Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
PP423/01/2012(029578)
I Don’tCare
With Muzli Mohd Zin
WORLD
Dow Jones down 600 points Biggest one-day fall since December 2008. All eyes on Asia when markets open today
>> pg13
AMPANG JAYA
Cops probe ‘lovelorn’ butcher By AIZAT SHARIF aizat@mmail.com.my POLICE believe the ‘butcher’ of Taman Kosas who beheaded and chopped up a woman’s body into 15 pieces with an axe and strangled her five-year-old son had a special relationship with her that went awry. Sources said the ‘love’ angle came to light following the interrogation of the woman’s husband and eight Bangladeshi suspects in connection with the gruesome double murder. The suspects had been living a few doors away on the same fifth floor of the Chryssa Block, Astaria Apartments, where the macabre discovery was made. They had been staying at the rented unit between two weeks and a year, and worked as restaurant help, janitors and hotel workers. The source said a dispute between one of the suspects and the victim, in her 30s, could have led to the killings, adding police were eager to know the depth of relationship between the two and how they got connected. • Continued on pg3
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Practice makes perfect Most students, especially in rural areas, don’t see the need to learn English
>> pg6
LONDON LOCAL
Still waiting No date yet for UKRC ownership dispute public hearing
Blitzed
>> pg4
Electrocuted boy’s father spurns MPSJ He declines council meeting, only wants to know who is responsible
>> pg3
IN a scene not witnessed since World War II, London looks like a city under siege. Not by bombers but a “laughing” mob bent on rioting and looting for the third straight night, resulting in buildings being set ablaze like this block in Croydon (pic). Confrontations between youths and police have
erupted all over, such as in Hackney, close to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games hub. The troubles have also spread beyond as youths rampaged through Birmingham city’s shopping area. Prime Minister David Cameron has cut short his Italian summer break for a crisis meeting today.
>> pg14
In safe hands Bank Rakyat Twin Towers developer says they follow safety procedures
>> pg8
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news
Buka Puasa/Imsak Times Ramadan 4, 1432H
The government has agreed to pay a bonus of half a month's salary with a minimum payment of RM500 for civil servants — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak KUALA LUMPUR: SKYPE SEX
WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya
7:28pm
5:42am
SELANGOR Zone I: Daerah Gombak, Petaling Jaya/ Shah Alam, Hulu Selangor, Hulu Langat and Sepang Zone II: Daerah Klang, Kuala Langat, Kuala Selangor, and Sabak Bernam
7:28pm
5:42am
7:30pm
5:44am
Yingluck: Cabinet almost ready THE new Thai Cabinet is 80 per cent complete and the final lineup is expected to be forwarded to the King for endorsement in one or two days, Prime Ministerelect Yingluck Shinawatra (pic) said yesterday. She said there would be four non-MPs in the Cabinet and ministers in charge of the Tourism and Sports, Agriculture and Cooperatives, and Culture ministries would be from the Pheu Thai and other coalition parties, the Bangkok Post reports. The ministers in charge of economic ministries would be well-versed in economic issues and had already begun bringing themselves up to date with their portfolios, Yingluck said.
KUALA LUMPUR
Video clips in focus
IMSAK MAGHRIB (TODAY) (TOMORROW)
Runaway sisters in father's custody
Cops to examine recordings before filing investigation papers
THE Bukit Aman police forensics team is examining the video recording of a woman who alleged she was forced to have sex with strangers while her husband watched the acts "live" on webcam via the Skype voiceand-video Internet service. The Malay Mail learnt police were waiting for forensics investigations to wrap up before submitting the evidence to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP). The woman has b een attending therapy sessions conducted by the police's inhouse counsellor. A week ago, police picked up the husband, a bank telemarketer in his 40s, from his office in Cyberjaya. They recorded his statement, took his fingerprints and other personal details to facilitate investigations. He was released the same day on police bail. Police will check his mobile phone to track messages, calls and other recordings made.
By THASHA JAYAMANOGARAN thasha@mmail.com.my
It was learnt the KL Sessions Court may hear the wife's application for a restraining order against her husband tomorrow following a police report she had lodged to keep him away from her and their three children. Two weeks ago, The Malay Mail had front-paged the woman's "traumatic" relationship with her spouse who, over the past four years, forced her into trysts with men contacted online. The woman approached The Malay Mail to help "rein in" her life. She claimed her husband told her their relationship "lacked excitement and sexual intimacy", and he wanted her to spice up the marriage through the sexual encounters with others. Police also interviewed and recorded statements from The Malay Mail editor-at-large Frankie D'Cruz and assistant news editor Pearl Lee, who
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
both broke the story. D'Cruz handed over a thumb-drive containing video clips of several sexual encounters to police. The victim had given D'Cruz the clips to facilitate the newspaper's checks into her allegations. The woman, who married at 25, alleged she was forced by her husband to have sex with foreigners, aged 27 to 48, in hotels and at a condominium since 2007. Her report is being investigated under Section 377D of the Penal Code for outrages on decency which states: "Any person who, in public or private, commits, or abets the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any person of, any act of gross indecency with another person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years."
THE four runaway sisters who fled their hellish home to a shelter to get away from their mother and her alleged lesbian lover will be returned to their father soon. The civil court has awarded custody to the girls' father who lives in Sandakan, Sabah, their aunt told The Malay Mail. The aunt, however, is unhappy with the decision as the 46-yearold father is an ex-convict. Her nieces would also be living with a large family in Sandakan as the man lives with his first wife and their 10 kids, she said. The father had been jailed for 36 months and fined RM300,000 in 2005 for illegal deposit-taking, an offence under the Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989. "I am worried for my nieces. With such a big family to support, how will he cope with four more girls? "However, we don't have much of a choice as it is unsafe for the girls to be with any of their relatives here as their mother can trace them," said the aunt. The sisters, aged six, eight, 12 and 15, are scheduled to fly off this weekend. "Their father is now in KL to settle some paperwork with the courts before he takes his daughters back," said the aunt. On July 18, The Malay Mail reported the sisters' nightmare of having to endure the mental and psychological agony of liv-
ing with their mother and her alleged lesbian lover. The girls had claimed their exploitation included being forced to work as cleaners in Taman Langat Utama, Kuala Langat, by their mother's partner who had a cleaning contract with the local council. The children claimed they were paid RM1 to RM5 each for 12 hours of sweeping and collecting garbage. The eldest was also allegedly made to work as a restaurant dishwasher and a mobile phone shop assistant, apparently to buy rations for the house and to support the drug habit of her mother's ‘partner’. The sisters fled the house with the help of their aunt while their mother was out shopping with a fifth sibling, also a girl aged 14. The eldest sister, accompanied by her uncle and aunt, made three police reports alleging illtreatment and then approached The Malay Mail to help secure them in a safe environment. The Paper That Cares then alerted the Welfare Services Department and its Subang Jaya office swung into action. Police later detained the mother's alleged lover on suspicion of substance abuse. She tested positive for drugs and is expected to charged soon. The 34-year-old mother's whereabouts is unknown and her 14-year-old daughter is still with her.
PETALING JAYA
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FOR years, mechanics at a motorcycle workshop in SS14 have become accustomed to a friendly customer who liked to sit and watch them work to pass the time. However, yesterday afternoon, the man, aged 84, passed away there while waiting for his bike to be fixed. The workshop owner told The Malay Mail the man was waiting to pick up his bike and appeared to have fallen asleep in a chair. "We only realised he had died when he toppled over after one of my workers went to wake him up," said the owner. "The man liked to while away his time at our workshop and talk to us, which he had been doing
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for the past few decades, even when his bike did not require fixing." The worker said he and his colleagues never knew his name or what he did and would call him "uncle". "In the last conversation I had with him yesterday, he asked me to have lunch with him but I told him I could not as I had too many bikes to repair, so he sat in the chair and took a nap," said the worker. Petaling Jaya district police chief ACP Arjunaidi Mohamed said they were trying to ascertain the elderly man's identity. "Initial findings indicated he died of a heart attack," Arjunaidi said.
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Asean commemorated its 44th anniversary yesterday, as member states hoisted the Asean flag for the first time in their respective missions abroad — Malaysian High Commissioner to India Datuk Tan Seng Sung
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
SUBANG JAYA
Meeting for what?
Asks father of boy electrocuted at Taman Batu Tiga playground in March THE father of 11-year-old Muhammad Naquiddin who was electrocuted by a faulty lamp post at the Taman Batu Tiga playground in Shah Alam on March 19 has turned down an invitation to meet yesterday with Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) president Datuk Asmawi Kasbi and Batu Tiga assemblyman Rodziah Ismail. Mohd Marzuki declined
SENTUL
the invitation saying he was not keen on attending the meeting. "There is no need for me to attend any such meeting. "I just want to know the outcome of the Energ y Commission of Malaysia's report as to who is responsible for my son's death," he told The Malay Mail yesterday. The invitation to facto-
By FAIZAL NOR IZHAM faizal.nor@mmail.com.my
ry worker Mohd Marzuki Muda, 44, was conveyed last Friday by MPSJ councillor Keshminder Singh. "Finding out the identity of the contractor responsible for the faulty lamp post is the responsibility of MPSJ and the Energy Commission. Previously, MPSJ asked me
Drug-addict cabbie a serial criminal
POLICE have nabbed a drugaddict taxi driver suspected of being involved in 35 cases of house and office break-ins, robbery, extortion and vehicle theft in Sentul and nearby areas. The arrest was made at 11.30pm on Sunday after a tip-off that the cabbie, 32, was driving suspiciously at a multistorey car park of an apartment building in Kampung Abdullah Hukum in Bangsar. Sentul district police chief ACP Zakaria Pagan said when police approached the suspect on the first floor of the car park, he sped off in his Proton Iswara taxi. "He was high on ganja at the time and aggressive and in trying to flee, rammed into a police patrol car and several other cars belonging to apartment residents," he said. "A policewoman injured her knee while trying to evade being run over by the suspect.
By AIZAT SHARIF aizat@mmail.com.my
When a policeman fired a shot which hit the suspect's leg and caused him to bleed profusely, he still refused to surrender. He then left his taxi and went to his apartment unit on the 11th floor despite leaving a trail of blood." Zakaria said at the suspect's apartment, he still refused to give himself up voluntarily. "He finally surrendered on the advice to do so by his father who lives at a different unit in the same apartment building," he said, adding that they found ganja-smoking paraphernalia in the suspect's car, along with break-in tools, such as screwdrivers and crowbars, and stolen loot in his apartment, including LCD monitor screen, DVD players, cellphones, vehicle smart tag devices and foreign currency. "Checks showed the sus-
ZAKARIA: Suspect involved house and office break-ins
pect's fingerprints matched those found at a house that was burglarised." The suspect was sent to Hospital Kuala Lumpur for treatment and is being guarded by police.
to send a letter to the commission requesting for their report. That's their job." Mohd Marzuki said he is considering taking legal action if the situation is not resolved. Keshminder urged Mohd Marzuki to play a more active role to help accelerate the process of getting the report from the Energy Commission. "MPSJ is just as anxious
to know the outcome of the Energy Commission's investigation. "We have not received word from them for more than three months now and would like to hasten the proceedings so that we can take the next course of action," said Keshminder. "In order to get to the truth, we have to fight and push for it."
news
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Wholesale traders in arrears CITY HALL has started issuing notices of claim against 448 traders at the KL wholesale market who have yet to settle arrears on rentals amounting to RM834,967.86. The notice of claim allows traders a grace period of 14 days with 113 of the traders owing arrears of RM2,000 and above. City Hall, in a statement, said traders who fail to settle the arrears would have their stall rental and wholesale business licence terminated. Traders whose rental has been terminated will be given seven days to vacate their stalls before action is taken to seal the stall. All traders were given reminders to settle their arrears previously.
Apartment residents still in state of shock ● From pg1 "We are sure both of them knew each other and hope to tie up loose ends soon," said the source. Selangor police chief Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah said the husband, a Sabahan, 29, was picked up from his home in Bandar Baru Ampang on Sunday night while the foreigners were rounded up a day earlier at Astaria Apartments and a nearby hotel. Tun Hisan said the man confirmed the identity of his wife, said to be an Indonesian, through a reconstruction of the body at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre mortuary in Cheras. The odd-job labourer also confirmed the little boy was his son, he said. He had apparently been searching for his wife and child after their recent disappearance. The man told police he thought his wife and child were visiting a relative or a friend,
and thought it not necessary to lodge a missing person’s report. Tun Hisan said the man was released after a statement was recorded from him. Meanwhile, Astaria Apartment residents are still in a state of shock following the gruesome find last Wednesday. The mutilated body parts and internal organs of the woman were dumped in a bathroom, including the toilet bowl, at an unoccupied unit at the apartments. The intact body of the boy, crammed into a plastic bag, was shoved into a gaping hole in the bathroom ceiling. A police source said they recovered an axe, believed to have been used to chop up the woman, from the apartment. The decomposed remains were found after residents raised an alarm about foul stench emanating from the unit. The high state of decomposition of the bodies suggested the victims could have been killed a week earlier.
FRIM canopy walkway closure THE Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) will close the Canopy Walkway (above) near its headquarters in Kepong, from Aug 27 to Sept 5, in conjuction with the Aidilfitri holidays. FRIM's corporate management head Norhayati Nordin, in a statement, said the walkway would reopen on Sept 6. Visiting hours are from 9.30am to 2.30pm except on Mondays and Fridays. The hanging bridge which was closed for repairs and maintainance since Dec 1 was re-opened last Tuesday. Located in the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve, the walkway system spanning 150 metres is suspended between trees at about 30 metres above ground. The bridge has three rest platforms which offer visitors a panaromic view of the forest.
SELAYANG
Car crashes into kindergarten wall IT was an unforgettable morning for a kindergarten principal when a Perodua Myvi crashed into the wall of her preschool at Jalan Sungai Tua in Taman Selayang yesterday. In the 7.20am incident, the principal was waiting for her child students to arrive while older students were busy crossing the street to SMK Taman Selayang opposite the kindie. "My session starts at 8am when suddenly there was
a loud bang in front of my premises. At first I thought it was a traffic accident," said V.R. Ranee, 56, principal of Smart Stars Kindergarten. "The wall of my premises had collapsed as it was crashed into by a dark blue Perodua Myvi whose driver was bleeding from his head." Ranee soon learnt the driver had also knocked into two SMK Taman Selayang students who sustained light injuries to their bodies, hands
and legs. "Fortunately, no lives were lost," she said. Undeterred by what happened, Ranee proceeded with teaching the children. Gombak district police chief ACP Abdul Rahim Abdullah said the driver, 22, was taken to Hospital Selayang for treatment. “He was warded at the hospital with injuries to his head, hands and legs,” said Abdul Rahim.
C-R-A-S-H: A Perodua Myvi comes to grief at the preschool compound. Inset: Ranee
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news
Breastfeeding builds mom and baby bonds WOMEN who breastfeed their babies have an unspoken bond with their child, a new observational study shows. La Trobe University School of Nursing & Midwife Associate Professor Kath Ryan said researchers discovered an intense connection, which included ways that the body knew about breastfeeding, the Herald Sun reports. She said this bonding can be disrupted by poor postnatal practices, ranging from separating mother and baby or forcing a woman to go back to work before she is ready. "It's an unspoken bond, it's like the cord has been cut but the two are not separate yet."
J. Lo gets pay rise for 'Idols' new season JENNIFER LOPEZ'S huge new deal with American Idol has prompted her fellow judge, rocker Steven Tyler, to urge the show's producers to bump up his own payday, the New York Post reports. While J.Lo negotiates the finishing touches of a deal, said to be worth up to US$19.3 million (RM58.2m), to return to Idol for another season, leaks about the nature of the talks have made her fellow judges restless, according to sources. "J.Lo's management is close to brokering her a huge deal to come back to the panel for at least one more season, and the side effect is that it means her fellow judges also want more money," one source said.
ENVY: Lopez's pay increase may cause a rift with fellow 'Idol' judges
Compulsory driving lessons in Irish schools DRIVING instruction should be compulsory in schools to make roads safer, Irish politicians have said. A cross-party committee also wants provisional licenceholders to have to take a full driving test within a specific period and called for parking fines to be halved if paid within 14 days, the Irish Independent reports. Penalty points must also be imposed on the last registered owners of illegally dumped cars, the parliamentary committee suggested to Transport Minister Leo Varadkar in its submission on new road traffic laws.
A study found 95 per cent of Muslim smokers say it is easier to quit the habit during Ramadan — Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman GOMBAK
UKRC saga drags on
Public hearing yet to be held to settle land status IT appears that the decadesold saga of the ownership of the land housing the Ulu Kelang Recreational Club (UKRC) is set to drag on, as no date for a public hearing to determine its status has been fixed. UKRC president Andrew Gopal told The Malay Mail yesterday that the club would be informed when the public hearing would be held. He said the matter was conveyed to him by the Orang Kaya Besar Gombak, Datuk Paduka Raja Wan Mahmood Pa'wan Teh, in a telephone conversation last week. "So now it looks like we will have to wait," said Gopal. Efforts to contact Wan Mahmood were unsuccessful. It is expected that Wan Mahmood will chair the public hearing with several officials from the Gombak district office. The hearing and decision could take as long as six months. The public hearing to determine the status of ownership was passed during the Selangor State Assembly in April. The motion was mooted by Hulu Kelang Assembyman Saari Sungib who asked the State to amend the 2004
PETALING JAYA
By Marhalim Abas mabas@mmail.com.my
We will be informed when the public hearing would be held. So now it looks like we will have to wait — UKRC president
Andrew Gopal
gazette to convert the UKRC land back to a recreational status, with the land being maintained by the UKRC committee or giving a permanent grant to UKRC after the gazette was amended on the condition it cannot be sold or change hands. UKRC members had for almost two decades dealt with broken promises, and wrangled with both State and local governments over the ownership of the five-acre
site which club members had managed and made their second home since 1958. The Malay Mail had, since the 1990s, relentlessly highlighted UKRC’s plight. When Pakatan Rakyat took over the Selangor government in March 2008, they promised the Hulu Kelang folks they would settle the land issue once and for all. However, it appears the folks there need to wait a little longer.
