9 September 2011

Friday 9 September, 2011

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KUALA LUMPUR

Finally, 61 years later...

By G. PRAKASH and T.K. LETCHUMY mmnews@mmail.com.my

● The Bukit Kepong cemetery will

be turned into a war memorial and tourist attraction ● Family members of fallen heroes

say while the move is good, it should have been done a long time ago ● Ex-policemen associations

say transformation would allow Malaysians to better respect and appreciate the sacrifices and services of brave cops

>> Stories on pg3

LOCAL

Still not over ‘perfect son’ Parents at loss with only child’s death in 9/11 tragedy after 10 years

>> pg7

Poll poser

Education Ministry queries survey claims that 54 per cent rural folks pick English for maths, science

>> pg4 Sports

Deserving Delon

Controversial rugby World Cup debutant Delon Armitage has earned a place in England’s starting lineup and plans to prove critics wrong, starting with their opener against Argentina tomorrow

>> pg29

2

news

Police will propose to the Home Affairs Ministry to introduce road traffic education in schools to minimise road accidents — IGP Tan Sri Ismail Omar

The Malay Mail Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Drugs 'Thai'-up

KUALA LUMPUR

Malaysian and Nigerian smugglers using citizens of our neighbouring country as accomplices MALAYSIAN and Nigerian drug smugglers are using Thais as accomplices, judging by the two latest drug busts by police with a total haul of 89 slabs of ganja with a street value of RM180,000.

In the first case on Tuesday night, police arrested two Malaysians and a Thai at Bandar Sri Damansara after finding 60 slabs of ganja hidden in an altered floor board and front bumper of a Toyota Crown belonging to one of the suspects.

In the second case yesterday morning, two Nigerians and a Thai woman were picked up at a petrol station in Jalan Duta. Police seized 29 slabs of ganja stashed in two backpacks. " O ve r t h e p a s t t h re e months, we detained other Nigerian drug smugglers who were also accompanied by Thai girlfriendsc um -acc ompl ice s , " s aid Federal Narcotics Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim.

"It appears the Nigerians have a new modus operandi of flying to Thailand first and then coming here via land routes with Thai accomplices. From June to last month, we also arrested 13 Nigerians for attempting to smuggle drugs when they landed here at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Low-

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By AIZAT SHARIF aizat@mmail.com.my

C o s t C a r r i e r Te r m i n a l (LCCT) in Sepang."

In the Bandar Sri Damansara bust at 11.15pm on Tuesday, the three suspects were aged 25 to 32.

"Their hiding the 60 slabs of ganja, worth RM120,000, was similar to the approach by another drug syndicate we busted last month in which 10 people were arrested at several locations in the city after we found 88 slabs of ganja, heroin and syabu stashed in altered floor boards and other secret compartments in four Mercedes-Benz cars," said Noor Rashid.

In yesterday morning's bust, police received a public tip-off concerning drug peddling at petrol station in Jalan Duta.

"There was a brief scuffle before we managed to apprehend both Nigerians and we also arrested the Thai woman as she's believed to be their girlfriend-cum-accomplice," said Noor Rashid, adding the three suspects were aged 28 to 41 and the 29 slabs of ganja bore a street value of RM60,000.

All suspects in both cases have all been remanded to facilitate investigations under Section 39B of Dangerous Drug Act 1952 which carries a mandatory death penalty upon conviction.

BIG HAUL: Rashid (second left) showing a big haul of 89 slabs of ganja from two recent drug busts in the Klang Valley — Pix: SAMSUL SAID

KUALA LUMPUR

Man arrested for drug trafficking A TOTAL of 6,930 methamphetamine pills worth RM173,250 were seized from a house in Kuala Terengganu on Wednesday following the arrest of a 26-year-old man believed to be a drug trafficker.

Federal Narcotics Investigation Department director Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim said the suspect was arrested at 1.15pm following a tip-off to the Terengganu Narcotics

SECRET STASH: Some of the 60 slabs of ganja seized by police hidden inside an altered front bumper of a Toyota Crown

Investigation Department.

“Beside the pills, police also seized five bottles containing heroin powder worth RM5,000 and also cash amounting to RM31,000."

It is believed the drugs were meant for the local market, particularly in Klang Valley.

The suspect has been remanded under Section 39B of Dangerous Drug Act 1952 which carries the mandatory death sentence.

PETALING JAYA

Police presence at PJ stadium during football matches POLICE will increase their patrols at the Petaling Jaya Stadium throughout the Malaysia Cup football season.

This follows an incident on Tuesday night when cars belonging to a journalist and two footballs fans were broken into.

PJ deputy police chief Supt Meor Hamdan Meor Mohammad said police received three reports and all three vehicles were believed to be broken into on the same night.

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

By THASHA JAYAMANOGARAN thasha@mmail.com.my

The vehicles which were broken into were a Proton Wira, Proton Satria Neo and a Honda Hybrid.

"We believe the suspects could have broken into the cars while the victims were busy watching a match."

He said the suspects would have made their move when the car park area was quiet.

All three car windows were broken into from the driver's

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

side but only a laptop was reported missing.

The Malay Mail sports journalist Vijhay Vick, who was covering the Negeri SembilanPKNS match, said the driver's window was cleanly broken leaving one to believe the car window was winded down.

"When I approached my car I thought I had forgotten to wind up the window, until I saw glass pieces on my car

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CLEAN-CUT: The glass window at the driver's seat that was broken into

floor mat and the glove compartment was also left open."

"Although the glass window

was missing, my CD player and portable charger were in place."

TO CONTACT US: Newsdesk : 03-74951015 & 03-74951017 CLASSIFIEDS : 03-74951273/03-74951282 General line : 03-74951288 CIRCULATION : 03-74951068 Fax : 03-74951226

All ambulance drivers have undergone extensive and detailed training, so patients should not be worried â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai

The Malay Mail Friday 9 september, 2011

news

3

Pix: Sharul Hafiz Zam and samsul said

HOW THEY COMPARE: A combo of pictures showing the present state of neglect at Bukit Kepong cemetery (first and second left) and the well-maintained Commonwealth war graves in Cheras

KUALA LUMPUR

Precious memories Sudden awareness for need to restore Bukit Kepong cemetery

By G. PRAKASH prakash@mmail.com.my

AFTER 61 years, the transformation of Bukit Kepong cemetery into a war memorial and tourist attraction will see the light of day.

Spurred by a series of frontpage reports by The Malay Mail this week, expressing disbelief at the deplorable conditions of the warriors' graves in Muar, Johor, the police force pledged to give the warriors the peace and recognition they deserve.

On Tuesday, The Paper That Cares visited the cemetery only to observe part of its protective wall had collapsed, with iron railings and rubble strewn over the graves.

The cr umbling bur ia l grounds led to an outpouring of anger from family members visiting the graves during Hari Raya.

Worse was when they were prevented from sprucing up the place as it was government property.

Ye s t e r d a y, I n s p e c t o r General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said police were looking into turning the Bukit Kepong cemetery into a historical landmark to appreciate the fallen heroes who gave their lives in defence of

the Bukit Kepong police station from Communist insurgents in February 1950.

"A committee has been formed to oversee issues pertaining to the preservation of police memorials and artifacts, especially those related to heroes who defended the country," he told a Press conference at Bukit Aman.

He said a meeting of the relevant parties will be convened soon to make this happen.

Ismail said the idea was to make the Bukit Kepong cemetery a national landmark with historic significance.

He said this transformation

was needed to make known younger generations our local history.

"By turning Bukit Kepong cemetery into a memorial, it will also allow generations to understand the sacrifices people and the police force made in the past."

The failure to grant Bukit Kepong cemetery the dignity of a solemn burial ground was highly criticised yesterday.

Questions were raised as to why it was found difficult to accord the same respect to departed local heroes as other countries do.

Historian Prof Emeritus

Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim lamented to The Malay Mail the lack of official recognition for their fallen heroes.

He said Bukit Kepong cemetery should be accorded the same level of importance as Tugu Negara, both being monumental figures.

Badan Warisan, a nongovernmental organisation also opined that ignorance was a major cause for the cemetery's unkempt condition.

Its executive director, Elizabeth Cardosa, wanted such burial grounds to be acknowledged as historical sites and promoted as such.

Better late than never, say families "WHY only now do they want to do this? It should have been done years ago."

This was the response from Mohd Nor Jamil, 61 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the son of Bukit Kepong police station chief Sergeant Jamil Mat Shah â&#x20AC;&#x201D; when told of plans to turn the Bukit Kepong cemetery a monumental landmark.

Mohd Nor, who was born during the first Malayan

Emergency, more specifically 10 days before the Bukit Kepong incident on Feb 23, 1950, said although he welcomed the move, he was disappointed the initiative was only put forth now.

"This should have materialised a long time ago as these are our heroes who fought and died for us," he told The Malay Mail.

Nevertheless, Mohd Nor

said plans to turn the burial grounds into a historical site was good and hoped police would execute it soon.

"Hopefully, they will keep their word as this is definitely a place where younger generations should visit and cherish. It's important for such places to be properly maintained as the history behind it is tremendous."

Haizad Ibrahim, 35, a

senior bank officer who first broke the news to The Paper That Cares on the deplorable condition of the graves, said the family was happy to learn of the pledge by Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar.

"We are elated. This is the reason why we highlighted the issue in the first place, not only for my grandfather (Jamil Mat Shah) but all

policemen who perished in the defence of Bukit Kepong," said Haizad, who is Mohd Nor's nephew.

He pointed out the authorities were also responsible for maintaining police memorials and artifacts as other countries do.

"This should not be only for the Bukit Kepong site. Other memorials must also be maintained and respected."

How 'The Malay Mail' broke the story THE Malay Mail was first alerted to the wretched state of the Bukit Kepong cemetery by Haizad Ibrahim, 35, a senior bank officer who is also the grandson of Bukit Kepong police station chief Sgt Jamil Mat Shah.

In Haizad's email to us, he said: "Is this how they

respect the heroes of Bukit Kepong?"

Up on l e ar n i ng of t he cemetery's condition, The Malay Mail's senior reporter Marhalim Abas visited the burial grounds of the brave policemen who died in Muar, Johor.

Our checks revealed the

place resembled more of a 'battleground' than a pristine resting place, with part of its wall, bearing the names of some of the 25 dead in the infamous incident during the Emergency, badly damaged and strewn with iron railings and rubble.

According to Haizad, the

wall had collapsed for at least a year.

The heroes' graves were separated from the rest in the cemetery by just a perimeter fencing painted in blue.

Our f ront-page rep or t yesterday showed the stark contrast of the Bukit Kepong cemeter y to that

of the Commonwealth War Graves Military Annex at the Cheras Christian Cemetery.

In our report, Badan Warisan executive director Elizabeth Cardosa and historian Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim regretted the lack of respect to our heroes and historical sites.

Ex-cops welcome IGP's pledge

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

SHAFIE Bakri, president of Persatuan Bekas Polis Malaysia (PBPM): "We welcome the move as the Bukit Kepong cemetery is not something that we can brush off just like that.

"In fact, we have brought up the issue of preserving the area during our exco meeting a year ago.

"The reason the area has to be preserved is because it needs to stay in our minds and hearts.

"By turning the cemetery into a national landmark with historic significance, Malaysians, especially the younger generations, will remember them.

"Not only that, by turning the area into a tourism site, the names of the 25 who perished defending the country will be remembered by other countries as well.

"So, we would like to thank the IGP for this decision."

Mohd Zainan Yunos, vicepresident of Retired Senior Police Officers Association of Malaysia (Respa): "This is a commendable move.

"We salute the IGP for being proactive about it.

"The Bukit Kepong cemetery is in dire need of recognition and turning it into a national landmark is what it exactly needs.

"The place will finally gain the respect it deserves with this new development.

"The public will also get an in-depth knowledge of history and what took place during the infamous battle that claimed so many lives."

4

news

Malaysia kickstarting initiative to bring in world-renowned art works to make country an international hub for contemporary art tourism — Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen

KUALA LUMPUR

Questionable survey

The Malay Mail Friday 9 september, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR

Findings English preferred for maths and science disputed DEPUTY Education Minister Mohd Puad Zarkashi (pic) has questioned the accuracy of a nationwide survey findings by Jaringan Melayu Malaysia (JMM) which concluded a majority of Malays want mathematics and science to be taught in English (PPSMI).

"When the ministry decided to abolish the PPSMI, only eight per cent of teachers were teaching both subjects completely in English," he told The Malay Mail yesterday.

By Faizal Nor Izham faizal@mmail.com.my

"They also found school exam results for maths and science in 2009 had declined."

He said the ministry suggests JMM should produce more empirical data and sampling if they wish to convince the government their findings from the four-month survey is solid.

"What they have right now isn't strong enough.The sur-

vey did not take into account the effects of the PPSMI when it was being undertaken. Also, JMM did not do any surveys after the UPSR results, which is crucial, as people's mindsets may have changed by then."

It was reported JMM had claimed 54 per cent of the rural population were in favour of PPSMI, with 70 per cent of the population comprising Malays.

JMM president Azwanddin Hamzah had said although the Constitution upholds the

Malay language, the views of parents supporting the policy and wishing the best for their children must not be denied.

The results of the survey also mirrored the findings of education advocacy group, Parents Action Group For Education (PAGE) Malaysia, which also favoured the policy.

PPSMI was first introduced in 2003 but the Education Ministry decided last year to abolish it next year after consulting teachers and parents.

KUALA LUMPUR

PPR dwellers respond to 'colours of conscience' CITY HALL's new door-todoor, colour-coded billing system for the People's Housing Project (PPR) dwellers in the city has been an eye-opener for the local authority.

Introduced in February to reduce the staggering RM51 million of unpaid rent from residents of low-cost flats, it seems to be encouraging prompt payments.

City Hall housing management director Sukiman Surahman told The Malay Mail the situation now was in stark contrast to the previous system where flat-dwellers used a rent-book system to settle rents.

"Previously, only 50 to 60 per cent of flats dwellers paid their rent. With the new colour-coded billing system, we have been able to get more than 85 per cent in rental payment each month," he said.

Sukiman attributed the suc-

cess to enforcement.

"Dwellers are now more aware and have a sense of urgency to pay up due to the colours each bill represents.

"City Hall also conducts follow-up action if bills are ignored by serving notices of seizure or water cuts," he said.

Sukiman said since April, City Hall had cut off water supply to 3,200 PPR units due to unpaid rents and to show they were serious about the issue.

"Out of that number, 80 per cent started paying their rentals and got their water supply reconnected.

"To date, none of the PPR dwellers had their houses seized as almost all responded to the final bill which is red."

However, Sukiman said there were still some who continued to default rent

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

payments and who resorted to various tactics to dupe the authorities.

Citing a case in PPR Kampung Muhibbah, he said the owner shamelessly 'borrowed' water from his neighbour by having a water hose into his unit.

Another case was a unit in PPR Kampung Limau in Pantai Dalam which still owes City Hall RM36,396 in rent payment, the highest so far.

The dweller(s) decided to move out of the unit at night to avoid detection.

"In cases like this, we have to declare the unit as empty and offer it to someone else," said Sukiman.

He said he is grateful PPR dwellers have begun to take responsibility in paying their rents.

SUKIMAN: Council now gets 85 per cent rental payments

"In March, our collection percentage reached 93.9 per cent, the highest so far since the introduction of the colour coded billing system.

"In April, it was 79.7 per cent, May (84.6 per cent), June (89.6 per cent) and July (89.1 per cent)."

Sukiman said from January

KUALA LUMPUR

Surahman.

"I have personally received calls from PPR residents, some old folks, some blind people, begging me to look into the matter.

"Once, a blind man called me at 2.30am. He said he couldn't find his way back to his unit because motorcycles were obstructing his way.

The motorcycles are also a nuisance for those on wheelchairs."

He said from April to August, City Hall has issued

KING OF THE BAY: Motorcycles parked on lots meant for cars

981 summonses to errant motorbike owners.

"Despite us building motorcycle sheds in many of the PPRs, owners still prefer to park haphazardly because it's more convenient for them,"

IRAQI student Saif Al Deen Yehya Muneeb Alnajm (pic) lost his passport here and is appealing to the finder to return it to him.

The 17-year-old, currently studying at the International Modern Arabic School in Jalan Sultan Ismail, believed he lost the document at a bus stop in Jalan Gombak on Sept 5 at about 5.30pm.

"I believe it might have accidentally slipped out of my pocket. This is the first time this has happened to me since coming to Malaysia in 2002," he said.

Saif Al Deen lodged a report on the missing passport at Setapak police station the next day.

He is worried that without it, he will not be able to move about freely.

"My passport number is S002178. I really hope anyone who finds it will kindly return it to me, the police or the embassy."

The Iraqi Embassy at No. 2, Jalan Langgak Golf, Off Jalan Tun Razak, can be contacted at 03-2148 0650 or 03-2148 0555.

Top 10 public flats with illegally-parked motorcycles

Motorcyclists, the bane of flat dwellers ERRANT motorcycle owners are proving to be a bane for residents of the People's Housing Project (PPR) lowcost flats in the city.

City Hall's latest headache is how to educate bikers to park their bikes at appointed parking bays instead of leaving them near stairwells, pedestrian walkways, corridors and the lift lobby.

The bikes are obstructing the elderly and disabled, said City Hall housing management director Sukiman

to July, City Hall collected RM6.4 million out of the RM51 million owed to them.

"Currently, the top three PPR that owes us the most are Desa Rejang, Beringin and Kampung Muhibbah.

