KUALA LUMPUR: Visitors to The Star Property Fair 2010 were generally upbeat about the Government’s recent announcement to help first-time home buyers.
Health and safety officer Abdullah Ahmad, 31, who was browsing for homes with his wife, said the announcement was a welcome help for newly-wed couples as it had become more difficult for first-time buyers.
“Most houses now are freehold and prices are not controlled. Even paying rent is painful,” Abdullah said.
Project engineer Eyu Heng Khoi, 26, said he would benefit from the announcement as the price range fell within his budget although house prices were still expensive, expecially for young adults.
“From my experience working in the construction sector, houses should not cost this much,” he said.
Under the Government’s scheme, first-time home buyers with a monthly household income of RM3,000 or less will get a 100% loan for property worth below RM220,000 and enjoy a 50% stamp duty exemption for those below RM350,000.
Visitor T. Shashitheran and his wife M. Ugeneswary urged the Government to control the local property market as they found the home prices to qualify for the Government scheme too high.
“Prices now are only for rich expatriates and foreigners,” Shashitheran said.
AP Land area sales, marketing and business development senior manager Kenny Tan said it was good that young home buyers were getting the Government’s help.
“But it will be good if developers can have details of the scheme so we can help explain to our customers,
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Pleasant call for teacher
KUALA LUMPUR: When the New Sunday Times telephoned Norhuda Mohamad Ali to tell her that she had won the New Sunday Times-Western Digital contest on Thursday, her first response was "Yes, I did it!".
The 33-year old teacher was so happy with her first attempt that she said it would be her hobby from now on.
Norhuda, who teaches English Language at a secondary school in Port Dickson, said she would use the WD Elements Play multimedia drive that she won in her lessons.
"Now, I can download educational material from the Net and show them to my students. And, of course, I can watch movies with friends and family, and keep documents in the powerful equipment."
The multimedia drive can connect to any television with video or HDMI sockets to play full high-definition visuals.
The 33-year old teacher was so happy with her first attempt that she said it would be her hobby from now on.
Norhuda, who teaches English Language at a secondary school in Port Dickson, said she would use the WD Elements Play multimedia drive that she won in her lessons.
"Now, I can download educational material from the Net and show them to my students. And, of course, I can watch movies with friends and family, and keep documents in the powerful equipment."
The multimedia drive can connect to any television with video or HDMI sockets to play full high-definition visuals.
Internet revenge after being dumped
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Lin (not her real name), a college student from Rawang, Selangor, was 18 when she met Peter (not his real name).
The couple had dated for more than a year when Lin decided to end the stormy relationship.
Vengeful, Peter posted her nude pictures and video clips of them having sex on the Internet.
Peter, who had belonged to a Rawang gang, also converted the video clips into a DVD and forwarded it to her father, a postman in his 50s.
"I am so ashamed and unable to go out of my house. My family has had to suffer because of my mistakes," Lin said.
The family approached MIC Youth for help. The wing turned the young man in to the police, who confiscated his mobile phone.
"But the damage has been done. My future has been destroyed. I shouldn't have done what I did," Lin said in a telephone interview.
Another woman from Kampar, Perak, who only wants to known as Hani, was promised a job as an actress and a dancer in local movies by a man from here.
Thinking that the man truly loved her and had her interests at heart, she did everything he wanted.
He also took nude pictures of her and their sex acts.
Soon, she was made to sleep with other men who were said to be "film producers".
Realising her folly, Hani wanted to return to her parents' home, but was threatened that her pictures would be posted on the Internet if she did.
It was nearly two years later that she managed to seek help from MIC.
By then, she had slept with more than 20 men and had given birth to a child, who was given up for adoption.
These are some of the cases that have come to the attention of MIC Youth in the last three years.
Why do women allow themselves to be caught in such situation?
According to University Malaya Medical Centre psychiatrist Dr Jesjeet Singh Gill, young girls pose nude for their boyfriends because they are immature and too trusting of their boyfriends.
"They would do anything to prove their love to their boyfriends."
He said when older women did it, it was normally because of their personality, being either too dependent or insecure and fearful of abandonment.
"These women know what they are doing is wrong, yet they do it to please their men."
He said girls and women from from all walks of life had fallen prey to "sextortionists" who posted their nude pictures and video clips on the Net.
Dr Jesjeet said parents must supervise their children, know who their friends are and what they are doing. He said it was also important for them to educate their children on the dangers of the Internet.
The couple had dated for more than a year when Lin decided to end the stormy relationship.
Vengeful, Peter posted her nude pictures and video clips of them having sex on the Internet.
Peter, who had belonged to a Rawang gang, also converted the video clips into a DVD and forwarded it to her father, a postman in his 50s.
"I am so ashamed and unable to go out of my house. My family has had to suffer because of my mistakes," Lin said.
The family approached MIC Youth for help. The wing turned the young man in to the police, who confiscated his mobile phone.
"But the damage has been done. My future has been destroyed. I shouldn't have done what I did," Lin said in a telephone interview.
Another woman from Kampar, Perak, who only wants to known as Hani, was promised a job as an actress and a dancer in local movies by a man from here.
Thinking that the man truly loved her and had her interests at heart, she did everything he wanted.
He also took nude pictures of her and their sex acts.
Soon, she was made to sleep with other men who were said to be "film producers".
Realising her folly, Hani wanted to return to her parents' home, but was threatened that her pictures would be posted on the Internet if she did.
It was nearly two years later that she managed to seek help from MIC.
By then, she had slept with more than 20 men and had given birth to a child, who was given up for adoption.
These are some of the cases that have come to the attention of MIC Youth in the last three years.
Why do women allow themselves to be caught in such situation?
According to University Malaya Medical Centre psychiatrist Dr Jesjeet Singh Gill, young girls pose nude for their boyfriends because they are immature and too trusting of their boyfriends.
"They would do anything to prove their love to their boyfriends."
He said when older women did it, it was normally because of their personality, being either too dependent or insecure and fearful of abandonment.
"These women know what they are doing is wrong, yet they do it to please their men."
He said girls and women from from all walks of life had fallen prey to "sextortionists" who posted their nude pictures and video clips on the Net.
Dr Jesjeet said parents must supervise their children, know who their friends are and what they are doing. He said it was also important for them to educate their children on the dangers of the Internet.
Pregnant or not, belt up
KUALA LUMPUR: Pregnant women usually don't bother with the seat belt, citing discomfort as an excuse.
Parents also tend to place their young tots in the front passenger seat when the car has an active frontal airbag, or cradle their newborn in their arms when in the car.
These practices are still rampant and have raised concern among safety experts.
A six-month campaign was, therefore, launched recently to educate parents and mothers-to-be on how to travel safely in cars.
Goran Larsson, president of Volvo Car Malaysia, said women should use a safety belt right up to delivery.
It is also safer for children below 5 to travel facing the rear. Further, anyone below 140cm in height should not sit in the front passenger seat if there's an active frontal airbag.
"Volvo has conducted in-depth research and wants to share this life-saving information with all Malaysians, especially expecting parents, so that they are armed with the right knowledge to keep themselves and their children safe in cars."
In collaboration with Gleneagles Medical Centre Kuala Lumpur, the six-month campaign is called "Knowledge Saves Lives".
"All parents want to protect their children at all times, including in cars. However, children are still suffering injuries or even dying because of incorrectly-fitted car seats or because the type of child restraint was wrong for the child's age, height and weight.
"Or worse, parents may think that it is safe enough just to cradle their child in their arms when travelling home without a specific child seat for the newborn baby. Often, the cause of the problem is simply a lack of knowledge."
Every month, during the hospital's pre-natal classes for expecting couples, Volvo shares practical car safety knowledge and tips.
"Many Malaysians are not equipped with the facts. Some believe that it is pantang (taboo) for pregnant women to wear the safety belt or maybe that it could harm their unborn child.
"We want to dispel the myths and share researched facts with people so that they know what to do. For example, it is equally important for a pregnant woman to know how to wear the safety belt correctly as her body changes. This is just one of the many simple, yet very important tips that people should know to protect themselves."
Larsson said expectant parents registered at Gleneagles would get a free child seat as a gift when they purchased a Volvo car from now until July 31, next year.
Gleneagles chief executive officer Amir Firdaus Abdullah said mishaps are unavoidable.
"That's why we have to be fully-equipped with knowledge on safety to try to avoid them and handle them in the best way possible when they do happen."
This six-month-long collaboration between Volvo and Gleneagles began in July and signalled the second phase of Volvo's safety campaign, which targeted pregnant women. The first phase, which began late last year, targeted pre-schoolers. It taught kindergarten children the basics of car safety.
Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Suret Singh welcomed the effort to educate parents-to-be.
"The department is supportive of any initiative that promotes road safety."
He also said close to 600 cameras to detect traffic rule violators would be installed at over 250 locations throughout the country.
The initiative, known as the Automated Electronic Camera Enforcement System, will be implemented once the Road Transport Act 1987 has been amended.
"This new system will be able to detect those who beat traffic signals and speed beyond the permitted limit, by capturing images of the driver as well as their vehicles immediately," Suret said, adding that Malaysian drivers tend to commit offences that not only put themselves at risk, but other road users as well.
Parents also tend to place their young tots in the front passenger seat when the car has an active frontal airbag, or cradle their newborn in their arms when in the car.
These practices are still rampant and have raised concern among safety experts.
A six-month campaign was, therefore, launched recently to educate parents and mothers-to-be on how to travel safely in cars.
Goran Larsson, president of Volvo Car Malaysia, said women should use a safety belt right up to delivery.
It is also safer for children below 5 to travel facing the rear. Further, anyone below 140cm in height should not sit in the front passenger seat if there's an active frontal airbag.
"Volvo has conducted in-depth research and wants to share this life-saving information with all Malaysians, especially expecting parents, so that they are armed with the right knowledge to keep themselves and their children safe in cars."
In collaboration with Gleneagles Medical Centre Kuala Lumpur, the six-month campaign is called "Knowledge Saves Lives".
"All parents want to protect their children at all times, including in cars. However, children are still suffering injuries or even dying because of incorrectly-fitted car seats or because the type of child restraint was wrong for the child's age, height and weight.
"Or worse, parents may think that it is safe enough just to cradle their child in their arms when travelling home without a specific child seat for the newborn baby. Often, the cause of the problem is simply a lack of knowledge."
Every month, during the hospital's pre-natal classes for expecting couples, Volvo shares practical car safety knowledge and tips.
"Many Malaysians are not equipped with the facts. Some believe that it is pantang (taboo) for pregnant women to wear the safety belt or maybe that it could harm their unborn child.
"We want to dispel the myths and share researched facts with people so that they know what to do. For example, it is equally important for a pregnant woman to know how to wear the safety belt correctly as her body changes. This is just one of the many simple, yet very important tips that people should know to protect themselves."
Larsson said expectant parents registered at Gleneagles would get a free child seat as a gift when they purchased a Volvo car from now until July 31, next year.
Gleneagles chief executive officer Amir Firdaus Abdullah said mishaps are unavoidable.
"That's why we have to be fully-equipped with knowledge on safety to try to avoid them and handle them in the best way possible when they do happen."