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR
MCMC: 8TV breached licensing conditions By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani asrul@mmail.com.my
MEDIA PRIMA BERHAD’S television station 8TV has been found guilty of breaching its licensing conditions under the Communications and Multimedia Act (1998) over the station's recent airing of a controversial Ramadan public service announcement. In a statement yesterday, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) confirmed that appropriate action will be taken against the station. “MCMC has investigated 8TV regarding the public service announcement related to Ramadan and found that 8TV has breached its licensing conditions. As such, appropriate action will be taken against 8TV,” said the commission. 8TV was heavily criticised over its recent public service announcement depicting a Chinese woman's insensitive behaviour in public during Ramadan. The announcement was then pulled out by Media Prima with 8TV issuing two apologies while Media Prima chief operating officer and former 8TV chief executive Ahmad Izham Omar apologised on Twitter. “I apologise to everyone offended by the 8TV ads. They were not meant to offend anyone in any way. We’re sorry for the misinterpretation," he had said. Ahmad was not available for comment yesterday, but Media
AHMAD IZHAM: Ramadan ads not meant to offend
Prima's corporate communications group general manager Mastura Adnan confirmed the parent company was in talks with MCMC on the matter. “We are meeting with MCMC at the moment. We would not like to issue any more comments,” she said. 8TV was previously fined RM50,000 by MCMC for airing an advertisement by Carlsberg. The station’s sister channel, TV3, was also fined RM50,000 last year for its Hari Raya commercial Sinari Lebran after it had allegedly insulted Islam. Muslim viewers complained the advertisement had elements of Christmas after it portrayed a white-haired man wearing a white songkok bringing children on board his flying red rickshaw.
Plaza Rakyat issue still unresolved
THE continuing saga of the much-delayed Plaza Rakyat development is set to drag out some more as the authorities' hands are still tied. When contacted, Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Ismail said: "The matter is still with the lawyers. I can't comment further because at present, it is out of our hands. "If the developers want their money, we will take note and compensate them accordingly after the court decides on the amount to be compensated.” The stand was echoed by Federal Territories and Urban
By CECILIA VICTOR cecilia@mmail.com.my
Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin. "Even though the developer is trying to claim everything (losses) from us, I believe we and City Hall should also get something from them because the failure of the project itself, has caused a huge loss to purchasers. "We are trying to remove the injunction by the former developers, Global Upline Sdn Bhd, and arbitration is being sought with them.”
Raja Nong Chik also said the developers were trying to claim their RM1 billion loss from the authorities and said: "We are hoping for a win-win situation. "The government has claims against the developer for the failed project and at present, the government is not involved in settling any claims by the purchasers. That is between the developer and the purchasers.” He also said the ministry and City Hall can't comment further as the arbitration process has not even begun. Already dragging for about 14 years now, the former devel-
opers, Global Upline obtained an injunction last year on the site after the ministry had issued a termination notice to the developer. Apart from the injunction to disallow government entry to the project site, Global Upline is also seeking RM1 billion in compensation from the government. The Plaza Rakyat project was supposed to comprise a 79-storey office tower-cumapartment block, a 59-storey serviced apartment block, a 450-room four-star hotel and a 150-room budget hotel when it was launched in 1997 as a then
RM1.2 billion joint-venture with City Hall. But the project was shelved due to the Asian financial crisis. Several efforts made to revive the project since 2005 failed. At the end of last year, the government said the project would be given to a new developer and Global Upline was given until April last year to decide if it wanted to continue. On Aug 3, a report was lodged by 20 buyers at Tun H.S. Lee demanding a compensation and refund of their downpayments for the Plaza Rakyat project.
TuesDay 9 August, 2011
the malay mail
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The woman linked to the ear squatting-in-the-nude incident was acquitted and discharged of a drug charge by the Petaling Jaya Magistrate's Court — Magistrate Nor Afidah Idris
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
It's all in the practice THE proficiency level of the English language — or to be more accurate, the lack of it — among our students was again raised for everyone to ponder and put forth arguments and of course, excuses. This time, it came from Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin himself who lamented over the weekend that many students were still unable to master English despite learning the language in school for 13 years. And, I guess one should be able to master more than three languages in 13 years! Employers, academicians and experts have long established their anxiety over the subject matter. A survey had even named poor English as the main cause for unemployment. Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, also said the problem shouldn’t be ignored anymore. Of course, as expected, the Education director-general would be asked to review the curriculum to find the reasons behind the problem. We do a lot of reviews, don’t we?
Now, let me share with dear readers one of the reasons why some of us can’t master a language, not only English. I don’t have to look far to find one. It’s right under my nose. Some three years ago, when my wife and I found out that our son’s primary school was introducing Mandarin classes for Tahun Satu (Year One) students, we didn’t hesitate. We were among the first to register our child for the optional classes. It was limited to only 50 students and due to our early registration, our son secured a place. For three days a week, the students would gather in the school’s Bilik Media (Media Room) to learn Mandarin together, for one and a half hours each class, held after their regular schooling hours. The school was one of the over 200 primary schools nationwide selected by the Education Ministry to offer optional Mandarin and Tamil language classes to students, a pilot project to gauge whether it is plausible to introduce the two
I Don’tCare With Muzli Mohd Zin
ON TUESDAY subjects at the primary level. We, and other like-minded non-Mandarin speaking parents, saw it as a golden opportunity for our children to master an additional language. We were quite excited at the prospect of our boy being able to communicate, at the very least, basic Mandarin — courtesy of the government, of course. To send your children to private language centres to learn Mandarin could burn a hole in your pocket. However, to our disappointment, what started to be a fun experience learning a new language gradually turned otherwise for our boy. He lost interest and despite persuading him to continue, he dropped out from the class after two
years. We spoke to the teacher and accepted her explanation that our son didn’t show any interest in the language. I later discovered he was not the only one. At least half of the original 50 students who opted for the language class had also dropped out. It was not a unique but a common problem, apparently. To say that the teacher was untrained or textbooks unsuitable is totally wrong when other students, unlike my boy and more than 20 of his "droppedout" friends, continued with the classes until today. My former Malay schoolmate, for example, sends his children to Mandarin-medium kindergarten and Chinese school and all of them comfortably speak the language in three years. My
two sons speak good English (better than Bahasa) in less than five years. Not 13 and counting! I am now dead sure my son lost his interest because he didn’t see the need to learn Mandarin when he is already comfortable with Bahasa and proficient in English. He, like others too, does not have anybody in the house to practise the language with on a daily basis. They couldn’t apply what they "learn". There is hardly any avenue for them to use the language outside their thrice-a-week Mandarin classes. This applies to English too. We can have well-trained teachers, good textbooks and teaching aids and methodologies, but if we don’t practise and apply what we learn, we won’t progress. In fact, this applies to any discipline. Most students, especially in the rural areas, do not see the need to learn English because nobody speaks the language inside and outside the school, except during their
English classes. Some teachers even use Bahasa to teach English, I heard. To say we have totally failed in producing students who are proficient in English is totally incorrect too. We don’t have to be too complicated by ordering a thorough study to find out the reasons behind the low standard of English proficiency among our students. No need to spend long hours to find ideas on how to review current policies. We have already reviewed the teaching of Mathematics and Science in English policy, which proponents believe is a good move to provide the avenue for students to apply the language outside the English classes and to improve their proficiency. Practice makes perfect and everyone, including policymakers, know this. MUZLI MOHD ZIN is editor of The Malay Mail. He receives brickbats at muleez@gmail.com
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
Malaysian Palm Oil Board has increased supply of cooking oil nationwide to cater for Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri — Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob
KUALA LUMPUR
Designer Raya attire Unique approach to 'baju melayu' creations by non-Malay
FOR the past 20 years, a Chinese man from Kuching, Sarawak has been designing and tailoring unique baju melayu. Operating as Muk Tailor, Teo Bak Chui, 45, carved out a reputation in the tailoring industry by producing unique batik-infused baju melayu designs with special collars. His wife, Cornie Liew, 28, said: "My husband first started out some 20 years ago in Sarawak and I joined him when we got married about five years ago. "He started receiving lots of requests from people who were amazed with his oneof-a-kind designs, especially for the traditional baju melayu,'' the mother of two said. "Due to popular demand from our customers from Kuala Lumpur, we decided to
By CECILIA VICTOR cecilia@mmail.com.my
relocate here and have since received many bookings from all over the country, mostly from Johor Baru, Alor Star, Penang, Sibu, Kuching and even Singapore. "Some customers travel here just to customise their baju melayu outfits for Hari Raya!" Based at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, a ready-made baju melayu can cost about RM250 and if one provides the cloth for tailoring, the price is RM180. The duo offer a variety of designs and suggest which patterns or colours would best suit individual customers. However, bookings for the baju melayu have to be made two months in advance.
WIDE VARIETY: Some of the 'baju melayu' with unique collars — Pic: Sharul Hafiz Zam
With plans to expand into the ready-made apparel market, Liew said: "We had 500
Evoking the spirit of patriotism THE SPIRIT OF MERDEKA: A trader enthusiastically raising the Jalur Gemilang at his shop — Pic: Shahir Omar
Jalur Gemilang will be distributed free to those living in public housing. City Hall has provided 28,100 flags for this purpose and the department of housing and community development will coordinate its distribution with all City Hall's branches being tasked with coordinating the invitations to various private residential RAs. For private premises and other government agencies, the Jalur Gemilang can be purchased at City Hall's payment counters at RM8 each
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Bomb explodes in front of Thai shop TWO policemen were wounded by a bomb explosion in front of a convenience store in Muang district of Yala province in south Thailand yesterday morning, the Bangkok Post reports. Police said the explosion happened about 6.50am when a four-member patrol stopped their vehicle in front of the store. A homemade bomb planted on the road was detonated by remote control. The two policemen were walking from the vehicle to the store to buy water and were wounded by the blast.
President lauds police work
KUALA LUMPUR
CITY Hall's Merdeka Day celebration competition has received 62 applications thus far, with 17 for government premises and 32 for local government housing. Private businesses have submitted only 13. Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail yesterday urged more private sector participation. "If business owners can kickstart the trend of raising our nation's flag, hopefully others will follow suit.'' To underline City Hall's initiative, he took a walk along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman yesterday morning to distribute the Jalur Gemilang to business owners for them to hoist at their premises. The City Hall competition, in conjunction with Malaysia's 54th Independence Day, began on July 13 and ends on Aug 20. To whip up patriotic spirit, City Hall's department of housing and community development gave a talk on the competition on July 29 to those living in government housing via their residents associations (RAs), and distributed the Jalur Gemilang on Aug 1. The three-foot by six-foot
news
while the larger flag measuring three feet by 12 feet is priced at RM15. Other City Hall initiatives for Merdeka Day include giant flags at its tower and these measure 23 feet by 250 feet and another three measuring 25 feet by 300 feet. They have also erected billboards near the tower and Merdeka Square, hung up the Jalur Gemilang at main roads in the city and LRT, monorail and Komuter stations with the assistance of the Land Public Transport Commission.
outfits made a couple of months ago and now we have only 20 pieces left."
She said much of these are available at the Cheras night market.
INDONESIAN President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed his appreciation for the hard work of the National Police in pursuing bribery suspect fugitive Muhammad Nazaruddin, the Jakarta Post reports. “The arrest proves that the government has been serious in pursuing Nazaruddin,” said presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha yesterday.
TAMAN TUN DR ISMAIL
Bank account details issued to unlawful 'owner'
WHO would have thought a person could just walk into a bank and obtain confidential details of another accountholder? D e nt a l s u r g e on D r P Mahendran of Bandar Utama was shocked to find out his ex-wife had done exactly that and obtained his bank account details. Mahendran, 55, told The Malay Mail he had mortgaged his house with a bank at its Subang Jaya branch in 2004. “My existing loan with the bank was with the Taman Tun branch. This mortgage was done with the intention of financing my daughter's medical studies in India.” Mahendran claims his exwife had on April 1, 2005, gone to the bank’s Shah Alam branch and obtained information and printouts of his banking transactions and account details, claiming these were allegedly given to her by a bank staff. “My ex-wife does not have any authorisation to obtain any information on my account details and yet, she managed to obtain all the information.” Wit h t hes e det ai ls, Mahendran’s ex-wife lodged a caveat on the house, causing him problems in seeking to finance his daughter’s
By EE ANN NEE ean@mmail.com.my
higher education. Mahendran had to appoint a lawyer to get the caveat lifted so that the balance of the mortgage amount could be released. “This had caused me financial stress and humiliation, with having to make payments for my lawyer and also to attend court.” Following his complaints, the bank declined to admit to any liability whatsoever in respect of the allegations and said it was
difficult to propose any settlement as they had to assess the losses or damages suffered by Mahendran. In addition, the bank also claimed no defamatory statements were made against Mahendran by merely giving the redemption statement to his ex-wife. Mahendran claims the bank’s actions are an offence under Section 97 (1) of the Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989 (Act 372) Regulations and Orders and has requested compensation.
Better security checks FEDERATION of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah told The Malay Mail cases of banks divulging customers' confidential information can happen if the information seeker has "connections" with people within the bank. “There should be security checks to ensure those requesting details of bank accounts actually have the right to access such information.”
He said Fomca had came across cases where private investigators obtained access to third party accounts by allegedly "purchasing" the information from bank personnel. “Whenever something like this happens, consumers are at the mercy of the bank. "These issues should be brought up to the Financial Mediation Bureau. Otherwise, banks are immune despite what they’ve done.”
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The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
hotline@mmail.com.my
tel:03-7495 1000/1001/1002 tel:019-261 4948 (after 9pm)
your right to be heard ● ● ● ●
Complainants have to submit their personal particulars and provide a detailed account of their complaint. Complainants have to first file their complaints with the respective parties before contacting Hotline. Complaints referred by Hotline to the relevant parties would be published if there is no response in seven days. After a complaint has been resolved, the complainant cannot demand non-publication of the matter.
By T.K. LETCHUMY TAMBOO and IKRAM ISMAIL
Safety first
SAFETY MEASURE: Part of the protective netting put up by the developer of the Bank Rakyat Twin Towers project — Pic: SHAHIR OMAR
Welfare of residents and workers our prime concern, says developer of Bank Rakyat Twin Towers THE developer of the Bank Rakyat Twin Towers project in Brickfields has assured all parties it is fully adhering to safety regulations. Kasugi Prima Sdn Bhd says this in response to a Hotline report on Aug 2 in which residents in the neighbouring Menara Pelangi apartments complain they have to put up with dust and debris from the construction site for the past two years. Kasugi executive chairman Mohd Zuhri Abdullah says the site supervisors have been instructed to ensure the safety of those residing in the area as well as of the workers on the site. "The measures we have taken include installing edge railings with safety netting to prevent objects from falling off the building project," he says. Mohd Zuhri apologises for the dust from the construction work which, he says, is a common factor in any environment where buildings are being put up. To mitigate the dusty conditions, protective safety netting has been installed all around the building. "Regretfully, this is not a foolproof measure as strong
winds are apt to disperse the dust through the nets. On occasion, the winds are so strong the nets can even get torn. However, they are repaired without delay." He says Kasugi is carrying out measures to further improve the safety net installation. It will continue with preventive measures to help reduce the dusty conditions at the site and hope the residents will bear with the construction work until completion. Mohd Zuhri also tells
Hotline part of the company’s standard operating procedures include mosquito control with regular larviciding and fogging. The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) also conducts periodic visits to the site. Its most recent visit was on Aug 2 following the residents’ complaints highlighted by Hotline. On the additional roofing put up at an international school behind the construction site, Mohd Zuhri says the
roof is part of the developer’s own corporate social responsibility initiative.
"The erection of the roof was undertaken at no cost to the school to ensure a high
standard of safety for the students, teachers, staff and parents," he says.
THE RESIDENTS' COMPLAINTS COMPLAINTS by Menara Pelangi apartment residents highlighted by Hotline on Aug 2: • They have had to endure dust and debris coming into their homes since 2009.
• Despite the safety netting, wet cement is blown to the apartment parking lots by strong winds. • The safety netting at the construction site is not secure.
• Pools of stagnant water at the construction site are potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. • The international school had to instal additional roofing to protect its students from falling debris.
RM9,000 GPRS charges explained DIMPLE YUVADAS, of Brickfields, says she was floored when she received her Maxis bill for May and June amounting to more than RM9,000. She says she has been subscribing to a Maxis corporate package, with a fixed monthly bill of RM110, since December last year and cannot under-
stand why her phone line was barred on June 28. "When I contacted the Maxis centre, I was shocked to hear I had used the GPRS service amounting to more than RM9,000 and that a statement will be sent to me later." DIMPLE says Maxis claimed she downloaded content from the Internet
although she insists she did not. When she asked Maxis to investigate, the Maxis centre staff was not interested in listening to her, she claims. "The staff told me I had to pay RM1,200 if I wanted my line to be unbarred." She had no choice but to do so since her mother
needed the line to make calls. "My line was unbarred two days later. Maxis even sent me an SMS to inform me my line had been unbarred and they hoped I will continue to use their services." DIMPLE want Maxis to reimburse the money she has paid.
● A MAXIS BERHAD spokesman says: "We have contacted DIMPLE and informed her the External Content Providers and GPRS charges incurred were valid." Maxis has, however, reimbursed DIMPLE the broadband rebate she was supposed to enjoy, based on the package she had
subscribed to. The spokesman says DIMPLE has accepted Maxis’s explanation. When contacted, DIMPLE says Maxis has agreed to reimburse 30 per cent of the RM1,200 she paid to have her line unbarred and the amount will be reflected in her August bill.
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
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Aman in Petaling Jaya. 1. Security personnel at However, wading into the gated communities canTAKE NOTE water is prohibited. not hold visitors' identity 3. Parks are meant for recreational purposes. cards. The penalty: Up to three years jail Bikers and cyclists who intrude into jogand a maximum fine of RM20,000, or ging tracks risk a RM500 fine by Kajang both. 2. You can fish at the lake in Taman Sri Municipal Council.