In May, The Malay Mail reported PPR residents who owed City Hall a staggering RM51 million in unpaid dues have started to settle up after the introduction of the doorto-door billing system.

The new bills, which come in four different colours — white, yellow, orange and red — to indicate a resident’s payment status, are hand-delivered to each PPR household by their house officers.

Once the final red bill is ignored for 14 days, notices of seizure or water cuts are issued under the Public Housing By-Laws 2000 or based on tenancy agreements.

Iraqi seeks missing passport

he said, adding the under-utilised motorcycle shed in PPR Taman Mulia in Bandar Tun Razak is a perfect example.

Sukiman attributed this problem to dwellers' lack of civic-mindedness.

1. PPR Kampung Muhibbah (238 motorcycles)

6. PPR Kepong (78 motorcycles)

2. PPR Kerinchi (199 motorcycles)

7. PPR Wahyu (73 motorcycles)

3. PPR Salak Selatan (139 motorcycles)

8. PPR Desa Tun Razak (58 motorcycles)

4. PPR Raya Permai (114 motorcycles)

9. PPR Pudu Ulu (56 motorcycles)

5. PPR Pantai Ria (109 motorcycles)

10. PPR Pekan Batu (44 motorcycles)

The Malay Mail Friday 9 september, 2011

news

Despite efforts to get more non-Malays to join the police force, response has been poor -- Internal Security/Public Order Department director Datuk Salleh Mat Rasid

5

Companies Commission of Malaysia

Symposium on economic crime

“

The fact remains that all activities involving financial transactions cannot happen outside a strictly regulated environment in order to safeguard the subscriber of interests.

”

------- Datuk Azmi Ariffin SSM CEO

Datuk Azmi Ariffin is addressing keynote speech at Jesus College, University of Cambridge, UK for the second time.

T

he Malaysian Government and the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) had embarked

on an effort in introducing the “Corporate Integrity Pledge” that seeks to create a business environment that is accountable and transparent, which upholds integrity and is free from corruption. This initiative is a joint collaboration between several bodies which are the members of the Corporate Integrity Pledge Roundtable.

Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) chief executive officer Datuk Azmi Ariffin said the Corporate Integrity Pledge (CIP) enables companies and businesses in Malaysia to make a unilateral declaration that the will not commit corrupt acts and uphold the ‘Anti-Corruption Principles for Corporations in Malaysia’ in conducting business and interacting with this business partners and the Government.

The ‘Anti-Corruption Principles for Corporations in Malaysia’ comprises five main principles, of which includes promotion of values of integrity, transparency and good governance, and strengthening internal systems that support corruption prevention. These principles are more than a statement of mere intent, but signal the commitment of the companies and businesses that have pledged to uphold them, to create a corporate and business ecosystem that is embedded with values of integrity, transparency, accountability, good governance and zero-corruption.

Datuk Azmi was addressing participants

of the 29th International Symposium on Economic Crime 2011 at Jesus College, University of Cambridge, UK, last Tuesday.

His speech titled “Responsibility for risk – At the sharp end of fighting crime and terror” was released in Kuala Lumpur.

Azmi pointed out that another area that has been making waves in Malaysia, is in respect of illegal interest schemes. “SSM’s surveillance revealed that there are several types of illegal interest schemes offered but in general, they can be grouped into two categories: 1) the unregistered schemes and 2) interest schemes involving activities which are against the law”.

danger of subscribing to such flimsy in-

tions that are not validated by Govern-

schemes, the term of imprisonment for

vestments is obvious: fraud is an ever

ment agencies or reputable financial reg-

offenders was raised to a maximum of

present risk, no matter how the profit mar-

ulators. Consequently, funds that could

10 years, compared to the previous term

gin is accrued. Investors are inevitably

have been put to better use to grow the

of only three years. It is hoped that such

put in a vulnerable position as the like-

country’s economy are obstructed from

stiff penalties will curb the escalation of

lihood of the collected funds vanishing

reaching the right channels, and are in-

Kootu schemes and dissuade prospec-

with or without a trace is high and poses

stead swindled by corrupt individuals for

tive organisers who are out to make easy

a real threat, irrespective of whether it is a

personal gain.

money from gullible victims.”

registered business or otherwise. The fact

“SSM’s findings have shown that in 2010

He said that as the regulatory body gov-

Illegal interest schemes have been mushrooming throughout the country, and this is despite the ready availability of awareness campaigns for the public, in addition to enforcement measures taken by SSM to stem its growth. In 2010 itself, SSM received 214 complaints of which 62% were related to illegal investment schemes. The problem is exacerbated by greedy and gullible investors who throw caution to the wind after being promised handsome and fast returns.

remains that all activities involving finan-

itself, there have been 12 cases involving

erning the registration of companies and

cial transactions cannot happen outside

the violation of section 3 of the Kootu

businesses in Malaysia, SSM has stepped

a strictly regulated environment in order

Funds (Prohibition) Act 1971.”

up efforts to manage the risk that comes

to safeguard the subscriber of interests.”

“In one case, the company was prosecuted

within its territory.

said Azmi.

in the court or organising a Kootu scheme

On 9 March 2010 a taskforce and work-

According to Azmi, another pandemic

via postal order. The business required in-

ing committee, the ‘Joint Committee on

that has garnered a great deal of unwanted

vestors to participate in an Islamic-based

Combating White-Collar Crime’ was

attention of late in Malaysia is the Kootu

principle scheme known as the ‘Tawoon

established by the Malaysian Cabinet to

Funds scheme. This scheme goes by

Scheme’ whereby participants had to de-

look into the possible methods in fighting

many other names such as cheetu, hwei,

posit monies in the form of a postal order.

white-collar crime, and simultaneously

chit funds or the better-known Tontine,

The scheme had been introduced in May

build greater investor confidence among

2009 via a website and had managed to

locals and foreigners.

SSM has been vigilant in enforcing against the perpetrators and amongst the recent actions include, successfully obtained an injunction to prevent a company from offering an investment scheme involving the commercial rearing of swiftlets, one that promised returns to investors derived from the selling of bird’s nests.

The company, which started operating in November 2008, guaranteed returns to investors who were involved in its bird’s nest investment schemes. With the court injunction in place, the operator company will be required to register deeds of trust with SSM before continuing with its business operations.

Other cases that have come to light recently involve a leech breeding scheme that affected at least 71 investors with investments amounting to approximately RM5 million and a scheme on the rearing of earthworms involving 3,000 investors who lost more than RM25 million. “The

and involves two key parties: the organisers (along with their agents, if any), and the participants.

garner such widespread popularity that no less than a total of 81,003 participants had invested in the company, resulting

“The idea behind such a scheme is that

in investments estimated at the sum of

each member deposits an equal sum of

RM2,444,848.”

money into an investment pool whereby the members will receive returns plus other accumulated earnings annually or within stipulated periods, through auc-

The Committee comprises representatives from the Central Bank Malaysia, the Securities Commission, the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia, the Inland Revenue Board, the Royal Malaysian Po-

Realising the need to protect the public

lice Force and the Enforcement Division

from such fraudulent schemes, amend-

of the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-

ments to the Kootu Funds (Prohibition)

operatives and Consumerism to enquire

Act 1971 were proposed. The Bill was

into companies, both listed and unlisted

tions, tenders, bids and ballots.”

tabled at Parliament in March 2011, and

“The allure of the Kootu scheme lies in

was passed in mid-June 2011.

the promise of express ‘earnings’ obtained

With these latest amendments in place,

contrary with the law. This Committee

with as little effort as possible. It was also

the penalty for organising Kootu schemes

also serves to encourage coordination of

seen as an alternative to the concept of ac-

now amount to a massive RM500,000,

tasks between the agencies involved so as

cumulating personal savings.”

compared to the previous amount of

to avoid duplication in investigative ac-

Azmi said, the proliferation of Kootu

RM5,000. This 100-fold increase in the

tion.”

schemes across Malaysia brings with it plenty of adverse effects. It is not only injurious to the investor, but also to the country’s economy at large. Funds ac-

penalty amount was a clear message by the Malaysian Government that the organising of Kootu schemes is strictly prohibited.

that are possibly engaging in ‘questionable’ operations and practices that are in

Besides Azmi, two SSM’s directors, Nor Azimah Abdul Aziz and Aznorashiq Mohamed Zain also presented papers at the symposium. This is the second con-

crued through Kootu schemes are more

To further accentuate the Government’s

secutive year where SSM was invited to

often than not obtained through transac-

stand on eradicating the snare of Kootu

present papers at the symposium.

6

news

Malaysia rose five notches, to 21st, in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index 2011-2012

The Malay Mail Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

MAIL Q&A

Moving to different waters

Q

Are stories about the Marine police being dissolved untrue?

I do not know how A Yes. such stories came about.

There has not been any deadline at all. However, we have not gone on sea patrols since the start of the year. We do, however, go to islands around Sabah, moor the boat at the jetty, then conduct policing on land. So the talk about us being dissolved is incorrect. The Inspector General of Police (Tan Sri Ismail Omar) officiated the launch of "Operation D e p l oy m e nt D o c t r i n e " (Doktrin Penugasan PGM) at the Marine police base in Penang on Aug 12. This doctrine clearly spells the scope of deployment, the present and future roles and functions of the Marine Operations Force to serve as the Marine Unit for the Royal Malaysian Police.

Q

Why was there so much confusion on the status of the Marine police? back, the deciA Ifsionwetolook set up the MMEA was made by the Cabinet in 2002, to form an integrated maritime enforcement agency under the Prime Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department. However, it was decided the current enforcement agencies were to continue with their roles until MMEA was capable of conducting their operations. On Aug 26, 2009, the Cabinet ordered that Marine police officers and men be deployed to conduct anticrime operations as mandated by the National Key Results Area (NKRA). With the decision, the Cabinet ordered that Marine police assets be handed over to the MMEA while officers and men were to be given the option to join the agency or stay with the police.

On Jan 11 this year, in a meet-

SENIOR Assistant Commissioner Datuk Isa Munir is the current commander of the police Marine Operations Force. The master diver rose to the highest-ranked blue beret in the Pasukan Gerakan Marin (PGM), as they are known in Malay.

In this interview by The Malay Mail senior writer Marhalim Abas, Isa speaks about the force which, according to some, should not exist with the advent of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

ing chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, it was determined that the police were responsible for national security and public order. Crime prevention is also the duty of the police and its powers to enforce laws extend to the territorial waters even with the existence of MMEA. The police needs the capability to extend its operations in difficult areas like the islands. Therefore, the meeting affirmed the police must have components to conduct its duty on the ground, air and seas. Marine police will continue to exist not for enforcement operations but to prevent crimes and also internal security and public order deployment.

Q

So, in effect, the MMEA is the enforcement agency for the seas?

On March 10, in A Yes. another meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary to the Government, it was determined that MMEA is the sole body for enforcement, compliance, checks and prevention in Malaysian waters under the country's maritime laws.

MMEA's operational domain starts from the coastline up to 200 nautical miles. However, the agency will not be responsible for security at harbours and jetties.

The meeting also agreed that laws pertaining to other agencies, such as Customs Department, Fisheries Department and the police, remain. The role of the police continues to be maintaining national security and public order and the prevention of crime. As such, the Marine police will focus on those roles.

The meeting also agreed, other agencies involved in maritime operations taken over by MMEA, are to hand over their assets to the agency.

Those wanting to hold on to their assets must give reasonable justification to the Cabinet.

Q

Has the Marine police handed over its assets to MMEA? have handed 60 patrol A We boats, comprising 18 PX class, 15 PA class and 27 PC class. We have also transferred the ownership of seven marine

bases to MMEA in Langkawi, Batu Pahat, Tanjung Pelepas and Kemaman, all of which are in the Peninsula. We have also handed over the bases in Labuan, Tawau and Muara Tebas (in East Malaysia).

Also, 66 Marine police personnel, comprising three officers and 63 of other ranks, have opted to join MMEA.

Q

Since Marine police do not now patrol the seas, what remains its main roles? rivers, lakes, A Basically, dams and islands. We are also responsible for security of harbours, jetties and wharves, of which 32 are listed as major facilities and there are numerous smaller ones. There are 189 main rivers which is now under our purview, six major lakes and 870 islands around the country.

Q A

What, therefore, is your primary duty?

Our main duty now is to guard the country from internal and external threats.

Number two, to prevent, detect and investigate crimes in our territorial waters even though we will not be involved in any

enforcement duties. Protect lives and property and conduct operations during natural disasters. Gather intelligence on any criminal activities in territorial waters and conduct community policing.

Q

Since the Marine police were more structured for sea patrols in the past, how are you going to achieve the new tasks? on the new mission A Based structure, we will set up nine beach police stations, 22 beach beat bases, six islands and three lakes beat bases.

Three of the lakes beat bases are already operational, at Putrajaya, Kenyir (Terengganu) and Banding (Perak) lakes. We plan to build three more such bases at Bakun (Sarawak), Bera (Pahang) and Pedu (Kedah).

Q A

How are these stations and bases manned?

The beach police stations will be manned by at least 33 personnel while the beat bases will have five personnel, including one supervisor. We will station at least one investigating officer with the rank of sergeant. They will work with the respective district police headquarters. We need to have marine-based investigating officers (IOs) as they will be able to conduct investigations on nautical matters as normal police officers do not have such experience. In the past, Marine police personnel assisted IOs conducting investigations at sea. With the Marine police IOs, we will be able to investigate all crimes, apart from murder and kidnappings which will be handled by the district Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The same applies to cases like drug trafficking and commercial crimes, which will be handled by the Narcotics Department and C om me rc i a l C r i me

Investigation Department, respectively.

Q

Does this mean the Marine police can no longer go to the open seas? the proper equipA Without ment, in our case, boats, how can we? Yes, we still have 147 speedboats, but these are not suited for the open seas or inclement weather. Recently, I had visits from fishermen from Hutan Melintang (Perak) and Sekinchan (Selangor) who asked for Marine police to conduct patrols where they are fishing. I told them we cannot do that anymore since MMEA had taken over the role. Furthermore, we are unable do it without the relevant boats.

Q

What about the Marine police assault team, Ungerin (Marine Assault Unit)? is still attached A Ungerin to us and they remain at their base in Lumut (Perak).

As part of our restructuring, efforts are underway to boost the capability of the personnel and their equipment. Our assault team, Ungerin, will be the first responders to district police chiefs when confronting crisis situations at lakes, rivers, islands or the seas.

We are also beefing up our intelligence unit so they can work together with the Special Branch and other units.

Apart from these, we are also boosting our community policing programme. From now on, the public can lodge reports with our patrol boats they happen to chance upon while we patrol at rivers, lakes or dams. Of course, investigations will be carried out at the police stations but our personnel on patrol can receive reports from the public. We are also finding ways to help the public as best we can when we do our patrols.

History of the Marine Operations Force THE Marine Police or Polis Marin was renamed the Marine Operations Force (Pasukan Gerakan Marin) on Feb 6, 2009, with the aim of making the force more sensitive, progressive and innovative in their services to the community. The renaming was launched by the then Home Mnister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.

Previously, Marine police was known as Malay Water

Police and its responsibility was to maintain security in Penang and the Straits of Johor. Due to the increase in marine activities, the Marine police were formed on Sept 1, 1947, at Batu Uban, Penang, before being transferred to Gelugor, Penang, with 19 boats contributed by the Customs Department and 90 personnel from the Royal Malaysian Navy Reserve.

During the Malayan Emer-

gency from 1948 to 1960, 14 police officers, of which three were Marine police, perished in the battle at the Bukit Kepong police station in Muar, Johor, on Feb 23, 1950, while fighting the Communists.

The three Marine casualties were MPC 60 Ibrahim Adam, MPC 68 Awang Ali and MPC 181 Basiron Adam.

Another Marine personnel, MPC 37 Abu Bakar Daud,

was wounded in action. The Communists also blew up the marine patrol boat at the Bukit Kepong jetty near Sungai Muar to prevent reinforcements from reaching the police station.

During the Indonesiaâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Malaysia Confrontation of 1962-1966, the Marine police also played a role in the crisis by cooperating with the Royal Malaysian Navy in patrolling the coastal and

riverine areas of the Malaysian peninsula. Indonesian non-regular forces tried to infiltrate Malaysia over water using fishing boats and trawlers, but many were captured by the Navy and the Marine police.

With the rapid development of Malaysia, the Marine police expanded in terms of logistics and men, notably during the 1960s, with a marked increase of

40 wooden PX class patrol boats and the addition of personnel. Subsequently, the Marine police duties also expanded.

In addition to functioning as regular police stations, the Marine police also took over police beat bases on islands, lakes, coastal and river areas.

On Nov 24, 2008, 41 marine police bases were upgraded to beach police stations and beach police beats.

The Malay Mail Friday ● 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Malaysia attracted RM21.3b in foreign direct investments in the first half of 2011, up 76 per cent over the same period last year — PM and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak

news

7

KUALA LUMPUR / REMEMBERING 9/11

Malaysians well-treated MALAYSIAN entrepreneur Dr Sivapalan Vivekarajah (pic) was in Washington D.C. during the Sept 11 attacks.

"I was among several Malaysians attending a month-long International Visitor Leadership Programme on entrepreneurship and was at a meeting at a US government building when someone came in and told us a plane had crashed into one of the Twin Towers," said Sivapalan, 51, at the "Remembering 9/11" forum.

"We all then watched the 'live' telecast of the burning North Tower and everybody thought it was a terrible accident. But when we saw the second plane crashing into the South Tower, it became instantly clear it was a terrorist attack. And we soon learnt about the other two plane crashes at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania."

