Monday 29 AUGUST, 2011
PP423/01/2012(029578)
SPORTS
Edin for greatness Four-goal hero Dzeko warns rivals there is more to come from him and Manchester City
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Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri
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PETALING JAYA
LOCAL
Pranksters in distress Cops at doorsteps of ‘MyDistress’ abusers
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THE MALAY MAIL WISHES OUR READERS
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From I-Kad to I-Pass
Thursday launch of new identification system for expats, with security features including biometric data
Congestion woes PJ City Council says work almost complete to convert Rothman’s roundabout to traffic lights junction
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WORLD
From this to this
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A NEW identification system for expatriates in the country will be implemented by the government from Thursday. Called I-Pass, the new system is an improvement and will replace the current I-Kad system, The Malay Mail has learnt. Similar in nature to the MyKad, the I-Pass will have security measures embedded, including biometric data. Home Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Mahmood Adam (pic) clarified the change was necessary due to an upgrade in the Immigration Department’s computer system. “The I-Kad uses the Malaysian Immigration System (SIM) which is not necessarily linked with other Immigration systems. The I-Pass uses the My Immigration (MYIMM) System and is now integrated with other Immigration systems,” he told The Paper That Cares. Mahmood said the I-Pass system was set to affect more than 90,000 expatriates in the country in its
By T.K. LETCHUMY TAMBOO t.k.letchumy@mmail.com.my initial stage. “We are targeting a two-month period for expatriates to get their new cards. Obtaining the I-Pass is free of charge. “All they have to do is come to the Immigration office, get their photos taken and thumbprints scanned and they would be able to get their I-Pass,” he said. Mahmood said the I-Pass implementation was a continuation of the government’s 6P amnesty exercise. “Just like the MyKad, the I-Pass has a microchip. However, the IPass has less security features than the former. In fact, it has less than 10 security features.” He continued: “It also has a Quick Response code that can be scanned by anybody with a smartphone. The details of the I-Pass owner could be accessed upon scanning.”
I-Pass security measures include: • Different colour-code for different sectors • Microchip with biometric data embedded • Unique card pattern, similar to the MyKad Mahmood said a similarity between the I-Kad and the I-Pass was that it was colour-coded, with the colour depending on the sector an expat was engaged in. However, he did not elaborate on the specific colours used to represent each sector. Mahmood also said following the implementation, expats can choose to carry either their passports or their I-Pass within the country. “Expatriates move a lot in and out the country. If they choose to, they can just carry their I-Pass with them when moving about locally.”
The idea for the I-Kad system was mooted in 2006 to help authorities check on illegal immigrants and to prevent abuse and forgery during the permit renewal process. The system was subsequently introduced in 2007, replacing the passport for legitimate foreign workers. The card contained 17 security features which facilitated screening and enforcement. Under the I-Kad system, foreign students were given a greencoloured card, a gold-coloured one for expats and a gold-coloured card with red stripes for their spouses. The social visit pass for participants under the Malaysia My Second Home programme was silvercoloured while a temporary work permit is blue. Domestic maids were issued purple cards, plantation workers red cards with yellow stripes and red cards for those in other sectors. Although the I-Kad was free, a replacement fee was charged if their holders lost them.
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The Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, will hold open house on the first day of Aidilfitri at Istana Besar Sri Menanti, Kuala Pilah from 10am to 4pm. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA
Public willing to pay RM2 for speedy police response MEMBERS of the public generally have no qualms about paying RM2 for speedy police response. Ta k ing t he matter of "MyDistress" to the streets, The Malay Mail asked around for opinions on the new smartphone application that was co-developed and introduced by the Selangor police for SOS calls during robberies, assault and even kidnapping. The application works by transmitting a smartphone's Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates directly to the police. Bernard Morais, 50, of Bukit Jalil, said the platform could help reduce crime and make people feel safer in having direct communication with the authorities. "It's an improvement from the Rakan Cop SMS initiative," the business executive told The Malay Mail. "By using GPS, the police's response time would be faster and I'd pay for that," he said. Kelana Jaya resident Ting Sher Ling, 25, who runs an online business, said she wouldn't mind paying for the service as it would enable people to help others in distress. "If a person being attacked does not have this option to reach out for help, at least others can play their part," she said. "Having such access would help me feel a lot safer when outdoors." Sukri Murad, 25, an operations support officer from Sri Kembangan said the application would be handy in emergency scenarios if no one was around to help. "But it would depend on the situation of course. I have a friend who became a snatch theft victim earlier this year but the police were unable to catch the culprit," he said. There were also some who had reservations about the new technology. Surinder Singh, a 42-yearold s e c ur ity consu lt ant from Kinrara, said while he would not mind paying for MyDistress, he would prefer to see how the application works and how effective it is.
By FAIZAL NOR IZHAM faizal.nor@mmail.com.my
SUKRI: Application handy in emergency situations
No distress!
Pranksters get a earful for abusing MyDistress line TWO pranksters received a lesson they are not likely to forget when they found cops at their doorsteps after abusing the recently launched "MyDistress" application. The duo were warned by policemen who responded immediately to their "distress call" when patrolling the area. In relating the incident, Selangor police chief Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah yesterday expressed displeasure the application was being abused. "It is disappointing to know people are misusing an application that is supposed to help guard them, for their own well-being,” he said. Howe ver, Tun His an said he was glad with the overall response since the "MyDistress" mobile application was launched five days ago by Selangor police. As of yesterday morning,
By THASHA JAYAMANOGARAN thasha@mmail.com.my
he told The Malay Mail 15,405 people had already registered and 259 test calls were made in a short time span. Tun Hisan urged the public to use the application wisely, such as during emergencies or life-threatening situations, but not when their vehicles run out of petrol or if they experience a punctured tyre. The "MyDistress" func-
The Malay Mail Monday 29 AUGUST, 2011
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Weather Update
tion, which is applicable to smartphones, allows the public to signal for help in emergency situations by the press of a button. The signal would be routed to Selangor police headquarters control rooms and eight district police stations located in areas considered crime hotspots — Shah Alam, Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Gombak, Kajang, Klang, Serdang and Ampang Jaya. DO NOT ABUSE: A screenshot of the Royal Malaysian Police website, where smartphone users can upload the "MyDistress" application.
PLANNING a day out? Don't get caught out. Keeping up-to-date with the latest weather conditions is vital. Subscribe to receive the daily weather forecast for Klang Valley areas direct to your mobile phone via SMS! All you need to do is just type: ON<space>MM<space>WEATHER and send to 33333 Sample: ON MM WEATHER ● RM0.50/SMS. Normal telco charges apply.
Buka Puasa/Imsak Times Imsak Ramadan 29, Maghrib 1432H (today) (tomorrow)
wilayah persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya
7.22pm
nil
Selangor Zone I: Daerah Gombak, Petaling Jaya/ Shah Alam, Hulu Selangor, Hulu Langat and Sepang Zone II: Daerah Klang, Kuala Langat, Kuala Selangor, and Sabak Bernam
7.22pm
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7.24pm
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WANGSA MAJU
Manhunt for brazen optical shop robbers
SURINDER: The technology would test police efficiency
"It all boils down to how well police respond to SOS calls. You can have the most advanced technology but if the people working behind it are incompetent, then it defeats the purpose," he said. Surinder said the public also need to be educated so they would not misuse the platform to raise false alarms. "Imagine if there were too many prank calls. Cops may eventually not take distress calls seriously," he said. He also voiced his concern for people and if they would be in the right frame of mind to immediately reach for their phone in stressful situations. The application, which took a year to develop, will be available for free within eight police districts in Selangor until January when it would cost RM2 monthly. Smartphone users can download the application, from http://mydistress.net. The application is compatible with Android, Apple, Blackberry, Java and Symbian smartphone systems.
The Malay Mail is published by Malay Mail Sdn Bhd, Lot 2A, Jalan 13/2, 46200, Petaling Jaya
POLICE have launched a manhunt for two suspects who, armed with parang and cleaver, held up an optical shop just a stone's throw away from a police station in Wangsa Maju last Friday. "We have identified the suspects, both in their late 20s. We believe they are now in hiding. Hopefully, we will arrest them soon," said Sentul district police chief ACP Zakaria Pagan.
By G. PRAKASH prakash@mmail.com.my
Zakaria said the suspects' brazen attack was surprising as the Section 10 police station was only 300m away from where the incident took place. Relating the incident, Zakaria said: "Our officers who were about to go out on patrol heard a commotion. They went towards the
shop but the three suspects fled the scene on two motorcycles." "The officers managed to arrest one of them after a one-kilometre chase, but the other two managed to escape." Police are gathering CCTV recordings from the shop and its neighbours. Zakaria said the trio had entered the optical shop around 9.30pm and demand-
ed a shop assistant hand over the money in the cash register. The staff, 35-year-old Naizatul Siha Hassan, panicked and screamed. One of the suspects slashed her right hand with a cleaver. The suspect had also tried to take Naizatul's handbag. She put up a fight but stopped after her hand was slashed. The two escapees got away with RM3,500 cash.
AMPANG
Cops clueless on back-stabbing robber
POLICE investigations into the case of Wini Roswita Abdullah, 36, who was knifed four times by a snatch thief at a café in Ampang last week, is at a standstill. With no closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) recordings, cops are finding it difficult to trace the suspect and his two accomplices. The CCTV system at the premises malfunctioned when the incident took place, causing police to have no clue on the
EDITORIAL Tel : 03-74951288 Fax : 03-74951229 Email : mmnews@mmail.com.my
suspects who had entered the café compound. A police source told The Malay Mail: "So far, we have no lead on the suspect's identity and that is hampering our investigations." Wini's husband, Suhaimi Mahmood said police visited his wife last Thursday and showed several photo-fits of suspects involved in other snatch theft incidents in the area. "My wife did not recognise any of the photos shown.
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Besides that, police also asked her for a detailed description of her assailants," said the 44-year-old. Ampang Jaya police chief ACP Amiruddin Jamaluddin asked anyone who had witnessed the incident last Wednesday to come forward to help police investigations. On Aug 24, Wini was at a café with a friend when a man approached her and asked her to hand over her handbag, on the chair next to her. Wini tried
to shield her belongings when the suspect took out a knife and stabbed her four times in the back. The suspect only stopped when Wini's friend threw her own handbag towards him, to divert his attention. He then took both handbags and left the scene on a motorcycle with his accomplices. The victim was taken to Ampang Puteri Hospital, five minutes away, where she underwent surgery.
