24 May 2011

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It’s NSC’s tiger stripes KUALA LUMPUR: NATIONAL JERSEY ROW

... and the national sports body warns it will fight any party claiming the Team Malaysia symbol ownership

By HARESH DEOL haresh@mmail.com.my

THE National Sports Council (NSC) is adamant it has the rights to the ‘three tiger stripes’ design on the national jersey.

Responding to The Malay Mail’s front page story yesterday, the council, in a statement, said they were “the rightful owner of the stripes” which was “initiated by the Youth and Sports Ministry in 2005”.

Their statement reads: “The NSC has undertaken steps to protect the government’s intellectual property and has duly registered with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (IPCM) in the correct classification of the Industrial Design Act 1996”.

It went on to state Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s (TM) licensing of the shirt was “a significant milestone to Malaysian sports as it is the first time that NSC managed to secure funding of this kind other than from the government.

“This is also in line with the Ministry’s move towards a more market-driven sports industry model where a majority of the funds come from the private sector as in other developed countries.

FLASHBACK: Our report yesterday

“The NSC should be proud of TM’s Team Malaysia campaign. The campaign is to galvanise and unify the

Letters & Opinions ON PG10

Malaysian fans behind their athletes via the Panthera shirt.

“The Team Malaysia Pan-

Maintenance culture

Cradling caring kids

thera shirt (complete with all the logos) is only for the fans. Our national athletes will be using the Panthera shirt, clean of any TM Team Malaysia logos, during any of their competitions.”

The statement, issued by NSC organisational development director Suhardi Alias, said the council would give legal notice to everyone that this intellectual property belonged to the government, and that they should acknowledge and take the necessary steps to comply.

“The NSC, being a government agency, will take all necessary steps and action against any party that threatens or jeopardise the spirit of this agreement,” it said.

The Paper That Cares has been reporting on the controversy surrounding the rights to the design. The NSC claimed it was the owner but this was disputed

by Mesuma Sports which claimed it had trademarked the pattern in 2009.

Controversy arose when TM launched its Team Malaysia Panthera apparel on April 28, claiming it had, via an agreement with NSC and the Olympics Council of

Hotline is now two pages daily

Malaysia (OCM), obtained the rights to use the motif.

The design is to be donned by national athletes and fans.

The Malay Mail yesterday quoted IPCM’s senior director of trademark division Abdul Aziz Ismail saying Mesuma Sports owned the rights and that neither NSC nor TM had trademarked the name “Panthera”.

Checks revealed TM filed eight applications to register various designs consisting of a TM logo, and incorporating the tiger stripes and the words ‘Team Malaysia’ on April 6.

Another company, CR Sports, meanwhile, filed six applications on May 3 — five days after the Team Malaysia Panthera jersey was launched — to register the ‘three tiger stripes’ motif that had been trademarked by Mesuma Sports.

IPCM records show Mesuma Sports has been the registered proprietor of the trademark for 10 years, from July 9, 2009, to July 9, 2019. The certificates of registration were issued on Feb 19 this year.

Misplaced water bill woe

>> pg8

LOCAL

Landslide survivor moans missed exams >> pg3

Another playground ‘minefield’ >> pg4

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Too ‘hot’ for workouts?

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Leaning tree terror

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We cannot simply mete out punishments which are not in accordance with the existing rules and regulations — Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong

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PETALING JAYA

'Schools are not prisons'

Opera star is Unesco envoy

Bullies need to be educated and not tortured, says Wee

By JOSEPH KAOS JR joejr@mmail.com.my

DEPUTY Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic) has responded to calls for the ministry to mete out heavier punishments on school bullies by saying that schools should not be run like prisons.

The public uproar arose after a recent school bullying case of a 13-year-old girl, whose humiliation by her school mates was recorded on video and uploaded on Facebook.

The Malay Mail itself had been inundated with letters and website comments from readers who criticised the 14-day suspension on the bullies, calling it laughable.

But Wee said level heads were needed when dealing with the matter. “We have to be realistic and pragmatic.

When we punish students, we want to educate them and not torture them. We must remember schools are not prisons.

“I also have had people telling me the culprits in the bullying case should be subject to heavier punishment, such as increasing their suspension term or even expelling them. Some

tell me to send the girls to Henry Gurney School.

“Did you know that students who don’t attend class for 30 days can be expelled?

We cannot just simply add the length of suspension according to our whims and fancies.

“Also, do you think by expelling the students the problem becomes resolved?

No. Our job here is to educate.”

Besides calls for a longer suspenion period for the bullies, Wee said there had been suggestions the perpetrators be ordered to clean toilets for a month and do community service.

“We cannot simply mete out punishments which are

not in accordance with the existing rules and regulations.”

He also criticised those who accused the ministry of transferring the bullying victim out of the school, when they felt it should have been the bullies who should have been shipped out (see accompanying story).

Wee said the ministry had alerted schools to take a "no compromise" stance towards bullying and to immediately liaise with the police if there was an element of crime in bully cases.

“Schools also cannot act on what occurs outside the school grounds. So they need to team up with the police. If the bully has com-

mitted a crime, they must face the music and be punished according to the law.”

He said the police would also monitor students who had been expelled for bullying cases to ensure they did not return to school to exact revenge on their victims.

In the recent case involving the Form One student at SMK Raja Abdullah in Kepong, identified as Wong, a three-minute video clip on Facebook showed how her hair was pulled and cut and how she was hit with books and strangled with a tie by her school mates.

The three bullies were suspended for 14 days and made to apologise to the victim.

Parents requested transfer THE Education Ministry had never ordered the school bully victim to be transferred out of her school, said Deputy Minister Datuk Dr

Wee Ka Siong.

“It was the parents of the girl who asked me whether she can be allowed to change schools for fear she was too traumatised by the incident.

What I did was told them their

request could be considered.

“However, the decision ultimately lies with the parents whether they want to move their child to another school.”

Wee said he was unhappy over claims the ministry had

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

unfairly ordered the transfer of the victim and not the bullies.

“That’s an irresponsible accusation meant to make the ministry look bad," he said.

KUALA LUMPUR

Two killed by falling boom

UNESCO has named Chinese opera star Zhang Jun as an "artiste for peace" envoy. The honour recognises Shanghaiborn Zhang's "long-term commitment to promoting intangible cultural heritage, especially the Kunqu Opera," a form of opera and dance dating to the 14th century and classified

by Unesco, the organisation said in a statement in Paris. — AFP

US Mafia leaders indicted FBI agents and police yesterday arrested the alleged leader of the Philadelphia Mafia, his top lieutenant and several associates on charges linked to crimes that span more than a decade.

Alleged Philadelphia crime boss Joseph Ligambi, his underboss Joseph Massimino, and 11 others linked to Philadelphia's La Cosa Nostra family were named in an indictment on charges that include racketeering conspiracy, extortion, loan sharking, illegal gambling and witness tampering. — AFP

By FAIZAL NOR IZHAM mmnews@mmail.com.my

TWO workers were killed when the boom of a crane collapsed on them at a construction site in Bukit Tunku yesterday evening.

It was not immediately known how the boom of the 40m-high crane had snapped.

The dead, identified by police as Mat Tahir Mustafa, 43, an Indonesian, and Kadir Umur, 37, a Bangladeshi, were working on the construction site of a sevenstorey bungalow at 5.30pm when the incident happened.

Matokan Jubir (pic), an Indonesia gardener working next to the site, said he heard a crashing sound.

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

"When I went to check, I saw the arm of the crane had dislodged and fallen," the 50-year-old told The Malay Mail. "To my horror, I noticed that two workers had been trapped."

It was learnt that Mat Tahir and Kadir had died instantly. Police sent their bodies to Kuala Lumpur Hospital for a post mortem.

Yeoh Tiong Lay and Sons Holdings Sdn Bhd, the company carrying out the construction, could not be reached for comment.

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FATAL PLUNGE: The boom from this crane snapped and crashed on the two workers

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My school teachers were understanding and said I could sit for the exam after I recover — Muhd Harris Izuddin

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

HULU LANGAT LANDSLIDE

Rescued boy's parents may not get PPR unit

By EE ANN NEE ean@mmail.com.my

IT IS unlikely City Hall will grant the wish of Hulu Langat landslide survivor Khairul Anuar Mohd Nazri's parents in getting a PPR flat, even though the divorced couple decided to reconcile after Saturday's tragedy.

City Hall corporate communications manager Anwar Mohd Zain said this was because priority of the People's Housing Project, or PPR, was being given to squatters, single mothers and those whose houses were destroyed in natural disasters in the city.

“On our waiting list, we have about 20,000 registered for PPR units,” Anwar told The Malay Mail.

He said priority was based on a merit system taking into consideration an applicant’s background, including the number of dependents, and monthly income.

“But the couple can register and apply for a PPR unit and we will process the application as usual,” he said.

City Hall housing management director Sukiman Surahman said his department would also look into the matter.

Mohd Nazri Mustaman, 36, a security officer, and Sa'adiatun Mohd Zin, 38, a hotel housekeeper, plan to get back together as husband and wife five years after parting ways to look after nine-year-old Khairul Anuar and their younger son Mohd Daniel, aged seven.

Another test, another day Survivor unable to sit for school exams

By AIZAT SHARIF aizat@mmail.com.my

“I MISS my friends and school,” said Muhd Harris Izuddin, one of the nine survivors of the landslide at the Al-Taqwa orphanage in Felda Semungkas, Batu 14, last Saturday.

The 13-year-old student at SK Sungai Binjai in Meru, Klang, said he was supposed to be sitting

for the mid-year examinations.

“The Bahasa Malaysia paper was yesterday but due to the injury on my right leg, the doctor advised me to rest and recuperate,” Muhd Harris told The Malay Mail at Ampang Hospital.

"My school teachers were understanding and said I could sit for the exam after I recover."

His right leg was injured when a steel chair collapsed on him during the landslide which claimed 16 lives, mainly children.

H i s m o t h e r, Nurizah Ibrahim, 42, said after Muhd Harris

was rescued, he could not feel anything, not even pain. “Also, his foot couldn't move.”

Doctors have provided him a long white cloth that operates like a rope to move his feet "manually".

“With the altered rope, my son can make his right feet move a little,” said Nurizah.

Muhd Harris' uncle, Ramzan Mohd, 20, said: “The steel chair pinned my nephew's right leg for more than two hours and his thigh was swollen to such an extent it numbed all feelings there."

Ramzan said Muhd Harris had been attending religious classes at the orphanage every weekend for

about a year.

“When we learnt of the landslide, his family and I rushed there, and were happy to discover he survived."

In the incident, the children and orphanage wardens were in the middle of lessons under a tent in the compound when the landslide struck.

KUALA LUMPUR

Another splash — this time with pink liquid Where the 'splasher' struck

By THASHA JAYAMANOGARAN thasha@mmail.com.my

1. March 2 - Eight Year 4 and Year 6 pupils and a teacher of SK Bukit Bandaraya in Jalan 8 Bangkung in Bangsar were splashed with a liquid by a motorcyclist clad in black..

5 2. March 24 - Two marketing executives were 7 splashed with acid as they were walking along Jalan Tun Sambanthan at 5.30pm.

3. March 25 - A 25-year-old history teacher, on the way to school, was attacked near the back gate of a school in Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad at 7am.

4. March 26 - A Frenchman and his female companion became the 13th and 14th victims 4 of a corrosive liquid-splashing attack by a motorcycle duo in Jalan Conlay about 3pm.

5. April 2 - In Jalan Mantin, Negri Sembilan, a 27-year-old woman and her 18-year-old niece 9 were attacked by two men on a motorcycle 6 at 9pm 1 6. May 6 - Two women were splashed with acid when a motorcyclist attacked them from behind 2 along Jalan Pudu Lama in the 9pm incident.

3 7. May 6 - Thirty minutes later, a lawyer in her 30s was attacked near a parking lot in front of The Mall shopping centre in Jalan Putra.

8. May 7 - A woman and her one-year-old baby were standing in her house compound in Persiaran Titiwangsa when the splasher rode by and threw the liquid at them in the 3pm incident.

9. May 20 - A female driver's car was splashed with a pink liquid by a motorcyclist at 7.30am when she refused to wind down the window.

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Paedophile scandal hits Dutch church A ROMAN Catholic order of priests sacked its leader in the Netherlands and disciplined another priest yesterday after the two publicly defended paedophile sex, an issue haunting the worldwide Church in recent years.

The scandal erupted over the weekend when RTL radio reported the priest, named only as Rev Van B, had been a board member of a lobbying group advocating sex between adults and children. He told RTL few children suffered from such relationships.

Asked about the case, Rev Herman Spronck, leader of the Dutch Salesians, said he agreed paedophile sex could be accepted.

Both were relieved of their pastoral duties. — Reuters

Greek island rockfall kills US tourist

UNLUCKY BREAK: Muhd Harris is stuck at the hospital with his mother instead of sitting for his exams

THE man believed to be the serial "acid splasher" struck again in the heart of the city on Friday morning.

A 26-year-old marketing executive told police a man on a motorcycle had splashed pink liquid at her as she was driving to work about 7.30am.

The woman, who requested anonymity, said she believed the man resembled the recently released photofit of the acid splasher. The victim said the suspect was dark-skinned, wore a helmet with the visor down and a white T-shirt .

The victim told The Malay Mail she was at a traffic light near Central Market when a motorcyclist knocked on her window while gesturing to indicate the petrol cap at the back of the car was open.

"He was constantly knocking

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on my window. When I refused to wind down the window, the motorcyclist opened a mineral water bottle, splashed pink liquid on my car windscreen and then fled."

The victim then drove to the nearest petrol station to wash off the liquid.

A man who witnessed the incident approached her saying he had taken a photo of the incident with his handphone.

"However, he said the image was blurry but promised to transfer the image to his computer once he reached his office and email it to me.

"I've not heard from him till now, though I had passed him my namecard. In my panic, I forgot to ask for his contact number. I hope he comes forward with the picture to help police investigations."

GREEK police say a boulder dislodged from towering volcanic cliffs on the resort island of Santorini has killed an American tourist and injured four foreign women. A police statement says the 52year-old man was hit as he was riding a hired mule on the steep cobbled path winding down to the sea from Oia village — a popular tourist destination on the brim of the island's trademark crags. The cause of yesterday's landslide was unclear. — AP

Saudi woman re-arrested for driving SAUDI authorities rearrested an activist who defied a ban on female drivers in the conservative kingdom, a security official said yesterday.

Manal al-Sherif was accused of "violating public order" and ordered held for five days while the case is investigated.

The 32-year-old Manal launched a campaign against the longtime ban last week by posting a video clip on the Internet of herself behind the wheel in the eastern city of Khobar. — AP

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Not many people come here now because of its deteriorating state. One can get hurt by the hazards lying in the open — Resident Gina Chan

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

Killing playing field?

SHAH ALAM

Deplorable Taman Sri Muda park another death waiting to happen

By EE ANN NEE ean@mmail.com.my

ANOTHER playground, another death waiting to happen?

Just two months after a 11year-old boy was electrocuted at a playground in Batu Tiga, Shah Alam, and following the discovery of dangerous conditions of the Taman Bukit Maluri playground last week, The Malay Mail was alerted to yet another death trap in the form of a park in Taman Sri Muda.

Alerted by a reader, The Malay Mail visited the park on Jalan Nikmat 25/47, on Saturday and found it in a sorry and deplorable state.

Walking around the neighbourhood park, comprising a playground, a basketball court, six badminton courts, a football field as well as several exercise stations, The Paper That Cares saw an unlocked distribution box.

The Malay Mail also identified two lamp posts with missing panels, thus exposing the cable wiring within, and possibly exposing children to the possible dangers of electrocution, similar to what killed Muhammad Naquiddin Mohd Marzuki.

Swings were not spared. They were broken and hung pathetically while several parts of exercise facilities were missing.

Even the rubber flooring squares were removed. They were, instead, found all over the park.

Children were also resting under a gazebo whose roof was also missing in certain parts, offering little protection from rain and sun.

While the field is meant to be a place for children to play and adults to exercise and relax, the park was a sight for sore eyes with beer bottles and cans strewn around and shattered glass shards posing a hazard to park-goers.

Besides that, rubbish lay piled

MESSY: A boy stretching at an exercise station surrounded by filth at the unkempt park

CHAN: Once a beautifull place

MAHEN: Rubbish on the pitch

up alongside clogged drains.

Concerned park-goer Gina Chan, 58, told The Malay Mail the recreational park was once a beautiful piece of land but has since lost its attraction due to poor maintenance.

Chan, who visits the park weekly to join a group of women for line dancing, said she has frequented the place for the past seven years but saw no improvement in the park.

“Not many people come here now because of its deteriorating state. One can get hurt by the hazards lying in the open.”

She said park-goers wrote to Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) a year ago asking for the park to be repaired but to no avail.

“They should improve the park so people will come back.

Make the place more pleasant for us,” said the Section 9 resident.

Mahen Raj, 11, who was playing football with friends at the park, said the group practised on weekends and it was still dirty.

“Sometimes we even have to move the rubbish or any obstructing objects aside ourselves,” said the year Five pupil.

Another resident, David Prabakaran, 27, who has lived opposite the park for the past eight years, observed teenage boys

hanging out at the park at night to drink.

“Sometimes, when drunk, they destroy the park’s amenities and even end up arguing and fighting,” Prabakaran said.

Jenny Law, 55, said many children continued to play at the park in the evenings despite the potential dangers.

When contacted, Zone 9 councillor S. Puspha Lingam assured he would raise the matter with the council.

Sri Muda assemblyman Shuhaimi Shafiei also promised to check with the council on claims of reports by residents.

HIGH VOLTAGE: Law shows the unlocked electricity distribution box at the park in Jalan Nikmat 25/47.

On the left is a lamp post with exposed wiring

Recent reports on dangerous parks and playgrounds ● Taman Batu Tiga, Shah Alam MUHAMMAD Naquiddin Mohd Marzuki, 11, was electrocuted when he touched the lamp post while playing football at the playground near his home in Taman Batu Tiga on March 19.

The Malay Mail reported an investigation by the Energy Commission of Malaysia found electrical leakage could have been caused by a faulty underground cable joint.

However, the commission was told by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council it has no record of the contractor who carried out work on the playground.

● Taman Bukit Maluri, Kepong THE playground's atrocious conditions include a damaged lamp post with exposed wiring, exposed cables protruding from the ground, a broken distribution box with no protective cover, two exposed manholes, a swing set not firmly rooted to the ground; and missing roof tiles from a gazebo.

The park is also claimed to be a sex haunt where residents allege students from a nearby school intentionallly damaged the distribution box so that they could have sex under cover of darkness.

Council takes responsibility THE Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) takes responsibility for the deplorable state of Taman Sri Muda park in Jalan Nikmat 25/47.

Council Parks and Recreation Department director Mohd Tahir Man told The Malay Mail this yesterday.

His attention was drawn to the hazardous conditions of the park as alerted by a concerned reader.

In acknowledging the lack of maintenance, Mohd Tahir said the department took responsibility for the matter.

He added, however, the grass at the park seemed to be maintained. It gets trimmed twice monthly, while trash was collected weekly as well as upon request by residents.

“Vandalised items needed to be repaired. There were also vandalised dwarf shelters in Section 25 where youths gathered to drink.”

He said although the department had a supervisor checking on the park, the supervisor could have had other things on his priority list.

Hence, the council welcomes feedback by residents, as Mohd Tahir said such feedbacks come in useful.

As for the matter of trash being strewn all over the park, Mohd Tahir said it was at some point the residents’ own doing but the council would provide more litter bins if need be.

“It is imperative, at a point where funding is getting scarce, the stewardship of the neighbourhood play areas be undertaken by residents while the authority shoulders repairs and basic maintenance.

“Amidst all these, we (MBSA) take full responsibility for the site and hope The Malay Mail, together with the council, will empower residents to care for their own backyard by becoming a partner in making Shah Alam a clean and a safe city.”

tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

the malay mail

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Errant riders should be taught a lesson. We should make our roads a safer place â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Motorcyclist Rosli Sulaiman

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

Cops mull over new systems

PETALING JAYA

They could be the lead agency to use Facial Recognition and Automated Plate Number Recognition technologies

By MARHALIM ABAS mabas@mmail.com.my

THE government is mulling rolling out Facial Recognition (FR) and Automated Plate Number Recognition (APNR) systems to boost crime prevention, border control and enforcement of traffic laws.

The Malay Mail was informed the police would be the lead agency for both systems although other government bodies, especially those under the Home Ministry, including the Immigration Department and the National Registration Department, would be involved in the project.

The Road Transport Department is also expected to be involved in the project especially for the APNR system.

