breeding ground for mosquitos as well." ● KUALA LUMPUR CITY HALL Corporate Planning Department spokesman Zurida Hashim says a development permit has been

issued to the developer on June 7.

She says the proposal is for the development of one block of service apartments.

"Our investigations (on Sept 13) reveal the temporary barrier surrounding the

site had collapsed and the developer has been ordered to carry out immediate repairs."

Zurida says there is no overgrown shrubbery and the site in an "acceptable state".

"There is fish in the pool but no mosquito larvae were found as City Hall performs larviciding in the area every Wednesday. We will continue to perform checks and oversee the site from time to time."

In a tangle over Cambodian maid CHONG EI-LEEN is unhappy with the services rendered by a maid agency.

On April 15, the wife of a private medical practitioner paid a RM3,000 deposit to Innovedge Sdn Bhd to hire a maid from Cambodia. The application was approved on May 26 and the maid arrived in Malaysia on July 12.

The agency wanted to keep her for five days as the rules stipulate that every maid must undergo training and a medical check-up. However, CHONG wanted to take the maid in immediately, and the agency obliged.

CHONG says she found the maid unable to carry out her tasks after a week of duty.

"She didn't even know how to use the rice cooker or stove. She locks herself

in her room and only cooks for herself. She later packed her bags and returned to the agency after deciding not to continue."

On July 18, CHONG complained to Innovedge, which sent a counsellor to help resolve the problem. The maid returned and resumed work.

CHONG's mother-in-law eventually decided she was unhappy with the maid and sent her back to Innovedge on Aug 1.

"The agency claimed the procedure for returning a maid is not that straightforward. They asked us to sign a form and pay RM30 if we wanted to return her. However, we refused to sign as we did not wish to be tied to such a contract."

● INNOVEDGE SDN BHD spokesman Christie Cheong says every maid must undergo training and a Fomema check-up within a month of her arrival.

Despite this, she says, CHONG had insisted on taking the maid immediately and the agency had no choice but to comply.

Cheong says when they sent the maid to CHONG's house on July 15, they only received the full payment after some "argument".

"It was only when she experienced problems did she ask to register the maid for a check-up at her husband's clinic," says Cheong.

"Our counsellor passed the medical form and the maid's passport to her."

She says Innovedge did not hear from CHONG for two weeks.

"We later found out they did not arrange for the medical check-up and instead wanted to send her back to us. But, according to our rules, whoever wishes to do so must fill in and sign a counselling letter.

"However, CHONG's mother-in-law refused.

She kept saying she wanted a refund and no longer wanted to claim responsibility for her anymore.

"We gave her a rejection letter to sign but again she refused. She left the maid

here without the medical form, even though we kept explaining we cannot keep her unless they sign the counselling or rejection letter."

Finally, when it did not hear from CHONG, the agency lodged a police report on Aug 2 and brought the case up to the Cambodian embassy, which called the parties for a meeting on Aug 5 to try and resolve the case.

When contacted, CHONG says she was too busy to take the maid for a check-up.

"Innovedge could have also sent her for the checkup when we left her with them but they didn't."

CHONG says after the

meeting at the embassy, she wanted to take the maid to her husband's clinic for a check-up.

However, the maid's permit expired on Aug 11, a month after her arrival.

"We had to go to the Immigration Office in Putrajaya to sort this problem out."

She claims the agency only gave them the maid's passport "after 9pm on Aug 11". By then, the permit had expired and, as a result, she was fined RM100 by Immigration.

"Innovedge shelved all responsibility towards the matter. They merely collected their payment and did not provide me the insurance documents, although I paid for it."

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

9

1. The public is advised not to Petaling Jaya, note its registration consume fish caught in Taman number and contact the city council TAKE NOTE Jaya as the water comes from at 03-79563544. housing areas and, at times, from overflowing 3. Motorists going to Pasar Sentul in Jalan Sentul are advised to use the 50 free parking lots allocated sewage tanks.

2. If you come across a vehicle obstructing traffic in

by City Hall. Parking is FREE.

No place to park

Looking for spot in USJ 9, 10 and 15 a nightmare, say motorists CHAOTIC: You have to go round and round to find an empty lot — Pic: Ashraf Shamsul Azlan

Online comments www.mmail.com.my Eating al fresco (Sept 14) ● THE council should be sued. Parking places are for cars, not people. Every council in the Klang Valley is guilty of causing obstruction to footpaths and roadways. — Eina ● NOTHING new. It happens everywhere. It's actually quite easy to find out which restaurants are placing their tables and chairs on parking lots but it looks like the authorities are closing one eye as usual. — Racer ● IN Damansara Uptown, where I work, there are at least three corner coffeeshops which place their tables and chairs on the side lanes during lunch hour. Another coffeeshop places its tables and chairs on the road at night. Many other shops place their tables and chairs on the five-foot ways, which are meant for people to walk. What's the city council doing? — Uptown Boy Car part replaced after three months (Sept 14) ● ASKING customers to look for parts elsewhere?

This is what I call "excellent customer service".

Next time, they will probably ask the customers to assist them to ser vice their cars. — Desi323 ● THE service centre staff ordered the wrong part? And they have experienced people? — Anonymous

LOOKING for a place to park is a nightmare in three hotspots in USJ, Subang Jaya.

A reader alerted Hotline to the problem in USJ 9, 10 and 15 and the Hotline roving team visited these areas to get a first-hand look at the problem.

AHMAD AHNAF MOHD HAZIM, who lives and work in Subang, says looking for a parking lot in USJ 10 (also known as USJ Taipan) is a hassle.

"You need to go round and round before you find a place, if you're lucky," says the 23-year-old.

"Sometimes, it may take as long as 20 minues before you see someone vacating a spot.

It can be a nightmare if you're in a hurry."

HAMZURIN RAHMAN, 30, says he often encounters cars parked illegally in USJ 9.

"Once, I had to wait for 30 minutes before the owner of the car came and removed his vehicle.''

RAJAGOPAL TANARAJ, who works in USJ 15, says that very often, he is forced to park in the back lanes because it is "almost impossible' to find parking space.

He says the introduction of the "one hour parking limit" by the local council has not helped.

"The officers do issue summonses from time to time but not on a daily basis," he says.

"Another problem is double-parking. Those guilty of it should also be issued onthe-spot summonses.

"I hope the council can find a solution to the parking woes." ● A SPOKESMAN for the Subang Jaya Municipal Council says they are

aware of the situation.

"Our enforcement officers will be on the lookout for offenders who will be issued with on-thespot summonses.

"We will also carry out the warning system using microphones, as practised by the council, once a day, usually in the morning.

"Motorists who ignore the warning and continue to flout the rules will be booked."

The spokesman also says there are plans to extend the "one hour parking limit" to other areas.

Frenchman wants to apply for driving licence FRENCH citizen COUDRAY SYLVAIN is having trouble converting his driving licence to a Malaysian one at the Road Transport Department (RTD) branch in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, after he lost his wallet.

He says he lost his wallet, containing his French identity card, driving licence and cash, at the Mid Valley commuter station on Aug 17.

SYLVAIN, who resides in Segambut, lodged a police report as soon as he realised his wallet was missing.

"I was in the process of converting my French international driving licence

to a Malaysian driving licence,” he says.

SYLVAIN says he has been to the RTD office several times.

"The first time I went there, I was told I did not have official validation of my driving licence from the French embassy,” he says.

On his second visit, he produced a certified copy of the translated driving licence, a copy of the police report and copies of his personal identification papers.

The next day, he says, he was told by the officer he still has to produce his original French driving licence although he had obtained a

validated copy of it from the embassy.

"I would appreciate it if the relevant authority could advise me on the proper requirements to enable me to obtain the driving licence without me having to return to France," says SYLVAIN. ● ROAD Transport Department public relations officer Noraini Mohd Nawi says to convert a foreign driving licence to a Malaysian one, the applicant must submit the valid driving licence and: ▪ Passport; ▪ Visa, with validity not less than three months;

▪ Certified copy of the translated driving licence from the French embassy (if the licence is not in English); and ▪ Confirmation of the driving licence from the embassy or confirmation from the authority that issued the licence.

"SYLVAIN has been advised to get a copy of the driving licence from his country before submitting his application to convert the licence," says Noraini.

When contacted, SYLVAIN says he is planning to apply for the conversion next week.

Unhappy with security (Sept 13) ● THE management is focused on making money. Their staff are focused on earning their salaries and wages. Courtesy, hard work and sincerity have no money value. How many of them are genuinely service-minded, not selfcentered? From experience, I doubt many are like that. — Anonymous Taken for a ride (Sept 12) ● I HAVE personally witnessed many tourists being turned away by the cabbies if they insist on using the meters. And the words "This is a metered taxi" are clearly written on the taxis.

This took place some time before KLCC took matters into their hands and engaged their own authorised taxi service subject to a fee of RM2 for each booking. Moral of the story is if the then CVLB couldn't do anything about the errant cabbies in KL, do we think SPAD has any clout to ensure the cabbies adhere to the law? Shame on you, Malaysian cabbies, when this does not happen in neighbouring Bangkok or Singapore or even China. It is the typical Malaysian tidak apa atitude. — Anonymous Dream vacation dashed (Sept 9) ● I DON'T think it is a matter of being impatient.

We have to know in advance when leave can be applied. It is not that you apply today, tomorrow you can go off. You have to apply a few weeks in advance to plan on work handover, your replacement, who is going to look after your house, etc. That is why I never go through a travel agent. I plan myself and deal with hotels myself. — Anonymous Danger above! (Sept 8) ● EVERY job is contracted out. No wonder corruption is rampant. — Anonymous ● I SUPPOSE they are waiting for their son/ daughter/uncle to set up a RM2 company and then only will they give this repair job to the so-called contractor. — Rahim

10

letters&opinions

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

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

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

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

Being Frank: Mr White, did you lie? (Sept 12)

Let's not muddle up history

ACCORDING to Press reports, an academician from the National Professors’ Council had commented Malaya (with the exception of the Straits Settlements) was never a British colony.

In a similar vein, a leading Malaysian historian has commented that the British never ruled our country; they had merely taken over the administration of our country.

How valid are these statements? Who really ruled

Malaya — the Malay rulers or the British?

It is true pre-war Malaya was divided into three distinct groups of States: the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore which were British colonies and administered directly by the Colonial Office in London; the Federated Malay States (FMS) of Perak, Selangor, Pahang and Negri Sembilan (with British Residents) which were protectorates and, strictly

KL: Merdeka/Malaysia Day Celebration

A day to love our neighbours AFTER 54 years of independence, I think Sept 16 this year was special because we celebrated our Merdeka and Malaysia Day together.

Although this is the second year that we are observing Malaysia Day, it is the first time that we are celebrating both occasions together.

It was truly nice to see ourselves coming together as one, just like the 1Malaysia concept espoused by the government.

While all Malaysians cherished and celebrated this wonderful day of unity with the peninsula and our brothers and sisters from Sabah and Sarawak, I think this day should also be called “Neighbours Day”.

This day marks a special day in our history when we give importance to our neighbours. Our neighbours are just not from East Malaysia but also our immediate neighbours in the towns and villages we live in.

Malaysia Day should be the day for all Malaysians to forget their colour, race and religion and be one.

We should visit our neighbours with a basket of fruit or a cake and say “Happy Malaysia Day" or “Happy Neighbours Day”.

This will certainly break down our race barriers and bring Malaysians closer and make them more cohesive.

I would like to urge all

the residents' associations to take up this challenge and celebrate this day as a day of unity and oneness.

We can organise activities such as games, gotongroyong, health talks, visits to homes and indoor tournaments to further bring Malaysians together.

I hope the Information, C ommunicat ions, and Culture Ministry will conduct programmes to create a truly “One Malaysia” through this Neighbours Day celebration.

We need more of such programmes to bring the youths and the older generations together, irrespective of race, religion and colour.

On this special day, we should also reward outstanding Malaysians who have contributed towards unity and oneness among races.

We should have a “Hall of Fame” for these leaders, social workers, teachers and religious leaders for what they have achieved.

Malaysia is what it is today due to the sacrifices of our forefathers and leaders.

Our young generation must be reminded of all these achievement so they will appreciate and cherish what they have today.

Let’s make this special day in the coming years a truly Neighbours Day, which transcends race, religion and colour.

Ravindran Raman Kutty

speaking, not colonies; and the Unfederated Malay States (UMS) of Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Johor (with British Advisers) which, too, were protectorates.

Under the Residential System (a system of indirect rule) introduced by the British in Malaya, the Resident’s advice “must be acted upon on all questions other than those touching Malay religion and customs”.

However, as aptly stated by L.A. Mills (a highly-regarded historian), “In actual practice, there was little difference between the administration of the crown colony and the protectorates. British authority was much the same in both.

The real rulers of Malaya were the British although, legally, every act of the government was done in the name of the ruler.”

Indeed, according to J.M. Gullick, “The administrative

structure in the Federated Malay States was that of a crown colony.”

The executive head of the State government was the British Resident. Federal departments were dominated

by British officers. The Malay rulers (particularly in the FMS) had lost most of their political and economic power to the British-dominated bureaucracy.

Furthermore, the final authority for the whole of

Malaya lay with the Colonial Office in London.

To conclude, the British were indeed the de facto rulers of Malaya. How else can one explain the necessity for us to seek independence from Britain in 1957 and the annual celebration of “Hari Kemerdekaan”?

Let’s not muddle up our history by playing with semantics and stretching the truth.