Sivapalan said although there was xenophobic reaction by a few Americans towards Arabs and Muslims in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, he personally did not encounter any unpleasant experiences.

"Those at the entrepreneurship programme knew we were from Malaysia where a majority of the population are Muslims but we were not treated differently during our stay there," he said.

'It's been an empty life' Parents still grieving for only son 10 years later

LIFE for S. Paramsothy and his wife has been empty the past decade as their only child was among the 3,000-odd people who lost their lives in the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the US. On that day, two passenger planes crashed into the 110-floor Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a fourth plane crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Their 23-year-son Vijayashanker, a financial analyst at insurance company Aon Corporation with offices on the 103rd floor of the South Tower, was one of three Malaysians killed there. The South Tower collapsed at 9.59am New York time, followed by the North Tower at 10.28am.

"After all these years, my wife N. Pathmawathy still

By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani asrul@mmail.com.my

VERY SPECIAL: Paramsothy with a copy of 'The Perfect Son' which he authored in memory of Vijayashanker — Pic: SHAHIR OMAR

pines for Vijayashanker's return and she was the queen of our son's heart," said Paramsothy, 60, who took part in a special commemorative forum called "Remembering 9/11" at Menara Yayasan Tun Razak here organised by the US Embassy yesterday.

"She taught Vijayashanker to persevere and to believe in his abilities. The day our only child was taken from us,

life at home has been empty for us. Since then, my wife seldom leaves the house and prefers to stay at home. In the early months of our grief, I even contemplated suicide, becoming a suicide bomber myself and blowing myself up somewhere."

Vijayashaker was 19 when he went to New York in 1996 to study actuarial science and lived in an apart-

ment in Astoria, Queens.

That Sept 11 morning, he and his Aon colleagues, including their manager Howard Kestenbaum, had gone down to the 78th floor after the South Tower was hit. Vijayashanker's colleagues who survived told Paramsothy his son could have escaped down the emergency staircase but instead turned back to help Kestenbaum.

In memory of their son, Paramsothy, who retired as human resource manager at a Japanese electronics company soon after Vijayashanker's death, authored and published a biography on his son, titled The Perfect Son, and also launched a foundation called FulbrightVijayashanker Memorial Scholarship with the help of the US State Department, to help fund Malaysian students seeking a Masters or PhD in actuarial science.

"Vijayashanker never kept

secrets from his mother and me. He was very special and when someone like that is gone, what is there in life?

He was very obedient. He never told me 'Papa, I cannot do this'. Our friends who visit us and helped lessen our grief, would ask why we keep his photos around the house up to this day. His mother and I believe he is around and will come back one day," said Paramsothy.

The parents had gone to Ground Zero (where the Twin Towers once stood) in New York several times to take part in the annuallyheld Sept 11 memorial service.

The other two Malaysian casualties were 37-year-old Ang Siew Nya, a technical analyst with Marsh & McLennan Companies, and 38-year-old Khoo Sei Lai, an executive vice-president and portfolio manager at Fred Alger Management.

US embassy officer just five blocks away US EMBASSY public diplomacy officer Rain Che Bian (pic) was in a secondary school five blocks away from the World Trade Center in on the morning of Sept 11, 2001.

"Most people remember where they were during the incident. I was 14 at the time, in the fourth day of the new term, and was in biology

class," recalled Rain, a Chinese-American, at the commemorative "Remembering 9/11" forum here.

"When the first plane crashed into the North Tower at 8.46am, my classmates and I all heard it but at first we thought it was a car accident and our principal also did not know what was happening."

However, by the time the second plane slammed into the South Tower at 9.03am, everybody realised it was a terrorist attack as it was carried 'live' on CNN and other TV channels.

"The South Tower was the first to collapse and that was when our school administrators decided to evacuate all of us," said Rain.

"When we left the school, we saw many people covered with dust from the collapsed tower. It was chaotic as everybody was fleeing. By the time the North Tower collapsed about a half-hour later, we had reached safer ground but our parents who wanted to pick us up could not reach us as the whole area was cordoned off to traffic."

8

The Malay Mail Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

hotline@mmail.com.my

tel:03-7495 1000/1001/1002 tel:019-261 4948 (after 9pm)

your right to be heard ● ● ● ●

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

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

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

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

By IKRAM ISMAIL and HAMZAH NAZARI

Dream vacation dashed Agent says refund will be made when vouchers and receipts are returned

HARCHARAN KAUR says her dream vacation to Kundasang, Sabah, has been dashed.

She wants the travel agent, Quantum Success Holdings, to give her a full refund.

HARCHARAN and her husband had signed up for a package with the company's marketing director when they visited the Home Expo at Putra World Trade Centre on July 7.

The four-day package from Aug 28, inclusive of AirAsia tickets, costs RM700 each. The

director told HARCHARAN the hotel confirmation would be emailed to her by July 11 and the flight confirmation by July 15.

The next day, the couple paid RM1,400 in cash to the director and were given some vouchers and receipts.

However, there was still no confirmation of hotel and flight arrangements.

"I kept reminding the agent (director) I needed to confirm the trip early as I had to ap-

ply for leave and will need the bookings as proof," says HARCHARAN. "He said everything's in progress and he's waiting for AirAsia's reply. When I asked about the hotel booking, he said he will send it to me in a few days.

"Then he stopped picking up his phone."

She went to the agency on July 18 but was still unable to confirm the hotel and airline arrangements.

On Aug 8, HARCHARAN's husband called the director. "He told my husband that because I was rude, he doesn't want to handle our bookings anymore and will refund us in 24 hours. He asked us to return the vouchers and receipts for cancellation.

"He also told my husband he won't deal with us if we plan to lodge a report with the Consumer Claims Tribunal."

HARCHARAN says she is surprised because she and her

husband have not mentioned anything about going to the tribunal.

She said she sent an email to the director on Aug 10, stating her disappointment with his service, but there was no reply. ● A SPOKESMAN for Quantum Success Holdings Sdn Bhd says despite telling HARCHARAN numerous times her booking was in progress, she was impatient.

"As a result, we told her she

Smooth-going once more SANGEETHA RAJASINGAM, of Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, says the potholes along Jalan Kampung Bandar Dalam there are a danger to motorcyclists.

The 32-year-old training coordinator, who uses the road daily to get to and from work, says the potholes are deep.

"Motorcyclists who fall into the potholes may be badly hurt," she says.

SANGEETHA says the potholes also cause traffic congestion as cars are forced to slow down and change lanes to avoid driving into them.

"If someone had caused the potholes while carrying out road works, then they should have been filled up immediately," she says.

According to SANGEETHA's

father, the potholes have been there since last year.

"Every day, people pass by the potholes. I'm surprised nobody is doing anything about them." ● KUALA LUMPUR City Hall, which was alerted by Hotline, has filled up the potholes.

When contacted, SANGEETHA says she noticed that on her way to work yesterday.

"They have done a wonderful job and the road is nice and smooth. More importantly, it is now safe for the road users.

"I'm glad Hotline took an interest in this matter and that City Hall is paying attention to the well-being of the people."

BEFORE

2. One dengue hot spot has been identified by the Health Ministry last week in Taman Melati Utama, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. The area had a reported 29 dengue cases.

3. The Health Ministry will not be distributing face masks to the public should the air quality in some areas deteriorate as the masks are cheap and easily available in the market.

GETS THE ACTION

AFTER

PATCHED UP: City Hall filled up the potholes after it was alerted by 'Hotline'

TAKE NOTE 1. The Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah 2011 will be held from Tuesday to Thursday. The Bahasa Melayu and Mathematics (Paper 2) will be on Tuesday, Mathematics (Paper 1) on Wednesday, and Science, English and Standard 6 Aptitude test paper on Thursday.

could cancel her booking and her money will be refunded provided she hands us all the vouchers and receipts for cancellation.

"She emailed us asking where our office is although she has visited our office before.

"When we have received the documents, we will refund the money on Sept 10 (tomorrow)."

When contacted, HARCHARAN says she will "do the needful".

Online comments www.mmail.com.my Danger above! (Sept 8) ● "NO contractor has been appointed yet as the tender process is ongoing." Not enough money to start the work?

Why do you need to call for tenders even for such situations? And note how the potentially dangerous spot is merely "sealed off" with "police tape". — Anonymous ● LIM says she cannot

understand why it is taking the local council months to appoint a contractor for such an urgent job.

It is simply because they are waiting for another serious accident to happen before they actually do something about the guard rail or put up some solid barrier. As usual, all local councils delay things that are of great concern and safety for the public.

— shaktiman

● I, TOO, am puzzled as to why the Subang Jaya Municipal Council cannot repair the guard rail first. Later, if it wants to build a concrete wall costing a fairly big sum of money, then it can follow procedures and call for tenders. Surely the council heads can exercise some form of discretion in such matters. — Ratepayer No warranty for LCD (Sept 6)

● IS it a manufacturing defect? If so, the distributor must honour the warranty and replace or repair the LCD. If the damage is due to carelessness, then sorry. — After sales support Motorcycle nuisance (Sept 5) ● FROM my point of view, if the shops there are illegal, then City Hall should demolish them. Or, if the shops are legal, then

give them proper parking. — zroe ● THE problem is that the council never zones enough parking. Even n ew a r e a s l i ke M o n t Kiara and Solaris have inadequate parking facilities. I would be willing to bet that the councils are breaking some laws in this regard; I have also seen parking bays that are too small for normal cars. — Eina

The Malay Mail Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

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

● Email: mmnews@mmail.com.my Fax: 03-7495 1229

letters&opinions

9

● Opinions may be in the form of Letters to the Editor or comments posted in relation to all news. ● Letters to the Editor must carry your name, address and contact number. A pseudonym may be included.

KL: Malaysia major transit port for wildlife smuggling (Sept 1)

Smuggling activities must be stopped

SHOCKING to say the least.

It is now established that KL International Airport (KLIA) has become a major transit hub for many illegal activities.

There have been several instances of drug-related cases,

and now, it's the illegal ivory trade.

Before KLIA earns a bad reputation around the world for "allowing" such activities to thrive, the airport authorities and the government must take

immediately steps to tackle the problem and conduct an investigation on whether such smuggling activities are an inside job or whether they take place because of the lack of thorough checks and supervision.

The world must be made to understand that KLIA will not tolerate any illegal activities and offenders will be punished severely.

Anandh

KL: Hell of a cat 'hotel' (Sept 5)

End inhumane acts

THE move by the Agriculture and Agro-based Industr y Ministry to amend the existing Animal Act 1953 and to impose stiffer penalties of up to RM50,000 and a year’s jail term on those convicted of illtreating animals is a step in the right direction.

The proposed amendments are long overdue considering the fact animal abuse and cruelty towards animals has been going on for such a long time.

The latest horrific incident where a pet boarding centre sparked anger among animal lovers for ill-treating more than 200 cats under their “so-called” care is a case in point and may be the tip of the iceberg.

Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar’s statement recently that the amendments will be tabled in Parliament should be welcomed. I hope he will press for these amendments to be brought to Parliament as soon as possible.

The proposed amendments will help curb animal abuse, provide for animal welfare and help address some of the serious concerns that have been brought up by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and numer-

KL: Road safety

I OBSERVE there are still many drivers and their front seat passengers having scant regard for wearing the alltime life-saving device — the seat belt.

The passengers seem not to realise the impact during a head-on crash could send them straight for the dashboards while the drivers' chests could hit the steering wheels if the cars are not equipped with airbags.

Although the majority of drivers wear seat belts, they rarely remind their front and rear seat passengers to follow suit. Even if they do, it would,

HORRIFIC: A volunteer with one of the cats rescued from the boarding centre on Sunday

ous other non-governmental organisations which are campaigning actively to make positive changes for the welfare of animals.

Over the years and till this very day, animal lovers have stood by and watched helplessly as more and more cases of animal cruelty and abuse are committed daily by municipal council workers handling stray dogs with brute force, pet owners neglecting or abandoning their pets, zoo animals living

in deplorable conditions, and strays maimed or killed by cruel individuals.

Judging from the numerous comments from animal lovers, the issue of cruelty to strays by local authorities must be addressed with a sense of urgency.

It is time for the relevant authorities to put an end to these kinds of inhumane acts against animals and help improve Malaysia’s standing worldwide in the area of ani-

mal welfare.

I hope the Attorney-General's Chambers will expedite its study on the draft amendments so the ministry concerned can bring it to the Cabinet and also ensure the proposed Bill can be tabled in the coming meeting of Parliament.

There should be no further delay in tabling the amendments as justice delayed is justice denied to the animals.

Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye

KL: Financing schools through gambling profits

Don't confuse moral values

THE plan to allocate a proportion of gambling profits to support the development of Chinese primary and independent high schools as well as Tamil primary schools will most likely convey a wrong message and bring a negative impact not only to the community but also youths.

As the Gamblers Rehab Centre Malaysia president, I strongly oppose such an idea of financing schools through gambling profits.

It is not a wise move to buy a lottery company and subsequently utilise its profits to subsidise Chinese and Tamil primary schools.

Here are some of the reasons: 1. It is always an inherent responsibility of the government to nurture intellectual elites, that is why we pay taxes. I personally believe the best plan is to systematise and regulate the disbursement of funds.

2. The move to utilise a lottery company’s profits to subsidise Chinese and Tamil primary schools will only rationalise gambling behaviour.

3. If this idea were to materialise, our next generations, knowing their education funds came from lottery companies, will rationalise and gamble, according to Chinese moral tradition "sense of gratitude".

This will further pervert the values and characters of these children. They will probably think gambling does not only provide the winning opportunities of wealth but even

losing money is a method of thankgiving to the sponsors.

This, in turn, will cause confusion of values.

Those in power should reconsider this idea. A saint once said, "Think thrice before acting."

Here are some ideas on how to utilise the gambling profits instead: 1. The lottery company should set up a foundation to assist the family of gamblers (not assisting gamblers to settle their debts) to overcome their difficulties and help them regain their normal life.

2. The lottery company should disburse part of their profits to gamblers rehab or gambling prevention organisations, organise seminars in campuses, organisations or associations to raise public awareness of the harmful effects of gambling and on how to prevent children from getting involved in gambling activities.

If we cannot prevent, we should provide counselling and advice to gamblers to stop or rehabilitate.

Now, if only those kindhearted people who truly want to show their gratitude to the society would fulfill the abovementioned suggestions, our society will become more advanced and civilised and, more importantly, our next generation will still have correct values in their lives.

David Chiang President Malaysia Gamblers Rehab Centre

Staying alive by buckling up more often than not, fall on deaf ears.

However, there are many drivers who will not proceed to drive if they realise their front and rear seat passengers (if the cars are equipped with rear seat belts) are not properly restrained.

This should be every driver’s wise driving standard operating procedure.

Please note that unrestrained rear seat passengers can possibly cause injury or even death to the front seat passengers and drivers in the event of an impact caused by frontal collisions when they

are propelled forward.

I also notice some parents allow their children to sit in front but do not ask them to "belt up". Some mothers even have their babies or toddlers seated on their laps while driving. How irresponsible of them.

They do not have the slightest inkling that in a head-on collision, minor or major, these babies and toddlers could be hurled towards the dashboards and end up with serious injuries — with or without airbags.

Allow me relate an incident on the use of seat belts involv-

ing a good friend of mine who recently met with an accident somewhere near the Bursa Malaysia building in KL. The car he was in collided head-on with another. The friend, seated in the front passenger seat, was hurled forward towards the dashboard and had the upper part of his body smashed against the windscreen. He was not wearing the seat belt — which he usually does. I guess it was not his day when the mishap happened.

In the collision, he received a nasty cut to the right part of his face which required some

stitches. It was fortunate he did not fly out of the car through the windscreen and land on the bonnet of the second car.

That could have been lifethreatening but the incident left him with a bitter lesson.

What my friend experienced should jolt those who are not bothered to use the seat belts, from their deep slumber, and realise that the belts are vital to prevent injuries in an accident.

Hopefully, this would make them a little wiser.

Granted, there are cases where the front seat passengers did not make it when the cars they were in met with an

accident despite wearing the seat belts.

I would say these are isolated and unfortunate ones. The point I am trying to emphasis is seat belts should be worn when you are onboard a car as you will never know when you are going to be the next victim of a car crash.

Believe me, it pays to buckle up. Statistics have shown that the use of seat belts have saved thousands of lives.

Wear seat belts. “You can make a difference” so goes the road safety campaign tagline.

Mohd Faizal Abdullah

10 news

Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad has no permit to teach or give 'ceramah' or talks in mosques and surau in the State — Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais)

KUALA LUMPUR

Run with the Press Ambank and Milo fuel up healthy lifestyle event

THE National Press Club's (NPC) Media Run on Sept 18 is aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and strengthening the bonds between the media and public.

Organised with the cooperation of AmBank and Milo, the 5km run will kick off at the NPC's clubhouse grounds in Jalan Tangsi, KL and cover the Perdana Botanical Gardens (formerly Perdana Lake Gardens) here. The event will be flagged off at 8am.

There are cash prizes for the winners of each of three categories — open, veteran (for those over 40 years) and under-18, and the participation fee is RM10.

All top 10 finishers in each category will receive medals.

Participants will each get a goodie bag and be eligible for a lucky draw to be held after the run.

By RAM ANAND mmnews@mmail.com.my

AmBank Group's head of Public Affairs, Syed Anuar Syed Ali, who presented the mock cheque to NPC president Mokhtar Hussain yesterday, said Ambank is contributing RM8,000 in cash and kind for the run.