It is learnt a high-ranking police delegation had attended an international security conference and exhibition in London recently where they were briefed on the latest development in FR and APNR technologies.

The introduction of the FR and APNR systems was expected to complement and enhance the existing police criminal database, the Biometric Fingerprint Identification System (BIOFIS).

On March 22, The Malay Mail had reported that by June 1, the BIOFIS would also be linked to the Immigration Department National Foreigners Enforcement and Registration System (NERS), allowing police access to records of foreign visitors who

enter Malaysia via immigration checkpoints, and ensure those with criminal records could be monitored closely.

The biometric registration of foreign visitors would be introduced at all 96 entry points into the country to monitor the arrival and departure of foreign visitors, also effective June 1.

With the FR and APNR systems, the police would be granted access to the RTDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vehicles registration database, enabling them to respond quickly to various scenarios involving vehicles, from speed fiends to those driving with fake licence plate or stolen cars and motorcycles.

With APNR, especially on toll highways, the police would also be able to issue

summonses immediately to motorists instead of sending them via the postal service.

Apart from enforcing traffic laws, the APNR system could be used for toll collection, traffic control and congestion charges.

However, it cannot be determined when both systems would be implemented as for both the FR and APNR to be effective, new high-definition CCTV cameras need to be installed at the same time, as well as other hardware, all of which needs to be linked via high speed broadband link to at least a single highly advanced command, control, computer and communications (C4) centre.

The cost of the whole system could not be ascertained.

PETALING JAYA

By Allen J.P. Stanley allen.j.p.stanley@mmail.com.my

Vimal, 22: "RM300 is too high!

Bikers are not rich, so have a heart. RM100 to RM150 is fair.

What about the ones who get away with it? Not all will be caught!"

with bikes are normally from the middle and lower income groups. I earn RM600 a month, so RM300 is already half my pay."

Rosli Sulaiman, 52: "I agree with this ruling. It is fair and will benefit road users in the long run. Errant riders should be taught a lesson. We should make our roads a safer place."

Ah Long, 28: "People who break the law should be summoned, simple as that. It is fair.

There's no two ways about it."

Tai Kwee San, 47: "This is a good move. I have no objections. It is fair to penalise wrongdoers."

Bakri Ramli, 50: "Bikers should be given three chances before they are fined for the same offence. However, I feel RM300 is too high. People

THE Facial Recognition (FR) system, although used widely in Europe and the United States at immigration control points at airports and sea ports, remains under criticism for their effectiveness, especially in crime prevention.

Apart from their perceived lack of effectiveness, the biggest concern on the FR system is the privacy concern.

Various organisations in Europe and the US had voiced alarm that their governments would abuse the ability to track their citizens at all times.

Similarly, critics of the Automated Plate Number Recognition (APNR) had also voiced their concern on the technology being abused by the authorities.

There were fears that the data could be obtained illegally by hackers and used for other purposes.

PUCHONG

RM300 fine too fast and furious, say bikers MOTORCYCLISTS will not be given any more discounts by either the police or the Road Transport Department for serious offences such as not wearing helmets, ignoring traffic lights and zebra crossings. The maximum fine of RM300 would be implemented without any option of reduction for these offences.

However, some motorcyclists say the hefty fine should be reconsidered.

The FR system is basically a computer application for automatically identifying or verifying a person from a digital image or a video frame from a video source.

One of the ways to do this is by comparing selected facial features from the image and a facial database and it is typically used in security systems and can be compared to other biometrics such as fingerprint or iris recognition systems.

APNR is also used to automatically recognise, store and even track vehicles based on their licence plates through a computerised database. The latest technologies uses software and hardware capable of reading one plate/second off vehicles running at a maximum of 160 km/h.

Controversy over FR and APNR systems

Lee Kok Keong, 52: "This ruling will make riders more wary and careful. It will encourage them to follow the rules. I hope it will not be a platform for authorities to seek bribes."

Huhailiz, 26: "I believe many will not want to pay heavy fines. The authorities will have trouble collecting payments.

This is because many Malaysians have high commitments and hence, they would fend for their well-being first rather than pay the authorities. Parents, teachers and the authorities should work together in other ways and educate the public instead.

This is definitely not fair to the citizens."

Hafiz, 32: "I ride a bike to work.

The rules against not wearing helmets and jumping traffic lights are fair. It is logical to implement such. However, I feel the fines should be lowered to RM150 as it would be more affordable to motorcyclists."

Patma's cheer to House of Joy

By NURFADHILAH JALALUDIN mmnews@mmail.com.my

THE House of Joy, a charitable home for underprivileged children at Taman Kinrara in Puchong, was the happy recipient of a RM100 hamper from Dutch Lady Malaysia, courtesy of The Malay Mail reader R. Pathma whose letter headlined "Assemblies under the sun for 60 years" published in The Malay Mail on April 21 had been chosen as the Opinion of the Week winner.

In her letter, Pathma wrote about students of SJK (T) Fletcher in Kuala Lumpur who are in need of a hall as students there have been assembling under the sun for more than six decades.

For her winning letter, Pathma

had nominated House of Joy as the beneficiary of the prize.

House of Joy administrator Lesley Mah, in receiving the hamper, thanked Pathma and The Malay Mail for the gift.

"The children at the home will love having milk with cereals for their breakfast," said Mah, adding that the home provides shelter and care for orphans and neglected children aged between six to 18 years.

House of Joy was established in August 1992 by Reverend Tang Chee Sing and his wife Lee Ching Mun. The home welcomes public donations and can be contacted at 03-8070 4497.

THANK YOU: Mah (left) receiving the hamper from The Malay Mail reporter

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

Insurance companies must be compassionate by expanding medical insurance coverage to those who suffer from the illness — Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye

Twitter Your S@y

Giving actors a better deal

By EENA HOUZYAMA eena@mmail.com.my @ehouzie1

OVER the years, many raised the issue of our actors being underpaid and overworked. But till today, nothing has been done to bring changes to this shameful situation.

Despite the claims by many associations to be protecting the rights of our actors, nothing much was done to improve the livelihood of these artistes. The Malay Mail asked twitter friends of @ehouzie1 to comment on the issue and here are their replies.

Some comments from local actors and producers are featured below, with portions of the tweets edited without alterations to the intent of the message. @Beto_Kusyairy: YES! The quality of each product is getting better, the industry is expanding but the victims will always be the actors. @tonyeusoff: Sadly, I doubt it'll happen in our lifetime (if it happens at all) @fatibee: Yup. More importantly, we must get royalties like singers. @nadhirabrundage: Yes, but depending on the commitment of the project and the experience of each actor/actress:)

@edabunny: How much is underpaid? We know that movies are making millions. Actors should be getting a cut from that, right? Do they have EPF?

7

PETALING JAYA

Mental comfort!

Greater push towards providing insurance for mentally ill

By EE ANN NEE ean@mmail.com.my

UNDETERRED by continued failure to address the call for insurance access for the mentally ill that was raised on numerous occasions by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic) remains focused on bringing it up to the government's attention.

"Mental illness is an unfortunate, unexpected and involuntary disease. Insurance companies must be compassionate by expanding medical insurance coverage to those who suffer from the illness.

“There’s still a lot of stigma surrounding mental health.

Most people do not want to

MALAYSIAN Health Association (MMHA) president Datin Dr Ang Kim Teng says the issue is not about providing insurance for the mentally ill but the non-coverage for mental illness in medical insurance.

She said the non-coverage was specifically stated under exclusions in the terms and conditions in insurance policies, citing an example of such a clause: “This product does not cover any hospitalisation, surgery or charges caused directly or indirectly, wholly or partly by anyone of the following occurrences: psychotic, mental or nervous disorders (including any neuroses and their physiological or psychosomatic manifestations).”

Ang added: “Mental illness has a biological basis. It is not

be associated with those suffering from mental illness as such patients are regarded as dangerous, insane, mad, incapable, violent or crazy.

This is the wrong perception

in the community, including the insurance companies.”

Lee, a member of the Mental Health Promotion Advisory Council, said from his involvement in mental healthcare, he found those suffering from mental illness could be treated.

"By consulting a psychiatrist, a mental patient can recover, also through medication, while less severe cases can be aided with counselling.

“Mental health problems arise because people cannot cope with pressure and challenges. As such, it affects them mentally. However, it does not mean that every person

who has mental health problems is someone who is mad and untreatable, and should be ostracised from society.”

Lee said two years ago the government classified sufferers as disabled and, as such, insurance companies providing coverage to the disabled should also cover the mentally ill.

“We should put an end to this discrimination. If the mentally ill continue to be ostracised, it would lead to other problems, including suicide.”

Lee said insurance coverage would ensure mentally ill had some form of protection for survival and future well-be-

ing in terms of medication.

“Any financial help which the mentally challenged can get is of great help. If anything is to happen to them, at least their next-of-kin have something to fall back on," he said.

“In fact, there is no reason why insurance companies should deny them coverage. If this can be done in advanced countries like the US and Japan, which have compelled coverage, I don’t see why it cannot be done here. The government needs to speak up for the mentally ill and call on insurance companies to rethink about the exclusion.”

an acquired disorder through unhealthy lifestyle and can affect anyone irrespective of socio-economic status, age or gender. It is similar to any other chronic illness like hypertension, diabetes mellitus or auto-immune disorders like SLE, rheumatoid arthritis.

"As such, it is discriminatory to specifically exclude mental disorders from medical claims if one is admitted for such an illness.”

She pointed out the US passed the Mental Health Insurance Parity Law in September 2008 which made it mandatory for insurance companies offering private health insurance to provide coverage for mental illness that was equivalent to coverage for other medical illnesses.

“MMHA is not advocating for an insurance scheme for the mentally ill. We are only concerned that those who declare themselves as having a past history of mental illness may encounter difficulties in purchasing medical insurance like paying for a much higher premium or even be rejected," said Ang. “We’re also concerned those who seek treatment or are admitted for a mental illness, and has an existing medical insurance, are unable to claim for such benefits because of the exclusion clause.”

She said while newer and more effective medications were available, they were often expensive and as such, medical insurance was purchased to cover for such eventualities of a serious illness.

“To have purchased such

insurance and not being able to benefit from it is inconsistent with the principle of insurance cover.”

Ang said mental illness covered a wide spectrum of disorders, ranging from serious psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, to mood disorders like bipolar disorders and major depressive disorders, neurotic disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders and others.

“Unlike most medical disorders, mental illness cannot be diagnosed through blood test or imaging diagnostic tools. However, commonly occurring disorders have specific patterns of presentation that cannot be mimicked and can be diagnosed by psychiatrist who are trained in this area of medicine," she said.

"So, it is not true that di-

agnosis of mental disorders is subjective. Rather, it is a diagnosis based on scientific evidence of the dysfunctional mind through proper mental assessment by psychiatrists.”

Malaysian Psychiatric Association (MPA) president Dr Abdul Kadir Abu Bakar said the mentally ill must have access to insurance just like ordinary people.

“If insurance companies can cover Parkinson’s disease, they should cover mental illness as well. With insurance coverage, the mentally ill can get reimbursement for medical treatment and hospitalisation,” he said, noting that international insurance companies provided coverage for mentally ill in Europe but the Malaysian arms of these insurers did not extend such coverage.

Financing remains an important factor

KUALA LUMPUR

LOUD Festival first stop — Malaysia

@klubbkiddkl: Actors should get paid more but within a scale that introduces a 'minimum wage' as the disparity between name talents and otherwise is ridiculous.

@Bront_Palarae: Not more money-lah kak, we're asking for just a fair deal (gaji polis & cikgu, harga gula & minyak dah naik 3/4x).

news

By LOONG WAI TING waiting@mmail.com.my

JAY CHOU

AFTER the record-breaking 10hour long Asian Music Festival 2011, Malaysia will once again play host to the LOUD Festival at the Putra Indoor Stadium in Bukit Jalil on July 30.

Asia’s King of R&B Jay Chou will be here once again for his anticipated performance at the

international music event. Also in the line-up are Taiwanese alternative band Sodagreen, Landy Wen and Cindy Yen. Fans can expect two hours of incredible and euphoric performances.

There will also be special crossovers, where artistes will

perform duets just for the night.

Tickets will be available from tomorrow. Details available from Star Planet at 03-9223 3667 or Ticket Charge at 039222 8811, www.starplanet. com.my or www.unusual.com. sg.

LANDY WEN

8 ● ● ● ●

Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011 the malay mail

hotline@mmail.com.my

your right to be heard

tel:03-7947 2288 fax: 03-7960 5096 tel:019-261 4948 (after 9pm)

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

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

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

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

By IKRAM ISMAIL, REENA RAJ, CECILIA VICTOR, EE ANN NEE and SITI NURSURAYA ALI

'Too sexy for my shirt' Gym ends woman's membership for 'obscene' attire

HAVING your gym membership terminated because of your exercise gear is probably the last thing you would expect to happen.

As ludicrous as it may sound, this was the bombshell fired by one of the largest privatelyowned health clubs in the world on a 47-year-old administrator.

CAROL LOKE from Cheras was given a 'rude awakening' by Fitness First Cheras Leisure Mall outlet earlier this month.

Even more outrageous was the fact she was informed about the decision at a roadside food stall by the gym's management!

The mother-of-two who goes to this gym at least three times a week was stopped by three gym staff outside the outlet as she was heading there for her regular workout on May 16.

"The staff, one of whom is the manager of the gym known as Maggie, stopped me and told me that they wanted to have a talk with me immediately. They then took me to a tea stall nearby where she bluntly told me I was no longer allowed into the gym as they had terminated my membership."

LOKE says when she asked

for the reason, the staff replied they had been receiving numerous complaints from other gym members regarding her 'skimpy clothes' and the way she screams during class. No document was shown to support these allegations at this juncture.

LOKE claims the manager later showed her a complaint letter sent to Fitness First management with several signatures on it but she was not given a chance to go through the letter.

"The manager also insisted I return the access card to her, but I refused because the termination was verbal.

"I've been a member of this gym for seven years but I was not given prior warning before my roadside termination.

"They also said they would rather lose one customer than all the others."

LOKE says when she asked for an explanation again, the manager was only able to say there were complaints by the other members.

She then quoted Clause 14 of the terms and conditions of the Fitness First membership.

"I was not satisfied as I felt it was unfair and I lodged a police report the following day at the Taman Connaught police station."

LOKE says prior to the May 16 incident, the manager did call her for a meeting on April 10 and told her that members have been complaining about her attire and her behaviour during class.

"I brought two witnesses along but when the management commented about my attire, I asked for their attire guidelines but they didn't have any. The meeting ended without an outcome."

Two years ago, LOKE said she

was called up by the then manager of the gym for the same reason.

LOKE says if her dressing was considered indecent, the fitness centre should have a dress code so that members know what they should or should not wear.

"I also would like to know which clause states that we must be silent during classes? In fact, the instructors encourage us to be more participative. I did not cause anyone any problems. It is very unfair for a loyal member to be treated in this manner."

● IN a statement to Hotline, a spokesperson for Fitness First Malaysia says they terminated LOKE's membership primarily because of her "obscene" gym attire which exposes certain private parts of the body.

However, the decision was also made because of the following incidents that occurred over the last one year: ● Misbehavior during group exercise classes where she screams, shouts and moans. These actions are deemed disturbing to both the instructor and the members. ● Verbally abusing members in the changing room on a one-toone basis and in general such as yelling out that all members in the centre were stupid. ● Damaging the centre's property by throwing equipment, such as bars and plates, during class and smashing the front desk phone after using it.

"Fitness First had taken earlier steps in handling the matter, such as holding a meeting on April 24 between LOKE and the branch manager as witnessed by a staff and two other members," said the statement.

"The branch manager had addressed the seriousness of the complaints received from members and instructors with regard to LOKE'S obscene gym attire and her misbehavior during the group exercise classes. It had been highlighted that recurrence of further misconduct would lead to the termination of LOKE'S membership with reference to the Fitness First terms and conditions stated in the contract."

"On May 16, LOKE was informed, witnessed by two other staff, the complaints had escalated from the last meeting due to her verbally abusing members in the changing room and on online social networks. Therefore the management had no choice but to terminate her membership with immediate effect as highlighted to her a month ago."

The statement also stated they informed LOKE the termination letter would be ready on Wednesday May 18.

"We tried calling LOKE to pick up her termination letter on May 18 but she did not answer our calls."

The termination was based on clause 14 of Fitness First contract signed between LOKE and Fitness First Management on 27th December 2004 which states: "The management may terminate the membership of any member without notice and with immediate effect if a member’s conduct, whether or not such conduct is subject of complaint by another member or members, is such that in the reasonable opinion of the management, it is harmful to the character and/or interests of the club."

Syabas water bill goes missing MAKING prompt payments to Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) is what M SIVA from Ampang had been practising all this while.

But when he did not receive his water bill for May, SIVA was irked and pointed out an underlying problem that may have been the cause of his

missing bill.

SIVA claims Syabas officers had been putting bills into the wrong letter boxes after they read the household water meters.

“For the last two months (March and April), I’ve been receiving my neighbours’ bills in my letter box. It’s becoming habitual for Syabas officers to mis-

place the bills. Are they lazy? Bills can go missing very easily this way.”

He says when Syabas officers came to read the meters on May 2, he did not receive any bill.

“I gave a two-day grace period in case someone found my bill in their letter box and returned it to me.”

However, when there was no sign of the bill, he lodged a complaint with Syabas’ customer service centre Puspel and was informed a bill would be sent to him.

But a week passed and SIVA still did not receive his bill.

“I don’t want people to end up in the same situ-

ation and don’t know the amount to pay."

● A SYABAS spokesman

says the company conducted an investigation on the complaint and found that similar cases had indeed happened.

"We have identified the staff involved and taken appropriate action.

"Syabas takes the water bill delivery issue seriously and will ensure the same incident will not occur again."

Consumers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya who have problems with water supply or services can call Puspel at 1-800-88-5252 (24 hours) or SMS PUSPEL.

SERVICES: • Telekom directory - 103 • Telekom assistance - 101 • Telekom Faults and repair - 100

• Telekom Time announcements -1-51 • TNB Toll-Free Complaints - 15454 • Securities Commission - 03-6204 8000

Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011 the malay mail

9

Unstable voltage, faulty street lights

FAIZAL HAMZAH from Taman Desa Kencana, Meru, Klang, is frustrated with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) because they have not attended to a faulty street light for a long period of time and voltage in his neighbourhood is unstable.

"I pay my electricity bills on time every month and I expect quality service from TNB. "However, the electricity

supply to our neighbourhood is unstable. Often the lights in my home go dim and then come back to normal. This happens all day long."

FAIZAL says he is worried that unstable voltage will cause his electrical appliances to malfunction.

"Even the street light in front of my house has not been working for the past eight months and nothing is being done about it."

to faulty equipment in Meru and engineers were sent to rectify the problem the next day.

When contacted, FAIZAL confirms TNB technicians fixed the street light but he was unhappy about the way TNB handled the unstable voltage issue. According to FAIZAL a technician came by the house on a weekday without making an appointment.

● A TNB spokesperson says: "We have deployed a team of technicians to FAIZAL's home and the street light has been fixed.

"The streetlight was not fixed because we did not receive any complaints but upon receiving the complaint, it was immediately rectified."

On the voltage problem, the spokesperson said investigations revealed it was due

Old tree poses threat Council finally chops it down and apologises for delay

FOR the past one month, GARY NAGAN from Taman Puchong Jaya has been anxiously hoping the tree behind his house would not collapse.

Every time it rains, he starts to worry as the branches would begin to crack.

"It's an old tree which has slanted and I'm afraid if it is not chopped down soon, someone might get hurt.

"I've been calling the Subang Jaya Municipal Council regularly for the past two weeks to cut down the tree but there has been no response from them."

GARY is worried the tree might fall on an electric cable behind his neighbour's house which is a children's nursery.

"What happens if the tree falls and hits the electric cabling? This can be disastrous and children might get electrocuted.

"My house, too, will be badly damaged as the tree is facing the back portion of

LEE KOK SENG of Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam is appalled at the low level of security for mobile phone users who are at the mercy of unscrupulous third parties.

He says in March, he began receiving text messages from a company, Moore Nasser, on his handphone and was charged RM5 per SMS. "I never authorised any third party to send me text messag-

AFTER

BEFORE

"Luckily, my neighbour had a set of my house keys, and she let him in."

FAIZAL claims when he asked the technician why he came without an appointment, the technician's reply was: "I'm doing my work too."

"The unstable voltage problem has yet to be resolved but TNB is working closely with me to solve the problem."

IN THE DARK: The faulty street light

Online Hotline comments www.mmail.com.my Dream holiday dashed (May 19) • ANOTHER scam by a tour agency. What is MATTA going to do about this? Is a police report being made?