Dr Ranjit Singh Malhi

KL: Budget 2012

Wrong move to hit on high-end properties REGULATION to tighten up investment in high-end real estate, speculated to be introduced by the government in the upcoming Budget 2012 in October, may not be a wise move. By targeting the wrong investment segment, this may cause a less favourable situation for the Malaysian property market.

Since 2009, the value of high-end properties has not risen much. The current hot market and over-priced real estate situation is focused on medium-cost apartments, landed residential and commercial properties, so having measures to tighten the real estate market in the high-end segment should have been introduced in 2008/ 2009, instead of this point of time.

The high-end real estate market needs a boost to stimulate the economy.

In today's market situation, it is hard to define what the high-end market is. The question is how are high-end properties classified, as today, medium cost apartments at

the outskirts can reach about RM700psf to RM800psf, and areas like the city centre and Mont'Kiara can be as low as RM600psf.

S ome clarity f rom the government would be welcome and it is important to understand the differences in each market segment and not to introduce measures that would affect the wrong market.

The high-end market in the city centre, marketed as low as RM800 psf, and in the range of RM1,000-RM1,500 psf, is said to be the lowest among the region, compared to it being five times higher in Singapore. We are in the initial stage of globalising our capital to reach metrocity stage, and it is important to attract foreign and local investors to drive our country's Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).

The government's plan to make world-class cities in places, such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor, Malacca and Kota Kinabalu, would require

our property markets to be globalised.

Our property prices are among the lowest in the region, making it attractively priced for investors, but at the same time, we are having a lack of foreign interest compared to neighbouring countries.

So, if the government introduces measures which discourage investment and create a negative impact, this could result in a slowdown in the processes of the Economic Transformation Programme.

In fact, incentives to encourage foreigners and locals to stay in high-end areas should be offered, especially in city centres, which have not been very conducive to stay in.

The profitable properties are primarily in tourism real estate, institutional shopping malls, globalised commercial buildings and mega-projects.

If Real Property Gains Tax is to be used as a tightening measure, the focus should be on those sectors, and not on individuals, especially after

housing loan policies have already been tightened.

I would propose that under these circumstances, RPGT should be maintained at five per cent for individual investors, and 10 per cent for commercial and foreign investors.

To encourage property investment in commercial and tourism real estate, the government should reduce corporate tax to make Malaysia a great destination for investment.

The p ossible measurements of increasing the Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT) or tightening of property loans would have an impact on the globalisation of our real estate market.

A wrong move will affect our current historic moment in the long-term growth of our real estate market, and it should not be discouraged from growing so.

Gavin Tee Founding President Swhengtee International Real Estate Investors Club

KL: Kim Tho: Juniors lack competitive exposure (Sept 12)

Our shuttlers need to grow up

FROM the time they dramatically burst into the international badminton arena, Khoo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong have been like yo-yos swinging up and down.

The directionless pair have become something else instead of Malaysia's supposedly best pair of men's doubles players.

I have been watching their development for some time and believe they need to be "whipped" to do better.

They have yet to reach the level of highly-admired national players like Datuk Punch Gunalan, Ng Boon Bee and Tan Aik Huang and his brother Aik Mong.

I enjoyed watching them (the real heroes of yesteryears) fighting their guts out for Malaysia in the international arena.

Today, the Malaysian players, including even the likes of the Sidek brothers, are nowhere near these legends.

I am not as excited as before watching these "newer" breeds of players play.

I wish those responsible will stop pampering these new players for the sake of the prestige and good name of Malaysian badminton.

Instead, make them work and sweat for it. Remind them that all of us are fed-up with their tantrums and childish behaviour.

The officials and some of

these players really need their heads checked and rewired to gear them with the "winning mentality" instead of the usual "whinning mindset".

Please be more obedient and disciplined during training and, most importantly, grow up.

Start to deliver and make Malaysians shout for you again.

We are watching you.

Dr Ling K. Yuin

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Protesters complaining about the unchecked power of the financial industry staged noisy demonstrations at Wall Street for a third day yesterday, vowing to continue 'for as long as it takes' to achieve vague demands — Reuters

PUBLIC AWARENESS: The anti-Ahmadinejad billboard in New York yesterday — AFPpic

UNITED NATIONS

Date with freedom

NEW YORK

Activists to protest Ahmadinejad

ACTIVISTS vowed yesterday to greet Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with angry protests when he visits New York for this week's United Nations General Assembly.

United Against Nuclear Iran, an advocacy group, has demanded managers of the upscale Warwick Hotel refuse to host Ahmadinejad and his delegation and have urged a boycott of the international hotel chain.

world 11

"Ahmadinejad is not welcome here. His visit to Manhattan is offensive given Iran's heinous track record and its alliance with al-Qaeda," UANI executive director David Ibsen said in a statement yesterday.

The group also launched a mobile billboard, to be driven by truck near the UN and the Warwick hotel for the next several days, that will contain an anti-Ahmadinejad message. — AFP

Abbas to push hard to secure Palestinian Statehood at UN PALESTINIAN leader Mahmud Abbas was yesterday on a collision course with Israel and the US, vowing to apply for UN membership for a Palestinian State this week but warning of "difficult times" ahead for his people.

Flying in the face of strong opposition, Abbas met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to tell him he would go ahead with the controversial move on Friday despite mounting international pressure to put off the attempt.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is due to hold talks tomorrow with US President Barack

Obama and will address the General Assembly on Friday, called for a meeting with Abbas to relaunch "direct negotiations".

Frustrated by lack of progress in the stymied Middle East peace process, the Palestinians are planning to force the issue to the top of the world agenda in the hope of breaking the impasse.

"We are looking for this week being a week that produces an outcome that we can use to reaffirm our cause and bring us closer to our date with freedom," Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad said after talks with Norwegian

Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere.

But Abbas warned as he arrived in the city that "the Palestinian people and their leadership will pass through very difficult times after the Palestinian approach to the United Nations through the Security Council".

There are around 120 nations which have already either recognised the State of Palestine or said they would be in favour of such a move.

Stoere said donor nations meeting on Sunday had "concluded the Palestinian institutions are now above the threshold for running a State".

"Were there a State, the Palestinians could run it, that's the bottom line," Stoere added.

Abbas met Ban yesterday after arriving in New York to join 130 heads of State and government attending the annual UN General Assembly. Obama arrived in the city hours later.

The Israeli prime minister, set to arrive tomorrow, has said the UN bid is doomed to fail and that the Palestinians would ultimately seek renewed talks.

If the Palestinians do not secure nine votes from the 15 members, any resolution would fail and the US veto would not be necessary. — AFP

12

world

Military gay ban ends AFTER years of court battles and political debate, the US military will formally end its ban on openly gay troops today with little fanfare. The historic change will enter into force one minute after midnight, Pentagon Press secretary George Little said. "We are prepared for repeal. It will occur at 12.01 tomorrow," Little said. After Congress voted in December to lift the ban, the military reviewed its policies and had 2.25 million service members — virtually the entire force — undergo training to ensure a smooth transition. The 1993 law that will expire, known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," required gay and lesbian troops to keep quiet about their sexual orientation or face expulsion from the force. Roughly 14,000 service members have been kicked out of the military under the rule. — AFP

'Sex'-free UK passports UK passport holders may be able to opt out of identifying themselves as male or female under proposals being investigated by the Home Office. Discussions on the introduction of gender-free documents are still at an early stage, with officials in the UK and other countries examining the security implications of not requiring transgender people to state whether they are men or women, reports the Guardian.

Passport holders might be able to simply put an X in a box marked "sex".

Best trips for Aussies TURKEY, Tanzania and Vietnam are the best-value overseas destinations for Australians, according to research by the National Australia Bank and online travel company Expedia.

The top 10 value-for-money list, which compares the performance of the Australian dollar against the world's currencies over 12 months, also includes Argentina, Thailand, Iceland, Hong Kong, the US, Pakistan and the Philippines, reports The Age.

Japanese finish swim to Taiwan SIX Japanese men completed a treacherous 120km swim relay to Taiwan yesterday to thank the island for its help after Japan's deadly tsunami.

The six young men took the plunge on Saturday despite the threat of shark attacks and strong Pacific Ocean currents, for the relay swim from Yonakuni, a Japanese islet 110km east of Taiwan.

— AFP

This is not class warfare, it is math — US President Barack Obama on his RM4.6 trillion tax plan for the rich

LONDON

Ex-porn star's rights row Cicciolina caught in Italian political perks dispute over RM166,290-a-year pension

SHE is famed for being the first woman to uncover her breasts live on Italian television, for recording a song entirely about the male organ and for offering sex to Osama bin Laden (in return, she said, for giving up the terrorism).

But now Ilona Staller, better known as Cicciolina, is at the centre of a bitter row over the cost to ordinary Italians of the perks enjoyed by their country's tens of thousands of politicians.

It emerged yesterday the Hungarian, who starred in almost 40 hardcore pornographic movies, will soon be enjoying a €39,000-a-year (RM166,290-a-year) pension, provided by the taxpayers of her adoptive homeland, reports the Guardian.

The stipend, which is for life, is her reward for labouring as a member of parliament for all of five years, from 1987 to 1992. Staller was elected for the libertarian Radical party and sponsored a number of mainly sex-related bills, including one to set up "love parks and hotels".

Her entitlement is no different from that of any other one-term politician in Italy.

But their pensions have come under resentful scrutiny at a time when politicians are seeking painful sacrifices from the rest of society to prevent a Greek-style debt crisis. Last week, parliament gave final approval to an austerity pack-

age that includes an increase in VAT and provision for big cuts in income tax allowances.

Commenting on news of Staller's pension on the website of the daily Corriere della Sera, one reader said the country's politicians "got rich doing almost nothing" and cared little about "people who work: people who often struggle to make ends meet and pay their taxes by doing real work".

But the former porn star, who will start to get the pension in November when she turns 60, told the Guardian: "I earned it and I'm proud of it." She said that during her five years in parliament, she had tabled 12 Bills, including measures to introduce sex education in schools, give prisoners conjugal visits and ban vivisection.

"All politicians who are exmembers of parliaments get pensions for life and I think it is fair that I should too," Staller said.

According to one recent estimate, Italy's cohorts of politicians cost the taxpayers almost €1.3 bil a year. With four levels of government – national, regional, provincial and municipal – the country has an inordinately large number of elected representatives.

But that has not stopped them from giving themselves a distinctly comfortable lifestyle.

According to the Italian parliament website, the gross sal-

IN DEFENCE: Cicciolina said she had tabled 12 Bills during her five-year term in parliament

ary of a member of the lower house is €140,000 a year plus an attendance allowance of up to €42,000 and a contribution towards expenses of up to

€63,000. They are also entitled to free public transport, free air and sea travel within Italy and exemption from motorway tolls.

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

CAIRO

'Random' arrests stoke anger in Egypt EGYPTIAN rights groups have acc us e d Eg ypt i an authorities of carrying out random arrests after this month's attack on the Israeli embassy in Cairo, citing it as another example of a return to the ways of ousted President Hosni Mubarak.

Security forces detained around 200 people after protesters stormed the embassy building on Sept 9 and clashed with police. Three people died and more than 1,000 were injured.

The arrests have stoked fears of a return to police tactics used under Mubarak.

Those in custody could be tried in special security courts under emergency laws still in place despite Mubarak's ouster.

Rights officials said many of those detained were bystanders or passers-by.

"We are getting reports that many of those detained were not related to the attacks and just happened to be in the area," said Gamal Eid, head of the Arab Network for Human Rights Information, describing the government response as "hysterical".

"Security officials during Mubarak's time simply used to detain every one who was around and now the same thing has happened in the attacks on the Israeli embassy," Eid said.

A security source denied any random arrests, saying: "The police and military police have only arrested those who were causing destruction at the embassy."

A prosecution source said investigations were ongoing and no one had been sent to court. — Reuters

LONDON

News International to pay RM14.6 million to settle hacking N EWS Int e r n at i on a l i s expected to pay £3 million (RM14.6m) to settle hacking claims by the family of murder victim Milly Dowler against Britain's now defunct News of the World newspaper, sources close to the issue said yesterday.

The settlement is likely to involve close to a £2 million payment to the schoolgirl's family and a donation of at least £1 million to charity.

"News International con-

firms it is in advanced negotiations with the Dowler family regarding their compensation settlement," a spokeswoman for the company, parent company of the News of the World, said in a statement.

"No final agreement has yet been reached but we hope to conclude the discussions as quickly as possible."

If the settlement goes through, it would be the biggest payout made by News

International, the British newspaper arm of News Corp, in the phone-hacking scandal.

Suggestions in July that a News of the World investigator listened in to, and deleted, messages left for the cellphone of the 13-year-old girl after she went missing, misleading police and her family, caused uproar in parliament, and outrage among the public.

It became the tipping point

RECORD PAYMENT: Part of News International's settlement to go to charity

in the hacking scandal, which until then had focused main-

ly on the claims of politicians and celebrities. — Reuters

the malay mail

TuesDay 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

If you practice being kind, you’ll get good at it. If you practice being conscious, you’ll get good at it. If you practice garnering peace in your life, you’re going to get good at it.

10.00pm

13

14

world

Madonna to re-edit 'W.E.' MADONNA'S (pic) film W.E. is to be reedited ahead of its December release after failing to strike a chord with critics at the Venice and Toronto film festivals, according to reports. Both the Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye and the New York Post's Page Six column said W.E. would probably lose 10 minutes from its running time, reports The Guardian. The drama is the singer's first fulllength film as a director.

