Thursday 8 september, 2011
PP423/01/2012(029578)
Down2Earth
With Terence Fernandez
SPORTS
All in a day’s work
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Uruguay’s Luis Suarez assures Liverpool fans he will maintain last season’s red-hot form, promises to outwit defenders
>> pg31
>> pg6 local
60 per cent shortfall SPAD waiting for the mainly private commercial vehicle owners to re-register before month-end deadline
>> pg5
Housing Ministry doesn’t mind ‘losing’ moneylenders to Treasury
Working professionals by day
Its minister feels the RM400m-a-year industry should not be abolished due to a few black sheep
... horseback archers by night
>> pg4
No safety net Troubled by delay in repairs on damaged Subang Jaya bridge over a railway track
>> pg5
>> pg8
PETALING JAYA
Stark contrast!
GRAVE LOT FOR THE BRAVE: The Bukit Kepong burial ground for war dead resembles a battlefront
● AS the authorities scramble to begin repairs on the Bukit Kepong cemetery, housing the remains of policemen who died defending the nation from Communist insurgents, a groundswell of discontent is brewing over the poor state of the warriors’ final resting place. Questions are being raised as to why the authorities are unable to accord the same respect to our heroes as other countries do to theirs. ● At the Military Annex of the Cheras Christian Cemetery, more than 600 British soldiers killed in the Japanese invasion and Emergency rest in peace amid shady trees, manicured lawns and memorial plaques in remembrance of the fallen, all borne by the British High Commission.
PRISTINE: Peaceful setting at the Cheras Christian Cemetery’s plots for British soldiers — Pic: Samsul Said
By T.K. Letchumy Tamboo t.k.letchumy@mmail.com.my While in Muar, Johor, the graves of at least 25 Bukit Kepong heroes lie amid rubble from a broken perimeter wall, left in disrepair for a year. ● Historian Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim expresses regret at the lack of respect accorded by the authorities to our heroes and historical sites, while Badan Warisan believes ignorance could be a major cause for the unkempt condition of the Bukit Kepong war cemetery.
>> Reports on pg3
‘Time magazine writer twisted my words’ By Andrew Sagayam andrew@mmail.com.my Malaysia-based Iranian TV presenter Abed Rangamiz called host country “a home away from home”. He refuted having told Time reporter about bribing cops to stage parties and that Malaysians “were still in the trees with the monkeys 100 years ago”.
>> Report on pg2
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news
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will name the five Barisan Nasional MPs of the parliamentary select committee on electoral process — Minister in PM Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz KUALA LUMPUR
'I did not say it' Iranian GEM-TV host denies running down Malaysia in 'Time' magazine article
ALL tourism services to Redang, the most beautiful resort island in Terengganu, will be closed to tourists for four months starting from the middle of October because of the monsoon season. Redang Resort Operators Association of Terengganu secretary Lorenz Law said all tourism activities would be put on hold temporarily, and all chalets and resorts would carry out renovations during the period. The 16 resorts on Redang would resume their operations after March 1, next year.
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.
ABED: Reading 'The Malay Mail' report on his interview with 'Time' magazine
ing with living here compared to Iran. He quoted Abed as saying Malaysia is "famous as a place to jump to" from Iran's harshly religious regime. Abed denied having told Krich he had to bribe police to hold a party and the locals "were still in the trees with the monkeys 100 years ago". "I don't know where he got that from. Yes, I did speak to him but it was not a formal interview. He did not show his Press or media
KUALA LUMPUR
WITH new crime-fighting toys to play around with, the police will see a smoother operation when carrying out their duties. In efforts to ease daily police communication and reduce crime, coupled with the government's annual budget for them, the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) is currently exploring a new wave of technology. The assets, ranging from patrol cars, motorcycles, planes and helicopters, buildings and other entities, were estimated to be worth RM35billion. Federal Logistics department director Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah said possession logistics, however, needed constant and proper maintenance so they could be used in the long-term. Under the Royal Malaysian
By AIZAT SHARIF aizat@mmail.com.my
police net project (RMPnet), several new communication digital systems such as the Mobile Card Acceptance Device (MCAD), long-range walkie-talkies, computer-based police reporting system, and police report online checking system, have been developed and introduced. "The cost of implementing and developing these systems was initially estimated at RM980 million but it may increase for the plan to be executed nationwide," said Zulkifli after visiting the Dang Wangi district police headquarters yesterday. The systems were expected to be expanded and utilised nationwide by the end of next year.
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GEM-TV host Abed Rangamiz denied discrediting Malaysians who have given him a second home and called Time magazine journalist John Krich a "cheat". Apologising to Malaysians on comments he allegedly made in an interview with Krich over a month ago, Abed said he is happy living in Malaysia which he calls "home away from home". "The Time magazine journalist twisted my words. I am happy earning a living here. So why would I want to say bad things about this lovely country. He did ask me questions about life here as an Iranian. I told him I was enjoying my stay. I would be out of my mind to say bad things," Abed told The Malay Mail at his office in Solaris, Mont Kiara, on Monday. In a Time magazine article on Aug 31 titled "Iranian Exiles Flock East, to Multi-ethnic Malaysia", Krich interviewed several Iranians living in Malaysia to find out how they were cop-
New crime-busting tools for cops
News Alert
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By ANDREW SAGAYAM andrew@mmail.com.my
Redang to close for rainy season
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
identification and I did not ask him as I assumed it was just a friendly conversation over meals. I met him twice at a restaurant in Mont Kiara and he kept asking me how living in Malaysia was. "I repeatedly said I was happy living here and doing what I love," Abed said adding he met Krich through another American at the restaurant. The 35-year-old also refuted GEM-TV, a privately owned Dubai-based satellite station, was operating illegally here.
"In his article, Krich said I told him GEM-TV was an illegal company. What I said was if such a company was to operate in Iran it would be deemed 'illegal' as the Iranian government had rules on broadcasting entertainment programmes as it is a strictly religious country. "We provide entertainment news, from movies to music for viewers in Europe and Iran. We have a Finas licence and we have been operating since 2009." Abed also expressed his apologies to Malaysians if he offended them, adding Krich should also apologise for the article which the former said was fabricated.
Hi-tech police MCAD (Mobile Card Acceptance Device) ● Allows on-field police patrol officers on crime prevention duty to check personal details, vehicle data or past criminal records of suspicious characters they detain. ● Officers can key-in person's data and results will appear within a minute on the system gadget. ● Officers do not have to call back or alert the operation room in headquarters to check on data. At the same time, they do not have to detain a person for long. ● There are currently 2,000 device units using the MCAD communication system within the force. Another 1,100 units will be
EDITORIAL Tel : 03-74951288 Fax : 03-74951229 Email : mmnews@mmail.com.my
added by year-end. ● System implemented in 2009 in crime hot-spot states of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor. Long-range walkie-talkies ● Currently, officers are equipped with normal walkie-talkies but the newly-upgraded communication system enables them to communicate longrange by using the police communication wave. ● This digital radio wave system was introduced middle of last year replacing the analog radio wave adopted 15 years ago. ● The system supports use of data and voice transfer. The analog system only supported voice transfer. ● The current police communication system is implemented from Klang Valley to Johor. (Klang Valley — South communication line) ● Police are now upgrading the system to the North and East Coast states (Klang Valley — North communication line, Klang Valley — East Coast communication line). ● Next year, police hope to extend
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the long-range walkie-talkie system to Sabah and Sarawak. Computer-based police reporting system ● This paperless system has been implemented in every station in Peninsular Malaysia for several years. ● However, by next year, the system will be extended to Sabah and Sarawak to ease police officers in report-taking. ● By next month, every police report on traffic and others (crime or civil cases) will be integrated into one system. This means reports will no more be labelled separately according to the case. Police report online checking system ● Implemented on Aug 1, the system gives access to the complainant of traffic, crime or civil cases who lodges police report to check on the status, development or result of their case via online. ● The system will cut a lot of time as it is no longer necessary for victims or complainants to meet investigative officers.
TO CONTACT US: Newsdesk : 03-74951015 & 03-74951017 CLASSIFIEDS : 03-74951273/03-74951282 General line : 03-74951288 CIRCULATION : 03-74951068 Fax : 03-74951226
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
289 people killed during the 15-day Ops Sikap from Aug 23 — Royal Malaysian Police
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NGO: Cemetery unkempt of due to ignorance BADAN Warisan executive director Elizabeth Cardosa said burial grounds should be acknowledged as essential elements of the historic landscape and be promoted as such. "Ignorance could be a major cause leading to the unkempt condition of the Bukit Kepong war cemetery. "Howe ver, most lo c a l authorities may have many different calls on their perhaps slim resources and most often
than not, cemeteries are stigmatised. Therefore priority is not given to cemeteries. "Even if the place has been restored back to good order, unless the community around the area actively promotes the site, it will return to the state of its original dilapidation," she said. Cardosa said, it is not reason enough to let cemeteries, especially those dedicated to national warriors, to be left in disrepair.
"Well, kept cemeteries provide an atmosphere of benefit to grieving visitors and promote community-based action for preservation of their environment. "The caretakers and the media should continue to highlight such incidents and push for quick action." She said care for cemeteries can start with creation of a comprehensive inventory of historic properties. "The identification and
location of these sites will be the first step to be followed by the setting up of the relevant database. "To build database, research about the sites could be done and these will add depth to it. "This information should then be readily available and act as a key resource to authorities who decide on future development of the sites as well as the surrounding area."
PETALING JAYA
Lest we forget 'em We are selfish and careless in appreciating our own culture, says historian WHY isn't the cemetery where policemen died defending the Bukit Kepong police station from Communist insurgents in 1950 not given the care and respect it deserves? This was the question directed to the authorities following The Malay Mail's expose yesterday, chronicling the sorry state of the warriors' final resting place in Muar, Johor. Whi le t he aut hor it ies scramble to organise repair works at the cemetery following our front-page report yesterday, comparisons have been drawn over how other war cemeteries in the country are maintained. Checks by The Malay Ma i l y e s t e r d a y a t t h e Commonwealth War Graves Military Annex at the Cheras Christian Cemeter y, for example, revealed well-manicured lawns and scrubbed headstones which put the Muar cemetery, which featured only a rubble-strewn dirt surface, to shame. (See accompanying story) The Cheras war graves are the final domain of some 600 British soldiers killed during the Japanese invasion of
By T.K. LETCHUMY TAMBOO t.k.letchumy@mmail.com.my
Malaya and the subsequent Malayan Emergency. Also at Batu Gajah in Ipoh lie “God's Little Acre”, a beautifully kept cemetery with over 160 graves of British and Commonwealth servicemen who died during the Emergency of 1948-1960. Here the names and regiments of those that lie buried read as an everlasting memorial to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Many of them were barely in their 20s. Famous regiments, such as The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, Coldstream Guards and Green Howards, all lie here, beside the Royal Mar ines, Br it ish Police Officers and Iban trackers serving the British Army. The stark difference between the three has not been lost on historian Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim. "Why is the same treatment not given? We are selfish, become careless and do not appreciate our own culture and history, as opposed to other nations.
KHOO: Our national heroes must be remembered and cherished
"For the British, this is part of their culture. They never forget their culture." He said in 1875, British soldiers killed in a fight between them and the local people after the first British Resident in Perak, J.W.W Birch, was killed, were buried in a war cemetery in Bandar Baru, Teluk Intan. "In 1965, almost a hundred years later, members of the National History department visited the cemetery finding it clean and well-kept by the locals there. "Until today, the locals can recall what happened in the area during those times, vividly. This was how the Bukit Kepong war cemetery should
have been kept. "Looking at the state of the cemetery now, it is just a classic case of the caretaker's negligence," he said. Khoo felt the Muar cemetery should be accorded the same level of importance as the Tugu Negara. "Just look at the Tugu Negara and compare it with the Bukit Kepong war graves. Both are places where our national heroes are remembered and cherished. Yet, there is a world of difference between the two," he said. He, however, he said he was not surprised with what happened. Education, he said, has to come into play and offered an analogy. "To build a nation, you have to first build a school. Let children learn their culture and history. When they grow up and their turn come to take care of such historical sites, they will do it with appreciation," he said. Khoo said the matter should have brought up the matter to the area's member of parliament.
Our breaking story yesterday THE Malay Mail yesterday highlighted the poor state of the warriors' burial ground. Family members and relatives were upset to find part of the cemetery wall collapsed when they visited the Bukit Kepong Muslim graveyard during last week's Hari Raya celebrations. Part of the damaged wall bore names of those buried there following the deadly attack that left at least 25
people, including policemen, their family members, auxiliary policemen and Bukit Kepong villagers, dead. The Bukit Kepong tragedy resurfaced last month when PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu was accused of glorifying the attackers of the police station. The Pokok Sena MP was alleged to have said during a ceramah in Tasik Gelugor, Penang, on Aug 21, that the
men who attacked and killed the servicemen and their families in Bukit Kepong were heroes because they were fighting against the British. He was also reported to have made the remark that both Umno founder Datuk Onn Jaafar and the country's first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman did not deserve to be called independence fighters because they were officers of the British administration.
FLASHBACK: Our front page report yesterday
However, he later clarified his remarks, saying the Bukit Kepong attackers were heroes as they were freedom fighters.
TRANQUIL: A worker mowing the lawn at the Military Annex of the Cheras Christian Cemetery — Pic: SAMSUL SAID
KUALA LUMPUR
Fitting tribute to fallen British soldiers OVER half a century after they had died in a foreign country, the young British soldiers killed in the Japanese invasion of Malaya and the Emergency, rest in peace at the beautifully-kept Military Annex at the Cheras Christian Cemetery here. Some 600 soldiers and their dependents were buried there while another 20 Federation of Malaya policemen were also interred at the cemetery. Most of the policemen, according to their headstones, were killed in action around the Klang Valley between 1948 to 1953. The Malay Mail yesterday highlighted the final resting place of those who died defending the Bukit Kepong police station on Feb 23, 1950, in Muar, Johor, resembled more a rubble-strewn field than a warriors' burial ground. Even worse, family members of the slain policemen claim they were prevented from upkeeping the graves themselves, as it was "government property". However, repairs on the graves started yesterday after The Malay Mail highlighted the issue to police which oversees the graves. At the Cheras annex, two Bangladeshi workers are responsible for maintaining its pristine condition.
By MARHALIM ABAS mabas@mmail.com.my
One of the workers, Ahmad Faisal, said they worked six days a week to maintain the grounds of the annex. They also took care of policemen graves, which lie scattered around the cemetery. They also maintain the grave of Sir Henry Gurney, the British High Commissioner to Malaya, who was killed by communist insurgents in an ambush at Fraser's Hill on Oct 6, 1951. Ahmad, who worked at the annex for four years, said: "We mow the lawn, cut the hedges and plant flowers. It's hard work as we do so under the hot sun." Malaya Historical Group researcher Sager Ahmad told The Malay Mail officials from the British High Commission here conduct periodic visits to cemeteries to ensure the contractors strictly followed maintenance guidelines. "They rather spend time in their air-conditioned offices instead of visiting the sites now and then. We can learn from the British on how to sustain historical sites." Sager said Malaya Historical Group is dedicated to researching, recording, documenting and publicising war and aviation history in Malaysia.