— Anonymous Two year P1 Wimax nighmare (May 19) • WOW, P1 is still at it. I still receive a bill asking me to settle RM33.29 even after I paid it at the PJ HQ last year.

And they notified me of outstanding bills by blacklisting me.

No mail, no phone calls. Blacklist first.

— p1 forgets payment made Astro disconnected four times (May 16) • TRY contacting their call centre and I assure you, you will end up spending not less than 20 minutes just being passed around. It's time for another paying station to come into the picture. Their monopoly has to end or this is what we will have to put up with. — Beyond The Sky One tight squeeze (May 16) • ON the spot fine — RM100 — no negotiation. That will solve the problem. — Anonymous1

DANGER: The looming tree

my home. If it collapses, it would hit one of my rooms, break the windows and even cause other damage.

"The children at the nursery have been constantly watching the tree as branches break. One child even told me he was scared that the tree would hit him and his friends."

GARY wants the local council to chop down the

THREAT REMOVED: Gone for good

tree immediately as lives are at stake.

● SUBANG JAYA Municipal Council public relations assistant director Asfarizal Abdul Rashid says: "We sent officers to chop down the tree on May 18 as it posed a danger to the complainant. We would like to apologise to the residents for taking some time

Stop the SMSes, please es," he tells Hotline.

He says despite lodging three complaints with Maxis on March 26, April 1 and April 22, the issue remains unresolved.

LEE says in March, he was charged RM65 for the text messages and another RM360 in his April bill.

"I see this as fraud. I am sure the third party cannot show proof that I activated the service."

He demands Maxis to stop third party text messages.

● A MAXIS Communications

Berhad spokesman says: "We thank LEE and apologise for the inconvenience caused.

"We contacted him and informed him the external content provider has investigated the feedback and confirmed the request was generated from his mobile phone.

to attend to the matter."

When contacted GARY is grateful to both the local council and Hotline for solving the problem.

"The tree had been around for quite a while and had caused worry every single minute. The council kept their promise and carried out works immediately after it was brought to their attention by Hotline."

"However, we have since requested the content provider to cancel all subscriptions made from LEE’s mobile phone.

"LEE has accepted our explanation and we have amicably resolved the matter with him."

When contacted, LEE says there has been no further third party SMSes since last week.

Pain on the highway (May 11) • THERE are many excuses being offered by everyone.The law states that there are lanes for motorcyclists and they should use it. By coming on to the main Federal Highway they are breaking the law. Heavier punishment should be meted out if they turn out to be consistent law breakers.The flooding of motorcycle lanes is not an issue with car drivers. It is an issue for RTD and the Transport Ministry that the motorcyclist should be taking up with. As a British driver I have seen umpteen number of times motorcyclists turning up on my side out of the blue and cutting in and out with no regard to their own lives and others. I must admit even Malaysian car drivers are no angels, but the government must crack down with heavier penalties to stop errant motorcyclists and drivers. Otherwise more deaths will continue to occur.

— Ethnic Malaysian • I HAVE tested the bike lane from KL to Klang and everything seems to be fine but only when it rains it is a bit dangerous.

I actually enjoy my ride at the bike lane even though I drive to work most of the time. Riding is just for fun. Those who ride on the highway do not only endanger their lives but other road users as well. They never change. — Anonymous Half-eaten chicken in a barrel? (April 26) DON'T agree we have to accept a lower expectation of service when wages are low at RM4 an hour. A job is a job.

When you accept a job, give the best and take pride in it. If you feel it is too little, then don't accept the job in the first place. It is such mentality that we have in Malaysia that makes everybody take a tidak apa approach. No, we have to change this mindset. Be professional and don't ruin your boss' business! — ST

10 letters&opinions Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

the malay mail

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

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

KUALA LUMPUR

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

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

Maintenance culture

Start them young

MY daily ride to any part of our city shows one thing clearly. We Malaysians build passionately but we go offsteam when it comes to maintenance.

The moment a building structure is up and occupied, there goes its looks and overall feel. It can be a highway, hospital, hotel, town hall, street lights, sports complex or any structure we build for the betterment of our people or the common public.

This weekend I attended a wedding in a Puspanita hall near the old Wisma Putra.

I was shocked the way in which the toilets were kept.

The water was dripping and the WC was faulty.

The same evening I was

driving back from the Plus Highway onto Jalan Duta where about 10 street lights were not working around the construction site of the new palace. When I got onto Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Tun Razak, I was shocked to find potholes and the number of street lights that were not functioning.

Returning home on the L e b u h r ay a D a m a n s a r a Puchong, I saw several street lights which were not working.

Once, when I called a CEO of a highway operator and told him to send his maintenance team to check the stretch, his answer was, a few streets not working here and there would not make

much difference.

Take a ride from the North South Highway onto Jalan Duta and you will see unkempt palm trees and patches of uncut grass along the side.

Hartamas, an upmarket sanctuary of apartments, has large potholes leading to the new palace. I wonder, if maintenance had been our concern, would we have lost the 16 poor children in the recent landslide?

While one might say that it is the Public Service Department that may be slack in maintaining public amenities, I beg to differ. I have had the luxury of using toilets in five-star hotels which were either malfunc-

tioning or leaking. Why is this culture prevalent now?

Is it because we rely too much on foreign workers, whose standards are lower than ours? Is it that teenagers today are ignorant of maintenance or upkeep because they grew up with maids in their homes? Maybe, but I seriously think maintenance must be taught as a subject in schools for Malaysians so that we become more focussed and concerned about a matter which is serious enough to kill people, drain millions of our assets, tarnish our image, pull down our investors, turn away tourist dollars and bring peril to our young nation.

Young Malaysians must be

proactive. If parents don't prepare them, then schools should prepare them through formal education.

We must also have a proper feedback system for users. The Local City Halls, the Public Works Division and the highway operators must place more signages on how to report potholes, non-f unc t ioning st re et lights, tree pruning on city roads or around buildings.

I think the government's Transformation Programme should include the maintenance culture as one of its key drivers.

Feedback public lines should always be in working condition and not like the toll-free line of the Road

Transport Department. You will be lucky if someone answers it.

The Prime Minister announces the investments we are getting every month.

Can we also have all the local authorities announcing how many complaints they have received, how many have been resolved and how many more pending so that this creates greater awareness among the Malaysian society?

Malaysia needs more caring people to care for the well-being of our nation, environment and public properties. The maintenance culture must start young.

transport companies?

In earlier years, we could go anywhere by bus, even to the kampung, small towns and new villages.

Today, each and every working folk has to own at least one car to move around.

All this does not enhance

the status of the country.

If Malaysia can reduce 10 per cent of its vehicles within one to two years, the government's savings will be tremendous. There will not be any more subsidy issues arising.

The government encourages more motor vehicle imports

and collects exorbitant tax.

Now that these vehicles need fuel to run them, the government wants to remove the subsidies.

Please look at the bigger picture.

Ravindran Raman Kutty

PUTRAJAYA Fuel price hike likely by month-end (May 21)

Don’t compare with other nations CHINA is the fifth biggest fossil fuel producer just below Iran, and I believe Indonesia is the 21st and Malaysia is the 26th.

I read there are only RON95 and RON97 in Malaysia, both of which are usually more expensive than lower octane ratings but also more efficient for urban vehicles.

In other countries, they have RON80 to 85 which is much cheaper but only available in rural areas for old cars, such as in Indonesia and Egypt, or mountainous ranges, such as in the United States, because it can damage vehicles at low-lying areas.

So it is not right for us to compare prices with these countries. We should compare our RON95 to the price of RON95 in other countries, not just any octane rating fuel.

Malaysian crude oil is of low sulfur and hence considered to be of higher quality, hence our oil commands a higher price on the international market, especially in developed countries.

That is why it is more astute to sell our petrol for profit, and import cheaper high sulfur crude oil from the Middle East for local consumption.

At the same time, we should not compare ourselves with Brunei as it is a small country with a small population but with very high per capita oil production.

They can afford to sell petrol dirt cheap to their citizens.

If we sell our high quality crude oil for local consumption at cheap prices, how will our petroleum industry make a profit?

It is easy to find out about such unbiased information on the Internet, instead, many of us just swallow whatever political propaganda that is thrown at us.

Reader

Hike our pay

REFERRING to the article, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri

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

Yaakob said the government will take into consideration all factors, including the burden on the people, before making any adjustments on the petrol price, including that of RON95.

Exactly what considerations are the governments taking in?

The price of RON95 is destined to increase.

Yet the government never seems to consider imposing a mandatory annual pay increment to help normal people combat the problem of price hikes and spending increment.

People are suffering, yet the government is shedding crocodile tears, saying things like it is studying this, and subsidising that.

But on the overall situation, have government officials or lawmakers ever eaten in coffee shops, or even bought milk powder for their children.

In fact, it is the people feeding the government with our hard-earned money, while we, the people, are not getting a pay package like those sitting on top.

Upset

Look at bigger picture

LOOKING at the rate things are going, has the government ever thought about reducing the number of motor vehicles on the road and providing better incentives to public

Anon

In the near future, I hope to set up a charity foundation to help others in need — Yvonne Foong

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 may, 2011

PETALING JAYA

news

11

Brain tumour girl with zest for life

Multiple surgeries have not stopped her drive to motivate others or raise funds for needy causes

By Faizal Nor Izham mmnews@mmail.com.my

SHE has undergone nine surgeries here and in the United States since 2002 when she was a teenager, but that did not deter Yvonne Foong (pic) from writing a book in 2006 about her genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), or pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology in the US (now in her third year), or even raising funds for others in need.

"Each surgery was done to remove tumors growing in my brain, spine and along peripheral nerves," said the 23-yearold who clearly has a zest for living life to the fullest.

"My last surgery was in August 2010 at the House Clinic in Los Angeles where surgeons removed a brain tumour in my left lateral ventricle."

There is no known cure for NF2, an inherited multisystem genetic disorder associated

with brain tumours, significant ill health, decreased life span and problems in the eyes.

"I am doing okay now and can live independently with the use of devices like the desktop video magnifier to read, a whiteboard to communicate with people faceto-face and an artificial arm to hold onto when I walk on difficult terrain," she said during an interview with The Malay Mail.

"There are other tumours remaining in my body and those that grow and cause problems have to be removed.

Tumours grow at different rates, and need to be closely monitored. Also, tumours which are removed may grow back within five years."

Her first two surgeries were carried out in Malaysia, and the following seven in the US. "I started experiencing

"I'm also a motivational speaker and welcome people to invite me to speak for a fee. The purpose of my talks is to inspire others with hope, faith and strength through my story," she said, adding she had been selected to participate in clinical research at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH).

"I go to the NIH twice a year for physical examinations and by having a five-year involvement participating in their NF2 symptoms of NF2 when I was programme, I am contribut13, losing hearing in my right ing to scientific research and ear and the following year, I had difficulty maintaining my balance when walking," she said.

"My mother has long been my main pillar of strength during all the difficult periods and I am fortunate that friends and the public have also provided funds for my surgeries.

PUTRAJAYA

More staff, higher target for Takaful TAKAFUL Malaysia Bhd aims to recruit at least 1,900 sales personnel for its retail agency division to attain a RM20 million first-year cash contribution target for the financial year ending 2011.

Its retail agency general manager, Mohd Suhaimi Ahmad, pointed out in the first quarter of this year, the company had already achieved its total new agency leaders’ recruitment target and was optimistic of being able to reel in more new blood through various recruitment drives.

"Not resting on our laurels, our retail agency division continues to strategise a series of roadshows and programmes that will offer lucrative business opportunities for 1Malaysia talents.

The initiatives in the pipeline are aimed at expanding our growing agency force," he said at Takaful Malaysia’s myAgency Awards Night in Putrajaya last Saturday.

Some 300 of Takaful Malaysia’s top agents attended the event, themed

AT THE AwardS Dinner: (from left) Top national group manager Maznah Abdullah, Mohamed Hassan, top national unit manager Abdul Gaffar PK Hoosen and top national agent Ramai Nor Latiff

"Glittering Nite".

"Takaful Malaysia takes great pride in organising this joyous myAgency Awards Night to reward and celebrate our sales force's glorious achievements for the past year," said the company's group managing director, Datuk Mohamed Hassan Md Kamil.

Takaful Malaysia, incorporated on Nov 29, 1984, currently has about one million

policyholders and aims to increase its customer base by another 25 per cent by year end.

The group’s assets now stand at RM4.9 billion, against RM4.4 billion as at June 2009. For the 18 months ended Dec 31, 2010, the company posted RM57.7 million in net profit or a 42.7 per cent jump against RM40.5 million during the same period the year before.

advancement on how to care for NF2 patients. At the same time, the NIH surgeons monitor my tumours and offer surgical services when needed."

She has also been selling Polo T-shirts on her blog (http:// www.yvonnefoong.com/) and has helped raise funds for fellow brain tumour patient Syahidah Ishak to pay off her hospital debts. Recently, Foong also helped raise some funds for the tsunami rescue and recovery missions in Japan.

"I am glad to be able to offer

Syahidah moral support and in the near future, I hope to set up a charity foundation to help other people in need."

During her trip back to Malaysia in January, Foong released a Chinese version of her 2006 autobiography titled I’m Not Sick, Just a Bit Unwell in which she chronicled how she coped with NF2.

"I have come to terms with my lifelong battle with NF2 and despite having to undergo surgeries periodically, I don't feel discouraged."

12

world

Widow wins right to frozen sperm

CANCER experts have issued a fresh warning about eating red and processed meat after ''the most authoritative report'' on the subject drew a direct connection with bowel cancer, The Age reported yesterday. The World Cancer Research Fund is advising people to limit their intake of beef, pork and lamb and avoid processed meat such as ham and salami.

Scientists beat data speed record COMPUTER users who despair over slow Internet connections should take heart.

German scientists have broken a speed record, sending data contained on 700 DVDs over a single laser beam, in one second, the Herald Sun reported.

The scientists at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) yesterday said they had broken the world record by sending data at a speed of 26 terabits per second. The data, sent over 50 km on a single laser beam, was coded thanks to a system known as orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM).

Tornado warning More severe weather ahead as 116 are killed in Missouri

MORE severe weather is on the way for the southern and central United States, forecasters said yesterday, just days after the worst single tornado in modern US history killed 116 people in Missouri.

A new tornado watch was issued yesterday for Oklahoma and parts of southern Kansas due to an "evolving tornado threat," said Russell Schneider, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Storm Prediction Center.

The central United States was warned to brace for more big storms today.

"We are currently forecasting a major severe weather outbreak for today over the central United States with strong tornadoes likely over Oklahoma, Kansas, extreme northern Texas, southwest Missouri," Schneider said.

The warning was extended to the area around Joplin, Missouri, which was hit hard in the weekend tornado, and would also include cities like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Wichita,

Topeka and Kansas City.

"On Wednesday, the system will shift eastward to the Mississippi River valley," Schneider said, including central Illinois and Indiana, southeast Missouri and the southeastern states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and much of Arkansas.

The United States is on pace for a record year for deadly tornadoes, according to officials.

There have already been about 1,000 tornadoes this year, the National Weather Service said. The previous yearly record was set in 2004 with 1,817.

Prior to the twister that tore through Joplin on Sunday, there were 365 people confirmed killed by tornadoes, most of them in a spate of twisters that struck the south in April.

In June 1953, 116 people were killed by a tornado that struck Flint, Michigan, an event that has tied with the Joplin storm as the deadliest single twister since modern records began in 1950. — AFP

WASHINGTON

No link between twisters and climate change THE United States is experiencing the deadliest year for tornadoes in nearly six decades, but a top US weather expert said yesterday there is no link between the violent twisters and climate change.

Instead, the reasons for the spiking death tolls are more likely due to the rise in the number of mobile homes and the chance paths taken by a series of tornadoes that have happened to target populated areas.

"This year is an extraordinary outlier," said Harold Brooks, research meteorologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National S evere Storms L ab orator y in Norman, Oklahoma.

But when scientists examine the most complete records available and adjust for changes in how tornadoes were reported over time, "we see no correlation between global or US national temperature and tornado occurrence," Brooks said.

"Tornado deaths require two things. You have to have the tornado and you have to have people in the right or the wrong place," Brooks said.

"The biggest single demographic change that probably affects things is that the fraction of mobile homes in the United States has increased over the years," he said.

Anything that can be tossed into the air, like cars and mobile homes, can prove deadly in a tornado and people are urged to take shelter underground if possible.

Twisters are formed when atmospheric conditions come together in a certain way. At low levels, the atmosphere is warm and moist, coupled with cold dry air above.

"In April, essentially we were stuck in a pattern where that was the way things were for a couple of weeks, and that pattern didn't move so we had repeated episodes that were favorable for producing significant tornadoes," Brooks explained. — AFP

An Icelandic volcano is threatening to disrupt European air travel again, just a year after the last eruption grounded flights for almost a week. Ash from Grimsvotn volcano has created a plume 13km high and is expected to cover a large area of the North Atlantic by Tuesday morning Grimsvotn: Under Vatnajökull glacier. Most powerful eruption in 100 years began May 21 NORTH EURASIAN AMERICAN P L AT E P L AT E

Active volcanoes Historic eruptions 100km 60 miles

Krafla

ICELAND Loki-Fogrufjöll Langjökull

it Stra

No ham, say cancer experts

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

WASHINGTON

Denmark

A WIDOW's quest to have her dead husband's baby will head interstate or overseas after a New South Wales court found that while his sperm was her ''property'', State laws prohibited her from using it to conceive a child, The Age reported yesterday.

Jocelyn Edwards will be allowed to remove from storage at IVF Australia three ''straws'' of frozen sperm extracted from her husband Mark after his death last year.

There have already been about 1,000 tornadoes this year. The previous yearly record was set in 2004 with 1,817. — US National Weather Service

Reykjavik Krisuvik Reykjanes Brennisteinfjöll

Askja

Bardarbungar Kverkfjöll

Laki Esjufjöll

Hekla

Vatnafjöll

Öræfajökull Katla

NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

Vestmannaeyjar (Surtsey, Heimaey) Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Tectonic plates pulling apart, allowing molten lava to rise to surface

Eyjafjallajökull: Eruption of Apr 14, 2010, caused major disruption, with spasmodic interruption to flights for up to six weeks

Ash cloud prediction, May 24, 00:00GMT Greenland

ICELAND Ash concentration 200-2,000 micrograms per m3 2,000-4,000 micrograms/m3 >4,000 micrograms/m3 Source: UK Meteorological Office

© GRAPHIC NEWS

LONDON

Ash cloud causes flight cancellations in Scotland A DENSE cloud of ash from an Icelandic volcano blew toward Scotland yesterday, forcing airlines to cancel flights, US President Barack Obama to cut short his visit to Ireland and carriers across Europe to fear a repeat of the huge disruptions that stranded millions of passengers a year ago.

British Airways suspended all its flights between London and Scotland this morning, and Dutch carrier KLM canceled more than a dozen flights to and from Scotland and northern England at the same time. Two domestic airlines also announced flight disruptions.

Still, officials say they don't expect the problems caused by the Grimsvotn (GREEMSH-votn) volcano that began erupting on Saturday to be as great as that caused by another Icelandic volcano last year that led to the grounding of almost all air traffic in Europe for several days amid fears that the ash could cause engines to stall. Authorities say systems and procedures have been improved, and the ash is currently not expected to move into continental Europe.

Britain's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said the ash could reach Scottish airspace from today onward and affect other parts of the UK and

Ireland later in the week.

Glasgow-based regional airline Loganair canceled 36 flights scheduled for Tuesday morning. It said its flights between Scottish islands would be unaffected. Another small airline, Eastern Airways, which is based in northern England, also canceled all flights to and from Scotland on Tuesday.

Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of the CAA, said: "Our number one priority is to ensure the safety of people both onboard aircraft and on the ground. We can't rule out disruption, but the new arrangements that have been put in place since last year's ash cloud mean the aviation sector is better prepared and will help to reduce any disruption in the event that volcanic ash affects UK airspace."

Many airlines said authorities overestimated the danger to planes from the abrasive ash last year, and overreacted by closing airspace for five days.

CAA spokesman Jonathan Nicholson said authorities this time would give airlines information about the location and density of ash clouds. Any airline that wanted to fly would have to present a safety report to aviation authorities in order to be allowed to fly. — AP

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

What I realised was, that you guys, that you are keeping all the best stuff. I'm very impressed — President Barack Obama about Irish Stout

world

13

MONEYGALL (IRELAND)

O'bama goes 'home' President's visit to ancestral village includes a pint of Guinness

WHEN US President Barack Obama took a gulp of Guinness in a pub here yesterday, he finally came "home" to the Irish village where his ancestor Falmouth Kearney was born.