TO CONTACT US: Newsdesk : 03-74951015 & 03-74951017 Classifieds : 03-74951273/03-74951282 General line : 03-74951288 Circulation : 03-74951068 Fax : 03-74951226
monday 29 august, 2011
the malay mail
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Man blown up by landmine A MAN was killed in his rubber plantation in Pattani, south Thailand, yesterday, when he stepped on one of three mines believed to have been planted by insurgents, the Bangkok Post reports. Im Sichotiyakun, 66, a resident of Panare district, was killed instantly in the explosion. His wife was about five metres away and narrowly escaped the blast. The attack was reported to Panare district police around 6am. A bomb disposal squad was called in to clear the bomb scene before another team of security officers moved in for fear of more mines having been planted. The squad found two more about three metres away, said Pol Lt Col Phaisit Kaeocharat, deputy chief of the Panare district police.
Aidilfitri freedom for graft convicts EIGHT graft convicts who have completed their terms will enjoy freedom tomorrow as they receive sentence reductions as part of the Aidilfitri remission scheme, an official with Indonesia's Law and Human Rights Ministry said. The Ministry’s Director-General for Penitentiaries, Ika Yusanti, said that for this year's Aidilfitri celebration, the government has granted remissions to 235 graft convicts, the Jakarta Post reports. “Eight among them [the convicts] will be released [for their terms are now over], while the rest of them will continue serving their remaining jail sentences," Ika was quoted as saying by tribunnews.com on Sunday. Ika did not release the names of the soon-to-be-released convicts.
Haircare firm recalls toxic product SCORES of Australians may have been exposed to a toxic hair-straightening product that includes 50 times the safe level of formaldehyde — a chemical known to cause cancer, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Haircare Australia, a company that provides products to more than 5500 hairdressers across the country, has recalled 158 bottles of ''Brazilian Blowout'' after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission discovered its high formaldehyde content. Less than half of the bottles — just 77 — have been retrieved. ACCC documents revealed the commission was concerned because ''there is a substantial degree of scientific evidence that formaldehyde can be a dangerous substance, can be toxic, allergenic and carcinogenic, and when inhaled can cause headaches, a burning sensation in the throat and difficulty with breathing''. Read more: http:// www.smh.com.au/national/ haircare-company-recalls-toxicstraightening-product-201108281jgni.html#ixzz1WLDMry1A
No one should be entitled to everything he thinks he is entitled to, because everyone must make some sacrifice — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Bersih 2.0 rally
The Malay Mail Monday 29 AUGUST, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR
Shopping frenzy
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman bustles with last-minute Raya shoppers
DECISIONS, DECISIONS: With such an array of fashion to choose from, a shopper is spoilt for choice
By FAIZAL NOR IZHAM faizal.nor@mmail.com.my
ZOLKARNAIN CHE AMA, a 52-year-old kuih seller operating in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, is no stranger to hard work. Having managed a traditional cake-and-cookie stall at a local pasar malam for many years, he and his fellow workers have been working round-the-clock selling Hari Raya cakes during the tail-end of Ramadan to meet customer demands. "This week has been the most hectic," he told The Malay Mail during a visit to the area yesterday. "Weekends have been extremely busy for us this month. "I have 10 of my own relatives helping me all day. Five of them help in the day while the others work nights. We operate from 9am to 2am," he said. Some of his regular customers who have been patronising his stall every Ramadan for the past eight years come from as far away as Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. "They tell me it's difficult to get certain types of cakes and cookies over there, so I am
ZOLKARNAIN: Cooking up a storm for his customers
familiar with what they like by now." He said he often gives discounts if they buy his cookies in bulk. Zakaria Ahmad, 24, originally from Kedah, usually plies his trade in Penang selling kids' clothes such as baju kurung. "But during Ramadan, I come down here with other traders," he said, adding he has 14 such friends who have been with him since the start of the fasting month. "I start work in the mornings before changing shift with another, who starts at 7pm. But we both work together at night when it gets crowded."
SHAZANA: Sells 'baju kurung' near Kamdar
Shoe trader Mohd Malik Palo, 36, from Damansara Damai has been trading from the pavements from 11am to 4am everyday this month. "I normally trade in the area where I live but I have been operating here during this Ramadan. Nights have been particularly busy for me," he said, adding that he even has his sahur and buka puasa where he works. Shazana Safra, a 23-yearold baju kurung trader from Puchong, usually operates her trade close to Kamdar. She and her older sister help their mother run the business. "We normally give customers discounts of up to 30 or 40 per
MOHD MALIK: Business at night usually very busy
cent if they buy a lot of clothes," she said. Shoppers have also been busy this weekend doing their lastminute spending. Rahmat Aidin, a 27-yearold government servant from Sepang, came down with his wife to buy Hari Raya clothes for his parents and two children. "Last-minute is best because it's cheaper. It's also easier to bargain with traders," he said. "We left our children, aged three and four, at their grandparents' house to make our shopping spree easier." Rahmat said they come here every year but this is the first time they have come in the
ZALWIYAH: Has some serious shopping to do
daytime as they wanted to avoid the night crowd. "We love the wide variety of items available here." Another shopper, who only wished to be known as Zalwiyah, said she usually visits the area on Sundays or during public holidays, but is now here to do some serious shopping. The civil servant from Puchong would return to her kampung in Perak for the upcoming holidays. "I'm here to buy clothes and kuih for my parents," said the 26-year-old. "I enjoy doing my last-minute shopping here, but it's very crowded."
PETALING JAYA
Most Section 13 industrial businesses to move out CLOSE to 80 per cent of business owners in Section 13, Petaling Jaya, will be relocating because of ongoing plans to turn the industrial area into a commercial one. Petaling Jaya City Council Town Planning Department deputy director Zain Azly Abdul Rahman said the conversion of Section 13 into a commercial hub was being carried out in stages in which nine out of the 94 industrial lots in the area
By CECILIA VICTOR cecilia@mmail.com.my
have already been approved for commercial purposes. "The response from land owners has been positive. Since the decision was made last year, close to 80 per cent have decided to relocate their business. "A few factory owners have sold their plots to new owners while some have leased them out to other businesses,''
Zain said. Previously, the price per sq ft of land under the industrial lot classification was between RM120 to RM150 whereas owners could now sell their land as commercial plots for between RM250 to RM300 per sq ft. Meanwhile, Zain told The Malay Mail, the council has yet to fix a time frame for the area to fully comprise commercial businesses, seeing that many
industrial lots were still in existence there. In addition, Zain said developers would have to pay additional cost to the council for road development there, such as the building of elevated freeways, road-widening works, improvement of road conditions as well as the setting up of an Infrastructure Service Fund. Two years ago, The Malay Mail quoted council deputy
president Puasa Md Taib, stating the 80-hectare industrial hub would become a commercial zone with modern complexes such as Jaya 1 and 33. Meanwhile, Section 17A, Section 19 and SS20 councillor, Mak Khun Weng had reportedly said the commercialisation of Section 13 would be studied and could form the framework for the conversion of Section 19 and other similar industrial areas.
monday 29 august, 2011
the malay mail
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The 24 policemen who fought 180 communists are heroes, not the communists who killed them — Terengganu Ex-Policemen Association chairman Hussin Awang Ngah on Bukit Kepong bloodshed in Feb 1950
KUALA LUMPUR
Making wise decisions
The Malay Mail Monday 29 AUGUST, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR
A brighter Raya for family of eight
Yahoo!, HomeGuru tie-up means premium property content MALAYSIA's 18 million Internet users and property investors now have better access to premium property content, thanks to a new deal inked between digital media company Yahoo! and www. HomeGuru.com.my, one of the country's leading real estate websites. This first-of-its-kind content partnership will see HomeGuru delivering market intelligence, real estate news, expert views, interviews and articles, as well as related content such as real estate directories, upcoming
events and mortgage guides on Yahoo! to help users in Malaysia with their property decisions. The partnership will not only drive additional traffic to both sites but increase brand awareness for HomeGuru in the property market. The agreement will also allow Yahoo! to monetise allocated ad inventories on HomeGuru's network. Yahoo! Malaysia country editor S. Vicknesan said the combination of HomeGuru's content and Yahoo!'s regional
audience and advanced targeting capabilities ensure the best experience for online audiences. "The p ar t nership a ls o strengthens Yahoo!'s commitment to bring locally relevant editorial content to our users as well as complements news offering on Yahoo! News and Yahoo! Finance — the two leading sites in Malaysia — with expert articles in the real estate field." Said Steve Melhuish, group CEO of PropertyGuru, the owners of HomeGuru,
property-related news, market intelligence, trends, tips and techniques of investment are closely-watched topics in Malaysia. "The partnership is a winwin opportunity and would enable readers to make informed decisions about their most important investments," he said. With 73 per cent of the total population focused on online news, the two publishers are also seeking to tap into the growth potential of digital media in Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR
Helping define your inner strength
ECHOING its role as "Your C ommunity Bank", Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) hopes to reach out to people from all walks of life via the upcoming Putrajaya Night Marathon 2011 (PNM 2011). Organised by Twenty First Century Sports (TFCS) with BSN as the official title sponsor, the run themed "Define Your Inner Strength" will be held on Oct 15. "We believe sporting events are the best way to reach out and we encourage everyone to join be it amateurs or professionals," said BSN deputy chief executive Hasan Mohamed. PNM 2011 is wholly owned and organised by TFCS, which
Hasan: Sports a good way to reach out
co-hosted last year's breakthrough night marathon. Their credits include the Siemens Run, RedBull Futsal National Championships and Putrajaya Half Marathon.
CYBERJAYA
RAYA GIFTS: Hafidz passing goodie bags and 'duit raya' to the children from Rumah Kebajikan Anak Yatim and Miskin Al-Munirah
TFCS director and PNM 2011 race director, V. Nithiaseelan said last year's PNM was the first of its kind in Malaysia. They were happy to bring it back. A special 10km 'CSR Run' had been designed for BSN to raise funds from corporate bodies and government agencies. The expected proceeds of RM100,000 for this 10km run will be donated to National Cancer Council Malaysia (Makna), the beneficiary of PNM 2011. The event's media partners are The Malay Mail and NTV7. Sponsors for sporting gear will be Brooks while 100-Plus, Milo and PowerBar will keep
runners invigorated throughout the night. HooHa.asia, the official online partner, is organising an online reality show Make That Change in conjunction with the marathon. The winner, voted by the public, will receive RM6,000 to make a difference in someone's life. PNM 2011 is supported by Putrajaya Corporation, Youth and Sports Ministry and sanctioned by Federal Territory Amateur Athletics Association an d Ma l ay s i an A m at e u r Athletics Union (MAAU). For details or to register, visit www.putrajayanightmarathon2011.com or www.hooha. asia.