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KLIA is fourth in the Top 10 Airports Worldwide category of the SmartTravelAsia.com 2011 Best in Travel Poll -- Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad Abdul Majid
PETALING JAYA
Keep the moneylenders Minister: No objection to Bank Negara overseeing RM400m industry but don't scrap it
THE Housing and Local Government Ministry has no objections to the money lending industry being placed under the purview of Bank Negara. In responding to a local Malay daily which called on the government to abolish moneylending licenses which the daily said was no longer relevant, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung said: "If Bank Negara wishes to take over the purview of moneylending activities, I have no objection because money lending plays an important role in the country's economy." Currently, moneylending licenses are issued under the Money Lenders Act 1951 which is within the scope of the ministry. The Malay daily also suggested the public take up loans from institutions under the Fi-
By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani asrul@mmail.com.my
nance Ministry and Bank Negara. Chor said the moneylending industry should not be abolished due to the unscrupulous actions of a few individuals. "Annually, licensed moneylenders disburse over RM400 million, thus underlying its significance," he said. "Last year, we made a lot of amendments to the Money Lenders Act to tighten regulations pertaining to the conduct of those in the industry, including stiffer penalties against unlicensed moneylenders and their harassment of borrowers. Those who are victimised by money lenders should come forward and make reports to us so that the necessary action can
be taken." The amendments include a heavier fine of up to RM250,000 and a three-year jail term for the offence of harassment of a borrower. Chor said the relatively small number of complaints received by the ministry concerning moneylenders is indicative that only a handful in the industry are unethical. “It is like an analogy of so many accidents and deaths from road accidents despite measures taken by the government. Are we to say that because of this nobody should drive cars? Likewise, irresponsible moneylenders are only a few as a majority of the licensed moneylenders act in accordance with the law.”
CHOR: Only a handful in the industry unethical
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
Poor maintenance culture at low-cost flats THE dire conditions of many low-cost flats is due to the lack of a maintenance culture among the residents. Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung said the Federal government pays 50 per cent of maintenance fees for low-cost flats under the housing programme for the hardcore poor (PPRT) and that "the least the residents could do is to ensure the proper upkeep of their surrounding areas and facilities". "Those accorded low-cost flats must do their part and promptly pay the RM124 monthly rental and also adopt good maintenance culture towards their homes and environment," he said, noting that under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP), RM500 million has been allocated for repairs and maintenance of public low-cost housing. "Residents should not have the attitude that the maintenance of their flats is totally the responsibility of the government." The government disburses 10MP grants to lowcost flats with the understanding that half of the costs of repairs and maintenance are to be borne by the flats' management or residents association. In March this year, Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s housing management director Sukiman Surahman said low-cost flat dwellers owed City Hall RM51 million in unpaid rent while some were reported to have defaulted for over 10 years. Last year, The Paper That Cares surveyed some of the low-cost flats in the city and found rampant vandalism and damages to facilities despite maintenance work by City Hall. Garbage was also found to be thrown out of the windows instead of being disposed of properly in the proper places on the ground floor.
KUALA LUMPUR
Firebug damages cars at low-cost flats FIVE cars were partially burnt after they caught fire from a nearby rubbish dump at the People’s Housing Project (PPR) Batu Muda, in Jalan Ipoh, here yesterday morning. About 4am some residents heard an explosion before they saw a blaze at the flat's parking lot. Residents alerted the Fire and Rescue Department and a team from the Jinjang Fire Station arrived 10 minutes later. A department spokesman said the fire was believed to have sparked from the rubbish dump located about five metres away."We believe an unknown person was trying to burn the rubbish but the fire spread to the vehicles nearby and damaged them," said the spokesman. During the incident, two Toyota Vios, a Proton Wira, Proton Perdana and a Nissan Terrano were partially burned. The intense heat melted the vehicles' taillights. "We took 10 minutes to control the fire from spreading to other vehicles," the spokesman said.
PYROMANIAC: Verhicles are damaged after an irresponsible person set fire to uncollected rubbish at the PPR Batu Muda at Jalan Ipoh yesterday morning — SIN Chewfoto
By AIZAT SHARIF aizat@mmail.com.my
Meanwhile, resident Normala Sharif, 31, said the rubbish had not been collected by Kuala Lumpur City Hall for two weeks. "The excuse given by the gar-
bage collector was workers were on Hari Raya holidays. The stench had been unbearable and there were maggots." Another resident, M. Muthu, 30, said he believed some ir-
responsible resident may have burnt the rubbish to get rid of the foul odour. Sentul district deputy police chief Supt Osman Bakar confirmed the incident and said five police reports had been lodged by the owners of the damaged vehicles.
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
No radioactive contamination detected in Malaysia to date since the March 11 nuclear incident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in Japan -- Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili
KUALA LUMPUR
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Dragging their feet
Six in 10 still not registered with SPAD as Sept 30 deadline looms WITH about three weeks left until the Sept 30 deadline for the re-registration of existing commercial vehicles by the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), only 40 per cent in the industry have registered since the exercise was launched in April. The re-registration for bus, taxi and freight operators is mandatory under Section 10 (1) of the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board
By FAIZAL NOR IZHAM faizal.nor@mmail.com.my
(Amendment) Act 2011, which will enable SPAD to gather comprehensive details on transport operators, their assets and drivers' details so that dormant and problematic permits can be identified. "Approximately 180,000 vehicles have been registered so far," SPAD chief operating
officer Azhar Ahmad told The Malay Mail. "The majority of bus and taxi operators have toed the line and re-registered vehicles under their respective fleets." This is a marked improvement from the last reported figures in May, in which The Malay Mail reported that only seven per cent out of
87,705 transport operators, managing more than 350,000 commercial vehicles, had registered with SPAD. "All that's left now are individual commercial vehicle owners," said Azhar, adding that they hope to achieve the 50 per cent mark by the end of the month. "SPAD has been proactive in promoting the reregistration exercise, such as conducting roadshows
and disseminating flyers throughout the country, even throughout the Hari Raya period." Their promotion efforts involved government agencies, such as Road Transport Department (RTD) counters, petrol stations and toll booths. Six mobile teams were dispatched to deal with approximately 3.8 million documents expected from trans-
PETALING JAYA
'Horseback warriors' do Malaysia proud
ZAHARUDIN Rastam and Anita Woo are unusual comrades in arms. Zaharudin is vice-president of business development at a trading company and Woo is TV3's Nightline news presenter. But after work both don warriorlike costumes and shoot arrows while riding magnificent horses. This pursuit has seen them winning team bronze medals at the World Horseback Archery Championships last year and this year. Last year, Zaharudin also won an individual silver medal. Organised annually by the South Korea-based World Horseback Archery Federation (WHAF) and staged exclusively there, the 7th championship was held at Sokcho last month. "There is no money to be gained in this sport and if I do not need to work, I would prefer to be a horseback archer full-time," said Woo, 24. "Each time we take part in a horseback archery competition, we have to spend our own savings. Of late, we did receive some sponsorship but we can only afford to compete in two overseas championships a year." The duo's commitment to the sport has impressed WHAF which appointed Zaharudin senior researcher and chairman of the procedure committee, while Woo was put in charge of one of two global public relations offices sanctioned by the federation. "Woo and I have been invited to take part in a horseback archery competition at Hirosaki in Aomori prefecture in Japan on Sept 24, in conjunction with the 400th anniversary celebrations of Hirosaki
UNIQUE SPORTS: Zaharudin (left) and Woo with their medals and certificates. They represent Malaysia at World Horseback Archery Federation events. — Pic: SAMSUL SAID
By RAM ANAND mmnews@mmail.com.my
castle," said Zaharudin who took up up horseback archery in 2009. "The event is expected to be presided by the Japanese emperor or his crown prince and invited participants will also join a procession through the town on Sept 23." Zaharudin said horseback archery is still striving for international acceptance and has yet to be recognised by
the National Sports Council in Malaysia. "My goal is to make Malaysia a hub for horseback archery in Southeast Asia and become host to a World Horseback Archery Championship in the near future. Happily, the championship has just received recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco)."
ANCIENT ROOTS: Horseback archery has a long history, dating back to biblical times, Genghiz Khan and Attila the Hun
port operators nationwide, which will be managed and processed by SPAD's Control Processing Centre. Azhar urged those who have yet to re-register not to delay. "We're not trying to make life hard for anyone," he assured. "But they'll be in even deeper trouble if they don't submit, as they won't be able to renew their permits afterwards."
As old as weapons in war HORSEBACK archery, according to the sport’s pioneering guru in Malaysia, Zaharudin Rastam, is as old as weapons in war. “If you go by biblical references, horseback archery existed from the time of Enoch (the great grandfather of Noah of Noah's Ark fame). The historical development of the sport is largely disputed, but figures such as Genghis Khan and Attila the Hun are all excellent horseback archers,” Zaharudin said. And compared to ground archery, horseback archery is more challenging and largely based on instinctive shooting. “You need to be able to hit your target while you concentrate on balancing yourself on the horse,” said Zaharudin who has been an equestrian martial arts practitioner for 20 years. Unlike other contemporary sports, horseback archery does not segregate the sexes. There is no age limit or gender-based sub-classes. The different events in horseback archery include hitting a moving target and hitting a target perched atop a 30-foot post. The South Korea-based World Horseback Archery Federation (WHAF) wish to keep the sport as traditional as possible so participants don traditional attire instead of safety gear. The World Horseback Archery Championships (WHAC) is held annually in South Korea, averaging 35 participants per edition. For more information on the sport, visit www.fwha.net.
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Human Resources Ministry will discuss with media employers to create guidelines to ensure safety of journalists accompanying humanitarian aid missions abroad -- Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
Lessons not learnt
IT is not easy for anyone watching the visuals on television of the casket bearing the remains of Noramfaizul Mohd Nor, the 39-year-old Bernama TV cameraman who was killed in Mogadishu, Somalia, last Friday. It was especially hard for me as it must have been for seven other Malaysians as we recalled the events of April 12, 2003, in Baghdad, Iraq. If luck was not on our side, Noramfaizul's death would not have been the first of a journalist or aid worker in a conflict zone. On that day eight years ago, together with two members of the government-sponsored Joint Media Team Malaysia, we accompanied five Mercy Malaysia doctors and volunteers in two vans to a children's hospital in Saddam City, just outside Baghdad, to deliver aid. When it was time to leave the hospital, Hussein, a pharmacist, hopped into the first van to show us the way out, as both our Syrian drivers were unfamiliar with the area. This was the first war-zone mistake — always get a local or someone familiar with the area to take you around. Due to a miscommunication, we made a wrong turn — right into a Shi'ite neighbourhood which had been engaged in gun-battles with guns-for-hire from Syria. It did not help that the vans bore Syrian number plates. Then the shooting began. The first van carrying Mercy Malaysia president Datuk Dr Jemilah Mahmud and Mercy members Datuk Dr Baba Dani and Major (R) Don Cheang, managed to escape. However, the one I was travelling in with RTM cameraman Omar Salleh, New Straits Times pixman Anuar Hashim, and Mercy volunteers Dr Taufiq Hidayah and Anita Ahmad, crashed into a divider. This was because our driver Ghoffran had taken a bullet to the chest. He died instantly. It was a miracle the rest of us survived as the shooting continued for about 20 seconds when the van was lying idle by the roadside. When the firing stopped, we were all dragged out to be interrogated. Then it dawned on our attackers we were friendly parties. The fault was ours as we had not realised the need to change the registration plates as nonIraqi registered vehicles were viewed with suspicion. When we were released later, and reunited with the team from the first van at a hospital, we realised that Hussein was also dead. Dr Jemilah and Dr
Down2Earth
With Terence Fernandez on thursday
BIG 'NO-NO': Malaysian humanitarian aid workers in Somalia not wearing helmets or bullet-proof vests but with attire featuring the Jalur Gemilang, which can be mistaken for the US Stars & Stripes flag, a symbol which often draws hostilities in such conflict areas — BERNAMAfoto
Baba were shot in their hips — till now, Dr Baba walks with a limp — while our Jordanian interpreter Ayman was grazed by three bullets. Thankfully, Cheang and the other driver Khalid, escaped unscathed. When we returned to Malaysia, we were invited to talk shows to tell our story. What was also important was to explain why we ended up in that situation and the lessons that could be learnt. I also spoke at safety forums for journalists in conflict zones and was also interviewed by the Information Ministry which organised our trip. From my personal experience and talking to other foreign newsmen in Iraq, this is what I offered: ● Always travel with people who are familiar with the area; ● Move in small groups; ● Avoid travelling in army
convoys unless absolutely necessary since these are favourite targets; ● Vehicles must be prominently labelled on the back, sides, roof and bonnet indicating that it is a Press vehicle — another alternative is to travel unassumingly in a local car; ● Remain neutral and do not seem to be representing either side through words and behaviour; ● Never wear army camouflage, including unlabelled bullet proof vests; ● Wear helmets and bulletproof vests that are labelled 'PRESS' and which are usually coloured blue — although this is a big 'No' if media are targeted as was the case in Syria; ● A safer option is to put on white kevlar bullet-proof vests which are usually worn by medical and aid workers; ● Never display our Jalur
Gemilang as it can be mistaken for the United States' Stars & Stripes national flag; ● Camera lenses and tripods from a distance can be mistaken for weapons, so keep them inconspicuous; ● Newsmen and aid workers should attend compulsory training and orientation before leaving for a conflict zone; and ● Have an exit plan in case all hell breaks loose. Watching the events unfolding since the Mogadishu incident last Friday which left two small boys fatherless, it pains me that these basics were not adhered to. True, we do not yet fully comprehend what led to the shooting or whether it was indeed a stray bullet. News from Somalia seem to be contradictory, that it was a shot fired by rebels aimed at the military truck which was leading the 4WD the newsmen were in,
that it was a bullet randomly fired from a gun the source of which is unknown, or that the shot was fired by African Union peacekeepers. But from what we see in television visuals and know from news reports, we know that: ● The newsmen did not have any sort of training; ● Were travelling in a large group and were being lead by a military truck; ● That the vehicles they were travelling in had a 1Malaysia poster bearing the Malaysian flag on the rear; ● They were wearing official T-shirts with the Jalur Gemilang emblazoned on the right side of the chest; and ● They were not wearing bullet-proof vests. Judging from the angle of the wound and the opinion of experts, a bullet-proof vest would not have saved Noramfaizul but the fact remains none of them wore one. While Kelab Putera 1Malaysia, which organised the humanitarian mission, claimed it conducted a recce and “received assurances” from the police and military for the 55-member team's safety, how much do these assurances hold water when Somalia itself does not have a functioning government? Now it emerges the organisers were advised to delay the trip. And while we all want to be patriotic, there is a time and place for it. A Jalur Gemilang has no place in an area where there is much hostility towards Americans. Jalur Gemilang is our pride and joy, but from a distance, the flag on one's chest says “please shoot here” due to its similarity with the US' Stars & Stripes. While all and sundry are now demanding bullet-proof protection for journalists, it is laughable for anyone to suggest the military lend theirs. Even I did not take my Malaysian Armed Forces-issued vest into Iraq as I did not want to be a sitting duck! Noramfaizul may have volunteered for the mission and as a veteran of conflict zone reporting — having been on assignment to Gaza and Pakistan before — he would have known the dangers present and the precautions needed.
