22 September 2011

Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

PP423/01/2012(029578)

SPORTS

Button fly McLaren-Mercedes’ Jenson Button just wants to have fun in Singapore despite championship being almost over

Down2Earth

With Terence Fernandez

ISA repeal appeal

>> pg26

Partisanship must take a backseat as we all rally as Malaysians to put right something that has held us back as a progressive nation for over four decades

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LOCAL

WORLD

Safety apathy NIOSH chairman blasts schools’ indifference towards keeping students and staff safe >> pg4

R.I.P. R.E.M.

River of rubbish

Alternative rock icon calls it a day after 31 years

Shah Alam residents up in arms over garbage clogging Sg Klang

>> pg8

>> pg15

PETALING JAYA

Respect, at last THE MAIL

GETS THE ACTION

By MARHALIM ABAS mabas@mmail.com.my

BEFORE

THE heroes of Bukit Kepong, whose graves were previously left in shambles despite giving their lives to defend the nation against the Communist insurgents, have finally been conferred the respect they deserve.

Thanks to The Malay Mail, which front-paged the matter two weeks ago, the restoration on the cemetery in Johor, where most of the 25 fallen warriors were laid to rest, is now almost complete.

>> Reports on pg2

AFTER

2

news

PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu claimed trial to a charge under Section 500 of the Penal Code for criminal defamation against policemen and their families in the Bukit Kepong tragedy — Bernama

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

PETALING JAYA:

How 'The Malay Mail' broke the story THE issue surrounding the Bukit Kepong warrior cemetery was first highlighted by The Malay Mail on Sept 7 after Haizad Ibrahim, the grandson of the Bukit Kepong police station officer-in-charge, Sgt Jamil Mat Shah, sent us an email relating to the neglect of the graveyard.

His late grandfather was among the fallen police officers who battled communist terrorists of the Malayan Communist Party on Feb 23, 1950.

In Haizad's email to us, he lamented: "Is this how they respect the heroes of Bukit Kepong?"

Wishing to see for ourselves, The Paper That Cares visited the burial grounds of the brave policemen in Muar, Johor.

We observed the place resembled more of a 'battleground' than a pris-

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tine resting place, with part of its wall, bearing the names of some of the 25 dead in the infamous incident during the Emergency, damaged and strewn with iron railings and rubble.

Parts of the wall with its blue perimeter fencing, which separated the heroes' graves from the rest in the cemetery, were strewn on the surface.

According to Haizad, 35, a senior bank officer, the wall collapsed for at least a year.

Family members who wanted to clean up the mess were denied doing so, as it was government property, he said.

On Sept 9, The Mail Mail frontpaged InspectorGeneral of Police Tan Sr i Ismai l Omar's statement that the Bukit Kepong cemetery would be transformed into a war memorial and tourist attraction, 61 years after the incident.

He said a special committee would oversee the preservation of police memorials and artifacts, especially those gave their lives in defence of the country.

The plan received a mixed reac-

GETS THE ACTION

FLASHBACK: Our breaking story on Sept 7

tion from families of the fallen servicemen and ex-police officers who questioned the government's inaction in preserving the sanctity of such an historical place.

Graves restored

Women escape burning house A YOUNG woman and her ailing mother narrowly escaped being trapped in a fire which destroyed their house, a car and motorcycle in Lorong Masjid Baung, Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Baru, Kelantan, yesterday.

Masitah Mohamad, 19, and Zaharah Abu Bakar, 63, were at home when the fire broke out about 8am. Her 70-year-old carpenter father, Mohamad Ibrahim, was at work then.

She shouted and led her asthmatic mother out of the burning house when she saw flames coming from one of the bedrooms. Pengkalan Chepa Fire and Rescue Department operations officer Saipu Bhari Mohd Noor said 21 firemen arrived in five engines and took 30 minutes to control the blaze.

By AIZAT SHARIF aizat@mmail.com.my

THE MAIL

Heroes of Bukit Kepong get a fitting resting place at last

By MARHALIM ABAS mabas@mmail.com.my

TWO weeks after The Malay Mail highlighted the deplorable conditions of the Bukit Kepong cemetery in Johor, the heroes who gave their lives defending the country got the respect they deserved.

Checks showed remedial work on the site where the graves of the 25 brave combatants lay is near completion.

More work, however, is being planned to beautify the site, according to Muar district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Nasir Ramli.

Speaking to The Malay Mail, he said the wall surrounding the graves of the policemen and their family members killed in the 1950 attack, was rebuild and repainted. Supporting works to refurbish the cemetery is to start soon, he said, together with re-turfing of the surface of the graves.

The initial repair work cost some RM20,000.

Haizad Ibrahim, a surviving family member of one of the cops who perished in the ambush, said they were grateful for the quick repair.

Haizad, who broke the news to The Paper That Cares on the sorry condition of the graves, said they were generally satisfied with the work done at the cemetery.

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

COMPLETE: The new wall around the heroes' graves at the Bukit Kepong cemetery

The 35-year-old senior bank officer is the grandson of Sgt Jamil Mohd Shah, who was officer-in-charge of the Bukit Kepong police station during the attack. Jamil and fellow policemen died defending the station during the height of the Communist insurgency.

Although satisfied his complaints were promptly attended

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

to, Haizad urged the authorities to conduct remedial work on the cemetery located on a hill.

"The cemetery lawns are without grass and even tree stumps have been dug up. I hope water is channelled away from the cemetery to prevent a landslide during heavy rain," he said.

In a related welcome move,

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Haizad, his parents and other surviving kin of policemen who perished in the Feb 23 ambush, have been invited to a Hari Raya open house at the Putra World Trade Centre today.

They are the guest-of-honour of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the festive do, organised by Umno's Wanita,

Pemuda and Puteri divisions.

This be probably the first time relatives of the deceased policemen would be gathering in one place, since the tragedy 61 years ago.

Before the site was restored, the heroes' graves were separated from the rest in the cemetery by a perimeter fence painted in blue.

But the fence collapsed for at least a year leaving the site in sheer neglect.

The Malay Mail subsequently discovered the condition of the Bukit Kepong cemetery lay in stark contrast to that of the Commonwealth War Graves Military Annex at the Cheras Christian Cemetery, with its manicured lawns, maintained by the British High Commission.

The revelation created an uproar in both private and public sectors, with Badan Warisan executive director Elizabeth Cardosa and historian Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim leading the popular outcry. They regretted the lack of respect to our heroes and historical sites.

In re sp ons e Insp e c tor General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar took the initiative in saying the police force would transform the Bukit Kepong cemetery into a historical landmark in memory of those who laid down their lives for the country.

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Middle-income Malaysians more concerned about planning for retirement, followed by family income protection and the children’s educational needs — ING Dashboard survey

The Malay Mail Thursday ● 22 september, 2011

news

3

AMPANG

Probe wrap-up soon Remand on suspect in case of burnt teenager extended

POLICE have extended the remand order on a 19-yearold university student in Perak detained last week on suspicion of murdering a teenager whose charred remains were found in Ampang on Sept 5.

Ampang Jaya police chief ACP Amiruddin Jamaluddin said the suspect, a secondyear Bachelor of Quantity Sur veying student at Universiti Teknologi Mara in Bandar Baru Seri Iskandar, w i l l now b e re mand e d

By G. Prakash prakash@mmail.com.my

until Tuesday.

“We are completing our investigations and hope to submit the papers to the Deputy Public Prosecutor's office by next week.”

The suspect, arrested by Ampang police outside the UiTM Seri Iskandar compound on Sept 13, is believed to be the boyfriend of Nurul Awati Mohamad Shakri, 19, a

college student in Selayang.

Police seized the suspect’s mobile phone, a Perodua Kancil belonging to his family and other evidence.

Strands of hair found in the car have been sent to the forensics department to determine whether they match the victim's DNA. On Sept 5, the burnt remains of the victim were found by residents of Kampung Lembah Jaya Utara, Ampang, in bushes by the roadside

just metres away from their houses.

The remains were those of a half-naked girl, with close to 80 per cent burns.

They were identified four days later by the victim's father who recognised her gold bracelet, gold earrings and from what was left of the baju kurung she wore.

Police are probing jealousy as a possible motive.

They have identified two petrol stations where the sus-

pect could have brought fuel to torch his girlfriend.

Police have retrieved closedcircuit television images from the stations in Ampang.

Although the suspect studied in Perak, he is from Ampang. His family resides in Taman Ukay Perdana, Hulu Klang.

Nurul Awati was studying at Maahad Tahfiz At-Tijarah (a Quran memorisation college) in Selayang and resided in Danau Kota, Setapak.

SPEEDY: An officer attending to a traumatised complainant in the triage room

KUALA LUMPUR

GOMBAK

Nine hours to put out warehouse fire IT took 70 firemen close to nine hours to put out a blaze at a furniture and groceries warehouse here yesterday.

The fire, which began at 12.40am, was first seen by a warehouse worker staying inside the premises.

It started at one end of the half-wooden and half-concrete building and quickly engulfed it.

The warehouse was formerly a rubber factory owned

by Lian Hup Corporation Sdn Bhd. Sentul Fire Station chief Zahari Muhamad said the blaze was believed to have been caused by an electrical short-circuit.

“We took a distress call five minutes after the fire started," he said.

"Eight fire engines from Sentul, Gombak Selatan, Jalan Chow Kit, Jalan Hang Tuah, Wangsa Maju, Seri Har t amas , S e t ap a k and

By AIZAT SHARIF aizat@mmail.com.my

up in flames: The blaze engulfing the warehouse and threatening to spread to neighbouring houses — Pic: CHINA PRESS

Taman Desa were sent to the scene,."

All items in the warehouse, including furniture and groceries like onion, flour and dried chilli, were destroyed in the fire.

“We faced difficulties putting out the blaze as it spread quickly.

"We feared it might spread to the nearby houses," said Zahari.

He said the fire was brought under control at 9am.

Total losses were estimated at RM6 million. No one was injured.

Rohani Abdul Malik, 50, who lives nearby, said the blaze quickly spread through the building.

"We were advised by the firemen to evacuate our houses as they feared the fire might go out of control."

KUALA LUMPUR

Police Twitter generates 2,000 tweets

it's on: Ismail (right) launching the Twitter account as his deputy, Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar, looks on — Pic: KHAIRULL AZRY BIDIN

WITHIN hours of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) going on Twitter yesterday, they received about 2,000 hits.

I n s p e c t o r- G e n e r a l o f Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar launched TwittePDRMsia@ twitter.com in conjunction with first anniversary of the police's Facebook page which has garnered 85,000 fans to date.

“Twitter is as popular as Facebook, with over 200 million Twitter users the world over.

"It is many a Malaysian’s favourite social networking site, so we hope to get closer to the public via Twitter, too," he said.

Ismail said the objective was to make the police force a people-friendly organisation.

“Just like Facebook, our Twitter page will channel information such as the latest news on police success in solving crime, the activities and programmes we have with the people, or even send statements on

current issues.”

He said the Twitter account will update traffic conditions nationwide, especially during rush hours.

Police officers and PDRM’s Facebook fans also celebrated the first-year anniversary, with over 70 fans from all over Malaysia attending at the Royal Malaysian Police College (RMPC) in Cheras.

Ismail said communications between police and the public has improved since the Facebook page was launched.

More 'fast-track' stations

By Thasha Jayamanogaran Thasha@mmail.com.my

MORE victims in distress will find it easier to lodge police reports as the Royal Malaysian Police has extended a fast-tracking triage service to 35 more stations in crime hotspots in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor Baru.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar told a Press conference at the Jalan Travers police station in Brickfields yesterday, the classifications of triage service depended on type of cases reported, the type of help needed by the complainant and the severity and importance of fast-track cases.

The fast-track cases comprise senior citizens, children, pregnant women, sexual and kidnap cases, trauma, the seriously injured and persons with disabilities.

"This is PDRM's effort to provide a conducive environment for those in distress to help them calm down and serve them more efficiently," said Ismail.

"Sitting in a room and talking about your problem is more comfortable than crying and feeling uncomfortable at a police station counter."

A victim in distress will be first attended to at the information counter for initial screening and following the severity and type of case identified, the officer will decide if the complainant would be placed at a triage room or assisted at a normal counter.

4

news

Probe into illegal kidney trade MALAYSIA is among several countries currently in the radar of the Bangladeshi police who are on the trail of an international syndicate linked to illegal kidney trade across several Southeast Asian countries. Investigators have identified a reputed international hospital with branches in key regions and capitals, including a hospital in Selangor. Initial investigations revealed donors from remote villages in Bangladesh were flown to the regions to sell their kidneys. Eight people have been arrested in connection with luring the poor illiterate victims overseas for the purpose.

Joypurhat Superintendent of Police, Mozammel Haque told Bernama an agency in Dhaka was involved in the illegal kidney transplant targeting the poor, illiterate and people in debt.

Crimes involving school students worrying VIOLENT and property crimes involving students in Malaysia are a cause for concern despite a drop in such cases. Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said 741 cases were registered in the first half of this year. He said from January to June last year, 761 cases involving violent and property crimes were recorded, but they dropped by 2.6 per cent during the same period this year. Lee urged all quarters, especially parents, to play their role in tackling the problem. "We hope a joint effort with the police will prevent teens from getting involved in vice activities, such as drugs, juvenile crimes and more."

PIA offers free transport for relief goods THE Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is offering free transportation for relief goods destined for the country's flood victims, said Pakistan's High Commissioner, Masood Khalid.

He said the country was in need of blankets, mosquito nets and repellents, jerrycans, water coolers, plastic sheets, buckets, hygiene and sanitation tablets, water purification tablets (aqua-tabs), water purification units and mineral water, among others. Masood also called on the Pakistani community, and non-governmental and civil society organisations in Malaysia to contribute in cash or kind to the relief efforts.

According to latest reports, the floods in Sindh had damaged 7.9 million acres (3.2 million hectares) of land, destroying most of the crops, while the estimated number of affected people stood at eight million, as of yesterday.

Road safety education will be part of secondary school curriculum from next year â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

PETALING JAYA

Poor school safety

Slammed for lack of precautionary measures despite accidents THE National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has slammed schools for lacking initiative in taking safety precautions, in the wake of 11-year-old Muhammad Fakhrul Amin Abdul Rahman being killed by a falling goalpost at Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Kampung Jawa in Klang last Saturday.

"Schools must conduct audits on the condition of their facilities, and if teachers are not trained to do it, they should approach the Public Works Department for inspection assistance," he said, when contacted by The Malay Mail.

Lee said every school should have a safety and health committee.

"Section 30 (1)(a) of the

By T.K. Letchumy Tamboo t.k.letchumy@mmail.com.my

Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 states every employer shall establish a safety and health committee at a place of work if there are 40 or more persons employed there. A school is also a place of work as it has school staff working there," he said.

"Having such a committee is definitely compulsory as what happened to Fakhrul Amin could also happen to a school staff."

Lee said NIOSH had always been concerned about the safety of schools and its facilities.

"We have been helping schools by making them get an indepth understanding of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. We came up with safety guidelines and have circulated it

to schools for the past couple of years because we want to create awareness about occupational safety issues," he said.

"Sadly, despite all the efforts, such accidents keep happening."

Lee said Fakhrul Amin's untimely death could happen anywhere in a school, not just in the football field.

"The risks are always there in schools. A ceiling fan in a classroom could collapse anytime.

The school building also must be looked at from the occupational safety viewpoint. As such, issues concerning safety in schools need to be beefed up. Teachers must be prepared to take responsibility and the Education Ministry has to circulate safety guide-

KUALA LUMPUR

World Car-Free Day: Motorists prefer to drive

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

TODAY is World Car-Free Day but despite the offer of free Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Monorail tickets, most motorists here prefer to drive, The Malay Mail found in a random survey.

Nonetheless, to encourage greater public transport use to help reduce carbon emissions by vehicles, Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad (Prasarana) will offer complimentary one-way LRT and Monorail coupons on weekends and public holidays for a year, from today until Sept 22 next year.

In tandem with the campaign, Prasarana has added 150 buses to reduce commuters' waiting time from 20 to 15 minutes, as well as expanding services to 980 housing estates to reduce walking time to LRT stations.

Their campaign also encourages bicycle use, as bicycle-parking facilities are provided at 17 LRT stations.

Roziah Rosli, 24, an administration staff said: "I prefer to drive as it is faster and more convenient. It takes me only 15 minutes to drive to work in Ampang from my home in Gombak. Also, I don't like the idea of having to walk to the LRT station from home."

Syed Idrus: Visiting Penangite will take up LRT offer

Computer salesman Tan Jia Long, 20, said it takes him 15 minutes to get to work in Petaling Jaya from his home in Kelana Jaya.

"I leave for work at 10.30am and return home by 9.30pm.

My working hours are long, so driving to and fro is more practical," he said.

"I feel the LRT is more suited for non-work related purposes such as shopping on off-days when one can do things at a leisurely pace."

Parash Suaminathan, 25, an auditor, said what Prasarana is doing is commendable but believes their one-way offer will not have many takers.