Electric shock
TNB explains why bill has shot up to RM670 from usual RM130 SYED SHEITH JAMALAULIL SYED JALALUDIN says his electricity bill has been going up since Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) changed his meter. The Kelana Jaya pensioner says TNB changed his conventional meter to a digital one on March 17, before the Selangor government announced the rate increase. "After that, my electricity bill began to shoot up," says SYED SHEITH JAMALAULIL, whose previous bills have been about RM130. "My wife, our three children and I have been sleeping in the living room to minimise electricity usage and only switch on the airconditioner an hour before bedtime," he says. Despite that, he was shocked to see his May bill amounting to RM674.60. "I requested TNB to send a technician over to check the meter but nobody came," he says. SYED SHEITH JAMALAULIL is at wit’s end
COST-CUTTING: The family sleeps in the living room to save electricity — Pix: Samsul Said
Will they ever learn? (Aug 5) ● THIS is a problem all over KL and there has been no solution in all this time. You name it: Brickfields, Sentul, Old Klang Road, Damansara Utama, you have it in spades. Perhaps City Hall could try another tack. The people who park their cars by the roadside do so because they patronise the shops by the road. Perhaps, incentive could be given to the shop owners to police their customers. Just look at how some hawkers provide "parking services" to their customers by reserving parking spaces. When there is an economic incentive, there will be results. — nationalist ● THIS is so common in Malaysia. Let's face it, as drivers, we are basically an unethical bunch that focuses on our own needs and could not care less about the consequence of our actions. — please stop the nonsense Failure to terminate gym membership (Aug 5) ● IT IS fair. If your product is good, why lock up your members with a 12-month contract? It is because many would leave without this lock-in when they will find going to a gym sucks big time after a few sessions. — vigilante
as to how to solve the problem because his latest bill amounts to a staggering RM754. STAGGERING: The electricity bill and payment notice which Syed Sheith Jamalaulil received from TNB
● TNB confirms SYED SHEITH JAMALAULIL's meter was replaced with the new digital meter in March. A spokesman says his May bill came up to RM674.60 partly because he had arrears amounting to RM268.90 from his April bill. "His current bill is RM275.46 and the penalty for late payment is RM0.24. On top of that, there is an additional deposit amounting to RM130," says the spokesman. The additional deposit is to make up two months' deposit of the customer's electricity usage which TNB is allowed to collect
under the Electricity Supply Act. This amount is calculated based on an average of six months' electricity usage. Should the two months' average be more than the amount of deposit paid, customers are required to pay the additional deposit. “We have explained the breakdown to the customer," says the spokesman, When contacted, SYED SHEITH JAMALAULIL confirms TNB has contacted him and sent technicians to his house to check the meter. "Despite their explanation, I am surprised by the additional deposit," he says.
Membership ended but no refund AFTER she was transferred to work in Singapore last September, MELISSA OOI, of Kuala Lumpur, stopped going to True Fitness. She says she did not think it would be a big deal if she simply stopped going to the fitness centre as her oneyear membership there was to end two months later in November. However, trouble started when True Fitness continued to charge her in December. OOI claims that when
Online comments www.mmail.com.my
she contacted the centre, she was told members had to call up if they wished to cancel their memberships, otherwise they would not be terminated. Hearing that, she asked the staff to immediately terminate her membership. The staff, upon agreeing, said there would be no charge from January 2011. Yet, OOI says she has been charged for January. "My membership was finally terminated in April
over the telephone but I have yet to receive my refund for January," she says. "When I contacted True Fitness, I was told it is not possible to get the refund as I was to have gone to the gym to terminate my membership." She does not understand why she was not informed of that stipulation in the first place and questions how True Fitness was able to terminate her membership over the phone in April.
● A TRUE FITNESS spokesman says: "We have called OOI with options regarding her membership and we will resolve it on our end." When contacted, OOI says she has yet to receive her refund. "I have waited for so long. Why can't they solve a simple problem like this?" she asks. However, True Fitness maintains they have resolved the case and considers it closed.
Astro says price hike inevitable (Aug 5) ● WILL someone in MCMC explain this issue? All subscribers would like to hear your say and are waiting for the final decision. There are a few contradicting statements that have been made all this while. Don't keep the people in doubt. — Tan ML ● DATUK RAIS, where are you? We heard you saying on TV news Astro cannot charge its subscribers the new rates and any increase in tarriff needs the approval of the Cabinet. On July 2, I was relieved to read in the newspapers the Cabinet had instructed Astro not to increase its tariff, but they have gone against the Cabinet's decision. Astro is showing a bad example by not complying with the governmen's decision and causing inconvenience to the people. Astro should be showing its appreciation to its loyal subscribers by giving them something in return for the profits they are making. Looks like Astro has joined the ranks of such agencies as TNB and Telecoms, whose services are lacking until today. — shaktiman ● WHAT utter rubbish! Most of the time it is only repeat shows and you are talking quality. Astro is just a money-making company that prides itself on repeats ... Astro is just a money-making company that prides itself on repeats ... Astro is just a money-making company that prides itself on repeats ... Astro is just a money-making company that prides itself on repeats ... just following Astro's style. — money Not able to apply for new ATM card (Aug 4) ● You lost your ATM card five times? I understand if you got robbed five times, but how can you lose it? — Nathan Kumar ● KEEP your card safe. Losing something five times is too much for something that is so important. — Anonymous ● You must be the most careless person in Malaysia. Time for some behaviour modification, I would say. — Anonymous
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letters&opinions
● Mail: Letters To The Editor, Malay Mail Sdn Bhd, Lot 2A, Jalan 13/2, 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
● Email: mmnews@mmail.com.my Fax: 03-7495 1229
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
● Opinions may be in the form of Letters to the Editor or comments posted in relation to all news. ● Letters to the Editor must carry your name, address and contact number. A pseudonym may be included.
Enough of controversy
PJ: Being Frank: Misguided siege mentality (Aug 8)
Respect and tolerate others
I AM writing in reference to recent events that caught the attention of the public in such a disgusting and scornful way. The first incident is concerning a TV ad that shows a Chinese girl dressed in an inappropriate manner depicting inappropriate values in this holy month. Though the misplaced ad was withdrawn from the airwaves, it elicited complaints, uproar and reaction from the public. What I cannot understand is the use of a model, which is 'inappropriate' in the first place, in such a sensitive ad spreading messages/reminders already well within the collective consciousness of the people of this land. I am not a Muslim, yet with due respect to my dear colleagues who are fasting this month, I will never eat or even drink my coffee in front of them. I don’t need to be reminded in some commercial it is the holy
month of Ramadan. As a hu m an i s t , it i s incumbent upon me to act in such a way that would not offend or hurt the feelings of my brothers and sisters. Hence, even though I am hungry and thirsty, I would rather go to the canteen or to my hostel to relieve my thirst and hunger rather than satisfy my cravings and needs in the presence of my Muslim colleagues. This rule of character and virtue was taught to me so passionately by my parents. It is only by respecting and understanding other people’s beliefs and religious orientation that they will also respect you and understand your person. This is a personal rule that I imposed myself. That is a ls o t he re a l ess ence of resp e c t and toleration. Accepting each ot her’s dif ferences and sharing our collective similarities in such a harmonious way.
The second issue is the case of the raid conducted by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) at a multi-racial dinner at the Damansara Utama Methodist Centre. I incontestably concur with the firm stand of MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek: JAIS should apologise for intruding the function, which was held in the spirit of 1Malaysia. What is shocking and appalling with regard to this incident is the seemingly total disregard of the raiding team of all civility and sensitivity in conducting the said operation. The worst part of this incident is the fact that the officers even took down the details of the Muslim guests and did their unruly and ungentlemanly conduct without any search warrant or legal authority. Society as a whole must condemn this unreasonable act. It is in the same sphere of thought that I also agree
PJ: Community can help fight dengue outbreak (July 27)
'Gotong royong' one of most effective ways IT came as no surprise when Health Ministry directorgeneral Datuk Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman said only about 10 per cent of residents in dengue hotspots take part in gotong royong programmes organised by residents' committees and the local authorities. Even with the ministry warning Malaysians of an increase of cases between July and September this year at five hotspots in the Klang Valley, our society still takes this matter for granted. It is safe to say that for now, gotong royong is still one of the best methods to reduce the breeding grounds of Aedes mosquitos and to check the status of dengue fever. But, like always, only a
handful take this warning seriously or take the necessary measure of checking their premises for possible mosquito-breeding grounds. The community needs to understand the seriousness of the issue. Cleanliness and hygiene are of utmost importance if we want to eradicate the problem. To start with, during this R amadan month, our community leaders, government and private agencies and local authorities must ensure the bazaars, mosques, surau, wet markets and shopping complexes are free of Aedes mosquito-breeding grounds. After all, nobody wants to celebrate Aidilfitri in the hospital.
At t h e s a m e t i m e , I would like to congratulate the Taman Gasing Indah Residents Association (RA), Tunku Naquiyuddin Foundation and Entogenex Industries S dn Bhd for conducting a campaign recently to educate and empower the public on the dengue menace. Other private s ectors should emulate this and work hand-in-hand with the community to launch their own campaigns. If this can materialis e, it would be a commendable CSR effort. It is through this kind of programmes that we hope the public will become more pro-active in cleaning up their respective areas. Mokhtar
with the contention of Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, who equally condemned the raid. Further, it is my hope that we will finally destroy and trump for good all forms of discrimination, racism, paranoia and religious intolerance. There is only one way for us to succeed, and that is our unity in diversity and the protection of humanity at all cost. In demanding respect, it follows that we should and must respect others. The liberty and freedom we all cherish and value is the same liberty and freedom our fellow men so value and love. If we truly love our dignity and humanity, it follows that we must extend the same love and appreciation to our fellow men, who share the same dignity and humanity we have. Jose Mario De Vega
Dolor
T H E S e l angor Is l am i c Religious Department (JAIS) has landed itself in another controversy. This is not the first time they have treaded on sensitive issues. It would appear JAIS is unable to perform its duties in a plural society where there are many religions, races and cultures. As such, the only alternative is for the higher authorities to disband JAIS and, in its place, set up another department that will be able to perform its duties without disturbing the peace of the people. It must be understood clearly that Malaysia is unlike Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Iran
and other Islamic countries. We have a large concentration of Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and other religions who are all trying to live in peace with one another. It is also the vision of our Prime Minister and other leaders that we live together in harmony as enshrined in the Constitution. Despite this, there are elements bent on disrupting, dividing and treading on sensitive issues. I have the highest respect for the government and we are depending on it to continue to create a close and contended society that can live peacefully without interference. Anandh
Moderation the way to go IT IS in moderation that we should live for now, come this 54th year of Merdeka. Otherwise, there could be much trouble for plural, multiracial, religious Malaysia. Moderate in the way we live and act with others and in what we say and do. I once, too, attended a Christian school and even participated in Bible class. But that in no way made me a Christian. I am a Sikh today, will live a Sikh and die like one. So, this fear that others can take you off your religion is not right.
It is important to believe in what you are. If you are a Hindu, be that, and if a Muslim, be that, too. There is no reason why you should change just because others offer you help. I have always advocated "To you to your religion and I to mine". So, where can there be conflict? It pays to know how others live and practise their religions. This knowledge can bring about many benefits and help us avoid petty squabbles. Bulbir Singh
KL: Towards better taxi service (Aug 3)
No problem with cabbies TRULY, I don't see what all the fuss is about. I take a lot of taxis and almost never have any problems at all. Most drivers are friendly and use the meter without hesitation. Recently, I took a taxi and the meter read RM4.30 and the driver said "RM4" while I was reaching for my money. I gave him RM5 and he thanked me. Only two things need to be done to improve the taxi service:
a. Stop the impediments to taxi drivers making enough money to feed their families. Taxis in Malaysia are already cheaper than even India or Indonesia. Remove the coupon system, which also helps passengers as it is one less queue. Scrap the limo system and let taxis take passengers from the airports. b. Have proper enforcement. I have never seen
figures in the past 25 years of the number of taxis investigated vs the number of licences cancelled. Not many cabbies are dealt with more harshly than a slap on the wrist. Not only will suitable penalties get the recalcitrant drivers in line, they will ensure other drivers know that no nonsense will be tolerated. Eina
Not scared of authority I WOULD suggest we follow the system used in Shanghai and Beijing. The taxi drivers there are fearful of losing their rice bowl. Whenever a passenger reaches his destinations, a receipt will be printed
out to be given to the passenger with the taxi numb er and the tele phone numb er of t he relevant authority to call should there be hankypanky on the part of the taxi driver. Enforcement by t he
relevant authority is what is needed here in this country, not the tidak apa attitude. Here, the taxi drivers do not fear the authority at all. Wong
the malay mail
TuesDay 9 August, 2011
If you practice being kind, you’ll get good at it. If you practice being conscious, you’ll get good at it. If you practice garnering peace in your life, you’re going to get good at it.
10.00pm
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world
Mystery of how shark got in the woods LOCALS in the small town of Milton, New Hampshire, are trying to figure out how a six-foot shark ended up in the region's woods. reports The Lookout. Floyd Ellis told local station WMUR that his brother found the decomposing blue shark on Thursday. The closest ocean beach is a 45-minute drive away, so authorities think fishers without a licence may have caught it there and then dumped it in the woods to decompose when they realised they might get into trouble. Miltonites at a local pond said they had never heard of anything like it. One man suggested the incident was likely a real-world extension of the Discovery Channel's annual summer roundup of shark-themed programming.
Suharto's granddaughter's trial adjourned THE trial of Putri Aryanti Haryowibowo (pic), the greatgranddaughter of late president Suharto, at the South Jakarta District Court, was adjourned yesterday because prosecutors had failed to complete the list of charges, the Jakarta Post reports. "The prosecutors have not completed the charges yet," prosecutor Trimo said, adding that the charges would be read out on Aug 15 instead, as ordered by the judge. The prosecutors were also reprimanded by the judge for the delay. Putri was arrested along with two of her friends, Eddie Setiono and Agus Notonegoro, during a drug raid at the Maharani Hotel in South Jakarta on March 18.
Java has worst air, water quality in Indonesia ENVIRONMENT Minister Gusti Muhammad Hatta says the quality of water and air in Java is the worst in Indonesia, the Jakarta Post reports. As a province, Jakarta has the worst water and air quality. Citing the 2011 report on the country's environment, Gusti said Jakarta and several other cities in Java designated only 10 per cent of their areas as "green areas", in contrast to the required 30 per cent. “All of those things are caused by industrialisation,” Gusti said. He added the ministry was planning to sue seven companies allegedly contributing to environmental degradation. They include six fish processing companies and a mining firm.
The White House said yesterday the United States was giving RM317 million in aid to alleviate hunger in Somalia — AFP
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
NEW YORK
Madonna's dream tumbles Funds for planned school for girls in Malawi squandered
THE abandoned site looks more like a quarried mine than a pop superstar's multi-million-dollar dream to groom girls into Malawi's next leaders and doctors. But the bleak, levelled terraces of gravelly sand near Malawi's capital are the only evidence of Madonna's (pic) US$15 million (RM45m) academy that was ditched in a cloud over misused funds and disgruntled locals. "This has just become a football ground now," said local chief Binson Kalenga. The bulldozers are long silent where Madonna, who adopted two children from Malawi, laid a
foundation stone engraved "dare to dream" in April last year, in a simple village in a desperately poor African country that many could not find on a map. A year later the school had been called off. The star is being sued by employees who were fired, her charity is tied up in a US tax investigation, and Malawi is investigating how the land was paid for. "Initially although I welcomed it, personally I was very sceptical about the whole thing," said Lilongwe district commissioner Paul Kalilombe. "There was just too much publicity before there was any work on
NEW YORK
Suing for no Grammys
FOUR Latin Jazz musicians are suing the Grammy Awards for cutting their category from the list of awards handed out each year. In a suit filed in New York State court, the musicians accuse the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of threatening their careers by denying them the chance to win a coveted Grammy (pic). The academy cut Latin Jazz along with 30 other categories in a streamlined list that still tops out at 78 awards. But in their suit, filed last week, the four artists say the changes unfairly derailed their career-long build-ups to becoming Grammy winners. One plaintiff, Benjamin Lapidus, who heads a Latin
Jazz group and has been an academy member since 2001, says he had been told he would have a chance for an award in the Latin Jazz category if he released his eight album, Generaciones, this year. Now, Lapidus' album will not have a meaningful chance to compete," the suit says. Another disappointed plaintiff, Eugene Marlow, had just recorded an album A Fresh Take with "the specific purpose of entering it into the Latin Jazz category to compete for a Grammy Award to be conferred by the Recording Academy in February 2012," the suit said. The suit said the academy had determined back in 1995 that Latin Jazz was "a well-recognised, independent genre of music eligible for consideration for a Grammy Award". That amounted to "longoverdue recognition to the highly-regarded artistic work of musicians who blended the improvisatory leaning of jazz with the native music and cultures of the Caribbean and Central and South America". In a statement, the academy said: "The Recording Academy believes this frivolous lawsuit is without merit, and we fully expect to prevail." — AFP
the ground." In January, Madonna said the academy project was off in favour of helping existing schools across the country. But The New York Times then reported on an audit, ordered by Madonna, that found US$3.8 million squandered on the discarded academy. The audit reportedly found a "startling lack of accountability" on t h e m an a ge m e nt team in Malawi and the United States. — AFP
LONDON
Musicians 'blackmailed' into charity gigs PROFESSIONAL musicians are being "emotionally blackmailed" into performing for free at charity concerts, Britain's Musicians' Union said yesterday. "It is wrong that many performing artists are expected to work for nothing when they are engaged for charitable and
fundraising events," the union said. "It is extremely unfair to put professional musicians into a situation where they are emotionally blackmailed into working for no fee and are asked to give their services to a good cause. "This is particularly unjust
when others associated with the event, such as venue staff, lawyers and caterers, are being paid." The union intends to put a motion to the annual Trades Union Congress next month. They will also raise the problem of internships which do not pay a proper rate. — AFP
JERUSALEM
Archaelogists find 70 AD Roman sword ISRAELI archaeologists have discovered a Roman sword from the time of the destruction of the second Jewish temple in 70 AD, officials said yesterday as Jews prepared to mourn the anniversary. The Israel Ant iquit ies Authority said that the 60-centimetre long weapon and its leather scabbard were found during excavations in a 2,000year-old drainage channel in the City of David, in the Arab neighbourhood of Silwan just south of Jerusalem's Old City walls. It said in a statement that the channel, which funnelled rainwater to the biblical pool of Siloam, "served as a hiding refuge for the residents of Jerusalem from the Romans during the destruction of the Second Temple." A spokeswoman told media the find was made last week. According to Jewish tradi-
tion, the first temple, built by King Solomon, was razed by the Babylonians on the ninth of the Hebrew month of Av. 586 BC. The second temple, built on the same site by King Herod, is said to have been destroyed on the same date in 70 AD, as Roman forces put down a Jewish revolt. Observant Jews mark the day, which begins at sunset yesterday, by reading from the Book of Lamentations, fasting for 24 hours and refraining from sex and entertainment in an annual ritual of mourning. "It seems that the sword belonged to an infantryman of the Roman garrison stationed in Israel at the outbreak of the Great Revolt against the Romans in 66 CE," the antiquities authority statement said.