GIFT OF CHEER: Abdul Aziz (second from right) and his children receive a visit from Raihan (left)
WITH a monthly income of RM600, Abdul Aziz Muhamad has been living a difficult life trying to support his wife and six children. Besides paying for food and other daily expenses, the 43-year-old's meagre pay from selling old boxes covers the monthly house rent as well. But things are looking up for the family of eight, thanks to Takaful Ikhlas Sdn Bhd after they were alerted to Abdul Aziz's plight.
The company's corporate communications department head Raihan Rahim presented zakat (tithe) contribution to the family at their home in Klang recently. The family also received Hari Raya goodies to make this year's celebration a happier one. Incorporated in July 2003, Takaful Ikhlas is a subsidiary company of MNRB Holdings Berhad, an investment holding company listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia.
Added joy for orphans and elderly
IN the spirit of Ramadan, about 90 orphans and senior citizens were feted to a buka puasa feast at Cyberview Lodge Resort and Spa on Aug 19. The event was hosted by Cyberview Sdn Bhd, landowner and development spearhead of Cyberjaya, in collaboration with Cyberview Lodge Report and Spa. It was part of Cyberview's month-long corporate social responsibility (CSR) Kembara Ramadhan — Satu Harapan campaign, aimed at raising
funds and channelling contributions to underprivileged homes and families selected together with village heads. The recipients of the charity fund were children from Rumah Kebajikan Anak Yatim & Miskin Sungai Pinang, Rumah Kebajikan Ana k Yat i m & Misk i n Al-Munirah, Rumah Anak Yatim Al-Taqwa, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak Yatim and Miskin Baitul Saidatina Khadijah, and the elderly from Rumah Jagaan OrangOrang Tua Al-Ikhlas.
This year, Cyberview provided 20 charity tables at a minimum of RM2,000 each and invited the Cyberjaya community to contribute to its charity fund for the homes. As a result, a total of RM50,000 was collected, with each home receiving RM10,000. During buka puasa, Cyberview Sdn Bhd managing director Hafidz Hashim also distributed gift packs comprising food hampers, clothing, duit raya and other
daily necessities to prepare for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. "Cyberview started the Kembara Ramadhan — Satu Harapan campaign back in 2007. We are glad to note every year we have managed to intensify our efforts in providing basic necessities to underprivileged families and charity homes," he said. "We will continue to look out for opportunities to give back to underprivileged society through various community efforts and initiatives."
monday 29 august, 2011
the malay mail
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The Malay Mail Monday 29 AUGUST, 2011
hotline@mmail.com.my
tel:03-7495 1000/1001/1002 tel:019-261 4948 (after 9pm)
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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 HAMZAH NAZARI and SITI NURSURAYA ALI
Jam continues
City Council says work almost complete to convert Rothmans roundabout to traffic lights junction ROBERT PANG, of Ampang, is frustrated at being stuck in traffic whenever he has to pass the old Rothman’s roundabout in Petaling Jaya. He says congestion there began to worsen after the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) began work to convert the roundabout into a four-way junction. The 45-year-old sales executive says the situation has been worse than usual over the past two days. “Because of the congestion, I was late for an important meeting on Aug 23,” PANG says. The following day, he decided to leave home much earlier but, despite that, he was caught in another jam.
He says the situation is causing him "considerable stress". “I’m sure if you went there now, it would still be jammed."
FROM ROUNDABOUT TO TRAFFIC LIGHTS JUNCTION
● THE Petaling Jaya City Council's public relations officer, Zainun Zakaria, says cabling work carried out by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to allow for the installation of traffic lights and lamp posts has added to the congestion. She says a traffic accident also contributed to the congestion on Aug 24. However, Zainun says all work on the intersection should be completed by the end of the month.
● The Rothmans roundabout connects Jalan Universiti, Jalan Harapan, Jalan Semangat and Jalan 19/1. ● In 2009, Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman said the roundabout would be turned into an interchange with traffic lights but would eventually become a flyover. ● Work on the intersection, costing RM4.5 million, began in January.
NEARING COMPLETION: The Rothmans roundabout is gone and a traffic lights interchange is taking shape in its place — Pic: Arif Kartono
Release letter issued after two-week wait R. SIVAKUMAR’s excitement at finally settling his loan with Hong Leong Bank Berhad has been dampened because after two weeks, there is still no sign of his release letter. SIVAKUMAR, of Petaling Jaya, says he requested the release letter
on Aug 11. He says he was informed by a bank officer it would take three working days for the letter to be issued. “However, it has been almost two weeks and I have not heard from the bank."
TAKE NOTE 1. When taking public transport during the Hari Raya holidays, plan ahead. Know the exact time of the bus and boarding location as well as the amount of money needed. Always advise a family member, friend or co-worker of your travel route and schedule. Call them when you leave and when you arrive. 2. Remember that people who appear alert and confident are less likely to be victimised. Take the proper precautions if you are going to be travelling on public transportation as it can be a valuable tool to save money and an efficient way to get to a destination. 3. The Road Transport Department has given an assurance express bus journeys would be safe during the Hari Raya festive season. This is because routine checks are being carried out on express buses at main terminals and depots.
"Everytime I call, they keep saying the officer in charge is on leave.” SIVAKUMAR also claims the bank staff have been rude to him, with one "challenging" him to file a complaint. He tells Hotline he wants the bank
to issue him the release letter without further delay. ● HONG LEONG BANK BERHAD's Customer Experience general manager, Josephine Leong, says the bank has contacted SIVAKU-
MAR and arrangements have been made for him to collect the loan release letter. When contacted, SIVAKUMAR confirms he was contacted by the bank and is happy the bank has issued the release letter.
Online comments www.mmail.com.my Water supply restored (Aug 26) ● THANK God, they have restored the water supply. — cheap designer handbags Wrong charge credited back to Astro subscriber (Aug 26) ● THIS has happend to me twice. The first time, Astro could not help me over the phone. I had to go to their customer care outlet before I got a refund. The same mistake happened this month. On Monday, I will have to go to the Astro centre to sort it out again.
Why is the Astro billing process so careless? — Anonymous ● WHAT about the interest charged to the credit card? Astro should pay back the amount as well as the interest during that period. — Abang Tan ML Full refund for check-in hiccup (Aug 24) ● MAS made a big boo-boo in regards to my luggage to the UK last year. The luggage was nowhere to be found after I landed at Heathrow. They promised to get it to me within 12
hours but it only arrived three days later. It was then sent to the home of a friend after I had to leave for southwest England. The MAS staff then had to recollect it from my friend’s house and send it back to Heathrow. Guess what happened next? From there, my luggage flew back to KL. It was another week before they delivered it to southwest England. What a journey for my poor luggage. — EthnicMalaysian ● DID the MAS counter staff really check the IATA
database? I’ve stopped over in Shanghai from Atlanta, on my way to Malaysia, and there was no problem. This was three years ago. So, how can MAS staff say the IATA database was not updated? — Anonymous Asked to pay despite waiver (Aug 25) ● SUCH lack of professionalism by the company for not documenting the waiver, clearing anything outstanding by the customer and issuing an official letter of closure of contract. — Anonymous
Where are the tow trucks? (Aug 25) ● COME on, Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), do something about this. Where is your tow truck? — mrbigschumi Duo’s bus woes (Aug 19) ● IF the Prime Minister had made a trip to Masjid India after the Bersih rally, I am sure he would have seen how crippled and handicapped we were at the mercy of RapidKL. The Singapore transport system is the best. RapidKL, please learn from your neighbour. — RAPID sick
The Malay Mail Monday 29 AUGUST, 2011
● Mail: Letters To The Editor, Malay Mail Sdn Bhd, Lot 2A, Jalan 13/2, 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
● Email: mmnews@mmail.com.my Fax: 03-7495 1229
letters&opinions
9
● Opinions may be in the form of Letters to the Editor or comments posted in relation to all news. ● Letters to the Editor must carry your name, address and contact number. A pseudonym may be included.
KL: Malaysians lured into being drug mules
Repeal mandatory death penalty
EARLIER this week, our attention was drawn to the plight of Rosna Shariff, who was finally reunited with her children after years of incarceration in Santa Monica, Lima, Peru. In 2007, she was tricked by a man into becoming a drug mule and was arrested there with 5kg of cocaine. After being released in October last year, she found herself stranded in Peru and could not afford her way home. Am ne st y Inte r nat i ona l Malaysia (AIM) congratulates Putera 1Malaysia for their continued assistance in bringing home victims of similar cases as Rosna. But hers is hardly an isolated case. Police statistics reveal that between 2007 and 2010, 239 Malaysians who had been lured into being drug mules were being detained in prisons in several countries. About 120 of them were men. They came from diverse backgrounds, including students, professionals, gradu-
ates, uneducated, young and matured. Despite having the death penalty for drug crimes in Malaysia, there are Malaysians and NGOs who are willing to provide assistance to Malaysians found guilty of drug-related offences overseas. While it is positive to see such efforts, perhaps it is also time for us to reflect on the situation. According to an Amnesty International report, Death Sentences and Executions in 2010, the countries that are abolitionist in law or practice have increased from 108 in 2001 to 139 in 2010. The Global Overview on the Death Penalty for Drug Offences 2010, conducted by International Harm Reduction Association, found that there remain 32 countries which provide for the death penalty for drug-related offences. From these, 13 have the mandatory death penalty, including Malaysia. It is important to understand the gravity of what "mandatory death penalty" means.
Mandatory means "compulsory" or "obligatory" and when a judge has decided on the guilt of the accused, he has only one punishment to give — death. Mandatory death penalty removes the discretion of judges to consider external factors such as accused’s level of maturity and intelligence, life’s background, circumstances leading to the commission of the offence and other mitigating factors. In relation to the cases mentioned above, it would mean that although these individuals may have been tricked into carrying drugs and are but mere pawns in a far more elaborate syndicate, they will be facing the noose. Further concerns include the way in which our drug laws are framed. The Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 states in Section 36 that “It shall not be necessary in any proceedings against any person for an offence against this Act to negative by evidence any licence, authorisation, authority, or other matter of exception or defence, and the burden of
proving any such matter shall be on the person seeking to avail himself thereof ”. Section 37 outlines legal presumptions which, among others, assume that an accused proven to be in possession of drugs at a certain weight is guilty of trafficking. The accused has to prove his innocence. While the efforts by our NGOs are much commended, we still need to address and assist the many others who have to face the mandatory death penalty in Malaysia even when they experienced similar circumstances with their fellow citizens. They could not escape the gallows because our laws refuse to allow judges discretion and continue to impose the mandatory death penalty. Amnest y Inter nat iona l Malaysia calls upon the Malaysian government to adopt a moratorium on all executions and for all laws carrying the mandatory death penalty to be repealed. We welcome the recent efforts by Parliamentarians who had chosen to work together
space" at veterinary clincs if they truly love their pets. Otherwise, they should not take in the animals in the first place.