This six-month-long collaboration between Volvo and Gleneagles began in July and signalled the second phase of Volvo's safety campaign, which targeted pregnant women. The first phase, which began late last year, targeted pre-schoolers. It taught kindergarten children the basics of car safety.
Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Suret Singh welcomed the effort to educate parents-to-be.
"The department is supportive of any initiative that promotes road safety."
He also said close to 600 cameras to detect traffic rule violators would be installed at over 250 locations throughout the country.
The initiative, known as the Automated Electronic Camera Enforcement System, will be implemented once the Road Transport Act 1987 has been amended.
"This new system will be able to detect those who beat traffic signals and speed beyond the permitted limit, by capturing images of the driver as well as their vehicles immediately," Suret said, adding that Malaysian drivers tend to commit offences that not only put themselves at risk, but other road users as well.
Barisan amends constitution to allow direct membership
KUALA LUMPUR: Individuals friendly to the Barisan Nasional can now join the coalition as an associate member following a supreme council decision to amend the constitution to allow direct membership.
The coalition has also opened its doors to associations and non-governmental organisations to become “friends of Barisan” by becoming its affiliate members.
Under the existing practice, one must first be a member of a component party in the coalition to qualify as a Barisan member.
Prime Minister and Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the decision reflected the leaders’ efforts to make the coalition inclusive and open to all who shared and subscribed to Barisan’s spirit, concept and principles.
However, the direct members will not have the same rights and privileges as members of the Barisan component parties, he said after chairing the council meeting yesterday.
“The council will determine the rights and privileges of those who become associate members,” he said.
The move, however, is not a new concept as the Alliance (the predecessor of Barisan Nasional) had once offered direct membership under its Alliance direct membership organisation (Admo).
Political observers also recalled that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad allowed two candidates without a party to stand under the Barisan banner in the 1990s (both won – Datuk Billy Abit Joo in Hulu Rejang and Datuk Joseph Salang in Julau).
Najib said all decisions relating to direct membership into the Barisan would be made by the supreme council as a way to prevent anyone with ulterior motives from joining the coalition.
“This is because we need to consider the views of other component members for our decision to be unanimous in nature,” he said, adding that direct membership would take effect after the Barisan headquarters notified the Registrar of Society of the amendment.
Najib said those who left any Barisan party after the amendment was made could not return to the fold as an associate member.
He said those from the opposition parties could apply but the supreme council would have the final say on whether or not to accept them.
Najib said the constitutional amendment would also see the setting up of a Barisan Friends Club, to allow interested people to become friends of the coalition.
He added that a Kelab Rakan Muda BN would also be set up for youths who are not yet registered as voters and aged 18 to 21 as a platform to show their support towards the coalition.
He said details on direct membership would be announced at the Barisan convention next weekend.
With regards to Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, Najib said it was the last meeting for him as MIC president.
“Datuk Seri Samy has been a loyal member of the Barisan for a long time.
“On behalf of the supreme council, I would like to thank him for his contributions.
“I believe he will continue to be with Barisan and would contribute in coming election campaigns,” Najib said.
The former Works Minister is set to be appointed the Government’s special envoy on infrastructure as part of a deal which will see him stepping down as MIC boss.
His new appointment, with ministerial status, is expected to take effect on Dec 1.
Deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel will be acting MIC president until the next party elections.
All component parties of the coalition were represented by their leaders at yesterday’s two-hour meeting at the Barisan secretariat in Menara Datuk Onn.
The coalition has also opened its doors to associations and non-governmental organisations to become “friends of Barisan” by becoming its affiliate members.
Under the existing practice, one must first be a member of a component party in the coalition to qualify as a Barisan member.
Prime Minister and Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the decision reflected the leaders’ efforts to make the coalition inclusive and open to all who shared and subscribed to Barisan’s spirit, concept and principles.
However, the direct members will not have the same rights and privileges as members of the Barisan component parties, he said after chairing the council meeting yesterday.
“The council will determine the rights and privileges of those who become associate members,” he said.
The move, however, is not a new concept as the Alliance (the predecessor of Barisan Nasional) had once offered direct membership under its Alliance direct membership organisation (Admo).
Political observers also recalled that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad allowed two candidates without a party to stand under the Barisan banner in the 1990s (both won – Datuk Billy Abit Joo in Hulu Rejang and Datuk Joseph Salang in Julau).
Najib said all decisions relating to direct membership into the Barisan would be made by the supreme council as a way to prevent anyone with ulterior motives from joining the coalition.
“This is because we need to consider the views of other component members for our decision to be unanimous in nature,” he said, adding that direct membership would take effect after the Barisan headquarters notified the Registrar of Society of the amendment.
Najib said those who left any Barisan party after the amendment was made could not return to the fold as an associate member.
He said those from the opposition parties could apply but the supreme council would have the final say on whether or not to accept them.
Najib said the constitutional amendment would also see the setting up of a Barisan Friends Club, to allow interested people to become friends of the coalition.
He added that a Kelab Rakan Muda BN would also be set up for youths who are not yet registered as voters and aged 18 to 21 as a platform to show their support towards the coalition.
He said details on direct membership would be announced at the Barisan convention next weekend.
With regards to Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, Najib said it was the last meeting for him as MIC president.
“Datuk Seri Samy has been a loyal member of the Barisan for a long time.
“On behalf of the supreme council, I would like to thank him for his contributions.
“I believe he will continue to be with Barisan and would contribute in coming election campaigns,” Najib said.
The former Works Minister is set to be appointed the Government’s special envoy on infrastructure as part of a deal which will see him stepping down as MIC boss.
His new appointment, with ministerial status, is expected to take effect on Dec 1.
Deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel will be acting MIC president until the next party elections.
All component parties of the coalition were represented by their leaders at yesterday’s two-hour meeting at the Barisan secretariat in Menara Datuk Onn.
DBKL Hope To Reduce Impact Of Flash Floods In City
Frequent flash floods, the latest being on Monday (Nov 14), has continued to be a thorn in the flash for city folks and those leaving in the fringes of the city.
On Monday, just like any other flood affected day, the capital city was thrown into chaos, bringing traffic to a standstill and subsequently resulting in unaccounted damage to public property.
The cause of the flash floods is no secret anymore since many a time, inadequate flood control measures, clogged drains, overflowing rivers due to siltation and irresponsible land clearing activities have been identified as the main reasons.
Taking stock of the situation and the current rainy spell looming, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has moved into action by taking immediate measures to improve drainage and resolve flash flood incidents.
DBKL deputy director-general Datuk Amin Nordin Abd Aziz said a number of flood mitigation programmes had already started, especially building flood water diversions along Sungai Keruh and Sungai Gombak.
Amin said apart from diverting water from the rivers to a retention pond during heavy rainfall and work to increase the height of retaining walls along rivers, DBKL has also taken the initiative to clean the city drainage - especially clogged drains and carry out de-siltation.
"Water diverted to retention ponds will reduce flooding caused by rivers spilling that spill their banks due to heavy rain," he told Bernama.
He added that Alam Flora were also tasked to clean up blocked drainage holes along the roads to allow water to flow smoothly into the drains when it rained.
"No matter rain, shine or flood, such work will continue to reduce the impact of flash floods and help water to subside quickly," he said.
Amin said to ease the burden of road users whose vehicles are trapped in flood waters, DBKL would provide towing services at the affected areas.
"I would also like to advise road users to listen to the radio for latest weather and traffic reports. By doing so they will be able to know the condition of roads leading to their destination," he said.
He said DBKL operations room would also be operating round the clock for 24 hours to assist city folks in distress.
Meanwhile, motorcyclists in the city have urged the DBKL to set up more rain shelter facilities to seek shelter when it rained.
Ahmad Othman, 30, said rain shelter facilities at strategic locations are important for motorcyclists, so that they do not continue their journey during heavy rain or when the roads are flooded, because it may pose a serious danger.
"Within the city, I feel there are enough shelters but such facilities are very few along highways," he said.
He added that it was dangerous to ride when it rained because pot holes that pose a danger to motorcyclists may be covered with water and not visible, causing many freak accidents.
On Monday, just like any other flood affected day, the capital city was thrown into chaos, bringing traffic to a standstill and subsequently resulting in unaccounted damage to public property.
The cause of the flash floods is no secret anymore since many a time, inadequate flood control measures, clogged drains, overflowing rivers due to siltation and irresponsible land clearing activities have been identified as the main reasons.
Taking stock of the situation and the current rainy spell looming, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has moved into action by taking immediate measures to improve drainage and resolve flash flood incidents.
DBKL deputy director-general Datuk Amin Nordin Abd Aziz said a number of flood mitigation programmes had already started, especially building flood water diversions along Sungai Keruh and Sungai Gombak.
Amin said apart from diverting water from the rivers to a retention pond during heavy rainfall and work to increase the height of retaining walls along rivers, DBKL has also taken the initiative to clean the city drainage - especially clogged drains and carry out de-siltation.
"Water diverted to retention ponds will reduce flooding caused by rivers spilling that spill their banks due to heavy rain," he told Bernama.
He added that Alam Flora were also tasked to clean up blocked drainage holes along the roads to allow water to flow smoothly into the drains when it rained.
"No matter rain, shine or flood, such work will continue to reduce the impact of flash floods and help water to subside quickly," he said.
Amin said to ease the burden of road users whose vehicles are trapped in flood waters, DBKL would provide towing services at the affected areas.
"I would also like to advise road users to listen to the radio for latest weather and traffic reports. By doing so they will be able to know the condition of roads leading to their destination," he said.
He said DBKL operations room would also be operating round the clock for 24 hours to assist city folks in distress.
Meanwhile, motorcyclists in the city have urged the DBKL to set up more rain shelter facilities to seek shelter when it rained.
Ahmad Othman, 30, said rain shelter facilities at strategic locations are important for motorcyclists, so that they do not continue their journey during heavy rain or when the roads are flooded, because it may pose a serious danger.
"Within the city, I feel there are enough shelters but such facilities are very few along highways," he said.
He added that it was dangerous to ride when it rained because pot holes that pose a danger to motorcyclists may be covered with water and not visible, causing many freak accidents.
Negative Perception Of Police A New crime, Says MCPF
The negative perception of the police by the community is seen as a new "crime" which should be curbed immediately, according to Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) Vice-Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
He said this problem had been identified some time ago but efforts to curb it demanded time and the collaboration of many quarters.
"When a crime takes place, there are victims who prefer not to report it to the police, thinking that the process will be dragging.
"This does not help the police in curbing crime. In fact, a new problem emerges - the negative perception towards crime prevention, especially the police," he said.
Lee was speaking to Bernama after a roundtable of the National Key Results Area (NKRA) on crime reduction at Wisma Bernama, here recently.
He said the community also asked how it was to believe the statistics indicating less incidence of crime when violent crimes such as murders and armed robberies were reported almost everyday.
Lee said the MCPF proposed more activities involving the police and the community, such as the existing community policing, to dispel the negative perception.
The ability to communicate well with the community was seen as a primary weapon to curb the "perception crime", whereby more people would begin to help the police fight crime, he said.
Lee said heart-to-heart talk between the police and the community would help to strengthen trust and confidence in the national security system.