'Entourage' film may happen DON'T say goodbye to the Entourage boys just yet. The show's executive producer, Mark Wahlberg, tells PEOPLE the series would become a movie. "It better happen," Wahlberg said.

"We're working on (a movie) as we speak."

IN THE WORKS: The cast of 'Entourage'

Melbourne fest in hot water

Sharks are primitive creatures but their bodies produce a sophisticated substance, called squalamine, that shows promise in fighting a range of human viruses from hepatitis to yellow fever, researchers said yesterday â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AFP SYDNEY

Skimming the fat Proposal has Aussie taxpayers footing gym bills for 'unhealthy' people

TAXPAYERS would pay for unhealthy people to work out with a personal trainer under a proposal for "lifestyle prescriptions" being pushed by doctors.

The Australian Medical Association wanted a trial of exercise sessions and weightloss programmes to see if they were as cost-effective as conventional care, reports the

Daily Telegraph.

It followed a call from the Eastern Ranges General Practice Association in the influential doctors' journal Medical Observer to be published today.

Under the proposal, personal trainer sessions could be claimed back from Statefunded Medicare.

Association chief execu-

tive Kristin Michaels said the rebate would fit with the Federal government's new "Medicare Locals" programme aimed at focusing on stopping people from having to attend hospitals.

"To qualify for the rebates, patients would need to be referred by their GP to a trainer who was registered with a professional body and sub-

jected to additional training the same as every other allied health professional," Michaels told the Medical Observer.

"It would make gyms, and it would make that level of expertise, available to people who wouldn't necessarily otherwise have the disposable income available for them to pay."

Fitness Australia welcomed

the proposal with CEO Lauretta Stace saying the rebate would allow people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to access fitness programmes.

A spokesman for acting Health Minister Mark Butler said the government supported a range of measures to keep people fit and health and out of hospital but was not currently considering this proposal.

NEW YORK

Study: Rudeness is catching

PEOPLE say we're a rude bunch these days. From the people at work to our fellow commuters, there always seems to be some sort of conflict going on. Now studies suggest when you see so much of it, you can start behaving badly too, reports The Age. Michelle Gerdes in The Wall Street Journal said research

indicates people are ruder, possibly because our lives have become more hectic and pressure packed. What makes it more complicated is that rude people can climb the career ladder more easily than others.

Now, evidence suggests rudeness is infectious and can spread like a virus that may

ultimately impact personal relationships and other businesses.

A study conducted by Baylor University in Texas found the impact of rudeness can move beyond the workplace.

T h e aut h or, Me r i d e t h Ferguson, writes: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Employees who experience such incivility at work bring home the stress,

negative emotion and perceived ostracism that results from those experiences, which then affects more than their family life. It also creates problems for the partner's life at work."

The study found people who had experienced workplace rudeness were more likely to encounter work/family conflicts and more marital issues.

LOS ANGELES

The Emmy shots you didn't see THE Press weren't the only ones snapping photographs of TV's hottest stars at yesterday's Emmy Awards show. Here are some pictures taken by the stars themselves and posted on Twitter yesterday:

LONDON

PICTURE PERFECT: Padma Lakshmi's stylist puts on some finishing touches

THE Melbourne Festival has attracted international condemnation and been accused of offending Hindus in a show premiering at this year's event. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, from the US, claims the play Ganesh Versus the Third Reich could make a mockery of the Hindu god Ganesh, reports the Herald Sun. It depicts the elephantheaded Ganesh going on an epic journey to Nazi Germany to reclaim the swastika, the symbol of the sun, from Hitler.

Skirts key to success for women

READY TO ROLL: Minka Kelly (centre) put up this picture of her and her 'Charlie's Angels' co-stars Rachael Taylor (left) and Annie Ilonzeh

Biggest brothel plans scrapped PLANS to build Australia's biggest brothel have been thrown out, with the concept derided as the "Westfield of brothels". Stiletto brothel, in Camperdown, already boasts two floors of rooms with names such as Betty Boob.

Its owners wanted to build a AU$12 million (RM38 mil), three-storey extension, featuring 40 sex rooms, reports the Daily Telegraph. City of Sydney councillors rejected the plans yesterday, having received 80 objections.

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

FACE ON: 'Glee' actress Lea Michele tweeted this photo of her getting her makeup done

FROM THE CROWD: 'Glee' actor Dianna Agron (left) and Kevin McHale in their seats at the show

IN WITH THE NEW: Actor Charlie Sheen (left) posted this backstage picture of himself chatting with new 'Two and a Half Men' star Ashton Kutcher

THE trouser suit may be the uniform of choice for the power-dressing career woman.

But she'd be better off in a skirt, if the latest research is to be believed, reports the Herald Sun. Skirts give a better first impression and are more likely to lead to success in the workplace, a UK study found.

Profess or Karen Pine, who co-led the study at the University of Hertfordshire, said when 300 people were asked to give "snap judgments" of images of women in either trouser suits or a skirts, they favoured those in skirts.

"First impressions are formed rapidly and are often highly accurate," Pine said.

"What we wear speaks volumes in just a few seconds.

Dressing to impress really is worthwhile and could even be the key to success."

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

I look forward to meeting the Radioheads and leveraging their anti-corporate indie cred to raise brand awareness for my sponsors — Stephen Colbert on having the band on his show, 'The Colbert Report'

world

15

ICONIC: Williams as Monroe in 'My Week With Marilyn'

Aguilera: Music my first love

FAME MONSTER: Lady Gaga has six nominations

LONDON

SINGER-ACTRESS Christina Aguilera (pic) says she will never put her film career ahead of her music. The 30-year-old star said she is looking for more film projects but music will always be her priority, reports contactmusic.com. "I'm always reading scripts," Aguilera told Hello! magazine. "But I'm not going to do back-to-back movies just to do them. Music is always my first love and where my time and attention will remain. But film is something that will be on my mind and I am looking for the next project."

Gaga leads the pack

Katy Perry, Bruno Mars also top nominations for MTV Europe Music Awards POP star Lady Gaga led the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards nominations yesterday with six, including best song for Born This Way, best pop and live act and best female artiste.

In all four categories, the 25-year-old extreme dresser was up against another chart-topping diva Katy Perry, (pic) nominated four times including for best song for Firework.

L a d y Gaga's other two nominations are best video (Born This Way ) and biggest fans, a new categor y introduced this year.

SEATTLE

Bruno Mars joins Perry with four nominations — best new, b e s t male, best "push" act and best song for Grenade.

Adele, Britain's ow n b est-s el ling chart sensation, is shortlisted three times — best female act and best song and best video for Rolling in the Deep.

Canadian teen heartthrob Justin Bieber competes for best pop, best male and biggest fans, while Thirty Seconds to Mars is up for best alternative, best world stage and biggest fans.

The MTV Europe Music Awards, one of pop's biggest prize nights outside the United States, will be held on Nov 6 from Belfast, Ireland's Odyssey Arena.

— Reuters

LOS ANGELES

Williams' acting dreams: quitting SHE'S a two-time Oscar nominee and is about to star as the most iconic actress in modern history but Michelle Williams is, well, a little bit bored with this Hollywood thing.

The My Week With Marilyn star told Hobo Magazine: "I often dream of quitting acting.

Walking away and becoming a laundress or a sous chef or maybe writing other people's love letters for a living," the star told the magazine.

"Clearly, I don't like to be in charge. And thinking of quitting is just keeping going in disguise. When you have options, anything is bearable. It's when a situation is inescapable that it becomes hell. It seems to me that as soon as you get good at something, it is a

sure sign that it is about to walk out of your life because it ceases to hold your mind and creative energy hostage."

Flirtation with quitting isn't new to Williams. Following the death of her ex, Heath Ledger, she threatened to leave the craft if the paparazzi wouldn't stop hounding her.

"If it gets to the point where I can't situate my life in a way that they stay away more, then I'll drop a match on the thing," she told Newsweek.

"I'll be sad. I like to act. It's saved my life over and over again. It's given me a sense of self-esteem, self-worth. I have this thing that I'm in love with acting and now it has this baggage."

Nicholas Cage an immortal vampire?

TO critics who think Nicolas Cage's acting has been getting stale — cut the man some slack, he's more than 100 years old.

And a vampire.

An antiques dealer has put a Civil War photo (pic) on eBay claiming it is proof Cage isn't 47 but an immortal bloodsucker, reports news.com.au.

The picture, which dates from 1870 and carries a US$1 million (RM3.1 mil) price tag, bears an uncanny resemblance to the star.

The product description reads: "Original c1870 carte de visite showing a man who looks exactly like Nick Cage. Personally, I believe it's him and that he is

some sort of walking undead/ vampire, et cetera, who quickens/reinvents himself once every 75 years or so. 150 years from now, he might be a politician, the leader of a cult, or a talk show host. This is not a trick photo, it's an original photograph of a man who lived in Bristol, TN sometime around the Civil

War. Photographer is Professor G.B. Smith. A contact of mine forwarded this interesting article about the photographer, Smith.

Turns out he was a confederate Civil War prisoner of war photographer. Guaranteed to be an original 1860s-70s photograph and not a modern reproduction, copy or photo manipulation."

Kunis, Timberlake on photo scandal ACTORS Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis (pic) denied claims they exchanged racy photos of themselves with each other on their handphones, reports People.com. "At no time did Timberlake and Kunis exchange inappropriate texts or emails.

The insistence that there is any inappropriate correspondence between the two parties is entirely false," a statement from their representatives said. TMZ reported last week a phone account owned by Kunis, 28, was hacked and photos of the actress in a bathtub along with pictures of Timberlake, 30, lying on a bed were discovered.

Suri starts school DESIGNER back-packs, heels, couture threads and a bodyguard. No it’s not a fashion parade. It’s Suri Cruise starting school. The five-yearold child of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes started school at the $US16,000 (RM49,800)a-year New Village Leadership Academy last week, and sources say she's been getting on fantastically. Suri has become an instant hit with her classmates due to her penchant for the latest fashions. "All the little girls want to try on her heels. Suri is very generous and lets them wear her shoes," an insider told Closer magazine.

Enterta

16 lifestyle

'Suara' in commotio Brouhaha continues over 'mixed' voices in concert

By JOE LEE joelee@mmail.com.my

twitter @klubbkiddkl AN experienced practitioner in the Malaysian music industry questioned the online backlash — on Twitter and various social network platforms — over the much-hyped Suara Kami 2011 concert.

While the main grouse of the young people questioned if the show was really "their voice", the individual pointed out that everyone "should be thankful that there was a platform for local artistes to give a live performance of such a grand scale".

Granted, but then again, how long would it take for our own people to have faith in our own products, so that we could really showcase "Suara Kami" in the genuine sense.

As it is, even big names like Search, Wings, and many others capable of pulling and rocking crowd, have to go through hell to get a venue to perform.

Ikhlas concert by Roslan Aziz Production in 1992 was proof that Malaysians DO appreciate music from our own people.

Sheila Majid and Zainal Abidin did the same. Search and Wings packed several venues last year, despite their "non-sponsorship" issues.

Tickets for these shows were snapped up (and they were not cheap) long before the concerts. Perhaps they were big names then, but if one were to accumulate all the current "big names" in the industry and plonk them on stage for a FREE concert

as Suara Kami was, you would still get the crowd.

Yes, we are thankful for Nelly, K-Pop group Rania, India's Naresh Iyer and Chenmayi, and Hong Kong's Hins Cheung as they were certainly a rare treat.

Some might argue Nelly was needed to pull the crowd, but hey, his involvement in the show was confirmed just a couple of days before the scheduled day and was not part of the earlier promotional blitz, so how could he have been the main reason for the turnout?

If you want it to be a 1Malaysia concept, bring back all the Malaysian Chinese acts who are currently doing very well overseas like Michael Wong (now a big name in Taiwan) or Fish

sideshows and were relegated to mere musical interludes for what the organisers clearly misrepresented as a local music festival.

Suara Kami, or "Our Voice", ended with many questioning whose voice the event that was held in conjunction with Malaysia Day, really represented.

Consider the facts.

Amazing acts like Hujan (who premiered their new single in Rumah Kita) for the opening, along with Yuna, Popshuvit, Psycho Unit, Stacy and Azlan may have brought the house down with their spirited performances that embodied Suara Kami.

They were all,

however, limited to one song each, which made for a rushed approach towards the show, and attendees at Stadium Merdeka could have sworn more time was spent on commercial breaks and incoherent and screaming hosts who appeared to think they were the stars of the show.

Even legendary guitarists in Joe Wings, Man Kidal, Kid Search and Hillary Ang, who backed

SNAPPING IT UP: Najib taking a picture of the audience from the stage which he later uploaded to his tweeter board

Azlan on his number, were only given time to dish out one instrumental before their time onstage was up.

Only Faizal Tahir who had a little bit more time (possibly due to better negotiation skills of his management), got to serve up two offerings, to the joy of his fans.

Meanwhile, Naresh Iyer from India with Chenmayi featured on the second song and Hins Cheung got two songs each while Koreans Rania upped it to three.

MELTING POT: (From left) Reenitha, Aznil, Ean and Hui Mei represent the best of Malaysia's differing cultures

Leong. Zee Avi, who is doing great in the US could easily remind us that a Malaysian voice is doing well elsewhere.