Likewise, TV3 cameraman Aji Saregar Mazlan who was shot and wounded in the arm, also went in with his eyes open. But while newsmen ultimately make the decision to put themselves in danger, all steps must be taken by all parties to minimise the risks involved. The organisers themselves must take on added measures to ensure the safety of everyone as they are responsible for doing the groundwork and facilitating the movements of the Press corps. In real conflict zone reporting, newsmen are in full control of their movements. They do the groundwork themselves and establish contacts they can trust. This is because they do not want surprises and must be able to disseminate the news as quickly and accurately as possible, and more importantly, ensure the safety of theirs and their crew. However, in Malaysia Boleh missions, such as the Mogadishu misadventure, the media is under the charge of the organiser. And in Mogadishu, the media's movement is dictated by Kelab Putera 1Malaysia. Admittedly, the newsmen can voice concerns or suggestions if they suspect certain safety breaches. But it is evident from the comments of some of the journalists, they themselves would not have known if safety protocol had been breached. The news organisations who sent their people into the war zone must also absorb some of the blame for delegating the safety of their employees to the organiser. If, after taking all necessary precautions and yet something untoward happens, then we can say it was takdir, perhaps even 'collateral damage'. But if someone threw caution to the wind, then somebody must account for this unnecessary loss of life. Terence Fernandez, executive editor at The Malay Mail, is upset that eight years on, lessons from the Baghdad experience, fell on deaf ears. Feedback: terence@mmail.com.my
ThursDay 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
the malay mail
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The Malay Mail • Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
hotline@mmail.com.my
tel:03-7495 1000/1001/1002 tel:019-261 4948 (after 9pm)
your right to be heard ● ● ● ●
Complainants have to submit their personal particulars and provide a detailed account of their complaint. Complainants have to first file their complaints with the respective parties before contacting Hotline. Complaints referred by Hotline to the relevant parties would be published if there is no response in seven days. After a complaint has been resolved, the complainant cannot demand non-publication of the matter.
Danger above!
By SITI NURSURAYA ALI and IKRAM ISMAIL EXPOSED: The gap left by the truck which crashed against the guard rail
Wall will replace guard rail to prevent vehicles plunging down SUSAN LIM drives past the Subang Jaya exit from the Federal Highway every morning to get to work. And every time, she is reminded of the June 14 incident in which a three-tonne truck crashed into the divider there and almost fell onto the railway track below. "It has been months since the incident but the guard rail has not been repaired," she tells Hotline. "Please do something fast before another accident takes place. The next time, it could be worse because without any barrier, a vehicle could fall directly onto the track." LIM says the situation can
be potentially dangerous for those unfamiliar with the road because it curves sharply. "The authorities should not have left the barrier unrepaired for such a long time." ● SUBANG JAYA Municipal Council (MPSJ) public relations officer Azfarizal Abd Rashid says there are plans to replace the guard rail with a concrete wall because of the number of accidents there. He says tenders are being called for the project. "No contractor has been appointed yet as the tender process is ongoing."
HANGING ON: The June 14 incident in which the truck nearly fell onto the railway track
When contacted, LIM says she cannot understand why it is taking the council
months to appoint a contractor for such an urgent job.
TM explains 1-700 service restriction AS a small billboard business operator, N. THIRUVENDRAN finds Telekom Malaysia's (TM) 1-700 service useful. The service allows him to pick up calls from five different lines when potential customers call in to just one main line. THIRUVENDRAN, 31, of Millennium Place in Petaling Jaya, signed up for the service in April 2010. In April this year, however, he received a notice from TM the service will be disrupted to
enable maintenance to be carried out. "The disruption should have ended in June but until July, the service has still not resumed." Despite making complaints at the TM call centre and a TMPoint outlet, THIRUVENDRAN says he has yet to be given a proper explanation. "The service is crucial to my business as it connects my potential customers to five termination numbers if my mobile phone cannot be reached." THIRUVENDRAN says his
last bill was in May in which he was charged for the service despite the disruption. He says TM should have the courtesy to update its customers on the status of the service. "At least let us know if the service will be resumed." ● A TM spokesman says the 1-700 service has been temporarily suspended since April because the company is involved in a legal issue with the vendor providing the service.
TAKE NOTE 1. Indah Water resolves 2,000 cases of overflowing manholes and backflows of sewage and waste water every month. Do not dispose solid waste into the sewerage system. 2. You can apply for your own street light from the local authorities. They will bear the charges if consent is secured but those applying for individual use will be imposed a one-time connection charge and a monthly charge of RM10. 3. From Aug 15, all Lady Bus and RapidBET afternoon services operate half an hour earlier, while the morning service remains unchanged. The two bus services in the morning are at 6.45am and 7.30am; the evening services are at 5.30pm and 6.15pm.
"TM has notified all the affected customers we have waived the rental fees for the period the service is unavailable. "However, recognising the customers's urgent need for the service, TM has since reintroduced it with limited functionality whereby they are given the option to route calls to their 1-700 number to only one termination number of their choice. "We have informed THIRUVENDRAN of the temporary
limitations of the service, obtained his preferred termination number for his company's two 1-700 service accounts and have since activated the number. "We have tested the service and the customer has verified he is able to receive his 1-700 calls from his customers via his preferred number." When contacted, THIRUVENDRAN says he still wants his main line to be connected to five termination numbers like before.
HOW A TERMINATION NUMBER WORKS ● A termination number is where you want your incoming calls to be routed. When a caller calls your 1-700 number, it will ring the first number defined in your setting. If unanswered, the call will automatically be routed to the second, third and fourth number, and so on. If the call remains unanswered, it will be forwarded to your Voice Mail.
Online comments www.mmail.com.my When GPRS takes over from WiFi (Sept 7) ● MOBILE service providers can stop this customer scamming very easily. (1) Services default to 'deactivate' unless otherwise doubly confirmed by the customer. (2) Credit limits are unbreakable — once reached, frills stop working except for received calls. (3) Stop data and SMS charges scams — you know these are scams and you should stop it. These
scams happen in other countries as well. — fairgo No warranty for LCD (Sept 6) ● I'M not sure about cameras but mobile phones and all AP sets do not cover the LCD. Only authorised sets by manufacturers have the LCD covered in the warranty. In this case, the resellers should have just sent the unit back to the manufacturer. Most retail outlets like this do not deal
with the warranty and will advise customers to go back to the manufacturer. The retailer is the third party here, not the manufacturer. — earl-ku
you. You made money from your customers and when there is trouble, you tell them to take care of it themselves. Very bad PR. — Dan
● Even if the warranty does not cover the damage to the LCD screen, wouldn't it be good after-sales service for the retailer to help the customer? If we, the consumers, can go directly to the manufacturer, then we won't need to buy from
Wrong charge credited back to Astro subscriber (Aug 26) ● I WAS certainly not happy with the ordeal Astro had put me through and I insisted on some form of fair compensation. Astro had offered me one
month's free subscription, which I have accepted. A customer service officer had been calling me up twice a day to ensure I'm happy with how the problem was resolved. This was after I told them I have written to The Malay Mail. That mail was also copied to their CEO, by the way. I guessed they needed some waking-up to understand the meaning of customer service. — Tan Chee Wai
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 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
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● 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: Malaysia's dirty cities
Lagging behind in maintenance
WALK through any town — be it Arau, Alor Star, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya or Johor Baru — and you will wonder whether anyone is checking their condition and cleaning and maintaining the walkways and public areas, including the toilets. The walkways are always dirty, if not damaged, unsightly or filled with mud or rubbish. The public toilets are a curse. Many of us walk past all of these on a daily basis that we are immuned to the condition, but this is happening in almost all the major towns of our nation. The reason for the poor cleansing of rubbish is simple. The Solid Waste Management (SWM) Bill has yet to be enforced and there are still several issues being debated in several States. I remember local authorities from the Middle East came in droves to Malaysia about 10 years ago to study our local waste management Act and they copied our laws and systems which they have enforced in their cities like
Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Qatar, Muscat and many others. Malaysia, instead, is still lagging in getting this done. Recently, Selangor pulled the plug on the waste management concessionaire by passing the cleansing contract to the local authorities. Malaysia is still cautious, nervous and uncertain as to whether it will be effective in privatising the SWM Bill whereas the nations who copied us are flourishing. Singapore, the Middle East and several other countries have gone to an era of benchmarking their cleanliness levels with several other European States. Those who visit these countries are fascinated by their cleanliness levels. Here in Malaysia, we are still allowing ourselves to be second class. We were the ones who trained many Middle East countries to manage their waste management. Right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, you will see rubbish piled
up, especially after annual events like Thaipusam and Merdeka Day. After each occasion, we will see pictures and letters in almost all the dailies and TV channels complaining about this, but what happens? It goes on and on. The lack of maintenance culture by the local authorities is a concern every Malaysian shares. Total lack of supervision and lack of budget are the two major reasons for the lack of maintenance in our cities. For example, if we want to avoid puddles on the roads, the local authorities must assign a team to go around whenever it rains. Mark the sites and ensure adequate scupper drains are constructed so no water collects in the streets. Likewise, the engineering units of the local authorities and city councils must mobilise their teams to go to the ground and ensure all broken walkways are repaired within 48 hours so no one is injured, especially in the urban areas.
KL: Speed of ambulance to be investigated (Sept 2)
Saving lives the main purpose
When all these simple cleanliness and maintenance issues are addressed by the local authorities, I am sure we can move forward. It is a shame for Malaysia to host mega events, games or activities when our streets and walkways are filled with garbage and badly maintained. We need to employ proactive, empathetic, dynamic and professional young officers to take on these challenges to see change in the management of the local authorities and town councils. We must also train the current officers to make them feel more responsible in what they are doing. The local authorities do not need large and high office towers. We need local authorities to maintain and keep our rural and urban areas clean. If every town is kept clean and maintained to the fullest, I am sure tourists will have nice things to say about our beautiful country. Ravindran Raman Kutty
I AM unhappy with the recent accidents involving ambulances. Four lives were lost possibly because of negligence of the vehicle's drivers. Ambulances should adhere to certain speed limits, if not the same as other road users. Emergency vehicle drivers should not be give free reign just because they flash the emergency beacon and other road users have to give way to them. Many a times, these drivers are simply reckless and they drive like maniacs. It really defeats the purpose if an ambulance rushing to the hospital to save someone's life somehow is involved in an accident. Some say that ambulances don't have to observe the speed limit but even if this is so, they should only be allowed to go at a reasonable speed which is deemed safe for the vehicle.
As we all know, an ambulance's centre of gravity is higher than a car's and it has the tendency to flip over if driven recklessly. Trained drivers should know the proper speed to take without putting the patient they are carrying at risk. They are supposed to save lives and not the other way around. I am sure the patients and their relatives will be happy if they arrive safely at the hospital. I fully support Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai on the setting up of a special committee to investigate factors leading to the series of accidents involving ambulances. There is a need to relook the current standard operating procedure as well as the speed limit, vehicle structure, drivers’ training and etiquette. After all, lives are at stake here. Mokhtar
KL: Malaysia major transit port for wildlife smuggling (Sept 1)
No easy solution to illegal ivory trade
THE spotlight has once again focused on Malaysia as a transit point for the illegal elephant ivory trade, following seizures of bloodstained tusks hidden among a container of anchovies bound for Penang and Johor for re-export to China. Sahabat Alam Malaysia expresses concern that Malaysia is becoming a major hub for smugglers to ship wildlife products to neighbouring countries as indicated by frequent hauls. Where and how t hes e e lephants were slaughtered remains a mystery, but such l arge - s c a l e k i l l i ng l e av ing countless young animals orphaned has truly numbed conservation groups to the core. As the seizure came to light, wildlife police from 11 African nations were already meeting in Botswana to learn new strategies to combat poaching. Such atrocity is a grim and inevitable reminder that we are losing the war against wildlife trafficking. The huge quantity of seized contraband was a striking indi-
WORRYING: Malaysia is becoming a major hub for smugglers of wildlife products
cator of the growth of the illicit ivory trade. Moving this much ivory requires expertise in commodity trade, international finance and other commercial disciplines. The ultimate responsibility for this wholesale decimation of species is due to rising demand for wildlife
products in countries like China, Vietnam and Thailand. The illegal wildlife trade involves a complex and diverse set of actors. These include illegal hunters — ranging from traditional and poor ones to professional hunters, layers of middlemen, top-level traders and organised-crime groups,
launderers of wildlife products (such as corrupt officials, captive breeding farms and private zoos) as well as consumers, both affluent and the poor. In Southeast and East Asia, government policies to prevent illegal trade in wildlife continue to be generally characterised by weak laws, limited
enforcement and low penalties. Government efforts to inform the public who are largely unaware of and often indifferent to how their consumer behavior contributes to the devastation of ecosystems in the region and world wide are immensely inadequate. Monitoring of captive breeding places is often poor, thus facilitating the laundering of illegally sourced wildlife and undermining the capacity to curb illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade practices. Trade through websites whose location is difficult to detect and who operate beyond the current realms of wildlife legislation and enforcement presents further challenge. Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions to the problem. At the rate things are going on, the whole wildlife species will go extinct. The survival of elephants, tigers, rhinos along with innumerable other species depends on law enforcement, the judiciary, governments, NGOs and the public coming together to tackle the problem seriously.