"The sword’s fine state of preservation is surprising: not only its length but also the preservation of the leather scabbard (a material that generally disintegrates over time) and some of its decoration," it added. It said that a stone object engraved with a picture of a menorah was found next to the channel. Researchers think the picture might have been carved by a visitor to the nearby temple. — AFP RARE FIND: A photo from the Israel Antiquities Authority shows a sword in a scabbard that belonged to a Roman soldier discovered in the 2,000-year-old drainage channel between the City of David and the Jerusalem Archaeological Garden — AFP
world
We are no strangers to attacks by governments when we downgrade sovereign debt ratings — David Beers, S&P's head of the sovereign ratings group
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 August, 2011
NEW YORK
Global economic slowdown THE United States and Japan are showing clearer signs of entering an economic slowdown, while China and leading eurozone countries continue to indicate slowing activity, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said yesterday. Signs of a slowdown persisted in France, Germany, China, India and Brazil, the OECD said on the basis of leading indicators pointing
Stocks battered Worst day for Wall Street since December 2008 points) — its steepest oneday drop since late 2008 — to close at 10,809.85, erasing all of its gains since last October. The broader S&P 500 fell 6.7 per cent to 1,119.46 while the tech-heavy Nasdaq dropped 6.9 per cent to 2,357.69. The Standard & Poor's ratings agency lowered the US long-term sovereign debt rating from AAA to AA+ after markets closed last Friday, citing Washington's inability to rein in its mounting deficits. US President Barack
Obama sought to contain the damage, giving a televised speech yesterday to declare that the United States "always will be a triple-A country", but markets only hit fresh lows afterwards. Financial stocks were battered, with Citigroup falling 16.4 per cent. Bank of America dived an eye-popping 20.3 per cent after it was also hit with a mammoth US$10.5billion fraud lawsuit from insurance giant AIG. The price of oil fell by more than five per cent in both New York and London as the growing risk of a new
towards future trends. Last month, the United States and Japan were at turning points following a period of growth that is now considered to be peaking, the 34-member organisation of rich nations said. Negative economic data in the United States and the debt crisis in Europe have rattled financial markets in recent days as fears of looming world recession grow. — AFP
WASHINGTON
PLUNGING: Instability has taken over in US stockmarkets with panic selling by investors — AFPpic
STOCKS plummeted around the world yesterday as Standard & Poor's unprecedented downgrade of the United States sent shockwaves through markets already roiled by Europe's debt crisis. Gold topped US$1,700 (RM5,130) an ounce for the first time in history, as investors eyed the prospect of a fresh global downturn and shrugged off international efforts to resolve sovereign debt woes. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by five per cent (634.76
13
economic downturn threatened to eat away at global energy demand. In Europe, stock markets fell despite signals from the European Central Bank that it would buy Italian and Spanish bonds in a bid to prop up the two countries' troubled finances. Frankfurt closed down by more than 5.0 per cent, Paris was down by 4.7 per cent and London dived by nearly 3.4 per cent. All eyes will be on Asian markets today as a ripple effect is expected to hit stocks badly. — AFP
US House cuts 'pageboy' programme Bringing the curtain down on a nearly 200-year-old tradition, leaders of the US House of Representatives announced yesterday they were doing away with the chamber's "page" programme. Republican House Speaker John Boehner and Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi cited the high cost of the programme and advances in technology that have reduced the need for the teenaged messengers' services. "We have great appreciation for the unique role pages have played in the history and traditions of the House of Representatives. This decision was not easy, but it is necessary," they said in a joint statement.
"Although the traditional mission of the Page Programme has diminished, we will work with members of the House to carry on the tradition of engaging young people in the work of the Congress." The lawmakers cited an independent study that highlighted how messages that pages once ferried around the vast US Capitol grounds now zoom among offices electronically and found that the annual cost to operate the program has topped US$5 million (RM15m). Each page costs between US$69,000 and US$80,000 per school year, more than the most expensive US boarding schools. — AFP
14 news
German air traffic controllers called off a six-hour strike at the last minute today after their employers launched new talks on demands for pay hikes — AFP
LONDON
Mob rule spreads Pockets of violence and looting hit Birmingham, buildings torched
VIOLENCE spread across London for a third day yesterday with riot police tackling laughing youths setting fire to cars and properties and looting shops in some of the worst rioting in the capital in years. Buildings were in flames in Peckham, Lewisham and Croydon in the south of the capital while gangs of looters roamed the streets of Hackney in the east. Hundreds of riot police poured into Hackney to try to contain the violence in a district just a few kilometres from where the 2012 Olympics will take place this time next year. As darkness fell, police wielding batons pushed the youths back, while local residents hoping to return to their homes were kept behind police cordons. In Croydon, an entire block of buildings was ablaze, sending flames leaping into the night sky. The violence first erupted on Saturday in the multi-ethnic neighbourhood of Tottenham in north London after a man was shot dead by police two days earlier. Copycat violence then spread to other areas of the British capital on Sunday before reaching to new dis-
CRIMINALS: Looters breaking into a shop in riot-torn London
tricts yesterday. Home Secretary Theresa May, who cut short her holiday to return to London, condemned the riots as "sheer criminality" and vowed that the perpetrators would face justice. "The violence we've seen, the looting we've seen, the thuggery we've seen, this is sheer criminality," she said.
PM cuts holiday to deal with riots
PRIME MINISTER David Cameron (pic) will cut short his holiday to return to Britain today to deal with the rioting spreading across London, Downing Street said. He will chair a meeting of Britain's emergency response committee and hold separate talks with the interior minister and the acting police chief upon his return, a brief statement said. " T h e pr i m e minister will chair COBR to discuss the London riots. He will also be meeting with the Home Secretary (Theresa May) and the Acting Deputy Commissioner Tim Godwin,"a spokeswoman said. COBR stands for the Cabinet
Office Briefing Room, a government secure room fitted with video and audio links which is used to deal with emergency situations. The make-up of those on the committee varies according to the nature of the problem but usually involves senior ministers, other key ministers and relevant outside figures such as military or police chiefs. Cameron is on holiday with his family in a luxury villa in Tuscany in Italy. His office said last week he would not return to Britain amid the eurozone debt crisis, but he has decided he will now come back to deal with the escalating violence in London. — AFP
"These people will be brought to justice, they will be made to face the consequences of their actions." Police said they had arrested 215 people before yesterday's violence, including an 11-yearold boy. At least 35 police officers were injured in the unrest at the weekend. The violence even spread
beyond London after police said a group of youths in Birmingham, central England, smashed shop windows in the city centre and stole merchandise, but reports said the violence was under control. Tensions remained high in Tottenham following the shooting on Thursday of 29-year-old Mark Duggan, amid fresh doubts about the
original account of his death during a police operation against gun crime within the black community. On Sunday, shops were looted and police officers pelted with stones in the southern district of Brixton; in Enfield, Walthamstow and Islington in the north and east, and on Oxford Street in the city centre. Although police and politicians said much of the violence was opportunistic, community leaders and many residents in Tottenham said it pointed to deep social unease in the area, one of the poorest in London. David Bennie, in his late 40s, was riding his bicycle on his way up to look at the damage. "Quite a few people were expecting riots this summer here. The economic situation has been building up and all it needed was a spark." Cheryline Lee, a Tottenham resident in her 50s, told media: "The police did not give the community any information about this man who was shot. "But burning buildings like this is much too much. People have lost their houses and people have lost their jobs as well." — AFP
Chronology of events • ON Thursday Mark Duggan, 29, a father-of-four, is shot in an apparent shoot-out with police as he travelled in a taxi after officers had stopped the car during an operation against gun crime among the black community. • Mayhem breaks out in
Tottenham just before sunset on Saturday during a "peaceful protest" which escalates into rioting, burning of vehicles, buildings and looting • On Monday, the violence had spread to the south of the city, including the areas of Peckham, Croydon and
Lewisham. • Newspaper reports yesterday suggested tests conducted on a bullet found lodged in a police officer's radio after Thursday's shooting came from a police weapon. Police are investigating the death.
Officials: No impact on Olympic Games BRITISH government officials branded rioters as opportunistic criminals and said the violence would not affect preparations for next summer's Olympic Games. Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Steve Kavanagh said the force was putting more officers on the streets in Hackney and other areas last night. "Let me make it clear that people who are using current events as an excuse or cover to break the law, steal, attack
police officers and cause fear to Londoners will not be tolerated by the vast majority of
Londoners and us," he said. Some have branded the disturbances as a cry for help from impoverished areas reeling from the government's harsh austerity cuts to tackle a big budget deficit, with youth services and other facilities cut back sharply. "Tottenham is a deprived area. Unemployment is very, very high, they are frustrated," said Uzodinma Wigwe, 49, who was made redundant from his job as a cleaner recently. — Reuters
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
Blackberry used to fuel Tottenham riots THE so-called Arab Spring of uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East, beginning in December in Tunisia gained important momentum from the protestors' use of social media. Arab youth would coordinate demonstrations and enlist support via Facebook ad Twitter. And ever since, the tendency in the media has been to credit or blame social media for sparking similar demonstrations, The Cutline reports. But the riots that erupted in London over the weekend--injuring 35 police officers, leading to 160 arrests,were largely fueled by something less social, BlackBerry Messenger (BBM). The free instant message service, which requires BlackBerry users to exchange pin numbers, was used by Tottenham youth to mobilise in their clash with police. In part, the Totenham rioters used BBM because the service is a private channel, unlike Facebook and Twitter.
Phone maker offers to help UK police YOUTHS appeared to have used a free message service on Blackberry mobile phones to coordinate attacks on shops and police. Research In Motion, the Canadian manufacturer of Blackberry smart phones, said it would work with British authorities, but gave no details on what information, if any, it would give the police. "We feel for those impacted by this weekend's riots in London. We have engaged with the authorities to assist in any way we can," RIM spokesman Patrick Spence said in a statement. — Reuters
People hide from raging mobs A SMALL group of people said they had barricaded themselves inside the 110-year-old Hackney Empire theatre to escape the violence. "We are stuck inside here," said one person, who did not give her name, in a telephone conversation with media. "We don't want to be near the windows. They seem to be targeting shops at the moment. It's really very scary. We are in the back of the building, staying away from the front. We have barricaded the doors and put chains on the doors so no one can get in." — Reuters
lifestyle 15
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
Hear, Say
By JOE LEE joelee@mmail.com.my twitter @klubbkiddkl
THE problem with being a runaway hit (in any form) is, one would always have to meet people’s expectations as well as always coming up with something that could top the previous achievement. Just ask Hot FM’s new onair presenter Syed Mohamad Asri, or more commercially known as Shy8 and he’ll tell you it’s the biggest juggling act you could ever take on. Once upon a time, the actor and now radio personality, was by day Tanjung Offshore Bhd corporate communications manager and at other times, a struggling actor and singer. Until Usop Wilcha came along, that is Introduced in 2008’s Zombi Kampung Pisang, the character also gained a bigger following with a spotlight on the role in 2010’s sleeper hit sequel Hantu Kak Limah Balik Rumah. Usop Wilcha is now a certified household name. The role of Usop Wilcha is built upon the character created by director Mamat Khalid, and was further developed by Shy8 who decided to come up with his twist to the effeminate, wheelchair-riding, wrist flicking smart aleck. The 46-year-old got his first break in Ambang Klasik’s Aidilfitri telemovie Doa Untuk Ayah in 1997. He was also the production house’s first talent signed by Ambang Klasik. A year before, he produced, composed and wrote every word for his own songs for his debut album, Terasing Di Bumi Sendiri. The title track became the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign song that year. There was little success in between that. He was also picked by Mamat Khalid for guest roles in Lang Buana and Man Laksa before the whirlwind success of Usop Wilcha. Finally. After years of trying, the actor has reached the crossroads of considering acting and a life in the entertainment business as a full time career with offers pouring in. "It was at first indeed difficult to divide my time between the entertainment and corporate worlds, but now after two months, I’m really feeling the pressure,” he said with a serious tone, and
How fame takes toll on Shy8 not even a hint of the comic appeal of Usop Wilcha was present. “I can’t give full commitment to both fields, hence I have decided to resign from my full time, day job.” Strange, as it was never expected that he would turn to this profession as something that would be his day job. “I never liked acting, and never got that many offers, and it took years before Mamat saw something that could be brought out for the people. And now, to be honest, I can’t cope. "I’m up by 4am, and in the conti by 5am. Then I have to shoot to the office, leaving little time for my family, especially my son which is just a year and a month old.” Hence, he took the bold move to tender his resignation even before he took on the offer by Hot FM, to avoid dissatisfaction among others in the company who may not sit well with him popping in and out as he pleased. “I cannot be fair to them and this is the best decision. While the company has been supportive thus far, and reluctant in accepting my resignation to the point of being relaxed and allowing me to come in just once a week, I have to say I am tired and have no time for rest.” Shy8 said he made the decision as the newfound fame had taken its toll on him. “I’m usually so tired and stressed, and it affects my clarity, and I end up being one of the zombies of Kampung Pisang! I also don’t want people to say I’m taking advantage of the support given by my employers.” While it may not seem a traditionally wise move, with little job security in the uncertain entertainment industry, Shy8 said security is subjected to interpretation. “There is no such thing as security. Anything can happen, and I just have to make hay while the sun shines. The security I get now according to my plans as of now, is working hard over the next two years which may just pay off in delivering the same income compared to eight years in a day job.” He said it was up to each person to make the most of the situation. “I don’t know what would happen if a new management came in, or if I’m discarded — so I’m grabbing the opportunity when it’s there. And that’s my message to everyone out there too, to grab the opportunities presented to you and
not regret it once it’s passed.” He hasn’t planned for anything in the long run, and it may seem a little foolhardy to some, but Shy8 is confident of his move. “I haven’t planned on starting up my own company or starting my own production, but right now further down the line, I just plan to take time off to rest after reaping the benefits of my hard work.” Having experienced rejection much enough in the past, Shy8 took a swipe at those who chose to ride on names, and not talent. “Right now, I’m getting a lot of offers from those who rejected me in the past. So do they want me for my talent, or just the current popularity of the success of Usop Wilcha? Many choose to cast big names even in the crappiest of roles for just the sake of bankability.” And it’s not just those people who irk him. “Friends who never were in touch, relatives who suddenly claimed to be related, people who are suddenly nice despite ignoring me...” Shy8 droned on of those who have popped out of the
seeing Shy8 for the first time, and perhaps, not for the right reasons. “I think producers and directors should allow more for new talents to grow and develop. Even Shaheizy Sam, is going through what I am, from no one even giving him a second glance to being one of the most sought-after actors.” He said the Indonesian film industry that pits new talents against each other was the way to go. “That’s supposed to be the way. Bankability is fine to a certain extent, but the search for new talents should be the real race. Big names don’t promise paybacks as proven in the past with many flops despite star vehicles. "Our audience is now matured, the pool of talent has grown and many deserve a chance, so don’t narrow the scope down to a handful who are deemed ‘bankable’.” And even his lukewarm singing career in past has been a focus. “There have been offers for an album, but they want a comedy album with Usop Wilcha, and I’m not interested.
Right now, I’m getting a lot of offers from those who rejected me in the past. So do they want me for my talent, or just the current popularity of the success of Usop Wilcha? Many choose to cast big names even in the crappiest of roles for just the sake of bankability. — Shy8 woodwork since he hit the big time. “I really want to avoid offending people, but I do know why they suddenly want to be nice to me,” he said firmly. “There are those who claim to be friends, and suddenly expect favours. Now that I’m in the limelight, suddenly I have ‘friends’ who are upset I never had their numbers because they never contacted me, or demanding to be approved on Facebook though they were never close.” Indeed, the downside of Usop Wilcha’s success is revelation that many are
I’ll leave the comedy to Usop Wilcha on screen, and focus on me as Shy8, a singer if you do want me to do an album.” While it may sound like Shy8 is rather bitter over the success of his alter ego in Usop Wilcha, he shrugged and explained: “In other ways, I would love to be who I am, and not just Usop Wilcha all the time.” Still, he has love for the character which has catapaulted him to fame, and strives not to cheapen the character by diluting it with just about every franchise possible. “While there are numerous merchandise on sale with the Usop Wilcha brand, I don’t intend to cash in. I even forbade my family to produce anything with the name despite them being interested to. “I appreciate fans who create merchandise and just ask them to be responsible in doing so, not using my name, or
saying it’s endorsed and then failing to deliver thus spoiling my name.” His protective nature of Usop Wilcha includes his current stand to educate the public on what the character was all about. “I have to make people understand that I’m no comedian. I am an actor, who just happened to bring the role well as Mamat Khalid pointed out. In fact, Usop Wilcha has no real funny lines, and works based on visual, just as a result of my acting.” Hence, it’s a real challenge for Shy8 to take to radio, minus the visuals that make Usop Wilcha what he is. “It’s definitely different on radio as I don’t have the space, unlike when I act, or when I deliver motivational talks — but I think I’m getting the hang of it. “Still, on radio, while I have to bring the character to life, it will be bits of the real me and that’s what I want fans to understand as Usop Wilcha will always be only on film.” Which may be good news for fans still, considering Mamat Khalid is planning spinoff movies for the character.
x16 lifestyle news
By LOONG WAI TING waiting@mmail.com.my HONG KONG director Patrick Kong does not seem to mind being branded a "relationship expert", especially when he has been shooting mostly romantic flicks for the past eight years. All his films have revolved around marriage, lies and love. Patrick, who directed Love Connected, is passionate about discussing relationship issues and his new film, Love Is the Only Answer seems to be in the same vein. An encore film of sorts, Love is the Only Answer focuses on married couples who are changing partners due to dissatisfaction with their current relationships. The film is somehow based on a true incident, that circulated on the internet some time ago, about a bride who cancelled off her wedding after learning about her future husband's affair with another woman. At their wedding reception, Bo (Charmaine Sheh) and Cheong (Alex Fong) were supposed to be one of the happiest couple but a video clip of Cheong in a compromising position with another girl was shown at their wedding. Instead of throwing a tantrum and wrecking the whole event, Bo calmly walks up the stage and announces that their wedding is called off. A year later, Bo and Cheong, who remain good friends bump into each other. During one of their outings, Cheong
JOB WELL DONE: Charmaine is quite satisfied with the overall production of Love is the Only Answer
takes Bo to a 'swapping partner' party, where they meet with another troubled pair, Kit (Him Law) and his wife, Man Lai (Kelly Fu). More scandal awaits them. Well, the market has certainly widened a bit more these days and the audience is also more open to new ideas. Patrick's new film seem a little bold and daring but yet, not too revealing. The movie's lead actress, Charmaine, who shot to fame after appearing in countless TVB dramas (the most recent one being My Sister of Eternal Flower) told reporters at a recent tele-interview that she is quite satisfied with the overall production of Love is the Only Answer. "I am excited. I was initially
Would you swap partners in the name of love? worried if people would love the movie. Even the director wouldn't allow me to watch the movie. I guess I just have to wait," Charmaine said. "We communicated well on the set of Love is the Only Answer. I was happy throughout. The story captured my attention the most. It's based on a true story actually. I think the character I played was someone very brave." Charmaine said actors should act according to what the director wants, no matter how tough the role is. According to Patrick, he is satisfied with Charmaine's performance in the movie. "I purposely included all
the tough scenes to see if Charmaine can push herself a step ahead as a professional actress. I was pretty curious about how she would handle such a role. Well perhaps in the future I might include more tougher scenes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; like jumping off a building," he said (Charmaine's voice could be heard in the background shouting "You wish!" as she laughed away at this juncture). Patrick also said he was
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
Aiming high in hard times
s comfortable working with Charmaine, who is also one of his idolds. "I am a big fan of Charmaine, actually. I'm thankful that I got the chance to collaborate with her. I've always wanted to work with her on the silver screen. "Now I can say that I really appreciate her professionalism and acting skills."