Obama and his wife Michelle were given a rapturous welcome after flying in by helicopter to Moneygall in the rural heart of Ireland, from where his great-greatgreat-grandfather Falmouth Kearney had left for the US in 1850.

Accompanied by Henry Healy, a 26-year-old resident of Moneygall and the president's eighth cousin, the presidential couple made the essential pilgrimage every visitor to Ireland must make — to the pub.

In the low-ceilinged, crowded room, the president relaxed and took a mouthful

of his white-topped pint, while his wife gamely tried half a pint.

"The first time I had a Guinness was when I came into Shannon," he said, referring to the airport in western Ireland where US presidential flights often stop after crossing the Atlantic.

"It was the middle of the night, and I tried one of these, and I realised it tastes so much better here than it was in the States.

"What I realised was, that you guys, that you are keeping all the best stuff. I'm very impressed."

The president said he had heard it was important who was pouring the Guinness.

"Am I right about that?" he asked, to a chorus of "yeahs".

"So people asked for this guy?" he said, before being

told the barman was "the best".

Earlier, the couple had been introduced to Healy for the first time, with the First Lady hugging him warmly.

With security extremely tight for the visit, Moneygall's 300 residents were securitychecked and had to queue to get tickets to be allowed back into their own village.

But even rain showers could not dampen their enthusiasm as they shouted "Welcome" and one resident even managed to kiss Michelle Obama as the presidential couple grasped their hands.

There was a photograph to remember for one family as the president held a baby that was passed from the crowd to him.

"Thank you so much for coming," the president yelled to the crowd. — AFP

IT'S GOOD FOR YOU: Obama enjoys a pint of Guinness in his ancestral home of Moneygall alongside First Lady Michelle Obama (left). The US president is visiting Ireland for one day at the start of a week-long tour of Europe. — Getty Images

14

the malay mail

tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 may, 2011

Jetstar now a do-it-yourself airline PASSENGERS on budget airline Jetstar will be forced to pay for customer service under a new automated system, the Herald Sun reported yesterday.

They will also have to print their own tickets and tag their baggage under the system, to be introduced in November to cut costs and beat ever-annoying queues.

Jetstar switched to automatic check-in by introducing a new SMS booking system that issues boarding passes and luggage tags via a network of electronic scanners.

Glee cast go Down Under STARS of the hit TV series Glee are heading for Australia in July for special "Gleek-On" fan events in Sydney and Melbourne, the Herald Sun reported yesterday.

Harry Shum Jr (Mike), Kevin McHale (Artie) and Dot Jones (Coach Beiste) will all attend the events alongside a fourth yet-to-be-named cast member. Tickets for the event start at A$95 (RM305).

Katherine tweets forgiviness KATHERINE Schwarzenegger's family has been torn apart by her father's infidelity. But the 21year-old has seemingly made it clear that shouldn't mean the end of her relationship with the former California governor. Katherine took to Twitter to issue an apparent message of forgiveness to Arnold, retweeting "words of wisdom" clearly meant to show her feelings, the Daily Mail reported.

Both she and her brother Patrick have been tweeting since the scandal broke that their father had a love child with their housekeeper.

"Sometimes we forgive people cause we want them back in our lives."

It is rather unsustainable where newspapers can't print something everyone else is talking about — British Prime Minister David Cameron

world

15

Gag order backfires LONDON

Parliamentarian and Twitter throw hefty kick at Ryan Giggs injunction

BRITAIN'S scandal-hungry news media, an outspoken parliamentarian and thousands of ordinary people using the Twitter micro-blogging site have dealt a body blow to an institution of British justice, flouting a gag order imposed by one of the country's top judges.

Soccer star Ryan Giggs (pic) had been granted an injunction preventing media from publishing allegations that he'd had an affair with reality television contestant Imogen Thomas, but over the past few days his identity has increasingly appeared across the Internet, leaving newspapers to chomp at the bit as Twitter users swapped jokes about the sportsman's alleged indiscretion.

The journalists knew. The soccer fans knew. Even Prime Minister David Cameron knew, telling morning televi-

sion that it was "rather unsustainable where newspapers can't print something everyone else is talking about."

But breaking an injunction is a serious business, and the dam didn't completely burst until British lawmaker John Hemming identified Manchester United star Giggs in Parliament yesterday.

Members of Parliament benefit from absolute immunity, meaning that they have free rein to say what they wish and shrug off the threat of contempt of court.

Until then, Britain's media had largely held its fire, relying instead on knowing references in gossip columns and blacked-out profile shots. But the pressure had been building all weekend, with hundreds of tweets an hour identifying Giggs as the man behind the gag order. Soccer fans openly taunted Giggs about the mat-

ter at a recent game. One journalist even blurted out part of the man's name in a broadcast interview.

The case has increasingly become a touchstone for arguments over what Britons know as "super-injunctions", sweeping legal measures that ban journalists from writing about something, or even writing about the fact that they can't write about something.

The injunction that had been at work in the soccer star's case was more properly known as an "anonymised injunction" — which meant that media organisations could write about him, so long as they kept his name a secret.

Gag orders aren't necessarily devoted to tawdry personal matters, but of the 30 or so such injunctions awarded in Britain since 2008, all but three have gone to males. That has lead some legal commen-

tators to suggest injunctions are being used by wealthy and powerful men to keep their alleged sexual indiscretions from being aired in public.

It's in that context that Giggs' name increasingly dripped out over the past few weeks. Every time his legal team tried to plug a leak, several more sprang.

On Sunday, Scotland's Sunday Herald became the first British newspaper to flout the injunction, publishing a thinly censored photograph of the soccer star on its front page.

Only his eyes were blacked out.

The sportsman's face clearly recognisable.

— AP

LAS VEGAS

LONDON

Rihanna, Swift, Beyonce shine on Billboard RIHANNA and Taylor Swift were two of the key winners at the Billboard Music Awards, which returned after a five-year hiatus with a major dose of star power, featuring Beyonce, U2, the Black Eyed Peas, even First Lady

Michelle Obama.

Like many other awards shows, the three-hour Billboard Awards served more as a promotional vehicle for today's top pop stars than a trophy presentation.

The show was packed with performances, a piano-levitating Cee Lo Green, a scantily clad Rihanna on S&M joined by Britney Spears, a muchbleeped Lil Wayne with Mary J. Blige, and Neil Diamond leading the audience in a sing-a-long to Sweet Car-

oline and America.

Among Rihanna's wins were for radio artist of the year and top female artist.

Swift won the evening's first award, as top album artist, behind the multimillion sales for Speak Now. She also won top country artist.

"The impact of an album is all determined by the fans," she told the audience when she picked up her first. "You've just given me another reason to be completely in love

with you."

Other award winners included Justin Bieber, Lady Antbellum and the Black Eyed Peas.

Beyonce received a special "Millennium" Award for her career achievements, The 29year-old phenomenon was lauded in a video by an array of legends and luminaries, including Stevie Wonder, Barbara Streisand, Bono, Lady Gaga and Michelle Obama.

"This is a moment I have to soak in because it is gonna be, and it is, one of the best moments of my life," said Beyonce after getting the award from her mother, Tina Knowles. Beyonce also performed her new song, Run the World Girls.

U2 was also honoured for their blockbuster "360" tour as the top touring act of 2010, while Diamond received Billboard' "Icon" award.

The Billboard Music Awards are given out to music's most popular artists.

The finalists and winners are determined by their rank on the Billboard charts and their "social and streaming activity."

FAVOURITES: Beyonce and Swift are honoured at Billboard's return

Early Jane Austen manuscript to go on auction AU C T I O N h o u s e Sotheby's says it is selling an early Jane Austen manuscript — the only major manuscript by the author still in private hands.

The auction house says the draft for The Watsons is the earliest surviving manuscript for a novel by Austen that was probably written in 1804.

It said yesterday the manuscript is estimated at £200,000 to £300,000 (RM985,000 to RM1.4 million).

The novel is incomplete and was written before Austen was a published writer.

It centres on a family of four sisters, the daughters of a widowed clergyman. It was not published during Austen's lifetime.

The manuscript has not been at auction since 1988. It will be auctioned in London on July 14. — AP

16 lifestyle

When a shy guy looks like a rock

IT’S not hard to warm up to Leon James ‘Lee’ DeWyze, Jr. The shy demeanor of the American Idol, something that he was criticised for throughout the competition — is endearing to say the least.

As he kept looking down, twiddling his fingers, the answers gushed out with an honest air.

Lee occasionally rambled, as he appeared to struggle to get comfortable and articulate his answers. One would imagine that he might hardly have that problem after going through the whole Idol process.

It was unfortunate that the 20 minutes for the round table session was hardly adequate to really scratch beyond the façade of shyness behind the 25-year-old who spoke with a certain authority. Still, his meanderings was

By JOE LEE joelee@mmail.com.my

twitter @klubbkiddkl strengthened by the confident air of an old soul.

The "reluctant rock star" was on his last stop in Kuala Lumpur after traipsing through Asia for a promo stint for his debut album, Live It Up. Nevertheless, the interview was a welcome change from many interviews.

DeWyze slowly warmed up and shrugged off the myths to what exactly makes an 'Idol'.

When a local journo asked if he was really one, after being labelled an 'American Idol' (perhaps in insinuation of the lackluster career of most who have held on to the crown post the TV show), Lee said: “If I wasn’t ok with it I wouldn’t have auditioned, and gone through a whole year of process.

“I’m definitely ok with being known as an idol. It’s easy for people who just watch the show and

don’t listen to the music to label someone as just an American Idol. For them, it’s not about the music and then they just move on and jump on to the next season. If you’re a fan of music, that doesn’t happen.”

Lee paused a moment before adding: “I’m out for fans who are fans of music. People can say what they want, but I’m in it for the music.

“When it comes to your own album, you get to create it yourself, as opposed to on the show to take songs that are not yours and made popular by another artiste to make it appealing to an audience who wants to be impressed.”

The show perhaps, has a downside, in creating a mistaken perception for those who observe more of the whole shebang as merely a well-packaged TV show.

The music aspect of it, tends to take a backseat.

“On the show, sometimes you’re rock… and so on. When it’s Shania Twain week or Sinatra week, you can’t expect someone to do either one and still sound like it’s off the same album.

“You take each week as much as you can and do the best you can and hope all that eventually go away when you can do your own music.”

In that respect, his debut effort, Live It Up is very much different from what fans may know Lee DeWyze of from American Idol.

“So in that respect, yes, the album is different as I wrote it and it’s me,” said Lee as he stared at his hands, before shifting his gaze to us, while twiddling his fingers again.

He is adamant about sticking to his guns for his passion for writing songs. In fact, he aims to not just do it for himself, but aspires to write for other acts as well.

“Every opportunity to do it, at

Lee aspires to write songs for other acts as well

home or in the studio, I'd jump at that (to write songs). I think that everyone’s got their artistic passion and I don’t think it’s unusual for someone on Idol to write,” he said in response to a question on how unusual it is for an Idol to be responsible for his own album of self-penned tunes.

“I was writing some five years before Idol. People act as if you wake up and go 'Hey, I can sing!', like Idol created you when it gives you an opportunity to showcase what you can do.

“I’m blessed enough to have that experience and to take my music to a much larger scale, but writing is something I’m happy and proud of doing after the show. Bottomline is, the show is a good platform, that’s why it’s such a success.”

While some may think Idols are manufactured pop, Lee prides himself indeed on his craft.

“It was definitely a valuable experience to work with Grammywinning producers. I’m always learning and absorbing. I know when you think you know everything people don’t want to help you, so I take everything, and you never know what ideas you can get off what others say.

“Still, I’m proud I stuck to my

xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A unique change of tempo MENTION the contemporary local music scene to the average Malaysian, and well, you’d probably witness a less than complimentary reception.

With the public so influenced by the relative grandiose of the Western realm of music, too many local artistes just seem to pale by comparison.

Though one rather unsung hero may just save us from our misconceptions, and show that there truly is more talent on our shores than is credited.

Possessing impressive, heart-moving vocals and

slick guitar skills neatly packaged into a friendly persona, 29-year-old Russell Curtis would probably keep you in awe of his soulful voice and killer strumming. And you’d not want him to stop playing.

Being the opening act for Astro Ria’s new romantic comedy Siapa Jem?, Russell wowed the people present with his unique rendition of Man Bai's classic Kau Ilhamku and after that, the media requested him to play one more song, Bruno Mar’s ohso-romantic hit Just the Way You Are. Having made his debut with his band, Curtis Blues Review

(CBR), in the local music scene in 2004 with Blast Off — a Hitz.tv local talent show for bands that wrapped up in early 2005 — Russell has since decided to submerse himself in the Malaysian music industry.

His band won second runner-up, signed by Maestro Talent and Management, and recorded the single Funky Freak that, according to Russell, still gets airtime even now.

“Music had always been a part-time thing prior to Blast Off. (After the show) it was the first time I truly considered to do music fulltime... though

it was still a part-time thing until about two years ago," the father of two said.

Plenty of Malaysians may not know of Russell and CBR, but the guys been around for a while, having played gigs at countless clubs through the years such as at Poppy Garden and Quartro. Poppy Garden is particularly memorable to Russell.

“Poppy was the first club gig that I got after Blast Off, which showed me that there is a demand for my sort of thing.

Every club band, that has ever performed anywhere, had to meet the prerequisite of having a female singer, and

guns, to be able to write every song but one in Live It Up,” he beamed.

“I told my label I wanted to do everything, and they said they would consider and I am proud that they trusted in me and managed to put it out as fast as we did and have a hand in the creation.”

While the life of an Idol gets a little tedious at times to be living out of a suitcase, moving from one country to another in the life of a rock star — there are perks to it.

“I don’t think I ever regret anything. There are things that come with the territory that can be frustrating, it’s being in the spotlight all the time which is fine, but sometimes it can get physically tiring,” he sighed.

“No one likes waking up every morning and doing what other people tell them to do. Doing what I do is like every other job, there are things you love doing and things others ask of you that you don’t like doing, but I’d never regret this opportunity.

“It’s a great learning experience and I’m happy with how everything turned out and where I am, and the music I’m making.

It’s been awesome, for most parts,

Russell Curtis

simply because I love playing music.”

Tiring as it is, jetsetting is actually a perk.

“To not only being able to do that at home, but to go to other places in the world and do that and share music with fans in other parts of the world, it’s better. I knew I had fans around the world, but meeting them has been an experience indeed.

“I’ve never left the US before this trip, so there was some jet lag, but other than that, it’s something different and a cool experience, with different places, foods and people,” he said, admitting that he didn’t know a thing about Malaysia before coming this way.

Meanwhile, speaking of the upcoming Idol finale with the showdown between Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina on May 26, Lee hinted that the contestants had it slightly better in some ways.

“They (the judges) were harsh (during my season), but I think everyone has their good and bad comments and I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that we all were so distinctly different from each other.”

For Lee however, negative comments don’t faze him.

“You take it, look at it and ask yourself, 'Can I take something from it, and is there any constructive criticism that I can use?'

Comments about song choices and arrangement however, I'd let it roll off my back, and focus on taking the good when I could and when it’s something negative, you either take something from it or ignore it totally.

“It’s important to know who you are and what to do, so when it happens it’s a lot easier.”

On the current season, Lee

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

k star

17

Who really deserves immunity win?

RELUCTANT ROCK STAR: Lee DeWyze is living his dreams as an artiste, and living it up anyway

shrugs off the ‘nicer’ judging.

“I’m not on their season, so am sure it’s hard for them. It’s definitely more… encouraging.

Whether it’s good or bad.. it’s just my opinion but whatever.

“J. Lo and Steven Tyler are on the show for the first time and I think they didn’t want to go on, guns ablazing and rip everyone apart. It’s definitely a more positive show.”

Still, holding on to his mantra of no regrets, Lee added, “I am glad that I was on the season I was on with Simon Cowell and going through it all.”

Meanwhile, for fans of Lee, you’ll be interested to know that he wants to send a special message out to you. If there was one

song that defines the album and himself, take a listen to the title track, Live It Up. “It’s just about having just one shot at things, and going for it!”

While it was targeted as the album’s first single, following the non-album releases of his cover in Beautiful Day, and digital tracks in the remake of Hallelujah, Falling Slowly and The Boxer, it never was released.

“Well, it was supposed to be first single…,” he trailed off.

A marketing strategy to have the infectious Sweet Serendipity perhaps?

“It was not a marketing strategy, I can tell you that right now.

People just suggested something more upbeat and uptempo

and I take everything everyone says into account and we made changes, but I am happy with the first single.“ So, will Live It Up ever be released as a single?

“That’s a good question,” he laughed, ending our short session.

Whether the song is released as a single or not, one thing’s for sure. Lee DeWyze is living his dreams, and living it up anyway.

it’s always been a thing in a band.”

With Russell and his band, it was “four guys, just playing party music, and not even club hits.” Instead, they did their own take on things.

“I’m very known for my renditions,” Russell said.

Rightly so. If his opening act was any indication, his own unique covers are something to behold. I don’t do it for the sake of being different, I just do it to make the songs fun, to have a different take on it.”

Malaysian ears deserve a change of tempo, and Russell certainly offers that with his music — a unique blues vibe infused with soulful sounds, and a bit of funky groove.

While his band currently performs every Thursday at

The Library in Cineleisure, Mutiara Damansara, God knows that they deserve to be higher up in the industry, entertaining nationwide with music that breaks away from the typical sounds that we hear perhaps a little too often.

Talking about the current musical climate, Russell implied that true talent and uniqueness is becoming scarcer.

More than just a musician, he is the director of Russell Curtis Concept, a KL-based company that offers music consultancy which covers supplying, sourcing and managing local talents. And he seems rather disappointed with what’s offered in the music scene as of late.

“The music scene now is

nothing like it was 20, 30 years ago, and in a bad way.

If you were a music lover now, where would you go (to listen to good music)? It used to be that you were spoilt for choice. You’d want to catch different performances, at different places, on the same night. But now, you go to a bar, whether there’s live music or not, it doesn’t matter. The industry has taken a turn for the worse, it’s quite sad really,” he concluded.

On a brighter note, Russell’s here, and he isn’t likely to cease making people fall in love with his amazing voice and style. So Malaysians, take note. if you crave for a different kind of music, be sure to catch Russell Curtis! — By JEREMY TAN

IMMUNITY has been introduced, which guarantees a shortcut to one contestant of Akademi Fantasia 9 as a fast track to the finals.

The question on everyone’s mind now is — just who deserves it?

As revealed in the seventh concert last Saturday night, students of the reality TV talent search were graded on their performance by the faculty, which would make up half of the score along with text votes that will determine who gets a sure shot at the title of champion for season nine, the show’s swansong.

The winner of immunity, will be announced by the end of the coming eighth week’s show, easing their stress on pressures to deliver the goods for a pass into the finale for at least another week.

Based on the current standings, Hazama will hardly need it, as his consistently appealing performances have repeatedly guaranteed him top of the charts position.

Hazama has been scoring double the number of votes of even the closest competition.

Fina too, while often starting out low in terms of votes each week, would always follow after Hazama.

 LEE DeWyze’s Live It Up is now available in all music stores from Sony Music Malaysia.

Don’t forget to tune into the live American Idol finale this Thursday, May 26 at 8am over Star World (Astro 711).

Nera became the latest AF contestant to be eliminated from the show

The winner of immunity

will be announced by the

Lena might not have a more comfortable lead, but she’s ahead of the real deserving candidates in terms of immunity. The other two boys left are Erul and Azri, after the elimination of Nera last week.

So just who gets handed the card to pass 'Go'?

The best performer according to the faculty, who might also be the one with the already staggering votes?

Or the ones who put up more than a decent effort, but somehow fail to rake in the SMS (for whatever reasons)?

The topic of immunity offered by Akademi Fantasia this time is indeed one that needs to begin with purpose.

Just what is the purpose of introducing immunity?

Undoubtedly, if going by criteria, Hazama more than deserves the golden ticket to the final being the standout act this year, with little competition. Many have already lauded him as this year’s champ.

After his impressive Segalanya Ku Terima, it’s even more obvious that the 27year-old should get it hands down. Fina’s wobbly but interesting attempt at Datuk Siti Nurhaliza’s Purnama Merindu (which required skill and experience way ahead of her years) too should be no less deserving.

The question of who needs it however, is a pertinent one, if the finale is going to be even a remotely interesting show.

Fast forward to the needy, consistent performers in Erul who delivered Sudirman’s Antara Hujan dan Airmata and Azri who performed Hattan’s Mahligai Syahdu are the real ones who need the ticket to the final.