He said the bank shared the same objective as the NPC in encouraging a healthy lifestyle among the public and is happy to be associated with the club.

For the third consecutive year, Milo is sponsoring the medals, T-shirts, drinks and hampers.

Those interested can collect registration forms from the NPC at 84, Jalan Tangsi. Closing date for entries is Sept 16.

Enquiries, contact Aftar Singh at 016-2453839 or Murhayani Othman (012-2859647).

SPONSORSHIP: Mokhtar (left) receiving the mock cheque from Syed Anuar. — Pic by Sharul Hafiz Zam

The Malay Mail Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

BANTING

Ang pows and dim sum for old folks

SOME very senior citizens at the Jenjarom Old Folks Home got a nice surprise from the Rotary Club of Pudu recently. Around 40 members of the club, including family and friends, visited the home in Banting on Aug 14 and distributed ang pows and goodies to 19 residents.

Rotarians and residents also enjoyed a sumptuous dim sum brunch provided by the club.

The club donated a DVD player and a refrigerator costing RM2,000 to replace an old, leaking one.

The club also presented their bi-annual contribution of RM3,000 for the upkeep of the home.

The club has been visiting the home since 1998.

Club president Steven Oon said their visit to the home is a bi-annual affair.

HELPING-HAND: Oon (right) giving a new fridge to members of the home

FriDay 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

the malay mail

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world

There's a simpler reason to oppose the president's economic policies that has nothing to do with politics: they don't work — Republican Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell

The Malay Mail Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

WASHINGTON

RM1.2 trillion jobs plan Obama seeks to reignite growth, election support

PRESIDENT Barack Obama yesterday challenged Republicans in Congress to halt a "political circus" and immediately pass a jobs plan expected to top US$400 billion (RM1.2 trillion) to revive the stagnant economy.

Obama, seeking to restore public trust in his economic management and take aim at 9.1 per cent unemploy-

ment which has derailed the recovery, was due to unveil the plan in the pageantry of a joint address to Congress at 7pm local time.

"The people of this country work hard to meet their responsibilities, the question tonight is whether we'll meet ours," Obama said in excerpts of his remarks released by the White House.

"The question is whether, in the face of an ongoing national crisis, we can stop the political circus and actually do something to help the economy."

The centrepiece of Obama's plan is expected to be an extension to a payroll tax cut designed to keep money in the pockets of those most in need, and most likely to spend extra cash to spur demand.

Obama said the plan, called the secured: FBI bomb technicians on the Capitol dome and roof ahead of the president's speech — AFPpic

American Jobs Act, would put people back to work and more money in the pockets of those who are working.

"It will create more jobs for construction workers, more jobs for teachers, more jobs for veterans, and more jobs for the long-term unemployed," he was to say.

"It will provide a tax break for companies who hire new workers, and it will cut payroll taxes in half for every working American and every small business.

"You should pass this jobs plan right away."

The plan was expected to lay out a plan for middle class tax cuts, infrastructure spending and help for the long-term unemployed in a bid to ensure that a slump in demand does not cause a slip back into recession.

The speech may represent Obama's last chance to reignite slowed growth and make a dent in

high unemployment before 2012, when he will ask voters for a second term in a still tough economic environment.

But prospects for Obama's plan are uncertain, given blanket Republican opposition to new spending not balanced by steep budget cuts and a deeply polarised political climate already agitated by the coming election.

Obama could seek to finance the plan by raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans or closing corporate tax loopholes, a strategy which has already failed. Spending cuts in future years could also be used to ensure a stimulatory impact.

Obama will channel the frustration of Americans who have yet to feel the impact of the limp recovery following the worst recession since the 1930s to press for urgent action, Democrats familiar with his plan said. — AFP

The Malay Mail Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

LOS ANGELES

Escape from terror Hollywood shies away from 9/11-inspired movies

FOR many people, the images of commercial airliners hitting the Twin Towers, and of Manhattan engulfed in a huge dust cloud looked like a Hollywood apocalypse-style movie.

But despite that, or maybe in part because of it, 9/11 has not generated as large a number of movies as previous epochal events such as World War II or Vietnam.

In du s t r y i n s i d e r s s a i d experience shows that 9/11 movies just don’t work at the box office, adding the attacks may even have pushed Tinsel Town to produce even more escapist movies than it normally would.

In the decade since, only two Hollywood studios have produced films directly inspired by the most deadly attacks ever on US soil: Universal with United 93 by Paul Greengrass and Paramount with Oliver Stone’s World Trade Center.

LOS ANGELES

Worst songs of the 90s ROLLING STONE readers have voted for the worst songs of the 1990s, reports The Age. The music magazine was careful to note not all 90s music was bad, however: "Not everything on the radio was Nirvana or Radiohead.

Michael Bolton, Kenny G and Vanilla Ice sold enough records to fill 500 landfills — which is where most of those records now reside."

TOP TEN BAD SONGS 10. 4 Non Blondes, What's Up? 9. Right Said Fred, I'm Too Sexy 8. Baha Men, Who Let The Dogs Out? 7. Celine Dion, My Heart Will Go On 6. Hanson, MMMBop 5. Chumbawamba, Tubthumping 4. Vanilla Ice, Ice Ice Baby 3. Billy Ray Cyrus, Achy Breaky Heart 2. Los Del Rio, Macarena 1. Aqua, Barbie Girl

world

He is charming. He’s fun, he’s great. He’s a sweet guy — as long as you’re not a woman.

That’s the problem — Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld on his friend, Dominique Strauss-Kahn

“There was a lot of conversation between all of us, like ‘Is it too soon’ to make a film about the events, will audiences have any interest in going and seeing that?” producer Bonnie Curtis said.

The answer was clear: United 93 and World Trade Center were both relative box-office failures when they came out in 2006.

Disney producer Don Hahn said people did not want to see “traumatising” films.

“I was traumatised and I think most of us were. So, we don’t want to look at that again. We’d rather be entertained and movies can take us away from that and have us escape from that.”

Smiling, he added: “Maybe that’s why we are seeing so many super-hero movies, so many Captain America, Iron Man, because those characters can defeat bad guys and that’s really a great story for us.” — AFP

8.14am

American Airlines Flight 11 takes off

8.19am Flight attendant notifies American Airlines of hijacking of AA 11

United Airlines Flight 175 takes off

Boston to Los Angeles

Boston to Los Angeles

Boeing 767

8.20am

8.42am

American Airlines Flight 77 takes off

2 pilots 81 passengers 9 Flight (including Attendants 5 hijackers)

2 pilots 7 FAs

United Airlines Flight 93 takes off

Washington DC to L.A.

Newark to San Francisco

Boeing 757

Boeing 767

56 passengers (including 5 hijackers)

2 pilots 4 FAs

Boeing 757

58 passengers (including 5 hijackers)

2 pilots 5 FAs

37 passengers (including 4 hijackers)

8.46am

8.52am

9.03am

9.05am

9.05am

AA 11 crashes into 1 WTC

Flight attendant notifies United Airlines of hijacking of UA 175

UA 175 crashes into 2 WTC

President George W. Bush is informed of the attacks on the Twin Towers

American Airlines HQ aware that AA 77 is hijacked

1

AA 11

UA 175

Boston

NY

PA

NY

Boston

200 km

North Tower (1 WTC) Explodes through floors 93-99; cuts off escape route for floors above 92nd

New York

5 WTC

6 WTC

South Tower (2 WTC) Banks and crashes through floors 77-85, one stairwell survives initial impact

4 WTC

.

3 WTC Marriott Hotel

WES

T ST.

9.37am

9.40am

9.58am

10.03am

10.24am

10.28am

Pentagon hit by AA 77

FAA halts all flights taking off at US airports

2 WTC collapses

UA 93 crashes in a field in Pennsylvania

All US bound flights diverted to Canada

1 WTC collapses

Corridor Army 5 Heliport entrance

Impact causes partial collapse of west side

NY Newark

Shanksville

200 km

Crashes into a field after a revolt against hijackers; handphone transcripts show that passengers had learned about the other attacks

Air Force

Toll

AA 77 PA Dulles

200 km

Pentagon US Defense Department HQ

Pentagon VA

Men really do want women with sex appeal "What they actually also want is great boobs, a nice bum, a focus on fashion and similar interests," Jones said.

He said men and women shared a need for honesty, trustworthiness, humour and friendship.

But blokes craved more sexual attraction, a down-to-earth nature and a feeling that they were supported, while women emphasised personal hygiene and the need for her man to get on with her family and friends.

Luke Lucas, 25, of East Malvern, said without sexual chemistry, it was difficult for a relationship to develop.

"On the simplest level, I think men want a woman who will make them feel like the man," he said.

"Someone who will laugh at their jokes. And they want to feel like they're needed."

Drunk moose found in tree A SEEMINGLY intoxicated moose was discovered entangled in an apple tree by a stunned Swede. Per Johansson says he heard a roar from his holidaying neighbour's garden in southwestern Sweden and found a female moose kicking about in the tree. The animal was likely drunk from eating fermented apples, reports The Australian. With the help of police and rescue services, the 45-year-old Johansson set the moose free in part by sawing off tree branches.

UA 93

PA

Corridor 4 Navy

HEAVY rains have swamped areas of the US northeast already sodden from last week's Hurricane Irene, causing flash floods suspected in at least three deaths and forcing more than 100,000 people to evacuate, reports the Herald Sun. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for several counties in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland and Virginia, as raging flood waters invaded towns, closed busy State highways and blocked commuter lines.

PA

7 WTC

New York

200 km

SYDNEY

THEY don't always say it out loud but men really do want women with sex appeal.

Bedroom chemistry is far more important than many men are willing to admit, a study has found, reports the Herald Sun. Author and D&M Research managing director Derek Jones said the What Men Really Want From Women report, to be presented at the Australian Market and Social Research Conference in Sydney today, found at the heart of men's desire was a "good sort" who is loving and supportive, down to earth, with an attractive smile and eyes and an adventurous spirit.

Men openly said they valued traits such as togetherness, honesty, respect, a sense of humour and a best friend.

But when put to a thorough attraction test, the power of sexual chemistry was also undeniable.

Evacuations as floods hit US

2001 September 11 attacks in the US Timeline 7.59am

13

New York AA 11 92 UA 175 65 Ground 2,602

Pentagon AA 77 64 Ground 125

Shanksville UA 93 44

Source: 9/11 Commission

MALE THINKING:

Most appealing women: Jennifer Hawkins (pic left), Natalie Portman, M e g a n G a l e , J e n n i fe r Aniston, Angelina Jolie

Least appealing women: Pauline

Hanson, Julia Gillard (pic below), Quentin Bryce, Roseanne Barr, Lady Gaga

B i g g e s t turn-offs:

Poor hygiene, unattractive personality, negativity, being ignorant/superficial, boring

2mil Chinese attempt suicide CHINA has one of the highest suicide rates in the world with a person trying to kill himself every two minutes. Two million Chinese attempt suicide every year, according to an official study, reports the Times of India. Though most of them are saved, still nearly 300,000 people kill themselves every year in a population of 1.3 billion, a survey by Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Nato soldier shot reporter The Nato-led foreign military force in Afghanistan admitted yesterday a US soldier shot dead an Afghan journalist working for the BBC in July after mistaking him for a suicide bomber. Ahmed Omed Khpulwak, 25, was killed in a case of "mistaken identity" shortly after a suicide bombing on the office where he was working in troubled southern Afghanistan left 20 people dead. — AFP

Brits lift gay blood ban BRITAIN is lifting a ban on gay men giving blood providing they have had not had homosexual intercourse within a year. A lifetime ban on blood donation by men who have had sex with another man was introduced in Britain in the 1980s as a response to the spread of AIDS and HIV, reports the Herald Sun.

14 lifestyle

The Malay Mail Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Like a surgeon's scalpel

The beautifully-tuned F10 5-series allows the driver to cut millimetre-fine lines around corners TestDrive: BMW 528 i M-Sport Ever since BMW introduced their new tagline, ‘Joy is BMW’ my eyebrows have not quite straightened out properly. I don’t understand why they got rid of ‘The Ultimate Driving Machine’ which was a brilliant, descriptive and accurate representation of their products.

By Shamsul Yunos I wondered, if I lifestyle@mmail.com.my didn't get their new tagline, would it mean I would not get their new cars either? It was a worrying prospect for a car nut, even for one who prefers Stuttgart to Munich.

Fortunately, I still do get their BMW cars but I get the tagline even less after driving them.

The 528i Sport we are featuring this week is a perfect example of my confusion because, the F10 5-series is really a much better driver’s car than the model it replaces. At the same time, it is no better than its predecessor as a passenger car.

The only seat worth sitting on in the 5-series is the driver’s seat because the car’s is so beautifully-tuned, it is like handling a delicate

Bmw 528 i M-Sport ▪ Engine type: Six-cylinder inline petrol engine ▪ Capacity: 2,996cc ▪ Max Power: 258hp@6600rpm ▪ Max Torque: 310Nm 2,600-3,000rpm ▪ Top Speed: 250km/h ▪ Tyre size: Front 245/40 R18 Rear 275/40 R18 ▪ Price: RM449,800.00

ContiSportContact 3 Recommended Standard Fitment 235/40 R18 99Y SSR*

surgeon’s scalpel that allows the driver to cut millimetre-fine lines around corners.

The steering is fast but not nervous, it is accurate but not too demanding and the overall ride-comfort is really quite good.

Some people complain the steering on a 5-series is too talkative but that really depends on whether the driver feels like having a good conversation because it tells a complete story of what the tyre is doing.

On a brisk weekend drive, the car is telepathic in the way it reacts to driver input and this is made possible by the ultra rigid body.

Point and it goes, make a correction and it complies, all the while telling the driver the level of grip that is available at each corner.

If you have a chatty friend you will know there are times when we just want to sit back and enjoy some quiet but the F10 is not really good at that as every bump is felt through the wheel and every camber tugs at your attention.

This can make it a rather tiring car to drive long distance, especially if the driver is not used to and has no desire to be in charge of a car that is focused tightly on the driver.

Personally I don’t mind the conversation because over the years I have developed a way of ignoring most of the chatter with nods and strategically-placed hums and clucks and picking up when it gets interesting. Actually, anyone who is married long enough has the same skill.

However, even masters at ignoring idle chatter can tell you that you can only do it for so long. After a certain time, you are sucked into the conversation.

What I am saying is the 528i Sport will not really allow the driver to slink back and drive without passion, it will tease and cajole the driver into pushing it hard. And most people will be suckered in.

The 528i Sport is packed with nice kit, like ConnectDrive, a high-end car entertainment system, loads of safety features and high quality materials all around, but over the weekend, I genuinely failed to notice them, preferring to gently caress the steering wheel and that funky banana-shaped shifter.

I tried sitting in the front passenger seat

but it felt uncomfortable, not because there is anything wrong with the leather upholstery but because I could not bear to stay away from the steering.

The rear seats though, are a different story.

They are too aggressively-shaped to be good for slow commutes to the office. If the driver is gunning the car, you would be able to appreciate the side supports and the hunched-in seating position but on daily commutes, the seats don’t feel quite right.

And because of this, I think 'Joy is BMW' is really not appropriate for this car, as it is the ultimate driving machine, still.

Before concluding, I want to touch a little bit on the styling of the F10. From day one, it looked a tad plain to my eyes, especially after the eagle eyes and the drama of the predecessor but after a day of rudely staring at it from odd and even angles, there was a lot to like about the car.

The details of the F10, from those rear light ribbons to the beautifully-sculpted flanks and perfect stance gives the eyes so many places to flit and glide to.

However, I do wish they had given the face a bit more character though, Make no mistake, it is a quintessential BMW face but I long for the drama of the predecessor.

After a weekend with the car, I find myself even more perplexed why the marketing gurus in Munich think this is mere joy. Oh well, it is just a tagline.

lifestyle 15

The Malay Mail Friday 9 september, 2011

Team Petronas Syntium to the fore!

Top drivers and fast machines rev it up for Asia’s premier endurance race

MotorSport

By Shamsul Yunos lifestyle@mmail.com.my Excitement over the upcoming Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race was racheted up a notch with news of Team Petronas Syntium returning home to compete for the honours.

The team has brought much fame and glory for Petronas and

FOREFRONT: Fariqe will be leading the team in car No. 28

also Malaysia by doing well in the Japanese Super Taikyu series. Last year the team finished in third place, this time around they want to improve on their podium position.

The team is debuting their pair of all-new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 cars, giving the Stuttgart carmaker their only entry in the region’s toughest

TEAMMATE: Schneider will also be in the same car

HARD DRIVE: The SLS AMG GT3 that the team will be pushing to the limit

endurance race.

The two cars will sport numbers 28 and 15.

Spearheading the number 28 lead car is Johorean Fariqe Hairuman, a 10-year veteran of the MME who will partner his Super Taikyu teammate Tatsuya Kataoka and DTM legend Bernd Schneider who has five DTM championships under his belt.

Schneider is not only an ambassador of the Mercedes-Benz brand but was also one of the development drivers of the SLS AMG GT3 racers.

Meanwhile, in making their fourth appearance at the MMER, the experienced Japanese duo of Masataka Yanagida and Nobuteru Taniguchi will be joined by another Malaysian, youngster Dominic Ang in the team’s No. 15 car. In addition to being teammates, the trio currently lead the standings in the 2011 Super Taikyu Endurance Series.

Team Principal, Petronas Syntium Team, David Wong, is keen to do well in their homecoming race, especially now that they have a new partner.