WHAT are cats compared with human beings? Every now and then, we hear of newborn human babies being thrown into dustbins, or flushed down toilets. Do you think these cat dumpers have any scruples about leaving their unwanted pets at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)? Cats, babies ... it does not seem to matter. These people have zero conscience. When the kittens grow up and lose their cuteness, or become old and sick, their owners do not want to have anything to do with them. Then it is off to SPCA with kitty, or worse, the nearest dustbin or river. For those who can't or won't pay the surrender fee to SPCA, guess what happens to their cats? Sick, I tell you, sick!
Chloe
Cat lover
We say we want Malaysia to become a developed country. How can we expect to achieve this when we cannot get such simple humane ways of thinking and actions right? We should be ashamed of our actions and change. Humane
Animals also have feelings own parents treated you the same way? They may be animals, but they have feelings, too. Paws
POOR KITTIES: Two kittens left by their owner at the SPCA — Pic: Samsul Said
Look for 'boarding space' THE SPCA's Dr Puspharani says despite SPCA raising the surrender fees of an animal from RM50 to RM100, some pet owners do not seem to mind paying the charge.
Nora Murat Executive Director Amnesty International
Sickening!
Not-so-caring Malaysians
IF you cannot afford to care for animals, or can't be bothered to find lodging for them for when you will be away, then please do not have any in the first place! How would you feel if your
Don't be a victim this festive season
despite being in different political parties to pass a resolution in Parliament to seek abolition of the mandatory death penalty. Many Malaysians have spoken out against the death penalty and AIM received support in our campaign towards its abolition. As a developed nation,we have no further need of this discriminatory, inhumane and degrading punishment. Although there are many who would argue for its existence, as a civilised nation, we have to respect, adhere and uphold human rights which value a human’s life. We also ask that in the light of Singapore’s presidential elections, all Malaysians will join civil society in solidarity and continue to call for the death sentences of Yong Vui Kong and Cheong Chun Yin to be commuted. Since justice has turned a blind eye, let mercy not show us its cold shoulder, too.
KL: Dismal 'meow' (Aug 26)
MALAYSIANS need to be educated about spaying and neutering their cats. They need to be taught that animals are not toys, to be discarded when the owners become bored with them. It is indeed shameful that animals are being treated this way.
AMPANG: Vicious cafe stabbing (Aug 25)
Also, she says, some pet owners promise to return after a festival to claim their pets but only 10 per cent do so. As a pet lover, I am concerned that there are some people who
do not mind taking in animals as pets only to dump them when they have to balik kampung or go somewhere for a period of time. They should take up "boarding
THIS is the festive season. You can be assured that more of such stories will surface in days to come. Let's all be very cautious with ourselves. Such incidents will continue to happen as long as motorbikes are cheap and readily available to the masses, especially to snatch thieves. Banning such bikes will be doing everyone a great favour. Or at least outlaw snow caps, hooded tops and darkened visors. And the police should fine establishments which do not have proper CCTV equipment and recordings. The excuses, as usual, include either faulty equipment or substandard recording making it useless as a tool to identify the perpetrators. Concerned
Review CCTV installations ONE can't help but wonder if the CCTVs installed in these premises are real ones or just dummies. For example, the CCTV system installed in my house for the last five years is still functioning. Even so, I'm sure the one installed in my home is far cheaper than the one in shopping complexes. So, where does the problem lie? The authorities should check on these premises and ensure they're not pulling wool over their customers' eyes. Camera-shy
Know when to fight or flee RESISTANCE against such a robber means putting your life in your hands. No doubt, the victim here is a brave girl but we must all remind ourselves to exercise precaution such as not allowing any strangers to enter your home. Know when to put up a fight and when to simply hightail it. I am just relieved the victim is recovering. Max
10
world
Levine's harsh words for MTV ARTISTE Adam Levine (pic) has two words for the MTV Video Music Awards. "The VMAs. One day a year when MTV pretends to still care about music. I'm drawing a line in the sand. F--- you, VMAs," the Maroon 5 frontman tweeted. The network also took to Twitter to respond, Tv Guide reports. "@adamlevine Soooo you'll be tuning in at 9/8c tomorrow right? (BTW, bonus points if you TwitPic your 2004 Moonman!)," the tweet said on Saturday. Levine and his band won Best New Artiste that year. Levine, who is a mentor on NBC's The Voice, has no second thoughts about lashing out. He later tweeted this rebuttal: "Still waiting to have my 'Jerry Maguire' mission statement moment of deep regret. Not happening. Phew!"
Lockerbie bomber near death: CNN
You need to know that America will be with you in your hour of need. While the storm has weakened as it moves north, it remains a dangerous storm — US President Barack Obama NEW YORK
Worst is over
Hurricane Irene batters Big Apple but falls short of major catastrophe HURRICANE Irene lashed New York with heavy winds and driving rain yesterday, flooding some of Lower Manhattan's deserted streets and large parts of the northeast but the feared major devastation was avoided as the storm lost some of its punch. Irene was downgraded to a tropical storm after marching up the East Coast, leaving at least 14 dead, as many as 3.6 million customers without electricity, forcing the closure of New York's mass transit system, and the cancellation of thousands of flights. "It's safe to say that the worst of the storm up to and including New York and New Jersey has passed," Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano said yesterday as the sun started to peek through the clouds in New York City. She said pre-storm preparations dramatically reduced the loss of life but warned river flooding across the eastern seaboard posed a danger. While weakened, the swirling storm still packed a wal-
lop, sending waves crashing onto shorelines and flooding coastal suburbs and broad swathes of New Jersey, where residents reported basements full of water and numerous trees down. There was about a foot of water in the streets at the South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan before the tide began receding. There appeared to be less damage than many had feared and New Yorkers shrugged it off. "It's not bad as they said it would be. The streets are flooded but not as bad as I thought," said John Harris, 37, who defied an evacuation order and stayed home overnight in the Rockaways. Wall Street's financial district seemed largely unaffected as did Ground Zero, where the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks is soon to be observed. The New York Mercantile Exchange building planned to open as usual today, while the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market also
A SUICIDE bomber killed 28 people and wounded 37 others at a Sunni mosque in western Baghdad yesterday, an interior ministry official said. "A suicide bomber entered Umm al-Qura mosque and blew himself up, killing 28 people and wounding 37," the official said. — AFP
AFTER THE STORM: A man walks across 42nd Street in Times Square, New York yesterday — AFPpic
said they expected a normal trading day. But the big question for residents and the millions who commute to work in the city each day, was whether the city's subways and public transport would be allowed
to resume in time for today's rush hour after being closed from noon on Saturday. About 370,000 city residents were ordered to leave their homes in low-lying areas in an unprecedented move by the authorities. It was unclear
when they would be allowed to return. This year has been one of the most extreme for weather in US history, with US$35 billion (RM104.5bil) in losses so far from floods, tornadoes and heat waves. — Reuters
LOS ANGELES
'The Help' shines again at top
THE only man convicted for the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am jet which killed 270 people when it blew up over the Scottish town of Lockerbie is "comatose" and "near death" in Libya, CNN reported yesterday. The news network said they had located Abdelbaset Ali Mohmet al-Megrahi, who has terminal cancer, at his villa in the Libyan capital Tripoli, "surviving on oxygen and an intravenous drip" under the care of his family. It was not immediately possible to confirm Megrahi's condition. Megrahi was said to have only three months to live when he was released from a Scottish jail on compassionate grounds on Aug 20, 2009. He had served just eight years of a minimum 27-year sentence for his role in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.
Bomber kills 28 in mosque
The Malay Mail Monday 29 AUGUST, 2011
THE hard-working maids of The Help beat three new releases to win the North American box-office on a weekend dampened by Hurricane Irene, according to studio estimates released yesterday. The Help, an inspirational film about black housekeepers in Civil Rights-era Mississippi, hung on to the No 1 spot for the second straight weekend with US$14.3 million (RM42.7mil) in ticket sales, distributor Walt Disney Company said.
BOX-OFFICE top ten Top grossing films last week 1. The Help — US$14.3 million (US$96.6 million) 2. Columbiana — US$10.3 million (US$10.3 million) 3. Don't Be Afraid of the Dark — US$8.7 million (US$8.7 million) 4. Rise of the Planet of the Apes — US$8.7 million (US$148.5 million) 5. Our Idiot Brother — US$6.6 million (US$6.6 million) 6. Spy Kids: All the Time in the World — US$5.7 million (US$21.7 million) 7. The Smurfs — US$4.8 million (US$126 million) 8. Conan the Barbarian — US$3.1 million (US$16.6 million) 9. Fright Night — US$3 million (US$14.2 million) 10. Crazy, Stupid, Love — US$2.9 million (US$69.5 million)
WASHINGTON
Cheney memoir's 'cheap shots'
SILICON VALLEY
Jobs a picture of pain in fight for life
LOOKING almost skeletal, with grey, flecked skin, and held upright by a friend, this picture graphically shows why Steve Jobs (pic) resigned as Apple chief executive. The photograph was taken after he ended his CEO reign at the technology giant he cofounded in a garage in 1976,
now the world's most valuable company worth an estimated US$341.5 billion (RM1.02 trillion), reports the Herald Sun. Jobs, 56, draped in a lightweight, black outfit in Palo Alto, California, where he is resting, looked to be facing a sad end to his long battle with pancreatic cancer.