"Due to the nature of my profession, I have to go to different places in the Klang Valley and

ROZIAH: Faster and more convenient to drive

driving takes less time," said Parash who resides in Jalan Klang Lama.

Medical clinic dispenser Wong Lee Hoi, 50, from Ampang, said Prasarana's offer will attract those going on shopping excursions.

"In my case, I walk to and from my workplace which is nearby, but Prasarana increasing parking bays at LRT stations will encourage motorists to take up their free tickets offer," he said.

Pe n a n g i t e S y e d I d r u s Al-Habshi, 57, is currently visiting relatives in KL and staying at his brother-in-law's place here.

"As a visitor, I will definitely take up Prasarana's one-way ticket offer while still in KL," he said.

lines to schools."

Yesterday, The Malay Mail reported Fakhrul Amin's father, Abdul Rahman Sarbaini, 42, had said he planned to sue the school and Education Ministry over the incident.

He had also said the incident could have been avoided if only precautionary measures had been taken.

On Sept 17, Muhammad Fakhrul Amin was playing football with friends at the school field when the goalpost fell on him.

Abdul Rahman Sarbaini rushed his son to Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah in Klang. Fakhrul Amin, who sustained a cracked skull and severe bleeding, was subsequently pronounced dead.

Fakhrul Amin: Killed by falling goalpost

KUALA LUMPUR

Energy bill rebate needs in-depth thinking

CONSUMER groups have questioned the relevance of the new RM200 government rebate for monthly energy bills upon purchasing energy-efficient refrigerators and urge the government to get priorities right.

On Tuesday, the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry announced those with bills of between RM3 and RM285 per month can claim the rebate for refrigerators approved as energyefficient, which was an expansion of the previous rate from RM43.60 to RM117 per month.

A wider variety of refrigerator brands will also be made available to consumers under the rebate programme, as the ministry plans to expand the number from the current 12 brands.

H o w e v e r, C o n s u m e r s Association of Subang and Shah Alam president Jacob George said this issue fails to address consumer concerns about rising costs of living, which is their current main priority.

"I feel the government has lost touch with the real needs of the public," he told The Paper That Cares.

He said even with credit options available, many would think twice as they have to deal with additional debt.

"This rebate will only be relevant to those who can afford it, not the below-average wage earner. The more ideal solution would be to address monopoly

holders such as Tenaga Nasional Berhad and request them to help bring down the monthly power rates," he said.

He added people are more concerned about issues such as holding down their jobs, as well as the upcoming Goods and Services Tax (GST).

"We urge the government to interact more with the rakyat to determine what their real needs are."

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said any move by the government should not only benefit the people but also the entire nation in general.

"Why only refrigerators?" "What about other common household appliances such as electric light bulbs? This would surely appeal more to the average Malaysian.

That is not to say Fomca does not support this move, but the government should focus more on common concerns rather than appeal to a specific segment.

"We also need to consider other green technology options.

Why not focus on various means to conserve energy? That way, there would not be a need for nuclear reactors in the future.

Corporations and not just households should also be taken into consideration if the government is really serious about saving energy. Multiple areas ought to be considered."

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

I hope Malaysians are mature enough to understand when no such (ISA) law is around, they must exercise self-control and not undermine the country's security — Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad

Fight for nation's soul

SINCE last Thursday, emotions have been varied, bouncing between euphoria, disbelief and triumph.

Now the dust has settled following the Prime Minister's announcement on Sept 15 of the repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960 and the Emergency Ordinance, cynicism seems to have taken over.

Many of us who never thought we would live to see the day an instrument so loathed and feared such as the ISA would be taking its final bows, have much to take stock of.

Is this for real? What about the two replacement antiterror laws? Could they be a repackaged version of the ISA? The Official Secrets Act (OSA) 1972 and the Sedition Act are still very much part of the legal fabric that regulates dissent.

Although Datuk Seri Najib Razak stressed that no one would be prosecuted for their political beliefs, can we really believe it will trickle down to implementation?

While there is no evidence to doubt the Prime Minister's sincerity, it is not just up to him to keep his word. Those in law enforcement and the

AMPANG

By AIZAT SHARIF aizat@mmail.com.my

TWO construction workers in a skylift truck high above the ground, seen diligently painting the beams beneath a flyover of the Kuala Lumpur Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) near the Tesco hypermarket in Ampang yesterday.

It was surely hard work as there were 10 beams to be painted.

They are positioned beneath the 35km expressway that connects Sri Petaling and Bandar Sri Damansara, The expressway has been a major route for motorists since 2002 and during rush hours on working days, there are massive traffic crawls along certain sections.

— Pic: ARIF KARTONO

Down2Earth

With Terence Fernandez ON THURSDAY

political warlords must also ensure they keep the promises made by the man at the top.

Najib is, after all, speaking on behalf of the government, and to an extent, his own political party.

As the government's handling of the Bersih 2.0 rally on July 9 in Kuala Lumpur had demonstrated, even the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's wishes can be defied or to put it mildly, misinterpreted or ignored.

The Prime Minister said one thing about Bersih 2.0, the politicians said something else and finally the police had their own ideas.

So don't blame the people if they are sceptical.

Less than a week after the historic announcement which also recognised the need for greater freedom of speech, PAS deputy president Mohamad “Mat” Sabu was charged yesterday for criminal defamation over his views on the pre-Merdeka role of the

communists.

Hence, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Actions speak louder than words and if having an opinion continues to make one vulnerable to persecution, then no amount of rhetoric or promises will regain the people's trust and confidence.

Having said that, let's give the Prime Minister a chance to see through his reforms.

One must realise by now that even Najib has his own battles whether it's with his Cabinet colleagues, party hard-liners, the civil service, the Opposition and the sceptics.

The fact is he took great political risk to defy the many dissenting views to end the Emergency Ordinance and repeal the ISA. That he has made it tougher for the police to detain someone and is pushing for the arbitrary powers of detention to shift from the police to the

Courts is an indication he is serious about reforms.

While it is expected of the Opposition and cynics to pour cold water over Najib's initiatives, it is also incumbent on these parties to put politics aside and encourage the Prime Minister to see through his reforms. This would serve the rakyat better, instead of continuously casting a suspicious eye on this monumental decision.

The irony is, many are already claiming credit for the government's change of heart where not too long ago, the government and its supporters, were espousing the virtues of such draconian laws to safeguard national security.

No doubt pressure from opponents of the ISA, as well as the people's overall resentment of being under the shadow of repressive laws and policies, had a tremendous hand in forcing the shift in policies. But while we thump our chests, it is also virtuous to recognise our leaders are listening and learning from their mistakes.

After all, it was the poor — no, disastrous — handling of the Bersih 2.0 rally that got the government to review the need for permits to hold

Uplifting paint job

gatherings. Anyone at the receiving end of a water cannon, tear gas or baton would welcome this change.

And that the powers of the police have been curtailed to some extent in this regard, is also a victory for the Federal Constitution which recognises the right to peaceful assembly.

Now more than ever, the Prime Minister needs support to see through his reforms.

Najib has already demonstrated he is not all talk, but as we wait for these next few months to pass before the enactments are tabled in Parliament for repeal, there will be elements out there which will try to derail this process.

In times like this, partisanship must take a backseat as we all rally as Malaysians to put right something that has held us back as a progressive nation for over four decades.

The fight for the nation's soul has just begun.

news

5

Traffic fumes can trigger heart attacks BREATHING in large amounts of traffic fumes can trigger a heart attack up to six hours after exposure, according to research which reaffirms the health risks associated with pollution. The study, in the British Medical Journal, found high levels of pollution can increase the risk of suffering a heart attack, reports the Guardian.

It identifies exposure to pollutant particles and nitrogen dioxide expelled by cars as the main culprits.

The authors quantify the risk as small — up to 1.3 per cent higher risk of a heart attack up to six hours after exposure to those substances.

I have body Dysmorphic disorder: Gellar

TERENCE FERNANDEZ, executive editor at The Malay Mail, is an optimist but is well aware there are people who would want to throw a spanner in the works. Feedback: terence@mmail.com.my

ACTRESS Sarah Michelle Gellar (pic) tells the October issue of Health that she's not always confident in her own skin. "I have body dysmorphic disorder. I think most women do," the 34-year-old revealed.

"I just have to remember that I'm human, and I'm a mum.

Being a parent changes the vanity at least a little bit."

Body dysmorphic disorder is a disease in which a person becomes obsessed with an imagined flaw in his or her appearance.

Insecticide in lunch kills three THREE children have died and more than 50 others were admitted to hospital in a serious condition after eating food accidentally mixed with toxic insecticide in a school in northern Peru.

The poisoning took place yesterday, when the school lunch of rice and canned anchovies was placed in a container that held insecticide residue. Some 56 people, including teachers and parents, sought medical treatment in the Cajabamba province in the northern department of Cajamarca, 750km north of Lima. — AFP

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news

The present three-month duration for National Service Training is sufficient — Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Ismail Ahmad

KUALA LUMPUR

KUALA LUMPUR

Enter the mole

Latest news portal aims to put journalistic ethics into blogs THE MOLE — the latest news portal in town — hopes to bring journalism into blogging.

Editor of the blogportal, Shamsul Akmar Musa Kamal, aims to get the biggest groups of bloggers from Malaysia and SouthEast Asia on one platform.

"It's all about information.

There are thousands of bloggers around and we want to inject journalism ethics into blogging, and vice versa. We are primarily a website that publishes articles by bloggers.

"We are not like other news

By ANDREW SAGAYAM andrew@mmail.com.my

portals, but our news source is mainly from bloggers. We classify bloggers based on the articles they write; political, business and lifestyle," he told The Malay Mail.

He said before The Mole publishes stories from bloggers, it will contact the writers to verify contents.

"We will check how they got their information. If the blogger is not contactable, we will check with the individual or the party that the blogger

has written about to verify information regarding them and the story content."

Shamsul hopes The Mole will eventually be a place of reference for journalists and bloggers to obtain information on any issue.

The Mole also offers readers a wiki-type open source database on Malaysian personalities, companies and other organisations, called The MoleBase, found on the website.

Shamsul said the portalwas launched on Sept 16 in conjunction with Malaysia

Day celebrations. The idea behind it was mooted by Datuk Ahirudin Attan, better known as Rocky of Rockybru fame.

"Other future developments include cleaning up blog postings, directing traffic, creating an interactive and regional blog community that will enable us to set up a database and organise programmes and lucky draws," Shamsul said.

He said one reason for the site is because of the presence of blogs that are being too partisan, too involved in politics, or which give that perception.

SHAMSUL: The Mole aims to unite a big group of bloggers

"Most times blogs do break the story, but with too many half truths and quite a few outright lies. We fear people will lose trust in blogs as a source of news if there is no effort to help verify blognews," he said.

The Mole also aims to create a social paper that publishes what you need to know from blogs rather than what the blogs want you to know.

KAMPUNG PANDAN

All-new Nikon 1 series to hit the shelves soon

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

PHOTO buffs can look forward to the release of the Nikon 1 series — an advanced interchangeable lens digital camera system.

The series consists of two models — Nikon 1 J1, and Nikon 1 V1 — both comprising high-speed AF CMOS image sensor, image-processing engine Expeed 3 and a new mount lens system.

Designed for amateurs, the J1 possesses a standard 10-30mm zoom with a 10mm fixed focal length and a Telephoto 30110mm zoom lens.

It is also equipped with a 3-inch, 460k-dot TFT LCD monitor with wide-viewing angle and comes in pink, red, white, black and silver.

For professionals, the black-

LEADING THE WAY: (from left) Nikon Hong Kong consumer product sales general manager Hong Soon Teng, Nikon international marketing and planning manager Uemura Kimito and Ng at the launch yesterday — Pic: ARIF KARTONO

only V1 is incorporated with a 921k-dot TFT LCD monitor with wide-viewing angle.

Access or ies include a 10mm fixed focal length, Telephoto 30110mm zoom lens, 10-100mm power drive zoom lens, speed light and

GP-N100( GPS), body case and warping clothes.

Other features include a recording mode with 1920 x 1080/60i full-HD movie, smart photo selector function, picture control, short movie Creator automatic

movie editing software and air-gapless structure adopted for the LCD monitor.

Another selling point for the new series is its stylish body and compact lens for better portability.

Nikon 1 is the third brand

in Nikon's digital camera arsenal, following the Nikon D-series digital-SLR cameras and the Coolpix brand of compact digital cameras.

The launch by Nikon Malaysia Sdn Bhd yesterday was in conjunction with the manufacturer's 95th anniversary.

Said Nikon Malaysia consumer products marketing general manager David Ng: "The new releases would not cannibalise the DSLR but expand the camera industry and strengthen our leading position in the Malaysian market."

Nikon also unveiled eight new Coolpix compact cameras yesterday — the AW 100, S6200, S6150, S4150, S1200pj, S8200, S100 and P7100.

The new products will be available next month.

BUKIT BINTANG

HomeGuru wins gold at Tiger Awards HOMEGURU SDN BHD via its online business portal HomeGuru.com.my, a property expert, has won the Online Business Award (Gold) at the inaugural South-East Asian SME Tiger Awards on Tuesday, as part of the two-day South East Asian SME Forum at Prince Hotel.

The Online Business Award is presented to the organisation that demonstrated the most significant online growth last year. Factors for evaluation include online transactions,

site visitors and referrals.

Receiving the award was Steve Melhuish, group chief executive officer of AllProperty Media Pte Ltd in Singapore, who said: “It's amazing to be rewarded with such an award so soon as it is the first time one of our 'new' countries has picked up an industry accolade and with it happening less than a year since we established HomeGuru Sdn Bhd. “Winning the gold SME Tiger Award for Online

Business is a testament to the hard work, commitment and success demonstrated by the Malaysian Gurus. In 11 months, we've cemented our presence in the highest ranks of a very competitive environment, built an awesome team of Gurus, opened three offices (in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru and Penang), joined forces with FullHouse.com. my in Penang, grown traffic to almost 500,000 buyers viewing 4.5 million pages and most importantly, kick-started the

GOOD START: The HomeGuru site is becoming popular with property buyers

inception of a well-recognised HomeGuru brand.”

Also present at the ceremony was HomeGuru country manager Steven Tan who said: “This acknowledgement

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

by a panel of judges from the SouthEast Asian business arena spurs our team at HomeGuru to make a mark as the go-to property expert portal in Malaysia.”

Eco Terengganu Conference champions green issues THE inaugural Eco Terengganu Conference 2011 will be held on Nov 23 and 24 at the Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort and Spa in Kuala Terengganu in conjunction with the Monsoon Cup. Organised by EcoKnights and T-Best Events with the support of the Terengganu government and 1Malaysia PROGRES (Program Green Solutions), the conference aims to increase awareness of environmental issues, and educate the public and State and private agencies on the gaps, opportunities and challenges in developing a sustainable State.

Also to be highlighted are renewable energy and green technology options for sustainable development in Terengganu.

The event will feature talks by prominent speakers from various industries which support green initiatives, discussions, exhibitions and networking sessions.

The main focus of the inaugural conference is to alert stakeholders of the potential of Terengganu’s environment and the areas that can be optimised for growth.

Datuk Toh Chin Yaw, chairman of Terengganu's industry, trade and environment committee, said: “Terengganu provides the perfect backdrop for an amazing programme that will examine the best green practices that support local businesses to operate in a sustainable environment. Eco Terengganu 2011 is important to Terengganu because it will showcase green innovations, community programmes and research that can benefit the people.”

The four key pillars of the government’s Green Technology policy — energy, environmental, social and economic sustainability — is the inspiration behind Eco Terengganu’s three conference themes — business, environment and social. Each theme will be presented in half-hour sessions by notable speakers.

The business theme will demonstrate green business tools, opportunities and technology that will protect the economic future of Terengganu without stressing its natural resources.

THURSDay 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

the malay mail

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8

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 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 and Hamzah Nazari

River remains clogged Drainage and Irrigation Department says it 'overlooked' matter, promises clean-up

FLOATING TRASH: Rubbish restricting the flow of water in Sungai Klang near Taman Sri Muda — Pic: Samsul Said

SEGARAN: Made numerous reports to Shah Alam City Council and DID

INDISCRIMINATE dumping in Sungai Klang is still a major headache for the residents of in Shah Alam.

Former Shah Alam city councillor M.G. SEGARAN says he has made numerous reports to the council and the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) but there has not been any action.

"I remember the local council promising to get the DID to clean up the place in February this year but the condition of the river is still the same, if not worse," he says.

"Most of the rubbish is industrial waste dumped by irresponsible parties.

There are also a lot of discarded water bottles and styrofoam. If they are not

cleared, they will flow to areas in Klang, Petaling Jaya and even KL," he says.

SEGARAN, who lives nearby, says the stench from the river reaches his neighbourhood when the wind blows.

He hopes the rubbish will be cleared soon before it becomes a health hazard.

Another resident, AH-

MAD RUSTAM, says rubbish thrown by residents in Shah Alam and Petaling Jaya is clogging up the river.