It is time wildlife authorities throughout the region refocus their efforts on the wholesalers and traders, including poachers and transporters who often escape prosecution and even if convicted, are given lenient penalties. The authorities need to track the traders, arrest them, check on their mobile phones to retrieve numbers and arrest more people in the wildlife network. The old-fashioned concept of enforcement needs to be updated with advanced methods to challenge the ever increasing sophisticated methods of smuggling. Another concern to address is the cooperation and coordination among agencies in combating transborder crimes together consisting of the army, forestry department, police, marines and the customs. If the trade is not brought under control soon, most countries will lose the majority of their free-ranging elephants. S.M. Mohd Idris President Sahabat Alam Malaysia
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world
The UN Secretary-General (Ban Ki-Moon) reiterates his firm stance there is no justification for indiscriminate violence against civilians. He expresses his solidarity with the government and people of India — UN spokesman
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
TUNOSHNA
Hockey team die in crash International sportsmen among the 43 dead
A JET carrying a top ice hockey team crashed after takeoff from the Russian city of Yaroslavl yesterday, killing at least 43 people, including several foreign stars. The 18-year-old Yak-42 was flying members of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl ice hockey team to a season-opening match in the Belarus capital Minsk when it went down near Yaroslavl airport, some 300km northeast of Moscow. The emergency situations ministry said two other people aboard survived but were in grave condition. The crash occurred near the site of an annual forum attended by President Dmitry Medvedev to discuss Russia's upcoming election battle. Among those killed were the coach, Canada's Brad McCrimmon — a former assistant with the NHL's Detroit Red Wings — the team's goalie and former Swedish
Olympic champion Stefan Liv as well as Slovak ex-NHL standout Pavol Demitra. Three Czech stars — Jan Marek, Josef Vasicek and Karel Rachunek — were also among the dead Thirty-one-year-old centre Marek and 32-year-old defenceman Rachunek were world champions from 2010, while the 31-year-old center Vasicek had a world title from 2005. The plane began listing to the left only seconds into the afternoon flight and crashed about 500m away from the Tunoshna airport. Initial reports said the jet may have hit a local radar antenna and the twisted wreckage of the aircraft lay buried in the Tunoshna River as divers searched for signs of life. "We saw a plane and then heard a boom. There was a huge flame that quickly turned to smoke,"
said 16-year-old witness Andrei Gorshkov. Officials initially said a steward was the only person among 45 passengers and crew members to survive the crash. But a local hospital surgeon later told Chanel One television that Russian player Alexander Galimov was alive but in critical condition with burns to nearly 90 per cent of his body. The crash revived memories of an August 1979 disaster that claimed the lives of 17 football players from the Tashkent side Pakhtakor. Hundreds of the team's fans converged on Lokomotiv's ice hockey areana in the evening for a sombre candlelight vigil while Russia's main Channel One television interrupted regular broadcasting to discuss the tragedy's impact on society and sports. — AFP
TOUGH JOB: A TV grab from Russian NTV channel showing rescuers inspecting remains of the plane at the crash site — AFPpic
incinerateD: A handout photo taken with a handphone showing the wreckage of the Yak-42 passenger jet — AFPpic
world
Facebook announced yesterday Erskine Bowles, 66, former chief of staff to US president Bill Clinton, has joined the board of directors of the social network — AFP
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
DAMASCUS
Atrocities in Syria 20 dead as regime forces accused of 'crimes against humanity'
Syrian forces backed by tanks killed at least 20 civilians in the city of Homs yesterday in one of the fiercest military assaults on urban centres to crush six months of prodemocracy protests, activists and residents said. Residents said the assault concentrated on old districts that have been seeing daily street demonstrations demanding the removal of President Bashar al-Assad. It c a m e a s hu m a n rights campaigners say Syria's ruling hierarchy has stepped up efforts to crush demonstrations in recent weeks, including more frequent military raids, targeted assassination of protest leaders and the arrest of thousands of Syrians. France accused Syria of "crimes against humanity" yesterday. "The Syrian regime has committed crimes against humanity," French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said during talks in Moscow with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. "The way it (the Syrian regime) suppressed the popular protests is unacceptable," he said, expressing hope Russia would
change its stance and back UN condemnation of the crackdown. The Syrian authorities, he said, should be sent "a powerful signal that such actions cannot continue". But Lavrov gave no signs of being ready to ease a Russian position that last week saw Moscow lash the European Union for imposing a crippling oil embargo on Syria. "We are convinced the essential thing is to start dialogue at the talks table," Lavrov said. The United Nations says 2,200 people have been killed since democracy protests flared in Syria in mid-March. Activists said the Syrian security forces killed another 20 people yesterday. The forces used "gunfire and stun grenades to terrorise the people near the police headquarters around the citadel at the downtown," the LLC said in a statement. Syria's regime, which has promised to launch a wide range of reforms to appease protesters, blames the unrest on foreignbacked "armed terrorist gangs". — Agencies
NO MERCY: An image grab from footage uploaded on YouTube yesterday showing what Syrian anti-regime activists say is a pro-government militia member dressed as a soldier allegedly firing his weapon at the corpse of a man in the city of Homs on Monday — AFPpic
Suicide after teen axe-killing
SEVEN dogs starved of food and water for two weeks are suspected of eating their Indonesian owner after he returned to his hometown in Manado from a holiday, local media reported yesterday. "His skull was found in the kitchen and his body in the front of his house," Eriyana, a local police chief in Batam. "We suspect the dogs were hungry, so they attacked Andre, because they had not been fed for 14 days." — Reuters
Kramer's mother. As more women choose to have children on their own, the demand for sperm donors has surged, reports the Xinhua news agency.
SYDNEY
Some sperm banks are earning huge profits by allowing too many mothers to receive sperms from the same popular donors, according to the report. And this trend will lead to
Yahoo fires CEO over phone
risks: rare genetic diseases could be spread more widely and the children of the same donor could meet and, unbeknownst to them, commit incest, medical experts warned.
YAHOO Inc Chairman Roy Bostock fired CEO Carol Bartz over the phone yesterday, ending a tumultuous tenure. Chief Financial Officer Tim Morse will step in as interim CEO. — Reuters
WARSAW
Managers have bigger brains, study reveals OFFICE managers think they're smarter than the rest of the staff and now there is medical evidence to back it up. According to research from the the University of New South Wales (UNSW), managing other people at work triggers structural changes in the brain, protecting its memory and learning centre well into old age, reports The Australian.
THE United States does not have enough astronauts to meet the changing needs of human spaceflight in the coming years, warned a report yesterday. "Astronaut selection and training is sensitive to critical shortfalls," said the National Research Council committee co-chair Frederick Gregory. "Astronauts who are trained for specific roles and missions can't be easily interchanged." At its peak in 1999, Nasa maintained a staff of 150 astronauts which has since whittled down to 61 this year. — AFP
Man eaten by starving dogs
The man with more than 150 half-siblings son of a donor, found he has more than 150 half-siblings, all children of the same donor. "It's wild when we see them all together — they all look alike," said Cynthia Daily,
More astronauts needed for Nasa
A WOMAN who plunged to her death from Brisbane's busiest bridge is suspected of killing a teenage girl with an axe before taking her own life. The body of Sidonie Thompson, 14. was discovered at her home yesterday, the Nine Network reported last night. Police arrived at Brisbane's Story Bridge, where the woman, 48, then jumped from the bridge to her death. She was reported to be the girl's mother but police would not confirm this.
Beijing
A SPERM donation scandal disclosed recently has aroused growing concern in the United States. According to a New York Times report, Ryan Kramer, the
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Researchers have identified a link between managerial experience in a person's working life and the integrity and larger size of an individual's hippocampus — the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory — at the age of 80. Dr Michael Valenzuela, l e a d e r of R e ge n e r at ive Neuroscience in UNSW's School of Psychiatry, said: "We found a clear relation-
ship between the number of employees a person may have supervised or been responsible for and the size of the hippocampus. "This could be linked to the unique mental demands of managing people, which requires continuous problem solving, short term memory and a lot of emotional intelligence, such as the ability to put yourself in another person's shoes."
Ikea used political prisoners as 'slave labour' IKEA, the Swedish retail chain, used political prisoners in East Germany as ''slave labour'' to make furniture, secret police files appear to show. Ikea developed strong links with the communist State in the 1970s, opening several manufacturing facilities, including one that used political prisoners to construct sofas, according to Stasi records unearthed by the German television company WDR, London's Telegraph reports. The factory in Waldheim stood next to a prison and inmates were used as unpaid labour, it is claimed.
STE A T R E BETT
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world
Singer Nick Jonas will step into the role of J. Pierrepont Finch, currently played by Daniel Radcliffe, next year in 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying'. He begins on Jan 24 and will play the role until July 1
Knightley clueless about sexting
SAO PAULO
Under fire over underwear
BRITISH actress Keira Knightley (pic) admits she doesn't know the meaning of the flirting slang "sexting". During an interview with Marie Claire magazine, the 26-year-old actress was quizzed about whether or not "sexting" constitutes cheating, to which the star replied she was unaware of the meaning of the word. "I'm sorry. What about what? What is that?" the Daily Mail quoted the baffled actress as saying. "Oh my God. I don't have an answer for that. I didn't even know what it was."
Miss Universe contender Catalina Robayo reprimanded for going commando
AS the world's most beautiful women are busy preparing for the Miss Universe pageant, controversy has erupted after a contestant was accused of getting her crotch out at official appearances. Miss Colombia contestant Catalina Robayo raised eyebrows and the attention of pageant officials, after reportedly donning short frocks without undergarments. The fashion blunder earned the 22-year-old beauty a strong rebuke from officials who questioned her inap-
Too old for Mr Bean AT 56, Rowan Atkinson, best remembered as Mr Bean, doubts if viewers will get a chance to see any new adventures of the comical character as he feels too old to play it. "I've got a feeling I probably won't play the character again. Never say never, but I just feel I'm getting too old for it. I've always liked Mr Bean as a cartoon-like figure, who doesn't really age much," Daily Mail quoted Atkinson as saying.
Hilton to visit Mumbai ENDING weeks of speculation, international celebrity Paris Hilton (pic) will arrive in Mumbai later this month to launch her line of handbags and accessories in India, the event organisers said yesterday. Hilton will be in Mumbai for three days, Brand Concepts CEO Abhinav Kumar said. Besides launching the handbags and accessories designed by her, branded "Paris Hilton", she will also interact with her fans, reports the Times of India.
propriate wardrobe choices during last week's events, FOXNews.com reported. "Colombia had to be spoken to and told she needed to wear underpants as what she was doing was totally inappropriate," a source told the website. "People have been pretty upset by it, there have been photos and media appearances where she has completely had her crotch out." Miss Universe Organisation president Paula Shugart said she was floored when she
heard the news from her team. "There were several girls in short dresses which was a little concerning, but when I saw the (commando) picture on the front page of one of the local papers, I was very, very surprised," she said. "Our supervisors talked to all of the contestants about dressing appropriately, and one of our PR people spoke to her (Robayo) and she said she was wearing underwear. But regardless, it created quite a stir here for a few days."
Barely-there bikinis too sexy for TV MISS Colombia's fashion blunder comes as the competition, to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was rocked by another controversy after pageant officials had to return all the official swimsuit bikini bottoms by Catalina Brasil Swimwear because they were too revealing for network television. "It looks like we have rectified the issue and the costumes were beautiful. Being by a Brazilian designer, they
Depp helps Moss buy vineyard KATE MOSS has bought a vineyard with a little help and advice from her ex Johnny Depp. The 48-year-old actor persuaded his old flame to spend a colossal £130,000 (RM620,187) on an estate in the south of France as a present to her musician husband Jamie Hince. "One of the first people Kate consulted about buying the vineyard was her ex-boyfriend Johnny Depp, who also owns an estate in France," the Mirror quoted an insider as saying.
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
WARDROBE MALFUNCTION PERHAPS: Robayo denied donning short dresses sans undies — AFPpic
LOS ANGELES
because I definitely haven't. I just always try to be real. Every 18-year-old explores sexuality and experiments and tries things. For me, there's no reason to change that. You have to be true to yourself." She added: "There was this magazine article the other day showing all the younger celebrities. I fell under the category of 'Good Girl Gone Bad'. And I was like, 'What the hell, man?' "I stay in the house pretty much every day. I don't go out. I've had same boyfriend for two years. So, I think there are two very different reviews."
pictures aim to be "not so prissy and not so clothed". But Berisha insisted the shoots consider each of the contestants' culture and personal beliefs, saying nobody is forced to step outside their comfort zone. "Here we are with Miss Universe, the most beautiful woman in the world, so we need a girl who looks like a fashion model. If she's smart, that's great, but at the end of the day people want to see a really pretty face."
LOS ANGELES
Miley wants to explore sexuality MILEY CYRUS is keen to "explore sexuality" and "experiment". The 18-year-old star, who was filmed smoking a legal high through a bong device last year, admitted while she isn't a "crazy lady", she doesn't want to shelter herself from the experiences other girls her age have just because she is in the public eye, the Times of India reports. "People have mixed opinions on me. I'm a great role model or I'm completely inappropriate for anyone under 13 and I am controversial. I don't know how I became this. "I'm not some crazy lady who's gone off the deep end,
were definitely a lot smaller than we're used to or most of the contestants are used to," Miss Universe Organisation president Paula Shugart said. "We delayed our shoot so we could add material to the bottom, otherwise we were going to have serious problems on television." Scandal aside, the official photographs of the contestants straddle the line between sexy and sleazy, photographer Fadil Berisha explained. The
Joe's jonesin' for Taylor again
TAYLOR SWIFT
ONCE-ACRIMONIOUS exes Joe Jonas and Taylor Swift are back in contact, multiple sources tell the new Us Weekly — and Jonas, 22, is eager to restart the romance he ended with a 27-second phone call in late 2008. "He wants her back," a Jonas source tells Us. "He wants to show her he's a changed man and would love to see what's possible between them." Post-split, Jonas and Swift, 21, infamously traded barbs about one another via song. Swift rehashed the breakup in Forever and Always and trashed his rebound, Camilla Belle, in Better Than Revenge. Jonas ranted about "superstars and all the tears on her guitar" in his track Much Better.