EX-VICE-PRESIDENT Dick Cheney takes "cheap shots" in his new memoir in his criticism of top members of the George W. Bush administration, former US secretary of State Colin Powell said yesterday. Cheney predicted In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir would be a sensation that would cause heads to "explode" — language Powell took exception to in an inter-
view on CBS' Face the Nation programme. "My head isn't exploding. I haven't noticed any other heads exploding in Washington DC," said Powell, who scathingly suggested this was the kind of language expected from a supermarket tabloid, not a former vice-president. Powell said Cheney alleged as secretary of State, he had withheld his best advice from
Bush while offering stinging critiques of the president's policies to others. "That's nonsense. The president knows I told him what I thought about every issue of the day," he said. Powell also accused Cheney of seeking to smear his successor as secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, as well as ex-CIA director George Tenet. — AFP
MONDAY 29 AUGUST, 2011
the malay mail
11
12 lifestyle Hear, Say
By JOE LEE joelee@mmail.com.my
twitter @klubbkiddkl AIDILFITRI is around the corner, and we would like to take this opportunity to wish
Have a safe Hari Ray our loyal readers Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and Maaf Zahir dan Batin. Of course, we extend that wish to our fellow entertainment industry practitioners in every department, from artistes, to management and so on that
make this industry that little bit more colouful. For those of you already home, just joining the balik kampung exodus, finishing the last bits of work before you make your way to join your families, or even those who are just celebrating it with friends and close acquaintances — our
wish is for all of you to enjoy, but be safe. We will continue skipping gaily through the long holiday season to deliver you bits and bites from the business, just so you’ll have a good read and a laugh to make going back to work a little easier post-holidays. Now, on to our usual.
Celebrating abroad WHILE everyone’s planning to head home for Aidilfitri, there are a few celebrities and personalities who won’t be around. As far as
we know, television personalities Azwan Ali and Jimmy Shanley (left) as well as hunky actor Fahrin Ahmad will be celebrating Aidilfitri in Mekah, as they perform the umrah. Another actor, Ashraf Muslim, is said to be in Mekah as well, only we hear he’s tying the knot on the first day of Raya. Meanwhile, R&B diva Ning Baizura is celebrating the onset of Syawal in London,
Generous Yusof HOW generous is Datuk Yusof Haslam? While everyone usually talks about how generous MIG head honcho David Teoh is, no one speaks about how the boss of Skop Productions is too. Perhaps it’s because of his nature to lie low and his reluctance to talk about how much he spends on others for fear of it being labelled as bragging, but the BONUS TIME: Yusof (right) and Syamsul (above) thanksgiving and buka puasa dinner by Skop Productions last week record-breaking blockbusters was an eye-opener. in 2011 opener, Khurafat (over Over a hundred staff, and RM8 million) and the highest all those involved in Skop’s grossing local movie of all time, productions the past year were KL Gangster which collected in rewarded with undisclosed excess of RM12 million. amounts as bonuses. If our calculations are correct, Word has it that the minimum Yusof would have spent over bonus for even an extra was RM1 million in payouts. If that’s RM500, while the highest paynot enough, duit raya was disout obviously went to Yusof’s creetly handed to all attendees, son, Syamsul Yusof – who even the media with RM200 a raked in the dough with the person.
and various parts of the UK with her husband and his family, while popular actress Maya Karin (right) will be with her family in Australia, taking a break in Sydney and the Gold Coast. Meanwhile, the cast of upcoming film Nasi Lemak 2.0 will be leaving for Melbourne a day before for promotional activities there and we believe Adibah Noor and Afdlin Shauki will be part of the entourage.
Qi's new single FORMER OAG drummer, Qushairi Mohammed Razali (pic), or Chi as he was previously known has not turned his back on music, after taking on his new career as a TV
The
host. After making JalanJalan Cari Makan earlier this year, and also helming Disney’s Art Attack coming on TV screens in a couple of weeks, word is, Qi will be releasing his solo single soon. If that doesn’t get you excited, at least count on his duet with girlfriend Yuna, who is making waves in the States with her music, that will reportedly follow his debut solo single.
PEACE OF MIND: Raja Azmi at her
The Malay Mail Monday 29 AUGUST, 2011
aya Sum 41 stays WHILE everyone thought Sum 41 would be the ones to possibly cancel their gig here at the Rockaway 2011 music festival after their frontman was injured, it turns out another headlining act will be the ones to call off their show. Just as Sum 41 reconfirmed their participation, Dashboard Confessional announced that they were not going on with the show here, after the cancellation of Soundwave Revolution 2011 in Australia — thus their all their shows in the region. The good news, however, is that Dashboard Confessional are slated for their own gig here by the organisers of Rockaway 2011. More details on that coming soon.
13
Aidilfitri album by Sheila WHEN other artistes do not seem to be too interested in recording a full album, let alone a special Hari Raya project, Datuk Sheila Majid sees things differently. She decided to go with her instinct and produced a special Raya album. The album is titled Memori Aidilfitri, and it features nine tracks that include new compositions as well as reintepretation of several classics. Memori Aidilfitri was initially a special project spearheaded by Pavillion and MasterCard last year aimed at their loyal customers, but Sheila decided to expand the reach a little to her loyal fans. "We've re-arranged the album and included my latest Raya song. Hopefully, the album could reach further to my fans here as well as in Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei." The album is distributed by Warner Music Malaysia, and it is produced and written by Sheila and husband Acis. Jenny Chin, another long time collaborator, is very much involved in the arrangements, too. The album is expected to present listeners a new direction to all the Hari Raya songs they might be familiar with. Sheila's new song is Tiada Lagi, a song recorded with a fresh feel.
"We have a great collection of Hari Raya songs but they are from the 50s and 60s. There are new ones but they do not seem to appeal much to listeners, or rather to the newer generation. In the west, people still listen t classic Christmas songs, but occasionally you'd get new tunes done, the younger and newer batch of singers. This is my effort to keep our Raya spirit and songs alive," Sheila said. Sheila acknowledged that
We've re-arranged the album and included my latest Raya song. Hopefully, the album could reach further to my fans here as well as in Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei - Sheila Majid
the album might not be like your usual pop project, but she hoped they would be as timeless and that people could still relate to it even after 10 years. "After all, it's still the same old golden Raya song, but my version." The album is already available at major music stores and is retailed at RM20.90. While the album circulates among music fans, Sheila is gearing up for her own celebration with her family in Kuala Lumpur. "Raya is the same every year. I was born here and everybody else in my family is here in Kuala Lumpur. Acis' family is in Damansara. To me, Raya is KL. Raya is a time to catch up with relatives. As far I remember, there was only once I did not celebrate Raya at home because I did not have a maid. We ended up checking into a hotel somewhere in KL!" Sheila said. Sheila is also still in grief after
the recent passing of Alex Eu, her personal make-up artist, stylist and her best friend for over 30 years. Eu died of cancer on Aug 22. "I'd known and worked with Alex for ages. He was my rock. I had a feeling he was not too well as he always complained
about his sore throat. Anyway, I will always cherish every moment I spent with him. We had great times together. He may not be around anymore but he will always live in my heart. Lots of people love him but I guess God loves him more. He definitely will be missed." — By
CHE'AZ
greatest Ramadan ever for Raja Azmi
r Press conference
FOR some inexplicable reason, this famous director and producer seems to be a magnet to controversy and "weird situations". If it is not related to her films, it would be about her rather public personal life. Say what you want about her, the 52-year-old Raja Azmi Raja Sulaiman, wife of former national badminton player Jalani Sidek, never seems to be affected by what people say and all the criticism that is thrown at her. Still, she could not keep quiet when Norhayati Othman, the ex-wife of former national shutter Roslin Hashim, claimed their divorce was triggered when her husband checked into a hotel to be with Raja Azmi in August last year. Raja Azmi was affected and depressed because of the case, and had to attend many court proceedings throughout the year to clear the air. After a year, on Aug 19 to be exact, Raja Azmi's prayers were answered when she received a phone call from her lawyer, telling her that the case had been dropped by the court. "This is definitely the best
Ramadan for me and my family. I have sealed my mouth for one year from telling anyone or media members each time I was approached regarding this case. My lawyer advised me to not share any details as the case was on-going. "Now, I am going to tell you everything that really happened that night. I need to do this to clear my name and I do not wish my family, especially my grandchildren, to be affected by what has been said about their grandmother," said Raja Azmi. Raja Azmi, who initially tried to contain herself at the press conference at Concorde Kuala Lumpur, gave in to her emotions as she broke into tears.
She said she plans to take action against certain individuals involved in the case. Raja Azmi's quest is fully suported by Jalani and Roslin, as well as her family members. "I look up to Raja Azmi and Jalani, and they are just like my own family. I am disappointed with what had happened. It is good the truth has finally come out," Roslin said. As for Raja Azmi, everything that is needed to be said and done is now in the open and it is also time for her to move on. She feels this Ramadan has truly brought miracles to her. Now she can really embrace Syawal with peace on her mind. — By
CHE'AZ
14 lifestyle
The Malay Mail Monday 29 AUGUST, 2011
Fun in numbers
SUDOKU
By LOONG WAI TING waiting@mmail.com.my
HOW TO PLAY
FRIDAY'S SOLUTION
Sudoku X is a simple variation of Sudoku with the only difference being the squares in white (which make up the numeral X) need to tally from 1 to 9 along with the remaining coloured squares.
THE film-making style is the same as Overheard, and the title Overheard 2 itself sounds like a sequel, but the storyline is totally new and perhaps unrelated. That means, if you have not seen Overheard, it's okay to go straight to Overheard 2 as it is a different movie altogether, with a better plot that delves deeper into all the characters. The movie, directed by Hong Kong’s possibly most creative filmmakers Alan Mak and Felix Chong, cleverly mixes what people love most — money, and their worst nightmare of losing it all in one night in stock trading investment. As a result, the audience is taken on a ride that might look cheap on the outside but could be one of the most
thrilling rides. In Overheard 2, the financial world is seen as a playground solely for the rich tycoons — a place full of greed and betrayals. In the money-make-money world, Manson Law (Sean Lau), a smart stockbroker, is involved in a car accident and accidentally discovers that he has been spied on for the last couple of months by a man called Joe (Daniel Wu). As the local PD (police department) headed by Jack Ho (Louis Koo) begins their investigation into the matter, the three men cross paths and each fights with his own conscience to do the right thing. Anyone who has seen Overheard will no doubt make a comparison with this "sequel", but as far as the movie is concerned, none of the previous plot is seen overflowing into the sequel besides having the same key cast coming back for round two like actors Sean Lau Ching-Wan, Louis Koo and Daniel Wu. The cat-and-mouse game between the seemingly untouchable rich aristocrats of Hong Kong and the police
Louis Koo in 'Overheard 2' guarantees more fun and action PEOPLE say three’s a crowd, but certainly not for the cast of Overheard 2. In fact, the Sean Lau Ching Wan, Louis Koo and Daniel Wu combo might just be the right reason for people to flock to the cinemas. Overheard 2 marks the trio's second collaboration after the first released in 2009. When creative directors Alan Mak and Felix Chong decided to put the three actors together, they made sure everyone had a makeover in terms of character and its dynamics. In the new film, each has a different need in his life. While the three might look like rivals in the movie, Louis Koo assured everyone there was certainly better chemistry between them, and when the three stars were aligned, the "pretty explosion" is what you might see in Overheard 2. “In the sequel, we had many rival scenes together, but we tried not to pay too much attention to it but focused on 2011Raya_MalayMail bringing the best out HRC more 8900277 ofFA ourSize: characters, said. 6cm(h)"xhe 26cm(w) "There is definitely a different feel to
the second part as we part with our previous characters as policemen together. Here, I am still the policeman, but Sean’s a stockbroker and Daniel is this mysterious guy out to avenge his father’s death. Although the audience see us as enemies in the movie, we respect each other and care for one another. You can say it’s almost like brotherhood" . Koo, who is known more for his cool character, said it was not that easy dealing with his character Jack Ho. “I play the captain of the local counterterrorism team. I play a macho guy, who has to suppress his ego, when arresting his own wife for fraud. In Overheard, my character had a responsibility towards his family and kids, but this time round, I play a loner who cares for his wife deeply although he refuses to display his affection publicly,” he said. While it is a norm for a certain actor to either gain or lose weight to suit his movie role, Koo is lucky to be let off the hook this time around. “Other than spying into someone’s conversation and tail-gating suspects, which is quite a new experience for me, I don’t
have to 'sacrifice' much, like losing weight,” he said. On his second collaboration with directors Alan Mak and Felix Chong, Koo said he felt more at ease and sometimes he knew immediately exactly what both directors wanted even before they required anything from him. “Overheard 2 is my second collaboration with them after Overheard in 2009. Because both Mak and Chong know each other well, they know exactly what they want and where they’re heading. It is definitely more relaxing this time,” he said. Overheard 2 is showing in cinemas nationwide from Aug 25. The movie is distributed by RAM Entertainment.