"I suspect waste is also being dumped into the river from a factory nearby," says the 27-year-old. ● SHAH ALAM mayor Datuk Mohd Jaafar Mohd Atan says: "We sought the

help of the Drainage and Irrigation Department months ago. We urge DID to cooperate with us and to not take the matter lightly as it involves people's health.''

A DID spokesman says the department has overlooked the matter and assures Hotline that workers will be deployed to clean up the river.

Car towed away by taxi service operator IT just wasn’t his day.

First, JOHN KOSHY’s car was towed away on Aug 22.

Then, the 73-year-old had to pay RM10 for a taxi to go and collect his car, only to be charged an additional RM200 as the company managing the taxi service was also the one which had towed away the car.

JOHN, of Kuala Lumpur, says he had left his car unattended at a yellow line for

15 minutes to go to Maxis Tower in Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC).

When he returned and found his car missing, he thought it had been stolen but was told by a taxi driver it had been towed away.

“He told me to go to the taxi service outside KLCC to enquire about my car," says JOHN. He says a man at the taxi service waved over a taxi

and asked him to pay the driver RM10 to take him to the impound lot where his car was being held.

The lot turned out to be in Jalan Stonor, about one kilometre away.

When JOHN got to the impound lot, he was asked to pay RM200 for the release of his car and was issued a receipt from Awana Sutera Travel & Tours (M) Sdn Bhd.

“This is not right. I didn’t see any warning signs about cars being towed away," says JOHN. He asks why he was charged RM10 when the impound lot is so near, and how a private company can tow one’s car from a public road. ● AWANA SUTERA chief executive officer Datuk Sham Ismail Tom says

his company, the appointed contractor for the KLCC taxi service, is also responsible for coordinating the traffic and monitoring unauthorised parking around KLCC. He says JOHN should not have parked his car there in the first place as there is a yellow line and it is a two-lane road.

Regarding the RM10 charge, Sham says if

JOHN had used a taxi from the taxi stand, he could investigate the matter.

"If they choose not to use our service, they can always stop a taxi by the side of the road, but if something goes wrong, we can’t help them.”

When contacted, JOHN insists it is unfair for a company to tow a car away without warning.

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

9

1. Subang Jaya Municipal Council at the jogging and bicycle track at enforcement officers will be Kepong Metropolitan Park to prevent TAKE NOTE issuing on-the-spot summonses motorcyclist from entering the track. to illegally parked cars, especially around USJ 9, 10 2. City Hall has prohibited operators from dumping solid waste on land in Kuala Lumpur as such dumping can and 15.

2. Kuala Lumpur City Hall will be installing barriers only take place outside the city.

Beegone!

BEFORE

A HUGE beehive "hanging" menacingly over the heads of residents of Block 17 of Taman Alam Megah in Shah Alam is gone, thanks to Hotline.

The Shah Alam Seksyen 15 Fire Station, alerted to the danger by Hotline on Tuesday, swung into action later that evening and burned down the hive.

In a report in The Malay Mail yesterday, headlined "Abuzz with danger", resi-

Fire and Rescue Department removes hive after 'Hotline' alert

AFTER

GETS THE ACTION dents said the hive had been growing in size over the last four months.

M. LOGESWARAN, whose flat is just below the hive, said he had to check his rooms five times a day to ensure there are no bees.

LOGESWARAN, who had

been stung, together with his mother and sister, said they are forced to shut their doors and windows to prevent from the bees from entering.

He said he had complained several times to the authorities but they did not take action.

A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Department said the 10-member team arrived around 9pm and completed their work about two hours later.

LOGESWARAN's sister, MOGANA, said the firemen used a fire pipe to burn the hive from her window while a few others were stationed below, including one with a fire extinguisher in case the bees attacked.

"There were a lot of dead bees on the floor. The rest flew off. Thanks to Hotline and the Fire and Rescue Department, we can go about our business normally," she says.

Manhole danger near school AISYAH RASHID, an accountant from Petaling Jaya, noticed there is an uncovered manhole near a bus stop in front of SMK Sri Petaling at the junction of Jalan Kemajuan and Jalan Semangat.

She saw it when she was dropping off her son to school on Sept 19.

AISYAH says she is not sure how long the manhole has been left uncovered.

"I'm sure people have seen it but has anybody reported it? Did they just forget or do they just not care?"

The manhole is about half a meter wide and one meter deep. It is covered with sticks, rubbish and an old banner.

"I asked my son about it and he says that last week it

was just an open hole with nothing inside," she says.

"Someone has since put some sticks in it and placed a banner on top, possibly to warn people.

"I hope no children have fallen inside and got hurt.

I hope the authorities will take action and make it safer for pedestrians." ● PETALING JAYA City Council public relations officer Zainun Zakaria says the council's engineers have been alerted to the matter.

"The manhole is above a medium-size drain and located at the sidewalk.

Someone has stolen the grill but we will replace it as soon as possible," she says.

Online comments www.mmail.com.my It’s safe, says City Hall (Sept 20) ● IT IS time the authorities took responsibility for the monstrosities plaguing the KL landscape.

The horrible sight of the abandoned hotel project opposite Renaissance Hotel has been an unacceptable eyesore for years now. When is something going to be done about that? This incident opposite Ampang City is just another example of the state of things. — Anonymous ● WHY does City Hall need to do the larviciding?

Shouldn't it be the responsibility of the site owner?

— Anonymous ● WHAT rubbish. City Hall has been saying the same thing for the past five years. Either it is covering up or it is the developers who have changed their minds and are stalling. The hole should have been covered or filled with cement after the developers failed to do anything for a year, not leave it for five.

Now people are living in there and not only is it a sight for sore eyes, it's also quite dangerous. — Anonymous No place to park (Sept 20) ● INADEQUATE parking space for cars is a major problem faced by all drivers, not only in Subang Jaya but all over the KL as well. Our public transport system is not efficient and not servicing all areas in the city, thus many people prefer to drive to their destinations at their own convenience. Sometimes, we have to wait for a long time before the intended bus arrives, and this is frustrating to the commuters as well. It is time ample parking spaces are provided by the local councils to eliminate this parking problem.

— shaktiman Mix-up over complimentary pizza (Sept 19) ● THIS is about the delivery of service as promised.

Running a business is a serious matter. Giving excuses like breaking fast or going for prayers is acceptable only when it is clearly stated beforehand. Everyone may have their own priorities but business is business. Malaysia cannot advance if people keep on giving excuses. If they want to break fast, it needs to be done with proper planning. As the majority of the people in this country are Muslims, going for prayers or breaking fast is already part of the culture here. That means businesses or people need to arrange their time accordingly. It should not be used as an excuse to escape from responsibilities. For example, do you see footballers suddenly say they want to go for prayers? Or marathon runners stopping midway?

No, because they have already arranged their time for these things. Plus, everyone of religion must make compromises under various circumstances.

So, this is just a clear case of irresponsibility of the delivery man. — abugaga Hit by ‘cheap’ greens (Sept 19) ● WELL, the customers have the right to choose. But how can the illegal traders sell the vegetables at cheaper prices? The authorities must explain that. We want cheap simply because we want to make ends meet. Maybe the local council should collect a minimum rent from the traders since I am sure the amount of rent collected should by now pay off the cost of constructing the market.

The amount of rent should, from now on, just be used for council management and maintenence of the municipality. As for the illegal traders, they should be allowed to earn a living, so that they won't resort to crime as a cheaper alternative for the poor people. — Nawawi

GAPING: The exposed hole which is posing a threat to students of SMK Sri Petaling — Pix: Arif Kartono

When contacted, AISYAH says she is glad the council is taking action.

"Until it is fixed, I will tell

my son to be careful and not run around near there.

I hope other parents do the same."

Eating al fresco (Sept 14) ● THE council should be sued, it seems to me, as parking places are for parking cars, not people.

Every council in the Klang Valley is guilty of causing obstruction to footpaths and roadways. — Eina

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 Thursday 22 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.

KL: Malaysian road signs

When it's easy to get lost

DURING the recent Hari Raya celebrations, while chatting with a foreign visitor driving in the country, I was shocked to learn he found it tough following the road signages.

When I asked him whether it was because of the language used, he replied in the negative and explained the signages are probably done by some ignorant or overly confident town/ road planning officers.

The person must be overly familiar with the city and oblivious to the fact that signages are meant for people who are new in the area. He said there is also a total lack of continuity in the placement of road signs.

I did my own checks and drove down the roads in Putrajaya and several other cities, like Malacca, Ipoh, Penang, Johor and almost every part of Kuala Lumpur.

I found out that the tourist is correct and has certainly driven home a point that our town and road planning officers are either ignorant or oblivious to the fact that road signs are for new drivers/commuters/ tourists.

An excellent case is, if you are driving to Putrajaya, you will see

that none of the precint signages are continued or repeated after any

junction. If you are new to the place and driving towards Presint 2, you will never see the Presint 2 signage at the traffic light junctions. You have to make your own judgment call and turn.

It is rather sad a stateof-the-art city can have such a problem.

Another example: if you are driving towards Kuala Lumpur Hospital on Jalan Tun Razak, and if you are a first-timer, you will never get to the hospital because there are no signs to show where Kuala Lumpur Hospital on Jalan Tun

There must be continuity and every sign must lead to another so that a new driver or tourist will not be lost or have to make a several U-turns to reach his destination.

The lack of proper road signs can also cause accidents and loss of valuable man-hours.

I understand the GPS system is useful today but without the right sign at the right place, even the GPS serves no purpose.

I would like to urge the authorities to seriously view this in a positive light so that our cities and towns are easy and quicker to reach.

Ravindran Raman Kutty

KL: Smile that says it all (Sept 19)

KL: Travel Industry

Nothing much to show after 40 years

ONCE again, Malaysia is on the radar of the world tourism industry with the recent announcement that the 46th United Federation of Travel Agents Association (UFTAA) Congress will be staged here in 2012.

This will be exactly 40 years after the 1972 Pacific Area Travel Association (Pata) Conference held in Kuala Lumpur, which was the watershed of our tourism industry.

Our government, through its national tourism organisation, has earmarked 2013 as the next Visit Malaysia Year. However, it may not put a stop to other countries proclaiming their “Visit My Country” in the same year.

Therefore, the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (Matta) ought to be congratulated for bringing the annual UFTAA Congress back to our shores so soon, after hosting it in 2002.

The size and influence of UFTAA is enormous. Matta alone has 2,800 corporate members and it is just one of the 100 national travel associations in UFTAA. Larger members of Matta are in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) category. The majority of the members are micro or tiny. The travel industry is driven more by passion than professionalism.

Matta members are mainly

Razak is.

If you ever drive to Malacca or Penang or Ipoh, you must pray that you will not get lost.

The road signages in almost every State in Malaysia are in a terrible state.

The road planner must think like a visitor and not like a person who is overly familiar with the streets of a particular area.

One of the best examples of excellent road signs is in Singapore and Canada.

I think our town or road planners must seriously view my suggestion and ensure no road or junction is missed when the road signs are made.

involved in airline ticketing, hotel reservations, outbound and inbound tours, rental of tour buses, vans and cars, management of events such as meetings and conferences, and sale of cruises and other travel-related services.

The government introduced licensing of tourist guides in 1975, and Tour Operating Business and Travel Agency Business (TOBTAB) in 1986.

These measures ensured some control but there has been no significant progress in the travel industry other than modern-day conveniences s u c h a s h an d p h on e s , Internet, computerisation and modern highways.

Take road transport, for example. During the 1972 Pata Conference, the lowdeck monocoque buses used were fitted with airsuspension. They were much more stable, solid, safer and comfortable than the highdecker and double-decker buses we have today.

In 1975, the bus charter rate was RM500 per day and it has yet to double after 35 years whereas the price of a new Mercedes sedan or a double-storey linked house has risen by more than 15 times.

Some of the licensing conditions for tour buses, vans and cars have been a hindrance to the industry and have not helped to raise safety standards or service

quality.

Although Matta has continuously engaged with the various authorities and resolved some of the issues, thorny problems remained.

This is hardly surprising as new officials tackled the same old problems by starting from scratch all over again.

What both the public and private sectors have failed to do is to set their own detailed policy on various road transport matters.

Such a policy should be beyond the usual vision and mission statements of an organisation.

An open and transparent p ol i c y i n pl a c e wou l d reflect the wishes of the industry as it can be vetted by hundreds of stakeholders and st re ng t he ne d ove r time through continuous reviews.

As such, Matta should determine and state clearly its position on various issues with supporting data in a strong official document.

It will then be up to the authorities to accept, amend or reject with explanation.

Matta should also set a detailed policy on education and training and use it as the reference to engage with tertiary institutions to produce graduates who are more suited to industry requirements.

Our education system has successfully churned

out a large numb er of graduates but lacking in quality. A truly educated person displays courtesy, confidence, communication skills and critical thinking but all these are lacking in many graduates.

At the same time, as many tourists are now travelling in tour vans, cars and taxis, there is an urgent need to train these drivers and upgrade them to driverguides.

The travel industry will truly come of age when a sizeable number of Matta members strive towards quality management system such as the ISO 9001. As green tourism will be among the topics discussed in the 2012 UFTAA Congress, initiatives that would impress the delegates should be introduced.

Will they be riding on buses running on natural gas or clean diesel? Will they be driving electric or hybrid cars? Will they be handed tons of printed brochures in plastic bags or will they be given space to plant a small forest?

The industry has nothing much to show for after 40 years. For the love of our nation, let us do something concrete and meaningful now which can also leave a legacy for our future generations.

YS Chan Kuala Lumpur

Don't worry, be happy WE ARE usually drawn to people who smile.

There is an attraction factor.

We want to know the smiling person and figure out what is so good.

Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile.

There's a good chance your mood will change for the better.

It has been proven that smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

When someone is smiling, he/she lightens up the room, changes the moods of others, and makes things seem happier.

A smiling person also brings happiness with him/her. Smile a lot and you will draw people to you.

Stress, on the other hand, can really show up in our faces.

Smiling helps prevent us from looking tired, worn down and overwhelmed.

Whenever you are stressed, take time to put on a smile.

The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to deal with it later on.

Medically, smiling helps the immune system to work better.

When you smile, the immune function improves, possibly because you are more relaxed.

When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure, too.

Just give it a try.

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin. Together, these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger.

Don't go for a facelift, just try smiling your way through the day — you'll look younger and feel better.

Bulbir Singh

KL: Clean-up pledge (Aug 10)

Remove eyesores

POSTERS indiscriminately tied or nailed onto trees and posts around the city are an eyesore.

The authorities should come down hard on these perpetrators who have no decency or consideration for the environment and landscape beauty.

Their indiscriminate activities are unacceptable.

My suggestions: ▪ Posters — the public should cooperate with the authorities to remove such posters.

▪ Stickers — the biggest eyesores are stickers on lamp posts and poles, telephone booths, road signs and walls.

While it is difficult to remove these stickers, the best method is to use paint and brush over them or use spray paint.

If action is not taken now, this menace will spread throughout the nation and give a bad name to the country.

Anandh

THURSDay 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

the malay mail

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world

What do you have to lose? Why are you so afraid of the outcome of the truth? Why are you so anxious that he has to die? — Veteran civil rights campaigner Reverend Al Sharpton on Troy Davis

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

JACKSON

Last-ditch effort Bid to spare Troy Davis heads to US Supreme Court

A LAST-GASP bid to stay the execution of US death row inmate Troy Davis was rejected yesterday at State level but his lawyer said he was appealing to the US Supreme Court.

"The application for a certificate of probable cause to appeal is denied. The motion for stay of execution is denied," read a unanimous ruling from Georgia's Supreme Court, upholding a lower court's earlier decision.

"Denied in Georgia Supreme Court, on to US Supremes," Davis's lawyer Brian Kammer wrote in an email less than 90 minutes before his client was due to be put to death by lethal injection at a prison in Jackson, Georgia.

Kammer had earlier filed an appeal with the Butts County Superior Court, challenging the accuracy of ballistics tests used to link Davis to the shooting

DESPERATE TIMES: Solana Plains (right) escorts a distraught Elijah West, cousin of Davis, out of the Towaliga County Line Baptist Church across from the Jackson State Prison — AFPpic

death of off-duty police officer Mark MacPhail.

But Judge Thomas Wilson declined to halt the execution, saying the county court had received no new evidence "that was not previously available".

"This court therefore denies (the) petitioner's motion for

stay of his execution," Wilson wrote.

Davis was convicted in the 1989 shooting in Savannah, Georgia, but no physical evidence tied him to the crime and several witnesses later recanted their testimony.

The case has been plagued

by questions of racial bias since 27-year-old MacPhail was white and Davis, who was 20 at the time of the murder, is black.

As the execution approached, a campaign to stop it grew. Nearly one million people signed an online petition, 2,000 attended a rally in Atlanta on Friday and there were various expressions of international concern.

"France urges the authorities and attorney of the state of Georgia to stop (Davis') execution, as there are still genuine and serious doubts as to his guilt," said a statement from the French Foreign Ministry yesterday.