FAME may change some, but for Nurshiha Mohd Zikir, the hard times of not being recognised in seeking opportunities to showcase her talent has been the best teacher, and she now appreciates what she has. The 24-year-old protégé of Datuk Sharifah Aini who emerged first runner-up for season five of talent search programme, Mentor, is already a seasoned pro despite her young age, after trying for the longest time to break into the business. She first came into public attention when she failed to make any headway into season three of Akademi Fantasia. Shiha, as she is more affectionately known, is now blooming into one of the most promising female talents. “I’m definitely in the same boat as Hazama,” she said referring to the recent champion of the ninth and final season of Akademi Fantasia who also failed to make the cut in the academy's Prelude for season four. “Both of us struggled, and took years before anyone saw our talent, but we have managed to prove to people we do have the talent. At the end of the day, I’m not bitter over anything as I realise, maybe it was an important episode in my life. "It was a necessary incuba-
tion period for me to grow, as I know I’ve come a long way since my first attempt.” She says not being able to afford the luxury of getting education in the basics of music, Mentor afforded her much, especially under the tutelage of Sharifah Aini. “If I had achieved things easier in the past, I may not
her first single in Bila Bertemu Mu, Shiha is signed to recording label Monkey Bone and management in 8 Unit. “Right now, I’m in the midst of completing my mini album with some five songs, scheduled for release after Aidilfitri.” Using the services of Rudy Mohamad, as producer and composer for all the tunes
Things used to be harder, singing daily with little pay and I’m definitely thankful for anything that comes my way now. — Shiha be at the level of being better as a person now. "Things used to be harder, singing daily with little pay and I’m definitely thankful for anything that comes my way now,” added the singer, who also says apart from that nothing much has changed, even in terms of security as “even back then, I never went out alone.” Currently, heard on radio for her sultry backing vocals on Sofazr’s Dan Bila Esok and
* Love is the Only Answer opens in cinemas nationwide tomorrow.
UNFORGETTABLE: Shiha (right), together with Black, in one of her performances during Mentor 5
(apart from the first single from Ajai), she said it was to achieve a more focused direction. “I’ve known him for a long time, and I am comfortable with him and the chemistry in the recording studio is the most important thing.” And while many are taking a laid back approach to their schedules for the fasting month, Shiha’s time in the holy month is taken up by recording sessions after tarawikh prayers late into the night. “I’ve been listening to fans, and I want to offer what they want instead of being selfindulgent. I realise that there are many good new talents out there now, so I plan to do something different for my debut.” Her first fasting month, and subsequent Aidilfitri will be no different with the spotlight on her now postMentor. “Preparations are the same as in previous years. After my father passed away, Aidilfitri has never been anything more special. Maybe in terms of spending a little more for my mum, but that’s about it. “I have no plans to fete fans come Aidilfitri, since I have no plans on where to celebrate the occasion, with possibly the first day in KL and then back balik kampung to Penang. However, if it’s back in the village, fans are more than welcome as it’s an open house every day.” — By JOE LEE
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18 lifestyle
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 August, 2011
A different side of Ah Long By LOONG WAI TING waiting@mmail.com.my IT is not everyday that people get to see another side of loan sharks and their ways with illegal activities, let alone observe how the organisations work. Not to be confused with Jack Neo's Ah Long Pte Ltd, CL Hor's The Loan Shark which was reported to have cost RM2.8 million to make, bares it all. For the first time, the audience gets to witness how Ah Long go about collecting their debts. At a Press conference recently, the director assured reporters that the movie was 100 per cent locally-made, with Kuala Lumpur as its main setting. The movie, which started shooting in January last year, was completed in less than a month â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 21 days to be exact. The movie is seen as Hor's bold attempt to make something different. The film incorporates many new ideas that many local directors have yet to try. And, there's also a cleverly playedout 'nude scene'! Also present at the Press conference was Josephine Goh or Jojo, as she is fondly known, the main star in The Loan Shark. Jojo said this was her first action film and she did not wish to be compared with Malaysia's action superstar, Datuk Michelle Yeoh. "It is something new for
HUMOUR US: Shawn Lee (from left), Jojo, Hor and Chong
me, especially being in an action film. I have like some 20 to 30 per cent of action scenes in the movie. There is a lot of tiny details to look at, especially when you have to strike different poses at the end of each fight," she said. Apart from using her fists to settle the problems in the movie, Jojo also constantly uses specially made beer
bottles as weapons to smash at her enemies or possible loan defaulters. "It is quite stressful to use beer bottles to harm someone than using a gun! We have 400 custom-made bottles for the production and you just need to learn to apply the right energy on someone's head. I remember I smashed someone's head
with a bottle in one scene but the bottle remained intact. The person lost consciousness on the spot," she said. Malaysia's head of MCA Public Service and Complaints Department, Datuk Michael Chong, who made a special appearance in the movie, said it took him 20 years just to gather informa-
tion about the money laundering business. However, he could not contain the funny side of him and told reporters that he is probably one of the actors with the most NGS (no good shot) in the movie. "I think I have the most NG shots. I thought it was easy being in a movie, but whenever the camera starts roll-
ing and the light is shining on you, things can be very different." However, Chong said there is no right or wrong in the movie and it depends on the audiences to draw their own conclusion. * The Loan Shark is now playing in cinemas nationwide.
'Fortune Buddies' cast speaks up
FUNNY FRIENDS: Lee (From left), Wong and Yuen
IT all started off as a Saturday night entertainment. However, for some reason, the show Fun with Liza and Gods began to gain popularity among its local viewers, mostly in Hong Kong. Soon, its fame began to spread across the globe, including Malaysia. That opened the doors for more opportunities. The producer saw the potential in the show and decided to turn it into a feature-length movie. The result is what audience and fans alike will see on Aug 11 in Fortune Buddies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a movie starring Wong Cho Lam, Johnson Lee and Louis Yuen. The trio, who were in Kuala Lumpur after their recent
concert in Genting Highlands, could not contain their excitement for the movie. "We never thought that it would come this far, from a small TV series to a movie," Wong said. "I guess it's because we don't have anything better to do," he joked with reporters at the launch of the movie at GSC Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur. "I think since we started off as a television series, there's always strong chemistry between us. It's almost like we're a part of a big family," Yuen said. From the creators of I Love Hong Kong, Fortune Buddies tells a story of three men, who make their living doing odd jobs. Despite numerous at-
tempts to change their lives, the trio decide to do the impossible by performing the 'Wrestling on Concrete'. One day, a foreigner challenges the trio to a match. They win easily. However, little do they know that their win would eventually change their entire lives. On the movie's message, Wong said it is the nevergive-up attitude that becomes the main subject they want to share with the audience. "Yes, this will be something different that we're attempting at and we hope the audience will love it," Yuen said. * Fortune Buddies opens in cinemas nationwide Aug 11.
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The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 august, 2011
Bubba takes on the Ramadan spirit
By Jeremy Tan lifestyle@mmail.com.my For lovers of scrumptious shrimps, you probably can’t go wrong with Bubba Gump’s renowned speciality. 'Run, Forest, Run!' is the famous phrase of a certain film that provided a history lesson into how the restaurant serving delicious shrimp (and other dishes) came to be. So we all know that the franchise he gave birth to boasts a formidable reputation. Even beyond the speciality of little crustaceans, Bubba Gump’s arsenal of other dishes, notably like the Rib Eye Steak, provide ample reason for mouthwatering just in case shrimps don’t sate your taste buds. And sate your taste buds you definitely will, because this season just prompts for such luxury. And you might want to consider Bubba Gump as an option for such stomach pampering. The Ramadan spirit has not left Bubba here untouched, what with the restaurant offering its Ramadhan Delights to all potential patrons. The offer however, is not quite as delightful as it may initially suggest. Primarily the only 'delight' is that, by choosing one out of a list of familiar dishes to Bubba Gump regulars, you get a free soup
or house salad which is further complemented by dessert of the day. That really isn’t a killer deal, considering that most of the 11 main courses that allow for the free edibles barely qualify as affordable. The cheapest cost RM22.90, and that sounds fine, but that’s the price tag of the most boring dish on the list, Spaghetti Bolognaise. But are the dishes any good? If you aren’t familiar with Bubba Gump, or haven’t been there enough times to make up your mind, here’s the breakdown of some of the dishes to give you an idea. Bubba’s homemade Firecracker Sauce sure provides a yummy light spiciness and Bubba’s Firecracker Chicken is a great example how a sauce can complete a meal. The saucy coating fuses well with the succulent meat, and priced at RM26.90, that sure is a great deal. The same can’t be said, sadly enough, about the BBQ Beef Back Ribs. It’s an overpriced RM48.90 for the meagre portion of two rib cages. It’s tasty and makes you want to get your hands dirty, no doubt, but the gluttonous will hardly be satisfied. With 60 bucks flying out the wallet, you’d probably want to be full and happy. Granted there’s the free soup and all, but it just doesn’t seem worth it regardless. On a brighter note, the French fries are spectacular. Love salad? The Ying Yang Chicken Salad may just be up your alley. As the name would suggest, the salad is a delicate balance of mildly refreshing flavours. It's like light explosions of juiciness, the mild sauce providing a lovely tinge of sweetness. The chicken’s pretty decent, though it could have been chunkier. It was sliced a bit too thinly to fully savour the meatiness. The lightness of the meal was probably intended, however. The Bourbon Street Catch of the Day is an offering of semi-affordable tastiness
YUMMERS: The way food is cooked at Bubba equates to a real savoury experience at RM32.90… or RM30.90 if you want Poultry of the Day instead (it’s chicken every day, by the way). The shrimp that comes with it, is unsurprisingly delicious, chunky and robust. The Bourbon Street Sauce adds an inexplicable pungent richness, and yet oddly mild. It’s a good addition to accompany any catch of the day. Now, about a dish where shrimp takes centre stage - … Of Course There is Scampi. Yes, that’s the name of the dish. Its tender shrimp sautéed with capers in lemon and garlic butter on a bed of linguine. Basically, that equates to a real savoury experience. Well, at least the shrimps are. The crustaceans were very chunky, with an almost creamy texture when you savour the innards. It is worth relishing but the linguine is less so, with a rather bland texture. At RM31.90, it’s an okay price when combined with the Ramadhan Delight offers. So there you have, some of the 11 dishes offered throughout the month. If that whets the curiosity of your palate, then the shrimps and Firecraker Chicken would be the highest recommendation from us. Either than that, well, it’s arbitrary.
WON'T BREAK YOUR WALLET: The Simply XXXcellent Chicken Rice Combo allows patrons who are observing the fasting month yet another great way to break fast
Simply exquisite RAMADAN and fast food do not seem to gel well, but A&W seems to have found a way to merge two worlds via its new menu. Now you can have the best of both worlds with the Simply XXXcellent Golden Aroma Chicken and a host of complementing Malaysian favourites, including (get this) chicken rice, homemade traditional soup and curry, topped with heavenly-sweet dates and Acar Jelatah. Completing the meal is A&W’s signature Root Beer Jelly Ice Cream. The Simply XXXcellent Chicken Rice Combo allows patrons who are observing the fasting month yet another great way to break fast and could suit any taste bud. Throughout Ramadan, enjoy this Malaysian-inspired serving for RM10.40 and get a regular mug of Root Beer free. With an additional RM7, choose from a variety of seven A&W combos and enjoy free
unlimited refills of Root Beer. With only RM17.40 for two combos, you can be sure that you won’t break your wallet. “In tandem with our tagline ‘More than the Usual’, we always look to offer patrons more variety, great value and a whole host of rewards. With the bustle of Ramadan, it’s essential to fuel up and get nourished with a complete meal. That’s what we offer customers with the Ramadhan Simply XXXcellent Chicken Rice Combo”
A&W Malaysia Sdn Bhd general manager Mohd Anuar Osman said. This year, A&W is also calling all non-Muslims to get in on the rewards with A&W’s Lunch Sen Savers which starts from as low as RM4.50. Beginning from Aug 1, customers can enjoy value lunch deals with A&W’s Lunch Sen Savers from noon to 3pm. Promotion lasts till the end of the month. For more details on the Simply XXXcellent Chicken Rice Combo as well as all other promotions, visit www.rootbeer.com.my/promos or http:// on.fb.me/awmalaysia. VALUE WITH EVERY PURCHASE: Enjoy the Lunch Sen Savers from as low as RM4.50
20 lifestyle
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 august, 2011
Fresh seafood temptations
Dive and dine into the abundance of seafood choices served at Tony Roma’s from now until Sept 4 with their limited-time-only Seafood Grill promotion that is sure to wet your palate. “Tony Roma’s, well-known for its three core specialties namely ribs, steaks and seafood, is now offering all seafood lovers a delightful choice of seafood grill meals to satisfy their palate,” said Regene Siah, assistant manager of Marcom of Tony Roma’s Malaysia. During this promotional period, a variety of seafood dishes will be featured. Patrons can try out the delicious starter called Grilled Shrimp Cocktail, a twist on a classic where half a dozen of shrimps are served grilled, basted with garlic scampi butter, garnished with dill and nestled on a bed of crisp lettuce, for RM22.90. Salad lovers can also try the new Calamari Caesar Salad for RM29.90 which is prepared with hand-breaded calamari rings batter atop Romaine lettuce with shaved Italian cheese, croutons and a creamy tomato pesto alongside Caesar dressing. As for main entrées, patrons can ‘sea’-lect Tony Roma’s chef recommendation of Shrimp and Salmon Piccata, priced at only RM46.90. It features a grilled flaky Norwegian salmon topped with sautéed shrimps and capers in a creamy white lemon sauce, which is sure to give your taste buds a whirlwind of flavours. Something new would be the Seared Citrus Cod which can be savoured at the reasonable price of RM55.90. The Seared Cod is glazed in citrus ponzu sauce and covered with fresh cucumber, mango and cilantro. For those who enjoy seafood pasta, they may want to try the Salmon Scampi Pasta priced at RM39.90, which is a fare of linguine pasta lightly sautéed with garlic, fresh basil, tomato pesto and a hint of chipotle. New desserts were also in-
Grilled Shrimp Cocktail
Chef's PICK: Shrimp and Salmon Piccata
Salmon Scampi Pasta
Calamari Caesar Salad troduced to complement this special seafood grill promotion. For RM12.90 only, patrons can treat themselves to Coffee Mousse and Doughnuts which consist of fresh, glazed yeast doughnuts with espresso mousse and chocolate syrup. Additionally featured in-line with the promotion period is the Ramadan special where patrons are entitled to a 50 per cent discount for refreshing mocktails with any purchase of a seafood promotion dish from 6pm onwards. These mocktails include the Caribbean Sunset, Sweet Cherry, Miami Breeze, Fruity Breeze and Cranberry Fizz, all priced at RM12.90 each. For those who desire to dive straight into these scrumptious dishes, head over to one of the six nearest Tony Roma’s outlets to satisfy your seafood cravings! For further inquiries and reservations, call Tony Roma’s restaurants at Sunway Pyramid (03-74921188), e@Curve (03-77287833), Pavilion KL (03-21433278), The Garden’s (03-22828243), Jalan Yap Kwan Seng (03-21610200) and 1 Mont' Kiara (03-62030580).
Coffee Mousse and Doughnuts
Seared Citrus Cod
Revamped eatery quite a catch A regular favourite haunt and watering hole to the patrons of Resorts World Genting, the Patio Bar & Lounge, located within the lively Indoor Theme Park and shopping galore at the First World Plaza, underwent a renovation and expansion exercise last year. On Dec 16, 2010, The Patio Bar & Lounge officially revealed the finished product — a remarkable work of art that showcases three brand new concepts. The Main Deck is a cool place to chill with a seating capacity of 222 and a bar offering an extensive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks where patrons can enjoy themselves while entertained by the resident band or sports screenings. There are two upper decks with different ambiance choices for patrons. The first upper deck is known as the Tiger Sports Bar. It is the place to be for all sports enthusiasts to
Wine Whisky Bar
Lower Deck cheer on their favorite teams. Sports fans can congregate at this well-installed deck where six high-definition plasma
screens broadcast ‘live’ sports coverage of various sporting events from around the world. The sporty blue, black and orange hue bar is well-stocked with various beverages for you to enjoy while lounging at the plush comfy sofa. At the end of The Patio’s
Tiger Sports Bar
extended main deck, led by a staircase upwards, is the next upper deck which houses the Wine & Whisky Bar. Textured brick walls and welcoming antique leather couches lend an air of warmth and cosiness as one bask in posh comfort. Patio Bar and Lounge is located at Level 2, First World Plaza. The operation hours from Sunday to Thursday are 5pm to 2am; while Friday, Saturday, Eve of Public Holiday and Public Holiday are from 5pm to 3am. For enquiries, call 03-61011118 or visit www.rwgenting.com.
lifestyle 21
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 august, 2011
Snoop Dogg wants his own dictionary in a sentence with a noun, an adverb and an adjective. You might have one there." The rapper went on to explain the differences between a 'G' and a 'hustla' as referenced in his song Gz and Hustlas. He told Q magazine: "A ‘G’ is a gangster at all times and he takes what he wants, that's just how it is and he's more feared than
The 39-year-old rapper (pic) would love to release a Doggtionary, which would give definitions to the unusual words and phrases he uses in his everyday speech. Asked if he would release his own phrase book, he said: "Oh that's dope. I like that. A Doggtionary, where I break down my words, give you a definition and put it
respected. "A ‘hustla’ is one who's going to get money by any means necessary." Snoop is also famed for using the phrase 'fo-shizzle', which he says means "definite". He explained: "To me, it just means 'for sure' or 'a definite'. Is everything cool? Fo-shizzle. You feeling good today? Fo-shizzle."