In the end, the local line up at Suara Kami 2011 ended up more like

DIZZYING: Faizal mesmerises with 'Karma'

Nelly was the obvious spotlight act, especially for the organisers who felt the need to keep stressing his performance at virtually every opportunity and made it his mini-showcase with four songs.

Perhaps this emphasis betrayed a lack of confidence that local names could serve as crowd-pullers, but the act of plugging him in on the eleventh hour was revelation that Astro needs to readjust its priorities when putting together a show of this magnitude.

So what was the real aim of Suara Kami 2011?

The high point? The surprise appearance of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor who were introduced during the first quarter of the show.

Anyway, while local acts are constantly subject to much scrutiny, we have to wonder how the televised event allowed the girls of Rania to be clad in hot pants and sheer stocking or Nelly to strut about with his low-riding jeans displaying his boxers while going on about, “It’s getting so hot, I wanna take my clothes off ”.

So, was it really about the voice of the new generation?

Is it fair to assume that the organiser thought it smart of themselves to think that the selected foreign acts in any way represented the youths that the show seemed s k e w e d towards?

By the time,

ELECTRIFYING: Stacy with her rendition of 'Kasanova'

HOT: Nelly wanted to take off his clothes because of the 'heat '

FROM INDIA: Chinmayi (left) and Naresh belting it out

SPORTING: Najib and Ros

mah up on

FRETTING: Kid Search (left) and Hillary wowing the crowds with their guitars

laughably, they decided to end with the "theme" song for Suara Kami with the remake of Kanye and Estelle’s American Boy — renamed Malaysian Boy — the crowd had already scooted off to make their way home, missing out the nonetheless interesting performance by Altimet, DJ Fuzz, Point Blanc, Ila Damia and Rabbit Mac. While production qualities were top notch at the venue (except for the perplexing "spider" stage design which obscured the view of performers most of the time), it was another matter for viewers at home who griped about the quality of audio over the tube.

The idea was definitely noble.

However, more thought could have been put into the concept and the CROWD content. Suara Kami PopShu should not have been

ainment

on

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Kid's fun drama for adults too THE most important ingredient of a good story is a good script. A great cast helps too. There's this production team that seems to have got that down to pat, the results of which can be seen in a programme called Cuak.

This means young viewers will have a

stage to join in the revelry

a mere superficial title.

Yes, it is a catchy name (kudos to the person who coined it), but it would have been more meaningful, if the phrase meant what it said.

There were awkward moments too. The opening gambit — a percussion act drumming up the beat for fire-breathers who were painted in tribal warpaint (think A'Famosa Resort), might have been amusing to some, but at most, the effect was pretty lame.

The next time someone decides to attempt planning an event to cater to the youth, perhaps it be best that they do their homework.

Should we have another round?

For sure, but let's hope that the powers that be by then could really be those who are proud of our own people, with great faith for homegrown talents. Then Suara Kami might really be loud and clear enough for even others to really finally listen.

ing

D APPEAL: Moots! perform uvit's 'Mara Bahaya'

17

DYNAMIC DUO: Aliff and little Mia Sara

solid 13-episode series to look forward to. Cuak is currently showing on Astro Ceria (Channel 611).

The new comedy series, directed by Azmi Hatta, is filled with mystery and it carries different ideas each episode.

Cuak revolves around Bahaman and his family who had to go back to their hometown to look for their lost grandfather.

The villagers believe the grandfather is dead, a fate not well accepted by Danial, the eldest grandson who is sure the old man is alive.

This leads to a search and along the way, quite a number of discoveries are also made, some, in rather hilarious ways.

"Although it is aired on the kids channel, Cuak is aimed at the young and old alike.

I believe it will be wellaccepted since it will be a fun drama to watch. Families can get together watching it on weekends," Azmi said.

Cuak presents a mix of old and new names in the industry like Mia Sara,

SAY 'CUAK': The cast in a group shot —Pix: ARIF KARTONO

Delimawati, Watie (of Elite fame), Aliff Satar and Shahrulnizam Kamaludin. The more senior names are joined by new actors including Ani Al-Idrus and Dewi Remaja 2010 finalist Siti Azar Ameerah.

Azmi said he was happy working with the team, as none of them were "problematic". The series was shot around Kuala Selangor.

"Even the cute Mia Sara did not give us any trouble. It was so easy working with her. She may be young but she worked like a professional. She was very committed. I don't mind working with her again in my future projects."

Meanwhile, Astro Ceria channel manager Evon Koh said she was very happy with the drama and had faith it would

attract not only kids but also adults. "The strength of the drama is in its storyline and the script is a combination of imagination and reality. We always believe it would be good for those who are imaginative."

Cuak's first episode was shown on Ceria (channel 611) on Sept 18. It will continue showing every Sunday at 10.30am for 13 episodes. —By CHE'AZ

'Family' reunion for next CNY SO you enjoyed ntv7's noisy and funny cast of The Superb Match Maker. Now you can double the fun in Happy Family, yet another witty and even funnier production by the same young and talented director, Kethsvin Chee.

Yup, Malaysia's youngest director is back for round two to tickle your funny bones.

"Last year, the pressure had been immensely high. This year, it had been a lot better," Chee said referring to the same bunch of actors he used for his previous, The Superb Match Maker, Maker which premiered on local television on the first day of Chinese New Year.

"We were having our discussion earlier on, and this time most of the actors threw in their own ideas on how to make the characters stand out even more. Most of them are workable ideas, so I shall leave it to them to flex their creative muscles," said Chee.

Happy Family tells the tale of magical and mysterious events. Cleaning house one day, a family member wipes a family portrait with a "happy potion", accidentally bringing to life the people in the picture.

Stretch your imagination a little and you know you might be in for a good ride.

Joining the director in this telemovie are William San, Wayne Chua, Yeo Yann Yann, Frederick Lee, Mayjune Tan, Leslie Chai, Lin Jing Miao, Tiang Kah Chee, Aenie Wong, Kyo Chen and Jack Yap. Also joining the massive production are Debbie Goh, Pearlly Chua and Adrian Tan. The cast who met the Press recently seemed excited about

the new show.

San, who was recently being rumoured to be ntv7's new "big brother" (a name reserved for the more experienced and popular male cast) was as humble as he could be. San plays Yang Chong, a stubborn and arrogant character in the tele-movie.

In spite of the praises, San said he did not wish being called "big brother" as it was "not appropriate".

"I dare not carry the title," he

ALL SMILES: The extended 'family' of the telemovie

said, “Definitely not.” This was notwithstanding the fact that the TV station had been heavily promoting the singer-actor who was recently seen in Forget Me Not. Meanwhile, Goh is seen as the "controversial" figure in the team. Goh, who also owns an Indonesian restaurant in Ampang, was recently in the limelight after being caught in a lawsuit in Hong Kong.

The actress and her rumoured

boyfriend, Hudson Chang, were allegedly driving a luxury car without the owner's consent. In the Sept 7, 2009, incident, both Goh and her boyfriend were charged with driving away a Mercedes sports car without the owner's permission. Both pleaded not guilty in the case.

The ex-Malaysian beauty queen said the story was blown out of proportion by the Hong Kong media and assured fans that "it’s a small matter".

"Really, if it was as bad as it sounds, I would have to stop what I am doing now," she said. Her next hearing is scheduled for Nov 9, her fourth appearance in court so far.

That aside, the actress is currently wrapping up another production, The Descendent, also for ntv7. She is also expected to fly to Mongolia this to star in another big production, The Legend of the Yuan Empire Founder, with A-listers like Charmaine Sheh and Hu Jun. Happy Family is tentatively scheduled to be shown on the first day of Chinese New Year on Jan 23, 2012, at 10pm on ntv7. — Pic and story by LOONG WAI TING

18 lifestyle

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 september, 2011

No genius solutions

By anu venugopal anu@mmail.com.my Title: How To Think Like Einstein Author: Scott Thomas Publisher: Advantage Quest Rating: 4/10 ALTHOUGH the title may suggest you could possibly be thinking like Albert Einstein, the book has little to do with the man who developed the theory of relativity.

Instead you get well-known but still valid points of selfimprovement and thinkingoutside-the-box techniques that may trigger the mind towards bigger ideas.

Thomas’s concept of learning to solve problems by thinking like a bug and pretending you are James Bond is a little off-topic and generally the book is not as in depth as you would like it to be.

One good point mentioned is that if you can’t solve a problem, it is probably

MPH Best-Seller LIST Non-fiction

1. A Doctor in the House: The Memoirs of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad 2. The Grand Design by Stephen Hawking 3. Quantum Leaps: 100 Scientists Who Changed The World by Jon Balchin 4. The Power of X: Enter the 10

Fiction

1. I Don't Know How She Does it (Movie Tie-in) by Allison Pearson 2. The Confession by John Grisham 3. A Dance With Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire #5) by

Gods by Joey Yap 5. The Power by Rhonda Byrne 6. Unsinkable: How to Bounce Back Quickly When Life Knocks You Down by Sonia Ricotti 7. Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by

Todd Burpo, Lynn Vincent 8. Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua 9. An Unshakable Mind: How To Overcome Life's Difficulties by Ryuho Okawa 10. The You Code: What Your Habits Say About You by Judi James, James Moore

George R.R. Martin 4. The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht 5. Any Man of Mine by Rachel Gibson 6. What The Night Knows by Dean Koontz

7. New Beginnings by Fern Britton 8. Room by Emma Donoghue 9. Priceless by Nicole Richie 10. A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

Local Author

because you are stuck in a rule rut. However, there is always an answer — if you break the rules, just like Einstein did.

The author believes that by breaking the rules and

changing the perspective of the way you look at problems, you could get the answer you are seeking. Einstein’s quotes between chapters add value to this book.

1. A Doctor in the House: The Memoirs of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad 2. Di Mana Dia Di Hatiku?

ALLAH itu Hampir Tapi, Kenapa Aku Masih Meminggir? Akalku Alpa Berfikir, Hatiku Lupa Berzikir...

by Pahrol Mohd Juoi 3. Ensiklopedia Solat: Kombinasi Fakta Hukum dan Sains (Fiqah, Falsafah,

4.

5.

6.

7.

Sejarah, Saintifik) (Ilustrasi & Foto Menarik) by Datuk Haji Md Hashim Yahaya Bogel Menuju Tuhan by Zahiril Adzim Beduk Diketuk by Pahrol Mohd Juoi Seni Matematik Islam: Generasi Genius-Ikon Ilmu Anugerah Ilahi by Adi Putra Wahai Tuhan Engkaulah Penyembuh: Doa, Jampi dan Amalan Dalam Perubatan

Islam by Dato' Haji Ismail Kamus, Mohd Wahid Abd Hanif 8. Growing up with Ghosts by Bernice Chauly 9. 101 Rekreasi Hati: Buat Diri Ku yang Mudah Lupa by Dr Zahazan Mohamed, Nik Wafdi Nik Jaafar 10. Notes to the Prime Minister: The Untold Story of How Malaysia Beat the Currency Speculators by Wong Sulong

• Weekly list compiled by MPH Bookstores, Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur; www.mphonline.com

By anu venugopal anu@mmail.com.my THE power of spice is in its healing qualities and Swasana Spa embodies these therapeutic qualities.

Stepping into the serene and cosy spa on the fourth floor of Impiana KLCC Hotel & Spa, one can almost feel tensions and bodyaches melting away.

The tranquil ambience and spice-themed rooms create the ideal lure for anyone looking to indulge in a little healing and relaxing.

Offering a detailed selection of Balinese, Thai and Malay traditional treatments for a pampering and relaxation session, Swasana Spa has a comprehensive range of body massages, body and bath treatments, facials as well as hand and feet treatments for one to choose.

lifestyle 19

sudoku

A spicy retreat Combining current preparations and ancient treatments from the Asian region, the spa is a one-stop centre for those looking to relax, rejuvenate and restore balance to the mind, body and soul.

The relaxation and rejuvenation process starts the minute one is met by the friendly staff. Sip on a glass of ginger tea at the foyer while the staff gets one of the 10 rooms ready for your treatment.

If you have opted for a body massage, then you are given the choice of choosing an oil that best represents the state of being you would like to be in — like Natural, Pamper, Balance, Rejuvenate or Serenity.

Swasana Spa's range of massages include the Thai Massage, Deep Pressure Massage, Swasana Massage, Malay Spice Massage and Balinese Massage.

Choosing the Balinese Massage, which lasts 60 or 90 minutes according to

your preference - gave one the experience of Bali without having to go to Bali.

After changing into a dressing gown, Ayu, the therapist will give you a foot wash. In warm water sprinkled with red and white rose petals, she very gently scrubs the feet and leaves the soles feeling fresh and clean. Then it is time for the anticipated Balinese Massage.

Passed down from generations, this technique combines stretching, long strokes, skin rolling as well as palm and thumb pressures. The deep penetration of blended pure essential oils heightened by the firm but gentle touch of the therapist improves the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular and nervous systems.

With dim lights and tranquil music in the background, Ayu’s expert hands made the hour fly by.

Taking each client’s preference into account, she massages to one’s liking, whether mildly or a little

how to play UNWINDING: Essential oils and skilled therapists ensure clients are throughly relaxed and rejuvenated stronger. Lying face down, she works her way from the feet to the upper body.

The best part of the massage is the palm and thumb pressure technique, giving an instant relief to the body.

Also included is the face massage which marks the end of the treatment.

Before you leave, enjoy a cup of hot ginger tea at the lounge before heading back into the real world.