"By executing a prisoner when there are serious doubts as to his guilt, (the authorities) would be making an irreparable error," it said. The secretary-general of the Council of Europe also called for the execution to be halted. — AFP

NEW YORK

Obama botches group photo AFTER giving a speech at the United Nations yesterday to mark the launch of the Open Government Partnership initiative for greater transparency in government, President Obama joined other leaders for a group photo — and apparently failed to realise he isn't transparent.

The president waved during the photo (pic), completely blocking the face of a man to his right, Politico reports. The other nations joining the UN initiative are Mexico, Indonesia, South Africa, the Philippines, and Brazil.

Later, Obama toasted Ban at an annual lunch at the United Nations General Assembly, the first since Ban was unanimously elected in June to a second term.

"A lot of us are envious of him because in running for a second term he ran unopposed," Obama said in a toast to the former South Korean foreign minister.

"He won unanimously. I'm still trying to learn what his trick is," Obama said, drawing laughter from leaders and guests at the luncheon.

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

State prosecutors yesterday withdrew terrorism and sabotage charges against two Mexicans who spread rumours of criminal attacks, which turned out to be untrue, on social networks Twitter and Facebook — AFP

BEIJING

Street beggar exposed as fraud A NETIZEN disclosed on the popular Chinese forum Mop.com that a beggar in Beijing's commercial centre Xidan is actually a millionaire who owns several properties and four cars, causing an Internet sensation.

Other netizens replied on the post that they had seen the same man many times and described his frantic way of begging — kneeling on the ground and continuously kowtowing to get people's sympathy and money while an old woman who appears to be seriously ill lies beside him, reports China Daily.

The chengguan, or urban management officers, in charge of the Xidan area said the man was found begging on the street several times.

"We don't know how much he earns and we have no legal jurisdiction to fine him either," said an officer from Xidan's urban

Seoul

Hungry N. Korean soldiers steal from civilians North Korea has stepped up a crackdown on soldiers in a northeastern city who are stealing from locals because they cannot survive on their food rations, a report said yesterday.

Military police have been stationed in the streets of Hyesan city to check the identification of soldiers, said the Daily NK, a Seoul-based online newspaper run by defectors.

North Korean soldiers are supposed to receive about 800 grams of food per day in rations but this has shrunk to about 540 grams, it said.

"They are hungry and they are heading for local farms to steal (food)," Daily NK said, citing a source in Hyesan.

"The weather is getting colder and the number of soldiers deserting their posts is rising."

Since June, a military driver training school in Hyesan has handed out only about 170 grams of food.

Hungry soldiers have also been stealing clothes, shoes and other items from homes in broad daylight to sell in the market, it said.

The North has a Songun (army first) policy which prioritises military welfare. But there have been several reports that soldiers are suffering from food shortages along with civilians.

The country was hit by famine in the 1990s which killed hundreds of thousands and has relied partly on international food aid ever since.

But donations to UN programmes have dwindled due to international irritation at the North's missile and nuclear programmes. Seoul suspended its annual shipment of rice and fertiliser in 2008.

The North this year asked the United States and other nations for food aid, but there are differences over its requirements. — AFP

SHAM: A screenshot from the video clip showing the beggar and an old woman lying on the ground beside him in Xidan

management department.

The post, attracting 100,000 hits, said the man could earn up to 4,000 yuan (RM1,970) per hour.

The beggars fled in haste when they found themselves being recorded and to everyone's surprise, the woman lying on the ground actually walked like a normal person, according to the video uploaded to Ku6.com.

WORLD AGENDA

OCTOBER 2011 Oct Oct27, 27,Ireland: Ireland: Martin MartinMcGuinness, McGuinness, former formerIrish Irish Republican Republican Army Armycommander commander and and now nowdeputy deputy first firstminister minister in in Northern NorthernIreland, Ireland, stands standsfor for election election as asPresident President of of thethe Republic Republicofof Ireland.

Ireland.

He He isisaacandidate candidate for for Sinn SinnFein, Fein, the the fourth fourth largest largestparty party in in thethe country country

October, October,Moscow: Moscow: The The gas gas war war between between Russia Russia – – owner owner of of major major energy energy reserves reserves – – and and Ukraine Ukraine – – owner owner of of the the largest largest pipeline pipeline network network to to Western Western Europe Europe – – may may intensify intensify as as Russia Russia begins begins pumping pumping gas gas via via the the Baltic Baltic sea. sea. Its Its 1,230km 1,230km Nord NordStream Stream pipeline pipeline cost cost $12 US$12 billion billion Oct, Oct,Norfolk, Norfolk, England: England:Water Water is is pumped pumped through throughaa1km 1km hosepipe hosepipeinto into aa huge hugehelium helium balloon balloonasaspart part of of an anexperiment experiment to to re-create re-create the the cooling coolingeffects effects The The Stratospheric Stratospheric of of volcanoes volcanoes Particle ParticleInjection Injection for for on on the theearth’s earth’s Climate ClimateEngineering Engineering atmosphere. atmosphere. project projectruns runs for for three threeyears years Pictures: Getty Pictures: Getty Images Images

NEW YORK

world

13

Bill's big wallet

List of richest Americans include Buffett, Zuckerberg BILL GATES tops this year's Forbes list of the 400 richest Americans with a net worth calculated at US$59 billion (RM186 billion).

Forbes says the Microsoft cofounder saw his wealth increase

by US$5 billion from last year, reports the Hindustan Times.

Investor Warren Buffett ranks second with a fortune of US$39

billion, though Forbes said the Berkshire Hathaway Inc chief executive's wealth shrank by US$6 billion from a year ago.

Oracle CEO Larry Ellison rounds out the top three with a net worth of US$33 billion, a US$6 billion increase from 2010.

George Soros entered the top 10 list for the first time at seventh.

Forbes estimates his wealth at

Oct13, Oct 13,Washington: Washington: South South Korea’s Korea’s President President Lee Myung-bak Lee Myung-bak visits visits the the White White House House for talks for talks with President with President Obama Obama thatthat are expected are expected to to include the include thelargest largest U.S.US free free trade trade pactpact in in a generation. a generation.

The The pact, pact, which which would would slash 95% slash 95 per of tariffs centbetween of tariffs the between two the nations, two nations, was signed was signed in 2007 in 2007but buthas has yet to yet toreceive receive congressional congressional approval approval

Oct Oct11, 11, Monrovia: Monrovia:Ellen Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Johnson-Sirleaf, Africa’s Africa’s first first and and only only woman woman head head of of state, State, is is poised poised for for re-election re-election in in Liberia’s Liberia’s first first domestically domestically organised organised vote vote since since its its civil civil war war ended ended in in 2003.

2003.

She She came came to to power power in in UNUNorganised organised polls polls in in 2005 2005 Oct Oct15, 15,Haiti: Haiti: The The UN UN peacekeeping peacekeeping mandate expires mandate expires amid amid allegations allegations of of excessive use excessive use of of force force by by troops. troops. Haitian Haitian president Michel president Michel Martelly Martelly is is expected expected to ask to ask for for the the mission mission to to be be renewed but renewed but demonstrators demonstrators demand its demand its withdrawal withdrawal

Iran hangs convicted teen killer IRAN yesterday carried out two hangings, including the public execution of a teenage boy convicted of killing an athlete billed as "Iran's strongest man", local media reported. Despite calls by human rights group Amnesty International for an 11th-hour stay of the 17-yearold's execution, Alireza MollaSoltani was sent to the gallows at the scene of the crime in the city of Karaj. A large crowd of people had gathered to witness the hanging and security forces were present "to ensure the sentence was carried out without any glitches," the official IRNA news agency reported.

Molla-Soltani was sentenced to death last month for stabbing the popular athlete, Ruhollah Dadashi, to death in July. — AFP

Clooney 'weds' on Norwegian television

Oct Oct30, 30,New New Delhi: Delhi: Formula Formula One’s One’s inaugural inaugural Indian IndianGrand Grand Prix Prix takes takes place place with with Narain NarainKarthikeyan Karthikeyan thethe homegrown homegrown hopeful hopeful behind behind the the wheel wheel for for the the HRT HRTteam. team.The Theevent eventwill willbe be the the 17th 17th race race of of the the season season Oct Oct8,8,Wales: Wales: Christina Christina Aguilera Aguilera (left), (left), Cee CeeLo LoGreen Green and and JLSJLS playplay at aatMichael a Michael Jackson Jacksontribute tributeconcert concertatatCardiff’s Cardiff’s Millennium Millennium Stadium.

Stadium. The The Michael Michael Forever Forever gig gig also also features features The TheJacksons, Jacksons, brothers brothers of of the the late late King King of of Pop Pop Research: Kate Research: Kate Edgley Edgley

US$22 billion. Three members of the Walton family, descendants of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, also are among the top 10 wealthiest in 2011.

Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg is at No. 14 with US$17.5 billion, putting him ahead of Google's Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who are tied at No. 15 with US$16.7 billion each.

© GRAPHIC NEWS

ACTOR George Clooney (pic) plays on his "perpetual bachelor" reputation with a television spot for Norwegian Bank DnB NOR, reports Relaxnews. The advert, posted online last week, opens with a newlywed woman waking with a giant diamond on her finger and staggering around a hotel room. When Clooney enters the suite, he kisses his new wife, shows her an image of their new home on the Internet and seems pleased to fulfill her fantasy. The tagline states: Some people are lucky in life. For the rest of us, saving can be smart.

14

world

A 77-year-old Ukrainian man won a jar full of sour cream for coming first in a dumpling eating contest and then promptly died, local media reported yesterday. Ivan Mendel ate 10 dumplings in half a minute. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Reuters

NEW YORK

Tutu fights child marriage Archbishop committed to helping 10 million underage girls

ARCHBISHOP Desmond Tutu said yesterday he is as passionate about fighting the widespread practice of child marriage as he was when he helped bring down apartheid in South Africa.

"My passion (that) I now hope to translate, transfer to this, is the same passion, commitment that I had when I was fighting, we were fighting, against apartheid," Tutu told a conference in New York, where activists spoke out against the estimated 10 million marriages of underage girls around the world each year.

Tutu, a Nobel peace prize

laureate and a hero of the struggle to end white minority rule in his native South Africa, said he came late to the realisation of how common child marriage is and how much damage it causes.

"For a very, very long time I didn't know," he told a panel at the Clinton Global Initiative meeting in New York.

"I thought it was something that happens only in India."

The reality, Tutu said, left him "devastated".

"The statistics are shattering.

If we do nothing about it, 10 million girl children under the age of 18 will have been married this year. You think: in a

decade that's 100 million."

Once an underage girl is forced into the role of wife and childbearer, she will drop out of education, be unable to work, and likely opt out of programmes to improve health, causing wider impact across society, according to Tutu.

"We can just as well forget doing anything about eradicating poverty or hunger. We can forget about universal primary education," he said.

"We can forget about gender equality. We can forget about maternal health. We can forget about doing anything significant about HIV/AIDS." Tutu

said that when a girl becomes a mother under the age of 15, she is five times more likely to die in childbirth than a mother of 19 or 20. Niger is believed to lead the world in child marriage, which is also common in central and western Africa, parts of Asia and in the Middle East, with motives ranging from economic arrangements to tribal traditions.

Tutu, who turns 80 next month, was in New York promoting the Girls Not Brides campaign, headed by a group of prominent humanitarian activists called The Elders.â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AFP

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

LOS ANGELES

Timberlake's all-nighter with Johansson JESSICA BIEL'S face will go scarlet when she hears about this.

Us Weekly revealed Justin Timberlake spent the night of Sept 14 with another Hollywood beauty : Single-again Scarlett Johansson (pic), his costar in his 2007 What Goes Aroun d C om e s Around video.

Timberlake, 30, and Johansson, 26, we re " h ard c ore flirting" during a raucous evening at NYC hotspot 1Oak, a witness tells Us. "Other guys were trying to talk with Scarlett but she was only focused on Justin."

The duo partied until dawn â&#x20AC;&#x201D; le aving at 5.30am and

getting pizza next door, the source said. The one-on-one party continued just a few hours later when Timberlake showed up at the Iron Man 2 actress' midtown penthouse apartment.

Greeting the doorman and introducing himself as "Justin," Timberlake "wasn't even low-key" about his visit, another witness noted.

"They've hooked up several times over the years," a pal confirmed of the pair. But Timberlake just got back together with longtime love Biel, 29, merely a month ago. "For the moment," another insider says, "she's trusting him."

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Facebook users yesterday took to complaining about changes intended to make it easier to manage the torrents of updates from friends at the world's largest social network — AFP LONDON

LOS ANGELES

Hero of zero

Martin writes 'Oscar letter' to Murphy FORMER Oscars host Steve Martin has written an open letter to next year's MC Eddie Murphy, giving him a list of "tips" to help his evening go swimmingly.

The jokey letter, published in full on Steve Martin's website, included guidance on everything from losing weight to consoling losers.

One piece of advice said: "If you feel tired midway through, give Neil Patrick Harris a Red Bull and throw some sheet music at him."

The Man With Two Brains and The Jerk funnyman also made fun of his 2010 cohost, Alec Baldwin, advising Murphy against picking a joint emcee because they "are a pain and end up breaking your Saturday Night Live hosting record".

While the initial announcement of Murphy hosting the most prestigious film awards show was met with criticism, many are now on board with giving the Beverley Hills Cop and 48 Hours star a chance, reports Rolling Stone.

Gender-bending male model has hard time fitting into women's wear

FEMIMAN: Takes discipline for Pejic to wear women's clothes

LONDON

Adele forgives ex who inspired '21' BRITISH soul star Adele has reconnected with the ex-boyfriend who broke her heart and inspired her hit album 21.

The singer wrote the charttopping album about her painful break-up after splitting from the unnamed ex, who she called her “soulmate”.

Now, Adele revealed she has forgiven her former lover and they have even been in contact to “share” the success of 21,

reports Contactmusic.

Speaking at a London concert earlier this week, the star told fans: “We’re becoming friends again. It’s alright, I know what I’m doing. Enough time has gone by now.

“Now with what’s going on with the album around the world, it’s important to be able to share it with him. Because it’s marvellous what has happened. He changed my life, I can’t deny that."

LOS ANGELES

It's the end of R.E.M. as we know it ALTERNATIVE rock band R.E.M. (pic) — comprising singer Michael Stipe, 51, guitarist Peter Buck, 54, and bassist Mike Mills, 52 — announced they have broken up after 31 years together.

"As lifelong friends and coconspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band," the band said in a statement on their official website.

"We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality and of astonishment at all we have accomplished."

Throughout their career, R .E.M. has released 15 albums, including Murmur, Reckoning, Document, Out of Time, New Adventures in Hi-Fi, Up and Automatic For the People, reports Rolling Stone.

IT takes a lot more than being a pretty boy for Andrej Pejic to grace international runways as a pretty girl, like having the waist of a child, reports the Daily Telegraph.

The controversial crossdressing catwalker — signed to the same British agency that discovered Kate Moss and Lily Cole — has revealed he starves himself to be able to strut to the same tune as topof-the-crop models, who are far from pleased that a guy has been stealing their gigs.

"To do women's wear, I have to be disciplined," the 20-year-old told this week's British Grazia.

"My waist has gone from 29 to 25 inches. My hips are 35 inches."

That's a US size 0 and to put it into perspective, the average waist size of an eight-yearold is 22 inches. The Aussie "femiman" is unapologetic about his rapid rise up the modelling ladder or those who see him as a rival, adding: "I don't know what the girls think about me. They are very competitive."

Born in Bosnia and raised in Melbourne, Pejic recently said he had no plans for a sex change. "I don't want to be a girl, but I like to dress as a girl," he said.

SYDNEY

Cyrus adds voice to Phillip Island fight

TEEN star Miley Cyrus has joined the fight against the Baillieu government in Victoria and its decision to allow a major housing development on Phillip Island farmland.

The Hannah Montana star has thrown her celebrity clout behind a community campaign to preserve land near the township of Ventnor, where she is a frequent visitor to the family home of her beau, Liam Hemsworth, reports the Herald Sun. After Planning Minister Matthew Guy overturned a council decision and extended the township boundaries to allow up to 200 extra houses to be built on coastal farmland, Cyrus took to Twitter to publicly support the anti-development campaign to her 2.5 million followers.

"Phillip Island is such a magical place, it would be a shame to see it change," Cyrus tweeted yesterday.

The Ventnor community is planning a protest today to coincide with the gazetting of the new town boundaries ordered

by Guy to open land for homes.

Guy's spokeswoman, Bronwyn Perry, said the land had been earmarked for potential expansion since 1971 and planning controls had been placed to ensure any development protects the coast and vegetation.