“We are returning to bring the challenge in the GT class with a

brand new marquee to the competition.

"We are extremely excited to introduce our brand new Mercedes-Benz SLS GT3 cars to the MMER this year!

“Having Schneider on board with his wealth of race experience as well as being one

of the development drivers for the Mercedes SLS GT3 development programme is a definite boost to our team’s preparation.

“Combined with the talent and experience of the six drivers, the 2011 edition has the makings of being a mouth-watering affair for both the competitors

and the fans,” said Wong.

The Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race will be flagged off at midday Sept17 and finishing 12 hours later at midnight.

Readers will be able to catch race updates at www.petmos. com.my and at www.twitter.com/ PET_Motorsports

TTW joins Goodyear Malaysia Top drift competitor Tan Tat Wei, or TTW as he is better known, is now officially with the Goodyear Malaysia 2011 Drift Team.

He has made quite a name for himself in the regional drift scene, scoring an impressive 73.7 at the Singapore 2011 Formula Drift and winning the competition.

“It is truly an honour and pleasure to be affiliated with Team Goodyear. The association is one that has already begun to create a great deal of opportunity for me and has opened many doors since I first joined them eight months ago.

“My car is now fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric and since using them, I definitely see an improvement in my performance, as demonstrated during FD Singapore 2011 where I came in first."

In addition to FD Singapore 2011, Tan has participated in smaller local competitions, such as KBS Malaya Drift Battle 2011, where he qualified in first place and bagged the Champion title.

He also took part in the Speed City KL Drift Round 1 where he

TRUSTY WHEELS: TTW says fitting his Toyota with Goodyear has helped him drift to the winning spot

finished in third place and in the Speed City FX Open where he landed in the best eight.

Tan and his trusty rotaryengine powered Toyota AE86 is the fifth member of Team Goodyear.

Other drifters include Ariff Johanis Ahmad, Azrina Jane Abdullah (Malaysia’s only professional female drifter), Hanizam Hamzah and Michael Gan. “We welcome Tan to Team Goodyear and congratulate him for his outstanding performance at FD Singapore 2011, his first major event with Team Goodyear,” said Zakariah Ahmad, Managing Director, Goodyear Malaysia Berhad.

“Team Goodyear reflects the brand’s efforts of harvesting

talent and driving performance within a very high impact motorsport. High performance cars have become faster and more powerful and so, drivers demand tires that provide cornering ability, traction and safe braking in the wet. What better way to demonstrate the performance of our tires than through Malaysia’s top drifters.”

As part of Team Goodyear, members receive tyre sponsorships for a predetermined number of drift competitions, partial upgrading of vehicle and maintenance and is required to conduct demonstrations at Goodyear events.

For more information on Goodyear Malaysia, visit www. goodyear.com.my

x lifestyle 16 news

By SHAMSUL YUNOS lifestyle@mmail.com.my

Second world title fo VALENCIA RACE 1 RESULTS 1.

LAST weekend, Chevrolet won its second consecutive title of the Manufacturers’ Championship in the World Touring Car Championship with the team completely dominating both races.

Yvan Muller and Alain Menu made a 1-2 in Race 1, and Yvan Muller, Rob Huff and Alain Menu took all podium steps in Race 2.

With this result, the drivers’ title, it is now mathematically certain for one of the three Chevrolet drivers. That is how dominant the team is this season.

The battle is more open than ever: with his double success in Spain, Yvan has now taken the lead from Rob and is 16 points ahead of the Brit and 80 ahead of Alain Menu.

In Race 1, after battling with Tarquini in the very initial stages, Yvan Muller won ahead of Alain Menu, who emerged well from the fight for the runner-up position. Rob Huff took fifth after being trapped in the turmoil of the first few corners, saving some precious points.

The Brit was third but lost a number of positions when he was sent off track after Monteiro

2.

3.

4.

5.

Y Muller Chevrolet Cruze 14 laps in 25m39s052 A Menu Chevrolet Cruze + 1s103 T Coronel BMW 320 TC + 6s345 K Poulsen BMW 320 TC + 9s961 R Huff Chevrolet Cruze + 15s404

VALENCIA RACE 2 RESULTS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

hit Menu, sending the Swiss into the back of Rob’s car.

Race 2 seemed promising for the BMWs, as three of them led most of the race, with the Cruzes right behind, but an incident between Coronel and Villa opened the way for Muller and a spin from Michelisz in the very last corner which allowed Huff and Menu to secure the rest of the podium.

The team will stay over in Valencia for a testing session on Monday and Tuesday, while the WTCC cars and equipment will

start the long journey by sea to Asia where the last three rounds will be dominated by the fight for the Drivers’ championship.

Muller was ecstatic about overtaking his teammate on the championship table.

“First of all, a very big and heartfelt 'well done' to all the guys for a well-deserved second Manufacturers’ title!

“It is obviously a very good weekend for me as I arrived here six points behind Rob and I am leaving with a 16-point advantage. "

Y Muller Chevrolet Cruze 13 laps in 23m14s296 R Huff Chevrolet Cruze + 4s434 A Menu Chevrolet Cruze + 1s143 T Coronel BMW 320 TC + 2s184 G Tarquini SEAT SR León 1.6T + 2s966

DRIVERS POINTS STANDINGS AFTER RACE 18 OF 24

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

12.

14.

Y Muller (Chevrolet), 333 points R Huff (Chevrolet), 317 A Menu (Chevrolet), 253 T Coronel (BMW), 164 G Tarquini (SEAT), 155 …

D O’Young (Chevrolet), 43 C Bueno (Chevrolet), 25 ... etc

MANUFACTURERS POINTS STANDINGS AFTER RACE 18 OF 24 1.

2.

3.

4.

Chevrolet, 734 points; BMW, 433; SEAT, 393; Volvo, 126.

Volvo downsizes engine for the future SWEDISH carmaker Volvo has a reputation for being eco-friendly and their latest initiative towards zero emissions through a new, downsized engine range consisting solely of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

“It’s time to stop counting cylinders. At the Frankfurt Motor Show we will reveal a new concept car. It proves that downsized engines can go hand in hand with our customers’ expectations on luxury and driving pleasure,” says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at the Volvo Car Corporation.

The Volvo Car Corporation’s upcoming four-cylinder VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture) engine range includes common rail diesels and direct injected petrol engines. It covers the whole range from high power and torque variants to fuel-efficient derivatives.

“Our four-cylinder focus is the perfect way for us to quickly reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. We will develop four-cylinder engines with higher performance than today’s six-cylinder units and lower fuel consumption than the cur-

rent four-cylinder generation,” said Mertens.

The new VEA engines reduce the number of unique parts by 60 per cent. The new powertrains are also up to 90kg lighter than the present ones and fuel economy is improved by up to 35 per cent.

Later this year Volvo will test the potential of KERS (kinetic Energy Recovery System on public roads.

The device captures braking energy in a flywheel that spins at up to 60,000 revs a minute.

Once released, this stored energy can either accelerate the car or propel the vehicle once it reaches cruising speed.

“The flywheel system offers the driver an additional 80 horsepower while reducing fuel consumption by up to 20 percent,” said Mertens.

With the company still facing dire financial situation, Volvo is also working hard on a new way of building cars called SPA (Scalable Platform Architecture). SPA allows most Volvo models to be built on the same production line irrespective of vehicle size and complexity.

“We’re taking our technologi-

cal future into our own hands.

Both our new architecture and the new engine range will enable us to be on par or even beat our toughest competitors in crucial areas such as driving dynamics and fuel economy,” said Mertens.

In addition to the industrial benefits of common vehicle architecture, there are also significant product-related advantages. The Volvo Car Corporation will take the lead in automotive lightweight design with upcoming SPA models being 100-150 kg lighter than current models of the same size.

The new architecture enables

electrification at all levels and new chassis technologies combined with the lower weight and improved weight distribution will boost driving dynamics.

The new concept car to be unveiled next week in Frankfurt will also show that SPA offers the Volvo Car Corporation’s design team greater freedom to give forthcoming Volvo models more exciting looks.

Said Mertens: “The new architecture means we can sharpen our design language, carving out just the right athletic and dynamic aura that is so important to the most demanding of prestige car buyers. The Frankfurt concept car is a great example of what we can achieve with the new architecture,” relates Peter Horbury, Vice President Design at the Volvo Car Corporation.

MERTENS: Believes less is more

Honda re City an HONDA Malaysia is conducting a recall or ‘product update’ for the 2006 to 2008 Civic, 2006 to 2008 City and the 2005 to 2007 Jazz to implement preventive measures against what they describe as "undesired technical issues in the affected units".

“Honda Malaysia would like to apologise to all customers for the inconvenience caused. The campaign aims to implement a few preventive measures against technical failure.

“This is an early call for inspection and replacement, of which we believe could sustain the best product performance for customers in spite of the technical irregularities,” said Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda

The Malay Mail Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

or Chevy

Shell's 'Pump and Win' has RM500K on offer

SHELL Malaysia is making this festive season even more special with the launch of its latest cash contest — 'Pump and Stand to Win RM500, 000'.

From Sept 7 until Nov 15, Shell will be giving away cash prizes to more than 1,000 winners every week.

Each week, Shell will be giving away RM20,000 to one lucky grand prize winner; RM2,000 to five lucky winners and RM100 to 1,000 additional customers, as a consolation prize. At the end of the 10-

ecalls Civic, nd Jazz Malaysia.

For the 2006 to 2008 Civic, it is reported that affected units experienced oil leakage from the power steering feed hose, caused by deterioration from running in hot and humid weather.

Although Honda said the affected units may not cause serious safety issues, the possibility of a technical breakdown might show in the future.

Honda Malaysia will change the rubber material for the power steering feed hose to improve its heat resistance. The campaign expects to involve 16,537 units of Civic.

Meanwhile, the City and Jazz are prone to possible failure of its power window master switch, which under certain conditions, could cause a minor short-circuit resulting in a burnt smell.

17

week contest, all 10 weekly grand prize winners have the opportunity to win up to half a million Ringgit!

“At Shell, we not only produce high quality fuels, we also give our customers and fellow Malaysians the opportunity to be rewarded with amazing prizes. This contest, which offers the chance to win RM500,000 is a testament to our commitment to reward our loyal customers,” said Azman Ismail, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell

Timur Sdn Bhd. To stand a chance to become a weekly winner, motorists would need to: ▪ Pump a minimum of RM30 of any Shell fuel or lubricants or purchase Shell Select items for the same amount ▪ Fill up a contest form and answer a simple question at the back of the form.

▪ Drop the contest form in the contest box at any Shell stations nationwide, with the purchase receipt attached.

Pajero Sport to power up

Honda Malaysia will change all the affected units with a counter measure power window switch. The product update campaign will involve 20,949 units of City and 2,970 units of Jazz.

Honda said all current-selling models are not affected. Necessary replacements will be carried

out when the parts are ready.

All parts and labour charges incurred in the replacement work will be borne by Honda Malaysia.

For more information and assistance, call Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-882020 or visit any authorised Honda dealer.

THE Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a decent SUV but it can use a bit more power. Later this month, that is exactly what it is getting.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Malaysia, will be introducing the new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport VGT, a new variant of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport next week.

The Pajero Sport VGT 2.5-litre Common Rail diesel engine will be fitted with a new powerhouse management that in-

cludes Variable Geometric Turbocharger, boosting power and torque to a significantly higher level, respectively.

The Variable Geometric Turbo (VGT) technology uses variable vanes to control exhaust flow against the turbine blades, ensuring a constant delivery of additional fresh air to the engine for optimum output and performance.

With an estimated price of

RM173, 000, the new Pajero Sport variant will be sold alongside the Pajero Sport GS 4WD and Pajero Sport GL 2WD, offering a wider option for customers.

Mitsubishi has sold over 3,000 units of the Pajero Sport since its introduction two years ago.

18 lifestyle

The Malay Mail Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Raya merriment continues on TV

By CHE'AZ cheaz@mmail.com.my RAYA was almost two weeks ago but the mood is still lingering.

Most programmes on television are skewed to remind you that you can still celebrate. This Sunday, the Raya theme continues on TV3, with a special episode of Mentor Raya and a special edition of Melodi Raya, hosted by Zizan and Dira Abu Zahar For Melodi Raya, the production team gathered 500 artistes and 40 orphans from Rumah Amal Belaian Kasih (RABEKA) FA_Week at the Putra World03_OUT.pdf Trade Centre1

(PWTC) for a special gathering.

Since the programme is packed to the brim, it has been divided into two episodes.

The first part was shown on Sept 4, while the second will be shown this Sunday at 12.30pm.

The first episode was themed 3 Dimensi which featured performances by Datuk M. Nasir, Alyah, Black and many more.

The show also saw Senario, Yassin, Kumpulan Sepah and Johan in action.

Part two of the show is expected to be brimming with "issues and controversies" as guests take on sensational questions that might pry open "cans of worms".

Former Melodi host Wahid of Senario will be joining Diraand two other loud characters Raja Azura and Sharifah Shahira.

One interesting segment is when the hosts will put a couple of single mothers in a hot spot as they delve into their lives and dark secrets. The single mothers in the spotlight are Maria Farida and Natasha Hudson.

8/23/11 PM Another 5:53 hot segment is called

S.A.M.A.N (Selesai Apa Masalah Artis Negara) that would pit Meet Uncle Hussain against ex-vocalist Azlan (who is now heading his own band The Typewriter), and Iqram Dinzly and Arja Lee. They will share their problems and gossips they had to face in the industry.

Meanwhile, fans of Mentor will get to see all the favourite "mentors and proteges" from all five seasons in the special Mentor Raya programme. The show, which will be on at 9pm the same day, will kick off with a cheque presentation ceremony to the Mentor 5 winner Salma

and Erra Fazira. Each of them will be awarded RM100,000, and a trophy. As the winning protege, Salma will also win a Chevrolet Cruze sedan.

First runner-up Shiha and her mentor Datuk Sharifah Aini will each walk home with RM30,000 cash and a trophy while Shiha will also get a LX150 Vespa.

Third prize winner Iqa and her mentor, Edry Abdul Halim, will win RM10,000 and a trophy.

From there, the fun will continue with performances by Salma and Erra Fazira; Shiha and Datuk Sharifah Aini with Iqa, Aiman, Ayish and Noh Hujan

as well as Ratnah and Afdlin Shauki.

Hosted by Ally Iskandar, the show will offer games and gimmicks that would see your favourite artistes doing things you might not expect them to ever do.

The show is also expected to feature previous winners and participants, including Mas Idayu and her famous

RAZZMATAZZ: 'Mentor Raya' will kick off with an award presentation ceremony

protege, Black.

"This special episode of Mentor Raya could be considered as part of our efforts to educate the younger generation to appreciate beautiful music, and the older generation of performers who had been the core of our entertainment industry," said Mentor producer and director Mohamad Sufian Isa.

PART TWO: Catch Zizan (right) and Dira on 'Melodi Raya' on Sunday

lifestyle 19

The Malay Mail Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Being away from home and celebrating Aidilfitri in a foreign land is nothing new for Mohamad Faizal Ali. The 32-year-old has been living in the United States since 1993 when his father continued his studies at the University Of Oklahoma.

Growing up as a teenager in the US, Faizal excelled academically and went on to further his studies at Rensellear Polytechnic, New York, after his family moved back to Malaysia in 1996. After four years in the Big Apple, Faizal moved to Boston and worked there as an engineer.

In 2000, he found love and briefly returned home for his wedding. In 2002 Faizal moved his family to Southern California where he currently lives in Oceanside with his wife and two sons.

While many might feel homesick and would rather come home during Syawal, celebrating Hari Raya away from home has never been a problem for Faizal.

The Malay Mail took a peek at Faizal's Hari Raya celebration in San Diego, California.

Apparently the routine was not as "different" as we had imagined.

Aidilfitri in San Diego

ON THE WESTERN FRONT: Malaysian women gathered for a group celebration of 'Raya' abroad

As early as 7am on Hari Raya, Faizal and his family would get together with other Malaysians and set up the community hall they had rented for the festivities.

By 8.30am, they'd start the Takbir in the same hall and that would be followed by Solat Aidilfitri and the Raya Sermon.

The celebration continued as they enjoyed their Raya brunch socialising with friends.

Solat Raya and brunch this year was held at Whaley Park Social Hall, located in Long

TIME TO EAT: Nekmat (left) joins in for a taste of home at the Raya brunch

Beach, California, on the first day of Raya.

Faizal said there were many Malaysians living in San Diego, Los Angeles and other Southern Californian cities. Each year, the would get together and celebrate Aidilfitri as a community.

Some families (including Faizal's) would host Takbir Raya the night before the big day.

Faizal makes it a tradition to call home at this time as it would be Raya morning in Malaysia.

"On the first day of Raya,

there would be several Raya 'open houses' that residents or friends at the Malaysian Islamic Foundation of North America (MIFNA) would visit including MIFNA President’s house in Long Beach. It was also customary the weekends during the month of Syawal would be filled with friends’ open houses," said Faizal.

Some would bring the tradition from home like angpow packets or duit raya and greeting cards. Faizal's fam-

ether for a tete-a-tete and

WE ARE FAMILY: Sitting tog

YEARLY ACTIVITY: 'Solat Raya' organised by the NGO

rial team can be contacted at mifnanews@gmail.com.

Cur rently, ac tivities organised for MIFNA are held in rented halls, homes of members and community parks but the organisation is currently raising money for a community centre.