One of the best things about Swasana Spa is the attention to detail — the cleverly-named therapy rooms

after spices like coriander, peppercorn and star anise, the beautiful and spiceinspired decor throughout the spa and the attention the friendly staff give their clients.

Opened from 10am to 10pm daily, the new recipient of a 5-star spa rating by the Tourism Ministry is the ideal spot to relax and rejuvenate after a hectic schedule. For more information or reservations, contact the Swasana Spa at (03) – 2147 1111 ext 3333 or email swasanaspa. iklcc@impiana.com

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

Friday'S solution

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 september, 2011

20

the malay mail

Tuesday 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

TuesDay 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

the malay mail

21

22

PROPERTY / MOTORING / HEALTH / HOME / OTHERS / JOBS

the malay mail

Tuesday 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

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

M20

Houses for sale

M130

Car for sale

M133

Commercial vehicles for sale

M321

Fashion/health & beauty

CHERAS TAMAN BUKIT ANGGERIK. D/S. 16x35.

L/A 1805sf. Corner 2R+1B. Bumi Lot RM 265K ONO. 012-330 7579.

Cheong.

M22

Houses wanted

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

(NEW) INOKOM & HINO Special promotion, free body. Call:0123211 453/ 012-3225334

M135

Vehicles for hire

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

Call: 03-9057 1336/ 016-646 9891 www.klqueensland.com AROMA ASIAN Massage. For outdoor only. With Promotion price.

Interested please Call Julie: 016-293 1051

GOOD PRICES OFFERED for land / houses and Apt in Shah Alam, PJ & KL. Quick sale.

Owners TEL / SMS 019-228 6666

M321

Fashion/health & beauty OM SAI RAM Yantra Slimming World brgs excelnt 3 days weight loss (-10kg) Program now at lowest price @ RM799.

Can pay by instmnt. Original price RM3889. Fast & Easy, Herbal & Natural. No side effects. $ bec guarantee. & YANTRA WORLD brng excelnt 3 days Weight GAIN (+20kg ) Program now at RM789, Can pay by instlmnt. Original Price RM3899. Fast, Easy & Herbal.$ bec guarntd. Call Rubini 010261 7817 or 012-630 1672

TASMANIAN (Australia) property for sale at very competitive prices. Ring Freddie Forstner on +61409886698 or E mail magyar@trump. net.au or visit www. batterypointheritage.com.au

INSPIRA D/p 0, 9 yrs RM850.

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

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

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

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

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

AROMA MASSAGE RM39 at Serdang, Judy, Alice, Jenny, Ari, Mira,Jean.

012-678 0220/ 012-3281 449 Batavia /Darlina Beauty House.

M40

Office/office building for sale MALAYSIA DAY OFFERS For Proton cars. Attractive cash rebate. Free services. Ready stock. Call: AMIR 012-223 8240

One South Street Mall office suites: Promotion Hari Malaysia ~16-18 September 2011 ~10am - 6pm ~Buyer get buyer cash voucher ~Buyer special rebate ~Please visit our show unit ~serve with light refreshment.

Tel: 03-8945 8878 (Hp) 0129536189 / 016-7783386. AYG Property Solutions E(3) 1168

M43

Office to let

MITSUBISHI ALL new models.

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

Oscar Tan 012-388 5897

TMN SETIAWANGSA KL available office space 1st flr. rental RM700 per month. F/f. & free parking, available immediately. Call: Baharin 019-279 2060

CYBERJAYA. Ground Floor shop in Biz Avenue 2 , 1446 sqf.

Rent RM3800/ Sale RM890000.

Pls contact: 012-288 0218

M130

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

Call: Junson 016-6666 132

Car for sale

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

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

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

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

Ms Meera 0320945542/ 016-2056003

CUSTOMIZE HAIRPIECE / Toupee / Wig - RM1,700 only. More info : www. hairsetup.com Call: 0193118916 , 03- 9274 7857

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

Gina/ Rina/Apple/ Rozie.

TRADITIONAL MASSAGE in Cheras & Balakong.

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

M390

Home services/renovations

Commercial vehicles for sale

Business Services CO FORMATION RM1,400.

Work permit, shelf co., rep. of office, MOF, close down, secretarial & audit.

Call: 012-696 3631.

UNIFORM FACTORY at Cheras, we make all types of uniform. Call: William 016-338 3670 Agents are welcome

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

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

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

On-site repairs & free troubleshooting.

Call 016-380 1984 Teh

M430

Business opportunities FOR LITTLE OR No Money earns from 100K to millions for Onex Programs, pre IPO biodiesal shares. 6010-2101649

GOLDEN MERMAID. Out call Relaxation massage by Male & Female masseurs. Call: 012-907 5995 / 03-2021 7637

REPAIR ON THE SPOT., Air cond, fridge, water heater, & w/machine.

24hrs & 7 days operation.

Call: Syed 017-388 3154

M393

Home furniture/furnishing

KEMENTERIAN KEWANGAN MOF Registration, Bumi status.

Call: 03-40434000 / 019-3840000. www.

Ready Companies.com LEARN HOW TO make fast $$$ from your credit cards!! Reply SCC/Name/Age/Location for a 20 min FREE presentation.

100% legal + proven method!

T&C apply. Call 013-277 8625

INDIAN AROMA TRADITIONAL Massage by local Indian girl. Relaxing for M/ Female.

1pm -11pm. Appt. DIVYA 016-6468 493/016-3095 232

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

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

M436

Leasing/loans CAR REPAYMENT PROBLEMS? R.O, Auction, Finance? Let us help you settle them. You pay us nothing!

T&C apply. Call: 017-641 5062

M398

Services

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

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

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

NAMASTE!!! Need a relaxing massage ?

Interested just call : SIMI 014-6311 228 (Indoor only) K.Lumpur

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

Come to USJ9 Mall, Puchong 017-707 8383

M372

Articles wanted

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

Tel: 012313 0778 / 03- 7981 1898

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

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

208 Plaza Ampang City, KL

Full color, 260gsm, art card with matt. Lamination.

Other printing services are also available. Call Mr. Rahman H/P 016-3275477 or email adclassic65@gmail.com / a d c l a s s i c 6 5 @ ya h o o. c o m

M515

Jobs A ESTABLISHED INTERNATIONAL Newspaper /Magazines distribution company wants a DESPATCH RIDER , with motorcycle license , preferably staying around Putra Jaya area . To deliver newspaper/ magazines to Putra Jaya area . Working hours from 0600 to 1400.

Salary negotiable. If interested please come personally to the following address: NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE SERVICES (M) SDN BHD. 16 JALAN SM 10, TAMAN SRI MANJA OFF JALAN KLANG LAMA. 46000 PETALING JAYA TEL: 7783 7797 / 7783 0895 / 96 - Puan ROSE.

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

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

Visit www.mhmfirm.com

M280

Friendship CUPID’S TOUCH High success rate genuine clientele.

Call: 03-2142 6118 / 032142 1118 / 016-650 1118 w w w. c u p i d s t o u c h . c o m . m y

ACCOUNT/AR CLERK & Personal Driver. Interested candidates please call Mrs Yap H/P 012-3900 738/ 016-3230 738

M370

Articles for sale

LOCAL INDIAN girls mssg.

P & C. Shalini 016-224 2495 Sharon 011-162 61730 ALL NEW MODELS. Attractive promotion. New sport back. Fast delivery, FOC maintenance.

Pls call: 012-326 9849

Articles for sale

M434

Education

Computer

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

For info call: 016-3130974 or visit www.medicaldevice2u. com T&C Applies

M370

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

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

ALL PC repairs services 24 hrs for office residents.

Microsoft certified engineer.

Contact Sri 012-271 6814

Home repairs/maintenance

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

Out call only : 019-255 6622

Photography

M303

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

Outcall only. Private & cosy. Call: +6012-393 0136

M133

M414

Business for sale

M300 SAFFRON BEAUTY CARE(002052898-A) 22A-2, Jln Rimbunan Raya, Kepong.

Massage by local Indian girl. Private & cosy. Riya 014-664 6956

M392

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

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

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

M432

VIDEO to DVD Conversion.

Video filming & Photography Svs. 03-4041 6850 / 6277 4991 / HP 012-235 5190. w w w. s h e e l v i s i o n . c o m

M321

M53

Shops to let

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)

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

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

Call: Mira 013-336 3160

M35

Properties for sale

M394

ANTIQUE- NYONYA/ Chinese porcelain, Epergne, clocks, dolls, furniture’s, crystals, Murano.

017-2829 700, 012-208 6745

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

Computer literate.

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

JOBS M515

M515

M515

M515

M515

M515

Jobs

Jobs

Jobs

Jobs

Jobs

Jobs

Jobs

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

Applicants must be willing to work in Sg. Buloh. Contact 013-208 0065 Ms. Siti or send your resume and application to kch2001my@yahoo.com ADMIN EXEC, CLERK. Min SPM / Diploma, With or no exp, Willing to learn, honest, hardworking, SALES EXEC. Own transport, service dealers.

Positive attitude, work independently.

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

ADMIN/ GENERAL Clerk Wanted. SPM or equivalent Age < 25yrs. Malaysian Citizens.

Fluent in English & BM. Salary + Allowance +RM1200++.

Despatch, Minimum SPM, Possesses driving license, motorcycle & hand phone .

Interested? Call: 016-308 4747 An established Company at Jalan Ipoh seeks LORRY DRIVER Requirements:Familiar with Klang Valley.

With experience at least 1 year. Capable to carry heavy goods. Willing to work long hours. Interested candidates kindly call 03-6257 7860 BRANCH MANAGER / Sales & Marketing Exec.

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

DRIVER: 3-4 Yrs experience with good road knowledge, interested. TECHNICIAN IT: Min SPM, Exp IT / Electronic, valid driving license. ENGINEER IT: Dip IT / Electronic, 2 Yrs. Exp, HW, SW. Contact: 03-5513 1114 / Email:hr@rhyzrin.com PHOTOGRAPHERS, DESKTOP PUBLISHER (DTP). Pls send your resume to: ysphoto@streamyx.com.

Or walk in for interview. Tel: 012-678 6336 / 03-7876 0373

GENERAL CLERK & GENERAL WORKER urgently wanted in Shah Alam. 5 days week. No experience required. Tel: 03-5638 1166

PRECISION MACHINIST/ TOOL & DIE MAKERS needed.

Min. 3 yrs exp. in High Precision Steel or Carbide Grinding, CNC Milling/Wire-Cut, EDM for Semicon tooling spares fabrication. Preferred Malaysian or foreigners with work permits may apply. Call 03-5636 8122 or send resume at roswati@ sandpipers.com.my or kschan@sandpipers.com.my RECOVERY OFFICERS Supervisors/ Managers/ Clerical needed. Attractive basic salary, commission and performance bonus provided.

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

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

Must be Computer literate.

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

IMMEDIATE VACANIES FOR Credi recovery Officers / Field visit Officer & despatch. Age below 37. Min SPM. Male / female. Indoor / outdoor. With / Without experience. Urgently required in Tmn Shamelin, Cheras. Good basic salary + high commission. Please call Ms.Yatie 03-9285 0500.

RUNNERS WANTED IMMEDIATELY. Attractive Commission.

Possess own motorbike. Call: 032694 9901 / 2693 4142 SALES DEVELOPMENT Executive/ Van Salesman / Lorry Driver & Lorry Attendant needed with or without exp. Call 03-8062 2007 SECURITY ELITE GUARDS CISCO Urgently needed at 5 Star Hotel in KL, Ex Uniformed personnel’s are encouraged.

Salary RM 1800.00+++. EPF, SOCSO, medical, insurance, meals and hostel provided.

Contact: Chandran 012-376 0640, Jeya 016-222 3213, Jefri 019-348 4646, Office 03-2282 7055, 2282 7044 TEACHER / CARETAKER NEEDED in a kindergarten at Mutiara Tropicana. Interested please call 016-909 8206

BUS DRIVERS WITH E License & Van Drivers (male/female) needed for international school based in KL. Call: 03-4044 8081 / 012-234 8081 (10am-5pm) BUSINESS MANAGERS â “ RM 20,000.00 and more per month can be earned. An excellent opportunity to be your own Boss by joining a 3rd party outsource company handling personal loans. The role requires previous experience handling a team of sales people. Candidates with Supervisory and interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate a team are preferred. Call: 032072 5588 Jessica or Thava, mobile number 016-201 8007 for immediate interview.

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

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

Working hour btwn 9am & 5pm.

Hourly rate between RM7 to RM9 depending on experience & performance. Must be able to speak English. School leavers are encouraged to apply if you would like to learn & develop skills in bakery industry. Contact Gandhi at: 012-290 054 / Email to caftbakers@craftbakers.org.uk CREDIT RECOVERY OFFICERS wanted at Klana Jaya. School leavers or fresh graduate or retires encourage to apply. Interested call: 016-207 0228 Lee, 012-296 0625 John DOCTOR WANTED in Shah Alam. Full/Part time.

5 day week. Salary 8-10k.

Email resume shihchoon@ gmail.com or call 012-229 3395

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

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

TEAM MANAGERS â “ RM 20,000.00 and more per month can be earned. An excellent opportunity to be your own Boss by joining a 3rd party outsource company handling personal loans. The role requires previous experience handling a team of sales people. Candidates with Supervisory and interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate a team are preferred. Call: 03 2072 5588 Jessica or Thava, mobile number 016-201 8007 for immediate interview

MALE VAN DRIVER wanted.