Despite their endless,

end of next show

all out performances, the duo have been unable to shake that nagging feeling that has dogged them week in and week out, for being the next one to be given the boot for not being able to garner more votes.

So just how and to whom will the immunity go to? It’s a difficult question indeed.

Moving into the eighth week, with only five kids left, one would expect Astro to make plans to woo those eliminated for a second shot, through an AFMASUK vote-in.

Without that however, will that mean there would be two more weeks of nonelimination? If that’s the case, it’s going to be a bore for viewers who might expect some drama and tears to be squeezed out for the precious Ringgits and Sens of voting.

Or perhaps one sendoff, with the ninth week elimination-free to witness four contestants in the final?

If that’s the case, then seeing four finalists might just be boring.

Whatever is decided, the producers are still apparently fumbling to hit that high note as promised for the show’s farewell, despite the endless gimmicky ‘surprises’.

We try to remain optimistic, though it’s drawing too close to the finish line, without any sort of real suspense to build to the climax.  AKADEMI Fantasia airs every Saturday at 9pm, with the daily Diari Akademi Fantasia on at 9pm, from Monday to Friday over Astro Ria (Channel 104). For more information on the show, surf to http://www.akademifantasia.com.my

18 lifestyle

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 may, 2011

Aromatic Frangipani THE moment you step into Frangipani Restaurant & Bar located in the heart of Jalan Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, expect to be greeted by one of the best and possibly the classiest restaurants found within the area.

The restaurant, which is situated just beside the Reggae Bar, also serves up some really fine French fares that are fit for a king! Founded in 2001, the Frangipani Restaurant & Bar offers a whole different dining experience that will never fail to excite any guest.

The ambience is really quiet and peaceful, with low lights that help create a very relaxing mood. The perfect room temperature also makes dining experience wonderful too.

The restaurant relies very much on its unique design — from its wall to the black pool in the middle of the dining room — it’s almost like being in the colonial period, when houses usually had that centre with a wide open space for women to take a break from their daily chores.

To start the night, do check out the Clam Chowder with Tomato “bacon” Emulsion, Roast Corn, Chorizo Bits and Deep Fried Clams. The soup is divided into two tiers — the base which is a non-creamy clam broth, thicken with a traditional roux; and the top, covered in smoked duck prosciutto infused tomato cream emulsion.

Sounds like a rather complicated dish (even before the main course), but it has the right amount of saltiness and tanginess to it that the more you slurp away, the more you feel like having it.

By Loong Wai Ting waiting@mmail.com.my The clam broth is not too overpowering and you can taste the sweetness of the clam, only achievable when the ingredients are fresh from the market.

If you feel like having something really light on the appetiser course, try the Hickory smoked Anchovies with Cream Cheese and Lemon Butter on a Grilled Organic Rye and Molasses Toast. One look at this dish, and you might think that the kitchen must have made a mistake, especially after such lavish appetisers earlier on.

Well, it may look simple, but do not be fooled by its presentation alone.

This is the perfect dish to start your palate before moving on to a heavier main course. The cream cheese that goes in between the toast and anchovies is creamy and sticks to the roof of your mouth. Do not be too quick to dismiss the toast for being burnt, as the taste is important to bring out the saltiness of the anchovies.

Everything blends in well with the lemon butter.

If you still have room for more, do try the Roast Pigeon Breast with Lyonnais Potatoes, Girolle Mushrooms and Mara-

schino Cherry Sauce.

What’s really special about the pigeon breast is that, instead of chewing on a rubbery meat, the meat is so tender and soft. Combined with the sweet-stewed onions and a dash of crème fraiche, it’s no wonder that the dish is an attraction on its own.

Perhaps the winner of the appetiser category goes to the Warm Tea Smoked Salmon with Confit Potatoes Crème Fraiche and Salmon Roe. The salmon tastes fatty and salty, without overpowering your senses.

Done with the appetisers, next on the list is the Pan Seared Japanese Mulloway with Saffron Risotto and Romesco Thickened Bouillabaisse Sauce. The fish is flaky and juicy, yet not too oily. The creamy saffron that goes with the fish not only looks nice but tastes as good as well.

For some people, who love their meat and potatoes, it is advisable to try out the Pan Roasted Duck Confit with Mustard Cream and Mashed Potatoes. The process of making the roasted duck confit is a simple and yet delicate process. One small mistake, you will need to start the dish all over again. The duck meat falls easily off the bone, with just a little light pry. The meat comes off clean without making a mess. Add a few scoop of mashed potatoes, this is the ultimate comfort food.

The Frangipani Restaurant & Bar makes it a point to change their menu every three to six months, without taking off its signature dish like the Warm Tea Smoked Salmon with Confit Potatoes Crème Fraiche

The Frangipani Restaurant & Bar makes it a point to change their menu every three to six months

and Salmon Roe. The Grilled Lamb Loin Spiced with Sichuan pepper and Irish Whiskey Salt, and served with Braised Black Ear Fungus, Asparagus and Mint Cream is a new addition to the existing lavish family and it’s really worth the wait for something as amazing as this.

To begin with, the thinlysliced lamb has absolutely no gamey smell at all. It literally melts in your mouth and do not worry about it sticking in between your teeth. The meat separates easily from each other, and it’s a wonder to have lamb meat that has the texture of a fish. Another must-try the next time you pops into Frangipani!

The amount of time and precision taken to prepare each dish is noticed immediately, the moment each dish is laid out on the table. From the sauce to the ingredients used, right down to the final presentation, nothing beats a simple yet elegant touch.

It is literally a sin to leave Frangipani without first tasting their desserts. And it is indeed shameful to leave the place without ever tasting their best-known desserts like the Pistachio and White Chocolate

Cheesecake with Irish Tea Sauce, Toasted Pine Nuts and Pistachio Cream Filled Russian Cigarette.

Do not be taken aback by the Russian-filled cigarette part, as the rolled up crepe on top of the cheesecake gets its name for bearing a resemblance to a Russian cigar.

The white chocolate cheesecake is to die for, especially when one pokes their fork into the centre of the cake. The Irish Tea sauce that goes in the middle oozes out like a dam that is being broken. With a hint of Earl Grey, the sauce has a very fine taste that tasted quite like the cherry sauce. If you’re a chocolate lover, do try out the Dark Valrhona Chocolate Ganache with Crème Chantilly Candied Hazelnuts, Toasted Almonds and French Meringue.

The soft and crumbly French meringue sort of brings out the bittersweet taste in the dark chocolate, without completely covering the thick chocolate in the middle. Toss in a couple of toasted almonds and candied hazelnuts, the feeling of love just lingers in the air.

Apart from that, there is also the must-try Rum and Mari-

nated Raisin Ice Cream served with Caramelised Banana Ice Cream. The combination of the rum and caramelised ice cream is tooth-achingly sweet and it is just plain ecstasy. You get to hit the new high the moment those ice cream starts to melt in your palate, sending sheer pleasure as if you’re in cloud nine.

The restaurant is also famous for its wine bar, known as the Bibitus. The sophisticated and yet modern design makes it a very cosy bar to chill out after a long day.

Address • Frangipani Restaurant & Bar, 25, Jalan Changkat Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur • Tel: 03-21443001 Dining • Tuesday to Sunday Dinner at 7.30pm — last orders are at 10.30pm • Closed on Monday Bar • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday — 6pm to midnight • Friday, Saturday — 6pm to 3am • Closed on Monday

Marking the food spots in Selangor PENANGITES look out, as Selangor is on a quest to put their state on Malaysia’s food map!

With the Selangorlicious!

Foodster Blogging competition until May 31 and a host of activities lined up over the upcoming year, Selangor Tourism and Storm Studio has big plans to make Selangor the best place to eat.

“It is a year-long campaign that will culminate with the official launch of the Selangor Food Month in June 2012,” said Storm Studio managing director Amri Rohayat.

While a year may seem like a long period to prepare for a month-long campaign to promote food in Selangor, it clearly shows the passion and commitment the organisers have into remaking Selangor

as a food haven.

“Although there are no specific dishes that are synonymous to the state, you can sample food from across Malaysia in Selangor,” added Amri.

“We not only want to boost food tourism in Selangor but to highlight food outlets and even dishes and let people record their favourite eating places,” Tourism Selangor events and marketing manager Fazly Razally said.

The Selangorlicious! blogging competition is just the tip of the iceberg for Selangor Tourism. Together with Storm Studio and various companies, the team is serious in its plan to get residents in the state to appreciate and show off their favourite bites.

“It is really about identifying

people’s ‘secret’ restaurants, neighbourhood warung and special dishes available across the state,” added Fazly.

With food and entertainment magazine and newsletter Rhythm & Bites, food blogging and photography workshops for orphans and district food promotions in the coming months, there is plenty for foodies, bloggers and tech lovers to look forward to this year.

“The magazine will be one that not just promotes cuisine at restaurants but also entertainment events such as jazz performances and other shows,” said Amri.

With the aim of providing local and international travellers with a variety of eating spots across Selangor, Amri added that it would also

be a platform for food outlet managers to learn about their gastronomical offerings through the reviews of food lovers.

Similarly, soon foodies on the go will be able to locate the nearest (and most delicious) food hotspots within different districts in Selangor using the GPS technology.

“We will also be launching mobile applications available on Apple iPods and iPhones that can be downloaded and where people can interact and comment on their food experiences,” said Fazly.

In the meantime, bloggers and food enthusiasts have a chance to win big by participating in the Selangorlicious!

Foodster Blogging competition to find the best spots and dishes in Selangor.

(From left) Fazly Razally, Amri Rohayat and Fullhouse Lifestyle Store & Cafe Sdn Bhd operation manager, Eric Seah

Winning bloggers have the opportunity to take home attractive prizes in cash and other goodies such as holidays, cameras and dinner vouchers.

Bloggers must submit a review of 200 to 500 words either in Bahasa Malaysia, English or both languages and attach at least two photos of the restaurant or dish to take

part in the competition. — By

Anu Venugopal

The competition ends May 31 and is open to local and foreigners of all ages. Participants are to eat in any food outlet, big or small eateries, from restaurants to stalls. To submit your blog entry or to find out more, visit www. selangorlicious.my.

lifestyle 19

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

You're never too late to FOR any artiste, striving to succeed is a must. Still, hardwork alone is not enough if the name or brand cannot be sustained. To create one's name to be a big brand will take loads of patience, perseverance and hard work.

Datuk Sharifah Aini or warmly known as Kak Pah, has been in our local entertainment scene since the days when bell bottoms were fashionable and hairdos were big. Yet even now, in the days of skinny jeans and funky uneven haircuts, many are still familiar with her songs.

She is undoubtedly a big 'brand'. She might have had a few too many controversies attached to her name but her ability to endure it all and still stand firmly in her career is admirable, and not many can do.

“Despite all my troubles to be where I am today, and all the hardship I have endured, I still feel like I am the lucky one,” Kak Pah said.

Not someone who is shy to share her life stories, Kak Pah, whom we met recently at the Asia e University (AeU) Open Day, spent an hour with visitors, sharing with them her tricks of the trade, especially her ability to sustain her career for over 42 years.

“I do believe that it is vital that an artiste follow the changing trends of the industry. I too try to follow the trends, but without it interrupting or sacrificing my brand and image,” she said, adding that with social networking on the rise, an artiste should use the tool wisely to keep in touch with fans and maintain good communication.

During the talk, Kak Pah also spoke about how she ensures her exclusivity as an artiste, explaining that most artistes today can be seen

By Eena Houzyama eena@mmail.com.my everywhere and anywhere which can lead to over exposure.

“Exclusivity is important as an artiste. Frankly speaking, who wants to pay to see a singer or artiste if she can be seen everywhere? I am not snobbish when I am being exclusive, I am just careful with my career choices,” she said.

But even for a diva like Kak Pah, she confessed that she too has fears that soon the number of fans supporting her would dwindle.

Yet, after the successful concert in Singapore recently where she performed to a full stadium, Kak Pah was reassured that with proper management of one’s brand, fans will always be around to

support an artiste’s career throughout the years.

“When you are in the business as long as I have been, you definitely have doubts in terms of getting a large number of fans to attend your concert. But, this should not deter you from putting on a good show. I was on top of the world then. I performed 38 songs in three and a half hours.”

“I suppose when you are doing what you love, you will never feel tired,” she said.

Her knowledge in performing is currently shared with her young protege, Shiha in reality talent show Mentor on TV3. As the mentor, Kak Pah has managed to help Shiha to qualify for the final round.

An avid reader, Kak Pah stressed the importance for any celebrity to gain as much worldly knowledge as possible.

For her, spending time reading her favourite biography is part of her daily activity when at home.

“If you are like me and did not have a chance to be an academician, do not stop educating yourself. Compensate this with reading,” said Kak Pah who studied Interior designing during her free time.

Not only is she a very

learn

Sharifah Aini's ability to endure it all and stand firmly in her career is admirable — Pics courtesy of AeU

private person spending most of her free time at home, but Kak Pah has always been a caring philanthropist by playing godmother to 1,500 underprivileged students and sponsoring numerous religious schools in the Klang Valley which she feels keeps her grounded and humble.

Sharifah Aini’s guide to sustaining your brand name 1. Be yourself.

2. Always stay humble.

3. Hard work is a necessity.

4. Determine to succeed.

5. Be visionary.

6. Learn about things you don’t know.

7. Read books.

The game has shifted MAY 25, 2011 marks a very important milestone in Malaysia's Internet industry.

Coupon Houz Sdn Bhd will be officially launching its website, www.couponhouz. com at 12 noon at Subang Parade. Are we expecting another Groupon-clone or the people behind CouponHouz. com has taken a blue-ocean strategy?

Soft-launched recently in Malaysia, CouponHouz was born to correct the market imperfections in the collective buying industry. Its business model is different from the pack by giving its subscribers

Find bargains here!

more value. This is only possible as merchants decide to give their best value, without hurting their own coffers. The promoters

believe that by changing the game of the industry, what happens is that everybody wins — customers and merchants.

CouponHouz.com feature deals on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in Malaysia, and soon beyond. The best part is that you do not have to buy any coupons up-front and hence stave yourself from impulse shopping — a win for Malaysian customers.

Therefore, being the pioneers of coupon distribution, CouponHouz.com invite all Malaysians to register as basic members of the site for free now to receive daily new deals.

As for interested merchants, CouponHouz.com is signing up as many as possible in the coming months. It's free for merchants too with no hidden charges or commission. Click www.couponhouz. com today.

20 lifestyle

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 may, 2011

Are you ready to be part of the Kolony?

BY now, most people would have noticed the weird 'Biohazard' sign posted along the streets of Kuala Lumpur and some on the bus stands in the heart of the metropolitan.

What’s really weird is that, no matter where you go, no one seems to care or know what those signs stand for or its meaning.

Just like a scene from the popular video game, Resident Evil, it’s only a matter of time where the whole of Malaysia is being infected by it.

Luckily those flesh-eating and blood-drinking zombies only come as close as the television screen. But then again, what’s the weird sign all about? Read on.

Known as 'Kolony', the Biohazard sign actually belongs to a new SMS service by Celcom.

It’s a simple way to stay connected with your friends on Kolony, and to use it, you need to collect Koinz. Still confused? Just think of Twitter and tweeting via SMS. There are a number of 'secret codes' to remember before sending your first DING (a one-to-one way to com-

By Loong Wai Ting waiting@mmail.com.my municate with your friends via pop-up message).

It might be confusing in the beginning, but as you go along, it is as simple as a-piece -of-cake little service to play with.

However Kolony, is only available in Bahasa Malaysia (instruction and support wise) and works within Celcom subscribers (Postpaid, Xpax, UOX, SOX and Biru Sukses).

But of course, one gets to send their messages in any language they prefer.

Strictly for teenagersonly, Kolony is, no doubt, a hit among young users, especially when they want to share what’s latest in their life with

their friends.

To register, type Kolony <your preferred nickname> and send it to 25333.

Registration is free.

Note that 10 Koinz will be 'charged' to each DING, BOMM, POPP and Share Koinz sent.

After successfully getting your nickname, check out the cool ways to socialise with your friends within the Kolony through these simple steps: 1. Your friend is feeling down? No problem, send him/ her a DING with the one-to-one message by sending KDING to 25333.

2. And if you have great news to share with your buddies, why not blast it all out? To send, type KBOMM to 25333 and BOMM it to all your FRENS! 3. Have something to say in return?

No worries, just send KPOPP then your message and send it to 25333.

4. Not only that, you get to expand your friend’s list by

infecting as many of them by sending KFREN to 25333.

And just like being in the video game, you will need plenty of Koinz to send your

messages to your friends.

Celcom has devised a smart way to obtain the Koinz, and it works everytime you make a call.

Instead of using real money like a normal SMS would do, you will need Koinz — a virtual money that can be obtained via calls or purchase. You will get free 10 Koinz for one to five calls you made in a day; and 20 Koinz for six and more calls in a day.

Alternatively, you can also purchase those Koinz for RM0.30 for 10 Koinz, RM1.50 for 50 Koinz and RM3 for 100 Koinz.

So far, over 1.8 million people are being infected by the Kolony and the number is on the rise each day.

You don’t need a smartphone or other overrated device to start BOMM-ing away.

All you need is a phone that comes with the SMS service and you’re good to go. Till then, happy infecting!

For more information, log on to www.kolony.com.my

Office Web Apps now available for FREE!

(Second from left) Sunny Ooi, country manager, Consumer & SMB of Lenovo Malaysial; and Khoo Hung Chuan, country general manager of Lenovo Malaysia (second from right)

Lenovo announces new desktop PC IF you’re looking for a new desktop PC, hold on to your horses first.

Lenovo will be releasing the all-new Lenovo H330 — the first slim tower desktop for the particular brand.

The H330 targets consumers who want to experience the latest and yet affordable technology, including multimedia and security features for use at both office or at home.

One of the key features of the H330 is that, it’s only half the size of a standard desktop computer.

The H330 also runs on Intel Core i3-2100QM processor for faster and better performance with up to 8GB

of built-in memory.

Set to be available by end of this May, the Lenovo H330 is priced at RM1,599.

Also at the announcement, Lenovo is inviting customers to its 'Enhance.Enrich.

Exchange' campaign at the Lenovo Exclusive Stores at Plaza Low Yat, Berjaya Times Square, Digital Mall and Plaza Alam Sentral, where customers can enjoy free diagnostic clinics for their notebook and netbook, trade-in programme and offers.

From May 27 to 29, customers can also drop by at Berjaya Times Square to experience first hand the extensive service by Lenovo.

EASY, user-friendly and best of all, it’s free! The Microsoft Office Web Apps, which is now available, is an online version of the traditional Microsoft Office family namely Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.

The new online version allows users to easily create, edit and share Office documents from anywhere.

At the official launch at The Bee in Jaya One, the Web Apps, which was previously available only in the United States and United Kingdom, is finally made available to users in Asia, specifically to all Malaysians at no cost at all.

For those who are not in

the loop yet, the Web Apps is a part of Microsoft Windows Live and is entirely a webbased service.

Instead of jamming your hard disk with downloads, the Web Apps requires absolutely no downloads at all and it can be accessed in any computer, whether or not if it comes with Microsoft Windows or Office installed previously.

All you need is a Windows Live ID, a supported web browsers (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox or Chrome) and an internet connection.

“The Web Apps is a relatively

Web Apps allows users to easily create, edit and share Office documents from anywhere

new service, which is only available to all Malaysians for free just a couple of months ago. The numbers are quite small, since it’s new but through this launch, I hope that more people will be more

(From left) Mariana Hashim, working mother and writer-producer for film and TV; Mark Ma, head of Online, Microsoft Asia Pacific; and Shayanee Indra, entreprenuer and co-owner of WS Securities at the Microsoft Office Web Apps launch recently

aware of the service,” Microsoft Asia Pacific's head of Online Mark Ma said. “Web Apps will make a genuine contribution to help Malaysians bring their ideas to life, whether at home, school or at work.”

For smartphone users, Web Apps can also be accessible via docs.com and Facebook Messages, where they can read, create and even edit Word or PowerPoint documents via their phones.

Users can even send a link to the document they want to share and their friends can simply view the documents in their browser without having to open Office on their computer; and they will still get the same look and feel. To get started, just visit http://office. live.com

What’sUp KUALA LUMPUR: Buy Malaysia Expo 2011

Show your support for local products at Buy Malaysia Expo 2011 at PWTC, Tun Razak Hall 3 and 4 from 10am till 9pm, now until May 29.

There will be daily lucky draws with free air tickets and many other prizes up for grabs.

KUALA LUMPUR: World Digestive Health Day 2011

Experience the World Digestive Health Day 2011 at Oval Concourse, One Utama Shopping Centre, from May 25 until 29, from 10am to 11pm with lots of fun educational activities for you and family. Admission is free.