JOE JONAS
ThursDay 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
the malay mail
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14 lifestyle
By ANU VENUGOPAL anu@mmail.com.my IT is never too young to go green. Singapore Repertory Theatre’s The Little Company (TLC) is all out to bring the green effect to Malaysian kids with the eco-play Just A Dream – The Green Play from Sept 15 to 24 at Pentas 1, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac). Coming straight from Washington DC, the environmentally-friendly play is written by Chris Van
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
The young go green
Allsburg, the award-winning author of Jumanji and The Polar Express. A collaborative effort with Adventure Theatre, the play in Kuala Lumpur comes months after TLC’s successful production The Ugly Duckling in May. TLC is the biggest producer of children’s theatre in the region, and has a well-established home market in Singapore. TLC specialises in delivering quality children’s theatre with high educational values, and aims to start presenting two plays a year in Malaysia, targetting the pre- and primary school segment. “It is very exciting for us to be able to present work that has been created and toured in the US. Hopefully
this will be the first of many collaborations with Adventure Theatre. The story of Just a Dream appealed to us, as the message of taking care of our environment is so important and theatre is a wonderful way to get the message across to our young audiences,” said Gaurav Kripalani, SRT’s Artistic Director. Just a Dream revolves around young Walter. When it comes to the environment, he is far from enlightened. He is a litterbug who believes sorting trash is a big waste of time. One night, Walter dreams about a very different future. Filled with humour and fantasy, Walter’s dream is a wake-up call for him (and all of us) about what we need to do to protect and preserve the future of our planet. In the end, children will learn that they all possess the power to be heroes and how they can Reduce, Re-use and Recycle. This is the play about making the green dream come true! The original eco-play uses
EARLY START: The play teaches children about caring for the environment magical stage effects and lush sound-scapes to create a theatrical version of Chris Van Allsburg’s beautiful illustrations. All production materials (costumes, props and sets) are made out of Earth-friendly and recycled materials. “Adventure Theatre exists to show our children the world through theatre. Travelling to Singapore and Malaysia gives Adventure Theatre the chance to actually see the world,” said
Michael J. Bobbitt, producing artistic director, Adventure Theatre. Adventure Theatre began in 1951 with the mission to cultivate new generations of audiences and artists by creating memorable theatre experiences in an intimate and interactive environment. Tickets are priced at RM35 per child or adult for weekday shows and RM60 per child or adult for weekend shows,
with a special Family Package of fourtickets available for weekday shows at RM120 or weekend shows at RM200, and special discounts available for schools and groups of 20 pax or more. Tickets are available at the KLPAC Box Office at 03 4047 9000 and also at the Information Counter, Bangsar Village 1. For schools interested in making group bookings, call 017 6131 690.
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The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
Blast from the past, Shanghai opera style
By LOONG WAI TING waiting@mmail.com.my NEWS about action superstar Sammo Hung’s involvement in My Kingdom, a movie set in Shanghai circa 1930s about a group of Peking Opera performers, was met with resounding cheers by his fans and action movie buffs. Hung, who recently made a clean sweep at the Golden Horse Award for his brilliant action choreography in Ip Man 2, is back for round two. However, do not expect too much from the actor this time around. For the uninitiated, Hung became a household name back in the 80s as part of the Jackie Chan combo. My Kingdom is a period piece that revolves around the prince/regent of the Qing Dynasty who orders a mass execution of the entire Meng family. The then fiveyear-old Er Kui (Han Geng) bravely sings in front of the executioner just before his entire family members are beheaded. His powerful and pure voice touches the heart of opera star, Master Yu (Yuen Biao) and his seven-year-old pupil, Yi-Long (Wu Chun). Master Yu then decides to rescue the boy. When Master Yu loses “The Mightiest Warrior” plaque and title from his arch-rival, he subsequently retreats high up into the mountains where he trains boys to be opera performers. When the boys grow up, they set off for Shanghai, where they quickly defeat Master Yu’s nemesis
to reclaim the title. They subsequently take over the entire opera troupe as well. Since the movie’s main theme revolves around a group of Chinese opera performers, viewers can expect a lot of fight scenes. Apart from the elaborate battles among actors in full opera gear and makeup (something you don’t see everyday), expect very little else from the storyline. At times, the plot meanders from the original storyline. The movie might appear flawless in the beginning with a unique presentation from
director Gao Xiao-Song but it loses direction halfway before regaining its composure at the end. My Kingdom has its upsand-downs, but the effort to embrace a whole different direction deserves to be applauded. It’s a movie that
is made specially to please fans who love tales from the glittering past of old Shanghai. The movie gets its 1930s feel from well-constructed old architecture, clothing and other tiny details but there are some parts that look heavily
He lacked facial expression which made him look wooden most of the time. At the end of the day, My Kingdom is for those who go to movies purely for the cinematic experience, and yes, it’s also a film for fans of Wu Chun and Han Geng.
Wu Chun sets the bar high EXPECTATIONS were surely running high for Brunei-born Taiwanese star, Wu Chun, especially when his name came up for a Gao XiaoSong-directed movie titled My Kingdom. Previously seen in Daniel Lee’s 14 Blades, Wu had impressed audiences and critics alike with his good performance as the head of the bandits in the movie. In My Kingdom, he once again strove to meet the high standards that he had set.
“Of course, expectations were high. Everyone worked very hard. The story is different and it is something you don’t get to see everyday,” said Wu in a short tele-interview recently. “As an actor, I want to try different things. I want to be challenged and not just tackle action parts alone.” While one would certainly have fun watching a group of actors getting transformed into professional opera performers in a period film, Wu said the experience involved
LOOKING THE PART: Barbie Hsu, the leading lady, in 1930s costume
FIERCE: Old Shanghai opera in full regalia
CGI-ed though. Acting-wise, more could have been done. Brunei-born Wu Chun, who is also one of the members of the Taiwanese pop group, Fahrenheit, did try his best to convince audiences of his "operatic" past but his best was not good enough.
IN CHARACTER: Wu in his 'monkey-god' make-up, costume and pose
a lot of “pain and sweat”. “It was very hard. I took about two and a half hours everyday just to do the make-up and put on the elaborate costumes. We had to pull our hair back and secure it with tight headbands. They were so tight that at times, I felt giddy and nauseas." Wu, who is also one of the members of the Taiwanese pop group Fahrenheit, said the most challenging part during the entire project was when he had to shoot for three straight days. The singer/actor, who is also known for his good looks and well-built figure, said Sammo Hung as the action director was the epitome of a perfectionist. “When I was a kid, I used to watch his films. But now, it was almost like a dream to actually work with him. He was always looking for the best ways to bring out the best in each character. Prior to filming, he got his team of stuntmen to perform the action scenes and made us watch. He wanted us to learn what was required in the movie and nothing else.” Wu, who is currently busy filming a new movie in China, had to forgo his initial idea to come to Malaysia to help pro-
mote My Kingdom. “When you’re working, you have to make sacrifices and that includes your time for family. But once you concentrate on your work, you won’t even have the time to think of anything else,” he said. On being compared to his co-star, Han-Geng, Wu said it was something he could not be able to escape. “People will always make comparisons. Each of us has done our best, so we have nothing to be concerned about.” My Kingdom opens in cinemas nationwide today. The movie is distributed by Golden Screen Cinemas.
AS HE IS: Wu without the make-up
x news 16 lifestyle
The flavour of home 'Nasi Lemak 2.0' opens to hungry Malaysian crowd in Australia
FOR most of us, being away from home makes us appreciate things that remind us of it so much more. Those who have studied or stayed abroad for extended periods of time, or even those coming back from a long holiday overseas, would understand that sentiment. It was no different for Malaysians in Melbourne, Australia, who were craving for nasi lemak on National Day — or more specifically Nasi Lemak 2.0. They came in droves for the first public screening of local Chinese film, Nasi Lemak 2.0 since its gala premiere on Aug 29 at Cineleisure @e-Curve in
By JOE LEE joelee@mmail.com.my
twitter @klubbkiddkl Damansara, Petaling Jaya. The multiracial audience comprising the Malaysian community in Melbourne
TRIUMPH: Namewee (left) and Yap were all smiles after the screening
A bit spicy but delectably funny NASI LEMAK 2.0 is a satirical comedy featuring a multiracial cast of well-known Malaysian names. The film revolves around the tale of a chef seeking his identity through food, or more specifically, searching for the best recipe to cook nasi lemak in order to defend the honour of a family-run traditional Chinese restaurant. The light comedy is interwoven with director Namewee’s uncanny ability to address many thorny issues. While the film offers some expected moments of tired cliches, it deals with many topics well enough, including racial stereotyping that allows for a laugh without actually offending anyone Despite being a first-timer, Namewee has done well and indeed bears promise as a filmmaker. The cast of Nasi Lemak 2.0 includes Namewee, Adibah Noor,
SLAPSTICK HUMOUR: Afdlin (left) and Reshmonu (centre) in a screen shot Karen Kong, Afdlin Shauki, Kenny & Chee, Reshmonu, Dennis Lau, Nur Fathia, Nadine Thomas, Pete Teo, Ho Yuhang, Dian Sharlin and Felixia Yap. Shot entirely using DSLR cameras, with a budget of barely RM1 million, firsttime filmmaker Namewee
CAST AND CREW: (From left) Chong, Yap, Lau, Malaysia's consul-general to Victoria, Dr Mohd Rameez Yahaya, Namewee, Thomas and Adibah
has achieved his almost twoyear-old dream in making a movie that is predominantly in the Chinese language and dialects, such as Mandarin and Cantonese, as well as Bahasa Malaysia, English and Tamil. For clips of the
screening in Melbourne as well as additional footage and information, go to http://www.facebook.com/nasilemak2.0 or the official website at http://www. nasilemak2.com
that numbered almost 450 in attendance, paid A$20 (RM64) for a regular seat, just for the opportunity to be the first to catch the much-anticipated comedy by Namewee. The movie was presented by Prodigee Media in association with UB Prodigee Entertainment at the Hoyts cinema in Melbourne Central. It was a joyous occasion being in the midst of the Aidilfitri and National Day celebrations Down Under, and sharing the joy were several cast members including Namewee who not only co-wrote the screenplay, wrote the music but also played the lead. Actress and singer Adibah Noor, Miss Universe Malaysia 2010 Nadine Ann Thomas, musician and actor Dennis Lau and Malaysia’s first and only official Playboy Bunny Felixia Yeap were also there. With much of the film in various Chinese dialects and smatterings of English, Bahasa Malaysia and Tamil, there was a fair amount of reliance on subtitles, although it did not in any way hamper the understanding of the 1Malaysia approach of the film. In fact, it accented the humour that is uniquely indigenous to Malaysians with political jibes, toilet humour and a dose of slapstick. Some jokes may have been lost in translation, but it was nonetheless one of the few experiences that was truly Malaysiana. Nasi Lemak 2.0 co-executive producer and co-producer, who is also co-writer for the film, Fred Chong, said Melbourne was chosen for the first public screening, for its similarities to Malaysia. “Not only has Melbourne been declared the best city in the world to live in, we also wanted a city to kick-off the
AUTOGRAPH SESSION: Part of the crew penning their names for post screening for the film that had the same multicultural melting pot backdrop similar to home. Of course, it did help that there is quite a large Malaysian community in Melbourne, with a student population numbering over 6,000. “Since the gala premiere of Nasi Lemak 2.0, we have a week and a half before screening begins nationwide in Malaysia today. This event is to continue to build the interest in the movie,” he said, adding that, “for a local Chinese production, Nasi Lemak 2.0 has already broken the records of having the most prints distributed for screening. “We have a total of 70 prints distributed throughout Malaysia, beating out Good Day, which was released earlier this year with 60 prints.” Chong said the production expected orders for more prints as interest in the movie built. “At the moment, we are also in final talks for screening of the movie in Singapore. With its relevance skewed more towards local content, we have no plans to take it abroad beyond that, but we will act accordingly based on response.” Namewee who was ecstatic about the turnout and reception, surprised the audience with his brand of humour. He tickled the funny bone of the audience when he quietly explained that he had no help from the gov-
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
cast and terity ernment or relevant authorities for funding this two-year effort before letting out a half-hearted, "Yeay!" By the end of the screening, he was grinning from ear to ear, and was excited about the enthusiastic response to Nasi Lemak 2.0 though he admitted he did expect the reception to some degree. “I felt the movie would be received well because Nasi Lemak 2.0 embraces and celebrates what makes us Malaysian and points out our similarities that erases our differences. “However, the response was still a surprise as was the turnout, as I did not expect the audience here to be so enthusiastic in their support.” Known for his controversial stand on many issues through his songs on YouTube where he first earned his notorierty, Namewee has gained much attention for his honest and opinionated stand on many issues. “Many people think I can only criticise over YouTube. But Nasi Lemak 2.0 highlights the message of unity I have always wanted to put forward. “The support that I got was overwhelming and I hope the rest of Malaysia will enjoy it when it hits the screen.” Cast member Adibah Noor, too, was beaming after the screening. “It’s something that I am
proud to be part of, and I think that everyone has to give this movie a chance as not only is it entertaining, it also is a recipe for the Malaysia that our beloved Prime Minister is working towards in ‘1Malaysia’. “The reception today was a litmus test of sorts with a paying audience watching the movie before Nasi Lemak 2.0 hit the screens, and today, it’s proven we can all learn to laugh at ourselves.” Nadine Ann Thomas also echoed Adibah’s sentiment, saying that the message conveyed in the movie was something not to be taken lightly despite its comic approach. “In laughter, we celebrated what makes us all different, but at the same time the film points out that we complete each other. “Humour is always the best way to address a heavy topic, and I am proud that Malaysia’s diversity is celebrated in Nasi Lemak 2.0. And I’m proud to be part of such a celebration which makes us all love Malaysia all the more, and especially on Merdeka Day.” Maybe that was the mood that evoked the nostalgia but Nasi Lemak 2.0 left a delectable aftertaste in Melbourne with many declaring how much they missed home.
STEVEN Soderbergh’s Contagion might have its flaws but it is a thoroughly enjoyable movie. Utilising “survival of the fittest” as the main theme, the film is slightly different than Soderbergh’s more popular titles like Erin Brockovich, Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen. Contagion is a film that seems to be an “in between” project — a psychological thriller and biohazard-related flick. At the end of it, the awareness about the possibilities of getting infected by a deadly virus in public places could just make viewers go a little crazy over hand sanitisers! Contagion follows the same path of films that explore the possibility of a lethal airborne virus that kills its unsuspecting victims in a matter of days. As the virus grows and mutates, the worldwide medical community races to find a cure and attempts at controlling panic-stricken citizens. The movie also delves into the ordinary lives of characters, and how society attempts to rebuild itself after a devastating series of viral contagion. For this film, Soderbergh seems to be playing safe, too safe, some might say, as he could
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MASKED: Law (centre) plays a journalist
d e t c e f n i e b r Infect o
have developed the story a little more. Most of the characters seem a little under-developed and it’s a little disheartening to see many of the A-list actors not getting their fair share of screen time before being “knocked out” from the movie.