MIFNA is represented by an elected board and appointed ex-officios under the patronage of the Consul General

of Malaysia in Los Angeles, Nekmat Ismail.

Elections for board members are held every two years.

All organised activities are planned by the board and executed with members’ help.

Its primary mission is to connect and assist Malaysian Muslims in Southern California with regards to the social and cultural aspects of their

lodeh or lontong, and kuah kacang being served as the main fare for the festivities, they would have no problem getting local Malaysian ingredients. Some even make their own kuih raya and other sweet dishes.

As for the traditional baju raya, Faizal said it was unfortunate that they didn’t have suppliers in Southern California.

Family members from Malaysia would send Raya parcels that may include the traditional wear.

"Others buy them when they visit Malaysia or use previous year’s traditional baju raya," he said.

So, is there anything about Raya that Faizal would miss most?

"The two main things," he said. "My family in Malaysia and my mother's cooking."

sudoku

a meal

Keeping the faith TO retain their culture in a foreign land, some Malaysians become members of organisations and clubs, creating their own community. One such organisation is Malaysian Islamic Foundation Noth America (MIFNA), which is based in Southern California.

It is a non-profit, volunteerbased orga n i sat io n w ith California tax exempt status.

MIFNA director for social welfare Mohammad Faizal Ali said the organisation's income is derived from members’ one time joining fees and donations.

He said the organisation currently does not have a physical location and functions as a virtual community and communicate via e-mail and through their website at mifnasocal.com or mifna. com or mifna.org. Their edito-

ily from Malaysia, for instance, would send his children duit raya and greeting cards every year.

Faizal said while trying their best to make the celebration just as festive as back home, most Malaysians there prepare local dishes the best they can.

"Malaysians living in Southern California are blessed since the area has such a diverse culture and ethnicity, including those from Southeast Asia. There are plenty of grocery stores that cater to the large Asian community there.

"Southern Californian weather is also conducive for planting lemon grass, tumeric, ginger, gallangal and curry plant."

Some Malaysians, including Faizal, plant these herbs and aromatics in their backyard.

With dishes like nasi impit, beef and chicken rendang,

how to play Islamic faith. Therefore, the MIFNA board puts together several religious activities throughout the year.

These include Maulidur Rasul, Iftar (after break fast), Tarawih, Solat Aidilfitri, Korban and Aidil Adha.

Other regular activities include the monthly meetings of the Ladies Quran Club and a weekly childrens’ Quran reading class.

MIFNA occasionally also receives requests to organise other activities such as Doa Selamat, Tahlil and weddings.

Although most activities are religion-based, participants from non-Muslim friends are welcomed and encouraged.

That is why friends of MIFNA comprises non-Muslims as well as non-Malaysians who also take part in some of MIFNA’s events.

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.

Yesterday'S solution

By SITI NURSURAYA ALI suraya@mmail.com.my

20

the malay mail

Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

FriDay 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

the malay mail

21

22

PROPERTY / MOTORING / HEALTH / HOME / OTHERS

the malay mail

Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

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

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AUCTION NOTICE VEHICLE MODEL

PROTON WAJA 1.6 L (M) PERODUA VIVA 1.0 SX PERODUA MYVI 1.3 SX PERODUA MYVI 1.3 EZ PERODUA KENARI 1.0 EZ PROTON WIRA 1.5GL (M) TOYOTA COROLLA 1.6 SEG NAZA RIA 2.5 GS (A) PROTON ISWARA 1.3S A/B PROTON WIRA 1.5GL A/B (A) PROTON GEN2 1.6L (M) PROTON WAJA 1.6 L (M) PERODUA KANCIL 660 EX PERODUA KANCIL 660 EX PERODUA KELISA 1.0 GX ALFA ROMEO 156 2.5 V6 (A) INOKOM ATOS 1.0 (A) PROTON ISWARA 1.3 A/B (M) PEUGEOT 406 STA 2.0 (A) PROTON ISWARA 1.3S A/B (M) PROTON ISWARA 1.3 SEDAN (M)

YEAR

2003 2009 2007 2010 2007 1997 1997 2004 1999 1997 2005 2005 2001 2003 2006 2001 2003 2006 1997 2003 2001

REG. NO

BGY 9654 WTE 3455 WQD 6704 WTY 1741 BJL 9465 WFQ 6036 BFA 8647 WMF 2365 BFT 1899 BFB 7997 NBP 7947 WNC 7431 BGC 4615 WLH 3585 BHY 6992 WJD 2711 WKR 7806 WNW 1043 WFY 7500 WLE 697 WJA 676

Vehicles for tender

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R/C

N Y Y N Y Y

N Y Y N Y Y

VEHICLE MODEL PROTON ISWARA 1.3 A/B (M) NISSAN VANETTE C22 1.5 WINDOW VAN (M) KIA RIO 1.3 (A) PROTON WIRA 1.5 (M) PROTON PERSONA 1.6 (M) PERODUA KANCIL 660 (M) SUZUKI APV 1.6 (A) PERODUA MYVI 1.3 (A) PROTON WIRA 1.5GL A/B (M) PROTON WIRA 1.6 XLI A/B (A) PROTON ISWARA 1.5S PROTON ISWARA 1.3 S A/B PROTON ISWARA A/B 1.3 PROTON WIRA 1.5GL PROTON ISWARA 1.3 S HONDA ACCORD PROTON PERDANA 2.0 SEI PROTON ISWARA 1.3S A/B FORD TELSTAR

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YEAR

REG. NO WMS 488

Y

2004 2002 2005 2010 2009 2005 2009 2003 2000 2002 2002 2003 2001 2003 1996 1995 2002 1997

WLV 6741 WKK 9872 WNL 9623 WUM 9431 WSM 7625 WLB 9623 WSP 5581 WLB 7074 WHX 7963 WKK 6592 TAD 2830 WLE 4504 WJB 9564 WLE 5190 WEL 3163 WEF 6680 WJW 206 WGP 1487

Y N N Y Y Y Y

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PJ AUTOMART SDN. BHD. (Co. No. 677667-W) PANDAN SAFARI SHOPPING COMPLEX

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

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

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

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Call: Junson 016-6666 132

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TRADE-IN VALUE. ENJOY brand new 5-seater SUV (manual), 7-seater MPV (auto), 14-seater VAN (manual) with 100,000km / 3 year warranty.

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

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‘Note: PRP - Proposed reserve price are subject to change and interested bidders are advised to inspect the vehicles thoroughly before biding. * PAYMENT BY CASH, BANK DRAFT OR CREDIT CARD * Bidder deposit RM1,000 per vehicle * Purchase premium RM500 per vehicle * All vehicles sold are subject to the conditions of sales * Viewing Date: 12th & 13th September 2011 * Auctioner: Jerry Lim (Licence No. 1736)

M130

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CREDIT RECOVERY OFFICERS wanted at Klana Jaya. School leavers or fresh graduate or retires encourage to apply. Interested call: 016-207 0228 Lee, 012-296 0625 John

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BUS DRIVERS WITH E License & Van Drivers (male/female) needed for international school based in KL. Call: 03-4044 8081 / 012-234 8081 (10am-5pm) C&S consulting engineers looking for junior drafts person. Contact 012-3236682

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M436

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M398

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M280

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the malay mail

ACCOUNTS cum Administrative Assistant. Min SPM and above.Experience in general accounting functions & duties.Computer literate and well verse with Microsoft Office application especially Excel. Able to start immediately will be an added advantage.

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COMPANY DRIVER-URGENT. Min SPM. Based in PJ. Good English. Possess valid driving license. 5 years of experience.

Familiar with Klang Valley areas. Call Susie: 03-7966 0511

CRAFT BAKERS, AN European style community bakery for organic breads & sandwiches located at Solaris Dutamas urgently requires 2 cafe staff to prepare & serve sanwiches & coffee. Training will be provided for sandwich & food preparation & barista skills. Previous experience will be an advantage.

Working hour btwn 9am & 5pm.

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NURSE WANTED. Full time required in established practice. Interested please contact: 03-8062 6793 FEMALES!!

PERSONAL ASSISTANTS, Clerks, models as Umbrella girls. No experience necessary. Call Garang Racing.

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

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Football legend Datuk Abdul Ghani Minhat has advised Safiq Rahim and Safee Sali to ply their trade in the United Kingdom — Bernama

The Malay Mail Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

PETALING JAYA: TENNIS

Nishikori's success story

By VIJHAY VICK vijhayvick@mmail.com.my

JAPANESE sensation Kei Nishikori (pic) believes hard work and dedication is needed for Asians aspiring to succeed in the sport.

"It was not always easy but with dedication I was able to improve my game," said the 22-year-old.

"My father had thought me the game at the age of five and I moved to the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy at a young age."

The world No 46 attributes the successes he has had to the move to Florida.

He is also the highest ranking Asian player on the ATP rankings.

Nishikori also feels that the perception of Asian players being unable to compete with the rest of the world due to mental and physical barriers is overrated. It boils down to the preparations one has had.

"On the court, it is just two players competing. Everyone should realise that tennis is a global sport and the toughest part is having to adapt to different countries every week."

Nishikori did not have everything going his way.

After being named the 2008 ATP Best Newcomer-of-theYear (the first Asian to do so)

Nishikori had to withdraw from three Grand Slams in 2009 due to an injury to his right elbow.

If the Japanese star makes a name for himself in the sport, he will join a host of other tennis greats to have emerged from the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy such as Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Martina Hingis and Boris Becker among others.

Ni s h i kor i i s c u r re nt ly coached by Brad Gilbert. The American has worked with Agassi, Andy Roddick and Andy Murray in the past.

Nishikori will compete in the Malaysia Open at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil from Sept 26 to Oct 2.

sports

27

Rexy's angels PETALING JAYA: BADMINTON

Indonesian coach takes charge of women's and mixed doubles teams

REXY MAINAKY left the meeting room pumping his fist in the air.

"I sleep in Malaysia," he exclaimed, much to the astonishment of members of the Press.

Perhaps Rexy meant that he still has a job instead of speculations by certain quarters that he will be given the axe from the national set-up.

When asked what transpired at the coaching and training (CNT) committee meeting at Juara Stadium yesterday, the Indonesian said: "I'm smiling now so surely it's all good inside."

His actions and intonation surprised many as it was later revealed Rexy will no longer coach the men's doubles team.

He will now guide the women's doubles and mixed doubles teams starting this Monday.

Rexy will be reunited with Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui and will also guide the likes of Woon Khe Wei, Chan Peng Soon and Ng Hui Lin. He will be assisted by Jeremy Gan and Chong Kien Ling.

The men's doubles team, led by Koo Kien Keat-Tan

By HARESH DEOL haresh@mmail.com.my

Boon Heong, will start training under Tan Kim Her. However, Kim Her will have to discuss with his assistants Rosman Razak and Pang Cheh Chang.

The change of positions came after Kien Keat and Boon Heong publicly announced they would prefer training under Cheh Chang instead of Rexy after their premature exit at the World Championships in London last month.

"We've briefly informed Kim Her of his new job scope and will leave it up to him to discuss with Rosman and Cheh Chang over who will directly supervise Kien Keat and Boon Heong. But all three coaches will be able to give their input to the pair and this is good for them," said CNT chairman Ng Chin Chai (pic).

The restructure is aimed to prepare the shuttlers for the London Olympics next year.

A new committee, comprising coaches, several individuals from the CNT committee and officials from the National Sports Institute (NSI)

and National Sports Council (NSC), will oversee the progress of the players from now till the Olympics.

"We even considered a foreign coach but we only have 10 months before the Olympics and don't want to do something drastic. Kean Keat and Boon Heong have trained or been supervised under all three coaches."

Chin Chai, who is also BA of Malaysia (BAM) secretary, added Rexy seemed fine with his role.

"I think he took it positively.

He came in the meeting under pressure but you all saw how

he left (smiling and laughing).

I don't know what his heart says but the body language says it all."

While Rexy is seen to have taken the rap for the poor performance of Kean Keat and Boon Heong, the duo will also need to own up and put in the extra effort.

"We need to send a strong message to the pair. They must make sacrifices and stop blaming external factors when it is their internal factor they need to overcome.

"They need to change for their own good and for the good of the country."

Now that the Rexy saga is settled, where will this leave high performance director Datuk James Selvaraj?

"We didn't discuss about James' position as he was appointed by the Council. But James' contract has expired and the Council have recently decided it will be a full-time job.

"Until we find a suitable candidate, James will continue to help us on a voluntary basis hopefully till the end of the year," said Chin Chai.

PETALING JAYA: FOOTBALL

KUALA LUMPUR: BOWLING

Bowlers fail to make impact THE Malaysian bowlers at the ongoing World Women's Championship in Hong Kong, China, once again failed to challenge the strong performance shown by the United States in the trio event.

The Amer i c an t r i o — Stefanie Nation, Shannon Pluhowsky and Shannon O'Keefe — claimed the country's second gold medal after defeating Natsuki Sasaki, Haruka Matsuda and Kanako Ishimine of Japan 631-605 in the final.

According to the competition's official website, Ma l ay s i a ' s s e c ond t r i o of Esther Cheah, Zandra Aziela Ibrahim Hakimi and Jacqueline Sijore finished

their challenge in 12th position with 3,897 pinfalls after two blocks.

Malaysia's first trio, Sharon Koh, Zatil Iman Abdul Ghani and Sin Li Jane, finished in 23rd placing with 3,815 pinfalls.

After all three events (singles, doubles and trios) ended, Jacqueline settled in 18th position and missed the cutoff mark for the Masters event after accumulating 4,057 pinfalls.

The top 16 players in the all events category make the cut to the Masters event.

The competition continues with the first block of three games in the team event today.

— Bernama

UNITED AGAIN: Datuk Ghani Minhat (left) and Chow Kwai Lam (right) displaying the Malaysia Day Ex-International/State Invitational 9's trophy — Photo: RAZAK GHAZALI

Helping those in need

THE Ex-State and Ex-National Fo ot b a l l e r s ' As s o c i at i on Malaysia will be taking extra efforts to look after the welfare of former players.

According to its vice-president, N. Thanabalan, some of the former players do not live a good life after their playing days.

"It's not good seeing them that way. I went to a funeral of a former player a couple of months back and was surprised

of the way he lived," he said.

"We (the association) are looking at ways where we can help out but we will not be giving out money as it can be misused."

Instead, the association hope to be able to help out by offering non-monetary aids like education for members' children and other basic amenities.

To kick-start the project, the association will host the 1st Malaysia Day Ex-International/

State Invitational Football 9's next weekend.

It is hoped the tournament will be able to raise over RM100,000 for the cause.

Besides the welfare aspect of the tournament, the association also wants to give an opportunity to players of the yesteryear to congregate.

"They can also reminisce about the good old times, renew old ties and most importantly play football," said

organising chairman Bahwandi Hiralal.

"The presence of foreign teams adds the international flavour and we are confident that this tournament will grow in the future."

The inaugural tournament will see eight local teams and four international teams (Western Australia, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei) compete at Victoria Institution on Sept 16 and 17.

28

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India's hopes of returning to the Davis Cup World Group suffered a setback when a back injury forced Leander Paes out of the US Open — AFP

The Malay Mail Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

NEW YORK: TENNIS/ US OPEN

Williams, Stosur in last four SERENA WILLIAMS (pic) shrugged off a shaky start to book a semifinal berth at the US Open this morning while Samantha Stosur ended Vera Zvonareva's bid to reach the final for a second straight year.

Williams, whose 13 Grand Slam titles include three US Open triumphs, struggled early with her serve but looked her usual overpowering self by the time she wrapped up a 7-5, 6-1 victory over 20-year-old Russian

Frustrating Nadal, Murray blast 'crazy' schedule

DEFENDING champion Rafael Nadal and world No 4 Andy Murray hit out at the US Open schedule this morning, with the British star insisting commercial interests were trumping player welfare.

Two successive days at the last Grand Slam tournament of the season have been lost to rain, prompting criticism of Flushing Meadows' policy of staging a "Super Sunday" which features both men's semifinals along with the women's final a day before the final.

"Having the semifinals on Sunday is something crazy for the players," said Nadal, who reached the last eight with a 7-6 (7-1), 6-1, 6-3 win over Gilles Muller of Luxembourg.

That match had been slated for Wednesday, but now Nadal faces the prospect of playing four days in succession if he is to defend his title on Monday.

"From our part of the draw, it will be a very difficult situation for the player who will be in the final," Nadal said.

"The semifinals, too, maybe because two days in a row playing tough matches is difficult.

"The matches, quarterfinals, semifinals, four rounds of a Grand Slam, normally are tough matches. If you don't have rest, you have a big

chance not be fit enough to play well in the next match."

The men's final at the US Open has been staged on a Tuesday for the last three years because of the weather and Nadal insists the players' input into the scheduling is crucial.

Murray, who made the last eight with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 win over America's Donald Young, also believes the players need more power at the Grand Slams where the ATP's influence is under-powered.

When asked if commercial interests — with broadcasters ESPN holding the TV rights on weekdays and CBS leading the way at weekends — held more sway than the players, Murray said simply: "Yes".

He also believes that the scheduling, rather than controversy over the absence of a roof on the showcourts, is the main problem.

"It's not the roof. It's having a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday first round that doesn't help. Having the semis on Sunday and (final) Monday I don't think helps."

Like Nadal, Murray may also have to play four days in succession if the tournament is to finish on Monday.

But he does not want to see the men's draw reduced to best-of-three contests even if the potential quality of the showpiece final is drastically reduced.

"I'd rather just go for it now and try and get it done.