He said Asians, including Malaysians, were inclined to questioning and having a negative perception of anything done by the authorities.
"Although the police and other agencies do a good job of fighting crime and arresting offenders, there are still those who criticise and highlight the weaknesses of the police, for example.
"This is the crime of perception. If we can change this perception in the community, the police task of curbing crime will become easier as the community will have full confidence in the police then," he said.
Meanwhile, Assoc Prof of Criminology at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Dr P. Sundramoorthy, said some people did not believe the statistics on crime reduction issued by the police because they felt that the data would be more credible if it came from non-governmental organisations or consultants.
He said the community preferred to see the whole picture of a crime, from the process of tracing the offenders up to the point of prosecution.
"It is clear that the community's perception here is whether the offender caught by the police will be given a light sentence or freed, meaning the offender is not given a sentence commensurate with the crime.
"Again, they see the whole picture, not only the police but also the prosecution practitioners," he said.
Sundramoorthy said the community's perception changed from time to time depending on the environment and the incidence of crime.
by Kj
He said this problem had been identified some time ago but efforts to curb it demanded time and the collaboration of many quarters.
"When a crime takes place, there are victims who prefer not to report it to the police, thinking that the process will be dragging.
"This does not help the police in curbing crime. In fact, a new problem emerges - the negative perception towards crime prevention, especially the police," he said.
Lee was speaking to Bernama after a roundtable of the National Key Results Area (NKRA) on crime reduction at Wisma Bernama, here recently.
He said the community also asked how it was to believe the statistics indicating less incidence of crime when violent crimes such as murders and armed robberies were reported almost everyday.
Lee said the MCPF proposed more activities involving the police and the community, such as the existing community policing, to dispel the negative perception.
The ability to communicate well with the community was seen as a primary weapon to curb the "perception crime", whereby more people would begin to help the police fight crime, he said.
Lee said heart-to-heart talk between the police and the community would help to strengthen trust and confidence in the national security system.
He said Asians, including Malaysians, were inclined to questioning and having a negative perception of anything done by the authorities.
"Although the police and other agencies do a good job of fighting crime and arresting offenders, there are still those who criticise and highlight the weaknesses of the police, for example.
"This is the crime of perception. If we can change this perception in the community, the police task of curbing crime will become easier as the community will have full confidence in the police then," he said.
Meanwhile, Assoc Prof of Criminology at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Dr P. Sundramoorthy, said some people did not believe the statistics on crime reduction issued by the police because they felt that the data would be more credible if it came from non-governmental organisations or consultants.
He said the community preferred to see the whole picture of a crime, from the process of tracing the offenders up to the point of prosecution.
"It is clear that the community's perception here is whether the offender caught by the police will be given a light sentence or freed, meaning the offender is not given a sentence commensurate with the crime.
"Again, they see the whole picture, not only the police but also the prosecution practitioners," he said.
Sundramoorthy said the community's perception changed from time to time depending on the environment and the incidence of crime.
by Kj
Early birds flock property fair
KUALA LUMPUR: The second day of The Star Property Fair 2010 saw visitors queuing up before the doors to the exhibition halls even opened at 11am.
There was much action on the property auction floor yesterday, as a crowd gathered to watch the rapid exchange of bids for choice properties.
Procurement executive Surani Sujor, 35, who was bidding for a single-storey house in Kundang, said she had wanted that property because her parents were living nearby.
“I am currently living with them and I am looking for a new place,” said Surani, who however, failed to get the house after she was edged out by a rival bidder who bought it for RM116,000.
Fung Kok Chung, 31, was luckier as he left the auction as the new owner of an RM80,000 apartment in Ulu Klang.
“I will be living there with my wife and daughter,” Fung said.
Auctioneer Foong Chon Wai said the auction received good response as 30% of the properties were sold within the first session.
Star Publications (M) Bhd marketing services general manager Iris Tan said this year’s turnout was larger, with about 10,000 visitors in two days.
“Even the number of exhibitors promoting their properties have doubled this year,” she said.
There will be four talks today on topics such as making money, interior design, asset management and earning from the property market.
The first talk will be by independent financial trainer and author Milan Doshi on 17 ways to make millions from the local real estate market, to be followed by a session on lending rate management by Acescube (M) Sdn Bhd principal and founder Kevin Cheong.
Hong Kong architect and designer Steve Leung and property developer The Haven Sdn Bhd CEO Peter Chan will give their views on interior design and property earning.
The fair is being held at Exhibition Halls 4 and 5 of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. It opened on Friday and ends today at 7pm.
There was much action on the property auction floor yesterday, as a crowd gathered to watch the rapid exchange of bids for choice properties.
Procurement executive Surani Sujor, 35, who was bidding for a single-storey house in Kundang, said she had wanted that property because her parents were living nearby.
“I am currently living with them and I am looking for a new place,” said Surani, who however, failed to get the house after she was edged out by a rival bidder who bought it for RM116,000.
Fung Kok Chung, 31, was luckier as he left the auction as the new owner of an RM80,000 apartment in Ulu Klang.
“I will be living there with my wife and daughter,” Fung said.
Auctioneer Foong Chon Wai said the auction received good response as 30% of the properties were sold within the first session.
Star Publications (M) Bhd marketing services general manager Iris Tan said this year’s turnout was larger, with about 10,000 visitors in two days.
“Even the number of exhibitors promoting their properties have doubled this year,” she said.
There will be four talks today on topics such as making money, interior design, asset management and earning from the property market.
The first talk will be by independent financial trainer and author Milan Doshi on 17 ways to make millions from the local real estate market, to be followed by a session on lending rate management by Acescube (M) Sdn Bhd principal and founder Kevin Cheong.
Hong Kong architect and designer Steve Leung and property developer The Haven Sdn Bhd CEO Peter Chan will give their views on interior design and property earning.
The fair is being held at Exhibition Halls 4 and 5 of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. It opened on Friday and ends today at 7pm.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Germany's Baden-Wurttemberg Keen To Invest In Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- The business community of Germany's Baden-Wurttemberg sees Malaysia as an attractive investment destination and is keen to invest here particularly in the high technology industry, says its Minister President, Stefan Mappus.
Mappus is leading a 150-member trade delegation from the German territory to Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore to promote greater cooperation in the high-tech industries.
"While preparing for this visit, it became very obvious that the business community in Baden-Wurttemberg had economic interest in Malaysia," he said in an interview with Bernama and the Star here on Thursday.
He said the delegation to Malaysia was the first big delegation he was heading since being in office at the request of the industry.
Also present was German Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Guenter Georg Gruber.
Baden-Wurttemberg is the third largest territory among 16 territories in Germany and is one of the wealthiest regions in Europe with a traditionally low unemployment rate.
Its main economic activity is in the automotive, medical technology, aerospace, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
The delegation members's interest are in the areas of renewable energy and everything connected with high-tech, green technology and health sectors, Mappus said.
He also said the delegation viewed the Asean countries as the biggest growth market of the future and therefore making their stake and presence here early on.
Mappus said some businesses from his region had already made their investments in Malaysia and that these companies were very satisfied with their investments.
They find Malaysia politically stable and offered future prospects for them, he said.
Mappus also paid a courtesy call to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at his office in Putrajaya yesterday.
Describing his meeting as very interesting, Mappus said among issues discussed included bilateral relations including enhancing economic and trade ties in high-technology industries.
"We talked about green technology, and high technology in general. I invited the prime minister to visit Baden-Wurttemberg."
Mappus said Najib also informed him about the future development of Asean countries and its huge market of more than half a billion people.
"He is a very likeable prime minister," he said.
Concurrent with his visit, the Baden-Wurttemberg Forum on Production Technology of the Future was also held here yesterday.
Mappus said feedback from the forum was highly satisfactory and added that coming on this trade mission to South East Asia was a right and timely decision.
The business delegation from Baden Wurttemberg left here for Vietnam this morning.
Mappus is leading a 150-member trade delegation from the German territory to Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore to promote greater cooperation in the high-tech industries.
"While preparing for this visit, it became very obvious that the business community in Baden-Wurttemberg had economic interest in Malaysia," he said in an interview with Bernama and the Star here on Thursday.
He said the delegation to Malaysia was the first big delegation he was heading since being in office at the request of the industry.
Also present was German Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Guenter Georg Gruber.
Baden-Wurttemberg is the third largest territory among 16 territories in Germany and is one of the wealthiest regions in Europe with a traditionally low unemployment rate.
Its main economic activity is in the automotive, medical technology, aerospace, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
The delegation members's interest are in the areas of renewable energy and everything connected with high-tech, green technology and health sectors, Mappus said.
He also said the delegation viewed the Asean countries as the biggest growth market of the future and therefore making their stake and presence here early on.
Mappus said some businesses from his region had already made their investments in Malaysia and that these companies were very satisfied with their investments.
They find Malaysia politically stable and offered future prospects for them, he said.
Mappus also paid a courtesy call to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at his office in Putrajaya yesterday.
Describing his meeting as very interesting, Mappus said among issues discussed included bilateral relations including enhancing economic and trade ties in high-technology industries.
"We talked about green technology, and high technology in general. I invited the prime minister to visit Baden-Wurttemberg."
Mappus said Najib also informed him about the future development of Asean countries and its huge market of more than half a billion people.
"He is a very likeable prime minister," he said.
Concurrent with his visit, the Baden-Wurttemberg Forum on Production Technology of the Future was also held here yesterday.
Mappus said feedback from the forum was highly satisfactory and added that coming on this trade mission to South East Asia was a right and timely decision.
The business delegation from Baden Wurttemberg left here for Vietnam this morning.
Midf Research Maintains 2010, 2011 Forecasts For TSH Resources
Midf Research Maintains 2010, 2011 Forecasts For TSH Resources
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- MIDF Research has maintained its 2010 and 2011 forecasts for TSH Resources Bhd as it believed the company will benefit from higher crude palm oil (CPO) price and the improving production for the current financial year and onwards.
In its research note here Friday, MIDF said TSH's revenue was expected to increase to RM1.01 billion in 2010 and RM1.51 billion in 2011.
MIDF Research said with the positive outlook on the CPO prices and more palm trees growing to the prime maturity age, it has maintained its "buy" call on TSH at target price of RM3.50.
It said the valuation was based on its historical average price earning of 14 times forward earnings.
TSH's third quarter 2010's net profit of RM18.2 million represented only 53.5 per cent (54 per cent of consensus) of its full-year estimates.
Its revenue in the third quarter 2010 actually increased by 5.25 per cent year-on-year to RM214.3 million.
However, this was offset by a 25 per cent jump in operating expenses of RM37.4 million, it said.
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- MIDF Research has maintained its 2010 and 2011 forecasts for TSH Resources Bhd as it believed the company will benefit from higher crude palm oil (CPO) price and the improving production for the current financial year and onwards.
In its research note here Friday, MIDF said TSH's revenue was expected to increase to RM1.01 billion in 2010 and RM1.51 billion in 2011.
MIDF Research said with the positive outlook on the CPO prices and more palm trees growing to the prime maturity age, it has maintained its "buy" call on TSH at target price of RM3.50.
It said the valuation was based on its historical average price earning of 14 times forward earnings.