The plot appears a little boring and predictable, too, but on the whole, there are a few of intense moments to keep audiences at the edge of their seats. Jude Law shines in the movie as the convincing yet annoying freelance journalist, who makes a few quotes that refers directly or indirectly to real-world jour-
nalism. Another watchable performance is delivered by Matt Damon, but he could have done a better job playing a grieving husband desperate to find the truth. Gwyneth Paltrow’s seizure scene is also pretty gripping and convincing. Contagion is good, but it could have been better if there were actual body counts rather than just statistics and figures. If you’re an action/thriller fan, you might miss the blood and gore that’s just not in this film. The final moment, where everything starts unfolding and comes to a head, is the one that is the most arresting. Kudos to Soderbergh for pulling it off in an unconventional way. It is unpredictable and catches you when you least expect it. Oh, and see if you can spot Malaysia as one of the locations of the movie. No checking on the internet, please… — By LOONG
WAI TING
STELLAR CAST: Lathan (left) and Winslet
Visually-satisfying, well-paced and stylish CHEN Kai-Ge’s Sacrifice, currently China’s highest-grossing movie, is nasty! No, not nasty as in bad, but nasty in terms of violent content, both in the storyline and the in-between scenes. But then, all that carnage portrayed with style might just help keep you riveted to the end. Indeed, after experiencing Chen’s favourite classics like Farewell My Concubine and the eccentric The Promise, Sacrifice does not disappoint. The movie combines excellent story-telling style with compact and punchy dialogues. It is a formidable film and it wasn’t made for everyone. Based on a Yuan Dynasty stage play, Orphan of Zhao, Sacrifice is about an entire clan of Zhaos that had been wiped out by a power-crazy minister, Tu’an Gu (Wang Xue Qi). In a well-planned
coup d’etat, Tu’an Gu successfully massacres everyone except for one, who is rescued and taken home by a doctor, Cheng Ying (Ge You). Set on seeking revenge for the death of his own son and wife, Cheng Ying grooms the boy as his own and enroll themselves into the household of Tu’ an Gu, waiting for the right moment to strike. Chen’s artistic approach has certainly turned the film into an instant classic. While the plot is predictable, the build-up and anticipation holds the audience’s attention. Many “important scenes” might have been revealed way too early. Some might have preferred a steadypaced revelation before the big explosion at the end. But there is not a single of dull
EPIC: A visual feast rich in colour and dramatisation moment in the film. Brilliantlyconstructed and vividly presented through convincing dramatisation, Chen chose his actors well, right down to the child actor, little William Wang. Sacrifice would satisfy any-
one looking for an emotional ride with an A-list cast. The story is intriguing, well-paced and the details are just marvel to watch. It is certainly highlyrecommended. — By LOONG
WAI TING
18 lifestyle
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
Hardly enough space for love Loong Wai Ting waiting@mmail.com.my CO-DIRECTED by Tony Chan and Wing Shya, Love in Space is a top-notch production featuring a crème-de-la-crème stellar cast from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. While the movie is seen as a “follow-
FINDING LOVE: Kwai (left) and Chan
— Pic: Hazmil Japilus
up” to last year’s Hot Summer Days (by the same directors), Love in Space has its own issues that include (yet, again) a plodding and boring storyline. Love in Space follows the same direction of Hot Summer Days, that tells the life story of a mother and
her grown daughters, each juggling their own love lives in different parts of the world. While each of the sisters has her own role to play, they nevertheless are hopeless when it comes to love — until they unexpectedly meet with their new romances in
Beijing, Sydney and, yes, on the moon! The story gets off to quite a promising start but halfway through, it loses its pace, then drags its feet all the way to the credits. Nevertheless, the story has its bittersweet tone about being heartbroken but finding true love in the end. It’s a fairytale with that “andt h e y - l i ve d - h a p p i l y - e ve r after” concept that never gets out of style and that is w h a t the directors are trying to milk
ANOTHER STARSTRUCK COUPLE: Jing (left) and Angelababy
SPACED OUT: Kwok (left) and Liu with their lunar romance
from the script. At certain points, the movie looks amateurish although it gets its much-needed boost from the main actors — Eason Chan, Kwai Lun-Mei, Angelababy, Xu Fan, Rene Liu, Aaron Kwok and Jing Bo-Ran. The movie is also literally saved by the very watchable performance by Eason and Kwai LunMei although it is rather odd seeing Rene Liu and Aaron Kwok working
together in this summer teen flick. There are not many laughout-loud moments although there’s wit from some of the “re a d - b e t we e n - t h e - l i n e s” dialogue. All in all, Love in Space is a decent movie. With an easy-going story, watchable performances and a satisfying attempt at making a love story out of nothing, it is hardly complicated and is suitable as a popcorn movie.
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The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
Cinematic treats from Japan FANS of international films are in for a treat from Sept 15 to 25 as The Japanese Film Festival returns for its eighth year in Malaysia. With a variety of contemporary Japanese films in the line-up, it is all set to enthrall film fans with a penchant for all things Japanese. Organised by The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur with support from Golden Screen Cinemas, the films will once again be screened in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Those in the capital city will have their chance to watch 10 movies at GSC Mid Valley, GSC 1 Utama and GSC Pavilion. If you are in Penang, then the ecreening will be from Sept 22 to 25, at GSC Gurney Plaza. This year’s lineup include heartwarming comedy Double Trouble directed by Matsuoka Joji, last year’s About Her Brother, a film from the director Yamada Yoji, known for his internationally successful comedy Shall We Dance? and animation feature Mai Mai Miracle. All films are in Japanese with English subtitles and are priced at RM5 per screening. Don’t miss this annual movie affair which continues to showcase entertaining and new Japanese films. Tickets can be purchased from GSC box office, GSC E-Payment (Online Ticketing) or GSC Mobile App (iPhone) two days before the date of screening. For film schedules visit www.gsc.com.my The films include:
Chorus — two similar-sounding names that were confused by the hapless director. Of all things, his mismanagement had led to a double-booking on New Year’s Eve! “Happy Flight” (2008), d i r e c t e d b y YA G U C H I Shinobu. Cast: SEIICHI Tanabe, SABURO Tokito, HARUKA Ayase Co-pilot Kazuhiro Suzuki is on an assessed flight that will determine whether he gets promoted to the rank of pilot. However, an emergency situation occurs. A rookie cabin attendant Etsuko Saito also brings chaos on the plane. Will this flight safely arrive at Honolulu?
crowded train as the doors were closing. His jacket gets caught in the door and he struggles to free it. From out of the crowd, a young woman’s voice cries out, but he doesn’t understand what she is saying. On the platform, however, she grabs his arm and accuses him of groping her. “Mai Mai Miracle” (2009, Direc ted by K ATABUCHI S u n a o. Ca s t : S U K U DA Mayuko, MIZUSAWA Nako
'Second Chance'
“I Just Didn’t Do It” (2007), Directed by SUO Masayuki. Cast: K ASE R yo, MOTAI Masako, YAKUSHO Koji
'Mai Mai Miracle'
'I Just Didnt Do It'
Kaneko Teppei has been working as a part-time worker and was on his way to an interview. Running late and preoccupied about forgetting his resume, he dashes into a
“Double Trouble” (2008), direc ted by MATSUOK A Joji. Cast: Kobayashi Kaoru, Yasuda Narumi, ITO Atsushi
A tomboy, Shinko feels completely at home in the wheat fields of the small town of Kokuga, where she races imaginary creatures and daydreams of the ancient capital city of Suo, on which Kokuga now stands. Nine-year-old Kiiko has a very different temperament — shy, withdrawn, still mourning a mother she barely remembers. A transfer from Tokyo, Kiiko, with her exotic Western dress and pale complexion, is marked as alien to her peasant schoolmates.
“Second Chance” (2011) directed KUROSAKI Hiroshi. Cast: SUZUKI Kyoka, HASEGAWA Hiroki, FUKADA Kyoko Rui Nakamura, well-known throughout the publishing industry as a shrewd producer, falls madly in love with Koh Suzuki, the head of an Internet securities company, who is 17 years younger than her and already married. They manage to overcome various obstacles and live together but then one day Koh suddenly disappears from Rui's life. Five years later, Rui is in Malaysia for a business trip, and as if by destiny she meets Koh once again — but life has a few surprises in store.
SUDOKU
HOW TO PLAY Sudoku X is a simple variation of Sudoku with the only difference being the squares in white (which make up the numeral X) need to tally from 1 to 9 along with the remaining coloured squares.
It’s Dec 30, and everyone is milling about. But the “incident” that rocked this small town began with a single phone call. “Hello, Mitama Cultural Centre. Yes, you’re calling to confirm your concert, correct? That’s right. Mitama Chorus Girls, tomorrow evening at seven. All set. We’ll see you then.” Thus the cultural centre’s director confidently replies to the caller. Just a moment later, he realises that they are hardly “all set”! There’s Mitama Chorus Girls and The Mitama Ladies’
'Happy Flight'
YESTERDAY'S SOLUTION
'Double Trouble'
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Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
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OTHERS / JOBS / LEGAL / NOTICES
Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
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Aretha Pan and Ainil Johani Abu Bakar scored an identical 16-over 158 to earn their berths in the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia 2011 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Bernama
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
PETALING JAYA: football By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my
THE FA of Malaysia (FAM) admitted to several security issues seen during the preWorld Cup second round return-leg match between Malaysia and Singapore at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on July 28. FAM received a letter from Fifa on Monday after the match commissioner's report revealed fans threw water bottles onto the pitch, flares were lit and laser lights were beamed at Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud. The letter was apparently signed off by Fifa disciplinary committee deputy secretary Wilma Ritter. Both teams settled for a 1-1 draw as Singapore advanced to the next round after securing a 6-4 aggregate win. Sources told Mailsport that FAM replied the letter on Tuesday, confirming the incidents and hoped the committee will show some leniency. "FAM were quick to reply to Fifa in a brief letter and admitted to the three issues raised in the match commissioner's report. FAM now hope the disciplinary committee will go easy on them," said the source. This comes as a surprise after FAM vice-president Datuk Hamidin Amin had on Tuesday claimed he was in the dark over the committee's probe in the match. Fifa confirmed the committee will deliberate on
PETALING JAYA: Badminton
FAM admit security woes National body plead for leniency from Fifa
FIRE IN THE SKY: Rowdy fans let flares loose during the match between Malaysia and Singapore
the match in their next meeting scheduled next Tuesday. This was revealed in Mailsport's column From the Sidelines: FAM Clueless published yesterday. Mail spor t , i n an e arlier article Walking on a Tightrope published on Aug 8, revealed the match could have breached several regulations of the Fifa Disciplinary Code. Among the violations in question were Articles 7
(evacuation routes), Article 8 (spectator areas), Artcle 18 (entry to stadium, sale of tickets) and Article 19 (security checks). A fan, Ahmad Jazimin Jalaluddin, was blinded in the right eye after being struck by fragments of a firecracker during the match. However, the committee are likely to only discuss about matters raised in the match commissioner's
report and FAM could get away with a mere slap on the hand. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also discussed the MalaysiaSingapore clash as a case study, as they do not have jurisdiction over the match on Aug 15. However, AFC disciplina r y c om m itt e e s l app e d Indonesia's Srivijaya with a US$25,000 (RM75,000)
fine after their fans threw water bottles and lit a fire torch, among others, in an AFC Cup match against Hong Kong's TSW Pegasus on May 11. AFC also handed Iraq club Duhok a US$13,000 penalty after sp ectators threw bottles, fireworks and invaded the pitch during another AFC Cup match against Al Nasr of Kuwait on May 3.
KELANA JAYA: football/ malaysia cup
Realistic Rahman
By vijhay vick vijhayvick@mmail.com.my
WHILE teams are hoping for a successful Malaysia Cup campaign, PKNS are happy to just "experiment" in the prestigious tournament. C oach Ab dul R ahman Ibrahim plans to use the tournament as preparation for the newly-promoted side's Super League assault next season. "We have to be realistic. We can't win the Malaysia Cup as there are several teams who are far more superior compared to us. Best thing we can do is try different variations and assess our squad to the fullest. Only then we will know what areas need reinforcements," he said. It is for this reason that PKNS did not follow other teams in loaning players
27
we need the exposure: Abdul Rahman (left) talking to his boys during a training session
from teams that did not qualify for the tournament. Instead the club decided to promote four players from their President Cup team.
"It's better to expose the youngsters and see what they can offer to the team. Players who are on loan will most likely go back to their
respective team after this cup campaign ends. "What's the point? We'd rather look at the long-term measures than seek short-
term success," said Rahman, a former national coach. The Selangor-based club also decided to chop the deadweights from the team. First on the receiving end was former international striker V. Saravanan and judging by the words of Rahman, more players could also get the boot. "Saravanan is a good lad but he wasn't performing to expectations and we came to a mutual agreement to sever ties. We only want to have players who make us stronger in the Super League," said Rahman. Despite winning the Premier League, PKNS look set to struggle in the Super League next season. It was evident when they lost their Malaysia Cup opening match to Negri Sembilan 2-1 at PJ Stadium on Tuesday. Negri struggled in the Super League this season.
Smashing time for State BAs LACK of funding and heavy reliance on the National Sports Council (NSC) will be a thing of the past for the State badminton associations thanks to the BA of Malaysia (BAM) development funds. Prior to this, State BAs could not afford roping in quality coaches to train their shuttlers. Even more surprising is the State BAs have not received their grants to purchase shuttlecocks f rom the NSC since January. The allocation is believed to be around RM150,000. BA M d e ve l opm e nt committee chairman David Wee confirmed the Council had approved RM1.6m for development purposes to be equally distributed to the States. "We got the green light from the Council just before the Hari Raya holidays. The head coach and secretary of the States BAs will gather for a two day briefing later this month (Sept 23 and 24) where we will then explain how and what they can use the funds for," explained Wee. "We will als o give them some funds in advance to purchase shuttlecocks." While States will enjoy a quarterly payment of some RM36,000, it does not mean they will be able to splurge all of it. "We will surely monitor how they spend the money. It needs to be justified. States will need to allocate say RM4,000 for coaches. If they plan to get someone expensive, then they will need to pay the difference. "If they need our help in securing the services of coaches, we can help as well." The money is from a sponsorship deal between BAM and banking giants May bank. The national body went into a six-year deal with May b an k. BAM wi l l receive about RM40m, star ting with RM6m this year.
28
sports
France No 1 Gael Monfils is injured and will miss his country's Davis Cup semifinal against Spain in Cordoba from Sept 16-18 — AFP
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
MILAN: MOTORSPORT/ FORMULA 1
LONDON: ATHLETICS
I'll be there Trulli sure to be racing next year
PISTORIUS: Had both his legs amputated when he was 11 months old — AFP photo
ITALIAN Jarno Trulli (pic) said this morning he was sure to be in Formula 1 next year, even if Team Lotus have yet to confirm a contract extension. "I am pretty comfortable for next year," the driver said at an event for fans organised by the teams association Fota ahead of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix. "Obviously it is not down to me to say where we are but, yes I am pretty happy with the way we are working with the team and the relationship for the future. I would say that we are settled." Asked whether he would stay in F1, he replied: "Yes". Trulli made way for Indian
Karun Chandhok at the German Grand Prix, and the 37-year-old may well step down again for India next month, but team owner Tony Fernandes said at the time that Team Lotus were "in
the process of negotiating an extension to his contract". The Italian has suffered with the car's handling this season and did not seem particularly upset to be replaced for Germany, the last race before a new power steering system was introduced. Team Lotus did not run it at Spa last month for technical reasons but Trulli looked forward to the remaining seven races of the year. "There was a big step forward for me with the power steering (in Hungary) and it definitely made a huge difference for me," he said at the event at tyre maker Pirelli's Milan headquarters.