"It's fantastic that Ms Cyrus recognises the beauty of Phillip Island, and the government can assure her that it has no intention of spoiling the natural landscape of this unique area," she said.

world

15

Federer second to Mandela SWISS tennis player Roger Federer’s reputation as a respected personality is second only to that of former South African president Nelson Mandela, a new global study of more than 50,000 people in 25 countries shows. Federer finished ahead of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and the Queen Elizabeth II in the 2011 Leader RepTrak, which assesses the reputations of the world's 54 most visible public figures in politics, business, culture and sports. Derek Jeter was the second highest-rated athlete on the list at No. 16, while David Beckham finished at No. 24, one place behind LeBron James, report the Hindustan Times.

Pitt: Zahara would be dead ACTOR Brad Pitt is convinced his eldest daughter with Angelina Jolie would certainly have died if she had not been adopted from Africa by the Hollywood couple.

Pitt told Parade magazine he was convinced the youngster would not have survived if they had not taken her in. "I have seen children suffer far beyond what we experience in America, like our oldest daughter. I know she would not be alive. I know what care was available to her and it was nil. I cannot imagine life without her."

Pattinson to cut album ACTOR Robert Pattinson is reportedly recording an album.

The 25-year-old Twilight actor is said to consider music as his "first love" and is working on the record before he has to get back to promoting latest movie Breaking Dawn. "Rob has been kicking a few original songs around for a long time but his schedule didn't allow it," an insider told Us Weekly. "The album Rob will make will be guitar-based and drums, very organic-sounding, nothing pop," a second source added.

Cole's 'girl crush' on Diaz

THE OUTDOORS TYPE: Cyrus (left) and Hemsworth

POP singer Cheryl Cole (pic right) admits she has a crush on Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz (pic left), after the singer shot some scenes with her for the movie What To Expect When You're Expecting. Cole, 28, makes a special appearance in the movie as a judge for a talent show. "Cameron is amazing.

Honestly, I've got such a girl crush on her. She's such an amazing woman. It's just so good to be doing new stuff," Contactmusic reports.

Enterta

16 lifestyle

Successful ‘Langgar’ with direc

ALL IN THE FAMILY: The cast and crew of 'Lang however, was in Sepi.

Sein’s directorial debut will be seen in a gangster movie Langgar. Perhaps it was inspired by the success of Shamsul Yusof’s works, including the RM12 million blockbuster KL Gangster.

The idea for Langgar was sparked by Pierre Andre, who wrote three chapters of the first draft of the story.

Sein took over and ended up completing the whole script.

“Langgar falls in the gangster film genre but it is not entirely about gangsterism. The story is simple. It is about a man who is frustrated with all that is happening to him and his family and seeks revenge, making a bad move and all the wrong decisions. One bad turn and he winds up surrounded in gangsterism.”

Sein is lucky to have Tayangan Unggul Sdn Bhd supporting his ideas. The film company also gave him the freedom to explore and make decisions for the film.

He was also backed by a strong team.

DIRECTION: Sein showing the ropes to one of the cast — PiX: ARIF KARTONO Mustafa, also known as Sein, who started out as a singer and a member of the band MOB before joining Ruffedge.

From singing, Sein moved on to TV hosting and acting and now, he is ready to take a step further by becoming a director.

Perhaps his days as an actor had taught him a thing or two

By CHE'AZ cheaz@mmail.com.my THE film fraternity is moving full steam ahead these days. Every other day you’d get announcements of new projects helmed by a growing crop of creative people.

Whether they are just going with the flow, or really creating history, these young and passionate talents do not seem to be slowing down.

Meet Syed Hussein Syed

about directing. Sein started acting almost 10 years ago as one of the main characters in the popular series Spanar Jaya that was shown on ntv7.

He moved on to film a few years later, starring in Tipah Tertipu, a movie that shared the same title as the hit by Ruffedge. His most successful screen project,

I already have another script with me. This time it is a psycho-thriller. If everything goes well with 'Langgar', we will continue the project, hopefully, with Tayangan Unggul as well, next year.

- Syed Hussein Syed Mustafa CHECK BACK: Looking at the takes

ainment

cting

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

For the fallen heroes of war CITY ON FIRE starts with a rather old quote, “The truth has always been the first casualty in war”.

Ironically, after watching it, one realises it lacks that “investigative nature” that would reveal the truth, or whatever it was the movie hoped to convey.

Whatever good intention the filmmaker had, there was hardly enough “truth” that was exposed about the 2008 conflict between

ggar' Among the actors in Langgar are Adi Putra (in the lead role as Nizam), Nadia Heng as Aina, Namron as Radzi, Bell Ngasri as Khairul, Zul Huzaimy as Loy and Hans Isaac as Jimi.

“We believe in Sein because of his passion for the project. We also looked at his background.

Sein did a short course in London Film School. Based on what we have seen, we felt Sein has the potential to be the next new director in our industry,” Tayangan Unggul producer Gayathri Su Pillai said.

Shooting for Langgar is in progress, mainly in the Klang Valley. The film is expected to be released in October next year.

Sein said he could not wait to see the result and is now psyched and geared up to move on with filming.

“I already have another script with me. This time it is a psychothriller. If everything goes well with Langgar, we will continue the project, hopefully, with Tayangan Unggul as well, next year."

17

Russia and Georgia.

While the opening captured one’s attention, especially with words like “based on true events”, the director Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2 and Cliffhanger) tried to drive the point home by being generous with flying bullets and lots of explosions (a lot of tanks were blown up by the way).

The film revolves around Thomas Anders (Rupert Friend), a young war correspondent who is joined by cameraman Sebastian (Richard Coyle), making their rounds to get an exclusive report during the war between Russia and Georgia.

R u s s i a n tanks entered the country and rained artilleries on innocent villagers who narrowly escaped the terror. As the war reached full scale, Anders recorded evidence of war crime committed against civilians that shocked the world.

BLOODY: Film shows realities of war and the journalists and cameramen who risk their lives to tell the world the truth City on Fire (also known as Five Days of War), might serve as a great way to see the reality of war, and the fact that it is shown here in Malaysia seems to coincide with something closer to home — our very own BernamaTV cameraman was killed by a stray bullet while on assignment in Somalia.

While most moviegoers would be entertained by the drama and action, the movie can be summed up as a little tribute of sorts to all war journalists and cameramen who risk their lives for the sake of the truth.

The movie has a unique representation of the war in that it was also about brave

Georgian soldiers on the front line, protecting their country.

However, there is graphic violence involving Russian soldiers happily shooting grandmothers in their legs and slitting the throats of innocent villagers.

As the film shows harrowing scenes of life in hell on earth, the movie is strictly for people who are interested in history and warfare. There is little to offer non-fans, other than some realistic war scenes.

But there are some intense and loaded moments when one would think: “Would you do the same?” — By LOONG WAI TING

Mr NiceGuy does forensic investigation

PLAYING COPS: (Left) Ng and Tsui WHENEVER Hong Kong Television Broadcast Limited (TVB) actor Ron Ng plays Mr Nice Guy in Hong Kong dramas, it will be assumed it’s a put-on, and that he works hard to maintain his goody-two-shoes image in real life too.

Well, he doesn’t. In person, Ng is as nice as he is on television. No, this is not a hard-sell campaign to promote the actor who will soon be seen in the upcoming drama/thriller, Forensic Heroes 3, starring many A-listers like Wayne Lai and Maggie Cheung.

Ng was in Kuala Lumpur to

promote the new project and he was accompanied by costar Kate Tsui, who last set foot here a couple of weeks ago to promote her upcoming concert in Genting Highlands.

Both actors began their promo of the drama in Penang.

In Forensic Heroes 3, a TV series touted as one of the blockbusters of the year, both Ng and Tsui play cops, with Tsui as Ng’s superior. Although the two are acting alongside many more experienced actors like two times TV King, Wayne Lai and Maggie Cheung, Ng said there was no pressure.

“Both of us had confidence in the drama and I was very

confident with the script,” said Tsui.

However, Tsui did confess it was not that easy to memorise the script as it was tougher than it looked.

“There were so many scientific terms to remember, but thankfully, I didn’t have much to memorise, unlike Cheung’s character, who had to really know what she was talking about. My trick was to memorise the last two words of her script then continue from there!”

Ng shared the sentiment and said he learnt a great deal from working with the TV King.

“He is such a professional. He seldom brings his script to the set as he has memorised them all beforehand.”

Ng and Tsui are also busy with their own projects after completing the TV drama.

“Besides promoting the new series, I’ll be preparing for the shoot of the movie version of Lives of Omission. There would be another film project after that. So, it will be until the end of this year before I get to shoot another TV series” said Tsui.

Forensic Heroes 3 will premier on Astro On Demand (channel 921) beginning Oct 10 at 9.30pm. — By LOONG WAI TING

Entertainment

18 lifestyle

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Purring with love Alleycats’ concert drops jaws

By SITI NURSURAYA ALI suaray@mmail.com.my IF you’re an Alleycats fan, you'd either be a 70s or 80s kid or a young person with an old soul.

Songs by the Alleycats have that ability to transport you back to the days when bellbottoms and hairspray ruled the day.

Some of us might even say the Alleycats hark of retro although there will be those who would argue that the band is still relevant. The fact is, Alleycats is still around after four decades. The members are loyal, and they are still playing.

These days, minus Loganathan (who died of cancer), Datuk David Arumugam is joined by a young singer (sans the Afro), Glenn.

At the recent Alleycats' Sampaikan Salam concert at Istana Budaya in Kuala Lumpur, Glenn showed he totally belonged in the band.

In fact, he proved his worth as a singer and might just help the band remain even more relevant.

He is a breath of fresh air and

seems to exude an impressive stage presence. Glenn kept the audience glued to the stage.

Hardly anyone left the concert hall for bathroom breaks. Instead, the audience was seen singing along and dancing in the aisles.

In obvious contrast to the band's iconic big afro, Glenn is bald but filled the shoes well as the experienced band’s new vocalist.

Some jaws definitely dropped when he first got on stage.

Attended by fans from all over the city, with most of them over the age of 30, Alleycats Sampaikan Salam concert hit the right note.

There wasn’t a fan who wasn’t bobbing his head or tapping her feet. Guest singer Priyadashini Loga (Loganathan's daughter), fondly known as Darsh, looked stunning as she wowed the

DARSH: Like father, like daughter

FAMILIAR BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: David takes the audience down memory lane

STILL GOING STRONG: David belting out hits — Pix: SHAHIR OMAR

Maher Zain, live in Sarawak EVEN if you're not Godfearing and spiritual music is not your cup of tea, you still might not be able to deny the power of Maher Zain's music.

If it's not the content, then it's the composition or arrangement. Even those who don't understand Arabic would

COOL CAT: Audience participation with and gusto

HAIRY MOMENTS: David (left) laughing about crowning glories

the love everyone had for the band's late singer Loga, whose portrait was used in the backdrop, and whose family and friends were in the crowd.

The evening, Sampaikan Salam chalked a new milestone in the band’s journey. For those who had saved up to be there to witness it live, it was worth every sen.

style

audience with her strong vocal range and ability to handle her father's songs.

Some of the favourite numbers that night were Istana Pasir, Jika Kau Bercinta Lagi, Senandung Semalam and Joget Tersalah Pikat.

Hatta Salleh from the audience braved stage fright and performed Setahun Sudah Berlalu with David.

Hatta from Selayang even got a standing ovation by the audience for his bravery. Everyone loved it.

In all, the show was spirited and colourful, and was frequently peppered with interactions and jokes between Glenn, David and the audience. The atmosphere was cheerful and friendly and the affair was definitely an event to remember.

Audiences could feel

MAHER: A phenomenon

be able to get into his music.

Get into any family car of the Malay or Muslim community and chances are, you might just wind up listening to Maher, while the kids at the back would be singing along to Barakallah or InsyaAllah.

The 30-year-old singersongwriter’s influence in Malaysia, as well as around the world, has been phenomenal.

On Facebook alone, his global fans have exceeded two million in a span of two years!

His debut album, titled Thank You Allah, sold 120,000 units here

and earned eight platinum awards from his music label Warner Music Malaysia. In the same year, he was named the most Googled personality in Malaysia.

With the number of achievements he has gained and track records he has accumulated, Maher is now recognised as a talent in his own right.

The good news is, Maher is expected to wow his followers with his first-ever live concert in Sarawak in November.

Organised by Marctensia Concerts, Maher Zain Live in Sarawak will be held at Stadium Perpaduan Kuching at 8pm on Nov 19.

Since he is quite big in this country, Maher is expected to attract huge crowds for his debut concert in Sarawak.

Even fans from neighbouring countries might flock to the state as no one wants to miss that golden opportunity to support him.

The recognition and solid support by fans will spur him to give his best to the concert but one thing is for sure: Fans will be mesmerised by his great performance in Kuching.

Concert tickets are priced at RM103, RM203 and RM303, and pre-sale period will go on until Oct 2. Fans can enjoy 10 per cent discount during the pre-sale period through TicketCharge hotline at 03 9222 8811 or online purchases at www.ticketcharge.com.my.

For VIP tickets, book through Marctensia hotline at 03 2092 1199 or ticketing@marctensia. com. For further information, please visit www.marctensia. com or contact hotline 0320921199.

Entertainment

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

lifestyle 19

Kids to be awarded too FOR years, people in other countries have been celebrating their kids’ multi talents through their own award shows. International channels, such as Nickelodeon and Disney, have been organising their “kids awards” for years.

These child talents became big names when they grew up. Names like Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake were once children whose talents were spotted by the channels.

Realising the potential in our child talents, TV3 has decided to introduce its own My Kids Awards. That means, young talents, such as Fimie Don, Mia Sara Nasuha, Elfira Loy and Erin Malek and many more who have long been part of the industry, get to be celebrated like their adult

By CHE'AZ cheaz@mmail.com.my

counterparts.

My Kids Awards is the latest initiative fromTV3 that could be a platform to applaud and appreciate the new generation in the entertainment industry," TV3 Kids Branding Management team manager Mohamed Azri Badri said.

The award show will focus on young people's talents in acting, singing and hosting.

For the inaugural event, there will be awards for seven categories.

They are the Most Popular Male Kids Singer, Most Popular Female Kids Singer, Most Popular Male Kids Actor, Most Popular Female Kids Actor, Cutest Animated Character, Coolest Host and The Greatest TV Programme.

"The selection and voting process will be fully determined by viewers below 18 around the country. The candidates on the initial list have been selected

based on their appearances on TV and cinema right up till June 30 this year," Mohamed Azri said.

The show will also debut four special categories — The Greatest Idol, Athletes Idol, The Hottest Host and The Coolest Artiste. In these categories, judges will choose the best candidates who have excelled in their field and inspired others in the country.

Besides celebrating the nominees, the award show will feature performances from Aizat, Harris (Idola Kecil 3), Dayana (Idola Kecil 2), Prince of Pop (P.O.P) Caprice and Nik Irfan and the dance group The Leeleesm. Meanwhile, Alif Satar and Zher Peen will host the one-and-a-half hour show.

The voting period to determine the winners was con-

ducted via www.tv3.com/ mykidsawards and Facebook M y-K ids-Awards-T V3-K ids from May to Sept 10 and the awards show will be shown live from Sunway Lagoon Amphitheatre, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, on Saturday from 5.30pm until 7pm on TV3. More info can be found at tv3kids@tv3.com.my

SUDOKU

ALL READY: (From left) Alif, the stage all set for Saturday's live broadcast and host Zher

Go crazy with Chim! by. From the crowd's reaction, my show would be suitable for anyone from all walks of life."

The comedian, who is due to appear at his show's ticket launch on Saturday at Sungai Wang's Concourse at 12pm, will engage fans in a mini stage performance. Audiences are welcome to participate in the games session as well. And that's not all. Those who purchase tickets at the ticket launch will be entitled to merchandise and autographed posters from the man himself.

On his upcoming concert in Malaysia, Chim said: "Malaysia is a multi-cultural country and the language itself is unique. There'll be a lot of fun. I want you (fans) to go crazy with me!"

Since conquering the stage as a successful comic, he revealed he never stays in one character for long even though it may be highly popular with the crowd.

"Popularity is like current news, it can go out of style. That’s why I will evolve my character into 'someone' else. This way, audiences will always get to see a fresh and different side of me.

"I always give spontaneous shows

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

QUICK CHANGE: Chim takes jabs at society while doing hilarious impersonations using current issues as the main theme.”

HK La Tiger Stand Up Theater Comedy Live in Malaysia 2011 will be held at Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil, on Nov 26 at 8pm. Tickets are priced from RM83 to RM450. For more information, visit www.marctensia.com — Pic and story

by LOONG WAI TING

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTION

HE is known for his satirical brand of humour which he expertly spins to get a laugh and make a point.

When Hong Kong comedian Jim Chim, also known as Chim Sir, arrived in Malaysia yesterday, he brought with him his ever-witty persona, poking fun at local issues, especially at lingo, that was immediately well-received among the Press and fans.

"Just throw me a wig and I'll change into a different person all together," he said when met at his HK La Tiger Stand Up Theater Comedy Live in Malaysia 2011 concert Press conference.

Chim, who is always well-known for his multiple and yet colourful character impersonations, especially when he "transforms" into a woman, said: "Expect a lot of impersonations of famous people like Eric Tsang, Jackie Chan and even Aaron Kwok. There will be plenty of things to see and hear as well."