TSH's third quarter 2010's net profit of RM18.2 million represented only 53.5 per cent (54 per cent of consensus) of its full-year estimates.
Its revenue in the third quarter 2010 actually increased by 5.25 per cent year-on-year to RM214.3 million.
However, this was offset by a 25 per cent jump in operating expenses of RM37.4 million, it said.
Attacks on 2 lawyers linked to profession?
Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Bar is shocked over the murder of lawyer G. Balasundram in Ipoh last Tuesday.
Its Vice-President, Lim Chee Wee, said the Bar was concerned that the assault on the victim and another which occurred four years ago might be linked to his profession.
In a statement issued here Thursday, he said Balasundram, 57, had made notable contributions through his involvement in numerous public interest litigation matters.
"His death is a loss to the bar and society," he added.
A prominent civil lawyer, Balasundram was returning home from work at 5pm when he was slashed repeatedly by two masked men armed with knives, outside his house in Taman Desa Rishah, Buntong, Ipoh.
The victim was warded at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital where he died about four hours later.
Its Vice-President, Lim Chee Wee, said the Bar was concerned that the assault on the victim and another which occurred four years ago might be linked to his profession.
In a statement issued here Thursday, he said Balasundram, 57, had made notable contributions through his involvement in numerous public interest litigation matters.
"His death is a loss to the bar and society," he added.
A prominent civil lawyer, Balasundram was returning home from work at 5pm when he was slashed repeatedly by two masked men armed with knives, outside his house in Taman Desa Rishah, Buntong, Ipoh.
The victim was warded at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital where he died about four hours later.
Singer Jamal products
Kuala Lumpur: Singer Jamal Abdillah, dubbed the Malaysian "King of Pop", is to launch his line of health and beauty products going by the name D'JA'S by early next year.
He said that the products, developed with French technology, had received the approval of the Health Ministry and he had been using them on a trial basis for the past three years.
"I have been most satisfied with the products. All the business of obtaining the rights to label the products have been completed.
Only the launch remains to be done," he told reporters when approached at the Aidiladha celebration at Rumah Pengasih in Bukit Tunku, here.
Jamal said the plan to manufacture the products was initially discussed with his good friend, Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya, last July but unfortunately the cosmetics queen was murdered on Aug 30.
Asked whether he desired to collaborate with Sosilawati's company, Jamal said there were no such plans now.
He said that the products, developed with French technology, had received the approval of the Health Ministry and he had been using them on a trial basis for the past three years.
"I have been most satisfied with the products. All the business of obtaining the rights to label the products have been completed.
Only the launch remains to be done," he told reporters when approached at the Aidiladha celebration at Rumah Pengasih in Bukit Tunku, here.
Jamal said the plan to manufacture the products was initially discussed with his good friend, Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya, last July but unfortunately the cosmetics queen was murdered on Aug 30.
Asked whether he desired to collaborate with Sosilawati's company, Jamal said there were no such plans now.
Teenager may go home after 8-month exile
Kuala Lumpur: A Malaysian teenager banished from his home state for alleged involvement in armed robberies may soon be allowed to return to his parents after nearly a year away, government lawyers said Thursday.
The case of Jagendran Panir Selvam has drawn attention to criticism by human rights activists of the government's use of security laws to detain criminal suspects without trial or to exile them to remote districts.
Jagendran was 17 when he was arrested under Malaysia's Emergency Ordinance in Selangor last December. Since then, he has been living (50km) away from his parents.
Government prosecutors claim Jagendran and several friends broke into four schools and stole computers, CD players, cameras and cash.
They were allegedly armed with machetes and tied up security guards, but none was ever charged because of insufficient evidence, the lawyers said.
They were released from police custody in March, but were ordered to live indefinitely in specially assigned districts where authorities could monitor them. Jagendran's family filed a court challenge in May, saying that he did no wrong, and seeking his return.
The Attorney General's office has agreed to submit a request to the Home Ministry for Jagendran's return because the family's interests outweigh any danger he still may pose, according to government lawyer Najib Zakaria.
It was unclear how soon the request might be approved, but Jagendran would still need to report regularly to police.
The family's lawyer, Daniel Albert, said Jadengran's return would not eliminate concerns among legal activists about other minors who have been detained or banished.
"How can we detain a minor without the right to legal counsel, without the right of being heard?" Albert said
The case of Jagendran Panir Selvam has drawn attention to criticism by human rights activists of the government's use of security laws to detain criminal suspects without trial or to exile them to remote districts.
Jagendran was 17 when he was arrested under Malaysia's Emergency Ordinance in Selangor last December. Since then, he has been living (50km) away from his parents.
Government prosecutors claim Jagendran and several friends broke into four schools and stole computers, CD players, cameras and cash.
They were allegedly armed with machetes and tied up security guards, but none was ever charged because of insufficient evidence, the lawyers said.
They were released from police custody in March, but were ordered to live indefinitely in specially assigned districts where authorities could monitor them. Jagendran's family filed a court challenge in May, saying that he did no wrong, and seeking his return.
The Attorney General's office has agreed to submit a request to the Home Ministry for Jagendran's return because the family's interests outweigh any danger he still may pose, according to government lawyer Najib Zakaria.
It was unclear how soon the request might be approved, but Jagendran would still need to report regularly to police.
The family's lawyer, Daniel Albert, said Jadengran's return would not eliminate concerns among legal activists about other minors who have been detained or banished.
"How can we detain a minor without the right to legal counsel, without the right of being heard?" Albert said
Boeing upbeat about NEM boost in US alliances
Kuala Lumpur: Boeing is upbeat about the New Economic Model (NEM) unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as it contains "forward-looking ingredients" that can help bolster industrial partnerships between Malaysian firms and the world's largest commercial and defence aircraft manufacturer.
Dennis Muilenburg, Executive Vice-President of the Boeing Company and President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, who was in Malaysia earlier this week and had met with Najib here, said the company aimed to be an enabling partner of the NEM and continue building on its partnership with the country over the long-haul.
Muilenburg, who also met the prime Minister on the sidelines of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York in September, said: "We talked about that partnership and the relationship between the United States and Malaysia, which is continuing to grow in strength.
"We see Malaysia as an economic powerhouse in the region.
The leadership that Malaysia has demonstrated on the world's stage under Prime Minister Najib is very important and we are supportive of that as well as on a country-to-country level," he told Bernama in an interview.
He also commended Najib for his speech at the UN where he called on world leaders to choose moderation over extremism in efforts to promote world peace.
"The prime minister has obviously played a pivotal role in boosting Malaysia's position on the world scene.
"We have been very impressed with what he has been doing in Malaysia.
We have been very supportive of his 1Malaysia theme and the NEM that he has developed, which is now moving forward," he told Bernama in an interview.
Asked on what transpired during their talks in New York, Muilenburg said they had spoken on the opportunities that the Super Hornet fighter aircraft programme could bring to Malaysia, as the multi-role fighter aircraft "represents a way to further bolster that partnership", between the country and Boeing".
Muilenburg said his visit to Malaysia was aimed at visiting customers and industrial partners here as part of continuing efforts to be a long-term partner in the region.
He said Malaysia had been an important partner of Boeing for many decades in both commercial and defence aircraft.
"We continue to renew and build on this relationship as Boeing is serious about being a long-term partner," he stressed.
Malaysia had acquired a fleet of 8 F/A-18D Hornets, delivered in the late 1990's for use by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
"We aim to support this going forward," said Muilenburg, adding that Boeing had offered its new F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft.
When asked to elaborate, he said Boeing and the Malaysian government had discussed the multi-role combat aircraft of the future in addition to RMAF's current fleet.
Saying that the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet had proven itself as the "world's best multi-role fighter striker aircraft", he said it also offered several other advantages to customers, like providing enhanced inter-operability with the existing fleet and support for ground forces.
It also provides cost and schedule certainty in terms of what can be delivered.
"We also provide industrial participation (and) if we have industry partners in Malaysia, like Asian Composites Manufacturing Sdn Bhd supplying parts for commercial aircraft, we can look to partners for parts manufacture on the Super Hornets," he said, alluding to the possibility of producing some defence aircraft parts locally.
Having Malaysian industry participation would be an added advantage for the country and a key element in the industrial partnership equation against the backdrop of the NEM, which would include investing in Malaysian talent, resources and industrial capacity, Muilenburg said.
Dennis Muilenburg, Executive Vice-President of the Boeing Company and President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, who was in Malaysia earlier this week and had met with Najib here, said the company aimed to be an enabling partner of the NEM and continue building on its partnership with the country over the long-haul.
Muilenburg, who also met the prime Minister on the sidelines of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York in September, said: "We talked about that partnership and the relationship between the United States and Malaysia, which is continuing to grow in strength.
"We see Malaysia as an economic powerhouse in the region.
The leadership that Malaysia has demonstrated on the world's stage under Prime Minister Najib is very important and we are supportive of that as well as on a country-to-country level," he told Bernama in an interview.
He also commended Najib for his speech at the UN where he called on world leaders to choose moderation over extremism in efforts to promote world peace.
"The prime minister has obviously played a pivotal role in boosting Malaysia's position on the world scene.
"We have been very impressed with what he has been doing in Malaysia.
We have been very supportive of his 1Malaysia theme and the NEM that he has developed, which is now moving forward," he told Bernama in an interview.
Asked on what transpired during their talks in New York, Muilenburg said they had spoken on the opportunities that the Super Hornet fighter aircraft programme could bring to Malaysia, as the multi-role fighter aircraft "represents a way to further bolster that partnership", between the country and Boeing".
Muilenburg said his visit to Malaysia was aimed at visiting customers and industrial partners here as part of continuing efforts to be a long-term partner in the region.
He said Malaysia had been an important partner of Boeing for many decades in both commercial and defence aircraft.
"We continue to renew and build on this relationship as Boeing is serious about being a long-term partner," he stressed.
Malaysia had acquired a fleet of 8 F/A-18D Hornets, delivered in the late 1990's for use by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
"We aim to support this going forward," said Muilenburg, adding that Boeing had offered its new F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft.
When asked to elaborate, he said Boeing and the Malaysian government had discussed the multi-role combat aircraft of the future in addition to RMAF's current fleet.
Saying that the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet had proven itself as the "world's best multi-role fighter striker aircraft", he said it also offered several other advantages to customers, like providing enhanced inter-operability with the existing fleet and support for ground forces.
It also provides cost and schedule certainty in terms of what can be delivered.
"We also provide industrial participation (and) if we have industry partners in Malaysia, like Asian Composites Manufacturing Sdn Bhd supplying parts for commercial aircraft, we can look to partners for parts manufacture on the Super Hornets," he said, alluding to the possibility of producing some defence aircraft parts locally.
Having Malaysian industry participation would be an added advantage for the country and a key element in the industrial partnership equation against the backdrop of the NEM, which would include investing in Malaysian talent, resources and industrial capacity, Muilenburg said.
Nube Demands 80 Months Bonus Arrears For Maybank Clerical Staff
KUALA LUMPUR, NOV 19 (Bernama) -- The National Union of Bank Employees (Nube), the sole union representing the commercial banks' clerical and non-clerical staff in Peninsular Malaysia, is demanding an 80-month bonus arrears for the last 10 years for its 5,000 members in Maybank.