"It will be back here and from now on we can start developing it." Team Lotus have yet to score a point since their debut last year but Trulli did not rule out the possibility before the end of the season. "We need to keep our game up until the end...we know it is hard for us to score points but we need to be ready to get an advantage out of a crazy race," he said. "It can happen, it's always around the corner. "I think the introduction of Kers (at Team Lotus) next year will be a big step forward," added the Italian. "It's going to give us quite a good boost." — Reuters
NEW YORK: TENNIS/ US OPEN
Williams has no more room for trophies
Pistorius surprised at omission from relay final DOUBLE amputee Oscar Pistorius expressed surprise yesterday that he had been left out of the South African 4x400m relay team who won silver at the world championships in Daegu last week after he had run in the first round. Pistorius, the first amputee to compete at the biennial world championships, ran the first leg when the South African quartet set a national record in the semifinals. He was replaced by 400m hurdles bronze medallist LJ van Zyl in the final. "After the final I looked at it in two respects," Pistorius told Britain's former world high hurdles champion Colin Jackson during a questionand-answer session at a London hotel. "I was surprised I didn't get to run, I really felt I deserved to according to the times I ran in the semifinal. But I'm really happy for my team, they're phenomenal guys." Pistorius, who finished last in his 400m semifinal in Daegu, was cleared to run at the championships after the Court of Arbitration for
Sport (CAS) over-ruled an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) ban. He now plans to compete in next year's London Olympics as well as running in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 4x100m relay in the Paralympics. The 24-year-old South African has polarised opinion with some critics saying his prosthetic blades give him an unfair advantage. He had both legs amputated below the knee when he was 11 months old after he was born without a fibula in either limb. "As far as I'm concerned the ones (blades) that I am using have been tested and proved to have no advantage," he said. "Some of the top scientists in the world have tested the prosthetic legs and these are the guys who have come back and said there is no way a prosthetic leg can provide an advantage. "I'm used to it now, for every five per cent of people that criticise me, 95 per cent of people support me." — Reuters
SERENA WILLIAMS admitted she has no more room in her house for trophies. The American, who many see as the favourite at the US Open, says she doesn't know what she'll do with the trophy if she wins it. "I have no more room in my house," she said recently. "I have a new home in Los Angeles where I built a karaoke room, but I still want to put the trophies in the room. Every time when I win I wonder what the hell I will do with that cup." The last Slam Williams won was back at Wimbledon in 2010. Meanwhile, Russian Maria Sharapova is seen as a candidate to replace Anna Kournikova as the biggest under-achiever in the history of women's tennis. " I t ' s d i s a p p o i n t i n g ,”
SHARAPOVA: Might see a drop in rankings next week — AFP photo
Sharapova said. "It's disappointing to lose in the middle of nowhere. It's disappointing to lose in New York. Losing isn't fun for anyone because we work to win. We don't work to try to lose." Sharapova's loss also leaves behind the images of her for marketing partners, including ads for Nike, Evian, Tag Heuer, Sony Ericsson and the US Open, which are still postered throughout New York. Sharapova came into the US Open ranked No 4. As she again drops in the rankings, even she knows that she could have achieved much more. "I've had a much better year this than last year," she said. "Obviously it's disappointing and it's not where I want to to be in this position. But, I mean, it's the way it is, you know. It's called tennis." — Agencies
TRENTON: ATHLETICS
Lewis denied ballot spot over residency RETIRED American athletics legend Carl Lewis, a ninetime Olympic champion, was denied a place on the New Jersey election ballot in the State senate race this morning by a federal judge. The 50-year-old former track and field superstar lost his appeal to run as a Democrat on constitutional grounds after Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, a Republican,
ruled he did not meet New Jersey's four-year residency requirement. An appeals fight has followed into state and federal courts with Bill Tambussi, a lawyer for Lewis, saying the race is not over and that Lewis would challenge the latest legal setback in the US Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Lewis won an appeal to be listed on ballots in a June
primary and had 2,418 votes in an uncontested race against Republican incumbent Dawn Addiego, who had 4,350 votes. "The State's constitutional residency requirement applies to everyone equally, even celebrities like Carl Lewis," said Republican spokesman Chris Russell. Lewis grew up in New Jersey and has owned homes in
New Jersey since 2005, but also pays taxes and bills in California, where he voted in 2009. He moved his voter registration to new Jersey last April just before declaring his candidacy. Lewis is trying to press the case that New Jersey's residency requirement violates the equal protections clause of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. — AFP
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
AUCKLAND: rugby/ world cup
'Call me what you want' Australia flyhalf not bothered with 'public enemy No 1' tag
AUSTRALIA playmaker Quade Cooper insists he is unperturbed by being "public enemy No 1" in the eyes of the New Zealand public. Cooper, who was born in Waikato, incurred the wrath of his native New Zealand after being accused of deliberately kneeing All Blacks captain Richie McCaw (pic) in the head during the Wallabies' 25-20 victory in the Tri-Nations last month. It was the second time Cooper and McCaw had clashed, with the Australia and Reds flyhalf shoving the flanker after James O' Connor scored the winning try in last October's Bledisloe Cup encounter in Hong Kong. Cooper, 23, claims he gets a buzz from being disliked by New Zealanders. "I don't mind being public enemy No 1. It's going to come with the territory," he said. "I actually enjoy it. I get a buzz all the time. Reading my Twitter there is a lot of guys who have their own opinions, some not necessarily nice. I like reading through them and getting back to most of them. "Most New Zealanders hate the Wallabies, but there are many out there who respect the way we play. We've a lot of respect for the New Zealand public and the All Blacks jersey
FACT FILE
as well for what they've done and the history they have. At the same time, we're here to win a competition, we're not here to make friends." Despite their previous clashes, Cooper insists he has no specific feud with McCaw. "From my point of view, there's not," said Cooper. "It's just a matter of he's wearing a different jersey. From a personal point of view, I don't know the bloke. I haven't had much to do with him off the field." Cooper has been working tirelessly on his drop goals — which may come handy in the Wallabies' bid to win the tournament. This was revealed by Reds coach Ewen McKenzie, who guided them to their first Super Rugby championship title this season. "The impact of the drop goal at the World Cup should not
FULL NAME: Quade Cooper DATE OF BIRTH: April 5, 1988 PLACE OF BIRTH: Tokoroa, Waikato, New Zealand HEIGHT: 1.86m (6ft 1in) WEIGHT: 92.5kg NICKNAME: QC, Coops, Q-Money POSITION: Flyhalf, Inside centre AUSTRALIA: 2008-present (14 caps-25 points)
be underestimated," McKenzie wrote in his column in The Sydney Morning Herald. "England's Rob Andrew knocked the Wallabies out in 1995 using the ploy, while Joel Stransky used it twice for South Africa to win the final that same year," he said. "Australia's Stephen Larkham knocked the Boks out in 1999 with his first and only Test drop-goal, while Jonny Wilkinson won the 2003 tournament for England with his right foot strike. It won't be used in high volume, but it will be decisive." McKenzie said that the northern hemisphere nations have mastered the skill of kicking drop goals. "But it's interesting that All Blacks' Dan Carter, who has kicked just a few drop goals in his entire playing career, has also been practising," he said.
DUNEDIN
We will tame the Pumas, says Foden ENGLAND fullback Ben Foden expects a real test when he runs out against Argentina in their Pool B opener in Dunedin on Saturday. He is likely to start in the match, against a Pumas lineup heavily reliant upon forward power and the hoisted ball. Far from being intimidated by the prospect of number eight Juan Fernandez Lobbe charging down on him in pursuit of a high kick, Foden identified Argentina's tactic as presenting a platform for running rugby. "I played with him for many years at Sale and I know
sports
Inspirational Tonga captain Finau Maka is a doubt for the opening World Cup clash with the All Blacks tomorrow — AFP
what he's capable of," said Foden. "I look forward to him bearing down on me if they do send a couple up. But we've talked about it, we know that's one of the tactics that they can use and we're expecting it. "As a fullback, it's ideal. It means I'll get a bit of the ball and I'm sure the likes of Crofty and Woody, or whoever will be playing, will put enough pressure on them to give me an opportunity to run the ball back." Lobbe started each match in Argentina's run to third place at the 2007 World Cup
in France and has won two of his four matches against England. But Foden, who has been first-choice fullback since facing France in the last match of last year's Six Nations, will relish any chance to attack after few opportunities came his way in the warm-up against Wales and Ireland. "The halfbacks have realised that if they kick loose balls to us in the back line, we're going to punish them," said Foden. "We've not seen as much ball as in the previous games. But Argentina, that's one of the tactics they revel in."
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New Zealand has spent almost NZ$550 million (RM1.4 billion) building or upgrading 12 stadia, the majority going on the $240m redevelopment of Auckland’s Eden Park and Dunedin’s newly-built $198m Otago Stadium Hosts first match, Final EDEN PARK and nine other games
New three-tier South stand with ETFE “cushion” facade
New three-tier East stand
NEW ZEALAND
North Island
Kerikeri
Auckland North Harbour 30,000 Eden Park 60,000
Whangarei Northland Events Centre Capacity 18,000 Hamilton Waikato Stadium 30,000 Rotorua International Stadium 26,000
Tauranga Taupo Gisborne
New Plymouth Stadium Taranaki 26,000 Palmerston North Arena Manawatu 15,000
Wanganui
South Island
Wellington Wellington Blenheim Regional Stadium 40,000 Hammer Springs
Nelson Trafalgar Park 18,000
TA S M A N SEA
Christchurch (scheduled matches relocated following earthquake)
Queenstown
Stewart Island
Napier McLean Park 15,000 Masterton
Ashburton
PA C I F I C O C E A N
Dunedin Otago Stadium 30,000 Invercargill Rugby Park 17,000 Source: Rugby World Cup
Match venue Training base © GRAPHIC NEWS
AUCKLAND
'Flat' Muliaina omitted from All Blacks team
VETERAN fullback Mils Muliaina has been dropped for New Zealand's opening Pool A match against Tonga in Auckland tomorrow. Taking over is Israel Dagg, who made a fine return to top-class rugby against South Africa in the recent Tri-Nations following a serious quadricep injury. Richard Kahui and Isaia Toeava will start on the wings, with Ma'a Nonu and Sonny Bill Williams in the centre. Richie McCaw will win his 62nd cap as captain and 99th overall. The All Blacks are favourites to win only their second World Cup since New Zealand staged the inaugural event in 1987, and
they have selected a powerful backline to ensure they can compete with the physical Tongans. The revamped back three and Williams' inclusion in the starting line-up at the expense of Conrad Smith are part of nine changes to the starting XV when New Zealand surrendered their Tri-Nations title with a 25-20 defeat by Australia last month. Muliaina, with 98 Test caps, was not even named to sit on the bench, while Kahui and Toeava come in for Cory Jane and Zac Guildford. "Muliaina has been one of the top fullbacks in the world for some time, but he's having a bit of a flat
patch at the moment," said New Zealand coach Graham Henry. "But knowing Mils he will respond to that. He understands it is a competitive position. The other fellow in his one Test this year has played well." NEW ZEALAND Israel Dagg, Richard Kahui, Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Isaia Toeava, D a n i e l C a r t e r, J i m my Cowan, Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams, Jero me Kaino, R ic hie McCaw (capt), Victor Vito REPLACEMENTS Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Anthony Boric, Sam Whitelock, Piri Weepu, Colin Slade, Cory Jane
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sports
Presstalk
GAZZETTA DELLO SPORT
Old Lady moves into new home
AC Milan are light years ahead compared to the rest — Former Juventus transfer director Luciano Moggi
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
Homecoming dream
BARCELONA: football / primera liga
Messi states intention to play for boyhood club in Rosario JUVENTUS will inaugurate their own new €122m stadium with the hope that it will help them return to the top of the Italian football tree. The Turin giants will become the first team in Italy to own their stadium following years renting first the Stadio delle Alpi, and then the Stadio Olimpico, sharing both with cross-town rivals Torino. For club captain Alessandro Del Piero (pic), this will be his fourth home stadium as a Juve player. "My fourth stadium in black-and-white (Juve's colours), that's my strangest record and certainly a tough one to beat," he said.
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
Uefa clamp down on financial fair play CLUBS could face Europewide transfer bans or have appearance money from European competitions cut if they breach new Uefa rules on financial fair play. Leading European clubs are pressing Uefa to adopt a graded system of sanctions so the new rules, designed to ensure clubs live within their means, are not abused by massive benefactor funding. Uefa president Michel Platini said the rules are necessary to stop "financial doping" by the richest clubs driving their competitors into financial trouble as they strain to compete. The rules came into effect at the start of this season but until now, the sanctions for clubs breaching the regulations have not been clear.
THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD
Gringo Bradley to coach Mexican team MEXICO club Santos Laguna says former US national coach Bob Bradley is in the running to become its coach. The team fired Argentine Diego Cocca over the weekend and said in a statement that it had spoken to Bradley, and other candidates will be interviewed. "Bob Bradley is one of the candidates to be the coach," the club said in a statement. Santos Laguna, based in Torreon, was in the news last month when gunmen opened fire outside the club's stadium, forcing a match to be suspended. No one was reported injured.
BARCELONA wizard Lionel Messi revealed his dream is to return to Argentina one day to play for Newell's Old Boys. The attacker was born and raised in Rosario and played in the Newell's Old Boys youth academy from 1995 until 2000. However, he left his boyhood club for Barca long before breaking into the first team at the Argentine club. "Ever since I was a little boy, I've been dreaming about playing in the Argentine league, and for Newell's Old Boys in particular," Messi told ESPN Brasil. "I really want to experience the feeling of playing for them. I always used to stay up late in order to watch the games on television when I was a little boy." Messi also voiced his opinion that Argentine legend Diego Maradona is the best player ever — regardless of the performances of Brazil's Pele. "Maradona is the best player in the history of football, no doubt about that. I never even saw Pele play, but I don't have to see him to know that Diego was the best," said Messi. Meanwhile, Messi was pleased with the 3-1 win over Nigeria in a friendly in Bangladesh yesterday and insisted he bore no ill-will towards the opponents after
MARKED MAN: Messi surrounded by Nigerians during the friendly match. Argentina won 3-1 — AFP photo
some hard hits. Goals from Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria and a Nigeria own goal helped Alejandro Sabella's team overcome the Super Eagles. "It is crucial to win after all the failures we have been suffering lately. It is always positive to win, it leaves you feeling good," said Messi, who was the captain.