If something happens to a player, and the final turns out to be an absolute dead match because someone's so tired, I think it would show up," said the Scot.

"A lot of flaws have shown up, but it would be time to say: 'Look, this is meant to be the biggest match or one of the biggest matches in tennis, and it's messed up because of the schedule.

"I think we should just try and play the best of five, try and get through it. Hopefully, everyone will be OK, and then after the tournament, sit down with whoever and make sure it doesn't happen again." — AFP RESULTS Men's fourth round John Isner (USA) bt Gilles Simon (FRA) 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-4); Andy Murray (GBR) bt Donald Young (USA) 6-2, 6-3, 6-3; Andy Roddick (USA) bt David Ferrer (ESP) 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3; Rafael Nadal (ESP) bt Gilles Muller (LUX) 7-6 (7-1), 6-1, 6-2 Women's quarterfinals Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) bt Andrea Petkovic (GER) 6-1, 7-6 (7-5); Serena Williams (USA) bt Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 7-5, 6-1; Samantha Stosur (AUS) bt Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 6-3, 6-3

Wozniacki sets up Serena showdown TOP- SE E D C arol i n e Wozniacki (pic) defeated German 10th seed Andrea Petkovic 6-1, 7-6 (7-5) this morning to reach the semifinals of the US Open.

World No 1 Wozniacki, aiming to claim her first Grand Slam title, squandered a 5-3 lead serving for the second set but broke Petkovic in the 12th game to force a tiebreaker, which she won 7-5.

The 21-year-old Dane was expecting to face another stern

test in the last four, where she will meet three-time US Open winner Serena Williams.

"I'm looking forward to that match," Wozniacki said in an on-court interview about the 29-year-old Williams, who has been sidelined most of the year due to injuries and illness.

"She's an amazing athlete and a great girl. She's a fighter, just like I am on the court. I got to go out there and take my chances." — Reuters

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

The American has reached the final four without dropping a set and will meet world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki in the final four.

Their match was moved from the water-logged Louis

Armstrong Stadium, where the legacy of days of heavy rain was water seeping up through the court surface behind one baseline.

Williams said her days of indoor practice may have contributed to

her erratic start.

"Maybe that had something to do with it," said Williams, who said she told herself not to get upset with her early errors.

"Indoors, I think, is a little faster." — AFP

Overtaking name of the game THE Italian Grand Prix this weekend in Monza, just outside Milan, is the fastest of the year with cars reaching 330km/h four times a lap.

It has long straights with reasonably short slow corners leading on and off them, which translates into a race that is all about top speed and not really about setting the car up to be quick through the corners as you spend a comparatively short time in them.

As a result, cars will all be set-up for minimum wing angle to decrease drag and down-force but maximum speed.

With only the last corner, the Curva Parabolica, being the only reasonably fast corner on the track, tyre wear is normally low here.

However, due to the high speeds and the fact that tyre blistering occurred at the last Grand Prix in Spa, Pirelli will be asking teams to run less front camber and higher tyre pressures this weekend.

A tyre failure at such high straight line speeds would be catastrophic, therefore, by reducing

STANDINGS DRIVERS 1. S. Vettel (Red Bull) 259 2. M. Webber (Red Bull) 167 3. F. Alonso (Ferrari) 157 4. J. Button (McLaren) 149 5. L. Hamilton (McLaren) 146 6. F. Massa (Ferrari) 74 7. N. Rosberg (Mercedes) 56 8. M. Schumacher (Mercedes) 42 9. V. Petrov (Lotus Renault) 34 10. N. Heidfeld (Lotus Renault) 40 CONTRUCTORS 1. Red Bull — 426 2. McLaren — 295 3. Ferrari — 231 4. Mercedes GP — 98 5. Lotus Renault — 68 6. Sauber — 35 7. Force India — 32 8. Toro Rosso — 22 9. Williams — 5

FromThe Driver'sSeat with Alex Yoong

Autodromo Nazionale Monza ROUND 14: Sept 11 Race distance: 53 laps – 306.720km Lap: 5.793km Variante Ascari Curva di Lesmo Curva Parabolica 4 193

3 178

3 169

4 212

4 235

7 335 4 215

7 6

6 304 2 120

4

5

7 332

7 330 2

8

9

10

1 74

1

11

2

3

1

2 120

6 305 5 260

1 86

3 7 340

Roggia Curva Biassono Variante del Rettifilio 1

Turn

Source: FIA

Gear

km/h

Rettifilio Tribune

Timing sector Picture: Google

tyre stress with these changes, the chances of disaster striking will be decreased significantly.

Monza is always exciting because the long straights normally mean overtaking is possible, especially with the addition of two DRS zones this season for overtaking.

Consequently, we should see EVEN more overtaking this weekend compared to previous years, and I would not be surprised to see this race receive the most action of the year.

I only hope that we do not see tyre wear falling off too much.

If we see tyres lasting, then we should see drivers coming back at each other lap after lap due to committed driving instead of falling away because of finished tyres.

Red Bull (led by champion and leader Sebastian Vettel) do not historically do too well here in Monza, and I personally believe Ferrari will start

Critical point © GRAPHIC NEWS

as firm favorites as they always give their home circuit special care and attention.

McLaren and Mercedes will also be very strong here, but do not discount Red Bull because they have already been strong on two supposedly weaker circuits — Canada and Belgium.

With both championships looking like they are going the way of Red Bull, the other teams will still be desperate to show they have closed the gap and can be competitive against the world champions.

Pride is a main reason to keep pushing, but also it will give the boys back at the factory real motivation that they are going in the right direction with car performance, which should bode well for 2012.  Catch former F1 driver Alex Yoong on STAR Sports’ coverage of this weekend’s Formula One Italian GP on Race Day and Chequered Flag.

sports

He is one of those players that does not come around that often — Argentina's Felipe Contepomi on England's Jonny Wilkinson

The Malay Mail Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

DUNEDIN: rugby/ world cup

AUCKLAND

Jolly Delon

Tongans promise bruising contest against Kiwis

Controversial Armitage delighted to start for England against Pumas DELON ARMITAGE (pic) describes being called into the starting XV for England's opener against Argentina tomorrow as a massive turnaround.

Armitage, normally a fullback, replaces the injured Mark Cueto on the left wing.

He missed England's Six Nations campaign because of a ban for pushing a doping official after a match against Bath on New Year's Day. "To get the opportunity to start is a dream come true. Just to be in the squad was huge. I knew I'd have to work really hard to get on the bench," he told BBC Sport.

"I didn't even think I'd be over here, it's a massive turnaround and shows if you work hard and do the right things, sometimes you get your reward."

Bath giant Matt Banahan has more experience on the wing than the London Irish man, who has never started a game there for England, but Armitage's lively displays in England's warm-up matches tipped the balance

in his favour.

Armitage, who received another ban for a punch on Northampton flyhalf Stephen Myler in April, is also an assured presence under the high ball, which Argentina are expected to rain down upon the England back three, and an extra kicking option.

"I've played on the wing a few times and the back three is the back three," said Armitage, one of 10 World Cup debutants in the England 22 for the match.

"And as Chris Ashton shows, if you come off your wing and work you get your reward, you get a lot of tries just following the chubby guys.

"I'm happy with the way I'm playing. I still need to get my counter attack game going and improve my defence. But I play a lot better with a smile on my face and recently I've got back to that and enjoying my rugby again.

"The style England are playing, we want to throw the ball around and have a go, it suits me. Hopefully, the back three

FACT FILE FULL NAME: Delon Anthony Armitage DATE OF BIRTH: Dec 15, 1983 PLACE OF BIRTH: San Fernando, Trinidad HEIGHT: 1.91m (6ft 3in) WEIGHT: 93kg NICKNAME: Del, Chopsy, Ugly, D-LOW, Mr Angry, Mr "Awful Trim" POSTIONS: Fullback/Wing/ Outside Centre CURRENT CLUB: London Irish ENGLAND DEBUT: 2008 INTERNATIONAL CAPS: 22

can get the ball and enjoy themselves. It's an enjoyable place to be at the moment, this England squad."

England coach Mar tin Johnson said Sale wing Cueto, who has a lower back strain, could have played but that he was "not quite where he needed to be".

"If you've got a guy who's not quite right and a guy who's in great form, it's quite a simple decision," said Johnson.

"Delon's playing well, he's raring to go, we had no qualms about playing him. He's a good

player, he's got a physical presence, an aerial presence, all angles covered.

"I wouldn't have had a problem playing Matt Banahan on the wing, he's played well against Argentina in the past, but we thought Delon deserved his shot."

AUCKLAND

Modest Dagg out to assist All Blacks to first win

THERE is not much difference between Israel Dagg and John Gallagher.

If the World Cup consequences also dovetail, New Zealand coaches will give thanks for their decision to promote Dagg to starting fullback for today's opener against Tonga.

Gallagher was a centre and fullback who emigrated from England before starring in the 1987 edition. Dagg is a fullback with experience on the wing who has made late-rails run to get in the squad.

He overcame a thigh injury to star in his solitary Test this year against South Africa and vault into the World Cup squad. Now he has been promoted ahead of 98-Test veteran Mils Muliaina for the All Blacks in today's match.

Dagg was born a year after the All Blacks' solitary World Cup success in 1987, but remembers the 1995 event in South Africa and the freakish deeds of Jonah Lomu. Other stars such as John Kirwan and Christian Cullen are also seared into his consciousness.

He was downplaying his calibre yesterday, suggesting he was being given a chance.

bulky backline: Dagg snares fullback spot

"I don't think I have moved ahead of Muliaina. I have a lot of respect for the guy. I have just been given this opportunity to go out there and put the jersey on. I want to put everything out on the paddock and repay the faith the selectors have given me," he told New Zealand Herald.

Dagg thought his season was done after tearing his thigh muscle from the

29

bone during the Super 15 series. An MRI and X-ray did not give him much hope either.

But he returned and one test at Port Elizabeth convinced the selectors Dagg was World Cup ready.

Starting the first World Cup game in his own country is massive and Dagg's parents will be at Eden Park to share the experience.

TONGA begin their campaign against top-ranked New Zealand today and warned they would not hold back on their confrontational style.

Wit h t h e i r br u i s i ng approach, the Tongans have a reputation for causing upsets but lack the skills to be considered serious challengers and have not faced a top-tier nation since the last World Cup. Bone-crunching tackles and bruising collisions at the breakdown were portrayed as an essential part of their game if they are to have any chance of progressing to the play-off rounds.

For the record, Tonga hold the record for the most red cards in the history of the tournament with three and share the lead of seven yellow cards with France.

However, captain Finau Maka (pic) believes the days of punching have long been erased from the Tongan armoury but said like the other island teams Samoa and Fiji, they relished hard, physical contact.

"We won’t hold back on the physical approach, definitely," he said. "I think our three Pacific Island teams like to play physical games so we’re just going to take it to the All Blacks and see if they can stop us."

Tonga coach, Maka’s brother and former All Black Isitolo Maka, said his side could not match the way South Africa and Australia beat New Zealand in their last two outings but they had muscle as their weapon.

"Our strength is in the contact area," he said, although he was concerned about the refereeing of 'the big tackles' the Tongans are noted for.

One of five key areas the 10 World Cup referees have been studying is the tackle area with zero tolerance for high tackles, grabbing and twisting of the head and tip tackles.

"Sometimes they’re fair tackles but the referees will keep an eye on one team, one side, and that’s a worry for us."

The odds are heavily stacked against Tonga with New Zealand winning their three previous matches against their Pacific Island neighbours by an average 79-5 margin.

The Tongans will kick-off the World Cup’s haka wars after they were given the nod to start their traditional prematch war dance ahead of the

All Blacks in this opener.

Tournament director Kit McConnell said Tonga had the right to start their haka ahead of the hosts, who then have the option of trying to outshout their rivals or waiting until they have finished.

At least two World Cup games will feature a clash of hakas with Fiji also due to play Samoa on Sept 25.

McC onnell said Tonga would start first as they were designated Team A for the match at Auckland’s Eden Park, which will also be preceded by the opening ceremony.

FIXTUREs TODAY Pool A New Zealand v Tonga (Live 4.30pm, CH817, CH831) TOMORROW Pool A France v Japan (Live 2pm, CH817, CH831) Pool B Scotland v Romania (Live 9am, CH817, CH831) Argentina v England (Live 4.30pm, CH 817, CH831) Pool D Fiji v Namibia (Live 11.30am, CH817, CH831) SUNDAY Pool C Australia v Italy (Live 11.30am, CH 817, CH831) Ireland v USA (Live 2pm, CH817, CH831) Pool D South Africa v Wales (Live 4.30pm, CH817,CH831)

30

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Presstalk METRO

Stars in Mafia investigation PROSECUTORS will question Mario Balotelli on his links to Mario Iorio, a businessman with connections to the well-known Camorra gang in Naples. Balotelli was given a guided tour of the clan's territory in the Scampia district

by Iorio and two other powerful members of the gang. Napoli forward Ezequiel Lavezzi has also been called in for questioning on his involvement in a fight at which a Camorra member was believed to be present. There is no danger of Balotelli missing his appointment in the city as Roberto Mancini's side take on Napoli in Italy the day before he is due to face the police.

THE PEOPLE

Praises for Devils' new blood NICKY BUTT made history at Old Trafford as part of Fergie's Fledglings along with David Beckham, Paul Scholes and the Neville ­brothers. Now, 20 years later, he is ­convinced Sir Alex Ferguson has ­unearthed a new golden generation with the quartet of Tom Cleverley, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Danny Welbeck. "These things don’t happen by accident at United. The manager plans for this and is always willing to give young players a chance," said Butt, 36. "They are ready now because they have what it takes. They aren’t fazed by the high ­standards the club have set nor the e­ xpectation levels that come with b­ eing a United player."

DAILY MIRROR

Cole targets England return

JOE COLE (pic) believes his season-long loan to French champions Lille can put him back in contention for a place in the England squad.

The 29-year-old Liverpool midfielder told BBC Sport: "In 10 games I'll be back playing my best football and I see no reason why I won't get back in the team." Cole, who has 56 caps to his name, has not appeared for his country since last summer's World Cup but is confident he can recapture his best form in France. "It looks a great club. They did the double last season and I wanted this experience to test myself in the French league. I might have a cracking season out here that leads on to something else," he added.

I saw the stadium from the inside and seeing it from the outside reminds me of the Delle Alpi — Marcello Lippi on Juventus' new stadium

Nou Camp revolution Guardiola brings fresh and better ideas to strengthen Barca

LatinHeat

with Mustapha "El Loco" Kamaruddin moose@mmail.com.my

HOLA! JOSEP "PEP" GUARDIOLA is the best manager in the world and has revolutionised the world of football with his tactical setup. So says Barcelona midfield maestro Xavi.

Can't really blame Xavi for his opinion.

Guardiola replaced Frank Rijkaard as Barca boss in the summer of 2008 and has since guided the Catalans to three Primera Liga titles, two Champions League trophies and several other major silverware — a total of 12 in all to overtake legend Johan Cruyff's tally of 11.

And Guardiola achieved this feat in a shorter duration of time as well compared to Cruyff.

"In my opinion Pep's the best coach in the world," Xavi told Sport. "There is little doubt about that for me. He has revolutionised football and has added everything to this club that we needed.

"This team can achieve a lot under Pep and we all accept his decisions. Nobody questioned it when he benched Sergio Busquets in the European Super Cup (against Porto). We will all have our moments where we won't play. Not even Lionel Messi can always play.

(Messi? Really?)

"Those who think they are untouchable won't go far under him. History doesn't count for anything. We are all equal and have to show that we deserve to play," said Xavi.

Barca and Guardiola's successes, of course, make many turn green with envy which is normal. A few big clubs in Europe now seem to be getting "sick" of hearing comments

Barca are the best side on the planet or the best ever club side.

But these opponents do not have the right formula thus far to bring the "Catalan Empire" down, at least for now. Uefa president and French legend Michel Platini says is is difficult but changing playing styles may just be the trick to stop Barca.

Anyway, here is something which will make Barca fans and football "purists" angry.

Outspoken Getafe president Angel Torres says Barca's awardwinning tiqui-taca brand of football is beginning to lose its momentum, despite admitting the Catalans have wholly outperformed bitter rivals Real Madrid in recent seasons.

Barca's sexy and free-flowing approach to the beautiful game has garnered widespread praise from all corners of the football world — something which Torres accepts, but he also feels their cycle is beginning to slow down.

"Barca play from memory, and continue to do so even after five years, but there are many people who will start to get bored of their football," he told a television show on Onda Cero.

"It's true that their cycle is going well, and they have made fools out of Real, but I think this is the season when Real begin to displace them."

However, Torres also reckons Real's success will eventually boil down to their greater strengthin-depth, and possession of a more versatile game.

"Real have more physical potential this season. They play a very direct style of football, which is also very good on a technical level."

The Malay Mail Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

Fixtures SUNDAY Real Sociedad v Barcelona (12am) Away win Villarreal v Sevilla (12am) A draw Real Madrid v Getafe (2am) Home win Valencia v Atle Madrid (4am) Home win Real Betis v Mallorca (8pm) Away win R. Santander v Levante (10pm) A draw MONDAY Osasuna v S. Gijon (12am) Home win R. Vallecano v R. Zaragoza (12am) Home win Espanyol v Ath Bilbao (4am) A draw TUESDAY Malaga v Granada (3am) Home win Predictions by Mailsport

Standings CATALAN PRIDE: Guardiola (left) receives Catalan's Parliament Gold Medal from the President of Catalan's Parliament, Nuria de Gispert, yesterday as part of the National Day of Spain's autonomous community — AFP photo

Torres has the right to give opinions.