For more details, contact 03-56211408.

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

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

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

Klassen (012-3298470).

Nature's super foods

SHAH ALAM: Special offers at BRAND'S Experience Centre

IN conjunction with the upcoming Father’s Day, Cerebos (M) Sdn Bhd is offering a special promotion for those who visit their fun and educational BRAND’S Experience Centre on June 3 and 17 from 10am onwards where you can enjoy special factory price offers on BRAND'S range of health foods.

Pre-registration is required to secure your places so call MZ Cheng at 03-78448686 (8.30am-5.30pm) or email at brands.smart.living@gmail. com. As a bonus treat, the first 10 registrants to bring along a friend will receive a special gift.

By siti nursuraya suraya@mmail.com.my title: Supercharge With Super Foods: 365 Ways To Maximize Your Health AUTHOR: Delia Quigley and B.E. Horton publisher: Adams Media Corp ratingS: 4/10 LEARN how to derive the most positive benefits from the top 25 superfoods. From apples to avacados, chocolates to yogurt, this book brings out the best of

nature's super foods.

The expert authors share their knowledge in this book. WIth its compact size, this book is definitely a keeper and easy to take along with you anywhere. As a bonus, not only you'll learn about the 25 super foods, the book also includes recipes on how to best prepare these super foods to enhance and sustain its nutritious values.

The book also offers tips on incorporating these important foods into your diet, including how to eat blueberries to fuel brain power; prevent cancer with broccoli; lower

cholesterol with oats; make skin look youthful with pumpkin products; eat salmon for your heart; protect eyes with spinach; and how to boost your immune system with yogurt.

Empowering and educational, this complete and concise guide is your new and improved way to look good and feel great this year.

After having tried a few recipes, although they tasted like 'health food', the treats were yummy and the ingredients were easy to find at any convenience store.

Complete with nutritional

The Borneo Rainforest Café at Sunway Pyramid will have their second annual Gawai Fest 2011 for the denizens of the Klang Valley this May 28 from 5pm onwards.

The free event offers a fun-filled evening for the family, with yummy food, cultural performances and an eco-bazaar! For more info, contact 03-54359583.

Title: The Art of Organizing Anything Author: Rosalie Maggio Publisher: McGraw-Hill Rating: 6/10 IT is funny to think that there is an ‘art’ to organising, but after reading the book, you will find out that it is true.

The average person these days buys a lot of stuff, gets

presents, uses paper and much more to function on a daily basis.

At the workplace, we use tonnes of paper and files to get information to achieve the company’s goals.

It also becomes a problem when the stuff you have collected piles up slowly and suddenly becomes the all annoying clutter.

When there is clutter, chances are, you misplace items, making it difficult to achieve your goals.

The Art of Organizing Anything helps you simplify your life at home and at work, reducing stress and locating these misplaced items — all to meet your own specific needs.

From each chapter, you will get tips, shortcuts and solutions to make your life clutter-free and have a more relaxed, productive and enjoyable life.

Maggio’s most interesting chapter in the book is the one about organising your personal relationships and life. — By ANU VENUGOPAL

values, the recipes in the book are easy to follow and prepare for the whole family. Let's give it four stars. Yummy recipes always get the vote.

Lessons on relationships

Goodbye clutter!

PETALING JAYA: Gawai Fest 2011

sudoku

lifestyle 21

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 may, 2011

Title: Build The Bridge First Author: Soon SL Publisher: Soon See Leak Rating: 6/10 Build The Bridge First reminds us of the power of relationships towards a successful professional and personal life.

While it is true that the book is about building good relationships with co-workers and customers and leading a team towards success, it is really much deeper than that.

Soon shares a story about how one accidental meeting at an airport lounge had changed the way he defined relationships.

In his encounter with Guddiraf Luksamanan or GL, Soon gets a four-hour insight to the importance of relationships.

Starting with the importance of building the bridge with the people you work with, GL con-

tinues with a whole list of mustdo’s to get your co-workers to work together and achieve your goals.

Relating points such as listening, trusting and negotiating, Soon recounts the simple yet enlightening issues that affect relationships — elements that can be applied to life in general and the office area too.

The book is easy to get into and can also be applied to any working professional. Quotes inserted at the beginning of each chapter are not new, but motivating nonetheless. — By ANU VENUGOPAL

MPH Best-Seller LIST Non-fiction 1.

2.

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.

A Doctor in the House: The Memoirs of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive: 101 Inspirational Stories about Counting Your Blessings and

4.

5.

6.

Mother by Amy Chua When A Billion Chinese Jump: How China Will Save Mankind — Or Destroy It by Jonathan Watts Lee Kuan Yew: Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going by Han Fook Kwang, et al

7.

Asia: A Concise History by Arthur Cotterell 8. Run, Mummy, Run by Cathy Glass 9. On the Stage of EGypt by Alaa Al Aswany 10. Hospital Babylon by Imogen Edwards-Jones

Fiction 1. Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella 2. Something Borrowed (Movie Tie-In) by Emily Giffin

3. Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks 4. Any Man of Mine by Rachel Gibson 5. The Last Letter from Your

Lover by Jojo Moyes 6. Room by Emma Donoghue 7. The Tennis Party by Madeleine Wickham

8. The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory 9. Big Girl by Danielle Steel 10. The Bondmaid by Catherine Lim

1. A Doctor in the House: The Memoirs of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad 2. Allah is Calling by Zainudin Hashim 3. 101 Rekreasi Hati: Buat Diri Ku yang Mudah Lupa by Dr Zahazan Mohamed;Nik Wafdi Nik Jaafar

4. Nota Jutawan, Nota Kewangan: Jadikan Kewangan Mandiri Matlamat Utama Anda! ( Dapatkan Teknik Urus Wang Secara Bijak!) by Irfan Khairi 5. Legacy of Honour: Dato's Ja'afar Mohamed; Dato' Onn Ja'afar; Tun Hussien

Onn by Zainah Anwar 6. Greater KL : The Rise Of Bukit Bintang (Part 1) by Ho Chin Soon 7. Aku Terima Nikahnya: Titipan Erti Sebenar Perkahwinan Medan Memberi yang Paling Mulia (Kompilasi Best-Seller 3 dalam 1) (Kemudi Rumah

Tangga) by Hasrizal Abdul Jamil 8. Ancaman Sihir Dan Kejahatan Syaitan by Amini Amir Bin Abdullah 9. Pasport Muhammad Rasulullah by Mohd Khalil Haji Nordin 10. Ajaibnya Wanita by Muhammad Jaya

Local Author

MONDAY'S solution

3.

Having a Positive Attitude by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Amy Newmark How to Get Things Done: Organize Your Life and Achieve the Results You Want by Ann Jackman Battle Hymn of the Tiger

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

22

PROPERTY / MOTORING / HEALTH / HOME

the malay mail

Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

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

M22

Houses wanted

GOOD PRICES OFFERED for land / houses and Apt in Shah Alam, PJ & KL. Quick sale. Owners TEL / SMS 019228 6666

M30

Apartments for sale

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

M130

Car for sale

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

M130

M135

ALL NEW MODELS. Stk available. Attractive promotion.

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

Vehicles for hire

Fashion/health & beauty

Fashion/health & beauty

Maids available/wanted

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

Call: 03-4256 5556 Ampang

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

Call:012-3211 453/ 0123225334

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

Expat welcome . Fast delivery.

Call: 017-638 1954 CARS REQUIRED

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

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

IF YOU NEED immediate house maid Malay/ Indian/ Chinese, b/ sitters, Stay in/ p. time cleaners. 03-22741043/ 016-3666 139

M138

HYUNDAI PROMOTION !!!

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

Super high trade in (any car).

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

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

M135

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

ALZA, MYVI, VIVA. Great disc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

M43

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

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

Interested, please call at Doris 03-7955 4157

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

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

Home services/renovations

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

MR Chua 012-855 9229

03-7947 2288

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

Appointment DIVYA 014-6315 227 (002010495-XX)

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

SAUNA D’ HOME BEAUTY and Health care. Agent required. 019-735 5295 www. saunaku.com 2011 Great Promotion!

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

M321

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

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

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

M390

TRADITIONAL MASSAGE AROMA Therapy. 2/7 Bnd.Puteri Puchong. Call: Bella 010509 2004, Maria 012-243 0553, Julia 012-508 4930, Ruby: 016677 1226, Angel 017-311 4544, Shasha 017-623 0609 & Rose 010-520 5292 A DAILY, WEEKLY, MTLY. RM50-RM300. All types of cars. MPV, Van & 4 x 4. Call: ARI 016-683 2111 / BEN 016901 2276

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

M200

M38

Shops for sale/to let

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

Personal messages

Apartment for sale/to let

M54

M399

Commercial vehicles for sale

Vehicles for hire

M34

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

M321

Car for sale

Apartments to let

Properties to let

M321

Financing/insurance service

M33

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

M133

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call: 019-669 0029 Darwin.

M392

Home repairs/maintenance

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

ALL NEW CARS/ MPV available for rental. We are also looking for vehicles under 5 years for long term lease (pajak) Call: 012-241 7736 99 MASSAGE & SPA (1452468-W). Massage done by young girls. Release your tensions. Tel: 014-2288 921

M133

Commercial vehicles for sale

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

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT Coaching. Take control of your weight. For 1st Free session sms name to 016 2366 381 AROMA ASIAN Massage. For outdoor only. With Promotion price. Interested please Call Julie: 016-293 1051 OUTCALL TRADITIONAL MASSAGE, pre / post natal,body Scrub for men / women by experienced masseur. Call: Mira 013-336 3160

REPAIR ON THE SPOT., Air cond, fridge, water heater, & w/machine. 24hrs & 7 days operation. Call: Syed 017-388 3154

M393

Home furniture/furnishing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YASHINY BEAUTY Academy @ Bdr Permaisuri Cheras, our new shop @ Brickfields, Fluer D’lyn unisex salon. 012-360 5734 / 016-380 1297

SPECIALIST IN REPAIR cushion sofa, curtains, car seat & new sofa, in Jalan Kuchai Lama. Tel: 012- 313 0778 / 03- 7981 1898

HOME / OTHERS / JOBS / LEGAL / NOTICES

Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011 M394

Home electrical appliances

M303

Computer

M434

Business Services

M370

Articles for sale

M515

M515

M515

M515

Jobs

Jobs

Jobs

Jobs

CREDIT RECOVERY OFFICERS wanted at Klana Jaya.

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

QUALITY USED & New a/cond for sale 1-20 HP.Trade in used Air Cond. Also service, repair & reposition of a/c. 012-229 2289 /03-4295 2133 A/C, ASTRO, Install/remove &repair, TV, TV8, wiring, tel, w/ heater, plumbing, w/ machine, fridge.Call: 017-345 6618 Ah Seng

M414

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

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

Promotion price: RM 950.

(Including Hosting + Domain + Design). Normal price : RM gLebat.Com. 016 - 323 5658 / 013 - 3058445. AIDA

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

3D/4D JACKPOT Evergreen Nos. (M/P/T) Each RM69.90 No Boxing SMS name & add 016903 2961

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

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

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

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

Photography

M430 VIDEO to DVD Conversion.

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

Business opportunities

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

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

CO FORMATION RM1,400.

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

OWN A COMPUTER, put it to work, Part/ full time income RM1000 - RM8000 . Training provided. SMS 012-4444 033

MUSLIM COMPANY Secretary New & Shelf Co. ROC, MOF Bumi Kem. Kewangan Call: 0340410000 / 0162860000

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

M110

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

RM3500 ONLY. You get 50 gm Gold 999. Investment with Bank. Safe & Good profits.Call: Aiman 018-2525 283 or Azreen 017-663 2859 or Abdullah 016-2176 207

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

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

Call: 017-674 6308

M372 ONLY RM800. To take up 5 Days/ 4Nights Travel Packages. India, Phuket, Bali, Philippines/ more. Call: 010-218 9198 or 017-641 5062

Articles wanted

M398 EARN RM5K / MONTH or more as EXTRA INCOME without selling! YES! WITHOUT SELLING! Unbelievable? BELIEVE IT! SMS BB/name/age/location to 013-277 8625 for details. Bumiputera only!

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

Call : 6010-210 1649

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

Services BUY / SELL / PAWN Note book, hand phone new/old 70% digital camera.03-42517755 / 012-3388688 Peter. 208 Plaza Ampang City, KL

SECRETS OF WINNING top prizes in any 4D games is revealed. 4D training skills and prediction services for only top prizes winning numbers for MAGNUM, TOTO and KUDA is available now. Call Mr.Vincent @ 012-670 7182

M432

Business for sale SBP (UK) - Society of Business Practitioners offers internationally recognized Diplomas.

Upgrade yourself for promotions and salary increment.

Sian Approved Study Centre (Reg:M/242/2/11). SMS <name> SEND TO 33310

ACCOUNTS, AUDIT ,TAX, Secretarial, MOF & Register co..

Door steps service. Lembah Klang.03-5511 5922 / 03-4107 8457 Sainy. Visit www.mhmfirm. com

M280

WE BUY GOLD, White Gold, Diamond, Branded watches, Pawn Bills. LG041, BB Plaza, KL. 2145 2800, 017-236 7888.

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

Call: 017-674 6308

Friendship EXECUTIVE DIPLOMA RM3000. BBA, MBA, PHD, US University. Home study, no MQA. Call: 016-672 4995 / 032718 0901

BOUTIQUE IN GIANT hypermarket up for sale! Fully renovated & good location.

700 sq.ft. Start anytime. Call: Mr.Charlie 019-266 5655

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

SALES GIRLS WANTED, 16 above, N0 87 Jln Petaling St. BILBERRY FASHION 012323 1286 / 03-2032 1286 Kok/ Chew

1. BUMI PUTERA Mechanical or Electrical Engineer is required. Must be a degree holder or is equivalent. Good prospect.

2. A Driver to CEO, preferable from kajang Area. Good salary and benefits. Interested please call Ms. Zoey 03-7873 7079 for interview ACCOUNTING FIRM at Jalan Klang Lama have vacancies for: 1)Account Assistant. Required Min CAT/Diploma In Accounting/LCCI Knowledge of UBS software & MS office 2) Admin Assistant. Please sent resume to: Fax: 03-7987 5200 Email: recruitment@lsca.com. my ACCOUNTS CLERK able to handle full set of accounts with knowledge in payroll (knowledge in UBS preferred). 2) HR Exec with UBS payroll knowledge. 3) Admin cum Sales Clerk with experiences on shipping documentations.

Vacancies are available at Balakong, pls contact Ms Yap 019-655 6018, Rose 016-269 2369 or email to sch_yap@yahoo.com ADMIN COORDINATORS vacancies for Admin Coordinators, min 1 yr working experience, good interpersonal & communication skill, good salary + allowance, preferably Chinese & staying nearby Old Klang Road, KL. Interested candidate pls call Ms Yani / Sara - 03-7981 8166 / 019-273 1989 or email your resume to: iscahr@yahoo.com

AN ESTABLISHED Logistics Company urgently required and driver (GDL). Interested please call 03-5638 9533 AUDIT/ ACCOUNT assistants needed. Call: 03-2070 0443 / 5. Send your resume & application to lca883@hotmail.com or Fax: 03-2070 2945. Salary up to RM2500

Jobs BISTRO BAR AT DAMANSARA requires: Cashier. (Salary RM 1100++). Preferably Malaysian female. Interested, call Julie at 014-262 6300

MQA APPROVED DIP.in accountancy (ACCT) & Mgt (FT / PT) RM 400 p/m - PTPTN & EPF claimable. Call: 03-6092 5254 / www.asa.edu.my / SMS: 012- 656 1160.

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

Shree 0126561160

M515

CUPID’S TOUCH high success rate genuine clientele. 0321426118 / 21421118 / 016650 1118 www.cupidstouch. com.my BUSSINES FOR SALE at Pantai Hill Park. Hair Saloon & Beauty Centre. Regular customer. Good location. Neg. Tel: 010-4389700.

SWEET LADIES Available for close friendship w/without commitment. (free/ladies).Mr. Eddy 017-670 5258 (624468-V)

BOUTIQUE / Retail Assistant (Female) wanted at Cats Whiskers boutique. Good salary package. Call 7725 0460 on Mon -Thurs between 9am-6pm.

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

DENTAL NURSE In Kuala Lumpur. Age 20 - 35 yrs. with/without experience. SPM & above. Contact 03-2698 9530 DEPATCH CUM DRIVER Required. Able to speak English.

Valid driving license (D) Familiar with Klang Velley area. Call: Juley 012-516 6635

STORE ASSISTANT urgently needed in Kepong. Min. SPM, possess driving license for both motorcycle & car. Need some working experience in related field. Possess basic computer knowledge. On the job training will be provided. Call Ms. Wan at 03-6253 0087 or send your resume & application to igelmalaysia@igel.com.sg

TELE MARKETERS. Sell Holiday packages. Basic/ Comm/ Incentives. RM3k per month. 5 days work. Call: 017-641 5062/ 010-218 9198

DES PATCH BOY Part time.

Wanted at Pandan Indah. Must have own Motobike/ license.

Familiar with Klang Valley. 0166923 025

WORKSHOP ASSISTANT Manager needed by established workshop at jln Kelang Lama.

Salary up to RM3500. Socso & EPF provided. 3 yrs experience in car workshop preferred. Can work with min supervision with technical & computer knowledge. Call Mr. Lai 012-225 1559 / 03-7987 1288 or send resume to cmychai@carworldmotor. com

COUNTER SALES, Accounts Executive, Technician, Sales Executive, Inventory & Lorry Driver. 019-601 1000 / 03-4048 1000 / 4042 4688

GENERAL WORKER wanted at Cats Whiskers (Damansara Perdana). Female only. Call 7725 0460 between Mon Thurs between 9am-6pm.

GOOD FEET Recruiting Sales Promoter - Puchong IOI mall / Cheras Leisure mall - Position: Promoter / Outlet In charge Provide 1 month training with basic salary (1k++) After training according to ability will add on benefit e.g (personal commission / total sales / +basic) - Prefer age 21 above - Basic English / Chinese / Malay. For more info call 03-9133 5633 (office) 012-646 2561 (William)

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

GRAPHIC DESIGNER NEEDED urgently. Able to work independently. Location: Diamond Square, Setapak. If interested call: 017-880 7325 IMMEDIATE VACANCY FOR CREDIT RECOVERY/ Field Visit officers/ Age below 37.

Min SPM. Male / female. Indoor / outdoor. With / Without experience. Urgently required in Tmn Shamelin, Cheras. Good basic salary + high commision. Call Ms.Yatie 03-9285 0500.

IMMEDIATE VACANCY For pharmacies and Lab Technology at International Pharmacy.

Call: 016-244 9689/ 019-642 8899 IMMEDIATE VACANCY. Wanted female general clerk with SPM qualification. Computer literacy. 5 day per week at Segambut, Sri Sinar. Interested call Mr. Lim 019-275 3585 RECOVERY OFFICERS Supervisor/ Manager needed. Attractive basic salary, commission and performance bonus provided. Located near the Pudu LRT station. (walking distance) Call: 03-9195 5551 @ 5552 or E-mail gtr@galatrack.com SALES EXECUTIVE - Min SPM / Diploma in Mechanical 2 years exp in Sales - Dynamic, self motivated and work independent - Possess own transport - Basic salary + Commission & Allowance) Call:03-4291 7811 / 7129

SALES EXECUTIVE wanted.

Start immediately with/without experience. Training provided.

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

Wanted in Puchong urgently. Attractive remuneration package.