Union secretary-general J. Solomon said the demand was based on the premise that similar bonuses were paid by the bank to its executive staff over the last 10 years.
While Nube was proud that Malaysian corporations were doing well, however recognition and rewards should be equal for all categories of workers, he told Bernama here on Friday.
"For the first quarter of this year, Maybank's profits had surpassed the RM1 billion mark, and Nube members also contributed to this and as such, should be duly rewarded," he said.
On Oct 14, the union had written a letter to the bank with the demand, but had yet to receive a reply, he added.
"This clearly exhibits the disrespect shown by a government-linked company towards its own workers who are Malaysian citizens," said Solomon.
"In fact, this runs contrary to the aspirations of 1Malaysia and the New Economic Model which are aimed at creating a high income society.
"However, this has to benefit all Malaysians and not a minority who hijack the prosperity worked for and created by all Malaysians," he said.
Union secretary-general J. Solomon said the demand was based on the premise that similar bonuses were paid by the bank to its executive staff over the last 10 years.
While Nube was proud that Malaysian corporations were doing well, however recognition and rewards should be equal for all categories of workers, he told Bernama here on Friday.
"For the first quarter of this year, Maybank's profits had surpassed the RM1 billion mark, and Nube members also contributed to this and as such, should be duly rewarded," he said.
On Oct 14, the union had written a letter to the bank with the demand, but had yet to receive a reply, he added.
"This clearly exhibits the disrespect shown by a government-linked company towards its own workers who are Malaysian citizens," said Solomon.
"In fact, this runs contrary to the aspirations of 1Malaysia and the New Economic Model which are aimed at creating a high income society.
"However, this has to benefit all Malaysians and not a minority who hijack the prosperity worked for and created by all Malaysians," he said.
AFC Annual Awards final list of nominees
Kuala Lumpur: AFC has announced the final five nominees for the coveted 2010 AFC Player of the Year award.
AFC Champions League winners Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma captain Sasa Ognenovski and defender Farshid Talebi, of runners-up Zob Ahan, are on the list alongside Esteghlal striker Farhad Majidi, Bader Al Mutawa, hitman for AFC Cup finalists Al Qadsia, and midfielder Husain Salman, of Bahraini outfit Al Riffa.
The list does not include those candidates who have expressed their inability to attend the awards gala – a key criterion.
The winner will be announced during the gala, which will be held at the Sunway Hotel Resort and Spa on November 24, 2010, in Kuala Lumpur.
Ognenovski piloted the Korean outfit to the title in Tokyo last weekend when they defeated Zob Ahan 3-1 in the final while Talebi’s rock solid defence saw the rank outsiders from Iran defy the odds and make it to the summit clash.
Al Mutawa, who missed out on the honour in 2006 by finishing second to Qatar’s Khalfan Ibrahim, played a key role in Al Qadsia’s march to the AFC Cup final. The Kuwaitis lost to eventual champions Al Ittihad of Syria 4-2 on penalties.
Esteghlal failed to cross the last 16 hurdle in the 2010 AFC Champions League but Majidi stood out with his performance while Husain Salman’s brilliant efforts saw Al Riffa reach the semi-finals of the AFC Cup before going down to Al Qadsia.
Japan’s Homare Sawa would be aiming to retain the AFC Women’s Player of the Year trophy as the 2008 winner has been nominated again alongwith Australia’s Kathryn Anne Gill, who played a stellar role in her side’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup triumph, and runners-up DPR Korea’s Jo Yun-mi. AFC Women’s Player of the Year award was not given last year.
Mohammad Taheri, who guided Iran to a record 10th continental futsal crown has been named in the list of nominees for the AFC Futsal Player of the Year honour along with Rustam Umarov (Uzbekistan) and Vahid Shamsaee (Iran).
The AFC Youth Player of the Year award will be contested between Timur Khakimov (Uzbekistan), Jong Il-gwan (DPR Korea) and Hong Chul (Korea Republic).
Korea Republic’s Yeo Min-ji, who helped her side clinch the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup winning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards, will compete with the Korea Republic U-20 team’s Ji So-yun, and Japan U-17 ace Kumi Yokoyama for the AFC Women’s Youth Player of the Year award.
Japan’s Takeshi Okada, Korea Republic’s Huh Jung-moo and AFC Champions League winners Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma tactician Shin Tae-yong have been nominated for the AFC Coach of the Year honours, while Mozafar Shahrzad (Iran), Kim Tae-hee (Korea Republic) and Ri Ae-gyong (DPR Korea) are in the fray for AFC Women’s Coach of the Year award.
Uzbekistan’s Ravshan Irmatov will be looking to make it three-in-a-row as he is one of the nominees for the AFC Referee of the Year award along with Japan’s Yuichi Nishimura and Saudi Arabia’s Khalil Al Ghamdi.
Korea Republic’s Hong Eun-ah, who won the AFC Women’s Referee of the Year accolade last year, will again be in the running for the honour this year alongside Japan’s Sachiko Yamagishi and Thailand’s Kamnueng Pannipar.
LIST OF NOMINEES (in alphabetical order)
AFC DIAMOND OF ASIA
Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak (Prime Minister of Malaysia)
AFC DREAM ASIA AWARD
Dato’ Sri Dr. Chung Mong-joon
Dr Kwak Chung-hwan
Football Federation Australia
AFC MEMBER ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR
Football Federation Australia
IR Iran Football Federation
Japan Football Association
AFC FAIR PLAY ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR
China Football Association
IR Iran Football Federation
Japan Football Association
AFC CLUB OF THE YEAR
Al Ittihad (Syria)
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (Korea Republic)
Zob Ahan (Iran)
AFC FUTSAL TEAM OF THE YEAR
Iran
Japan
Uzbekistan
AFC NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR
Australia
Japan
Korea Republic
AFC WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR
Australia
DPR Korea
Korea Republic U-17
AFC ASSISTANT REFEREE OF THE YEAR
Bahadyr Kochkarov (Kyrgyzstan)
Rafael Ilyasov (Uzbekistan)
Toru Sagara (Japan)
AFC WOMEN’S ASSISTANT REFEREE OF THE YEAR
Ho Sarah May Yee (Australia)
Kim Kyong-min (Korea Republic)
Shiho Ayukai (Japan)
AFC REFEREE OF THE YEAR
Khalil Al Ghamdi (Saudi Arabia)
Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)
Yuichi Nishimura (Japan)
AFC WOMEN’S REFEREE OF THE YEAR
Hong Eun-ah (Korea Republic)
Kamnueng Pannipar (Thailand)
Sachiko Yamagishi (Japan)
AFC MATCH COMMISSIONER OF THE YEAR
Abdul Ghafoor Abdul Hameed (Maldives)
Col. Goutam Kar (India)
Talal A. Syailmyeen (Jordan)
AFC WOMEN’S MATCH COMMISSIONER OF THE YEAR
Emily Lau Cheuk Chi (Hong Kong)
Eugenie Buckley (Australia)
Nazreen Banu (Singapore)
AFC COACH OF THE YEAR
Huh Jung-moo (Korea Republic/Korea Republic national team)
Shin Tae-yong (Korea Republic/Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma club)
Takeshi Okada (Japan/Japan national team)
AFC WOMEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR
Kim Tae-hee (Korea Republic women’s U-17 team assistant coach)
Ri Ae-gyong (DPR Korea women’s national team assistant coach)
Shahrzad Mozafar (Iran women’s national team coach)
AFC YOUTH PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Hong Chul (Korea Republic)
Jong Il-gwan (DPR Korea)
Timur Khakimov (Uzbekistan)
AFC WOMEN’S YOUTH PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Ji So-yun (Korea Republic)
Kumi Yokoyama (Japan)
Yeo Min-ji (Korea Republic)
AFC FUTSAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mohammad Taheri (Iran)
Rustam Umarov (Uzbekistan)
Vahid Shamsaee (Iran)
AFC WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Homare Sawa (Japan)
Jo Yun-mi (DPR Korea)
Kathryn Anne Gill (Australia)
AFC PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Bader Al Mutawa (Kuwait/Al Qadsia, Kuwait)
Farhad Majidi (Iran/ Esteghlal, Iran)
Farshid Talebi (Iran/ Zob Ahan, Iran)
Husain Salman (Bahrain/ Al Riffa, Bahrain)
Sasa Ognenovski (Australia/ Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, Korea Republic)
AFC Champions League winners Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma captain Sasa Ognenovski and defender Farshid Talebi, of runners-up Zob Ahan, are on the list alongside Esteghlal striker Farhad Majidi, Bader Al Mutawa, hitman for AFC Cup finalists Al Qadsia, and midfielder Husain Salman, of Bahraini outfit Al Riffa.
The list does not include those candidates who have expressed their inability to attend the awards gala – a key criterion.
The winner will be announced during the gala, which will be held at the Sunway Hotel Resort and Spa on November 24, 2010, in Kuala Lumpur.
Ognenovski piloted the Korean outfit to the title in Tokyo last weekend when they defeated Zob Ahan 3-1 in the final while Talebi’s rock solid defence saw the rank outsiders from Iran defy the odds and make it to the summit clash.
Al Mutawa, who missed out on the honour in 2006 by finishing second to Qatar’s Khalfan Ibrahim, played a key role in Al Qadsia’s march to the AFC Cup final. The Kuwaitis lost to eventual champions Al Ittihad of Syria 4-2 on penalties.
Esteghlal failed to cross the last 16 hurdle in the 2010 AFC Champions League but Majidi stood out with his performance while Husain Salman’s brilliant efforts saw Al Riffa reach the semi-finals of the AFC Cup before going down to Al Qadsia.
Japan’s Homare Sawa would be aiming to retain the AFC Women’s Player of the Year trophy as the 2008 winner has been nominated again alongwith Australia’s Kathryn Anne Gill, who played a stellar role in her side’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup triumph, and runners-up DPR Korea’s Jo Yun-mi. AFC Women’s Player of the Year award was not given last year.
Mohammad Taheri, who guided Iran to a record 10th continental futsal crown has been named in the list of nominees for the AFC Futsal Player of the Year honour along with Rustam Umarov (Uzbekistan) and Vahid Shamsaee (Iran).
The AFC Youth Player of the Year award will be contested between Timur Khakimov (Uzbekistan), Jong Il-gwan (DPR Korea) and Hong Chul (Korea Republic).
Korea Republic’s Yeo Min-ji, who helped her side clinch the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup winning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards, will compete with the Korea Republic U-20 team’s Ji So-yun, and Japan U-17 ace Kumi Yokoyama for the AFC Women’s Youth Player of the Year award.
Japan’s Takeshi Okada, Korea Republic’s Huh Jung-moo and AFC Champions League winners Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma tactician Shin Tae-yong have been nominated for the AFC Coach of the Year honours, while Mozafar Shahrzad (Iran), Kim Tae-hee (Korea Republic) and Ri Ae-gyong (DPR Korea) are in the fray for AFC Women’s Coach of the Year award.