Sean Lau Ching-Wan (left) and Louis Koo turns into an instant classic no matter how many times the idea has been overused in almost all of Hong Kong movies of the same genre. The movie executes its every move cleverly until to a certain point it looks too safe to come by. There are plenty of action scenes that will keep you at the edge of your seats. Never mind the slow pace in the beginning, but once everything starts rolling, the speed is nice and consistent. Do pay attention to the tiny little details in between each scene as the filmmakers tend to show the audience the bigger picture first, only to link everything in the finale. The action scenes are great, but if you’re looking for fight scenes, you might be slightly disappointed. As the movie leans more into psychological warfare, there are a few car chase scenes and extended hide-andseek games in the busy streets (many of which are shot
Louis Koo
in high places), which capture shoppers’ shock expressions almost naturally. Acting in the film is solid. The real stars of the movie are none other than Louis Koo and Sean Lau, no doubt, as the two give their all-out performance. They handle their characters well. Each takes his time to improve and bring the best out of his character. In the film, Wu is given a much bigger role to play compared with even his role in New Police Story. Wu displays great energy onscreen and unapologetically loops the audience into a guessing game surrounding his character’s identity. The other two female leads — mainland actress Huang Yi and Hong Kong’s Michelle Ye — are both pleasing in their small roles. Somehow, both actresses should have ben given enough time to further develop their characters. Still, it is good to see many actors, many of whom are either still acting for fun's sake, or those in their semi-retirement age like Kenneth Tsang, Woo Fung, Kong Ngai, Felix Lok and Kwok Fung. They are rather convincing in their roles as the “villains” in the movie. However, the ending does feel a little anti-climactic, but it nonetheless wraps the story nicely. A gripping crime thriller at its best, Overheard 2 is not made for the faint-hearted but especially for people who seek fun in numbers and appreciate action as part of the movie’s must-have supplement. There are love-hate relationships for some of the characters as well. However, do not be surprised if the same crew and possibly the same cast make a comeback again in its third sequel — Daniel Wu maybe thrice the fun...
monday 29 august, 2011
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MONDAY 29 AUGUST, 2011
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He takes things to extremes. He's only got himself to blame — Niki Lauda on Lewis Hamilton's retirement at Spa
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS: MOTORSPORT/ FORMULA 1
Burnt rubber Vettel reveals qualifying took its toll on Red Bull's tyres SEBASTIAN VETTEL admitted he was more concerned with his tyres than winning the race at the start of the Belgian Grand Prix yesterday. Pole-sitter Vettel had blistered tyres following qualifying on Saturday, with regulations dictating that he must start the race on the same set. Red Bull asked for special dispensation to change tyres or adjust the camber of the front wheels, but the FIA rejected the request, leaving the team with the decision of whether to make changes and start from the pit lane or start the race on the damaged rubber. Having taken the decision to start the race, Vettel said he wasn't confident the tyres would last, and was focusing on finishing the Grand Prix rather than fighting for victory. "We had a lot of concerns going into the race after the damage we had on the tyres from qualifying," Vettel told ESPN. "So we weren't quite sure and actually, we took quite a lot of risk. We had reason to be confident that it should be fine but you never really know, and there was nobody walking up and down in the paddock giving you a guarantee. So we didn't feel too comfortable and both of us stopped fairly early right at the beginning of the race, and the main target was to see how the tyres feel after a couple of laps and go from
Belgian Grand Prix
Results
Drivers Sebastian Vettel Mark Webber Jenson Button
Pts
Teams
Time 1:26:44.893
25
Red Bull
18
Red Bull at 3.741 secs
15
McLaren at 9.669 secs
(average: 213.066 kph)
World championship standings Drivers
Pts
Constructors
Pts
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Mark Webber (AUS)
259 167 157 149 146
Red Bull McLaren Ferrari Mercedes GP Lotus-Renault
426 295 231 98 68
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Jenson Button (GBR) Lewis Hamilton (GBR)
there really. "We were not thinking too much about the outcome but surprisingly the pace was very good in the race, I was feeling very comfortable in the car and without too much effort in the beginning I was able to keep up with the guys and get back in to the lead. "So half way through the race then after the safety car it was crucial to get back in to the lead, jump Fernando Alonso fast and build a gap, which obviously made it more comfortable towards the end of the race." Vettel said having managed to look after the tyres throughout the 44 laps, it had given the team further information for future races. "It was more management than usual, but I have to say that the car was brilliant and
I think compared to previous years we were very competitive, so I am very happy with the result and very happy with the race, how we managed the tyres in particular. So I think we need to learn from that and head down to the next race." Having made his second pitstop under the safety car, Vettel said it had helped him slightly, but that the race was won on pure performance. "Yes and no. I mean obviously we could get the stop and not lose too much time but on the other hand, I was six or seven seconds in the lead at the time so we lost the lead and lost that gap we had. So I don't think it made a big difference in the end, fortunately with the new regulations we have there's very few possibilities that someone really gains a big advantage."
Hamilton clueless over collision MCLAREN'S Lewis Hamilton said he was unsure why Kamui Kobayashi hit him after a collision between the two drivers ended his race and almost certainly his slim title ambitions. Hamilton started from second on the grid and was running fourth when Kobayashi made the move to pass his McLaren with the DRS. The pair collided, sending Hamilton crashing into the barrier and out of the race. "I was in a good position and I'd already got past one of the Ferraris, but then I was hit by Kamui," said Hamilton. "I don't really know what happened, but I hit the wall pretty hard and my race was imme-
diately over. I was ahead, so I don't know why I got hit. "There have been quite a few races this year where we've not finished, and this is another — but that's motor racing. At least our pace was reasonably good this weekend, so let's hope we can win more races in the remainder of the season." Team principal Martin Whitmarsh echoed Hamilton's sentiments, insinuating the blame lay with Kobayashi although the incident was overlooked by race stewards. "I thought he was extremely unlucky to be tapped from behind by Kamui — and, as we all saw all too clearly, the result was a pretty nasty shunt," said
Whitmarsh. "Thankfully he climbed out unhurt, which is the main thing. It was hugely frustrating for us — of course it was — but that's motor racing and all we can do now is draw a line under it and move on." Kobayashi said he wasn't attempting to make a move, and felt it was Hamilton's fault because he moved back over to the racing line. "I knew perfectly well he was faster than me so had no reason to fight with him," said Kobayashi. "After he overtook me it was not my intention to get my position back, so I stayed on my line and didn't expect him to move over."
The Malay Mail Monday 29 AUGUST, 2011
Schumi serves up something special MICHAEL SCHUMACHER (pic) said he woke up with a "good feeling" about the Belgian Grand Prix yesterday after a storming drive from the back of the grid ended in a fifth place finish on the 20th anniversary of his Grand Prix debut. The veteran endured a disastrous start to qualifying on Saturday after his rear wheel detached from his Mercedes on his out lap, meaning he had to start from the back of the grid. But having gambled on starting on the harder compound and avoiding a first corner melee, he stormed through the field to finish an impressive fifth on what he described as a "special day". "At least something has worked out this weekend," said Schumacher. "It was an exciting race, lots of bits of pieces flying at the first corner at the start so lucky I
wasn't in the middle of that one and was able to avoid it. From there on we had a great strategy, the boys certainly did a fantastic job so I am happy about the result." Schumacher then enjoyed a fight to the finish with team-
mate Nico Rosberg and for once this season, the more experienced German came out on top. "It was a nice battle, obviously I was on the softer tyres compared to him being on the harder tyres which gave me the edge and gave me the possibility to overtake because on equal conditions, that wouldn't have been possible. So we took the risk to take the hard tyres at the beginning and it paid off," he said. "Certainly I am feeling happy because it is a special day for me, a special weekend which hadn't started too well yesterday (Saturday) with the qualifying and luckily it finished great in the race. I had a good feeling already this morning, I have to say with my wife being here and supporting me and she sort of mentioned to me already that it is going to be a good race and it turned out to be!"