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

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

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

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

VACANCY AT a Spare Parts Company 1) Lorry Driver 2) Motor Driver 3) General Worker Salary is negotiable. Staff refreshment is included.

Company is opposite of Petronas Segambut. Please call: Michelle 016-975 3681 / 03-6259 9666 Vacancy. 1) Store Hand. Prefer stay in Klang area & with motorbike license. 2) Technician / Sales Executive. Prefer with electrical background & with car license. Training provided. Please contact 033324 3362 or 03-3324 5111 email: westbend@hotmail.com

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

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

SMS your particulars <NAME> SPACE <AGE> SPACE <OCCUPATION> SPACE <AREA> to 012-3776739 PERSONAL DRIVER needed with experience, with OT, non smoking. Ref, discipline.

Punctual. Familiar with KL & PJ area.Condition strictly apply Call: 012-379 8877

WAREHOUSE ASSISTANCE & GENERAL Clerk required at Subang USJ 1. Candy & Soft Toys Wholesaler. Preferably below 45 years old. Call Ms.Tai at 012-360 1966 / 03-8023 6813

WAREHOUSE ASST. Willing to work at Jln Reko, Kajang.

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

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M515

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fy Simplio b your j

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LEGAL / NOTICES

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National tennis player Si Yew Ming hopes to win at least a match at the Malaysian Open — Bernama

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

sports

27

Conspiracy theory

PETALING JAYA: football/ MALAYSIA CUP

Selangor coach Devan claims some quarters plotting to get him out

TROUBLED Selangor coach K. Devan did not discount the possibility of certain quarters tr ying to bring him down after they suffered another defeat against T-Team in their Malaysia Cup campaign on Saturday.

The Red Giants lost 2-1 in that match at Shah Alam Stadium.

Several fans made their voices heard by unfurling a banner demanding Devan be sacked. He and his lads were also subjected to verbal abuse after the match.

"I believe those who came with banners demanding for my resignation were hired to do so.

"Some people are using this opportunity to get rid of me. Perhaps, they don't like to see me in Selangor," said Devan.

"It's a conspiracy. I don't think this is the sentiment of the true Merah Kuning fans.

These supposed fans came prepared with banners.

"But I have nothing to fear.

In fact, I'm enjoying every bit of it."

Devan explained he has

BUKIT JALIL: TENNIS

By VIJHAY VICK vijhayvick@mmail.com.my

TOP national junior player Ariez Elyaas Deen Heesham believes he has grown as a player since his Malaysian Open debut last year.

He has once again been given a wildcard entry into the singles qualifiers.

"I'm a more mature player now. I've learnt so much in the past one year and can think better on the court," said Ariez.

He recalls being nervous ahead of last year's debut. The 18-year-old was then given a break by the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) in the hope of exposing him to top quality play.

"It was a big opportunity for me. I got a feel of what top players go through during tournaments."

Ariez had an impressive KL Open recently. He partnered 16-year-old Ahmed Deedat Abdul Razak to the doubles title and made it to the semifinals in the men's

By HARESH DEOL haresh@mmail.com.my

never been in such a situation before since he started coaching Negri Sembilan in 2004.

He is rated as the most successful coach in the country having netted a string of titles including the Super League, Premier League, FA Cup and Sultan Ahmad Shah Cup. He was also voted the nation's best coach in 2006 and 2009.

"I've been winning trophies almost every year except for this year. Just two years with Selangor alone I've won six titles (Super League, FA Cup, Charity Cup and Selangor Cup in 2009, Super League and Sultan Ahmad Shah Cup in 2010). My track record says it all.

"All this while I've been enjoying the limelight for good reasons and now I'm in the headlines for a not so good reason. But I'm still enjoying it."

D e v a n w e nt t h r o u g h great lengths to explain that under his guidance, Safee

Sali became a star while the likes of Amirulhadi Zainal and Safiq Rahim are part of the core members of the national team.

Conspiracy aside, Devan also believes the absences of prolific striker Safee has left a huge vacuum in Selangor's frontline.

Devan admitted he was hesitant of releasing Safee to Indonesian club Pelita Jaya earlier this year but succumbed to the management's decision.

"Safee left (in February) after I was done setting the team. We realise now his absences is obvious… we don't have a good striker. It is a problem.

"The attention used to be on Safee and this allowed the other players including Amri Yahyah to run around and even score. Now Amri is being marked and has not been scoring. It's frustrating.

"Just because we haven't won a trophy this year does not mean we're doomed.

Those who understand football should know better."

HAPPIER TIMES: Devan (centre) being hoisted by his players after winning the FA Cup in 2009 — FILE photo

BUKIT JALIL: ATHLETICS

Wildcard for Ariez

Close shave for Syahrul

NATION'S BEST: (From left) Deedat, Ariez, Yew Ming and Championship director Nick Frayer — Pic: RAZAK GHAZALI

singles. He lost to eventual champion Pruchya Itsarow of Thailand.

Joining him in the singles qualifiers is upcoming star Deedat.

His impressive performance in both the junior and men's Davis Cup establishes Deedat as a rising star of Malaysian tennis.

The KL-born teenager has been consistently making semifinal and final outings in

the national circuit.

Meanwhile, national No 1 Si Yew Ming will partner 19-year-old American Ryan Harrison in the doubles main draw. This would be Yew Ming's third Malaysian Open tournament.

"I'm excited as always. I usually play in the singles but this time I'll be concentrating solely on the doubles.

"Perhaps there's a better chance for me to progress,"

said Yew Ming.

Among the big names competing for the Malaysian Open are Tomas Berdych, Nicolas Almagro, Janko Tipsarevic and Marco Baghdatis.

The organisers still have one wildcard entry left and will leave it late to confirm the place.

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

ATHLETES training at the National Sports Council got a rude shock after Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) athlete Mohd Syahrul Faiz collapsed during training last Wednesday.

The 23-year-old was resting at the sidelines when he suddenly become unconscious and dropped on the tracks.

A coach at the scene quickly performed CPR as National Sports Institute (NSI) officials were paged to help resuscitate Syahrul.

NSI director general Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz confirmed one of his doctors rushed to the scene about noon to find Syahrul without a pulse and not responding.

"According to the report, our doctor resuscitated and defibrillated the athlete four times before finally getting a pulse.

"The athlete was then sent to the UKM Hospital (in Bandar Tun Razak)," said Ramlan.

Syahrul, who hails from Kelantan but represents KL in most national meets, underwent surgery as doctors believed he

suffered a cardiac arrest due to a blockage in the main artery.

He started responding to his surroundings on Saturday but is still warded at the hospital for further observation.

Ramlan clarified the athlete trains under the Malaysian University Sports Council (Masum) and not the National Sports Council (NSC).

Apparently, Syahrul was vomiting earlier in the day but carried on with his training programme.

Higher Education Ministry sports department media officer Nur Ekmal Buhary and UPM sports science officer Firdaus Abdullah were appreciative of NSI's quick response at the tracks.

"I thank NSI for their immediate action. Otherwise, we would have lost Syahrul," said Nur Ekmal.

Firdaus, who is also a close friend of Syahrul, is appreciative that the athlete is showing signs of recovery.

"We're thankful he has been saved and now pray for a speedy recovery."

28

sports

Golfer Keegan Bradley is among a trio of top contenders for the last Presidents Cup selection by US captain Fred Couples — AFP

GOLD COAST: Athletics

Pearson wants world record, Olympic gold WORLD champion hurdler Sally Pearson said yesterday she plans to break the world record next year as she sets sights on Olympic gold.

Pearson bagged Australia's only gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in South Korea this month in a new championship record of 12.28s — the fourth-fastest time ever run in the 100m hurdles.

Only world record holder Yordanka Donkova (12.21 in 1988) of Bulgaria, her compatriot Ginka Zagorcheva (12.25 in 1987) and Sweden's Ludmila Engquist (12.26 in 1992) have gone faster.

"Olympic gold and a world record," she said when asked what 2012 held in store during a reception celebrating her achievement in Gold Coast, her home town.

"After winning the final, I still felt like I could do more. That's a good sign I guess because I felt that 12.28 was real easy for me. Hopefully, next year, I will be able to go faster."

Pearson, who celebrated her 25th birthday on Monday, added that she did not think being world champion would affect her at the London Olympics.

"I hope I haven't peaked.

I am still young. And I don't believe I will be under pressure at London (Olympics) even though I am world champion," she said.

"If you are confident, then you have no worries. That's what I felt at the world championships — I just went out there and did what I do best."

Pearson won silver at the Olympics in Beijing in 2008, and was feted at a public reception which also celebrated the homecoming of Australian tennis star Sam Stosur following her recent US Open win. — AFP

Pearson

LONDON: TENNIS

Revolution begins Players may strike unless demands are met, says Murray THE world's leading players are "not afraid" of going on strike unless officials heed their calls to improve the crammed tennis calendar as soon as possible, Andy Murray warned this morning.

For years, athletes, such as 10-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, have complained about the punishing schedule they have to undertake every season, with the top players required to compete in all four Grand Slams, nine Masters 1000 events, the season-ending World Tour Finals and a handful of lower tier tournaments.

Matters came to a head during the US Open recently when bad weather forced players in the bottom half of the draw — which featured both Nadal and Murray — to play three singles matches in three days just to reach the semifinals.

Murray now feels that a j am-p acke d s che du le planned by those who do not actually go out and wield their racquets day-in-andday-out is no longer acceptable and the time has come for players to revolt.

Asked if taking strike action will be discussed when the

Murray

players meet up for the Shanghai Masters next month, the British world No 4 told the BBC: "It's a possibility. I know from speaking to some players they're not afraid of doing that.

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that but I'm sure the players will consider it.

"If we come up with a list of things we want changed, and everyone is in agreement but they don't happen, then we need to have some say in what goes on in our sport. At the moment we don't.

"We'll sit down, talk about it with the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP)

PRATTVILLE: GOLF

Thompson must wait to join LPGA LEXI THOMPSON has made LPGA history by becoming the youngest winner of a tour event at age 16, but she is going to have to wait a little longer before becoming a member of the tour.

The home-taught United States high school senior won the LPGA Navistar Classic on Sunday, taking a US$195,000 (RM608,000) top prize and shattering the youngest win mark of 18 years and two weeks set by Marlene Hagge at the 18-hole Sarasota Open in 1952.

That would normally be good enough to claim a place in the LPGA, but Thompson does not meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years old.

"I don't really know right now," Thompson said about her LPGA plans. She had to petition to the LPGA for an exemption to compete in the qualifying event for the 2012 LPGA season. She won the first of three stages in the "qualifying school" by 10 strokes in July.

Despite being one of the top American personalities on a tour struggling to rebuild after losing several US events in recent years, Thompson must play her way through qualifying to earn LPGA membership in 2012.

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 September, 2011

"Should Lexi qualify for LPGA membership via her Q-School performance, she will be an LPGA member for the 2012 season," LPGA commissioner Mike Whan said.

US veteran Juli Inkster said any delay in having Thompson take her place among the sport's elite was ridiculous in light of her performance last week.

"She has proved she can play out here. Now you have to go to qualifying school? To me that's silly."

Scott Thompson, Lexi's caddie and father, said a decision on whether or not she will try for full 2012 LPGA membership has not yet been made.

"We'll worry about that as it comes."

Thompson, the sister of US PGA player Nicholas Thompson, shared the 36-hole lead at the same event two years ago but faded. Last May, she shared the lead after 54 holes in Mobile, Alabama, but finished with a 78 and shared 19th. — AFP

Thompson

and International Tennis Federation (ITF), see if they will come to a compromise and, if not, we'll go from there."

Last November, ATP chief Adam Helfant announced that the season would be trimmed by two weeks and a seven week off-season will be in place from next year to placate the players who believe the current schedule is too long.

While the move meant certain tournaments will be rescheduled, the amount of events will remain unchanged as will player commitments.

The governing body of women's tennis shortened the WTA season several years ago, ensuring their top draws, such as Serena Wi l li ams and C aroline Wozniacki, will have a chance to recharge their batteries during the Nov 7 till Jan 2 off season.

In contrast, players, such as Nadal, who is expected to feature in the Davis Cup final against Argentina, will not get a chance to put his feet up until Dec 5 and will be back in action again in the first week of January.

"To get another change implemented may take five

or six years at the rate things are going and then all of us will be done (retired). We want it to happen sooner rather than later," said Murray.

ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti said last week that Nadal's quibbles over the Davis Cup scheduling were "inconsistent", saying players voted for the current dates in 2009 and went against the ITF's wishes.

"The players should and do have a major say in how the game is run, which is one of the key reasons the ATP Tour was formed as an equal partnership between players and tournaments," the ATP said in a statement.

"The health and wellbeing of the players is paramount, and the ATP has implemented a number of changes to address player health concerns in recent years, including reducing draw sizes of ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events, giving byes to the top eight seeds, and eliminating fiveset finals.

"We remain committed to working with the players and other governing bodies to continue to address these issues." — Reuters

ORLANDO

Tiger to face Japanese women in charity meet TIGER WOODS, who barely qualified for his own charity tournament, announced this morning that he will compete in a charity golf event in Japan on Nov 1 against three top women's players.

"Challenge! Tiger Woods" will be staged at the Masters Golf Club in Miki City, where the Japanese LPGA's Ladies Masters is contested, with Woods playing nine holes against JLPGA players Miho Koga, Shinobu Moromizato and Rui Kitada.