Uzbekistan’s Ravshan Irmatov will be looking to make it three-in-a-row as he is one of the nominees for the AFC Referee of the Year award along with Japan’s Yuichi Nishimura and Saudi Arabia’s Khalil Al Ghamdi.
Korea Republic’s Hong Eun-ah, who won the AFC Women’s Referee of the Year accolade last year, will again be in the running for the honour this year alongside Japan’s Sachiko Yamagishi and Thailand’s Kamnueng Pannipar.
LIST OF NOMINEES (in alphabetical order)
AFC DIAMOND OF ASIA
Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak (Prime Minister of Malaysia)
AFC DREAM ASIA AWARD
Dato’ Sri Dr. Chung Mong-joon
Dr Kwak Chung-hwan
Football Federation Australia
AFC MEMBER ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR
Football Federation Australia
IR Iran Football Federation
Japan Football Association
AFC FAIR PLAY ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR
China Football Association
IR Iran Football Federation
Japan Football Association
AFC CLUB OF THE YEAR
Al Ittihad (Syria)
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (Korea Republic)
Zob Ahan (Iran)
AFC FUTSAL TEAM OF THE YEAR
Iran
Japan
Uzbekistan
AFC NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR
Australia
Japan
Korea Republic
AFC WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR
Australia
DPR Korea
Korea Republic U-17
AFC ASSISTANT REFEREE OF THE YEAR
Bahadyr Kochkarov (Kyrgyzstan)
Rafael Ilyasov (Uzbekistan)
Toru Sagara (Japan)
AFC WOMEN’S ASSISTANT REFEREE OF THE YEAR
Ho Sarah May Yee (Australia)
Kim Kyong-min (Korea Republic)
Shiho Ayukai (Japan)
AFC REFEREE OF THE YEAR
Khalil Al Ghamdi (Saudi Arabia)
Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)
Yuichi Nishimura (Japan)
AFC WOMEN’S REFEREE OF THE YEAR
Hong Eun-ah (Korea Republic)
Kamnueng Pannipar (Thailand)
Sachiko Yamagishi (Japan)
AFC MATCH COMMISSIONER OF THE YEAR
Abdul Ghafoor Abdul Hameed (Maldives)
Col. Goutam Kar (India)
Talal A. Syailmyeen (Jordan)
AFC WOMEN’S MATCH COMMISSIONER OF THE YEAR
Emily Lau Cheuk Chi (Hong Kong)
Eugenie Buckley (Australia)
Nazreen Banu (Singapore)
AFC COACH OF THE YEAR
Huh Jung-moo (Korea Republic/Korea Republic national team)
Shin Tae-yong (Korea Republic/Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma club)
Takeshi Okada (Japan/Japan national team)
AFC WOMEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR
Kim Tae-hee (Korea Republic women’s U-17 team assistant coach)
Ri Ae-gyong (DPR Korea women’s national team assistant coach)
Shahrzad Mozafar (Iran women’s national team coach)
AFC YOUTH PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Hong Chul (Korea Republic)
Jong Il-gwan (DPR Korea)
Timur Khakimov (Uzbekistan)
AFC WOMEN’S YOUTH PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Ji So-yun (Korea Republic)
Kumi Yokoyama (Japan)
Yeo Min-ji (Korea Republic)
AFC FUTSAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mohammad Taheri (Iran)
Rustam Umarov (Uzbekistan)
Vahid Shamsaee (Iran)
AFC WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Homare Sawa (Japan)
Jo Yun-mi (DPR Korea)
Kathryn Anne Gill (Australia)
AFC PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Bader Al Mutawa (Kuwait/Al Qadsia, Kuwait)
Farhad Majidi (Iran/ Esteghlal, Iran)
Farshid Talebi (Iran/ Zob Ahan, Iran)
Husain Salman (Bahrain/ Al Riffa, Bahrain)
Sasa Ognenovski (Australia/ Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, Korea Republic)
Court To Hear Jenapala's Suit Against PKR Monday
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- The suit by former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy secretary-general P. Jenapala, seeking an order to declare the party's election for the post of deputy president as invalid, will be heard on Monday.
The suit will be heard before the High Court (Appellate and Special Powers Division) Judge Datuk Aziah Ali, here.
Jenapala was present in court today to file an affidavit through Messrs Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak to support his originating summons filed yesterday.
In his affidavit, he said the court should grant an interlocutory injunction to ensure that the three defendants -- PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali and secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail -- do not go ahead with the election.
He said the three defendants had failed to respond to his letter dated Sept 27 on the confirmation about his membership in the party, making him eligible to contest for the deputy president's post.
He said that he had the right to contest because he was a life member of the party.
In his summons, he said that a media statement issued by Saifuddin Nasution on Sept 20, that he had been expelled from PKR, was unfounded because his membership had been verified at the party headquarters on Sept 17.
He claimed that he was never informed by the party about any termination to his membership or any disciplinary action taken against him.
Jenapala is also seeking damages, interest at eight per cent per annum and costs and other relief deemed fit by the court.
The suit will be heard before the High Court (Appellate and Special Powers Division) Judge Datuk Aziah Ali, here.
Jenapala was present in court today to file an affidavit through Messrs Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak to support his originating summons filed yesterday.
In his affidavit, he said the court should grant an interlocutory injunction to ensure that the three defendants -- PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali and secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail -- do not go ahead with the election.
He said the three defendants had failed to respond to his letter dated Sept 27 on the confirmation about his membership in the party, making him eligible to contest for the deputy president's post.
He said that he had the right to contest because he was a life member of the party.
In his summons, he said that a media statement issued by Saifuddin Nasution on Sept 20, that he had been expelled from PKR, was unfounded because his membership had been verified at the party headquarters on Sept 17.
He claimed that he was never informed by the party about any termination to his membership or any disciplinary action taken against him.
Jenapala is also seeking damages, interest at eight per cent per annum and costs and other relief deemed fit by the court.
Google Instant Now In Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- Google Inc., an innovative search technology that connect millions of people around the world with information, today introduced Google Instant in Malaysia after its official launch in United States two months ago.
In a statement on Monday, it said Google Instant makes searching more interactive and can help users find information more quickly and easily.
Combined with three core features which is dynamic results, autocomplete predictions and "scroll-to-search" functionality, it is aimed to deliver smart and predictive results.
Google Instant is available on google.com.my and users can access it within several days.
"Since its initial launch, it has been incredibly exciting to see how people are using Google Instant in the "wild"," it said.
In a statement on Monday, it said Google Instant makes searching more interactive and can help users find information more quickly and easily.
Combined with three core features which is dynamic results, autocomplete predictions and "scroll-to-search" functionality, it is aimed to deliver smart and predictive results.
Google Instant is available on google.com.my and users can access it within several days.
"Since its initial launch, it has been incredibly exciting to see how people are using Google Instant in the "wild"," it said.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
M'sia-India trade to double by 2015, says Najib
KUALA LUMPUR: Trade between Malaysia and India is expected to double by 2015 as a result of many landmark agreements signed between the two countries.
Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said among them were the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, multiple memoranda of understanding in the fields of tourism, information technology and services, traditional medicine as well as in research and development collaboration.
"These are significant milestones that will feature prominently in increasing trade and investment flows between Malaysia and India.
"We are confident the country-to-country relationship will manifest itself more intensely and significantly as the many initiatives start to take form and generate results," he said in his speech at the TiE Asia-Pacific Conference 2010 here today.
Najib said Malaysian government had embarked on measures to provide unique opportunities for businesses to access financial and capital markets as the government realised that for entrepreneurs to be successful, adequate access to finance and capital was essential.
In this regard, he said, Bursa Malaysia was working with The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) to encourage Indian and non-resident Indian businesses to take advantage of the opportunities Malaysian capital markets had to offer.
He said the Securities Commission and the Stock Exchange Board of India had signed an agreement paving the way for improved opportunities in cross-border capital market activities.
Najib urged foreign entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in the country's highly-developed Islamic banking and financial services industry.
"We can confidently say our financial institutions have more than adequate capacity to support entrepreneurs in their business endeavours," he said.
Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said among them were the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, multiple memoranda of understanding in the fields of tourism, information technology and services, traditional medicine as well as in research and development collaboration.
"These are significant milestones that will feature prominently in increasing trade and investment flows between Malaysia and India.
"We are confident the country-to-country relationship will manifest itself more intensely and significantly as the many initiatives start to take form and generate results," he said in his speech at the TiE Asia-Pacific Conference 2010 here today.
Najib said Malaysian government had embarked on measures to provide unique opportunities for businesses to access financial and capital markets as the government realised that for entrepreneurs to be successful, adequate access to finance and capital was essential.
In this regard, he said, Bursa Malaysia was working with The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) to encourage Indian and non-resident Indian businesses to take advantage of the opportunities Malaysian capital markets had to offer.
He said the Securities Commission and the Stock Exchange Board of India had signed an agreement paving the way for improved opportunities in cross-border capital market activities.
Najib urged foreign entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in the country's highly-developed Islamic banking and financial services industry.
"We can confidently say our financial institutions have more than adequate capacity to support entrepreneurs in their business endeavours," he said.
Urban villages will be conserved to retain character, environment
The KUALA Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will be having a public viewing of the Draft KL City Plan 2020 later this month before it is forwarded to the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister.
Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Ismail said the public viewing would be held on Nov 29 and 30 with two sessions each day.
“We have received more than 62,000 complaints and comments on various issues and some adjustments have been made to the previous plan to accommodate the government’s National Key Result Areas,” said Ahmad Fuad in his opening speech at the Sustainable Usage of Land, Amendment to the Draft KL City Plan 2020 workshop on Tuesday.
He added that a workshop like this was the last step to hear out what the public had to say after which a committee would study the proposals and changes to be handed to the Prime Minister for approval.
“The Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020 had been gazetted in 2004 which serves to inform residents on the structures guiding the development of Kuala Lumpur.
“Similarly, we need a decision to be made for this KL City Plan 2020 or we would be left hanging without any comprehensive plan for growth in the city,” he said.
The workshop had three working papers presented by the Malaysian Institute of Planners president Norliza Hashim.
The papers were on Land Use Zoning and Development Intensity, Use Classes, and Planning for Public Facilities.
Norliza said it was pertinent for people to pay attention to the aspects of land zoning and the usage allowed under each zone.
She said once the lands were zoned and gazetted, landonwers who wished to change the land use zoning had to go through the local plan process as provided by Section 17 of the Federal Territory Act 1982 (Act 267).
A planning permission is also required for change of use of building under the same Act of Section 19 and 20.
“We are reserving 20% of residential component in a commercial area under Mixed Use zoning,” she said, adding that this is to encourage more compact neighbourhoods and reduce transportation cost and congestion by getting people to live in the city centre or near where they work or shop.
She said each of the 22 zones were now allowed for multi-use so long as the activities were compatible and non-conflicting.
Touching on a new class called Urban Villages under Residential Zone, she said these were existing villages that would be conserved to protect the environment and character within the planning period of the plan.
“Some Urban Villages that are already classified are Kg Pandan India, Kg Chubadak Tengah, and Gombak Malay Reserve Villages,” she said.
She also said some changes had been made to the draft zoning plan whereby public facilities and open spaces that were previously marked on private land had now been omitted and corrected.