Chim, who began his first fan meeting at the KDU University College in Damansara yesterday, felt local fans are very unique. "Really, when I came here, I didn't expect to see so many people.

Some, of course, knew me from my shows, others were just curious passers-

20

the malay mail

THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

the malay mail

21

22

PROPERTY / MOTORING / HEALTH / HOME / OTHERS / JOB

the malay mail

Thursday 22 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.

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

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

Out call only : 019-255 6622

M135

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

Owners TEL / SMS 019-228 6666

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

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

M35

Properties for sale 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

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

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

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)

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

Rent RM3800/ Sale RM890000.

Pls contact: 012-288 0218

M130

Home repairs/maintenance

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

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

M133

M430

Business opportunities

Commercial vehicles for sale

Services

M394

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

M414

Photography

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

Easy, good income. Low capital.

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

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

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

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

M432

Business for sale

M370

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

M434

Business Services CO FORMATION RM1,400.

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

Call: 012-696 3631.

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

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

Come to USJ9 Mall, Puchong 017-707 8383

M372

Articles wanted

M300 TRADITIONAL MASSAGE in Cheras & Balakong.

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

Education

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

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

208 Plaza Ampang City, KL

Maids available/wanted

IF YOU NEED Liable Malaysian house maids as cooks, baby sitters, cleaners, care givers etc.

Meeraj Agency: 03-22741043/ 2272 2108/ 016-3666 139

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

M390

Home services/renovations

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.

M303

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

Computer

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

HIGH 4D TRAINING SKILLS for direct top prizes. 4D winning numbers for Magnum & Toto.

Increase chances in winning 4D Magnum & Toto Jackpot game using these powerful techniques. Call Mr.Vincent: 012670 7182 for more information.

M399

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

Fashion/health & beauty

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

Tel: 012313 0778 / 03- 7981 1898

ALL PC repairs services 24 hrs for office residents.

Microsoft certified engineer.

Contact Sri 012-271 6814

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

016-321 4958, 010-539 4958

M398

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

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

M321

Home furniture/furnishing

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

Gina/ Rina/Apple/ Rozie.

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

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

M393

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

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

Interested please Call Julie: 016-293 1051

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 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

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

24hrs & 7 days operation.

Call: Syed 017-388 3154

Home electrical appliances

BRAND NEW EXECUTIVE Taxis for hire! Complete with meter, gas cylinders etc.

Call Mr.Felix: 012-298 0066 / Mr.John: 012-209 0563.

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

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

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

Call: Mira 013-336 3160

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

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

M53

Shops to let

NAMASTE!!! Need a relaxing massage ?

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

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

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

M40

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

Fashion/health & beauty

M392

LOCAL INDIAN girls mssg.

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

M22

Houses wanted

M321

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

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

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

M398

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

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

Visit www.mhmfirm.com

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.

JOBS / LEGAL / NOTICES

Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011 M515

M515

M515

M515

Jobs

Jobs

Jobs

Jobs

M580

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the malay mail M580

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M580

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

M580

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PERSONAL DRIVER needed with experience, with OT, non smoking. Ref, discipline.

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

GENERAL CLERK & GENERAL WORKER urgently wanted in Shah Alam. 5 days week. No experience required. Tel: 03-5638 1166 ADMIN/ RECEPTIONIST in Bdr Tun Razak, Cheras KL. Candidates must posses SPM @ at least 1 year working experience. Female - able to speak English is added advantage.

Hardworking, honest, initiative. Interested candidates please call: 03-9173 7822 or Fax to 03-9173 2366

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

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.

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

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

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR with experience urgently required at PJ (beside PJ Hilton) preferably Malay lady.

PC literate, English speaking, 5 days week, training given.

Call Norsiah: 03-7958 3006.

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 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

03-7495 1273 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

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

M580

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24

LEGAL / NOTICES

the malay mail

M580

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Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011 M580

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03-7495 1273

03-7495 1273

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The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Ex-national footballer Abu Hassan Mohd seeks help to pay medical expenses and can be reached at 013-5042015 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Bernama

sports

25

BUKIT JALIL: HOCKEY/ MALAYSIAN LEAGUE

Sapped Sapura

Top scorer Azreen warns they won the battle but may lose the war GRITTY: Maybank's Engku Abdul Malek Engku Mohamed (left) tussling with Sapura's Izwan Firdaus Ahmad Tajuddin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Pic: RAZAK GHAZALI

By VIJHAY VICK vijhayvick@mmail.com.my

SAPURA hitman Azreen Rizal Nasir hopes his teammates take note of their complacent performance against Maybank yesterday.

Sapura won the match 3-2 but Azreen believes the team were wrong to take their foot off the pedal in the second-half after leading 3-0 in the first 21 minutes of the match.

"We felt the match was ours.

We got too relaxed and that was why we conceded the goals," said Azreen, 22.

Sapura's performance in the second-half was similar to their dismal performance when they beat Armed Forces 4-0 last weekend.

Azreen is puzzled how they lost the plot after Maybank scored their second goal.

"I was chasing my third goal.

That would have been my sec-

RESULTS Sapura KLHC UniKL TNB

YESTERDAY 3 Maybank 7 UiTM 4 Yayasan N. Sembilan 5 Nur Insafi

2 2 3 1

ond hattrick in as many games," added Azreen.

The Malaysia Hockey League top scorer with five goals wants to win the overall title after being a losing finalist in the last couple of years.

However, he admits Sapura are yet to hit their stride.

Azreen scored in the first minute of the match before adding his second in the 21st minute. S. Kuhan scored the other goal via a penalty corner in the 16th minute. Maybank goals were scored by Mohd Zulhairi Hashim (26th and 44th minute) through penalty corners.

KUALA LUMPUR: FOOTBALL

IN LOVING MEMORY: Datuk Peter Velappan with the late Mokhtar's daughters, Nur Azera (left) and Nur Arina

Nostalgia for sporting greats IT was a night to remember when veteran sportsmen were feted at the Olympic Council of Malaysia indoor sports arena last Friday.

The event was part of the inaugural Malaysia Day Ex-Internationals/ State Invitational Soccer 9s.

Datuk Soh Chin Aun was awarded for being the most capped Malaysian international while V. Kalimuthu of Malacca received an award for being the oldest player of the invitational tournament.

Awards were also given to the families of the late Datuk Mokhtar Dahari, the late Datuk R.

Arumugam and the late Isa Bakar in recognition for their contribution to the game.

N. Thanabalan received an award for the record four goals he struck in the Malaysia Cup final between Selangor and Penang in 1968. Selangor won 8-1 and his record stands till today.

Also present were several exinternational hockey players and sports journalists from the past, such as Bill Tegju, Datuk Fauzi Omar, George Das, Lazarus Rokk and P'ng Hong Kwan.

ALL GROWN UP: The late Arumugam's daughters, Rubha and Subha

26

sports

World badminton No 1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei marched into the second round of the Japan Open in Tokyo yesterday — Bernama

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Pressing Jenson's buttons

SINGAPORE: MOTORSPORTS/ FORMULA 1

SINGAPORE: MOTORSPORTS/ FORMULA 1

Vettel cautiously seeks coronation in Singapore

McLaren driver reveals aim to have fun in Singapore

From Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my

THERE was much pomp and fare as Jenson Button entered the room accompanied by Kings of Leon's Use Somebody.

Many were eagerly waiting for the Brit to speak about the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix this weekend.

Button instead spoke of his youth and gave an inside view into his journey to get to where he is today.

But what was really at the back of the minds of serious enthusiasts was Button’s future with the McLaren-Mercedes outfit. Speculations are rife that Button is set to join Ferrari in 2013. Yet, no formal announcement has been made over Button's future with McLaren beyond next season.

The session at the hotel in Marina Bay yesterday, which was part of Johnnie Walker's "Step Inside the Black Circuit" campaign, was laid-back but not too private. Button spoke about his favourite band Kings of Leon and gave the thumbs up to Red Hot Chili Peppers' latest album I'm With You. He declined to taste some

BEST MAN FOR MCLAREN: Button, signing autographs, is seen as his team's best shot at victory in Singapore

of the local delicacies on offer, which included a pandanlayered cake and fried carrot cake, and preferred not to dwell into his private life.

Nevertheless, he did reveal he is game for an epic race on Sunday.

"It's a fun but tiring circuit.

It's bumpy and is dark at certain places," said Button. "It's a

tough circuit and we just got to have a good car and be mentally focused. This is basically the race we train for.

"Hopefully, I'll have a good outing here. I've never been on a podium (in Singapore).

The championship is pretty much over but it is still going to be fun."

Button stressed it is difficult

LONDON: motorsports/ formula 1

Ferrari look to next season

FERRARI team principal Stefano Domenicali confirmed they have halted all development of their 150º Italia chassis in order to concentrate on next season.

This season has been a disappointing campaign for the Scuderia, who have secured just one race victory from 13 Grand Prix.

Lacking the pace needed to challenge Red Bull for race wins or the drivers' and constructors' titles, Domenicali said a month ago that any decision to stop developing this year's car would be based on their performance in Belgium and Italy.

However, neither Grand Prix went their way despite Fernando Alonso leading both.

Ferrari's relative lack of pace was sorely evident as the laps counted down both times, with the Spaniard falling off the podium at Spa and only just holding on for a top three

finish in Italy.

Their problems this season have been put down to both a lack of downforce and an inability to get heat into the car's Pirelli tyres.

Now, with Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel seemingly on course to retain their respective titles, Domenicali confirmed that Ferrari are giving up on this season's campaign.

"We have stopped the development (of the car)," he told BBC Sport. "It is very, very, very, very, very difficult now."

"We were expecting a bigger step in our development in Spa. Unfortunately, we discovered it was the opposite, so we took a step back, and that was also a step back for Monza."

New technical director Pat Fry said he hoped that by turning their full focus to next year's car, coupled with near stability in the technical rules, Ferrari can

hit the ground running when pre-season testing starts again in February.

"The stability should help. But it does not mean that automatically you will be able to catch up your opponents," said Fry. "We know we have a gap to recover in terms of performance and we need an extra effort to get rid of it — this is one of the main targets of the winter time.

"Adrian Newey's Red Bull cars have been the quickest in the last two or three years.

"But to be honest, I do not think this is a man-against-man sport, not at all. It is a very complex sport in which a very talented engineer cannot make everything along as he needs the support of many people to succeed.

"At the moment, Red Bull are the reference — our aim is to win, whoever will be our opponents."

to catch up having drifted far behind. He has 167 points and is placed third in the driver's standings. Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel leads the pack and could possibly seal victory in the Republic as he already has 284 points compared to secondplaced Fernando Alonso of Ferrari on 172 points.

A win by Vettel will make

him the youngest driver to win the world title back to back.

However, Button enjoyed a string of good performances coming into Singapore, and that could spoil Vettel's party.

"It's difficult for me to say it's been a good year but I'm not worried about the championship points now. We've just got to be aggressive and win races."

Even team technical director Paddy Lowe believes McLaren could have had a better season.

"It's good but not good enough. We want to win championships and we haven't quite done it this year," said Lowe.

"We have limited time, limited people and have to strike a balance between the current car and thinking of the new car. We're not looking at the championships now but we're still determined to win every race. We're not giving up."

Lewis Hamilton could yet pull a surprise for McLaren but Lowe heaped praise on Button as many believe the latter remains the team's best bet to win the race.

"He focuses on his job, he is very fast. He's a fantastic guy."

SEBASTIAN VET TEL snatched last year's Formula 1 title with victory in the final race of the season but the German may need only a podium finish in Singapore on Sunday to clinch his second crown with five rounds remaining.

Leading by 112 points after 13 of the 19 races, the 24-year-old Red Bull driver's coronation as the youngest ever double world champion looks an inevitable conclusion to a campaign in which he has already enjoyed eight wins.

Vettel can achieve his goal this weekend if he leaves Singapore with a 125-point advantage over his nearest rival, currently Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, but the German is refusing to claim the title is in the bag.

"Looking to the championship, there is still some way to go. We are in a very strong position, which we deserve, because we've been working hard and made few mistakes," Vettel said.

"As long as we come out of the next race with a bigger lead then we start with, then we have done a good job, so let's see." — Reuters

Singapore Street Circuit ROUND 15: September 25 Race distance: 61 laps – 309.316km Lap: 5.073km 3 135

3 126 2 94

3 110

7 280

3 135

4 200

2 90

5 240

7 290

3 7

9

1

2

1 8

7 298 2

14

7 280

10

12

6

5

16 2 80

15

11

4

3 118 19 17

18

3 20 21

13

4 180 1

Turn

2 80

Gear

Sources: FIA, Allianz

2 85

5 230 3 126 2 80

km/h

3 126

Timing sector Picture: Google

23 22

3 150

4 200

Critical point © GRAPHIC NEWS

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Maria Sharapova has some sympathy for the top male players who have made rumblings about possible strike action over what they see as a too punishing calendar — Reuters

DUNSANY

Outgunned Europe bank on Solheim Cup home advantage EUROPE face a monumental task in their bid to beat the United States at this week's Solheim Cup for only the fourth time in 12 editions despite holding home advantage.

The Americans heavily outgun their hosts when it comes to world rankings and they bristle with players who have become accustomed to winning ways in the biennial team competition.

"This is my sixth match and I've only been in one winning team," Norwegian world No 2 Suzann Pettersen told reporters ahead of Saturday's start at Killeen Castle.

"But the rest (of the matches) have all been so close and I think this is one of the strongest European teams. We just have to go out and believe in ourselves.

"We need to play well on Saturday and Sunday and hopefully be ahead going into the final day singles. The crowd will be on our side and they could be our 15th club in the bag."

Pettersen is the highest-ranked player on either team but she is the only European in the world's top 20.

In stark contrast, the US boast seven players in the top 20.

Though the Americans will be bidding to clinch the trophy for a fourth consecutive time, veteran Juli Inkster has played down the favourite tag for the visiting team.

"I think this is the deepest the Europeans have been in terms of strength," said the 51-year-old, who is the oldest player ever to compete in a Solheim Cup. "They have five rookies on their side but they are all playing well.

We are going to go out and play like underdogs."

For Europe, 47-year-old Briton Laura Davies continues her amazing Solheim run, having played in all 11 previous editions.

"The Solheim has changed so much since the first one at Lake Nona (in Florida) in 1990," said Davies. "This team is as good as we've ever had."

There are five rookies on Alison Nicholas's European team — Sandra Gal, Caroline Hedwall, Azahara Munoz, Christel Boeljon and Melissa Reid.

One player, who will command a great deal of attention this week will be American Michelle Wie, who made a spectacular Solheim debut in 2009 at Rich Harvest Farms in Illinois.

Wie ended that week unbeaten, recording three wins and a half, to showcase her massive potential which, arguably, is still so unfulfilled with just two victories on the LPGA Tour.

"Last time, I felt like a freshman at college," the 21-year-old Hawaiian said. "This time I have some experience, but it is my first time in Ireland and my first Solheim overseas. It's the greatest honour to represent the US." — Reuters

sports

27

LONDON: TENNIS

Right to strike

It's okay for top stars to take control of their professional lives, says Navratilova FORMER Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova believes the sport's leading male players are right to consider going on strike in a bid to take control of their overcrowded schedule.

Navratilova knows from experience just how draining life on the tennis circuit can be and she has sympathy for the growing discontent among stars like Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.

World No 4 Murray recently revealed players have had enough of being pushed into gruelling schedules by the ATP, who govern the men's Tour, and are likely to discuss the possibility of strike action at a meeting in Shanghai next month.

The threat has been criticised by some, but Navratilova, winner of 18 Grand Slam singles titles, believes the likes of Murray, Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer would be right to flex their muscles should the powers that be not listen to their concerns.

"Without the top players, you really don't have anything.

If they band together like that, the powers that be have to talk to them and listen," Navratilova told BBC Radio

untenable schedule: Navratilova (pic) backs Andy Murray strike talk

Five Live.

"They have been complaining about the long schedule for a long time and nothing has happened. We're the only sport that does not have an off

season. For the guys who are still playing in December, or even without the Davis Cup, they have about four weeks, then they start up in January.

"It's crazy. You can't do that

year after year after year. It's going to take its toll which means your career is going to be shorter, you're not going to play as well, you're going to be injured. Nobody wins

in that scenario."

Navratilova had concerns about the demands on the leading players on the women's tour when she was at her peak.

But she admits the sport is far more draining both physically and mentally these days.

"I was complaining about the calendar being too long 25 years ago. We have shortened it on the women's side.

I think the women play about a month less than the guys," she said.

"But now, especially with Davis Cup, for Nadal or Djokovic or Federer, the schedule is just untenable.

"The players nowadays travel much more than we did. The schedule is more spread out over the whole world.

"They're playing on hard surfaces, with metal racquets, everybody hits the ball harder, it's definitely more taxing on the body.

"When someone in an unbelievable shape as Nadal runs out of gas at the US Open, it's too much.