Woods took part in a 2006 charity event at the same club to help boost the development of youth golf in Japan.

The three Japanese prefectures most devastated by earthquakes and the tsunami in March will each receive ¥45m (RM1.8m) in donations from the event to fund relief efforts.

Woods will return to US PGA action from Oct 6-9 at the Frys.com Open in San Martin, California, and travels to Asia before joining the US team in trying to retain the Presidents Cup against an international side in November at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

Woods fell three spots to 49th in the world rankings released yesterday, but remains eligible for the Chevron World Challenge charity event he will host from Dec 1 to 4 at Sherwood Country Club in Southern California.

The annual event to benefit Woods' foundation is limited to players ranked in the top 50 in the world as of this morning after a deal two years ago that allows world ranking points to be offered at the tournament.

That limited the Challenge to two sponsor exemptions for top 50 players. — AFP

South Africa welcome back winger Bryan Habana to their team to play Namibia on Thursday — AFP

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 SEPTEMBER, 2011

29

WELLINGTON: rugby/ world cup

AUCKLAND

Name culprits who let England down, says Haskell FORWARD James Haskell (pic) says players who are letting England down at the World Cup must be singled out in team meetings. Martin Johnson's side again failed to impress in a 41-10 win over minnows Georgia on Sunday.

"The days of brushing it under the carpet are gone. It has got to that stage, got that serious. It starts with identifying individuals. You only get one chance at a World Cup, so faffing around is not the way forward," he told BBC Sports.

A Dimitri Basilaia try close to half-time capped a strong first-half from Georgia and meant England were only 17-10 up at the intervals.

On the prospect of singling out players, Haskell said: "That will come out from our meetings. We will have some tough video sessions on Monday or Tuesday. That's how it should be."

The forward, who was a late replacement at number eight after Nick Easter pulled out with a back injury, said England must identify "areas we need to improve, who's not working hard, who's not trusting it (the system).

"People have got to start pointing some fingers and saying 'This is not acceptable.'

"Johnson is not happy, the coaches are not happy — the players need to look at themselves and realise they are not working as hard as they should be.

"People should be excited about this team, excited about our performances, but we are letting ourselves down. We are stuck in a bit of a mire.

"Look at the good sides — they have that control.

Whatever happens, you feel they are going to win. With England at the moment it is, 'This could go either way.'

"We are not in control and there is uncertainty which makes everyone go: 'What's going on?'"

Haskell, 26, was scathing about the team's lack of discipline.

"You can't even begin to play your game if every time you do something there's a penalty. You are just on the back foot, tackling, get up, penalty. It is like banging your head against the wall. That is not acceptable with the players and talent we have got."

His teammate Chris Ashton, who scored two tries

sports

Captain indispensable Contepomi must play for Argentina to have a shot at Scotland

against Georgia, insisted no link could be made between England's lack of discipline on the field and their recent issues off it though.

The winger was one of the England players photographed drinking in Queenstown's Altitude Bar last weekend.

On whether this had affected England's discipline on the field, he said: "No. Referees are being a lot tighter now on a lot of things. I've never seen so many offsides. We have to be a lot smarter.

"You can't relate it to what happened during the week though because nothing happened. We had a night out and that was it. We relaxed like every other team."

Fixtures Today Pool C Italy v Russia (3.30pm, Live on CH816, CH831) tomorrow Pool A Tonga v Japan (3.30pm, Live on CH816, CH831)

ARGENTINA prop Martin Scelzo (pic) feels it is crucial flyhalf Felipe Contepomi is fit for their crucial Pool B clash against Scotland in Wellington on Sunday.

C ontepomi, who is Argentina's captain, was forced off the field in their opening 13-9 defeat against England and did not play in his team's 43-8 win over Romania.

"He's going to be fine and if not, he has to be fine," said Scelzo.

Argentina have to beat Scotland to have any hope of progressing to the quarterfinals and having Contepomi in their ranks will give them a tremendous boost in their quest to reach that target.

His performance and that of Argentina's renowned pack will be crucial in the clash at the Wellington Regional Stadium.

Scelzo, who made his international debut in 1996, said it's important for them to dominate up front.

NAPIER

TABLES POOL A

New Zealand France Canada Tonga Japan POOL B

England Scotland Argentina Georgia Romania POOL C

Ireland Australia USA Russia Italy POOL D

South Africa Samoa Wales Fiji Namibia

P W D 2 2 0 2 2 0 2 1 0 2 0 0 2 0 0

L PD BP Pts 0 +107 2 10 0 +53 2 10 1 -22 0 4 2 -36 1 1 2 -102 0 0

P W D 2 2 0 2 2 0 2 1 0 2 0 0 2 0 0

L 0 0 1 2 2

P W D 2 2 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0

L PD 0 +21 1 +17 1 -5 1 -7 1 -26

BP Pts 0 8 1 5 0 4 1 1 0 0

P W D 2 2 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 0 0

L PD 0 +47 1 +30 1 +9 1 -22 2 -61

BP Pts 1 9 2 6 1 5 1 5 0 0

PD BP Pts +35 1 9 +19 1 9 +31 2 6 -40 0 0 -45 0 0

happy man: Lievremont 'satisfied' with France's win — AFP photo

"If we want to win the game we need to win the forward battle. I think the key of the game will be there.

Scotland have good forwards and we have to have our attention on that part of the game," he said.

Although the Pumas suffered a two-nil Test series d e fe at t o S c ot l an d i n Argentina last year, Scelzo said it was not about avenging those defeats but merely about winning the match.

Argentina finished a creditable third in the last World Cup in France in 2007.

Scotland's talismanic prop Euan Murray is set to miss out as he does not play on Sundays for religious reasons, but Scelzo believes Scotland have enough depth in their ranks.

"S cotland have many good props. The two times Scotland won in Argentina, Murray wasn't on the field.

It doesn't depend on one player," said Scelzo.

Meanwhile, Scotland cen-

tre Graeme Morrison downplayed any injury concerns and is optimistic of taking to the field on Sunday.

A victory would ensure Scotland's record of reaching the quarterfinals at every World Cup is maintained prior to the final group game against England in Auckland on Oct 1.

Morrison will be crucial against Argentina but missed training on Sunday due to a knee strain having not been considered for the Romania game earlier in the tournament due to a shin problem.

However, the 28-year-old is confident he is fit to feature, if selected.

"I'm raring to go again. I had a couple of knocks that just needed to settle down and the key was for me to get a good week's training, beginning today (yesterday).

This is a huge game for us.

We're delighted with the position we're in, but I suppose you could say the hard work really has to start now,"

he said.

"We've got this game coming up which could determine our future in this competition and that's going to be the sole focus for this week. It's a game I'm desperate to play in. If I'm given a shot I'll give everything for it and I'm confident that if we train well this week, and do everything we can preparation wise, we can put together a performance that will make people back home proud, ourselves proud and get a good win for Scotland."

France on right track for knockout stages FRANCE head coach Marc Lievremont is delighted with his side's 46-19 win over Canada in wet Napier on Sunday.

It took until the last quarter before the courageous Canadians were contained with three tries in the last five minutes — including two to Vincent Clerc — helping put the game out of reach for France.

"I am pleased. That try bonus rewards the players but also the fans who came to support us," said Lievremont.

"Obviously everything wasn't perfect but I am not going to pull a face after each game, am I?" France now have a maximum 10 points from their opening two

Pool A matches.

Lievremont said his team could now look forward to a relaxing week before playing "you know who" — a reference to Saturday's pool decider against the mighty New Zealand.

France stand-in captain Aurelien Rougerie said: "We were more relaxed in the match against Canada than we were against Japan. We didn't lose track of the game despite some obvious errors.

I didn't experience any nervousness during that game."

Meanwhile, All Blacks Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Mils Muliaina and Israel Dagg are likely to be available for the clash against France in Auckland on Saturday.

The four suffered assorted

injuries in the lead-up to New Zealand's match against Japan, but all took part in training in Christchurch yesterday.

"It looks like they're all on track to be available this Saturday," said assistant coach Wayne Smith.

"Richie had quite a big session and finished it doing some of the forward unit work. Daniel got through a bit of work today (yesterday) and (back) had freed up a bit better but he still is not 100 per cent.

"The back is still stiff and uncomfortable but I think the positive thing was that he goal-kicked after training and that's a really good sign. Mils got through a lot more and is pretty close to right and Israel looked pretty free."

30

sports

PRESSTALK DAILY MIRROR

Mourinho honours Sir Bobby REAL MADRID manager Jose Mourinho has donated his most prestigious personal trophy to be auctioned in memory of his mentor Sir Bobby Robson. The 48-year-old, who worked under Robson at Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona, has handed over the Fifa Ballon D'Or World Coach of the Year award he won with Inter Milan in 2010 to be sold to the highest bidder in an online auction next month. Proceeds from Sir Bobby's Breakthrough Auction, which will run from Oct 8-23, and a charity ball in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, will go to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Robson's son, Mark, said: "The entire family is completely astounded by this generous gift from Mr Mourinho. We are thrilled and so thankful to him."

DAILY STAR

Jagielka explains celebratory jig EN ROUTE to the 3-1 win against Wigan at Goodison Park, Phil Jagielka celebrated his equaliser by recreating the iconic dance from smash-hit comedy The ­Inbetweeners. The victory has helped Everton to a run of seven points from three matches to put smiles back on their fans' faces, as well as get Jagielka dancing. The England defender said: "The celebration was from The ­Inbetweeners. I made a pact with Tim Cahill that if he scored, I’d back him up and if I scored, he said he’d back me up. But I’m going to have to wait and see the video to see if he stuck to his word. If he hasn’t, he’s just made me look like a plonker!"

METRO

Ferdinand has beaver fever MANCHESTER UNITED star Rio Ferdinand plans to build a £3.5m house with its own hide so he can watch a colony of river rodents that lives nearby.

The England defender’s fivebedroom, barn-style mansion will also feature an outdoor pool and infrared lasers that can detect Press cameras at long range and hit them with beams of light. The 32-year-old has asked John Pardey Architects to design the luxury home at Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds.

If it goes ahead, he will count Prince Charles among his near neighbours.

LEAGUE CUP FIXTURES TOMORROW Third round Aldershot Town v Rochdale Arsenal v Shrewsbury Town Aston Villa v Bolton Burnley v Milton Keynes Leeds v Man United N. Forest v Newcastle Stoke v Tottenham Wolves v Millwall (All at 2.45am) Blackburn v Leyton Orient Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough (Both at 3am)

Star Brazilian striker Neymar put paid to rumours linking him to a big money transfer to Spain saying he was staying with Santos — AFP MANCHESTER: FOOTBALL/ PREMIER LEAGUE

CHELSEA custodian Petr Cech has no doubts that £50m (RM244.4m) striker Fernando Torres is slowly getting back to his best, despite seeing his promising performance against Manchester United being overshadowed by his jaw-dropping secondhalf miss.

"This is one thing in football that happens and what he can remember is he played really well and scored a great goal," Cech told the Press Association.

Torres bagged his second goal in 24 Chelsea matches, but also missed a number of other chances, culminating in his howler in which having rounded David De Gea brilliantly, the Spaniard put the ball wide of an empty goal.

"I can see every time the guy is improving. At Stoke, he had a brilliant match and was unlucky not to score," said Cech.

Nevertheless, Cech is looking at the positive aspects of the Spaniard's recent performances and believes goals will soon be on their way.

"The last match, he created both goals against Bayer Leverkusen and against United he created a huge chance for Ramires in the first-half, which if he'd left for Daniel Sturridge, it would have been a simple tap in," said Cech.

"He also scored a great goal and then got himself another opportunity and, unfortunately, I don't know what happened. But I am not worried about it, he will score goals."

Meanwhile, the Football Association said yesterday that Chelsea leftback Ashley Cole would not face further action for a shin-high tackle on Javier Hernandez.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson branded the tackle "shocking" and

'El Nino' warning

Blues keeper Cech backs Torres to shine again TORRES

worthy of a dismissal but under Fifa rules, Cole cannot be punished retrospectively as match officials took action to deal with the incident at the time, referee Phil

Dowd deeming a yellow card sufficient punishment.

Cole caught Hernandez with a nasty two-footed challenge, although no penalty was awarded as

the ball had gone out of play, and the Mexican striker was forced to come off with an injury that could keep him out for at least two weeks.

— Agencies

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 September, 2011

MANCHESTER

City reveal academy plans MANCHESTER CITY unveiled plans for a new training centre and academy on up to 80 acres of land adjacent to their Etihad Stadium home.

The project is still in its early stages with a planning application expected to be completed towards the end of the year.

The proposed complex will include a 7,000-seat stadium for youth matches, 15 full-size training pitches and on-site accommodation as well as training and study facilities for 40 young players.

City revealed on their website that 97 per cent of the over 7,000 people who took part in a public consultation were in favour of the project which promises to create "around 160 jobs" during the construction period.

"Permanent employment at a range of levels for up to 90 people is also likely with up to 80 per cent of positions being made available for local residents," the club said in a statement.

City have become a major force in English and European football since being taken over by Sheikh Mansour's Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008.

They have spent vast amounts of money on bringing in world-class talent over the last three years, but say that they intend to shift the focus towards developing their own stars in the years to come.

"Manchester City has entered a new phase in the long term strategy set out by the club’s owner three years ago," the statement continued.

"At the heart of this strategy is the focus on the recruitment and development of young players and whilst the club already has a strong pedigree of nurturing young talent, the limits of what can be achieved with the existing facilities has been reached."