KUALA LUMPUR: BADMINTON
SMASH HIT: Zulfadli (centre) became the first Malaysian winner of the singles title at the Asian Junior Championships when he triumphed in India last month
Zulfadli owes it all to KLRC K L RC pl aye r Zu l f a d l i Zulkifli admitted his first round loss to Sony Dwi Kuncoro at the Vietnam Open last week was solely due to his eagerness to finish the game off. However, he believes there are positives to be taken from the defeat. "Our playing style was almost similar but I lacked the experience and strength he had," said Zulfadli. The 18-year-old vows to build on his physical fitness in the coming few months in order to take a step up to the international scene. Zulfadli has been under KLRC’s wings since 2007 despite repeated offers to join the Bukit Jalil Sports
By VIJHAY VICK vijhayvick@mmail.com.my
School (BJSS) during his schooling years. At the end of last year, he was also offered a place in the national back-up squad under the Badminton Association of Malaysia — but he turned that down as well. "Why would I want to leave KLRC? They’ve been with me for four years now and I see no reason to part ways. "My dad, Zulkifli Sidek, is also the coach here (KLRC) and he’s the reason I am the player I am today," he said. For the record, KLRC was
known as Kuala Lumpur Racquet Club previously. Zulfadli won the Asian Junior Championships in India last month. He is the first Malaysian to have won the singles title in the annual tournament. The Los Angeles-born player is preparing for the Commonwealth Youth Games on the Isle of Man on Sept 9. "I want to bring home the gold medal but it is not going to be easy. India and Singapore have good singles players too and I haven’t seen how England’s players are," said Zulfadli. KLRC players train at the New Vision Centre in Section 13, Petaling Jaya.
MONDay 29 AUGUST, 2011
the malay mail
PERJUANGAN MENUNTUT KEBEBASAN PENJAJAH TELAH KITA MILIKI, PERJUANGAN MENAHAN LAPAR DAN DAHAGA TELAH KITA HARUNGI, SEHINGGA KINI 54 TAHUN TELAH KITA KECAPI,
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Porto's Uruguayan defender Alvaro Pereira close to joining Chelsea — O Jogo
Awesome Ronaldo
ZARAGOZA: football/ primera liga
BARCELONA: football/ primera liga
Results Yesterday Atle Madrid 0 Ath Bilbao 1 Getafe 1 Mallorca 1 R. Zaragoza 0 Sevilla 2 SATURDAY S Gijon 1 Valencia 4 Granada 0
Osasuna R. Vallecano Levante Espanyol Real Madrid Malaga
0 1 1 0 6 1
R. Sociedad 2 R. Santander 3 R. Betis 1
Portuguese ace strikes hattrick as Real crush Zaragoza in season opener
CRISTIANO RONALDO whacked a hattrick as Real Madrid kicked-off the new season with an impressive 6-0 win over Real Zaragoza at La Romareda this morning. Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 24th minute before Marcelo doubled the lead five minutes later. Midfielder Xabi Alonso made it three, and Ronaldo added his second before substitute Kaka made it five in the 83rd minute. The Portuguese superstar completed his hattrick in the 87th minute to send Real to the top of the table on match day one. Real started brightly and created the first real chance in the 10th minute with midfielder Mesut Oezil coming close. Ricardo Carvalho made a galloping run through the centre of the pitch before sliding a well-weighted through ball to the German playmaker, who saw his low effort from just inside the box comfortably saved by Roberto. Real threatened to break the deadlock again in the 15th minute but striker Karim Benzema was unable to get the better of Roberto, who enjoyed a decent start to his second spell at Zaragoza. The Madrid giants did not
PINPOINT ACCURACY: Ronaldo squeezing a shot through the Real Zaragoza defence — GETTY photo
have to wait long to score their first goal of the campaign when Ronaldo struck by controlling an effortless through ball from Oezil before lashing into the net from 12 metres out.
The night went from bad to worse for Javier Aguirre’s team when Ronaldo grabbed his second of the night when French striker Benzema played in Angel Di Maria who saw Ronaldo
The Malay Mail Monday 29 AUGUST, 2011
direct his low cross into the net from close range. Ronaldo grabbed his hattrick three minutes before the end to complete Zaragoza’s humiliation.
Yellow Submarine can sink Barca, says Camunas VILLARREAL midfielder Javier Camunas believes the Yellow Submarine can cause an opening day upset for champions Barcelona when the two clash at Nou Camp tomorrow (3am). Barca's 2-0 Uefa Super Cup win over Porto in Monaco last Friday meant their league match had to be pushed back a day so their players could have extra time to prepare. But Camunas hopes the Catalans' efforts are in vain and will be out to cause problems to the hosts as Villarreal attempt to build the early bridges of success. "We know it will be difficult, but we can do it," Camunas told Sport. "In the first game you don't know whether it is better to play Barca or not. But we know that in the past they have failed on day one of the championship, and so we are hoping to repeat this. "We can make it complicated for them, but to beat Barca you have to do things perfectly. They are the better team, but we are going there convinced about our chances of winning." Villarreal lost the corresponding fixture at Nou Camp 3-1 last season. B a rc a m a n a g e r Jo s e p "Pep" Guardioa, meanwhile, eclipsed his former boss and legend Johan Cruyff following the win over Porto, which brought a 12th piece of silverware in just over three seasons in charge of
the team. Cruyff won 11 titles when he was in charge from 19881996. Guardiola admitted Lionel Messi plays a leading part in the team's success. With Primera Liga and Champions League yet to start for them, the Catalans have already two trophies this season after winning the Spanish Super Cup earlier — and that was in the space of just one week. Messi was instrumental in the win over Porto as he scored the opening goal and assisted Cesc Fabregas for the second strike, and Guardiola heaped praise on the diminutive midfielder. "To win this many titles, you need a key player. And we have Messi. If you add to this the spectacular match the others had...," s aid Guardiola. Guardiola noted their winning trend can only be explained by the pool of talent on the team. "We are glad. Winning this title (the Uefa Super Cup) was very hard. I do not get tired of praising them, they have such a competitive soul. We win an average of four titles per season because we are lucky enough to have these players," he said. Despite Barca's impressive start to the new campaign, Guardiola is taking nothing for granted and said they have to be at their best all the time in Primera Liga.
DAEGU: ATHLETICS/ World Championships
Athletes unhappy with false start ruling after Bolt's exit A controversial false start rule that sent world record holder Usain Bolt crashing out of the World Championships in Daegu yesterday drew immediate fire from 100 metres silver medallist Walter Dix. The defending champion was ejected from the final after false-starting. Athletes who false start are immediately disqualified under a new rule introduced by International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) last year. "That false start (rule) is killing us," said Dix, after finishing second to Jamaican Yohan Blake. "Hopefully, it will change by London (2012 Olympics)." "I was shocked," said Blake, one of the Olympic champion's Jamaican training partners. "I didn't expect
that of him. I just had to keep my head and get it done for Jamaica." Although Blake said he had no problem with the rule, it has drawn the ire of a number of world class sprinters. Most, including bronze medallist Kim Collins, want the rule overturned or modified. "At least give the field one false start," said Collins. "That was the previous rule. The first false start went against the field with the offending party tossed out after the next." IAAF have said they are continuing to study the new rule but have no immediate plans to alter it, although that could change after a 100 metres final without Bolt. "I thought they was going to pin it on me," Collins,
the 2003 world 100 metres champion, said of Bolt's false start. "I was looking for them to say, there was a malfunction, or something else, (that) it really didn't happen because in all fairness, he's world and Olympic champion and world record holder and people all over the world wanted to see him today." Blake's success also ended Bolt's three-year monopoly of short sprint titles. Bolt ripped off his vest as soon as the second gun went off to indicate the false start and was led disconsolately from the track in front of a stunned crowd at Daegu Stadium. However, he refused to indulge in self pity after watching his fellow Jamaican take the title. "Looking for
tears?" he said. "That's not going to happen." The 21-year-old Blake made the most of his training partner's absence, spreading his arms out wide as he stormed home in 9.92s to claim his first major title. "It's a wonderful feeling, I have been praying for this moment my whole life," he said. "I just tell people anybody can do it, you just stay focused, pray to God. Now I have mixed feelings just — very sad for Bolt but at the same time enjoying this moment very much. I had to focus and get the job done for Jamaica." American Dix pipped Collins to silver in 10.08s, dipping over the line to leave the 2003 champion from St Kitts and Nevis with a third world championship bronze medal in 10.09s.
NOT THIS TIME: World record holder Bolt shows his dejection after being disqualified for a false start in the 100 metres — GETTY photo
MONDay 29 AUGUST, 2011
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I am happy, but the ranking is only one value. It is better to win games — Fabio Capello on England's rise up the Fifa rankings
LONDON: football/ premier league
Ruthless Dzeko
MATCH FACTS
hattrick hero: Dzeko (right) celebrates scoring his fourth goal with teammates Gareth Barry and Nasri (left) — AFP photo
TOTTENHAM 1 MAN CITY 5 21 (5) Shots (on goal) 22 (9) 14 Fouls 11 10 Corners 5 1 Offsides 3 41% Possession 59% 2 Yellow cards 4 0 Red cards 0 4 Saves 4
Striker runs amok to score four as City thrash Spurs STRIKER Edin Dzeko struck four times as he and debutant Samir Nasri helped Manchester City tear Tottenham apart 5-1 at White Hart Lane yesterday. Nasri supplied the crosses for Dzeko to score his first two goals and he also played a part in the run-up to Sergio "Kun" Aguero's strike, which made it 4-0 with half an hour to go. Defender Younes Kaboul headed home a consolation goal for Spurs, who included Luka Modric in their lineup, but the match belonged to Dzeko, who clinched his hattrick by firing in from six metres on the hour before scoring his fourth — a beautiful curling effort — with the last kick of the match. "I think the last time I
scored four was for (former club) Wolfsburg in Germany," the Bosnia international told ESPN. "Today (yesterday) was something special for me, to score four goals in the Premier League is fantastic. I think we're getting better and better. I hope we can improve in the next game and try to win every game." Nasri said White Hart Lane was a tough place to win. "I had a good game but the most important thing is we won 5-1 and sent out a signal to other clubs," said the former Arsenal midfielder. "This is just start of the season, it's important to keep our confidence, but I'm convinced we have a great team here and can win things."
The Malay Mail Monday 29 AUGUST, 2011
PLAYER RATINGS TOTTENHAM Friedel - 6 Corluka - 5 Dawson - 5 Kaboul - 5.5 Assou-Ekotto - 5.5 Bale - 5 Lennon - 4.5 Modric - 4.5 Kranjcar - 5 Van der Vaart - 6.5 Crouch - 5 SUBSTITUTIONS Huddlestone - 5 Livermore - 5.5 Defoe - 5.5 MAN CITY Hart - 6 Zabaleta - 6 Kompany - 7.5 Lescott - 6 Clichy - 6 Yaya Toure - 6.5 Barry - 6 Silva - 7.5 Nasri - 8.5 Aguero - 7 Dzeko - 9 SUBSTITUTIONS Richards - 6 Savic - 6
City boss Roberto Mancini admitted the rout will have raised expectations amongst the fans, but was quick to remind them the season has only just begun. "We played a really good game against a fantastic team," said the Italian. "I was always sure Dzeko would score a lot of goals for us, he always scored in Wolfsburg. "The only thing I'm disappointed with is that we conceded. I think we need to pay more attention in this situation. "This is a very long season and it's important that we started well. The next games will be very hard because now everyone thinks we will score three or four goals, but that is impossible."