"You only have one body, one career, you want to make the most of it. I don't see why Andy Murray should be criticised for taking control of his life." — AFP

ATLANTA: Golf

Ogilvy eyes Tour Championship on Presidents Cup high

well played: Ogilvy poised for strong finish to playoffs

GEOFF OGILVY will go into this week's Tour Championship with an extra bounce in his step after booking his place on the International team for the Presidents Cup in November.

The Australian has been passionate about the event, held every two years, since his first taste of it as a spectator at Royal Melbourne in 1998 when the Internationals triumphed by a commanding nine points.

He said he was "blown away" by the experience and had added incentive to make the team this year with the competition once again being staged at Royal Melbourne, near where he grew up.

"It's special," Ogilvy told reporters at East Lake Golf Club this morning while preparing for tomorrow's

opening round.

"I had just turned professional (in 1998) and I was blown away with the magnitude of the excitement. I had never seen anything like that on a golf course.

"The atmosphere at the team event was incredible.

I was hoping that it would happen in Australia again," the 34-year-old said.

A seven-time winner on the PGA Tour, Ogilvy made his Presidents Cup debut at Royal Montreal in 2007 and also played two years later at Harding Park in San Francisco.

The ninth Presidents Cup will be held from Nov 17-20 at Royal Melbourne where Ogilvy has fond memories of scaling the perimeter fence as a schoolboy to watch professional golf. — Reuters

28

sport

Firefighters were called to an alarming blaze just outside Whangarei's packed Northland Events Centre during the World Cup match between Japan and Tonga — AFP

AUCKLAND: rugby/ world cup

WHANGAREI

Dandy Dan

All Blacks' ace Carter back on his feet to trouble France NEW ZEALAND'S influential flyhalf Dan Carter has been declared fully fit for their crucial Pool A match against France at Eden Park on Saturday.

Carter withdrew from the 83-7 thrashing of Japan last week with a back complaint and assistant coach Wayne Smith said on Monday he was still not operating at 100 per cent. But yesterday, forwards coach Steve Hansen revealed Carter is set to start the pivotal encounter.

"Yes, Dan's 100 per cent fit and ready to go. It's great for the tournament, great for him and great for us," said Hansen.

"He's a great player and you want your great players, in all the sides, to be available to play."

France have been heavily criticised, especially by the New Zealand media, for selecting what has been described as a largely secondstring line-up for this match, with Morgan Parra starting his first Test at flyhalf. Victory would send the French into the tougher half of the quarterfinal draw where Australia and South Africa are almost certainly waiting.

Defeat would confront them with likely knockout matches against any two of England, Ireland and Wales blocking their route to the final. France head coach Marc Lievremont has been accused of picking a team to lose, but Hansen insists it remains a strong XV. "It's a really good side and Lievremont has picked what he thinks is the best team for this game. We'll treat them with the utmost respect, as we always do. We're just preparing as if it's the best French team that they could pick," said Hansen.

He also insists the prospect of the All Blacks underperforming to manipulate a pool result is unthinkable.

"We'd get hung from the highest tree in New Zealand if we went out to lose a Test match. It's just not in our psyche," he said. "New Zealanders expect the All Blacks to go out and play the best they can, whoever they are."

Hansen also reacted with amusement to the suggestion from the Australian camp that the anti-Wallabies attitude in New Zealand has gone too far.

ALL FIRED UP: Carter returns as New Zealand aim high

Many Australia fans attending Ireland's 15-6 win at Eden Park have complained over the way they were treated by Kiwis, who left little doubt over who they were supporting.

Australia flyhalf Quade Cooper has become public enemy No 1 in New Zealand, mainly thanks to his running on-pitch battle with New Zealand skipper Richie McCaw. "I really don't care what Australia think. The Aussie boys are big boys — they'll

look after themselves," said Hansen. "Australia and New Zealand have got a rivalry that goes right back in history and there's a respect there for both countries. We've gone to war and fought shoulder to shoulder.

"They've probably looked upon us as the big brother while we're the little brother.

We want to belt them and they want to belt us. If they're suffering a bit at the moment, the little brother will be smiling and chuckling away, so we'll enjoy that while we can."

AUCKLAND

Revenge is the name of the game for Camacho

A RG E N T I NA w i nge r Gonzalo Camacho believes they must beat Scotland when they clash in a crucial Pool B match on Sunday. The Pumas lost to England in their opening match before bouncing back by trouncing Romania, while the Scots have won their two games so far.

"This match will define a lot of things for us, maybe for Scotland as well," Camacho, who plays for the Exeter Chiefs, told BBC Scotland.

"Although they have another very hard game against England, I think they can win this match as well."

Scotland have won their last two games against Argentina, winning in Buenos Aires last summer when the hosts were missing many of their top European-based players.

"We have played a lot of games with Scotland in the last few years, so we know

each other very well," said Camacho.

"They are a very good team and have improved a lot since those games and they beat us in the last two games. Sunday is our chance for revenge against them and we will try to win. It is a big game for us."

Camacho knows several of the Scotland players from his time in England's top flight and thought Saracens' Kelly Brown would be particularly important in what he expects to be a battle of the forwards.

"The number eight, Brown, he is a very powerful boy," said the Argentine, who thought that the Scots had resolved against Georgia the problems that surfaced in their narrow win over Romania.

"They have very good kickers in Chris Paterson and Dan Parks and we have to

pay attention to them. Both packs of forwards are great and we'll try to do our best to stop them."

Centre Marcelo Bosch, who has yet to play against Scotland, agrees it will be a tough game for Argentina but fully expects his side to come out on top.

"It is our most important game in the last four years, so we will take the game as a final and we expect to win, of course. We know that throughout the year we are perhaps not together a lot," he said.

"But in this period of three months, we have been together and trained for this World Cup and worked on our strategy and technique.

"And I think in the World Cup we are seeing all that stuff that we have been doing."

Flyhalf and skipper Felipe Contepomi suffered a rib

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Camacho

injur y in the defeat by England and the Toulon man could be a doubt to face the Scots.

However, Bosch said: "I expect him to be on the field.

He is our captain and a very important player for us."

Hard work pays off for Tongan Morath FLYHALF Kurt Morath revealed his diligence on the training pitch was the key to Tonga’s first win of the tournament in a fast-paced and exciting Pool A clash with Japan at Northland Events Centre yesterday.

Morath collected a personal tally of 16 points — missing just one of his seven kicks in the 31-18 victory, as the teams scored three tries apiece.

"In tight games like that you've got to get points from your kicks and I'm happy enough to put them over.

It was less windy and I had a bit more time to practise on the field this week, so we probably had the upper hand having played here last week," he said.

Morath's kicking had been the difference when the Tongans went into the break 18-13 after a frenetic firsthalf. And he was on target again after the interval, landing two more penalties and a conversion, as the Japanese battled in vain to narrow the margin.

By contrast his opposite number James Arlidge, Japan's hero with all 21 points in their opening match defeat by France had a miserable game with the boot and missed all three of his conversion attempts.

Japan head coach John Kirwan pinpointed an inability to compete at the breakdowns as the main reason for his side's defeat.

Kirwan believes the breakdown was where the game was lost, with Tonga affecting nine turnovers to Japan's zero.

"I am very disappointed.

They put incredible pressure on us and were very physical over the ball. We had too many errors and turnovers," he told ITV. "The breakdown was key.

They were very physical and very hard. There were 145 rucks in the game and if you can't dominate there you will struggle.

"There was too much pressure at the ruck and we couldn't get our rhythm, couldn't run around the park.

"We wanted to move them around and get up to seven or eight rucks (in attack).

We felt at half-time when we hung on to the ball for four or five rucks we were scoring tries and making breaks."

Morath

result YESTERDAY POOL A Tonga 31 Japan 18

Fixtures TODAY POOL D South Africa v Namibia (4.00pm) TOMORROW POOL C Australia v USA (4.30pm) SATURDAY POOL B England v Romania (2pm) POOL A New Zealand v France (4.30pm) (Matches live on Astro's CH816 and CH831)

TABLES POOL A

New Zealand France Tonga Canada Japan POOL B

England Scotland Argentina Georgia Romania POOL C

Ireland Australia Italy USA Russia POOL D

South Africa Samoa Wales Fiji Namibia

P 2 2 3 2 3

W 2 2 1 1 0

D 0 0 0 0 0

L PD 0 +107 0 +53 2 -23 1 -22 3 -115

BP Pts 2 10 2 10 1 5 0 4 0 0

P 2 2 2 2 2

W 2 2 1 0 0

D 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 1 2 2

PD +35 +19 +31 -40 -45

BP Pts 1 9 1 9 2 6 0 0 0 0

P 2 2 2 2 2

W 2 1 1 1 0

D 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 1 1 1 2

PD +21 +17 +10 -5 -43

BP Pts 0 8 1 5 1 5 0 4 1 1

P 2 2 2 2 2

W 2 1 1 1 0

D 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 1 1 1 2

PD +47 +30 +9 -22 -61

BP Pts 1 9 2 6 1 5 1 5 0 0

ROME: FOOTBALL/ SERIE A

THIS MORNING Malaga 1 Ath Bilbao Atle Madrid 4 Gijon Santander 0 Real Madrid Vallecano 1 Levante Valencia 2 Barcelona

Monkey off Nilmar's back

VILLARREAL striker Nilmar is delighted at ending his goal drought and hopes the strike can be the catalyst for a good season.

The 27-year-old Brazilan scored against Mallorca in their 2-0 win at El Madrigal on Tuesday, which was the first time he has scored since February.

The former Brazilian club Internacional attacker had gone 14 games and 913 minutes without scoring, and has admitted he needed to break the unsuccessful run.

"I was not taking chances or having fortune in front of goal, which is what makes a good striker," he told Marca.

0 0 0 2 2

Fixtures TOMORROW Espanyol v Getafe Real Betis v Real Zaragoza

Standings P 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 3 4

W 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

D 1 0 0 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 0

L F A Pts 0 8 5 10 1 7 2 9 0 5 2 9 0 17 4 8 0 5 3 8 0 4 2 8 1 10 3 7 1 8 1 7 1 5 4 7 1 3 3 5 1 2 9 5 2 4 8 4 1 2 7 4 2 3 4 3 3 1 4 3 3 1 6 3 2 3 8 2 3 4 7 1 2 3 6 1 4 2 9 0

Results THIS MORNING AC Milan 1 Udinese Cesena 1 Lazio Chievo 1 Napoli Fiorentina 3 Parma Genoa 3 Catania Lecce 1 Atalanta Juventus 1 Bologna Palermo 3 Cagliari

1 2 0 0 0 2 1 2

Fixtures TOMORROW Roma v Siena

Standings Genoa Juventus Udinese Napoli Fiorentina Palermo Cagliari Novara Lazio Chievo Catania Lecce Parma AC Milan Atalanta Roma Siena Inter Milan Bologna Cesena

P 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3

W 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

D 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 1 1 1 0

L 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 0 1 1 2 2 3

F 7 6 5 6 5 7 6 6 5 4 1 3 3 4 5 1 0 4 1 2

A Pts 3 7 2 7 1 7 3 6 2 6 6 6 5 6 5 4 5 4 4 4 3 4 4 3 8 3 6 2 3 1 2 1 1 1 7 1 5 1 6 0

Note: Atalanta penalised six points at start of season for match-fixing

29

VILAREAL

Results

Valencia Malaga Real Betis Barcelona Sevilla Levante Real Madrid Atle Madrid Sociedad Vallecano Osasuna Villarreal Zaragoza Espanyol Mallorca Grenade Santander Ath Bilbao Getafe Gijon

sports

No matter what they say, Real are nowadays the best team in the world â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Goalkeeper Iker Casillas

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

"I am happy and I hope to regain confidence in front of goal."

The result was the first win of the season for Juan Carlos Garrido's men and Nilmar hopes the win can kickstart the team's season.

"It was important to get the first three points and it gives some reassurance, which was needed after a start in which things had not gone well. The team know that we can return to the level we played last season," he said.

Villarreal now travel to San Moix on Saturday to take on Athletic Bilbao in what will be a difficult match for the "Yellow Submarine".

ROME: FOOTBALL/ SERIE A

Ranieri's new Inter boss

Enrique: Have faith ... as Rome wasn't built in a day

R OM A m a n a g e r Lu i s Enrique has backed his side to turn around their form as they go in search of their first win of the season.

Roma entertain Siena at Stadio Olimpico tomorrow (2.45am).

The Giallorossi were held to a 0-0 draw by struggling Inter Milan at San Siro last weekend having previously fallen 2-1 to Cagliari in their league opener.

"Even though we are still making mistakes, we are on the right path," said Luis Enrique. "My team are working well and I can see that we are making improvements.

"I am certain that soon we will get the results that

we deserve."

Scoring has been Roma's main problem, with the Giallorossi having found the back of the net just once in their two games.

With that in mind, Luis Enrique, who is still without injured attacking midfielder Erik Lamela, is set to hand striker Marco Borriello his first start this season.

The Italy international is expected to join Bojan Krkic and captain Francesco Totti in attack.

Bogdan Lobont w i l l re p l a c e Ma a r t e n Stekelenburg in goal, after the Holland international suffered a head injur y against Inter.

Siena he ad into t he game on the back of last

weekend's 1-0 defeat to Juventus.

D e s p i t e t h e d e f e at , Giuseppe Sannino's men showed an improved performance with respect to their goalless draw at Catania in their opener.

"It's a pity we didn't get at least a point against Juventus," said Siena midfielder Gaetano D'Agostino.

"We certainly deserved much more considering our performance. We are facing a great team but we go to Rome determined to play our game and eager to get our first win of the campaign."

The visitors will b e without injured defender Gabriele Angella and midfielder Reginaldo.

FORMER Chelsea and Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri has signed a twoyear contract to be the new coach of Inter Milan.

R an i e r i ' s re pre s e nt a tive Giuseppe Bozzo met with Inter vice-president Rinaldo Ghelfi last night after Gian Piero Gasperini (pic) had been fired earlier in the day.

The coach, fondly known as the ''Tinkerman'' during his days in west London, will take his first training session today, according to Italian Press reports this morning.

For Ranieri, it will be his first job since quitting Roma in February following a run of four straight defeats.

E a r l i e r i n t h e d a y, Gasp erini was relie ved of his duties after four defeats and a draw in his five matches in charge, including Tuesday night's humbling 3-1 loss at newly-promoted Novara.

Inter also suffered defeats in the league to Palermo, Turkish club Trabzonspor in the Champions League, and to arch rivals AC Milan in the Italian Supercup.

The only game of Gasperini's tenure that didn't end in defeat was a dour 0-0 draw at home to Roma last weekend.

Ranieri has been somet hing of a ne arly man during his career despite c o a c h i n g Va l e n c i a a s

well as Juve, Chelsea and Roma.

His only trophies were an Italian Cup in 1996 with Fiorentina and a Spanish Cup with Valencia three years later.

In his first season with R oma , he a l mo st to ok them to the title before they were pipped by Jose Mourinho's Inter.

Last season, his team struggled and Ranieri walked out before he could be pushed with his team facing elimination from the Champions League and dropping out of European contention in the league. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AFP

30

sports

PRESSTALK METRO

Women and kids only in Turkey MANY have described away days to Turkish stadiums as akin to 'hell,' but for the majority of men, Fenerbahce's latest game could be more aptly likened to 'heaven' after they only let in women and children.

More than 41,000 female fans and children attended the match against Manisaspor in Istanbul after men were banned following violence during a friendly against Shakhtar Donetsk in July. The Turkish Football Federation had ordered the club to play two matches behind closed doors, but then offered women and children the chance to attend the matches for free.

Yasemin Mercil, a female member of Fenerbahce's executive board, hailed the match as a world first, adding: "The women know all the chants. The same anthems, the same chants will be sung."

THE SUN

Scuffle ruined Barton's move JOEY BARTON has revealed he came close to joining Arsenal prior to agreeing a move to QPR last month until his opening day bust-up with Gunners forward Gervinho killed off his hopes of a switch to the Emirates.

Barton said: "If I hadn't played against Arsenal on the first day, I may have signed for them. There were a couple of conversations with Arsene Wenger but that's different to actually signing. The Gervinho incident happened and there's nothing I can do about it now.

If it happened again, I'd like to think I'd deal with it differently.

Things happen for a reason and there's a lesson to be learned from it. Right now we sit above Arsenal in the table — hopefully that's the case in May."

THE PEOPLE

Chelsea to revamp striker department NICOLAS ANELKA has told boss Andre Villas-Boas he expects to quit Chelsea when his contract ends next summer, while fellow striker Fernando Torres could go on loan in January if he still isn’t firing by then. Villas-Boas admitted: "Nico is very happy to belong to Chelsea until the end of his contract. I’m not sure he will be willing to continue here.

He has given me an indication he might go." Meanwhile Blues hitman Didier Drogba, 33, is yet to receive an offer for a new deal from the club.