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

M580

Notices/legal/proclaim

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TM UNIFI Outdoor Sales Agent needed full time. Own transport for outdoor sales activities. High commission, target bonus training provided. Call Kenny 013779 6178

FACTORY AT klang required :-PROJECT SUPERVISOR Min 3-4 years experience in Automation & Engineering - Prefer with Mechanical background - Dynamic, self motivated and work independent. TEL : 03 4291 7811 / 7129

M300

Education

the malay mail

M580

Notices/legal/proclaim

24

LEGAL / NOTICES

the malay mail

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Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011 M580

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The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

They won the English championship and they are in the Champions League final. They can't be very weak if they have achieved all that — Lionel Messi on Manchester United

sports

25

Mastermind Fergie

LOS ANGELES: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EXTRA

Beckham backs former boss to win Champions League

BARCELONA

MAN UTD

Spanish league champions Coach Josep Guardiola ESP Captain Carles Puyol European Cup history

Draws 4

English league champions Coach Alex Ferguson SCO Captain Nemanja Vidic European Cup history

RECENT MEETINGS 2009 Barcelona 2-0 Man Utd Final 2008 Man Utd 1-0 Barcelona SF 2008 Barcelona 0-0 Man Utd SF

Appearances Best finish: Winner 1968, 1999, 2008 Champions League record: W130-D55-L43

Wembley Stadium, London HEAD-TO-HEAD Barca Man Utd wins wins

3

Appearances 21 Best finish: Winner 1992, 2006, 2009 Champions League record: W125-D53-L42 SHOTS BREAKDOWN On target 53% Wide 76 Total Lionel shots 86 Messi 162

2.25 0.67 62% 4.58 11.4 1.08

3

TEAM STATISTICS (average per match) Goals scored Goals against Possession Corners Fouls Yellow cards

23

1.50 0.33 58% 6.33 13.2 1.00

SHOTS BREAKDOWN 56% On target Wide 53

Total shots 121

Iniesta

4 Rodriguez

Messi

1-2 (a), 3-1 (h)

15

Iniesta Villa

4-2

Ronaldo's feat can't beat Messi's exploits

Abidal

Xavi Pedro

Messi

Rooney

45

6-1

Behind 39 (3.6%)

Valencia

Hernandez

Evra

Carrick

Ferdinand

Javier Hernandez

10 Rodriguez ROUTE TO FINAL Topped Group C with 14pts, conceding only 1 goal – best defensive record

30

Level 572 (53.0%)

Source: Uefa, Infostrada Sports

10 Hernandez

Busquets

2-0 (a), 1-1 (h) 1-0

14

Valdes Pique Puyol Dani Alves

5-1 (h), 1-0 (a)

GOAL TIMES 7-2 Total minutes played 75 1,080 5-1 Leading in 60 matches (mins) 4-2 469 (43.4%)

15

Villa

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

ROUTE TO FINAL Topped Group D – 4 wins with 14pts, scoring 14 goals, conceding just 3 Round of 16 Arsenal ENG Quarterfinals Shakhtar UKR Semifinals Real Madrid ESP

4 Rooney 3

Park Fletcher

Vidic

Rafael

Round of 16 Marseille FRA Quarterfinals Chelsea ENG Semifinals Schalke GER

0-0 (a), 2-1 (h) 1-0 (a), 2-1 (h) 2-0 (a), 4-1 (h)

GOAL TIMES 5-2 2-0 Total minutes played 75 15 1,080 2-0 6-0 60 30 Leading in 45 matches (mins) 1-0 2-2 417 (38.6%) Level 633 (58.6%) Behind 30 (2.8%)

van der Sar Pictures: Getty Images

"To change the players around like he does over the years and still be a success is unbelievable.

"Everyone is talking about Barca as one of the best club sides in the world — and of course they are.

"But if anyone can beat Barca at their peak, then Ferguson knows how to do that. I hope they go and do that."

United won their 19th Premier League title this season despite being criticised as one of the less gifted teams in the club’s history, but Beckham believes this is unfair to the players.

"They are up there with the best United sides of alltime — the proof is in the trophies they have won," he said. "People have criticised the team but you can't ask for more than that."

BARCELONA

68

PLAYER STATISTICS ON TARGET SHOOTING BOOTS PLAYMAKERS 11 goals Giggs 4 assists Messi 31 shots Messi 4 Hernandez

DAVID BECKHAM (pic) h op e s h i s for m e r c lu b Manchester United will beat Barcelona in the Champions League final at Wembley on Saturday.

The Spanish champions won the competition in 2008-2009, defeating the Red Devils 2-0 in the final in Rome in what was a comprehensive performance.

This time too, Josep "Pep" Guardiola’s side seem to be the favourites, but Beckham, who won the elite European competition with United in 1999, believes manager Alex Ferguson can mastermind a triumph over the Catalans.

“Ferguson can't get any better than what he is — he has proved year after year, team after team, player after player what an amazing manager he is," said Beckham, who is now with LA Galaxy.

© GRAPHIC NEWS

BARCELONA legend Johan Cruyff praised Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo for his goalscoring exploits this season, but reminded the Portuguese he cannot compete with Lionel Messi for the big prizes.

Ronaldo's double strike in the 8-1 rout of Almeria last weekend etched him into the record books with 40 goals as the all-time highest scorer in a single Spanish league season.

"Ronaldo has set the bar very high with his performances this term. Not only for La Liga, but also for the European Golden Shoe in the upcoming seasons," Cruyff wrote in his weekly column in El Periodico de Catalunya.

"It's a tremendous achievement to score that many goals in such a strong league. I have no doubt that Ronaldo and all Madridistas will be very proud with what he has achieved."

However, Cruyff says collec-

tive success is more important than individual honours and warns Ronaldo he will have to do better in that respect if he is to match Messi.

"We should not forget that football is a team sport. If Ronaldo does even better next season, but Real again finish second, nobody will be happy," he said.

"Messi on the other hand has also scored a lot, although he has not found the net as often as Ronaldo. He has made the final of all the big competitions, though. He is already halfway to winning the double of Primera Liga and the Champions League."

Barca take on Manchester United in the Champions League final at Wrembley on Saturday and Messi (on 52 goals in all competitions thus far this season) is poised to trouble the United defence via his passes and scoring abilities as well.

26

sports

My ministry will work with the federation to promote and develop kabaddi at club level as it will help in the development — Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION: The Bukit Jalil Squash Centre is used for several international tournaments — Pix: RAZAK GHAZALI

OnTheCourts with Haresh Deol

haresh@mmail.com.my

Not only for the rich

KUALA LUMPUR

Squash is more afforable than tennis and badminton

IF you fancy a great cardiovascular workout, then squash is your answer.

The sport was big in the 80s but its popularity waned in the 90s. Today, the sport is alive and kicking again due to squash queen Nicol David, Azlan Iskandar and Ong Beng Hee. However, many consider squash an expensive sport.

"I dare say it is cheaper than tennis and badminton," said national head coach Allan Soyza. "The facilities are available in many places including condominiums.

It's a great place for beginners."

Allan stressed a midrange racquet for amateurs is priced between RM150 to RM200. A good squash ball

is about RM10 each and can last a month.

"Court rentals are relatively cheap too, way cheaper than badminton or tennis.

While a good squash ball can be used for a month, you tend to use one tube of shuttlecocks in an hour."

T h e Nat i on a l S q u a s h Centre in Bukit Jalil offers great rental rates to enthusiasts. Located between the Putra Stadium and the Bukit Jalil Sports School, rentals are RM15 for 90 minutes.

It is the same venue where the KL Open and Malaysian Open are held.

It has 10 training courts which can be converted into eight doubles courts. The centre court has a seating capacity for 1,000.

To l u r e t h e masses to exercise, courts at the HARD AT WORK: center are availSharon Wee able for free from (right) going at it 8.30am to 1pm with her training every Friday. The partner center also has a shop s el ling s qu a s h e qu ip ment and stringing services.

FACTFILE "There are many other places for people to enjoy National Squash squash. I was pleasantly surCentre, Bukit Jalil prised when I visited Taiping Rental fees: RM15 (1½ not too long ago and found hours); Free on Friday squash courts constructed (8.30am – 1pm) under the Rakan Muda banOpen daily (8.30am – ner.

11pm) "This will encourage more Contact number: people to pick up the sport 03-89941550, and, hopefully, we'll produce 03-9944660 more talent," Allan added.

THERE is no point spending four hours on the court if you're not doing it right, said national head coach Allan Soyza.

Allan believes that beginners should learn the right methods and tactics so that they will not make fundamental mistakes.

"Footwork is important.

Since this is not usually addressed early, it is a problem when they get older," said Allan.

Even the selection of squash balls is important to a newcomer.

"Start big. The beginners should use balls that are about 12 per cent bigger. They can graduate to a smaller ball followed by the competitive ball," said Allan.

"There are markings on the ball. Dunlop, for example, paint the beginners ball in blue while the slightly smaller ball is all black with no markings. Their competitive ball

comes with two yellow dots."

Allan explained different balls have different hang time (bounces higher) and speed.

"A lot of people underestimate squash. When you get into corners and hit the wall behind you, that's when the challenge starts.

"It's a great workout and even better if and when you're training right."

Allan advised beginners to engage a coach to learn the right strokes. Through the

Get your methods right, says coach Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM), beginners are able to learn from reputable coaches or take up coaching and umpiring licenses.

SRAM will also organise a coaching conference from June 23-25. The conference fee is RM100 and the closing date for entries is June 6.

For further information, contact SRAM at 03-89963964 or email at squashmalaysia@ yahoo.com.

ALL THE RIGHT MOVES: National wallbasher Sharon Wee is one of the many patrons of the squash centre

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

But if anyone can beat Barcelona at their peak, then Sir Alex Ferguson knows how to do that. I hope they go and do that. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; David Beckham

The river wild

KUALA KUBU BARU: EXTREME SPORTS

sports

27

What to Wear & Bring

1. A positive, friendly attitude and a good sense of humour 2. Two sets of clothing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one 'wet' set for the river rafting (long or short sleeved T-shirts; tights; long pants; shorts and anything comfortable), another 'dry' set for the return journey. Jeans are not recommended!

3. River sandals or sports shoes with laces.

4. A pair of socks (if wearing sports shoes) 5. Personal medication 6. Straps for spectacles or swimming goggles for contact lens wearers 7. Towels or sarongs 8. Sun screen lotion and basic toiletries

Itinerary 9am: Meet Oxbold rafting guide in front of KKB Post Office.

Depart to the "PUT IN" point about 5 km along the KKB/ Fraser's Hill Road. Upon arrival, drivers are only allowed to bring their cars to the "TAKE OUT" point (the rafting operator campsite). The cars will then be driven back to the "PUT IN" point by Oxbold representatives. Allocation of rafting equipment will then be carried out followed by a 15-20 minute briefing before participants are divided into groups of six per raft.

10:30am: Rafting begins followed by a practical exercise at the "FLIP CORNER" five minutes into the journey. This exercise lasts for about 10 minutes.

3:30pm: Arrive at the "TAKE OUT" point where participants will have lunch and shower before departing back home.

Package Rates The Malay Mail readers can enjoy this fun-filled activity for RM170 per pax (a 10.5% discount, the highest being offered). There should be at least six people per raft. This promotion is until June 15 only.

Getting There

Hit the waters with Oxbold WHITE water rafting is quickly becoming an exciting outdoor activity for families, friends and even corporate outings.

It is the kind of adrenaline inducing experience that leaves participants wanting more and provides an abundance of stories for them to share.

Whether you're looking for a heart-in-your-throat adrenaline rush or just a scenic float, an assortment of local outfitters offer a variety of rafting adventures on nearby rivers.

Oxbold is one such company capitalising on the sudden surge of interest in this activity, taking participants along the scenic Selangor River in the region of Kuala Kubu Baru (KKB), Selangor, an hour's drive away from Kuala Lumpur.

The rafting itself can take about three to four hours, depending on the water level and size of the group.

Commercial rafting rapids, like the one found in the Selangor River, usually range between Grade Two to Four.

Oxbold's rafting packages include rafting equipment (white water raft, six people per raft; paddles; personal floating devices (PFDs) and helmets), experienced river guides, a first aid kit, rescue and emergency equipment as well as snacks and lunch.

The package accommodates a minimum of 10 participants and a maximum of 50 and all rafters are required to go through a safety briefing on land and just before setting off on the trip.

All guides carry throw

bags (rescue rope) and wear PFDs which are designed for swift water rescue, enabling a guide to carry two people if the need arises.

If a rafter is not able to complete the river rapid test, it is highly recommended that he/she not continue the journey for safety reasons and Oxboldc will gladly refund any earlier payment in full.

Here's a simple guide for those looking to bring out the adventure junkie within, and anyone else who's game for a wet and wild ride.

By Komuter Train Take the KTM Komuter service from KL Sentral to Rawang, then change trains to KKB. Duration of ride is 45 minutes from KL Sentral to Rawang and 30 minutes from Rawang to KKB. The last train leaving KKB for KL Sentral is at 9pm. We provide pick up service from KKB station to water rafting starting point (approximately 5km) at RM10 per person (return transfer). Kindly notify us in advance, should you require such service.

By Car Just follow the route map given after full payment has been made. The drive from Kuala Lumpur on this route takes about 60-75 minutes.

By Private Coach Notify us in advance where you would like to be picked up from. A coach will be sent to pick you up. Call our Hotline at 019-6638336 to request for pick up. Rates will differ according to the pick up point and the number of people per coach, starting from RM400 from the Klang Valley to KKB town. Oxbold also provides pick-up service from KLIA, LCCT, hotels within KL and Singapore.

28

sports

Winning is what it's about — Norway's Suzann Pettersen after winning the LPGA Match Play Championship

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

Same old tune

petaling jaya: motorsport/Malaysian Rally 2011

Nothing has changed for Muhammad Rafiq

THINGS are looking up for Muhammad Rafiq Udhaya and Sean Gregory in their chase to defend the overall Malaysian Rally crown.

As things stand right now, the pair are lying second as they head for Kangar and the second round of the championship over the weekend- a position they are comfortable with.

More so with China's Fan Fan and Fang Junwie, the overall winner in the opening leg in kota Tinggi last month, giving the Kangar

leg a miss because of visa issues.

Muhammad Rafiq behind the wheels of a Subaru Impreza, is on a a total of 11 points, two behind the Chinese pair and should they end up in Kangar with a podium finish, they know they would open up a sizeable lead from the chasing pack.

Last year's runner up Karamjit Singh is way down the list after he failed to take his Mitsubishi past the finishing line in Kota Tinggi.

So too is the four-time Asia Pacific Rally winner Cody Crocker of Australia who has a miserable two points to his name, no thanks to the incident in Kota Tinggi in which his Subaru Impreza went off the road.

Japan's katsu Taguchi of the Pennzoil GSR team, and a former world rally driver, also had problems in Kota Tinggi and is struggling to establish himself.

"Nothing has changed. We won the overall title last year based on the strategy that we

north carolina, USA: golf

Jean does it without sponsors

maintain our car well and keep our eyes wide open on the road.

"In short we try to plan things to the very last detail and then keep our fingers crossed," said Muhammad Rafiq.

But he acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead.

"Karamjit (Singh), Katsu (Taguchi) and Cody (Crocker) are all formidable opponents. They are all big names in rally driving and I am sure they are in a hurry to make up for the lost

Safiyah back with a bang NATIONAL bowler Siti Safiyah Amirah Abd Rahman (pic) believes she is reaching her best after her performance dropped last year.

She was diagnosed with a thyroid gland problem in July and missed several tournaments — the biggest being the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

"I feel much better now but there is still room for improvement," said Safiyah.

She failed to defend her Masters title at her comeback tournament, the Milo International Junior AllStars, as she didn't qualify for the stepladder.

"It (thyroid) affected my performance last year. I began to lose weight and focus. This resulted in me being inconsistent.

"I lost strength and power. My hands were shaky and I had sweaty palms," said Safiyah.

However, 2011 has so far been a good year for Safiyah as she won

JEAN: Currently ranked No. 463 in the world

success, sponsors will start soon pouring in. According to Jean's mom, Ong Bee Mooi, Jean is also doing her part to help them.

"She is very economical.

She cuts cost as much as she can — especially on travelling and accommodation," said Bee Mooi.

"I hope corporate Malaysian companies will help us."

The US-based golfer turned

KEEPING FINGERS CROSSED: Muhammad Rafiq hopes everything will go according to his plans — FILEpic

sunway: bowling

By Vijhay vick vijhayvick@mmail.com.my

JEAN CHUA has one goal, and that's to put Malaysian women’s golf on the world map.

The 24-year-old is doing just that when she became the first Malaysian in five years to qualify for the US Women's Open Championship on July 7-10.

She finished first in the qualifiers in North Carolina last week. Jean, based in North Carolina since 2005, will spend the next few weeks preparing for what will be the biggest challenge of her career and she hopes to do her country proud.

The last Malaysian woman to participate in the US Open was Lim Siew Ai, who finished tied for 49th in the 2006 edition.

Remarkably, Jean does not have a sponsor. Her family foots all bills for her training and other expenses.

"I have to thank my parents for everything I have here in the US," said Jean.

"They never once complained and always made sure I feel close to home here."

Jean hopes with her recent

oppurnities.

"Surely I expect them to come to Kangar all fired up.

As for me I am still my own man and I will still adopt the same approach which helped me win the overall title last year," said Muhammad Rafiq.

A total of 28 entries have been confirmed for the 2nd round in Kangar and after which the championship will move to Negeri Sembilan in July before the fourth and final leg in Malacca in November.

professional after finishing second at the 2009 Malaysian Amateur Open.

Immediately after, Jean won her first tournament on the professional circuit when she took home top honours in the Thailand LPGA Open.

Jean is currently ranked 463rd in the women's world rankings. She trains under her new coach Ian Triggs.

the singles category at the Commonwealth championships in Sunway Megalanes and finished sixth at the same venue in the national championships.

Her only setback this year was the Asian championships in January where she finished a dismal 43rd.

"I need to be more consistent. I hope to sort this out soon," said Safiyah.

Safiyah is competing in the Malaysian International Open at Sunway Megalanes in Sunway Pyramid. She is placed ninth in the women's Open qualifying (local pool) with 1,189 pins.

Zatil Iman leads with 1,487 pins while Zandra Aziela trails in second place with 1,349 pins. First day leader Sin Li Jane is third, 10 pins behind.

In the men's category, national bowler Alex Liew leads the qualifying with 1,504 pins, while national champion Kang Bo Long trails by 70 pins, followed

by Zulmazran Zulkifli with 1,421 pins. Defending champion Adrian Ang is fourth with 1,416 pins.

kuala lumpur: athletics

Roslinda prefers the comforts of home

ONE name was missing last week when the National Sports Council (NSC) released a list of athletes for an upcoming European training and competition stint.

Pole vaulter Roslinda Samsu (pic) was not among the 16 athletes who will leave for Europe in stages this week. However, she has no

complaints.

"That was purely my decision after consulting my personal coach, Manshahar Abdul Jalil," said Roslinda.

Roslinda was initially said to have been unhappy that the joint working committee between NSC and the Malaysian Amateur Athletics Union (MAAU) had yet to

approve the funds for the European stint.

However, the athlete insisted she was wrongly quoted.

"I never wanted to go (to Europe) in the first place. I don’t think it would make any difference whether I train in Europe or here (Malaysia)," she added.

Roslinda was unsure if

the events in Europe would be competitive. This is in contrast to Roslinda's lament last year that she didn't have enough competition.

"I've been going to Europe the past two years and it is time to try something different," said Roslinda.

Her only competition this year was the Taiwan

International Pole Vault Championship where she only cleared 3.65m. Roslinda’s best last year was at the same tournament, where she cleared 4.15m.

This is a far cry from her personal best of 4.40m in 2006. The pole vaulter will continue training at Bukit Jalil and will begin competition

training in July.

At the moment, Roslinda is unsure what competition, if there is one, to take part in to prepare for the Sea Games in Indonesia in November.

tuesDay 24 MAY, 2011

the malay mail

29

30

sports

Mirza happy to put injury woes behind INDIAN star Sania Mirza made a winning return to the French Open this morning and said she was simply happy to be playing again after missing last year's event with a career-threatening wrist injury.

The 24-year-old world No. 72 comfortably beat Germany's Kristina Barrois 6-3, 6-3 in the first round to set up an encounter with either Polish 12th seed Agnieszka Radwanska or Patricia Mayr-Achleitner of Austria.

"Last year I was out for five and a half months," said Mirza, the wife of Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik.

"Forget people writing me off, the doctors said I'd probably never be able to play again because the extent of the injury was so bad.

"For me to be competing again, when I thought I'd never be playing tennis again...

Winning is a bonus. Just competing at this level again and to know that I still belong here, I feel really happy.

"I love playing tennis and I enjoy competing. I missed coming here.

"It was really hard when I was at home. I hardly watched any matches last year when I was injured. It's even more depressing, because you want to be there but you can't."

Having climbed as high as 27 in the women's world rankings, Mirza's injury-enforced absence saw her slip to 166th by the end of 2010. — AFP

It's my favourite Grand Slam, even though I haven't won it yet -— Novak Djokovic

Cold Dane

paris: tennis/French open

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

snapSH

TS

Age no obstacle for Wozniacki

WORLD No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki showed no respect for her elders at the French Open this morning, crushing Japan's Kimiko Date-Krumm — a woman twice her age — 6-0, 6-2 in the first round.

Top-seeded Wozniacki, 20, took just 60 minutes to dispose of the 40-yearold Date-Krumm and will now face her near-namesake Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada for a place in the last 32.

The Danish star, who won her fourth title of 2011 in Brussels last week, is bidding to go beyond the French Open quarterfinals for the first time, having lost to eventual champion Francesca Schiavone in the last eight last year.