Lady Gaga the focus of intimate pictorial book Described as a “visual dialogue” between the pop star (pic) and acclaimed photographer Terry Richardson — who has taken over 100,000 pictures of the Poker Face hitmaker — Lady Gaga will be released on Nov 22 and features an introduction written by the eccentric singer herself. Announcing the book, Grand Central Publishing said: “The book will showcase over 350 colour and black and white photographs taken during the 10-month period in which Richardson followed Lady Gaga and had complete access to her everyday life, with nothing being off limits. “Beginning with Lollapalooza in August 2010 to the February 2011 Grammy Awards which had 26.66 million viewers (the
highest viewership in over a decade) to the final shows of her 'Monster Ball' tour which averaged an attendance of 90,000 people each day, Richardson brilliantly captures the intimate, random, behindthe-scenes moments of Lady Gaga in both her professional and personal life.” Meanwhile, Gaga has spoken of how an intimate moment watching her grandmother as her grandfather lay dying inspired her hit Edge of Glory. She said: "I remember feeling so sad, but they both sort of acknowledged that they won at life because they won at love with each other." After her grandfather died, Gaga joined her father in drinking shots of tequila and
began to write the song. She recalled in an interview with KIIS-FM DJ Jojo: "For some reason I was able to express what my father was not about to express... what was so hard, was for my dad to watch my grandpa be on the edge to watch him cross over, but not be there yet.” The singer also spoke of how much she loved Amy Winehouse, who died
suddenly on July 23 aged 27. She said: "I didn't know Amy Winehouse, but I just loved her so much. I was such a huge fan, and I was a gogo dancer in New York when she was really big. So Amy gave me hope.”
Anjelica knows best Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson (pic) dated actress Anjelica Huston for 16 years and is reportedly worried about what details she could include in her book about their romance and his wild behaviour. A source told National Enquirer magazine: "Jack has a lot of skeletons in his closet and Anjelica knows where most of the bodies are buried. "She not only knows about many of Jack's women, she also has the goods on his drug use, drinking and kinky sex!" Jack, 74, even gave Anjelica a diamond and ruby necklace for her 60th birthday when he attended her party in Venice, California, earlier this month in a bid to win her over. The source added: "Jack kissed Anjelica and said, 'It's just like old times sweetheart, isn't it?' "Anjelica was swept off her feet at first, but she's wise to Jack's little game. He's trying to buy her silence." The As Good As It Gets star is notorious for his womanising ways and has dated a string of beauties over the years, including Lara Flynn
sudoku
Boyle and Michelle Phillips. But he has previously admitted the Horrid Henry: The Movie actress was the love of his life, and he regrets cheating on her with Rebecca Broussard — with whom he fathered two children with. Jack said: "The reality was that I was annihilated emotionally by the separation from Anjelica. "That was probably the toughest period of my life. I may have made a mistake but I don't want to go back and correct it. I would rather deal with it." Anjelica's book is due to be released in 2013. — Bang Showbiz
sudoku
MPH Best-Seller LIST Non-fiction 1. A Doctor in the House: The Memoirs of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad 2. Lee Kuan Yew: Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going by Han Fook Kwang, et al 3. Einstein:The Life and Times by Ronald W. Clark
4. Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo;Lynn Vincent 5. Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff 6. Area 51: An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base by
Annie Jacobsen 7. Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School by John Medina 8. The Shadow Effect: Illuminating the Hidden Power of Your True Self by Deepak Chopra, et al 9. I AM: The Power of
Discovering Who You Really Are by Howard Falco 10. Once a Jolly Hangman: Singapore Justice in the Dock (Second Edition Revised and Updated) (The Book That Shock Singapore) by Alan Shadrake
how to play
Fiction 1. Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King 2. Insatiable: The Stake Have Never Been Higher by Meg Cabot 3. The Tiger's Wife by Tea
Obreht 4. Fall of Giants by Ken Follett 5. Love Always by Harriet Evans 6. The Particular Sadness
of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender 7. Sleeping Arrangements by Madeleine Wickham 8. The Fall by Guillermo Del Toro, Chuck
Hogan 9. Luka and the Fire of Life by Salman Rushdie 10. The Abduction (Theodore Boone #2) by John Grisham
4. The Right to Differ: A Biographical Sketch of Lim Kit Siang (Includes the New Documentary DVD "Life and Times of Lim Kit Siang") by Ooi Kee Beng 5. Bogel Menuju Tuhan by Zahiril Adzim 6. 101 Rekreasi Hati: Buat Diri Ku yang Mudah
Lupa by Dr Zahazan Mohamed, Nik Wafdi Nik Jaafar 7. Beduk Diketuk by Pahrol Mohd Juoi 8. Di Mana Dia Di Hatiku? ALLAH itu Hampir Tapi, Kenapa Aku Masih Meminggir? Akalku Alpa Berfikir, Hatiku Lupa
Berzikir…by Pahrol Mohd Juoi 9. The Tiger That Lost Its Roar: A Tale of Malaysia's Political Economy by Tony Pua 10. Hebatnya Ramadan dan Amalan Lengkap & Doadoa by Ustaz Sharhan Safie
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.
1. Awaken Your Healing Power by John Wong CW 2. A Doctor in the House: The Memoirs of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad 3. Hadis 40 Imam Nawawi by Zahazan Mohamed & Muhammad Zakaria
• Weekly list compiled by MPH Bookstores, Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur; www.mphonline.com
FRIDAY'S solution
Local Author
22
the malay mail
KLCC
Kota Damansara
Mont Kiara
Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
Penang
Puchong
TuesDay 9 August, 2011
the malay mail
23
24
PROPERTY / MOTORING / HEALTH / HOME / OTHERS
the malay mail
Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
Readers can also look out for classified ads ONLINE as early as 9.00a.m at www.mmail.com.my
M22
Houses wanted
M130
Car for sale
M130
Car for sale
M135
Vehicles for hire
M321
Fashion/health & beauty
M321
Fashion/health & beauty
M321
Fashion/health & beauty
M300
Education
AROMA THERAPY Massage for all kind of body pains & sickness. P & C. Interested call: JOJO 017-8484 898
GOOD PRICES OFFERED for land / houses and Apt in Shah Alam, PJ & KL. Quick sale. Owners TEL / SMS 019-228 6666
BRAND NEW. All models. ( Vios, Altis, Camry, Prius, Avanza, Inova, Rush, Hilux, & Hiace Van) Full & Islamic loan, Int rate at 2. ++%, Special discount + free acc . @ email: shaharudin.toyota@gmail.com
VOLVO S80 2.0 L Automatic Silver colour. Lady owner, tip top condition. Accident free. Very low millage, four new michilin tyres. New lather seat. Sell by owner. RM38,800. Pls call Raymond 012-336 6819
M33
M138
Apartments to let
M133
Commercial vehicles for sale
KL SENTRAL. SAUSANA SENTRAL Loft. Fully furnished, high flr 1+1rm. 811sq.ft. Full facilities. RM 3650/-per month. Call owner 012-554 5396 or ktan2202@gmail.com
GOOD NEWS !!! Great promotion. Immediate stock , Fast approval. High trade in. Low d/ payment. Free body kit & sport rim for Forte. All new Sorento ready stock. Sportage, Citra RS, Rondo, Picanto, Pregio. Call: 03-4256 5556 Ampang
Financing/insurance service
(NEW) HICOM, High discount, high trade in, cheapest in town. Call: 016248 8363 / 012-676 3609.
Home repairs/maintenance
CAR LOAN Refinancing,Buy Used car / New car Blacklisted name are qualified to apply. Aerowatts Auto S/B(678070-M) Tel:03-6185 8982 012-308 3528,019-314 3601
AN EXTRA Trade in Value,low d/p,spd.delivery, free tint, f/ tank, Ste. lock, T & Go, Many Gifts. 016-321 4958, 010-539 4958
MITSUBISHI ALL new models. Fast loan & fast delivery, (Call to believed), Grandis, Pajero, Lancer, ASX, Sport back. Good trade in, Attractive promotion, good deal in town. All models stock available. 24 hrs in call. Oscar Tan 012-388 5897
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VOLKSWAGEN 2011. New 5 years warranty + road assist, low int. Models: Passat, GTi Golf, Tiguan, Eos etc. Rado 012/013-208 9447
M303 REPAIR ON THE SPOT., Air cond, fridge, water heater, & w/machine. 24hrs & 7 days operation. Call: Syed 017-388 3154
M393
M135
Computer SPECIALIST IN notebook / pc repairs. Best price & services. On-site repairs & free troubleshooting. Call 016-380 1984 Teh
ALL CARS MPV & Luxury car for hire. Suitable for VIP & weeding ceremony. Pawn (pajak) accepted. 017932 4646/ 013-671 6565
A FULL GLAMOUR Massage (001711965-V) by female. 234,Tmn Maluri, 55100 KL. Call: Stella 017-2555 844
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Business opportunities
TRADITIONAL MASSAGE in Cheras & Balakong. Call Sonia,Hanisha, Julia, Mira & Rosa. 0123676 780. 012-258 1334
0 AARON MASSAGE Services (1606620-V) by Female. Outcall only. Private & cosy. +6012-393 0136
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M390
M394
Home electrical appliances
KITCHEN APPLIANCES Shop. Raya sale up to 50%!!! For HOOD + HOB (3 burners)= RM1988 + FOC Microwave Oven, Limited Unit Only! 016-718 9901 (Diana)
OWN A COMPUTER, put it to work, Part/ full time income RM1000 - RM8000 . Training provided. SMS 012-4444 033
CHEAPEST RATE Car rental in KL. Many types of Cars & MPV. (Pajak- accepted) Call for RAYA booking: 012-987 7756
AROMA MASSAGE RM39 at Serdang, Judy, Alice, Jenny, Ari, Mira,Jean. 012-678 0220/ 012-3281 449 Batavia /Darlina Beauty House.
M434
Business Services
AAAAA QUEENS SPA Male and female masseurs, out call service available. Private & Cosy. Call: 03-9057 1336/ 016-646 9891 www.klqueensland.com AROMA ASIAN Massage. For outdoor only. With Promotion price. Interested please Call Julie: 016-293 1051
KEMENTERIAN KEWANGAN MOF Registration, Bumi status. Call: 03-40434000 / 019-3840000. www. Ready Companies.com
Photography
NAMASTE!!! Need a relaxing massage ? Interested just call : SIMI 014-6311 228 (Indoor only) K.Lumpur
ALL MODELS CAR Van & MPV, Toyota Alphard, Wish, BMW, Naza Ria, Kia Spectra, Vios, Waja & Perdana V6 etc. Reasonable price. Free delivery. Tel: 019-599 9973 / 012-2532 566 Roadster Travel (KPL/LN 3540)
ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES AGENT Smoker Haven required Private, food/ retail shop & Kiosk. Easy, good income. Low capital. Cash/ Credit card. Interested call: 03-8023 4626 (10am 5pm) www.SmokerHaven.com
M414
Home services/renovations
CENTURY ROLLER SHUTTER specialist. Installation, service & repairing all kind of door roller shutter. Call Lee 012-649 9238
OUTDOOR / INCALL MSSG by local Indian girls. 2 ½ mile jln ipoh. 016-679 7786 / 016-642 3786 Kajal.
VIDEO to DVD Conversion. Video filming & Photography Svs. 03-4041 6850 / 6277 4991 / HP 012-235 5190. w w w. s h e e l v i s i o n . c o m
MUSLIM COMPANY Secretary New & Shelf Co. ROC, MOF Bumi Kem. Kewangan Call: 03-40410000 / 0162860000
M300
OUT DOOR/ HOTEL Package massage by young Chinese, Indonesia, Thai girls. Please Call: 014-6620 579 OUTCALL TRADITIONAL MASSAGE, pre / post natal,body Scrub for men / women by experienced masseur. Call: Mira 013-336 3160
ASX. MIT TRITON. PAJERO Sport, Lancer & Grandis. Trade in accepted . Call: 012-977 6961 HARUN
UNLEASH THE MUSIC INSIDE YOU. Classes for-guitars, drums, saxophones, keyboards, Piano, violin.Call 03- 7873 6388.
Home furniture/furnishing GOLDEN MERMAID. Out call Relaxation massage by Male & Female masseurs. Call: 012-907 5995 / 03-2021 7637
(NEW) INOKOM & HINO Special promotion, free body. Call:0123211 453/ 012-3225334
In Semua House â “ going lock stock barrel Selling apparels, cushion covers and decoration item. Ground floor shop nicely set up and decorated. Sale RM80k or nearest offer. Contact 019-281 6216/ 012-234 8151
‘0’ DEPOSIT ALL PROTON Models, no license can buy, Less doc can help. 100% loan for gov. & private staff, int from 3.0%, loan fast approval, high trade in. Meet at your place. Free smart tag, touch n go, full fuel, steering lock, tinted. Open everyday.Mr Lim 012-214 0207
TRAD MASSAGE, RM50, SS21/12, PJ. Newly open. Call: 03-7873 0971. Gina/ Rina/Apple/ Rozie.
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Vehicles for hire
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M321
HYUNDAI PROMOTION !!! Sonata/ Tucson/ Santa Fe/ Starex/ i30/ Accent/ i10. Special discount! Super high trade in (any car). Low d/p & interest. Easy loan approval. Mystery gifts. Beautiful plate no. Fast delivery. Excellent customer service. Head office: 012-381 0737
WELLTAX GLASS & aluminium works. Windows & grilles direct from factory! - sliding casement - main gate - repair door - all aluminium works. Inquiry call Mr. Ling (M) 019227 0528 (M) 019-202 8855 (T) 03-8962 2189 (F) 03-8962 3189
M392
Fashion/health & beauty
Properties for sale
Car for sale
BLUE ROSE AROMAS 24A, Lrg Ara Kiri 2, Lucky Gdn Bangsar.Therapist local Indian g i r l s . P r i v a t e & c o s y. 1 1 a m 11pm. Ms Meera 0320945542/ 016-2056003
PRESENT THIS Ad to ENJOY FACIAL promotion RM 68 / nrm RM 368 or a FREE eye care treatment. Call 038063 8153. No. 53-G Jalan Puteri 1/4, Bandar Puteri. Make your dream come true.
SAUNA D’ HOME BEAUTY and Health care. Agent required. 019-735 5295 www.saunaku. com 2011 Great Promotion!
M35
AUSTRALIAN properties in Tasmania. Fantastic selection of reasonably priced homes in Tasmania, which has the cleanest air in the world. Also have large bakery for anyone interested in emigrating to Australia. Contact Freddie Forstner +61409886698. E-mail magyar@trump.net.au
EURO RENT (KKKP4225) New fleet of Proton cars, MPV & vans. Long/ short term rentals. Corporate/ expats. Credit card accepted. Call Fabian: 037877 1834/5, 012-238 1769. www.euro-rentacar.com.my
Education
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REAL ESTATE Negotiators successful Real Estate Negotiator earns high income and an exciting Career! You could be one of them if you meet the following requirements:- 1) Minimum SPM qualification. 2) Ages 24 to 30. 4) Friendly personality with good spoken English. 5) Friendly personality with good spoken English. 5) Minimum 2 years working experience. 6) Have own transport. Successful candidates will have a minimum allowances of RM1200 plus attractive commission call Ms. Chin @ 03-2093 7777 for pre-selection or interview
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The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 August, 2011
Si Yew Ming, Ariez Elyaas Deen Heshaam and Ahmed Deedat Abdul Razak have received official wild card entries for this year's ATP 250 World Tour Malaysian Open — Bernama
sports
27
PETALING JAYA: BADMINTON
Another shuttle cock-up TOUGH TASK AHEAD: The Selangor PKNS players going through a training session in preparation for the Malaysia Cup
KELANA JAYA: FOOTBALL
Love for the Cup brings out Saravanan's best
"WE are the underdogs." Those were the words PKNS forward V. Saravanan uttered when asked about the Malaysia Cup draw. The Premier League champions have been drawn in Group B with FA Cup winners and Super League runners-up Terengganu, Negri Sembilan and Premier League side Sime Darby. While Saravanan agrees that Terengganu and Negri Sembilan are the favourites to progress into the knock-out round and must be respected, he insists PKNS will give them a fight. "This is the time to show Super League sides what we
By VIJHAY VICK vijhayvick@mmail.com.my
can do," said Saravanan. PKNS will be playing in the Super League next season. Having won the Premier League with ease, PKNS should now use the Malaysia Cup as an avenue to gauge their capabilities against Super League teams. The former international did not have the best of times for the Selangor-based club in their league campaign. However, he wants to put that behind him. "I’ve always had a soft spot for the Malaysia Cup. For some reason which I cannot
explain, it is my favourite tournament," said Saravanan. "I want to help the team progress into the next stage of the tournament by any means necessary." He refused to rule out Sime Darby’s chances even though PKNS had already beaten them twice this season. PKNS will resume training tonight, after a short break given by the club. The club’s management rewarded all their players for their efforts in the Premier League with a holiday. "We have a month to train for the Malaysia Cup. We must make the most of this."
SUNWAY: BOWLING
Bowling for the blind gets competitive MALAYSIA is already a major player in the world bowling scene. Now, efforts are being taken to increase the nation's awareness of the sport for the visually impaired. Joint organisers Malaysian Blind Sports Association and KL Tenpin Bowling Association are hoping that hosting the International Blind Sport Association (IBSA) World Tenpin Bowling Championship will provide the opportunity to create awareness among the general public in the country. "I hope people will come during the tournament and cheer the Malaysian bowlers. They are representing the country too," said Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress deputy president Tan Sri Mohamad Noor Abd Rahim. "Blind bowlers most of the time do not get the benefit of competing in championships, unlike normal bowlers." Bowling among the blind has been growing in popularity
GIVING THEM A CHANCE: (Seated from left) Tournament director George Tan, Radha Krishnan, Mohamad Noor, Aomatsu and Tung aim to increase awareness for blind bowlers
since the first general meeting by IBSA was held in Singapore in 2000. Today, it is played in more than 20 countries throughout The United States, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Meanwhile, IBSA Bowling technical chairman Toshiaki Aomatsu believes that the standard of play among the visually impaired is high. "These bowlers on average reach scores of 200 pinfalls," he said. Also present at the tourna-
ment announcement was MBSA president S. Radha Krishnan and Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress general secretary Sidney Tung. Malaysia finished sixth in the last edition in Sydney, taking home two gold and two bronze medals. The championship will be held at Sunway Me g a l an e s , Su nw ay P y r am i d f rom O c t 7-16.