Multi-millionaire footballer Carlos Tevez has been fined £60 (RM295.70) after pleading guilty to speeding — AFP

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

LONDON: FOOTBALL/ LEAGUE CUP

Blessed Blues 10-man Chelsea hold nerve to win Fulham shoot-out

TEN-MAN Chelsea rode their luck to reach the fourth round of the League Cup with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over Fulham after a 0-0 draw after extra time at Stamford Bridge this morning.

Andre Villas-Boas's side looked in trouble when Brazilian defender Alex was sent off two minutes into the second-half for conceding a penalty with a professional foul.

But Pajtim Kasami hit the crossbar with the spot-kick and Chelsea managed to hold on to force a shoot-out.

Frank Lampard missed the Blues' first penalty but Moussa Dembele squandered his kick and Bryan Ruiz did the same, with replays inconclusive as to whether the ball crossed the line, as Chelsea scraped through.

Chelsea's win improved their miserable record of seven penalty shoot-out defeats from their previous eight attempts.

Salomon Kalou had fired narrowly off-target early on after Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku saw his shot saved from a lightning breakaway.

With half-time looming,

WATCH MY HEAD: Cech (left) is injured after a clash with Sa — AFP photo

Josh McEachran brilliantly burst into the box in what was his first appearance of the season and beat Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, with Daniel Sturridge poking home only to be flagged offside.

Injury was added to insult

as Sturridge was forced from the field and, before Lampard could come on to replace him, Petr Cech was hurt colliding with Orlando Sa and failed to re-emerge for the second half.

Ross Turnbull came on and it got worse for Chelsea in an

extraordinary opening two minutes after the restart.

Kalou fired into the sidenetting after being released

by Lampard and moments later Fulham won the penalty that saw Alex dismissed.

Ruiz's clever back-heel freed debutant Kerim Frei,

BRIGHTON

who was brought down by Alex.

Referee Chris Foy deemed the Brazilian the last man and produced a red card, but Kasami failed to capitalise, smashing the penalty against the crossbar.

Foy denied the visitors a second spot-kick when Oriol Romeu — who was having a mixed full debut — shoved over Sa before Villas-Boas threw on John Terry for McEachran.

Turnbull pulled off a brilliant reaction stop to deny Kasami but then flapped at the resultant corner, which Chris Baird fired wide.

Frei and Kasami cleared off the line from a corner before the former's finish sailed wide at the other end under pressure from Turnbull.

In the shoot-out, Lampard's penalty was immediately saved by Schwarzer, with Bobby Zamora, David Luiz, Steve Sidwell and Terry all scoring before Turnbull's save from Dembele levelled matters.

Kalou, Baird and Florent Malouda then netted before Ruiz smashed Fulham's fifth against the crossbar. — AFP

MANCHESTER

Gerrard back as Liverpool sink Brighton

Hargreaves leads City to victory

CRAIG BELLAMY set Liverpool on course for a 2-1 victory over Brighton in the League Cup third round this morning and there was more good news for the Reds as Steven Gerrard made his longawaited return from injury as a late substitute.

Bellamy struck in the seventh minute at the Amex Stadium and the win was confirmed nine minutes from time when Dirk Kuyt scored Liverpool's second.

Ashley Barnes converted a 90th minute penalty for the home side after Jamie Carragher had fouled Vicente to set up a tense finish.

But Liverpool survived and, with captain Gerrard playing for 15 minutes in his first appearance after a six month injury lay-off with a recurring groin problem, Reds manager Kenny Dalglish was able to reflect on a successful evening.

B ack-to-back Premier League defeats to Stoke and

DEBUTANT Owen Hargreaves scored his first goal for more than three years and Mario Balotelli grabbed his first of the season as Manchester City beat holders Birmingham City 2-0 in a League Cup third round tie at Etihad Stadium this morning.

Hargreaves, making his debut for City, scored their opener after 17 minutes with a rasping shot from outside the penalty area, his first goal since April 2008 when he scored Manchester United's winner in a 2-1 victory over Arsenal.

Hargreaves last played a full 90 minutes of competitive football exactly three years ago on Sept 21, 2008, but has battled back to fitness after a series of career-threatening injuries.

Balotelli wrapped up the victory with a low strike after 38 minutes, sending Birmingham, fielding just Keith Fahey from the side that won the trophy last season, out. — Reuters

Tottenham had taken the gloss off Liverpool's start to the season, adding to pressure on an already testing tie for Dalglish's side.

The 4-0 loss at Spurs had undermined the Reds' confidence and cost them the services of Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel, who were both suspended for this game after being sent-off at White Hart Lane.

And the way a strong visiting line-up approached the opening half confirmed they were anxious to avoid any slip-ups.

Liverpool forwards Bellamy and Luis Suarez would unsettle the home defence with their pace and movement and it took them just seven minutes to make the breakthrough.

Suarez, receiving the ball inside the Brighton box after a patient build-up, delivered a clever, stabbed pass to Bellamy at the near post and the Wales striker finished with a low shot from a tight angle.

Brighton were reeling and it

looked as though it would simply be a matter of time before the game was put beyond the home side's reach.

Albion defender Romain Vincelot cleared off the line from Kuyt's 17th minute header eight minutes before Suarez missed the kind of chance he would normally convert, firing wide when confronted only by keeper Casper Ankergren.

Anxious to make amends, the Uruguay striker came close to adding a second in the 31st minute when he rose to meet Bellamy's header and headed against the post.

The wo o dwork s ave d Brighton again five minutes before half-time when Bellamy sent a powerful rising freekick against the crossbar with Ankergren beaten.

Liverpool's Jay Spearing hit the woodwork but Brighton finished the half on a high when Craig Noone, the winger who worked on Steven Gerrard's house extension in a former career as a builder,

fluffed a good chance.

Brighton boss Gus Poyet was frustrated at the interval and clearly got his message across to his players during the halftime interval as the home side emerged a more formidable side after the break.

Poyet's side were unable to conjure an equaliser and when Kuyt finished from Maxi Rodgriguez's 81st minute pass, Brighton's hopes of an upset appeared to be over.

Barnes' penalty suggested a possible comeback but Liverpool held on. —AFP

LEAGUE CUP Results Brighton Cardiff

This morning 1 Liverpool 2 Leicester

Cardiff won 7-6 on penalties

Chelsea

0 Fulham

Chelsea won 4-3 on penalties

2 2 0

Man City 2 Birmingham 0 S'hampton 2 Preston 1 Everton 2 West Brom 1 (aet)

I am linked everywhere, but when you are linked, it doesn't mean you want to leave — Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka

The Malay Mail Thursday 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011

sports

31

BERNE: FOOTBALL

Fifa backtrack over Hayatou appointments FIFA have backtracked over an announcement yesterday that African football boss Issa Hayatou had been appointed head of the organising committee for Olympic football tournaments and the key Goal bureau.

"Due to a technical error,

appointments for Fifa standing committees have appeared on the Fifa website (www.fifa. com)," said the world governing body in a statement.

"The appointments for the chairman and deputy chairman of the Fifa standing committees will be communicated

in due course.

"Therefore, Issa Hayatou has not been appointed as chairman of the organising committee for the Olympic football tournaments."

Hayatou's name had also been removed this morning from the list of officials at the

Goal bureau which oversees funding of what is seen as one of Fifa's most important projects.

The Goal programme provides support for football development projects such as creation of youth academies, the modernisation of national

Star backing

BARCELONA: FOOTBALL/ PRIMERA LIGA

Guardiola praises Qatar ahead of sponsorship vote

BARCELONA coach "Pep" Guardiola has extolled Qatar, calling it "the most open Muslim country", as the club mull scrapping a massive sponsorhip deal linked to the gas-rich Gulf State.

Barcelona signed a fiveand-a-half year shirt sponsorship deal worth up to €170 million (RM727.3m) with the non-profit Qatar Foundation in December touted as the largest sponsorship deal in football history.

But the club's decision to collect money for the first time in their history to display a logo on their jerseys did not go down well with many fans who have pressured Barcelona's board to rethink the deal at a meeting on Saturday.

Barcelona's legendar y former Dutch coach Johan Cruyff has blasted the endorsement deal as "vulgar" while former club president Joan Laporta has said he would prefer to see the jerseys carry only the logo of Unicef, an image which has "a message, a cause."

Guardiola, who played for Qatar's Al Ahly between 2003 and 2005 and who was one of the ambassadors for the nation's successful 2022 World Cup bid, has stepped into the debate in comments published on the club's official website.

"I can tell you that I lived for two years in Qatar and my family and I received wonderful treatment," the 40-year-old said.

"Qatar is opening up to the Western world and I know the efforts that the Foundation is putting in to do some really good things. I think that we often don't understand the Muslim world – nor they us."

The Qatar Foundation, founded in 1995, has set up

MESSY: The Qatar Foundation sponsorship deal hasn't been wellreceived — AFP photo

projects focusing on education, scientific research and community development, mainly in the Middle East.

It is run by the wife of

Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, who seized power from his father in a bloodless coup in 1995.

In 2003, he declared his son

Tamim heir apparent.

Part of the opposition to the shirt sponsorship deal stems from the lack of democracy in Qatar, which has no organised opposition groups and where parliamentary elections have repeatedly been postponed.

Thousands of Barcelona fans have signed a petition to demand that the agreement be revoked and the club's board decided to let representatives of club members to confirm on Saturday if the deal will remain in place.

"These are difficult times and the board has the obligation to search for alternatives. Qatar is the most open Muslim country and the closest to the Western democracies, but they need time," said Guardiola.

"If the members decide to continue, then we will still have the sponsorship of a foundation which is doing things for research and for culture.

"If not, then we will move ahead with different resources.

"Whatever happens, the players will continue to run and fight, which in the end is the most important thing," he added.

Barcelona won the Spanish League and the Champions League last season but despite success on the field, the club is struggling financially.

The Catalan side posted a loss of €79.6 million last season — their first in seven years — and they have debts of €442 million.

Qatar is home to a US military base and it hosts and funds Al Jazeera, a news channel that has come under fire from Arab States since its inception in 1996 for its coverage of topics previously deemed taboo in the region.

— AFP

association computer systems, and the promotion of women's football, futsal and beach football.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Hayatou would have been a controversial choice for either post because he had twice faced

allegations of corruption, which he has denied, in the last year.

CAF's website (www.cafonline.com) did not immediately report the mistake and continued to carry a copy of their original statement issued yesterday when the appointment was announced. – Reuters

LONDON: football/ PREMIER LEAGUE

Ben Arfa shines in Newcastle comeback

NEWCASTLE star winger Hatem Ben Arfa (pic) relished making his comeback against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup yesterday after returning to full fitness.

The Frenchman featured in the Magpies' starting XI for the first time in nearly 12 months at City Ground following two spells on the sidelines with injury.

He suffered a sickening leg injury against Manchester City following a Nigel de Jong challenge last October, while an ankle problem picked up in pre-season has frustrated his start to the current campaign.

Ben Arfa produced an encouraging performance and lasted 70 minutes against Forest as Newcastle prevailed with a 4-3 victory after extratime.

The 24-year-old, who joined Newcastle from Marseille in the summer of last year, enjoyed his run out and hopes manager Alan Pardew will continue to involve him.

"I counted the hours before kick-off yesterday," Ben Arfa told Le Parisien. "I really endured a difficult year and

being back on the pitch is a wonderful feeling. I missed competition so much. I am living again!

"I have no more pain, absolutely nothing.

"Now it is up to the coach to make his choices. I believe maybe he will incorporate me step by step. I feel ready to play each match. I am dying to play."

Pardew is hoping to see much more of Ben Arfa after watching him play his part against Forest.

Ben Arfa, described by Pardew as his "Heineken" player before the game, turned on an encouraging display in a hard-fought encounter before being substituted.

"He just started running out of steam a little bit towards the end when Forest had a little bit of control of the game. But he made one burst through the middle of the pitch that just sets him apart from other players when he does things like that," said Pardew.

"If we get him up to speed and get him into what we do in the first team, he is going to be a massive bonus for us."

Strike gamble

Aussie dream

Former tennis legend Martina Navratilova supports top stars’ strike to avoid gruelling schedule

Australian Geoff Ogilvy’s boyhood dream came true when he played in Melbourne’s Presidents Cup

>> pg27

LOCAL

Comfort zone warning Sapura’s top striker Azreen Rizal Nasir urges team to avoid complacency

>> pg25 Rugby

Carter’s French kiss All Blacks’ flyhalf Dan Carter back on his feet to trouble France

>> pg28 football

Shoot-out at the Bridge

villas-boas Ten-man Chelsea beat Fulham 4-3 on penalties after they drew 0-0 following extra-time

>> pg30

presstalk

Blues’ unlucky strike

Nicolas Anelka, Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba (pic) may not have prospects with the Blues

>> pg30

>> pg27

Thursday 22 September, 2011

BARCELONA: Football/ primera liga

Fabulous Fabregas Barca prodigal son strikes to snatch draw for Barcelona

A CLINICAL Cesc Fabregas strike rescued a point for champions Barcelona to secure them a 2-2 draw away to top of the table Valencia this morning.

After the first weekend of fixtures, there were complaints that La Liga had turned into a two-horse race as both Barca and Real Madrid won by large margins but since then it has not gone their way and Valencia lead the way with ten points.

Indeed Real dropped further points as they followed up their shock defeat to Levante last weekend by being held 0-0 by modest Racing Santander.

Barcelona started at the Mestalla without the injured Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique while David Villa was rested in attack.

The home side went ahead after just eleven minutes when Eric Abidal put a Jeremy Mathieu cross into his own net but just two minutes later Pedro Rodriguez equalised after an interchange between Cesc and Lionel Messi.

It was far from a typical display from Barcelona

though as Valencia enjoyed plenty of possession in the middle of the pitch and they went ahead again via a Mathieu cross with Pablo Hernandez slotting the ball home unmarked at the far post.

Then before half-time, Roberto Soldado missed in front of an empty goal.

It was not until the final stages of the match that Barca asserted themselves on the game and it was once again the Messi and Fabregas combination which has worked so well this season that made the difference.

The Argentine found the former Arsenal man, who kept his head and placed the ball past the keeper.

In injury time, Valencia defender Jordi Alba was given a straight red card for a comment he made to the referee.

Real coach Jose Mourinho rang the changes after the 1-0 defeat by Levante at the weekend which included Jose Callejon and Lassana Diarra coming into the side but it was another ineffective performance.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a header well saved by keeper

Tono Rodriguez before the break and in the second-half ,the introduction of Angel Di Maria did make some difference but he was unable to change the course of the match.

In the closing stages, Real were reduced to pumping the ball forward hopefully and Racing were able to hang on.

The draw leaves Real Madrid on seven points, three adrift of Valencia.

“This was a different match to that against Levante as here it felt as though there was only one side looking to win the game,” said Mourinho.

“It is a worrying situation as we have now lost five points from two games away from home.

“It would be wrong to say one player hasn’t scored or another one has failed but as a team we weren’t at our best although we tried.”

The result is good news for the reigning domestic and European champions Barcelona who lock horns later on Wednesday with Valencia.

Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid recorded their second successive 4-0 win as they beat

fab equaliser: Fabregas (centre) celebrating with teammates after scoring during their match against Valencia — AFP photo

pointless Sporting Gijon with Colombian striker Falcao scoring a double following on from his hattrick at the weekend.

A second-half strike from Santi Cazorla gave Qatarowned Malaga victory over

Athletic Bilbao and Levante’s good form continued with a 2-1 win away at Rayo Vallecano.

Tomorrow, Real Betis, another side with a 100 per cent record, face Zaragoza.

— AFP

HONG KONG: Football/ Olympic qualifiers

Japan, South Korea cruise to Olympic wins

ASIAN giants Japan and South Korea cantered to home wins while Australia fired blanks in a dour draw yesterday in the final round of qualifying for the 2012 Olympics.

In front of an expectant home crowd in Tosu, Japan beat Malaysia 2-0, with a goal in either half breaking the visitors’ doughty defence.

Dominating the game throughout, Takashi Sekizuka’s side opened the scoring in the tenth minute after midfielder Keigo Higashi latched onto a defence-splitting pass to slot the ball beyond the Malaysian goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat. The home side frayed their supporters’ nerves spurning several good chances and finding Khairul in top form.

But a 77th minute strike from

substitute Ryohei Yamazaki secured the three points.

“We had the first goal early in the game. Our plan was to defend the lead and go for additional goals,” said Japan coach Sekizuka, adding his side would need to be less profligate against fellow Group C teams Bahrain and Syria.

Meanwhile, Australia struggled in a turgid encounter with the United Arab Emirates in Adelaide which ended 0-0, Syria defeated Bahrain 3-1 in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar drew 1-1 in Riyadh and Uzbekistan beat Iraq 2-0 in Tashkent in other qualifying matches.

Men’s football is played as an Under-23 tournament at the Olympics, although the rules allow for three over-age players. The group stage wraps up in March next year.

— AFP

firing samurais: Japanese players celebrate their winning goal during the men’s Olympic qualifying football match against Malaysia in Tosu, Saga prefecture, yesterday — AFP photo

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