But then, Getafe are a club from the Madrid metropolitan area. Perhaps, he is trying to assist Real by coming up with this "mind game".

Anyway, the Catalans are not just sitting on their laurels as they are out to make the side much better.

For instance, they had scouts at Craven Cottage in London to check on prolific Internacional striker Leandro Damiao last Monday. Damiao, wanted by Tottenham earlier, struck for Brazil in their 1-0 friendly win over Ghana.

Guardiola is a big fan of the youngster and according to a report the Catalans are prepared to pay €15m (RM62.4m) to bring the youngster to Spain in January.

And rightback Dani Alves is looked upon behind Barca gaining the advantage on Real in

the battle for Santos star striker Neymar.

Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribero, apparently, already declared Neymar is now closer to Barca than Real.

Alves has had a big influence on the turnaround as he's become closer to Neymar through the Brazil national squad. They share the same hotel room, eat together and socialise while on tour.

Indeed, before Barca's Spain Super Cup clash against Real last month, Neymar tweeted: "Good luck, brother ..."

Good luck to Barca's opponents — both at home and abroad. Pray real hard if it materialises...

Imagine Damiao and Neymar joining the already awesome attacking unit with names like Messi, David Villa, Alexis Sanchez, Pedro, Xavi and Andres Iniesta around.

Adios!

P Real Madrid 1 Barcelona 1 Valencia 1 R. Sociedad 1 Sevilla 1 Mallorca 1 R. Betis 1 Ath Bilbao 1 Getafe 1 Levante 1 R. Vallecano 1 Atle Madrid 1 Osasuna 1 R. Santander 1 Malaga 1 S. Gijon 1 Espanyol 1 Granada 1 Villarreal 1 R. Zaragoza 1

W D L 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1

F A Pts 6 0 3 5 0 3 4 3 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 1 0 3 1 0 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 4 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 5 0 0 6 0

Top Scorers 3 goals Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) Roberto Soldado (Valencia)

2 goals Lionel Messi (Barcelona) Imanol Agirretxe (R. Sociedad) Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla)

ROME: FOOTBALL/ SERIE A

Borriello feels wanted again MARCO BORRIELLO says he is delighted to have turned down the chance to move in the transfer window and says he feels wanted again at Roma.

After being first-choice under Claudio Ranieri for most of last season, he found himself benched by replacement Vincenzo Montella in favour of club captain Francesco Totti.

It led to speculation linking the Italy international striker with a move away from the

Italian capital but despite several offers, Borriello is pleased he stayed put.

Under new coach Luis Enrique, Borriello believes he will have a significant part to play.

"There were three or four teams that persisted in trying to sign me right up until the end of the transfer window but I want to stay at Roma and I stayed because they made me feel important again," he

told SkySport.

"I spoke to (sporting director Walter) Sabatini on Aug 30 and he told me I was coming off the transfer list and that I was an important player for Roma.

"The next day I also spoke to Luis Enrique and he said the same things.

"I'm even more convinced about staying and even if the fans don't have faith in me, the club and coach do."

Meanwhile, Brazil interna-

tional centreback Luisao has signed a three-year contract extension with Benfica.

In a statement published on the website of the Portuguese stock market watchdog, the CMVM, Benfica say Luisao's new deal ties him to the club until June 30, 2016, and includes a release clause worth €20m.

Luisao, 30, joined Benfica in 2003 and is now the club captain. — AFP

Fixtures Tomorrow AC Milan v Lazio (2.45am) Sunday Cesena v Napoli (2.45am) Juventus v Parma (8.30pm) Roma v Cagliari (9pm) Catania v Siena (9pm) Chievo v Novara (9pm) Fiorentina v Bologna (9pm) Genoa v Atalanta (9pm) Lecce v Udinese (9pm) Monday Palermo v Inter Milan (2.45am)

The Malay Mail Friday 9 SEPTEMBER, 2011

I wasn't playing consistently to a good enough standard for Manchester United so I have gone back to basics and worked hard — Jonny Evans

sports

31

LONDON: football/ premier league

Wolves can end up in top 10, says O'Hara ATTACKING midfielder Jamie O'Hara insists Wolves should be looking at a top 10 finish in the Premier League this season.

Wolves only survived on a dramatic final day of the season in the last campaign. But O'Hara, who has since seen

his loan move from Tottenham turn into a permanent deal, now feels Wolves should be looking at the other end of the table.

And seven points from their opening three games suggests O'Hara could be right.

"The manager (Mick

McCarthy) has brought me in, Roger Johnson in, and I don't think we should be down there," he told Sky Sports. "We should be in the top 10 and I think we can do that this season."

O'Hara gets the chance to lock horns with his former

club Spurs for the first time this weekend and he admits it will be strange.

"For five minutes it will be, but once the whistle goes — if we get at them and don't let them play — then I think we can get a result," he said.

He admits Spurs have had

to sell this summer as they had a growing band of players in their squad keen for more regular action.

"I don't think Spurs have problems with money, I just think it was players getting frustrated and they wanted to move on," he said.

Transfers of allegiance ...now let's see how teams fare with new signings

CHEQUE books have been put away; 25-man squads have been submitted; we're ready to get back down to business in the Premier League.

The final days of this recent transfer window have been extremely entertaining, with hundreds of millions of dollars changing hands, and oodles of players preparing to change the colour of the shirts they'll be wearing to work.

It presents a good opportunity to assess who did what and why. For the sake of brevity, and some healthy subjectivity, I'm going to limit myself to one key signing per club.  ARSENAL Per Mertesacker. The giant German could just be the plug the Gunners need for their leaky defence — would Arsenal have conceded eight at Old Trafford had Per been there?

It's moot, and arguably Arsene Wenger has more significant problems in replacing, or compensating for the loss of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. However, if Arsenal's new-look defence can provide a reasonably solid platform, at least there is something to build on in what already looks like being a difficult campaign.  ASTON VILLA Shay Given. At £3.5m, the Republic of Ireland international has to be the bargain of the window, and how he will relish getting back into first team action, having sat on the bench for most of last season at Manchester City.

Having said that, even his heroics are unlikely to soften the blow of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing's departures to "bigger clubs".  BLACKBURN Scott Dann. With Rovers linked with every slightlypast-their-sell-by-date superstar, the more pragmatic

GameOn with Andrew Leci decision to bolster the back line could prove to be seasonsaving. One still wonders where the goals are going to come from though.  CHELSEA Juan Mata. The final piece in the Chelsea jigsaw? I doubt it. While prodigiously talented, Andre Villas-Boas may struggle to find a way of deploying Mata to optimum effect in a system that may not suit him. I think everyone wants Chelsea to be more fun to watch as this season evolves.  FULHAM Bryan Ruiz. With Martin Jol already under pressure, all eyes will be on the Costa Rican striker to provide a bit of poke up front. While he has a proven track record in the Dutch Eredivisie, the Premier League is likely to test his mettle to the full.  LIVERPOOL Craig Bellamy. Not the biggest signing Liverpool made in the summer, but certainly the most interesting. No one saw it coming, but not only is it clear that Bellamy feels he still has a point to prove, it seems Kenny Dalglish believes he's capable of doing it. Even at 32, Bellamy is still a potential game changer, although one can't help thinking his tracksuit top may suffer more wear and tear this season than his No 39 shirt.  MANCHESTER CITY Samir Nasri. I know everyone will be expecting me to say Sergio Aguero, but City aren't going to have any problems scoring goals this season — at least not with Nasri to help create the opportuni-

ties. He is a good enough footballer to step into any team and adapt to almost any pattern of play. City's newly discovered fluidity suits him perfectly.  MANCHESTER UNITED Phil Jones. While Ashley Young and David de Gea may have been the bigger name glamour summer signings.

Jones slipped relatively quietly into Old Trafford and has already proved himself to be worth the transfer fee. Young, dynamic and eminently versatile, Jones is set to become a prized asset.  NEWCASTLE Demba Ba. The man who became West Ham's top scorer last season despite playing less than a third of their games, deserves another shot in the Premier League.

Whether or not the supply line can function adequately could determine the Toon's level of success this campaign, after a very bright start.  NORWICH Steve Morison. Not even a regular starter yet, Morison is unproven at the top level, but has what it takes to succeed. His stuttering rise from non-league football only five years ago is a good story, and Norwich will certainly hope that he is able to take some of the goalscoring responsibilities off the shoulders of Grant Holt.  QUEENS PARK RANGERS Joey Barton. Love him, hate him, he's impossible to ignore and whether we like it or not, he's still around. QPR are pinning their hopes on his ability to marshal a midfield that has already found it tough going in the elite league.

 STOKE Peter Crouch. Quite apart from the fact that Stoke's striped shirts will make him even taller (a fashion tip for you), it's been a fit that has almost begged to be put together. Long throws from Rory Delap/Ryan Shotton; Crouch's 6'7" frame rising majestically on the six-yard line to glance in the header...

Who wouldn't pay good money to see that?  SUNDERLAND Ji Dong-won. Sunderland have struggled to replace Darren Bent, and Steve Bruce will earnestly be hoping that the South Korea international is the man for the job. If his goalscoring record with Sunderland is as good as his current rate with his national team, he could be on to something. Bruce will certainly be hoping so, having spent plenty of the board's money, with little effect to date.  SWANSEA Michael Vorm. At £1.5m, Vorm has already proved to be excellent value for money and should he find himself on a productivity deal this season, may be able to retire come May 2012. If Swansea continue to insist on playing open and attractive football, the 26-year-old Dutchman is going to be busier than a chameleon on a tartan rug.  TOTTENHAM E m m a nu e l Ad e b ay o r.

Spurs' strikers failed to strike last season, and it cost them dearly. Adebayor, so often the scourge of Spurs in the past (particularly during his time with Arsenal) has more than a public relations challenge on his plate. Twenty goals or more will be required of him this campaign, if Spurs are to even be in contention for a top four finish.

I must lose my discipline at this juncture to include a significant piece of transfer news that turned out to be not a transfer at all, and that's

Luka Modric staying at Spurs.

This story was about strength of will versus "filthy lucre" (no pun intended... perhaps).

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy took a stance, and against seemingly over whelming odds and offers, stuck to it.

If it turns out to be anything other than a pyric victory, I, for one, will be surprised.  WEST BROM Shane Long. He is just the kind of player West Brom need to hold the ball up, and distract the attention of opposing defences. Once again, the supply line will be key, but Roy Hodgson has secured the services of one of the league's hardest working players, who is desperate to prove his worth. This is not a bad combination.  WIGAN Shaun Maloney. After an inconsistent and largely indifferent spell with Aston Villa, the Scotland international has another (and probably last) chance to prove himself in the Premier League. Superb, at best; anonymous, at worst, Maloney could be key to Wigan's aspirations, which will probably amount to not having to go into the last game of the season staring down the barrel of relegation.

Roberto Martinez may beg to differ.  WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS Roger Johnson. Wolves have enjoyed an excellent start to the season, but even the arch realist who goes by the name of Mick McCarthy will accept that a mid-table position come May is the sum of their expectations. Johnson will add a much needed solidity and discipline to a defensive line last season that conceded more than its fair share of comedy goals.

There you have it; hardly comprehensive and somewhat personal, but hopefully stimulating and debate

Fixtures TOMORROW Arsenal v Swansea (10pm) Home win Everton v Aston Villa (10pm) A draw Man City v Wigan (10pm) Home win Stoke v Liverpool (10pm) A draw Sunderland v Chelsea (10pm) Away win Wolves v Tottenham (10pm) A draw SUNDAY Bolton v Man United (12.30am) Away win Norwich v West Brom (8.30pm) A draw Fulham v Blackburn (11pm) Home win TUESDAY QPR v Newcastle (3am) Away win Predictions by Mailsport

Standings

Man United Man City Liverpool Chelsea Wolves Newcastle Aston Villa Wigan Stoke Bolton Everton QPR Sunderland Norwich Swansea Fulham Arsenal West Brom Blackburn Tottenham

P 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2

W D L 3 0 0 3 0 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 0 2 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 2

F A Pts 13 3 9 12 3 9 6 2 7 5 2 7 4 1 7 3 1 7 3 1 5 3 1 5 2 1 5 7 6 3 1 1 3 1 6 3 1 2 2 3 5 2 0 4 2 1 4 1 2 10 1 2 5 0 2 6 0 1 8 0

Top Scorers 6 goals Edin Dzeko (Man City) 5 goals Wayne Rooney (Man United) 3 goals Ivan Klasnic (Bolton) Sergio Aguero (Man City) 2 goals Ashley Young (Man United) Leon Best (Newcastle) David Silva (Man City) Danny Welbeck (Man United) Franco Di Santo (Wigan) Luis Suarez (Liverpool) Shane Long (West Brom)

inviting. It's always fun to see players in different coloured shirts, looking not quite right and a little confused, initially, when exhorting their teammates.

The summer sales are over, as is the international break, and it's back to the weekly grind in the world's best football league. ● Catch Andrew Leci on Mon d ay Ni g ht Ve rd i c t every Monday at 8pm on ESPN and send in your feedback to theverdict@ espnstar.com.

Smooth sailing Serena

The colour of money

SERENA WILLIAMS powers her way into the US Open semifinals with easy victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

RAFA NADAL and Andy Murray hit out at the US Open schedule with the British star insisting commercial interests are trumping players’ welfare

>> pg28

LOCAL

He sleeps in Malaysia

INDONESIAN Rexy Mainaky elated to take charge of national women’s doubles and mixed doubles teams

>> pg27 rugby

Unleash the Tongans Pacific island hardhitters will not take any prisoners in their opening clash against host New Zealand

>> pg29

presstalk

Mario’s mafia mess

Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli summoned to Italian court for alleged links to Camorra gang

>> pg30 football

No place like Rome

>> pg28

Friday 9 September, 2011

I am legend

LONDON: FOOTBALL/ PREMIER LEAGUE

Mertesacker hopes to follow in Adam’s footsteps

NEW Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has ambitions of becoming a legend with the Gunners like former legend Tony Adams.

The German centreback, who signed from Werder Bremen for £8 million (RM38.2m), followed the club as a youngster, so he knows all about their history.

And since Thomas Vermaelen is unavailable following surgery, Mertesacker has a chance to show his ambitions straight away against Swansea tomorrow (10pm).

“We didn’t get many pictures of him on the television, but Adams was a legend here,” Mertesacker told the club’s official website.

“He is a special one for me.

“When I was looking at English football, I always looked to Arsenal and he was one of the great defenders when I was 10 or 12 years old.

“I like the players (like Adams) very much. I have enjoyed seeing them over the years.

“I hope I can improve my performances here and get better and better, I want to be useful for the team.”

Elsewhere in an Arsenal side looking to bounce back from an 8-2 defeat by Manchester United, another new signing, Mikel Arteta, told Arsenal Player it is strange to be pulling on a Gunners shirt.

“It has been a bit strange

having been at the same club for six or seven years, and it is a big change.

“Even when you just put a different kit on, but I am so excited.

“I hope I can do my job well and if I have the chance to play, I will give everything.”

As for the response to the defeat, he added: “There is still a lot of work to do, but we want to start winning on Saturday and get that right.

“From then, hopefully, everything is going to be more positive.”

Meanwhile, Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers knows he faces an Arsenal side looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat but is hopeful that his promoted side can hold their own.

He told reporters: “Having worked with big players before, I know when they lose, they are determined to come back and win the next game.

“Arsenal are a dangerous opponent for us because of what happened to them and big players are motivated to get over a defeat like that.

“They had a disappointing result in their previous game, but this was always going to be a tough game for us, like every other game.

“I am sure they will be motivated to do well after losing to Manchester United and they have new players in as well who will want to make a good start.” — Agencies

excited gunner: Mertesacker inspired

by Adams — AFP photo

SEVILLA: FOOTBALL/ PRIMERA LIGA

Spanish clubs press ahead with TV cash campaign

Roma’s Marco Borriello feels wanted again after club and coach regard him as a key player

>> pg30

A GROUP of 12 Spanish top-flight clubs have vowed to press ahead with their campaign to stop Real Madrid and Barcelona taking such a big chunk of audio-visual rights revenue after a first meeting this morning.

Officials from Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, Real Betis, Espanyol, Granada, Malaga, Osasuna, Racing Santander, Valencia, Villarreal and Real Zaragoza gathered at Sevilla’s Sanchez Pizjuan stadium demanding the sale of the rights to

Primera Liga to be centralised and income shared, as in rival European competitions.

Sevilla president and host Jose Maria del Nido, one of the most outspoken critics of the current system under which Real and Barca take about half the annual pot of around €600 million (RM2.5 billion), said the campaign was “irreversible”.

The sale of TV rights should be overseen by Spain’s professional league (LFP), which groups the 42 clubs in the top two divisions, and

Real and Barca would be invited to any future meetings to try to find a solution, he told a news conference.

“None of the clubs present intend not to respect the contracts we have signed with the television broadcasters,” Del Nido said.

“This does not mean that we all will not work towards having a centralised sale (of TV rights) together with the body that must conduct it, which is our Professional Football League.

“We reached the conclusion that either we continue down this path to avoid a lack of competition or football will have few options to solve the problem.”

Real and Barca have declined to comment on the issue.

The difference in class and spending power between the two heavyweights — the world’s richest clubs by revenue — and their domestic rivals was underlined by emphatic wins in their opening league games of the season. — Reuters

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