Independent player cries foul after missing Vietnam Open
INDEPENDENT shuttler K. Yogendran claimed he has been treated unfairly after his name was not registered for the upcoming Vietnam Open scheduled from Aug 23-28 in Ho Chi Minh City. This is not the first time Yogendran has been subjected to such an episode as his name was surprisingly missing from the singles event of the Indonesian International Challenge last month. Yogendran, however, played in the doubles event. The application for the Indonesian event was made together with the Singapore International Series. Yogendran played in both the singles and doubles categories in Singapore.
By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my
The applications were done to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) through the KL Badminton Association (KLBA). KLBA assured Yogendran his application was forwarded to the national body. "I just find it baffling. I registered for the Indonesian and Singapore events at the same time and somehow my name was not in the singles event of the Indonesian meet," said Yogendran. "How is it that BAM only got part of my application when it was done together? "Now I’m
experiencing the same problem with the Vietnam Open. I’m also eager to know if I’ll be playing in the Taiwan Open next month (Sept 6-11)." Yogendran said he has booked flight tickets and accommodation for the Vietnam stint. "Some RM1,200 has already been spent and now it’s down the drain. I can’t be taxing my sponsors. It is also crucial for me to play matches to help improve my world rankings." Yogendran, who left BAM in 2008, is currently placed 73 in the world men’s singles rankings — ahead of Mohamad Arif Abdul Latif (86), Goh Soon Huat (119) and Chong Wei Feng (124). His latest achievements were the back-to-back wins in the singles event at the Altona International in Melbourne followed by the Counties Manukau International in New Zealand in June. "I’m thankful to KLBA for helping me out but independent players in the country would appreciate an easier method to register for tournaments. It would be better if we could submit directly to BAM. "I am only doing this to represent my country." Yogendran admitted certain State BAs have been helpful to independent players, although most of the shuttlers cannot represent the State in any junior events or the Malaysia Games as they are over the age limit. BAM general manager Kenny Goh was unaware of the incident but promised to check on the matter. "Players, independent or not, will still have to go through the State BAs unless the council decides otherwise," said Kenny. ALL SMILES: Yogendran (right) with women singles winner Karen Velez after The Counties Manukau International in New Zealand in June
28
sports
Belgium's world No 2 Kim Clijsters shot down talk of retiring after next year's London Olympics and said she would rather have a much lower-key farewell -- Reuters
MONTREAL: TENNIS
JOHANNESBURG: ATHLETICS
PISTORIOUS
'Blade Runner' set to run
Wawrinka pays homage to Federer
ROGER FEDERER turned 30 this morning but fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka gave himself a present instead as he outclassed Argentinian David Nalbandian 6-1, 6-4 to reach the second round of the ATP Montreal Masters. Wawrinka, who won the 2008 Olympic doubles gold medal alongside Federer, said that while he wouldn't go so far as to give him a present he has the utmost respect for his compatriot as a player and a friend. "I"ve known him since I was 16. We have always practised a lot, played together, played doubles, played the Olympics, the Davis Cup," said the 26-year-old. "It's always good to know him and to play with him." Wawrinka is making yet
another change of tennis surface after playing on grass at Wimbledon, switching to indoors for a Davis Cup tie and then to clay for the Gstaaad ATP event last month before turning to cement for the run to the US Open which starts on Aug 29. "It's never easy," admitted the Swiss, who reached the US Open quarterfinals last year. "But with experience every year it's more easy for me to come back from clay to hard court. "I had almost a week, five days here to practise, to be ready. "Everything is great. I'm playing great, I'm practising really well. To win in two straight sets was really good for me." — AFP
TORONTO: TENNIS
Bartoli shown the way out
Q UA L I F I E R G a l i n a Voskoboeva upset France's Marion Bartoli 6-3, 6-3 to reach the second round of the WTA hardcourt tournament this morning. Kazakhstan's Voskoboeva, currently ranked 135th in the world after reaching a career high of 64th in February of 2009, arrived in Toronto after reaching the first semifinal of her career at Baku, Azerbaijan, in July. Bartoli, ranked ninth in the world and seeded ninth, had trouble with her serve and double-faulted four times. Tenth-seeded Samantha
Stosur of Australia, who dropped out of the top 10 on Monday for the first time since April of last year, advanced with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory over Ayumi Morita of Japan. The talent-laden field is led by world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, trying to get back on track after early exits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Last year, Wozniacki went all the way to the title here and after a bye begins her defense against either Yanina Wickmayer or Roberta Vinci. — AFP
ATLANTA: GOLF
Athletes hit back at Williams STEVE WILLIAMS, the caddie fired last month by Tiger Woods after carrying his clubs in 13 Major triumphs, has been roundly criticised for his remarks after caddying for Australian Adam Scott in his victory at the World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational. Paul Azinger, the 2008 US Ryder Cup captain, was stunned Williams would rebuke Woods as he did, posting, "Wow! Really? In yo face TW?" "Steve Williams breaks the unwritten caddy rule, by talking to the press. Most don't, a few do at times when appropriate," Azinger posted later.
US tennis star Andy Roddick was stunned as well. "Am I missing something? Was Steve the one actually playing?" Roddick pondered in one posting, later noting, "The guy was just happy for his new employer! So happy for him that he almost mentioned his name". And Roddick was far from alone in feeling that Williams stole the spotlight from Scott. "Steve surely doesn't seem bitter at all," tweeted US LPGA player Christina Kim. "Greatest week of my life. Good job congratulating Adam, who hit the shots, you knob." — AFP
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
SOUTH AFRICAN double amputee Oscar Pistorius has been selected to run in the 400m and 4x400m relay at the world athletics championships starting in Daegu, South Korea, this month. In a statement yesterday, Athletics South Africa said Pistorius, who runs on carbon
fibre attachments, had been named to compete in both events. Pistorius, 24, who has been dubbed the "Blade Runner", met the qualifying requirements when he clocked 45.07 seconds at a meeting in Lignano, Italy, last month. "I have dreamed for such
a long time of competing in a major championships and this is a very proud moment in my life," Pistorius said in a statement. "It is an honour to be representing my country at such a prestigious event and I hope to do my best at the competition for South Africa." — Reuters
Lucky No 6
LONDON: BADMINTON
Chong Wei out to make history in London
LEE CHONG WEI said yesterday he still believes he can become the first Malaysian to win the world badminton title despite an indifferent first round performance at the Wembley arena. Chong Wei trailed 8-11 in the second game against the sharp left-handed attacking of Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk, and was still in a dogfight at 18-17 before getting through 21-15, 21-17. Despite this, Chong Wei's famously quick movement and vastly improved mental strength were in evidence against the world No 31 from Thailand, and his words were confident too. "I didn't play very well, but sometimes that happens in the first round," he said. "I believe I will play better in the second, and it's my aim to still be here on Sunday. "I've won five titles in six tournaments this year, and this is my sixth world championship, and perhaps that will be my lucky number." If it is, Chong Wei will prevent China from retaining all five titles, which they won in Paris last year. His main rival may be Lin Dan, the three times former champion who is seeded second and is in the other half. Earlier Taufik Hidayat, the former world champion from Indonesia, made a languorously brilliant start in a 21-10, 21-14 win over Rodrigo Pacheco Carrillo, a hard-working world No 61 from Peru. China's youngest new hope for the world men's singles title, Chen Long, suffered a sensational opening day setback . Chen, the 22-year-old fifth seed from Hubei, failed to convert three match points in losing 21-19, 8-21, 27-25, to Kevin Cordon, a Guatemalan ranked outside the top 30. Chen was also angry at twice losing vital points in the closing
CHONG WEI: Believes he will get better in the second round — GETTY photo
stages when he was adjudged to have made contact with the shuttle on the wrong side of the net. After the second mishap, which put him 15-17 down in the deciding game, Chen walked frenziedly in circles, and complained to the umpire, causing a minute's delay before resumption. Much of the time Cordon played Chen at the net, believing the Chinese player was fearful of lifting the shuttle and giving him opportunities for his deceptive left-handed smash. "I had confidence to play my best game," Cordon said. "I didn't think about winning
or losing, I just thought about playing my best. That's why I won." Chen was philosophical. "It's normal because I am still young," he said. "It's my first world championships. After this I have the chance to get more experience." However, China had consolation when Chen Jin, the sixth-seeded defending world champion, started with a 21-8, 21-10 win over Raul Must of Estonia. Lin Dan, the three times former world champion from China, begins what may be his last world championship today, against Kestutis Navickas, of Lithuania. — AFP
RESULTS Men's singles First round Shon Wan Ho (KOR) bt Jacob Malieka (RSA) 21-12, 21-8; Mathieu Lo Ying Ping (FRA) bt Sattawat Pongnairat (USA) 21-13, 21-15; Henri Hurskainen (SWE) bt Carl Baxter (ENG) 21-8, 21-19; Park Sung-hwan (KOR) bt Yi Hsueh-hsuan (TPE) 21-15, 21-15; Ville Lang (FIN) bt Dinoysius Hayom Rumbaka (INA) 21-17, 21-18; Chen Jin (CHN) bt Raul Must (EST) 21-8, 21-10; HansKristian Vittinghus (DEN) bt Hu Yun (HKG) 24-22, 21-18; Ajay Jayaram (IND) bt Kenichi Tago (JPN) 21-12, 21-19; Marc Zwiebler (GER) bt Valeriy Atrashchenkov (UKR) 21-19, 21-10; Kevin Cordon (GUA) bt Chen Long (CHN) 21-19, 8-21, 27-25; Lee Chong Wei (MAS) bt Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk (THA) 21-15, 21-17; Pabli Abian (ESP) bt Tan Yuhan (BEL) 16-21, 21-17, 21-15; Vladimir Ivanov (RUS) bt Michal Matejka (SVK) 21-12, 21-6; Taufik Hidayat (INA) bt Rodrigo Pacheco Carrillo (PER) 21-10, 21-14 Women's singles First round Carolina Marin (ESP) bt Yao Jie (NED) 21-18, 23-21; Gu Juan (SIN) bt Salakjit Ponsana (THA) 21-19, 21-17; Michelle Li (CAN) bt Susan Egelstaff (SCO) 22-20, 21-16; Agnese Allegrini (ITA) bt Rena Wang (USA) 21-17, 21-17; Olga Konon (GER) bt Ying Tai Tzu (TPE) walkover; Fu Mingtian (SIN) bt Larisa Griga (UKR) 21-10, 21-10; Chan Ka Tsz (HKG) bt Jeanine Cicognini (SUI) 20-22, 21-19, 21-13; Lindaweni Fanetri (INA) bt Tatjana Bibik (RUS) 21-11, 21-9; Lianne Tan (BEL) bt Charmaine Reid (CAN) 21-9, 21-19; Chloe Magee (IRL) bt Adrianti Firdasari (INA) 13-21, 24-22, 21-13; Elizabeth Cann (ENG) bt Michelle Chan Ky (NZL) 16-21, 21-13, 21-11
LEO
sports
Someone like Ibra in Italy should score 30 goals a season — AC Milan's Gennaro Gattuso on Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
29
MADRID: FOOTBALL/ PRIMERA LIGA
Real sign seven-year-old Argentine
IT looks like Real Madrid are following Barcelona's footsteps in nurturing a young boy to stardom. Los Blancos have signed seven-year-old Leonel Angel Coira from Argentina. The c lu b’s s p o ke s m an Ju an Tapiador confirmed the move yesterday and added
that Leo would begin training with the Spanish giants on Sept 6. Atletico Madrid was also reportedly interested in Leo but their city rival made the first move to ward off challenges from other European heavyweights in the future. The youngster admitted
that Messi, the Barcelona and Argentina national team star, was his favourite player but added that Real Madrid was his preferred club. "Lionel Messi is my idol, but my dream is to play in the Real Madrid first team," he told Ole. Leo's father, Miguel, was
MILAN: FOOTBALL/ SERIE A
The X-factor
Rossoneri set to sign big name after Super Cup win AC MILAN are ready to step up plans for their "Mr X" signing after winning the Italian Super Cup by beating bitter rivals Inter Milan 2-1 in Beijing last Saturday. Corriere dello Sport reported Milan chiefs are willing to push the boat for a big name signing in the mould of last year's capture of Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. T h e s h oppi ng l i s t of Milan powerbrokers Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani include Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Lukas Podolski (Koln), Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City), Dimitar Berbatov (Manchester United) and Amauri (Juventus). Milan are focusing on bringing in an experienced central striker to take some burden off Ibrahimovic's shoulders. Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic has set his sights on silverware in the upcoming seasons before retiring from professional football at the end of his current contract with Milan. He joined Milan from Barcelona in the summer of
2010 on a one-year loan deal and the Serie A giants made his stay at San Siro permanent back in June after a string of impressive performances in his first season with the club. "I want to continue playing for two or three more seasons and want to win every possible trophy while wearing the jersey of Milan," Ibrahimovic told Tuttosport. "I will hang up my boots once I've met all these objectives and my contract with Milan expires." The 29-year-old has a deal until the summer of 2015 with Milan. He has won eight consecutive league titles in three countries, but has yet to win the Champions League during his career. In another development, Milan are interested in Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia. The 25 year-old Argentine is ready to leave the Belgian club this month and sources say Milan are preparing to swoop. Biglia is seen at Milan as
MYSTERY MAN: AC Milan are focused on bringing in an experienced central striker — AFP photo
?
a replacement for Juventus signing Andrea Pirlo. However, they could face
competition from Liverpool, who were linked with Biglia last week.
delighted with the move and told ESPNSoccernet: "It looks good when I say it because I'm the father, but I'm excited to see how he plays with the ball." "The scouts (at Atletico) saw him and were the first to send a letter of invitation but after doing tests at both
teams, he felt more comfortable at Real Madrid. I'm very confident about the club, I know they will take care of him," he said. The Argentine wonderkid already has a Facebook page and looks to have a bright future ahead of him. — Agencies
BARCELONA: FOOTBALL/ PRIMERA LIGA
Neymar's father wants Barca move instead
THE father of Brazil international striker Neymar has opened the door to a move to Barcelona. Real Madrid are favourites for the 19-year-old Santos star, with agent Wagner Ribeiro insisting he won't consider any offer from Barca. If everything goes smoothly, Neymar is expected to sign with Los Blancos after the Club World Cup to be held in Japan on Dec 8-18. However, Marca reported after meeting over last weekend, Neymar's father told Ribeiro to field any interest from Barca. And the Brazilian super agent is now expected to meet with Barca president Sandro Rosell this week. Santos would welcome a deal with Barca as early indications suggest they would seek a pre-contract in order to keep Neymar in Brazil — and away from Real — for at least another 12 months, if not after the 2014 World Cup. Meanwhile, Neymar claims Barca are the best side in the world and says he is eager to
take on the Champions League champions in the Club World Cup. Santos won this year's Copa Libertadores to qualify for this tournament and they could well end up meeting Barca in the final. "Barca are the best team in the world and they’ve got the world’s best player in their side, but we’re going to play our own football when we meet them," Neymar told Fifa's website. "If we do end up playing Barca, we’d like to go toe-to-toe with them. Taking on Barca is a very tough task. I don’t think there’s any particular tactic you can use. We’ll just have to pray, ask for God’s help and give it our best shot." Neymar was quick to point out that Santos will have to survive the semifinal first, though. "Before we can even think about the final or possibly playing Barca, we'll have to play another very important and risky game first. "Of course, we want to get to the final."
ROME: FOOTBALL/ SERIE A
Italian leagues face strike threat
PLAYERS' representatives of every Serie A club announced they will go on strike unless a settlement is reached regarding player contracts. Club captains, including Francesco Totti, Gennaro Gattuso, Javier Zanetti and Alessandro del Piero, are concerned over the Serie A chiefs' refusal to sign Article Seven of the proposed collective contract. The article in question relates to the protection of players omitted from their
club's squads ahead of the coming season, due to start on Aug 27, and the league's resistance to sign has been met with a stark warning from the Italian Professional Footballers Association. AIC (Italian Footballers' A s s o c i at i o n ) p r e s i d e nt Damiano Tommasi told : " It i s difficult for the players not to go out and play, but our rights have to be on paper and it has nothing to do with money. "Having been to 90 per
cent of the players' training camps to talk to them, they are very united on this issue. The championship will only start when the contract has been signed." In an open letter posted on gazzetta.it, all 20 captains and vice-captains of the Serie A clubs implored the league to resolve the dispute or face strike action. The letter read: "At the start of the new football season, the players of Serie A wish to inform the general public
of the unacceptable situation that exists with regards to the renewal of the players' collective contract. "The agreements reached in December 2010 by the AIC delegation and that of Serie A club owners, and certified by the FIGC (Italian Football Association), have been completely ignored by the clubs' general assembly. "As a result, an unacceptable lack of regulation still persists. This damages safeguards of a financial nature
and is jeopardising our contracts. It seems absurd that Italy is the only developed footballing country that does not have precise contractual regulations for all its registered players. "Unless the collective agreement is signed, it will not be possible to start the championship. "The league must sign the contract or the championship will not start on Aug 27." Pietro Lo Monaco, director
of Serie A club Catania, whose players Marco Biagianti and Ciro Capuano signed the letter, is hopeful a strike can be avoided. "I believe the problems concerning player contracts are merely down to a breakdown in communication," he said. "Everything will be sorted out, and on Aug 27 the championship will start normally. "I am certain that at the next meeting of the clubs we will reach an agreement and settle the problem."