City's chief football operations officer Brian Marwood added: "It is important to also make clear that the development and recruitment of youth talent is at the heart of our long term strategy of building a successful and sustainable football club for the future.

"The opportunity to build a world class facility supported by a well researched youth development plan would be a significant step in the realisation of that strategy." — AFP

LIVERPOOL

Robinson looks to Enrique as mentor

LIVERPOOL'S up-and-coming leftback Jack Robinson believes teammate Jose Enrique can help him become a future first team star at Anfield.

"Jose is someone I have watched over the last few years and someone who will be a good player for us," Robinson was quoted in LFC magazine.

Spanish fullback Enrique arrived in Merseyside from Newcastle this summer and

18-year-old Robinson has not only been impressed with the No 3, but is also convinced that he'll develop if he can learn from the former Villarreal defender.

"He's got everything for a leftback, both defensively and going forward. I was made up when we signed him because I realise that he is eight or nine years older than me," he said.

"I can learn a lot from him

because he is good at the things I need to improve on; getting a bit tighter to the players I'm marking; stopping crosses going into the box and going forward; dribbling with the ball; being dynamic."

Robinson made his Premier League debut with a late cameo against Hull City at the end of the 2009-10 season, but his big opportunity to impress came at the Emirates Stadium towards

the back end of last season when he was plunged into action against Theo Walcott following an injury to Fabio Aurelio.

And the youngster has revealed that sharing a joke with Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish helped him to impress.

"The boss just said to me, 'You look like you are going to be sick,'" Robinson recalled. "I told him I thought I was going

to be sick right there and then.

He just started laughing and told me everything would be fine and to play my normal game."

Robinson remembers that his motivation carried him during the match.

"I was so built up on adrenaline, it kept me going through the match. I didn't have time to think about what I was doing," he said. — Agencies

The Malay Mail Tuesday 20 September, 2011

BERLIN: Football Bundesliga

NAPLES: football / serie a

Hamburg sack coach GERMAN league bottom side Hamburg sacked coach Michael Oenning yesterday after just six months in charge with his side having picked up just one point in their first six games.

The 45-year-old will be replaced by current reserve team coach Rodolfo Cardoso as an interim solution while the north German club search for a replacement.

Hamburg's 1-0 home defeat by Borussia Mon c h e n g l a d b a c h on Saturday was the final straw for the club's board of directors as they suffered their fifth defeat of the season after six games.

"Over the past two days, following the defeat against Monchengladbach and after many intense discussions, we have come to the conclusion that we had to make this decision," said Hamburg's director of sport Frank Arnesen.

"We will now be busy ourselves by looking intensively for a successor for Michael Oenning. Rodolfo now has our full support."

As recently as Saturday, Arnesen had said Oenning was safe until at least Friday's game at VfB Stuttgart, but has had a change of heart.

After meeting with the board yesterday, Oenning, who took charge on March 13, accepted the decision.

Oenning was Hamburg's seventh coach in five years and the first German league coach to be sacked this season. — AFP

Fixtures TOMORROW Novara v Inter Milan (2.45am)

Cavani's Scudetto dream

Thursday AC Milan v Udinese Cesena v Lazio Chievo Verona v Napoli Fiorentina v Parma Genoa v Catania Juventus v Bologna Lecce v Atalanta Palermo v Cagliari (All matches at 2.45am) Friday Roma

I HAVE A DREAM: Cavani celebrates after scoring against AC Milan yesterday — AFPpic

Striker out to assist Napoli to title after bright start to the season

NAPOLI'S prolific striker Edinson Cavani revealed his ambition to win the Serie A crown after their 3-1 home victory over champions AC Milan on Sunday.

The San Paolo outfit are now on top of the table after securing 3-1 wins against Cesena and AC Milan in the first two rounds of the season.

Napoli's Champions League debut last week was also fairly positive as they came through a tough test at Manchester City with a 1-1 draw.

Cavani, who struck all of Napoli's three goals against Milan, hopes his side will challenge for the league title but knows it is an uphill task.

"As a child, I was always told to dream," he told La Domenica Sportiva. "I would love to win the Scudetto, but we know it will be hard.

I dedicate this victory to the fans, they deserved this result.

"We know what our flaws and limitations are. We know we must work like we have

been doing," said the 24-yearold Uruguay international.

Napoli's next match sees them travel to Verona to face Chievo on Thursday (2.45am).

Meanwhile, Napoli manager Walter Mazzarri revealed his frustration with his side's poor start against Milan.

Although the hosts recorded an impressive win, the tactician was far from pleased with his club's performance, as he feels they were nervous and showed Milan too much respect.

"To be honest, I didn't really like our performance against Milan. We were nervous in the opening stages.

We have to change our attitude against the so-called big teams. We paid them too much respect.

"We have to take into account that we faced one of the best teams around, but we could have caused them much more problems with the right approach.

"We have put in some much better performances than this one."

to make do without the services of central defender Gerard Pique in their tricky away match against Valencia on Thursday (4am).

Pique suffered a hamstring injury ahead of the European Super Cup victory against Porto last month and was initially expected to be out of action for about three weeks.

However, his recover y process has not quite gone according to plan and the 24-year-old has now been out of action for almost a month.

Pique has now set his sights to return to top flight action against Atletico Madrid on Sept 24.

Siena

P W D L F A Pts Napoli 2 2 0 0 6 2 6 Juventus 2 2 0 0 5 1 6 Udinese 2 2 0 0 4 0 6 Cagliari 2 2 0 0 4 2 6 Genoa 2 1 1 0 4 3 4 Catania 2 1 1 0 1 0 4 Palermo 2 1 0 1 4 4 3 Fiorentina 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Lecce 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Parma 2 1 0 1 3 5 3 Chievo 2 0 1 1 3 4 1 Inter Milan 2 0 1 1 3 4 1 Lazio 2 0 1 1 3 4 1 Novara 2 0 1 1 3 4 1 Roma 2 0 1 1 1 2 1 Siena 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 AC Milan 2 0 1 1 3 5 1 Cesena 2 0 0 2 1 4 0 Bologna 2 0 0 2 0 4 0 Atalanta 2 1 1 0 3 2 -2 (Note: Atalanta deducted six points for match-fixing)

Fixtures TOMORROW Osasuna R. Sociedad Villarreal

v v v

Thursday Atle Madrid Malaga R. Santander Rayo Vallecano Valencia

v S. Gijon (2am) v Ath Bilbao (2am) v Real Madrid (2am) v Levante (2am) v Barcelona (4am)

Friday Espanyol R. Betis

v Getafe (2am) v R. Zaragoza (4am)

Sevilla (2am) Granada (2am) Mallorca (4am)

STANDINGS

P W Valencia 3 3 R. Betis 3 3 Barcelona 3 2 Sevilla 3 2 R. Madrid 3 2 Malaga 3 2 Levante 3 1 R. Vallecano 3 1 Atle Madrid 3 1 R. Sociedad 3 1 R. Zaragoza 3 1 Osasuna 3 1 Espanyol 3 1 Mallorca 3 1 Granada 3 1 Ath Bilbao 3 0 Getafe 3 0 R. Santander 3 0 Villarreal 3 0 S. Gijon 3 0

Barca's twin terror havoc of Osasuna at Nou Camp on Saturday.

"They are two players who know each other well and find it easy to play together," said Alves. "Fabregas is doing a good job and it is an honour to play with them."

Alves, a Brazil international, also said he was happy to play wherever manager Josep ''Pep'' Guardiola, who fielded a three-man defence in the match against Osasuna, needed him.

"I just like to play football regardless of the position. It's up to the manager to decide where I'm needed most."

Meanwhile, Barca will have

v (2.45am)

STANDINGS

BARCELONA: football / primera liga

THE return of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona from Arsenal has produced an amazing impact.

After eight years being apart, Cesc and Lionel Messi have again come together and so far this season have produced 13 goals and 10 assists. Even more devastating is the statistic which shows the pair have been responsible for 18 of Barca's 24 goals.

Messi's nine goals have seen three created by Fabregas and Barca rightback Dani Alves feels the former Arsenal captain is bringing the best out of the Argentine wizard.

Messi struck a hattrick in the Catalans' 8-0 hammering

31

sports

We've won our first two matches, but we have to keep our feet on the ground and continue our hard work — Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic

D L 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 2 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 2 0 2 0 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 0 3

F 6 5 15 5 10 6 2 2 4 4 2 2 3 1 1 4 3 3 2 2

A Pts 3 9 2 9 2 7 3 7 3 6 2 6 1 5 1 5 1 4 4 4 7 4 9 4 4 3 2 3 5 3 6 1 6 1 8 1 8 1 5 0

Top Scorers

DYNAMIC DUO: Fabregas (right) and Messi have scored 13 goals for the Catalans so far — AFPpic

5 goals: Roberto Soldado (Valencia) Lionel Messi (Barcelona) 4 goals: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) 3 goals: Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona) Santi Cazorla (Malaga) Imanol Agirretxe (Real Sociedad) Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla) Miku (Getafe)

Tiger to wear skirt

Pearson wants it all

TIGER WOODS will compete in a charity event against top lady golfers in Japan

HURDLER Sally Pearson wants to break world record and win Olympic gold next year

>> pg28

>> pg28

Tuesday 20 September, 2011

It’s all lies!

MADRID: FOOTBALL/ PRIMERA LIGA

LOCAL

Plot to flop

SELANGOR coach K. Devan believes certain quarters are trying to bring him down

>> pg27 Rugby

Counting on Contepomi Argentina banking on mercurial captain Felipe Contepomi in clash against Scotland

>> pg29 football

Faith in Fernando

Goalkeeper Petr Cech is sure Fernando Torres will get back to his best despite howler at Old Trafford

>> pg30

Thiago dismisses talk of two-horse league

BARCELONA’S Spanish midfielder Thiago dismissed talk that La Liga is a two-horse race between his side and Real Madrid.

Debate has raged in Spain over the state of the league after defending champions Barcelona crushed Villarreal 5-0 and Real Madrid blasted Real Zaragoza 6-0 in the opening matches of the season.

This month, the chiefs of 12 Spanish first division clubs fighting Barcelona and Real Madrid over television rights called for the sales to be centralised under the Professional Football League to give them a better chance to compete with the two giants.

“It’s a big lie that this is a league of two teams. The others come along and do their best and try to win,” Thiago told a post-training session news conference after being asked about the debate.

He was speaking one day after Real Madrid suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Levante. Barcelona crushed Osasuna 8-0 on Saturday.

Real Madrid and Barcelona receive about €140 million (RM598m) a year each from television rights, while small

presstalk

>> pg31

on the club’s website.

“We’ll need to be in the final if we want the trophy.

“After the present stage we’ll play two games in each ensuing round and you have to play well in both.

“You can’t afford to do well in one and then so-so or badly in the other. We’ll have to give good performances in both and also have a little luck to go through.”

Carvalho also heaped praise on Real’s Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, who he worked under at Portuguese side Porto.

“He works on every single detail and on a daily basis. He wants you to improve every day.

“It’s only normal that you grow as a player, and also as a man, when you work with him.

“I’m proud of working with him for such a long time. It’s special to be next to him.”

The former Portuguese international — who brought an abrupt end to his stellar international career late last month by walking out on the eve of a crucial Euro 2012 qualifier — joined Real in August 2010 from Chelsea on a two-year contract. — AFP

no horseplay: Thiago (left) says the Spanish league is more competitive than it is being made out to be — AFP photo

LONDON: football/ PREMIER LEAGUE

Rio’s royal neighbour

Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand will soon count Prince Charles among his neighbours

clubs such as Levante, Malaga or Real Sociedad get just €12 million.

Outspoken Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido blasted the existing Spanish league as “the biggest rubbish not only in Europe but in the world”, in an Aug 29 interview with State radio RNE just after the start of the season.

“It is a third world league in which two clubs subtract the television money from the rest of us who are competing,” he said.

“We are running down the Spanish league.”

Meanwhile, Real’s veteran Portuguese centreback Ricardo Carvalho is already dreaming of playing in the Champions League final in May. The nine-time European champions have not reached the finals of the Champions League since 2002 despite being stacked with top talent. But the 33-year-old says the Spanish giants are highly motivated this season.

“We reached the semifinals last season (they were beaten by bitter rivals Barcelona), which means we did well, but we want to do better this year,” he said in an interview posted

Misfiring Gunners frustrates van Persie

displeasure: Robin van Persie ‘surprised’ by Arsenal errors — AFP photo

ARSENAL skipper Robin van Persie has admitted his frustration at the Gunners’ poor start to the Premier League season.

“It just frustrates me and it is happening too often.

We start positively but we just keep making the same mistakes and that is surprising,” van Persie told the club’s official website.

Arsene Wenger’s side have made a miserable start to the campaign, having taken just four points

from their opening five games and were beaten 4-3 at Ewood Park on Saturday, despite having twice taken the lead.

After a summer in which season ticket prices at the Emirates Stadium rose, pressure is on the club’s board, Wenger and his players, whom van Persie is calling upon to finally show what they’re capable of.

“There is a lot of time (left this season), but at some point you need to pick

yourself up and prove what you are capable of.”

The Gunners’ poor start has also seen the 8-2 decimation at Old Trafford by Manchester United, the 2-0 home defeat by Liverpool and a 0-0 draw against Newcastle.

Only Swansea have been beaten by the Gunners in the league this season and even then the Swans had more than enough chances to take something from the game. — Agencies

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