Torres: Mata set to be a Blues star
best start: Mata (left) scores the third goal on his debut — AFP photo
STRIKER Fernando Torres admits he is delighted fellow Spain international and midfielder Juan Mata has joined him at Chelsea. Mata scored on his Blues debut in the 3-1 victory over Norwich City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. "It's great news, I've been playing with him a long time in the national team and I know him very well," Torres told Chelsea TV. "As soon as I knew Chelsea showed some interest in him
I was sending him texts and talking almost every day. He had other offers from different clubs because he's a great player, but from the first day he told me he wanted to come to Chelsea. "I know what he can bring to the team, and I think he is going to be a great player for us. As soon as he is involved in the routine of the team it won't be a problem to change from Spanish to English football, because a player like him, with his quality and sharpness, will
Modric was not keen to play City, says Redknapp TOTTENHAM boss Harr y Redknapp revealed midfielder Luka Modric pleaded not to be selected before yesterday's 5-1 defeat to Manchester City at White Hart Lane. Redknapp believes the Croatia international is being advised to do everything he can to engineer a move to Chelsea. Modric has been at the centre of a summer-long transfer tussle between his current employers and Chelsea, who have had two bids for the player turned down over the last two months. Yesterday morning, it was reported Chelsea were ready to mount one last
£40m (RM195m) bid for the playmaker before the transfer window closes on Wednesday. Modric missed last Monday night's defeat to Manchester United because he was not "right in the head", according to Redknapp, but the 64-year-old gave his star the okay after he came through training fine this week. Modric started and came through 65 minutes yesterday, but only after Redknapp convinced him that he had to play. "Luka came to me at 11.30 this morning and said to me, 'I don't feel my head is right today'. I said, 'I feel you need to play today, Luka. I need
you to play. You need to come and play'," said Redknapp. "I told him we had injuries and I said, 'I need you to come and play. We need you on the pitch, get out and play'. "I told him he was our main man." Redknapp is convinced the former Dinamo Zagreb player must have been advised to say he was not up to playing in order to try to force through a move to Stamford Bridge. "I'm sure he is getting advised to maybe not play today (yesterday). We have seen it with other clubs," he said. Meanwhile, Redknapp
admitted Spurs struggled to contain a rampant City. "We didn't defend well enough, they play a little push and run around the edge of the box. We don't run with people, they get a free header, so we didn't defend well enough and it cost us," he said. "Once you get a couple of goals down from a good side like that it's really difficult. They're full of quality there's no doubt about that. "They've got fantastic forward players, they're going to be difficult for anyone to contain them for 90 minutes. They've got players with goals in them — you've only got to look at them."
find it easy." Meanwhile, newly-signed striker Romelu Lukaku, who came on as a substiutute against Norwich, urged Chelsea to go back to Anderlecht for his kid brother Jordan. Jordan Lukaku, who is interesting Arsenal, is a powerful leftback. "Technically Jordan is better than me, I can admit that. He is very skillful and also strong. I think when the scouts see him, they will see what he can do," said the elder Lukaku.
FIXTUREs YESTERDAY Newcastle 2 Fulham 1 Tottenham 1 Man City 5 West Brom 0 Stoke 1 Man United 8 Arsenal 2 SATURDAY Aston Villa 0 Wolves 0 Wigan 2 QPR 0 Blackburn 0 Everton 1 Chelsea 3 Norwich 1 Swansea 0 Sunderland 0 Liverpool 3 Bolton 1
Standings P W D Man United 3 3 0 Man City 3 3 0 Liverpool 3 2 1 Chelsea 3 2 1 Wolves 3 2 1 Newcastle 3 2 1 Aston Villa 3 1 2 Wigan 3 1 2 Stoke 3 1 2 Bolton 3 1 0 Everton 2 1 0 QPR 3 1 0 Sunderland 3 0 2 Norwich 3 0 2 Swansea 3 0 2 Fulham 3 0 1 Arsenal 3 0 1 West Brom 3 0 0 Blackburn 3 0 0 Tottenham 2 0 0
L F A Pts 0 13 3 9 0 12 3 9 0 6 2 7 0 5 2 7 0 4 1 7 0 3 1 7 0 3 1 5 0 3 1 5 0 2 1 5 2 7 6 3 1 1 1 3 2 1 6 3 1 1 2 2 1 3 5 2 1 0 4 2 2 1 4 1 2 2 10 1 3 2 5 0 3 2 6 0 2 1 8 0
Leading scorers Dzeko Man City Rooney Man Utd Aguero Man City Klasnic Bolton Best Newcastle Di Santo Wigan Long West Brom
6 5 3 3 2 2 2
MONDay 29 AUGUST, 2011
the malay mail
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Turning back the clock MICHAEL SCHUMACHER showed his pedigree by storming to fifth from the back of the grid at Spa on the 20th anniversary of his Monday 29 August, 2011 Grand Prix debut
Ronaldo runs riot
>> pg18
CRISTIANO RONALDO whacked a hattrick as Real Madrid kicked off the new season with an impressive 6-0 win over Real Zaragoza
MANCHESTER: FOOTBALL/ premier league
Rampant Rooney
LOCAL
Hotshot on the rise
hammered: Rooney’s (below) hattrick crowns Man Utd’s eight-goal crushing of Arsenal — AFP photo
JUNIOR shuttler Zulfadli Zulkifli vows to repay the faith shown in him by KLRC by breaking into the international fold
>> pg18
MOTORSPORT
Tyre concerns for Vettel
Striker hits 150 for United as they slaughter Arsenal MANCHESTER UNITED striker Wayne Rooney hailed the Red Devils following an incredible 8-2 hammering of Arsenal at Old Trafford yesterday. The former Everton man scored a superb hattrick via two free-kicks and a penalty as United ran riot to add further woe to Arsene Wenger’s troubled Gunners. The Gunners had a depleted squad ahead of the clash due to a number of injuries within their ranks but Rooney insisted United were always going to play in such devastating attacking fashion, regardless of who they faced. “Whether they had the full squad out or not we were always going to try and have a go at them and score goals and although they’ve got a
few players out, you can take nothing away from our performance today (yesterday) because I thought it was brilliant,” Rooney told Sky Sports. Rooney’s hattrick took his goal tally for United past the 150 mark and he admitted he was proud of reaching the milestone. “I was aware of that before the game and a lot of my milestone goals have come against Arsenal. My first goal for Everton, my 100th Premier League goal and now 150 so it’s obviously a great feeling but I think the performance today (yesterday) was incredible and we fully deserved the result.” The champions were under a little pressure to come up with a positive result following Manchester City’s 5-1 de-
molition of Tottenham earlier yesterday at White Hart Lane but the 25-year-old claimed United were only focusing on themselves ahead of the game against the Emirates outfit. “It’s still early in the season and it was obviously a good result for City, a good win but we had to compete ourselves today (yesterday) and I don’t think many other teams will be beating them (Arsenal) 8-2 this season.” Rooney also noted the setpiece talent at United’s disposal following the game, saying: “We’ve got a lot of good freekick takers at the club with Ashley Young coming in and Nani and we’ve been working on them and obviously that’s paid off. “I’ve had a good pre-season, worked hard, got my head
RED BULL driver Sebastian Vettel was more concerned about his tyres rather than finishing the race at the start of the Belgian GP
down and fortunately that’s paying off for me.” The other goals for United were scored by Young (two), Danny Welbeck, Nani and Park Ji-sung. Arsenal replied through Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie. United boss Alex Ferguson did not expect the massive win, despite the Gunners missing so many first team regulars. “It is (a surprise) because when you play Arsenal you expect a difficult game,” he said. “If you look at Arsenal the team are weakened — but we still did the job. “We got careless at times and they made chances because they still have quality up front. But overall we are very satisfied that we kept the performance levels up.”
>> pg18
FOOTBALL
Just a Mata of time
CHELSEA striker Fernando Torres believes it won’t be long before midfielder Juan Mata endears himself to the Blues faithful
LONDON: FOOTBALL/ premier league
Gunners legend Merson slams Wenger horror show ARSENAL legend Paul Merson expressed his horror at the Gunners’ display against Manchester United and slated manager Arsene Wenger’s (pic) tactical approach to the game. United romped to victory at Old Trafford, astonishingly beating the visitors 8-2 after a hattrick from Wayne Rooney and two goals from Ashley Young. Merson, who spent 11 years as a player with Arsenal, said he was disgusted by what he had witnessed on the pitch. “It is definitely the worst day for Wenger in charge and it is even the worst day for a long time in Arsenal’s history. Since I started there
in 1984, I can’t remember much worse than what we have seen here. It was shocking, just shocking,” said the Sky Sports pundit. “There are much lesser teams with much less talent than Arsenal who will come to Old Trafford this season and make it doubly as difficult as they did today (yesterday). “You have got to have tactics — you can’t just have a Plan A, you have to have a Plan B. The way Wenger set up wasn’t good enough. You can’t put teams out all the time and just say ‘go and play the Arsenal way’ — that isn’t fair on the players. “Don’t put those kinds of players on the pitch and
>> pg20
make them like lambs to the slaughter — it’s not good enough. You have got to start looking at the manager now and asking questions. “What is he thinking? I’m not joking, but a League Two side could come here next Saturday and make it much more difficult for United than that.” Merson was clearly infuri-
ated by the display he had witnessed and said there was currently an extremely big gap between the two teams that is continuing to grow, rather than shorten, each year. “I don’t know where we go from here. You can sit here and talk about players who have to come back, Thomas Vermaelen, Alex Song, Gervinho — you can name all the players but none of them would get in the United team, so how far are Arsenal now away from United? The gap is getting bigger and bigger.” Wenger may have been embarrassed by the thrashing but has no intention of quitting. This result was his
biggest Premier League defeat and it hurt. “You feel humiliated when you concede eight goals. It was a terrible day for us, it was a combination of an under-strength team and weakness. We collapsed physically in the secondhalf,” he told Sky Sports. Asked if he might think about resigning during the upcoming international break, he was initially evasive, saying: “I believe we have a break before the next game.” He then ruled out the possibility, adding: “No, not at all. I know that in England when you lose a game signings are always the solution,” he added.
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Modric engineering move TOTTENHAM boss Harry Redknapp revealed Luka Modric pleaded not to be selected against Manchester City in an attempt to force a transfer to Chelsea
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