"We created options, despite the pitch state and the heat we played well and we left a good impression. The game was won, that is the main thing, and we have to keep getting better." Several Argentina players, Messi principal among them, were targeted by the Africans for some rough treatment over the 90 minutes. Messi was left
bloodied on the sidelines after one particularly heavy challenge, but he dismissed the idea that he was singled out for foul play. "They didn't just hit me, there were a lot of kicks but they weren't intended as dirty. I don't go on the pitch thinking about getting hit, I go out to play," said Messi, who made two assists in the match.
MILAN: FOOTBALL/ PREMIER LEAGUE
Sneijder: I was close to becoming a Red Devil INTER MILAN playmaker Wesley Sneijder has admitted that he wanted to join Manchester United as the Red Devils pursued him over the summer. The 28-year-old Holland international said he was close to leaving the Italian club for a ne w l i fe i n England. However, he believes the breakdown in talks was down to the Premier League champions stumbling before the final hurdle. His message comes just 24 hours after Sir Alex Ferguson said Sneijder was not the right man for his side. "United? I would have liked to (join them). It would be crazy to suggest other-
wise," Sneijder was quoted as saying by NUsport. "There was a moment when I was close to United, but in the end nothing happened. "However, I am happy in Milan as the president (Massimo Moratti) did not want to sell me." Yet despite seeing a potential big move fail, Sneijder is not feeling any side effects as he eyes an even brighter future at the San Siro. "Inter gave me a chance when the door was closed. I feel at home here and I never wanted to go. "I don't know why my move to Manchester United never materialised, maybe they never really wanted me." — Agencies
DUTCHMAN's DESIRE: Sneijder (left) admits wanting to join Manchester United — AFP photo
ROME: FOOTBALL/ SERIE A
Totti wants Roma united under new management ATTACKER Francesco Totti says he will support manager Luis Enrique's efforts to bring Roma to the forefront of Serie A as he calls for unity following recent tensions at the club. The captain has been under the spotlight after showing discontent at the manager's choices in rarely using him in the recent Europa League tie against Slovan Bratislava. Walter Sabatini, the club's sporting director, urged Totti to mend his differences with his boss as he issued a clear message for the good of the club last week. Totti has now taken note as he tries to restore an air of cohesion following the stalemate. "The team are complete and we are ready to start a new season on Sunday against Cagliari at home and so we have to pull together and draw close to the manager," Totti told Corriere dello Sport. "We must start in the best way possible and I hope the supporters can sustain us, I am the biggest fan here. We have to all be united for Roma." Meanwhile, striker Bojan Krkic admitted he misses everything about Barcelona as he fondly looks back at his time at the Champions League and Primera Liga champions. The 21-year-old is a product of the Barca youth academy, but failed to secure regular first team action at Nou Camp, despite making over 100 appearances, and decided to move to Roma this summer. "I miss everything that surrounds the club," Krkic said to Catalunya Radio. "I miss my colleagues, my friends and everyone who cares for Barca. I miss a lot of things. I love everything I have here and will always have this feeling of nostalgia. That's not a bad thing though. "There's not a single club out there that can compete with Barca. They always aim to win Primera Liga, the Champions League and everything else. "The group of players that you see in the Barca dressing room are unique. There are a lot of homegrown players and others who really care for Barca a lot as well. The current situation is largely down to them." Bojan could make his debut against Cagliari.
The Malay Mail Thursday 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011
LONDON
Fergie: De Gea needs time MANCHESTER UNITED boss Sir Alex Ferguson has backed new goalkeeper David de Gea to come good despite the Spaniard's shaky start at Old Trafford. The highly rated £18m (RM85.8m) signing has been at fault for goals conceded against Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion so far this season, suggesting the former Atletico Madrid guardian may take time to settle in England. However, Ferguson is in no doubt that United have acquired a goalkeeper of the highest quality as they attempt to fill the vacancy created by Edwin van der Sar's retirement at the end of last season. "David made a couple of mistakes in his first games, which we didn't expect nor did he," Ferguson told Inside United. "It was unusual because his form at Atletico Madrid as an 18-year-old was sensational." De Gea's next test comes against Bolton on Saturday, with the physical approach favoured by Wanderer s striker Kevin Davies likely to mean the United keeper is in for another turbulent afternoon. But Ferguson is confident the Spaniard will rise to the challenge. "There is no doubt we have a player of great potential. Our job at this club is to realise that potential and make sure he becomes a top goalkeeper," said Ferguson. "It is a different game here compared to Spain. There are more crosses to deal with and there is more contact. Bit by bit, we will get there with him." — AFP
'Bring 'em on'
Adebayor can become Spurs favourite FIXTUREs
I will continue to outwit defenders, says Suarez STRIKER Luis Suarez claims he will not not suffer from ''second season syndrome''. The Uruguay international assured Liverpool fans he can maintain his red-hot form from last season and that he can continue to outwit defenders. "I feel no pressure at all," Suarez told Daily Mirror. "In fact, when a defender studies you, it almost makes it easier because you just don't do what he expects you to. "If he thinks you are going to go to your right, you go to your left and so on, and you just keep switching it round so you are hard to read. It keeps you on your toes but it's harder for the defender because he can't know what you are going to do." Suarez already has two goals for Liverpool in the league this season, but claims his priority is to win a trophy with Liverpool and qualify for the Champions League. "I don't set a goals target and I never really have personal goals, just collective goals for the team," he said. "That is far more important than what I do myself. It is about team targets. "We want to get Liverpool back into the Champions League and maybe win a cup. But we also want to get as high as we can in the league. It might be a little bit early but if there's a chance to win the league, we will go for it." Meanwhile, Liverpool are hoping to form a partnership with Uruguayan side Nacional
SUNDAY Bolton v Man United (12.30am) Norwich v West Brom (8.30pm) Fulham v Blackburn (11pm) TUESDAY QPR v Newcastle (3am)
Standings
Coates have come from this club and been developed by their academy. "We are talking about a partnership with them that we would like to create over the next three, four or five years, to see if there is more talent coming through. "Maybe we can help them to develop their standards and in turn have the ability to bring those young players here. "During the Copa America they had 14 players out of the 23 who had at some point played at Nacional or were developed by Nacional. That is a fantastic record for their academy. "So it is interesting for us. We already have a strong link with South America through Lucas, Maxi Rodriguez and Suarez."
Bruce backs Gunners discard to succeed Black Cats boss insists he’s a great addition to the club. "Nicklas is a Champions' League player. His credentials are there," Bruce told SAFC TV. "I had the pleasure of working with Nicklas when he was a boy at Birmingham and I've monitored his career ever since. "There's no doubt that he has terrific ability and we might just have got him at the right time." The Dane has struggled
SATURDAY Arsenal v Swansea (10pm) Everton v Aston Villa (10pm) Man City v Wigan (10pm) Stoke v Liverpool (10pm) Sunderland v Chelsea (10pm) Wolves v Tottenham (10pm)
hotshot: Suarez unfazed by attention
in the hope they can spot and bring the next Luis Suarez to England at an early age. New signing in centreback Sebastian Coates arrived from the Uruguayan outfit — the club Suarez played for prior to moving to Holland. Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli hopes they can sort out a deal with the club that will help both sides with transfers in the future. "I thank the people from Nacional, the directors and their chairman, because they have been very helpful," he told the club's website. "They tried to help the player (Coates) complete his will, which was to come here. "They tried to find a solution for us to make it happen. We now have strong links with them because both Suarez and
to cement his place in the starting line-up in the last couple of seasons. But Bruce is confident that the move will be beneficial for both parties and has likened the striker’s plight to Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck, who impressed while on loan at the Black Cats last season. "Danny wasn't as big a name but he hadn't hit the heights. He came here and flourished in the environment we provided for him." — Agencies
terrific ability: Bendtner (right) is a Champions League player
31
presstalk VANGUARD
LIVERPOOL: football/ premier league
SUNDERLAND: FOOTBALL/ PREMIER LEAGUE
SUNDERLAND gaffer Steve Bruce believes his on-loan Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner can still play at the highest level despite being surplus to requirements for the Gunners. The Danish forward has vowed never to play for Arsene Wenger’s side again and could make the move to the Stadium of Light permanent if the loan spell proves a success. Bendtner has worked under Bruce before at Birmingham City and the
sports
It's great to have a lad who has just come into the team, who speaks good English and is always smiling — Wayne Rooney on Javier Hernandez
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 6 5 3 2
goals Dzeko (Man City) goals Rooney (Man United) goals Klasnic (Bolton) Aguero (Man City) goals Young (Man United) Best (Newcastle) Silva (Man City) Welbeck (Man United) Di Santo (Wigan) Suarez (Liverpool) Long (West Brom)
BENOIT ASSOU-EKOTTO foresees no more backlash from Tottenham fans for new striker Emmanuel Adebayor once he starts banging in the goals. The former Arsenal hitman will don a Spurs shirt while on loan for the season after manager Roberto Mancini deemed him excess baggage at Manchester City. "I don’t think there will be any trouble with the Spurs fans and Emmanuel," the leftback said. "When he used to play for Arsenal the fans did not like him, but everyone will love him if he scores 25 goals this season."
AS
Alves factor in Catalans' Neymar lure DANIEL ALVES is behind Barcelona gaining the advantage on Real Madrid in the battle for Santos star Neymar, with Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribero declaring Neymar is now closer to Barca than Real. Alves has gotten closer to Neymar recently on international duty with Brazil as they room, eat and socialise together while on tour. Indeed, before Barca's Spanish Super Cup clash with Real last month, Neymar tweeted: "Good luck, brother" "If I can help Neymar come to Barca, I will," said Alves at a Barcelona news conference and it seems he is doing his part.
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS
Platt hails Hargreaves signing MANCHESTER CITY signing Owen Hargreaves was a 'calculated risk' after manager Roberto Mancini was told there would be no more money for players this summer. Mancini’s tactical coach David Platt revealed that the Blues had moved for out-of-contract Hargreaves after failing to raise transfer funds by offloading some of their fringe players. "We needed a central midfield player but unfortunately in terms of players going out and bringing in transfer fees, a lot have gone out on loan, so fees haven’t come in for them," said Platt. "You have to get creative. The owners and the board have been terrific in saying 'We know you need a midfield player but we have to be creative about it'. Owen Hargreaves as was, is one of the best midfield players in the world."
Trulli confident
Lewis loses race
Despite Team Lotus not confirming a contract extention, Jarno Trulli says he will be in Formula 1 next year
Athletics legend Carl Lewis denied a place on the New Jersey election ballot in the State senate race
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>> pg28
Thursday 8 September, 2011
Rain havoc
NEW YORK: TENNIS/ US OPEN
LOCAL
To err is human
FA of Malaysia admits to security botch-up during pre-World Cup match at Bukit Jalil
>> pg27 rugby
Kiwi enemy No 1
Australia’s flyhalf Quade Cooper says they’re here to win a competition, not make friends
>> pg29
presstalk
Rich clubs to pay Uefa to clamp down on ‘financial doping’ by rich clubs which drive competitors into financial trouble
>> pg30 football
Devil’s advocate
Nadal leads mutiny over safety at rain-hit US Open
RAFAEL NADAL lashed out at US Open organisers this morning, claiming players’ safety was being put at risk in a desperate effort to make up for lost time at the rainravaged Grand Slam. Defending champion Nadal, world No 4 Andy Murray and 2003 winner Andy Roddick joined forces to complain to tournament referee Brian Earley after they were sent out to play on courts that had been battered by almost constant rain. Their last-16 matches lasted just 15 minutes before they were hauled off as more rain soaked Flushing Meadows. “We don’t want to go on court if it is raining. If I have to go on court, I go on court, but I think it’s not fair,” said Nadal, whose match had originally been slated for yesterday before the whole day’s schedule was washed out. The Spaniard was 3-0 down to Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller on Arthur Ashe Stadium when the pair were taken off as conditions deteriorated. Murray, who was trailing 2-1 to America’s Donald Young on Grandstand, insisted it was too dangerous to play. “It’s dangerous. The lines get really slippy. Players want to play more than anyone, but not when it’s dangerous,” said the Scot. Roddick, who was 3-1 up on fifth-seeded David Ferrer, joined Nadal and Murray in complaining over having to play on what they claimed
nadal
were treacherous surfaces. “I think if it’s up for discussion if the court’s playable or not, then it’s not playable. Walking out there it was still misting. The back of the courts were still wet,” said the American. “We wanted to make it known we didn’t want to be put in that position. I certainly understand they need to put tennis on TV, I understand the business side of it as well, but players need to feel comfortable and safe. “To Brian Earley’s credit, when we did go in there, he listened to us. He was very nice in the conversation.” All four women’s quarterfinals, two men’s quarterfinals and the remaining four men’s fourth round matches were due to be played this morning, but the start of play had already been delayed by 90minutes because of rain. The other last 16 tie, which had yet to start, saw John Isner facing Gilles Simon. In women’s last eight ties, top seed Caroline Wozniacki,
Murray: Too dangerous to play — AFP photo
still searching for a first Grand Slam title, takes on Germany’s Andrea Petkovic while threetime winner Serena Williams was up against Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Second seed Vera Zvonareva of Russia was facing Australia’s Samantha Stosur with
unseeded German Angelique Kerber meeting Italy’s Flavia Pennetta. Men’s quarterfinals action saw world No 1 Novak Djokovic playing fellow Serb Janko Tipsarevic and five-time champion Roger Federer clashing with
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Yesterday’s wipeout was the first time both the day and night sessions had been cancelled at the tournament, which does not have covered courts or a stadium with a retractable roof, since 2006. — AFP
LONDON: FOOTBALL/ EURO 2012 QUALIFIERS
Dutch confirmed as Euro 2012 qualifiers
Sir Alex Ferguson confident ‘butterfingers’ keeper David de Gea will rise to the occasion
>> pg31
HOLLAND are the fourth nation to qualify for next year’s Euro finals after racking up their eighth consecutive group victory, Uefa confirmed this morning. Fifa’ top-ranked nation beat Finland away 2-0 yesterday to sit six points above Sweden in Group E with two games to go and while they are not mathematically assured of winning the group they would qualify, at worst, as best runners-up.
“Uefa have confirmed that Holland are certain to be playing at Uefa EURO 2012, with their total of 24 points from eight games meaning that they will progress either as group winners or as the best runners-up from the qualifying competition,” Uefa said on their website (www.uefa.com). Bert van Marwijk’s (pic) World Cup runners-up are at home to Moldova on Oct 7 and away to Sweden four days later.
Holland join Germany, Spain and Italy as confirmed qualifiers for the 16-nation tournament. Co-hosts Poland and Ukraine qualify automatically, meaning their are 10 spots still available going into the final round of qualifying games. All the group winners go through along with the best runner-up with the other eight group runners-up face a two-legged playoff in November. — Reuters
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