“From this year onwards, there will be no more individual-owned land that is being zoned for public facilities.
“In the revised version, the sites designated or reserved for public facilities are on public or goverment or agency land.
Norliza added that the white zone definition that previously referred to public facilities, infrastructure and utilities, had since been deleted and each category of the facilities were now defined as its own individual zoning called ‘Public Facility’, ‘Infrastructure and Utility’, and ‘Cemetery’.
Ahmad Fuad said plot ratio could not be generalised and was relative to the plot size and location of the building.
“In areas like KL Sentral, the plot ratio is less than four while in KLCC area, it is currently four but not all towers there are fully developed.
“Despite the low plot ratios in these areas, they are already congested and choked. Some developers want us to increase the plot ratio of 10 in a city centre to a higher figure.
“If the land is small, then a higher plot ratio can be considered, but we cannot allow high plot ratios for big a land.
“While they want a higher plot ratio, some of them cannot fulfil the parking requirements as outlined by the DBKL,” he said.
He added that the DBKL might look into turning abandoned oxidation ponds and unused retention ponds into recreational areas but need to speak to the parties concerned about such proposals.
Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Ismail said the public viewing would be held on Nov 29 and 30 with two sessions each day.
“We have received more than 62,000 complaints and comments on various issues and some adjustments have been made to the previous plan to accommodate the government’s National Key Result Areas,” said Ahmad Fuad in his opening speech at the Sustainable Usage of Land, Amendment to the Draft KL City Plan 2020 workshop on Tuesday.
He added that a workshop like this was the last step to hear out what the public had to say after which a committee would study the proposals and changes to be handed to the Prime Minister for approval.
“The Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020 had been gazetted in 2004 which serves to inform residents on the structures guiding the development of Kuala Lumpur.
“Similarly, we need a decision to be made for this KL City Plan 2020 or we would be left hanging without any comprehensive plan for growth in the city,” he said.
The workshop had three working papers presented by the Malaysian Institute of Planners president Norliza Hashim.
The papers were on Land Use Zoning and Development Intensity, Use Classes, and Planning for Public Facilities.
Norliza said it was pertinent for people to pay attention to the aspects of land zoning and the usage allowed under each zone.
She said once the lands were zoned and gazetted, landonwers who wished to change the land use zoning had to go through the local plan process as provided by Section 17 of the Federal Territory Act 1982 (Act 267).
A planning permission is also required for change of use of building under the same Act of Section 19 and 20.
“We are reserving 20% of residential component in a commercial area under Mixed Use zoning,” she said, adding that this is to encourage more compact neighbourhoods and reduce transportation cost and congestion by getting people to live in the city centre or near where they work or shop.
She said each of the 22 zones were now allowed for multi-use so long as the activities were compatible and non-conflicting.
Touching on a new class called Urban Villages under Residential Zone, she said these were existing villages that would be conserved to protect the environment and character within the planning period of the plan.
“Some Urban Villages that are already classified are Kg Pandan India, Kg Chubadak Tengah, and Gombak Malay Reserve Villages,” she said.
She also said some changes had been made to the draft zoning plan whereby public facilities and open spaces that were previously marked on private land had now been omitted and corrected.
“From this year onwards, there will be no more individual-owned land that is being zoned for public facilities.
“In the revised version, the sites designated or reserved for public facilities are on public or goverment or agency land.
Norliza added that the white zone definition that previously referred to public facilities, infrastructure and utilities, had since been deleted and each category of the facilities were now defined as its own individual zoning called ‘Public Facility’, ‘Infrastructure and Utility’, and ‘Cemetery’.
Ahmad Fuad said plot ratio could not be generalised and was relative to the plot size and location of the building.
“In areas like KL Sentral, the plot ratio is less than four while in KLCC area, it is currently four but not all towers there are fully developed.
“Despite the low plot ratios in these areas, they are already congested and choked. Some developers want us to increase the plot ratio of 10 in a city centre to a higher figure.
“If the land is small, then a higher plot ratio can be considered, but we cannot allow high plot ratios for big a land.
“While they want a higher plot ratio, some of them cannot fulfil the parking requirements as outlined by the DBKL,” he said.
He added that the DBKL might look into turning abandoned oxidation ponds and unused retention ponds into recreational areas but need to speak to the parties concerned about such proposals.
Beng Hock movement seeks 100,000 signatures for royal probe
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 — The Malaysians for Beng Hock movement is seeking public support to set up a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to investigate Teoh Beng Hock’s death.
Chong Kok Siong, the group’s co-ordinator, told reporters today that it will be a three-month-long campaign to get 100,000 signatures, to be submitted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“It now appears that an independent, credible and professional RCI is the best way to bring about justice to Beng Hock’s family as the coroner’s inquest has failed to provide answers to the most crucial questions surrounding Beng Hock’s death in a believable way,” he said at Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH).
The 30-year-old Teoh was found dead on the fifth floor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam on July 16 last year after he was interrogated overnight by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in connection with suspected abuse of state funds by Selangor lawmakers. The Selangor MACC headquarters was then located on the 14th floor of the same building.
Teoh, who was the political secretary to Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, had been interrogated overnight by the MACC, from July 15 evening to July 16 morning, on allegations his boss had misused state funds.
Ng Yap Hwa, another co-ordinator of the movement, said he did not think it was premature to launch this campaign even as the inquest was still going on.
“Even at the beginning of this, when we found out about Beng Hock’s death, the family had already asked for a royal commission of inquiry. In the past one year, we see that the inquest is very unjust and that there are people who try to manipulate... it is an insult to Beng Hock and his family,” he said.
Chong pointed out that the Bar Council had already called for an RCI probe.
The ongoing inquest has grabbed national headlines and has been a hot topic on online social networks with video clips of DPP Datuk Abdul Razak Musa demonstrating the act of self-strangulation going viral, the rock-star look spotted by Thai forensic expert Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand and her witty remarks in court, and new evidence popping up unexpectedly.
The group claimed that it has already obtained more than 5,000 signatures from two recent events, and the signatures of Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching.
“We urge the public and the civil society to turn their unhappiness into forces of hope, and to translate their sympathy into concrete action,” said Chong.
He said the public can sign the petition online or contact the group for hard copies. At the end of the three-month-long campaign, there will be a “Justice for Beng Hock, Truth for Rakyat” gathering.
Chong Kok Siong, the group’s co-ordinator, told reporters today that it will be a three-month-long campaign to get 100,000 signatures, to be submitted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“It now appears that an independent, credible and professional RCI is the best way to bring about justice to Beng Hock’s family as the coroner’s inquest has failed to provide answers to the most crucial questions surrounding Beng Hock’s death in a believable way,” he said at Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH).
The 30-year-old Teoh was found dead on the fifth floor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam on July 16 last year after he was interrogated overnight by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in connection with suspected abuse of state funds by Selangor lawmakers. The Selangor MACC headquarters was then located on the 14th floor of the same building.
Teoh, who was the political secretary to Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah, had been interrogated overnight by the MACC, from July 15 evening to July 16 morning, on allegations his boss had misused state funds.
Ng Yap Hwa, another co-ordinator of the movement, said he did not think it was premature to launch this campaign even as the inquest was still going on.
“Even at the beginning of this, when we found out about Beng Hock’s death, the family had already asked for a royal commission of inquiry. In the past one year, we see that the inquest is very unjust and that there are people who try to manipulate... it is an insult to Beng Hock and his family,” he said.
Chong pointed out that the Bar Council had already called for an RCI probe.
The ongoing inquest has grabbed national headlines and has been a hot topic on online social networks with video clips of DPP Datuk Abdul Razak Musa demonstrating the act of self-strangulation going viral, the rock-star look spotted by Thai forensic expert Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand and her witty remarks in court, and new evidence popping up unexpectedly.
The group claimed that it has already obtained more than 5,000 signatures from two recent events, and the signatures of Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching.
“We urge the public and the civil society to turn their unhappiness into forces of hope, and to translate their sympathy into concrete action,” said Chong.
He said the public can sign the petition online or contact the group for hard copies. At the end of the three-month-long campaign, there will be a “Justice for Beng Hock, Truth for Rakyat” gathering.
Synovate: High-end tech products still in demand in KL
KUALA LUMPUR: Affluent residents of Kuala Lumpur are splurging on mobile phones and high-end television sets, and the trend is set to continue, according to market research firm Synovate.
Its 2010 survey found that nearly half (47.7%) of Kuala Lumpur’s wealthier consumers owned a flat-screen TV, 47.3% owned a plasma or LCD TV and 11.4% owned a high-definition TV. During the same period, smart phone ownership rose by about a third, from 12.5% to 17.8%, Synovate said in a statement on Tuesday.
Its managing director for Malaysia, Ben Llewellyn, said this defied expectations given the greater Malaysian economy was impacted by the global financial crisis during the period surveyed. “It was perhaps to be expected that Malaysians would stop spending over this period. We have seen a slump, two stimulus packages and interest rate cuts,” he said.
Llewellyn said: “It seems that KL’s big spenders will not stop acquiring in good times or bad.”
Its 2010 survey found that nearly half (47.7%) of Kuala Lumpur’s wealthier consumers owned a flat-screen TV, 47.3% owned a plasma or LCD TV and 11.4% owned a high-definition TV. During the same period, smart phone ownership rose by about a third, from 12.5% to 17.8%, Synovate said in a statement on Tuesday.
Its managing director for Malaysia, Ben Llewellyn, said this defied expectations given the greater Malaysian economy was impacted by the global financial crisis during the period surveyed. “It was perhaps to be expected that Malaysians would stop spending over this period. We have seen a slump, two stimulus packages and interest rate cuts,” he said.
Llewellyn said: “It seems that KL’s big spenders will not stop acquiring in good times or bad.”
Nagoya University-Jagam Scholarship Open For Application
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysians can apply for the Nagoya University-Japan Graduates' Association of Malaysia (Jagam) Scholarship until Jan 7, next year.
In a statement here today, Jagam said recipients of the scholarships could enroll for science, engineering or social science courses in October next year at Nagoya University under the Global 30 Undergraduate International Programmes.
"These are new international programmes where all lectures are delivered in English," it said.
Jagam and Nagoya University will select up to three students for the scholarships based on a combination of need, merit, and aptitude.
Each recipient can expect to receive up to a maximum of Japanese yen 500,000 per year and will be considered for up to 100 per cent tuition waiver, on top of the scholarship allowance.
A one-way economy class airline ticket from Kuala Lumpur to the Chubu International Airport in Nagoya will be provided. If applicable, a return economy class ticket upon graduation will also be provided.
Students who are now sitting for the 2010 Unified Examination Certificate or Malaysian Higher School Certificate examinations are encouraged to apply.
"Applicants should ensure their duly completed forms are returned to Jagam before 4pm on Jan 7, 2011," said the statement.
In a statement here today, Jagam said recipients of the scholarships could enroll for science, engineering or social science courses in October next year at Nagoya University under the Global 30 Undergraduate International Programmes.
"These are new international programmes where all lectures are delivered in English," it said.
Jagam and Nagoya University will select up to three students for the scholarships based on a combination of need, merit, and aptitude.