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sports
We are talking to players who, if we were to sign them, then people would really open their eyes — Stoke boss Tony Pulis football/ premier league focus
NICKNAME: QPR, The Hoops, Rangers FOUNDED: 1882 HOME: Loftus Road CAPACITY: 18,360 MANAGER: Neil Warnock THE SQUAD GOALKEEPERS Paddy Kenny Radek Cerny DEFENDERS Bradley Orr Clint Hill Danny Gabbidon Fitz Hall Kaspars Gorkss Matthew Connolly MIDFIELDERS Shaun Derry Adel Taarabt Kieron Dyer Alejandro Faurlin Akos Buzsaky Tommy Smith Petter Vaagan Moen Hogan Ephraim Michael Doughty Danny Shittu STRIKERS DJ Campbell Jay Bothroyd Jamie Mackie Patrick Agyemang Rob Hulse Heidar Helguson Troy Hewitt TRANSFER (Thus far) IN DJ Campbell (Blackpool, £1.2m), Danny Gabbidon (West Ham, free), Jay Bothroyd (Cardiff, free), Kieron Dyer (West Ham, free) OUT Pascal Chimbonda (released), Gavin Mahon (released), Georgias Tofas (Anagennisi Dherynia, free), Mikele Leigertwood, (Reading, undisclosed), Lee Brown (Bristol Rovers, free), Joe Oastler (Torquay, free), Angelo Balanta (MK Dons, loan), Josh Parker (released), Romone Rose (released) (Transfer window closes on Aug 31) LAST SEASON'S POSITION Championship winners PLAYERS TO WATCH Adel Taarabt, DJ Campbell, Alejandro Faurlin PREDICTION Likely to be involved in relegation battle and survive HONOURS DIVISION ONE/PREMIER LEAGUE Runners-up 1976 DIVISION TWO/CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS 1983, 2011 Runners-up 1968, 1973 DIVISION THREE/LEAGUE ONE WINNERS 1948, 1967 Runners-up 1947, 2004 FA CUP Runners-up 1982 LEAGUE CUP WINNERS 1967 Runners-up 1986 CHARITY SHIELD Runners-up 1908, 1912
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 AUGUST, 2011
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
QUEENS PARK RANGERS instilled fear in opponents in the 1970s, with stars like stylish Stan Bowles and Rodney Marsh hogging the headlines. It will be pretty difficult to have players of that calibre donning QPR colours again. However, the Loftus Road outfit have made a return to the elite division after 15 years. Mailsport's MUSTAPHA KAMARUDDIN focuses on QPR. Also under the microscope are Stoke City.
Please stay, Taarabt
NICKNAME: The Potters FOUNDED: 1863 HOME: Britannia Stadium CAPACITY: 28,384 MANAGER: Tony Pulis
Big blow if Moroccan magician leaves Loftus Road QUEENS PARK RANGERS emerged Championship winners last season and the main man behind this success was attacking midfielder Adel Taarabt. The Morocco international, or "Mr Magician", was also duly voted as Player-of-the-Year in the division. Taarabt also scored a creditable 15 goals from 37 matches in the league in the role of a playmaker. The 22-year-old is set to be an influential figure again and this time in the tougher Premier League. The problem is that he may not be at Loftus Road by the time the summer window closes on Aug 31 as he has attracted several big clubs, who want to get his signature. And one of the clubs are the ambitious Paris St Germain. Taarabt, a former Tottenham man, was named QPR captain midway through last season after his superb displays. Spurs must be kicking themselves for letting Taarabt go — first on loan in 2009 and then permanently last season. QPR manager Neil Warnock is praying real hard his star will be staying for obvious reasons.
The team will be affected in the attacking aspect if Taarabt leaves. Another midfielder, Alejandro Faurlin, is also poised to make headlines for the right reasons in the Premier League. The Argentine was at the centre of the storm which could have denied QPR their place in the top flight. QPR, for the record, were confirmed as Championship winners only after the FA announced that they would not be docked points for breaking third-party ownership rules when they signed Faurlin in 2009. They were found guilty of two of the seven charges facing them and fined £875,000 (RM4.3m) — meaning QPR were back among the elite for the first time in 15 years. And Warnock is backing 24-year-old Faurlin to prove he was worth all the hassle in the new season. "Faurlin will set the Premier League alight. He's handled the situation fantastically. It's not been his fault at all. He's played very well the last few weeks (of last season) given the situation,"
TAARABT: Targetted by French outfit Paris Saint Germain — GETTY photo
said Warnock. "I don't think he took it personally but it felt so cruel to us all. It's great to move on now. We've got some great players and I think we play some great football. We've gone out home and away to entertain." QPR, in their bid to boost the attack, signed up striker DJ Campbell from Blackpool on a two-year deal for a fee of £1.2m.
The 29-year-old scored 13 goals for Blackpool last season but unfortunately could not save them from being relegated. It will be interesting to see whether QPR can prevent themselves from going straight back to the Championship in the 2011-2012 season. They are capable of surviving — especially if Taarabt is still at Loftus Road.
STOKE CITY
Jones to stoke it for Potters CHIEF striker Kenwyne Jones needs to find the net more often if Stoke are to have a better outing this season. The Trinidad and Tobago international scored only nine goals from 34 league matches in the last campaign. He could have scored more if only he had taken some golden opportunities presented by his teammates. The Potters fans must be hoping to see Jones improving on his tally this time around. To assist him are midfielders Mathew Etherington and Jermaine Pennant. Interestingly, talented young Belgian midfielder Florent Cuvelier may also see some action after being included in the first team for the first time. The 18-year-old signed for
JONES
the Potters last year and was involved in the youth squad. Stoke, at the same time, can look forward to an even better defensive unit after signing experienced Jonathan Woodgate from Tottenham for free. That is, if he is not bugged
by injuries, as usual. The former England international, 31, is a superb centreback. Besides his defensive quality, the former Real Madrid man is also useful at set-pieces where his headers always pose a threat to opponents.
Woodgate is determined to repay the faith that manager Tony Pulis has shown in his undoubted ability... and he took a big step towards doing that with his part in Stoke's 2-0 Europa League triumph over Hajduk Split on aggregate recently. Woodgate was a commanding figure alongside captain and no-nonsense defender Ryan Shawcross as Stoke saw off the big threat posed by Hajduk in front of their 35,000 capacity Poljud Stadium to progress through to the playoff stage. There is another solid centreback in Robert Huth for Pulis to rely on. It will not be easy to get goals against Stoke, especially if Woodgate is playing.
THE SQUAD GOALKEEPERS Asmir Begovic Carlo Nash Thomas Serensen DEFENDERS Danny Higginbotham Robert Huth Danny Collins Ryan Shawcross Andy Wilkinson Ryan Shotton Jonathan Woodgate MIDFIELDERS Glenn Whelan Jermaine Pennant Tom Soares Marc Wilson Danny Pugh Salif Diao Dean Whitehead Michael Tonge Rory Delap Matthew Etherington Diego Arismendi Florent Cuvelier STRIKERS Kenwyne Jones Ricardo Fuller Mamady Sidibe Jonathan Walters Ben Marshall Louis Moult
TRANSFER (Thus far) IN Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham, free) OUT Abdoulaye Faye (West Ham, free), Eidur Gudjohnsen (AEK Athens, free), Ibrahima Sonko (released), Carl Dickinson (Watford, undisclosed), Andrew Davies (Crystal Palace, loan) (Transfer window closes on Aug 31) LAST SEASON'S POSITION 13th PLAYERS TO WATCH Kenwyne Jones, Ryan Shawcross PREDICTION Likely to finish in 10th to 15th spot HONOURS CHAMPIONSHIP Runners-up 2008 DIVISION TWO WINNERS 1933, 1963, 1993 RUNNERS-UP 1922 FA CUP Runners-up 2011 LEAGUE CUP WINNERS 1972 Runners-up 1964
The Malay Mail Tuesday 9 August, 2011
MANCHESTER: FOOTBALL/ PREMIER LEAGUE
In limbo Tevez trains with team WANTAWAY striker Carlos Tevez returned to Manchester City's training ground yesterday uncertain about his future. Tevez has repeatedly insisted he wants to leave City, having said he wanted to be closer to his two young children, who live with his estranged wife in Argentina. But a possible move to Brazilian side Corinthians broke down last month and Tevez has since been linked with joining Italian giants Inter Milan. Tevez, who joined City from local rivals Manchester United two seasons ago, told an Argentinian television programme in June he would not return to Manchester even for a vacation and complained about the weather. He said: "There's nothing to do in Manchester. There's two restaurants and everything's small. It rains all the time. You can't go anywhere. "Of course, one trains, plays, does things, and when the family or friends come, you can't take them to the movies because they don't understand anything. " I w i l l not re tu r n to Manchester, not for a vacation, not anything." Tevez, 27, was City's captain last season when they won the FA Cup — their first major piece of silverware in 35 years — and finished third in the English Premier League, won by Manchester United. However, he was not at Wembley on Sunday when United beat City 3-2 in the Community Shield, the traditional curtain-raiser to the English season that pits last term's champions against the FA Cup holders. — AFP
He (Tom Cleverley) has got a great future ahead of him -- Ashley Young
sports
PRESSTALK
LONDON: football/ premier league
Redknapp looks to Ruiz
BILD
Mertesacker keen on England GERMANY international defender Per Mertesacker has alerted Arsenal by saying he is "excited" by the prospect of a move to the Premier League. The centreback has been linked with a move to the Gunners for some years, but it is only now that his club Werder Bremen have confirmed they are willing to listen to offers for him. The circumstances appear right for Mertesacker, a veteran of 75 appearances for Germany, to make his move to the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger known to be in the market for an imposing central defender. "For a national player it is a good thing to get experience of playing abroad. I have said that England excites me," Mertesacker said.
Costa Rica star set to lift the mood at White Hart Lane TOTTENHAM target Bryan Ruiz has revealed that Spurs have approached his agent about a possible move to White Hart Lane from FC Twente. The Costa Rica striker has a release clause of €15m (RM64.2m) and has caught the eye of Spurs manager Harry Redknapp as he seeks a return to the top four and the Champions League. Redknapp has been linked with Giuseppe Rossi, Mirko Vucinic and Fernando Llorente this summer, and now looks to be keen on Ruiz. "They have approached my agent," Ruiz told NUsport, "but I have yet to really discuss the interest with him. "I was told about Spurs' interest two days ago. Spurs are a great club and I'd be honoured to play alongside
REDKNAPP: Keen to grab Ruiz
Rafael van der Vaart. I'd say that the chance that I'll leave Twente is 50 per cent." Meanwhile, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy voiced his concern at the damage caused to Spurs' ticket office and the rest of the area by rioters this weekend. Rioting erupted last Saturday evening less than a mile from White Hart Lane after a peaceful protest against the fatal shooting of local man Mark Duggan turned violent. Cars and buildings were set alight in the trouble, which spread to other parts of the capital on Sunday night. The club's Park Lane ticket office will be shut until tomorrow at the earliest after it was broken into and vandalised on Saturday night. Spurs have also cancelled tours of White Hart Lane and have urged fans to buy their tickets for this Saturday's home match against Everton, which is still scheduled to go ahead, either online or via telephone. Levy spoke of his dismay at the rioting in a statement, which read: "As a major employer and business in the area, the club are deeply saddened by recent events. We are concerned about the disruption to local people's lives and the effect on the community as
a whole. "The situation has also meant that vandals have unfortunately been able to use the events as an opportunity to loot and destroy property and business premises. This is the second time this has happened in our area in recent times (the last incident being the Broadwater Farm riots in 1985). "Our hope is that calm and order is restored as soon as possible and that we can now look to rebuild the area and the spirit of the community." Spu rs c ont i nu e to plan for this weekend's Premier League opener against Everton as usual, but police will monitor the situation and advise whether the game should go ahead. Any decision to call off the game on security grounds will have to be sanctioned by the Premier League.
TUTTOSPORT
Juve go Dutch for winger THE agent of Hamburg winger Eljero Elia has revealed that Juventus are interested in his client's services. A meeting has been scheduled for next week between officials of both clubs, with the topic of conversation set to involve the possible sale of the ex-Twente midfielder. It is speculated that the German outfit are demanding a fee in the region of €8m (RM34.2m) for their prized asset, who has been linked with various clubs including Chelsea and Wolfsburg in recent times. However, it seems that the Turin giants are set to steal a march on their rivals.
IL CORRIERE DELLO SPORT
Roma revolution rolls on
BIRMINGHAM: FOOTBALL/ PREMIER LEAGUE
Villans sweat on Collins
ASTON VILLA gaffer Alex McLeish hopes centreback James Collins will be fit for their clash against Fulham. The former West Ham defender injured his back in training last week, but McLeish believes his strong character means he will do all he can to be fit for the Craven Cottage clash. "James has injured his back. He did it a few days ago to be fair and he thought he was okay in training on Friday,” McLeish told the club’s official website. "I think the intensity of training over the last few days just flared it up and he was a bit stiff. Therefore, we didn't want to risk him. It's a worry — but knowing the type of character James is, I'm sure he'll be determined to be on
that pitch at Craven Cottage." Because of the injury, Collins has been forced to pull out of the Wales squad for their midweek friendly against Australia. Villa will have to deal with a number of their players being called up for midweek friendlies. Barry Bannan has been named in the Scotland squad to play Denmark, Richard Dunne, Shay Given and Ciaran Clark have all been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad to face Croatia at the Aviva Stadium, while Stiliyan Petrov has been named in the Bulgaria squad to play Belarus. Although the situation is not ideal, McLeish insists he is ready for the new season.
" We ' l l put s ome more practice in during the coming week, although some players are away on international duty which prevents me from doing it the way I would have liked to prepare," s a i d McLeish. "But I'm ready to go now — no turning back, we've got to go and look forward to the whole campaign and trust the guys that go out on the pitch to do it for Aston Villa." — Agencies
31
RUIZ: Has been a revelation in the Dutch league since signing from Belgian side Gent — GETTYpic
VILLAREAL striker Nilmar (pic) could be on the brink of a move to AS Roma next week if negotiations are successful. Former Barcelona B boss Luis Enrique, appointed coach of the Giallorossi in June, has settled on the 27-year-old Brazilian international to lead his attack as he attempts to bring the Serie A title back to the Stadio Olimpico for the first time in 10 years. Nilmar came through the youth ranks at Internacional and has also spent time with Lyon and Corinthians back in his native country. The only downside for Roma would be the excess of non-EU players in their squad should they complete the signing. If unsuccessful, Enrique will turn to either Palermo's Abel Hernández or Denis Stracqualursi of Argentinean side Tigres.
Moroccan Magician
A Real Messi-ah
QPR confident of reviving glory days if Adel Taarabt shines bright
ARGENTINA’S wonderkid Leonel Angel Coira delighted with move to Real Madrid
>> pg30
Tuesday 9 August, 2011
Red hot Devils MANCHESTER: football/ premier league
Beating City in Community Shield only tip of the iceberg, says Vidic
MANCHESTER UNITED captain Nemanja Vidic believes the 3-2 victory over rivals Manchester City in Sunday’s Community Shield at Wembley proves that everyone at the club are raring to go for the new Premier League season. United conjured a stirring second-half fightback to win the trophy after finding themselves two goals down to City at the break, with Portuguese winger Nani scoring the winner in stoppage time. Many have hailed United’s victory as sending a message to their title rivals that they will
be the team to beat in the new season, but Vidic was more interested in talking about his own team’s performance. “I didn’t think about sending a message,” said Vidic. “We just have to look at ourselves and take the best from this game. “A few players had really good games, especially young players. We just showed we are ready for the season. We were 2-0 down after the first-half and to change the game to 3-2, it’s a great performance, great performance especially the second-half.” When asked what manager Alex Ferguson had said to in-
spire his players to victory at the interval, Vidic said: “He just said, ‘You have to keep going, doing the same stuff ’. “We did it in first-half, obviously. We kept the ball well. Maybe we gave away two easy goals but, overall, he was happy with the performance.” The bitter rivalry between City and United made for arguably the most competitive and combative Community Shield in recent years, but Vidic insists it was simply a result of both teams’ strong desire to win for their fans. “I know it’s the Community Shield. Maybe it’s not that im-
portant a trophy,” he said. “But, still, it’s a derby game and we wanted to win this game. City, I think is the same. They showed it with the challenges in the first-half. “Overall, I think it was a good game and the fans could enjoy it.” Nani was the star of the show, scoring a brace to complete his side’s stunning comeback, and Vidic was full of praise for his teammate. “He is one of the players who had a great game. He is sharp, quick, his finishing was magnificent, and I think there is more to come from him.”
LONDON: FOOTBALL/ PREMIER LEAGUE
Arsenal sign Oxlade-Chamberlain
ARSENAL have signed teenage Southampton winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the Premier League club announced this morning, for what appeared to be an English record for a 17-year-old. Southampton, newly promoted to the second-tier Championship, said OxladeChamberlain had left for a “club record fee” without revealing a figure. However, that would mean the 17-year-old son of former England international Mark Chamberlain, had left for more than the £12 million (RM59m) Arsenal paid Southampton for England winger Theo Walcott in 2006. Some reports have suggested the transfer is worth £15 million, which would be an English record for a player of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s age. He has yet to play at a level higher than League One, English football’s third division. But last season he impressed with 10 goals in 41 appearances as south coast club Southampton won promotion to the Championship. Oxlade-Chamberlain has also been capped by England at Under-18, Under-19 and
Under-21 levels. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, in a statement released on the Gunners’ website, said: “We are delighted Alex has decided to join us. “He is an exciting young player who will provide us with creativity and offensive quality,” the Frenchman added. “Alex is a perceptive passer of the ball and has a great understanding of the game and looks to be a good team player.” Oxlade-Chamberlain, who turns 18 a week on Monday, said: “I’m so excited to be joining Arsenal. It’s a fantastic club and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity of playing football at the highest level. “Arsenal have a great manager in Arsene Wenger, top quality players and an attractive style of play. These were all important factors in me choosing to sign for Arsenal. “I’m proud to be joining Arsenal but I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Southampton for their help and support during the early part of my career, for which I will always be grateful.”. — AFP
>> pg29 LOCAL
Underdog fire salvo PKNS forward V. Saravanan’s reckons it’s time to show Super League sides what they can do
>> pg27
I’ve been mistreated
K. YOGENDRAN claimed he has been treated unfairly after he was ommitted from the upcoming Vietnam Open
>> pg27 tennis
Bartoli bows out
French Open semifinalist Marion Bartoli in Toronto Open shock defeat
>> pg28
football
Done deal: OxladeChamberlain has completed his move to Arsenal
Who’s your daddy? Brazil striker Neymar may play for Barcelona thanks to dear old dad
>> pg29 PRESSTALK
‘Achtung London’
German international Per Mertesacker excited by the prospect of a move to the Premier League
Published by Malay Mail Sdn Bhd (239512V), Lot 2A, Jalan 13/2, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and printed by The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad (4485-H), 31, Jalan Riong, 59100 KL
>> pg31