Clad in a blue dress and with heavy strapping on her left thigh, Wozniacki broke

Date-Krumm at the first attempt on Court Philippe Chatrier and then saved break point with an ace before going 3-0 up.

An inopportune doublefault from Date-Krumm allowed Wozniacki to move 4-0 ahead and moments later the Dane took the set by charging to the net to gobble up an under-hit drop-shot from her opponent.

Date-Krumm, who made her Roland Garros debut a year before Wozniacki was born, was broken in the sixth game of the second set and wilted on the first match point when she sent a forehand beyond the baseline.

Earlier, defending champion Schiavone swept into the second round by beating American 19-year-old Melanie Oudin 6-2, 6-0 on centre court.

Fifth seed S chiavone, who last year became the first Italian woman to win a Grand Slam, will meet Russian Vesna Dolonts for a third-round berth.

"I'm still shaking a little bit," admitted Schiavone, after returning to the scene of her emotional victory over Australia's Samantha Stosur in last year's final.

"There was a lot of adrenaline. I felt really happy to be there."

Russian third seed Vera Zvonareva, a losing finalist at both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2010, joined Schiavone in the second round when she overcame Spanish veteran Lourdes Dominguez Lino 6-3, 6-3 on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

Zvonareva's next opponent is German qualifier Sabine Lisicki. — AFP

Briton Watson ends 17-year wait TEENAGER Heather Watson this morning became the first British woman in 17 years to win a match at the French Open, a victory which put her into the world's top 100.

Watson, 19, who was already the first British

woman in 28 years to come through qualifying, claimed a 7-6 (8-6), 6-1 win over French veteran Stephanie Foretz Gacon and will next tackle Estonia's 16th seed Kaia Kanepi.

Clare Wood was the last Briton to win a match at

Roland Garros, in 1994.

"It was my goal to reach the world's top 100 by the end of the year, so I will have to set new goals for myself now. I'm so pleased," said Watson, whose celebrated her birthday on Friday. — AFP

Fans take pictures with Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki after her victory over Japan's Kimiko Date-Krumm — AFPpic

Heather Watson of Great Britain serves during her round one match against Stephanie Foretz Gacon of France — GETTYpic

Llodra denies 'souk' racist claim FRANCE'S France's Michael Llodra denied he was making a racist remark when he compared his French Open

match, being overseen by a Moroccan umpire, to the shambolic atmosphere of a north African souk.

"I remember what I said ver y well. The remarks were not racist," 22nd seed Llodra said, after being

knocked out by Belgian qualifier Steve Darcis on a packed Court One. — AFP

Paire (FRA) 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4); Novak Djokovic (SRB) bt Thiemo de Bakker (NED) 6-2, 6-1, 6-3

6-3, 6-0; Peng Shuai (CHN) bt Tamira Paszek (AUT) 6-3, 6-2; Vesna Dolonts (RUS) bt Anne Keothavong (GBR) 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4; Francesca Schiavone (ITA) bt Melanie Oudin (USA) 6-2, 6-0; Zheng Jie (CHN) bt Sandra Zahlavova (CZE) 6-4, 6-3; Petra Kvitova (CZE) bt Greta Arn (HUN) 6-2, 6-1; Kaia Kanepi (EST) bt Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) 7-5, 6-1; Heather Watson (GBR) bt Stephanie Foretz (FRA) 7-6 (8-6), 6-1; Roberta Vinci (ITA) bt Alberta Brianti (ITA) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3; Iryna Bremond (FRA) bt Evgeniya Rodina (RUS) 6-3, 4-6, 8-6; Jill Craybas (USA) bt Eleni Daniilidou (GRE) 6-3, 6-3; Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) bt Klara Zakopalova (CZE) 7-5, 6-1; Sania Mirza (IND) bt Kristina Barrois (GER) 6-3, 6-3; Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) bt Patricia Mayr (AUT) 6-1, 6-2; Maria Kirilenko (RUS) bt Coco Vandeweghe (USA) 7-6 (7-5), 6-2; Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) bt Viktoriya Kutuzova (UKR) 6-3, 4-6, 6-2

Results (Collated) Men's first round Antonio Veic (CRO) bt Pablo Cuevas (URU) 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-1 - retired; Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) bt Denis Gremelmayr (GER) 7-6 (7-2), 6-1, 6-3; Mardy Fish (USA) bt Ricardo Mello (BRA) 6-2, 6-7 (11-13), 6-2, 6-4; Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) bt Frederico Gil (POR) 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, 6-2; Leonardo Mayer (ARG) bt Dustin Brown (GER) 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, 6-2; Albert Ramos (ESP) bt Javier Marti (ESP) 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 4-6, 6-1, 6-3; Simone Bolelli (ITA) bt Frank Dancevic (CAN) 6-1, 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2; Tobias Kamke (GER) bt Olivier Rochus (BEL) 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-3, 6-2; Viktor Troicki (SRB) bt Julian Reister (GER) 6-4, 6-3, 6-3; Carlos Berlocq (ARG) bt Bernard Tomic (AUS) 7-5, 6-4, 6-2; Alejandro Falla (COL) bt Potito Starace (ITA) 7-6 (7-2), 6-1, 6-1; Steve Darcis (BEL) bt Michael Llodra (FRA) 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-3, 6-3; Philipp Petzschner (GER) bt Mischa Zverev (GER) 7-6 (7-3), 6-0, 6-4; Gael Monfils (FRA) bt

Bjorn Phau (GER) 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-0; Thomas Schoorel (NED) bt Maximo Gonzalez (ARG) 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, 6-3; Igor Andreev (RUS) bt Florent Serra (FRA) 6-4, 6-1, 6-3; Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) bt Brian Dabul (ARG) 7-6 (7-1), 6-1, 6-0; Roger Federer (SUI) bt Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3); Stephane Robert (FRA) bt Tomas Berdych (CZE) 3-6, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, 9-7; Marsel Ilhan (TUR) bt Tommy Haas (GER) 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-4; Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) bt Daniel Brands (GER) 6-2, 6-4, 6-4; Mikhail Youzhny (RUS2) bt Go Soeda (JPN) 7-5, 6-2, 6-4; Richard Gasquet (FRA) bt Radek Stepanek (CZE) 7-5, 6-3, 6-0; Michael Berrer (GER) bt Milos Raonic (CAN) 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4; Marcel Granollers (ESP) bt Alex Bogomolov Jr. (USA) 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-2; Thomaz Belluci (BRA) bt Andrey Golubev (KAZ) 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (7-5); Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) bt Ivo Karlovic (CRO) 6-7 (7-9), 6-3, 7-5, 6-4; Victor Hanescu (ROM) bt Benoit

Women's first round Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) bt Kimiko Date Krumm (JPN) 6-0, 6-2; Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) bt Junri Namigata (JPN) 6-1, 6-1; Sara Errani (ITA) bt Christina McHale (USA) 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 9-7; Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) bt Zhang Shuai (CHN) 6-3, 6-3; Irina Begu (ROM) bt Aravane Rezai (FRA) 6-3, 6-3; Marion Bartoli (FRA) bt Anna Tatishvili (GEO) 1-6, 6-2, 6-1; Olga Govortsova (BLR) bt Agnes Szavay (HUN) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4; Vera Zvonareva (RUS) bt Lourdes Domínguez (ESP) 6-3, 6-3; Sabine Lisicki (GER) bt Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) 6-0, 6-4; Edina Gallovits (ROM) bt Angelique Kerber (GER) 2-6, 6-3, 6-1; Anastasia Rodionova (AUS) bt Nadia Petrova (RUS) 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-4; Nuria Llagostera (ESP) bt Anastasia Pivovarova (RUS)

Sania Mirza of India returns the ball to Kristina Barrois of Germany — APpic

Visitors cooling down with beers as they attend the French Open tennis championship — AFPpic

The Malay Mail Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

Jose Mourinho sets a bad example to children — Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff

Presstalk

METRO

Fabregas' commitment questioned ARSENAL captain Cesc Fabregas suffered a fans backlash after posting a picture of himself at the Spanish Grand Prix on Twitter while his teammates laboured to a draw at Fulham on Sunday.

The injured midfielder wisely removed the picture from his social networking account after he started to receive abuse from supporters for not being present at Craven Cottage to cheer the Gunners in the last game of the season.

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan was one of several high-profile names to take a pop at Fabregas, tweeting: "Fabregas spends the last day of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix!!! Tells you all you need to know about Arsenal this season…"

Many other fans also joined in the barrage calling into question the Spaniard's passion for the club's cause, and his commitment.

THE SUN

No bid deal

JAMIE CARRAGHER poured scorn on the Europa League and claimed not being in it will boost Liverpool's title bid next season.

He shrugged off the prospect of no European football for the first time in 12 years by insisting his side can fully focus on the Premier League instead.

Successive defeats in their final two matches — against Tottenham and then Aston Villa on Sunday — put paid to any hopes of fifth place and a Europa League slot.

But Carragher said: "No disrespect to the Europa League but the way that competition has gone it's not a massive disappointment."

DAILY MIRROR

Keane set to move on TOTTENHAM striker Robbie Keane accepts he is likely to be looking for yet another club this summer, but feels no need to advertise his services.

Keane endured a frustrating season after falling out of favour at White Hart Lane, with a loan spell at West Ham being hampered by injury and ending in relegation.

The much-travelled 30-yearold has now linked up with the Republic of Ireland for their four summer fixtures but is not viewing them as a chance to parade his talent to prospective new employers.

Keane, who has already played for eight clubs, said: "I will just concentrate on doing what I do and hopefully score goals. It has been a frustrating season for me but that is the past now.

sports

31

LONDON: premier league

Ancelotti to bounce back, says Kalou

SALOMAN KALOU insisted all Chelsea's players loved Carlo Ancelotti and were confident he would bounce back from his sacking as manager.

Ancelotti was sacked barely an hour after Sunday's final game of the season at Everton before travelling back to the Blues' Cobham training base and saying his farewells.

Kalou last week refused to reveal whether he wanted Ancelotti to stay, with the striker having struggled to hold

down a regular starting berth under the experienced Italian.

But his reaction to Ancelotti's departure was far more complimentary as he became the first Chelsea player to comment publicly since Sunday's verdict.

"The players respect him and love him for what he did for the club," Kalou told BBC Sport.

"We wish for Carlo to have a good time wherever he's going. We all know he's a

good manager and he's going to bounce back."

Despite Ancelotti having reiterated his desire to remain in the Premier League following Chelsea's decision to dismiss him — which he said he "respects" — he appears likely to be approached by Roma over their managerial vacancy.

As a former Roma boss, he would be welcomed with open arms, according to striker Francesco Totti.

MANCHESTER: champions league

Devils' desire Vidic and company out for Barca blood

MANCHESTER UNITED defender Nemanja Vidic is certain the tear-stained memories of Rome will ensure the Red Devils enjoy the briefest of title celebrations.

United were officially crowned as league champions for a record 19th time at Old Trafford on Sunday.

It was the fourth time in five full seasons with United that Vidic had finished No. 1, his personal contribution marked before the game against Blackpool when he was named Premier League Player-of-the-Year.

But before he considers the accolade, or revels too much in getting to collect his first major trophy as United skipper, his focus immediately turned to this weekend's Champions League final showdown against Barcelona, and a burning desire to atone for a disastrous performance in Rome two years ago.

"We are celebrating but everyone is thinking about the next game," said Vidic.

"It is the biggest game of the whole year. We have to prepare as best as we can for Barca. We know what it feels like to go to the final and lose.

"That match was one of the saddest moments of my career. I am sure all the players will not forget it."

Manager Alex Ferguson has always claimed to know what went wrong at Stadio Olimpico when, after a bright start, United slumped after Samuel Eto'o had scored against the run of play.

They were well out of the contest before Lionel Messi headed a match-clinching second past Edwin van der Sar, who will play the last competitive game of his career on Saturday.

"We know we are facing a very good team and have

DADDY'S A CHAMPION: Vidic with his two sons, Luka and Stefan, after the match between Manchester United and Blackpool — GETTYpic

to be physically and psychologically ready. Against this Barca side you have to be intelligent," said Vidic.

"They have qualities but we will work on their weaknesses and expose them to try and win the game."

United have been working tactics they intend to implement against Barca since the title was secured at Blackburn on May 14.

By the time they reach kick-off on Saturday, it means Ferguson and coaches Mike Phelan and Rene Meulensteen will have had a fortnight to work on a strategy to stop Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta weaving the pretty patterns that so often

"I hope Carlo is in contention after he left Chelsea," he said.

Vincenzo Montella, who was placed in charge until the end of the season, remained hopeful of keeping his job.

"I have been evaluated by the directors who are at the training ground every day and it was gratifying to prove I can already do this job. It's already a very satisfying experience and we'll see over the next few days what happens."

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani, who worked with Ancelotti before he joined the Blues, said today: "I have spoken to Carlo.

"He will come to see me in a couple of weeks. He is a great manager and I'm confident he will soon find a great coaching post he deserves."

Ancelotti won the Italian title with Roma in 1983 and has made no secret of his desire to manage the club one day.

LONDON: euro 2012

Zamora back in England squad FULHAM striker Bobby Zamora has been included in the England squad for next month's Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland for the first time since breaking his leg last August.

Coach Fabio Capello named Zamora because Liverpool's Andy Carroll is injured while Manchester United's Wayne Rooney is suspended for the Group G match on June 4 at Wembley.

Zamora made his debut for England as a second half substitute in a friendly against Hungary last August, but a month later broke his leg in a Premier League match against Wolves and did not play again until recovering in February.

His goal against Arsenal in last Sunday's 2-2 draw on the final day of the Premier League season was his fourth in 11 matches since his return to action.

Un it e d d e f e n d e r R i o Ferdinand also returns in a 26-man squad with Capello having to call up Fulham reserve goalkeeper David Stockdale alongside Scott Carson as backups after Ben Foster and Robert Green said they did not wish to be involved.

United midfielder Michael Carrick is also recalled, while

THE SQUAD GOALKEEPERS: Joe Hart (Man City), Scott Carson (West Brom), David Stockdale (Fulham) DEFENDERS: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Bolton), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Man United), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Joleon Lescott (Man City), John Terry (Chelsea), Kyle Walker (Tottenham) MIDFIELDERS: Gareth Barry (Man City), Michael Carrick (Man United), Stewart Downing (Aston Villa), Adam Johnson (Man City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Man City), Scott Parker (West Ham), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Aston Villa) STRIKERS: Darren Bent (Aston Villa), Peter Crouch (Tottenham), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Bobby Zamora (Fulham)

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, who was left out of the Under-21 squad for this summer's European championship in Denmark, keeps his place in the senior party.

With all five teams in the group having played four matches, England lead the standings with 10 points on goal difference from Montenegro, followed by Switzerland on four, Bulgaria on four and point less Wales.

MADRID: primera liga

prove destructive.

However, it will have also sunk in with those players who have not experienced it before, that United are a team capable of winning big competitions.

And Vidic knows he can lead a team to glory, not just be in one.

"I was very proud when I was given the captaincy but if you are captain and you don't win a trophy, it is not a great feeling. One of our main targets this year was to win the Premier League and go above Liverpool.

"But this is not going to stop. We want to improve and get better," said the Serbian.

Real sign Callejon

REAL MADRID announced their third signing of the summer after snapping up Jose Callejon (pic) from Espanyol.

Callejon came through the Real Madrid youth ranks, but failed to make a first-team appearance at the Bernabeu. The 24-year-old joined Espanyol in 2008 and he impressed at the Barcelona-based club, attracting the interest of a number of teams.

Real have won the race for the midfielder's signature and Callejon has signed a five-year deal with the Spanish giants.

Callejon becomes Jose Mourinho's third new signing

in the last few weeks — following the arrivals of Nuri Sahin and Hamit Altintop from Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, respectively.

Historic win Look out for

KAMpusBuzz with Kamaruzaman Ahmad

TOMORROW local

Tuesday 24 MAY, 2011

football

EXTREME RAPIDS

ChampionsLeague

Teenager Heather Watson became the first British woman in 17 years to win a match at the French Open, a victory which put her into the world’s top 100

Volcano threatens Barca plans

BARCELONA

Make a splash. Try white water rafting with our special guide from Oxbold and enjoy a RM20 discount

>> pg27 motorsport

Defending the crown GSR Pennzoil’s Muhammad Rafiq Udhaya and Sean Gregory will try to defend the overall Malaysian Rally crown

>> pg28 presstalk

No loyalty

Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas suffered a fans backlash after posting a picture of himself at the Spanish Grand Prix instead of being with Arsenal against Fulham on Sunday

>> pg31

football

Carlo will bounce back

Chelsea’s Saloman Kalou insisted all the Blues’ players loved Carlo Ancelotti and were confident he would bounce back from his sacking as manager

>> pg31

Ultimate Messi

Barca ace to treat United showdown as his last-ever action BARCELONA’S little wizard Lionel Messi will be playing the Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday — as if it is his last ever game.

The Spanish champions lock horns with the Premier League champions in a repeat of the 2009 final in Rome, which was won 2-0 by the Catalans.

Messi was among the heroes on that night, and he is ready to do it all over again.

“I will go out to play this game like it’s my last,” he said.

“It’s a special game and I have good memories of the final in Rome two years ago.

We are playing great rivals who have excellent players like Wayne Rooney and I think it will be an even contest.

“There are no favourites for the final. Either side can win.

These games are decided by the finer details.”

On his goal in Rome, in-

terestingly via a rare header, Messi said: “I remember what the goal meant. I can score again, with my head, my foot, but it doesn’t matter if it is not me, as long as we can lift the trophy.”

‘

It’s our little secret. If I answer that question, it will give it away to every other team

’

Eric Abidal Messi commented on Portuguese ace Cristiano Ronaldo who stormed to the Pichichi (top scorer in Primera Liga) following his 40 goals with bitter Real Madrid.

“I would have liked to have won the Pichichi, but Ronaldo scored plenty of goals in the last few games,” said the Argentina international, who did not feature in Barca’s last two league matches against Deportivo La Coruna and Malaga.

“I congratulate him, but what is important is that we win this final. I am more keen on team honours.”

Anyway, Messi is the top scorer in this season’s Champions League with 11 goals — the third season in a row he has topped the chart.

He has also scored 52 times in all competitions this term — including a hattrick against Sevilla in the Spanish Super Cup, and also set up 19 of Barca’s league goals and three in the Champions League.

Barca defender Eric Abidal warned United they will have a tough time trying to stop Messi.

The Frenchman has been

>> pg30

on the road to recovery following an operation on his liver in which a tumour was removed. He has been progressing well but it is not known as to whether he will start but the 31-year-old wants to feature as he missed the Rome showdown because of a suspension.

“It’s our little secret. If I answer that question, it will give it away to every other team,” he told Uefa’s website, when asked what it takes to stop his teammate.

“The problem with Messi is that no one knows what he will do. He is from another planet. He can do anything, he’s proved that despite his age (23).

“He still has many more years to come, and I hope he wins the Ballon d’Or more than anyone else as he is so talented. We saw it against Real in the Champions League at the Bernabeu — at 1-0 he dribbled past four players to score. It’s incredible.”

MANAGER Josep “Pep” Guardiola says Barcelona will wait for todays’ forecast from Grimsvotn volcano in Iceland before deciding when to travel to London.

The Catalans face Manchester United in the Champions League final at Wembley on Saturday, but could see their travel plans disrupted by the ash cloud.

Barca were forced to travel by bus to Milan to face Inter in the semifinal of last year’s competition after flights were cancelled due to the ash cloud which covered much of western Europe.

And Guardiola is hoping for the best this time around as another erupting Icelandic volcano threatens to cause flight disturbance over the United Kingdom.

“Seeing as the volcano has been asleep for a couple of years I hope it will be asleep for a couple more days,” he said.

The ash has already caused cancellations to flights over Scottish airspace from today and could affect the plans of both the team and their fans, many of whom will travel on the day of the match.

“The important thing is that they tell us — whatever they say we’ll do with the maximum anticipation possible,” said Guardiola.

“If they tell us we can’t risk the trip then we’ll travel on Tuesday or the day after.

If not, we’ll travel like we planned — we will not take any risks.”

Guardiola believes Uefa will go ahead with the final, though, even if the fans are unable to travel.

“The final will be on Saturday. Uefa won’t change the date of the final,” he said.

“We will play even if the stadium is half empty, but that would be sad. Let’s hope that the volcano doesn’t disrupt travel plans of all the fans who want to go.”

Published by Malay Mail Sdn Bhd (239512V), Lot 2A, Jalan 13/2, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and printed by The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad (4485-H), 31, Jalan Riong, 59100 KL