Each recipient can expect to receive up to a maximum of Japanese yen 500,000 per year and will be considered for up to 100 per cent tuition waiver, on top of the scholarship allowance.
A one-way economy class airline ticket from Kuala Lumpur to the Chubu International Airport in Nagoya will be provided. If applicable, a return economy class ticket upon graduation will also be provided.
Students who are now sitting for the 2010 Unified Examination Certificate or Malaysian Higher School Certificate examinations are encouraged to apply.
"Applicants should ensure their duly completed forms are returned to Jagam before 4pm on Jan 7, 2011," said the statement.
53,674 candidates to sit for STPM exams next week
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 53,674 candidates will sit for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination at 760 centres nationwide from Nov 23 to Dec 16.
Of the total, 47,369 candidates are from government schools, 1,467 from private schools, 4,593 individual private candidates, 235 from state government-run schools and 10 from Integrity Schools.
In a statement, the Malaysian Examination Board said it would open an operations room during the examination period which can be contacted at 03-61302666, 61303606, 61352035, 61352390 and 61352316.
It also reminded candidates to bring their identification cards and the candidate registration reports (LPKC1 and LPKC2) during the examination.
Of the total, 47,369 candidates are from government schools, 1,467 from private schools, 4,593 individual private candidates, 235 from state government-run schools and 10 from Integrity Schools.
In a statement, the Malaysian Examination Board said it would open an operations room during the examination period which can be contacted at 03-61302666, 61303606, 61352035, 61352390 and 61352316.
It also reminded candidates to bring their identification cards and the candidate registration reports (LPKC1 and LPKC2) during the examination.
More Excitement at KL Food Awards 2010 By Time Out & American Express
American Express and Time Out Kuala Lumpur, KL’s most influential and well read events and listings magazine, will host Time Out KL Food Awards 2010 on 24 November 2010. More than 400 restaurant owners, local celebrities and industry members are expected at the Awards night.
The Time Out KL Food Awards 2010 is a people’s choice award and the biggest dining awards in Kuala Lumpur voted by the cosmopolitan citizens of Kuala Lumpur. This is the second year of the Awards which have contributed to raising the bar on quality of service, novel cuisines and menu creations among chefs and restaurateurs in Kuala Lumpur.
This year’s award will see three new categories for Best New Restaurant, Best Independent Restaurant and Best Restaurateur added into the existing 13 award categories of cuisines, plus the enviable prestigious “Outstanding Chef of the Year” award, won last year by Chef David King from The Westin Kuala Lumpur.
“We are very proud and happy to have American Express together with Maybank as our title sponsors for the awards this year, which is a great recognition for the success of this Award,” said Graham Paling, the Group MD of Mongoose, publisher of Time Out Magazine. “Time Out Kuala Lumpur has a readership of over 125,000 affluent, outgoing people who share a love of finding out what’s going on and who actively participate in everything that’s happening in their city. Dining out is one of the major activities for their daily lives. We are delighted to work with American Express and Maybank to reward culinary excellence and growing the dining scene in this great city.”
“American Express has a close association with providing evergreen rich rewards and privileges for entertainment and dining as well as long standing affiliation with best dining restaurants. Our sponsorship of Time Out KL Food Awards 2010 will give greater value to American Express Cardmembers’ in dining and gourmet experiences as it enables us to enhance American Express’ leading position in this market segment, expanding our relationships with restaurant merchants, and bringing us closer to consumers’ needs,” ” said Lim Su Ching, Vice President, American Express Business, Maybank.
Winners of the various categories are selected by consumers via a two round poll voting with the first round held in August and the second round for shortlisted nominations in September 2010. The outlet with the most overall votes in the respective categories will be announced at the gala The Time Out KL Food Awards 2010 Awards Ceremony on 24th November. The ‘KL’s Best Restaurant’, will be chosen by a panel of Time Out KL’s food critics from among the 13 category winners.
The Time Out KL Food Awards 2010 is a people’s choice award and the biggest dining awards in Kuala Lumpur voted by the cosmopolitan citizens of Kuala Lumpur. This is the second year of the Awards which have contributed to raising the bar on quality of service, novel cuisines and menu creations among chefs and restaurateurs in Kuala Lumpur.
This year’s award will see three new categories for Best New Restaurant, Best Independent Restaurant and Best Restaurateur added into the existing 13 award categories of cuisines, plus the enviable prestigious “Outstanding Chef of the Year” award, won last year by Chef David King from The Westin Kuala Lumpur.
“We are very proud and happy to have American Express together with Maybank as our title sponsors for the awards this year, which is a great recognition for the success of this Award,” said Graham Paling, the Group MD of Mongoose, publisher of Time Out Magazine. “Time Out Kuala Lumpur has a readership of over 125,000 affluent, outgoing people who share a love of finding out what’s going on and who actively participate in everything that’s happening in their city. Dining out is one of the major activities for their daily lives. We are delighted to work with American Express and Maybank to reward culinary excellence and growing the dining scene in this great city.”
“American Express has a close association with providing evergreen rich rewards and privileges for entertainment and dining as well as long standing affiliation with best dining restaurants. Our sponsorship of Time Out KL Food Awards 2010 will give greater value to American Express Cardmembers’ in dining and gourmet experiences as it enables us to enhance American Express’ leading position in this market segment, expanding our relationships with restaurant merchants, and bringing us closer to consumers’ needs,” ” said Lim Su Ching, Vice President, American Express Business, Maybank.
Winners of the various categories are selected by consumers via a two round poll voting with the first round held in August and the second round for shortlisted nominations in September 2010. The outlet with the most overall votes in the respective categories will be announced at the gala The Time Out KL Food Awards 2010 Awards Ceremony on 24th November. The ‘KL’s Best Restaurant’, will be chosen by a panel of Time Out KL’s food critics from among the 13 category winners.
FBM KLCI Futures Mostly Higher At Mid-day
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- The FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (FBM KLCI) futures contract on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives ended the morning session Thursday mostly higher on mild interest, dealers said.
At lunch break, November 2010 and December 2010 rose half a point each to 1,489.5 and 1,491.0 respectively while March 2011 increased one point to 1,491.5 and June 2011 declined four points to 1,488.0.
Turnover stood at 5,181 lots while open interests amounted to 23,615 contracts.
The underlying FBM KLCI ended the morning session 11.7 points lower at 1,491.84.
At lunch break, November 2010 and December 2010 rose half a point each to 1,489.5 and 1,491.0 respectively while March 2011 increased one point to 1,491.5 and June 2011 declined four points to 1,488.0.
Turnover stood at 5,181 lots while open interests amounted to 23,615 contracts.
The underlying FBM KLCI ended the morning session 11.7 points lower at 1,491.84.
AirAsia X to launch Paris route in February 2011
KUALA LUMPUR, Thursday 18 November 2010 (AFP) - Malaysia's long-haul budget airline AirAsia X will launch a Kuala Lumpur-Paris route -- its second stop in Europe -- in February next year, the carrier's chief executive said Thursday.
The airline will start four direct flights to Paris' Orly Airport weekly from February 14, with one-way promotional fares as low as 499 ringgit (99 euros, 160 dollars).
"We have always been enthusiastic in venturing into a new European country since we launched London," AirAsia X's chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani said in a statement.
"The establishment of this new route is a significant achievement for us and is a reflection of our commitment to expanding our international operations further.
The airline said the inaugural flight date was chosen as its Valentines Day gift for those "who want to celebrate the occasion in the romantic city of Paris".
Approval for the carrier to land in Paris was announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak during a visit to Paris last year after a meeting with French President Nicholas Sarkozy.
It will be the second route in Europe for Southeast Asia's biggest budget airline, after it began a London service in March last year.
An affiliate of regional low-cost carrier AirAsia and Virgin Group, AirAsia X was launched in January 2007. AirAsia and AirAsia X have common shareholders, including AirAsia founder and CEO Tony Fernandes.
The airline currently has eight aircraft and will have 11 by December. It has also placed an order for 17 Airbus A330s and 10 A340s.
The airline will start four direct flights to Paris' Orly Airport weekly from February 14, with one-way promotional fares as low as 499 ringgit (99 euros, 160 dollars).
"We have always been enthusiastic in venturing into a new European country since we launched London," AirAsia X's chief executive officer Azran Osman-Rani said in a statement.
"The establishment of this new route is a significant achievement for us and is a reflection of our commitment to expanding our international operations further.
The airline said the inaugural flight date was chosen as its Valentines Day gift for those "who want to celebrate the occasion in the romantic city of Paris".
Approval for the carrier to land in Paris was announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak during a visit to Paris last year after a meeting with French President Nicholas Sarkozy.
It will be the second route in Europe for Southeast Asia's biggest budget airline, after it began a London service in March last year.
An affiliate of regional low-cost carrier AirAsia and Virgin Group, AirAsia X was launched in January 2007. AirAsia and AirAsia X have common shareholders, including AirAsia founder and CEO Tony Fernandes.
The airline currently has eight aircraft and will have 11 by December. It has also placed an order for 17 Airbus A330s and 10 A340s.
Three amigo animators off to Kuala Lumpur
Three Institute of Communication Design students, have been invited to participate in an international animation design challenge in Malaysia next month.
The trio, Yannick Gillain, Felix Telfer and Shinji Dawson, who call themselves the Three Amigos, were selected by international software firm Autodesk for the three-day game development challenge, which will take the form of a reality TV show.
Institute undergraduate programme leader Gray Hodgkinson says the Panorama 2010 Asia-Pacific Design Challenge at Kuala Lumpur has been billed as an exclusive premier training, networking event for animation design, engineering and architecture students which combines a learning environment with a mix of social activities.
“It’s a great coup to have three students from Massey representing New Zealand at animation there,” Mr Hodgkinson says.
The winning team will receive prize money of $US1200, a team trophy and Autodesk Maya software and certificates for each member.
All three Amigos have recently by employed by Wellington design company Source and have examples of their digital animation work on display as part of the Exposure exhibition at this year’s BLOW creative arts festival at the Wellington campus.
Their digital animation short film, Circuit, looks humorously at conflicting technologies and man's desire to constantly upgrade while neglecting the consequences of the technology left behind.
The trio, Yannick Gillain, Felix Telfer and Shinji Dawson, who call themselves the Three Amigos, were selected by international software firm Autodesk for the three-day game development challenge, which will take the form of a reality TV show.
Institute undergraduate programme leader Gray Hodgkinson says the Panorama 2010 Asia-Pacific Design Challenge at Kuala Lumpur has been billed as an exclusive premier training, networking event for animation design, engineering and architecture students which combines a learning environment with a mix of social activities.
“It’s a great coup to have three students from Massey representing New Zealand at animation there,” Mr Hodgkinson says.
The winning team will receive prize money of $US1200, a team trophy and Autodesk Maya software and certificates for each member.
All three Amigos have recently by employed by Wellington design company Source and have examples of their digital animation work on display as part of the Exposure exhibition at this year’s BLOW creative arts festival at the Wellington campus.
Their digital animation short film, Circuit, looks humorously at conflicting technologies and man's desire to constantly upgrade while neglecting the consequences of the technology left behind.
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