FMT News |  |
- Mahabharata – Bahagian 5
- ‘No fixed prescription in Quran for Islamic state’
- Nurul Izzah backs religious freedom for Malays
- MCA hanya tentang hudud PAS, kata Chua
- Why yet to resolve the “old story”?
- Do they know what we want?
- Karpal’s call a ‘populist remark with no substance’
- Hadi wajar lawan Najib di Pekan
- Jobseekers must keep an open mind
- 10 surprising health facts
- Al Rawsha: Big meal, casual atmosphere
- Johor DAP’s campaign truck stolen
- Raja Muda mahu pemimpin agama lenyapkan prasangka
- No to higher insurance premiums
- Trouble in Sabah: PKR’s ‘ori’ vs ‘photocopies’
- Light at the end of the tunnel for Kpg Railway?
- Adun Sekong: `Isteri saya seorang’
- PKR lancar ‘Pakatan Harapan Rakyat’
- A kick start for Tamil Rock
- Manikavasagam to be dropped?
- Rodgers still has high hopes for Gerrard
- Messi becomes a dad but still ready to play
- NY marathon cancelation ‘best thing’
- Ferguson calls for Van Persie ‘respect’
- Rodgers wary of transfer window
- City’s Barca link no bother for Mancini
- Hamilton plays down Abu Dhabi pole chance
- From order to confusion?
- The scourge of voter apathy
- Disgusted with gross inefficiency of EPF
- Zoo operators fail to understand animal welfare
- Temple grounds should be respected
| Posted: 03 Nov 2012 09:34 AM PDT
"Ya, benar. Saya sudah menghafaz cerita yang maha hebat ini sejak dahulu. Cabaran kini adalah untuk mendokumentasikannya sementara saya masih ada," maharishyi itu mengakui tanpa berselindung. Menyedari hakikat dan realiti tradisi lisah, Vyasa tahu bahawa kisah yang digubahnya pasti akan berubah – mengalami proses tokok-tambah – apabila disampaikan secara lisan daripada seorang individu kepada individu lain. Proses itu adalah perkara yang lumrah dan memang tidak menjadi kesalahan. Malah, epik yang dirangka oleh maharishyi itu dalam bentuk puisi adalah juga kisah yang ditokok-tambah bagi menjadikan penceritaan, plot, watak, perwatakan, tema, persoalan dan sebagainya lebih menarik serta mengundang rasa ingin tahu khalayak pendengar. Pada masa sama, Vyasa sedar bahawa selepas epik yang mahu disampaikannya itu didokumentasikan dalam bentuk bertulis – dengan judul Jaya – pasti masih akan ada tukang cerita pada masa hadapan yang merombak, mengubah dan menokok-tambah cerita mengikut peredaran zaman. Malah, epik itu akan diterjemah ke pelbagai bahasa dan mengalami perubahan mengikut citarasa setempat. Semua itu tidak menjadi masalah kepada Vyasa. Impian dan cita-citanya adalah untuk memastikan epik yang dikarangnya dalam bentuk puisi lisan dirakam dalam bentuk bertulis untuk rujukan zaman-berzaman. Itulah khazanah yang mahu ditinggalkannya untuk dunia. "Tidak bolehkah Vyasa menulis sendiri epik yang diimpikannya itu?" Demikian Hussain bertanya apabila datuk berhenti sebentar untuk meneguk teh suam di dalam cawan. "Yalah, datuk," Hassan turut mencelah. "Tak bolehkah maharishyi itu mendapatkan perkhidmatan manusia biasa untuk menjalankan tugas sebagai tukang tulis profesional?" Datuk ketawa kecil selepas mengelap bibir. Beliau membetulkan duduk di atas kerusi kayu di halaman rumah. Angin petang bertiup nyaman. "Boleh sahaja Vyasa berbuat begitu. Akan tetapi, dia mahu epik yang dikarangnya mempunyai nilai tambah, iaitu didokumentasikan oleh seorang dewa. Bukahkah itu tujuan Vyasa melakukan pertapaan kepada Dewata?" Pasangan kembar Hassan dan Hussain mengangguk hampir serentak. Datuk pula meneruskan cerita mengenai bagaimana akhirnya kata sepakat dicapai antara Vyasa dan Ganesha, si dewa berkepala gajah. "Saya bersetuju untuk memikul tugas ini dengan senang hati. Akan tetapi saya mahu meletakkan suatu syarat yang wajib dipatuhi." Demikian kata Ganesha sambil duduk bersila di hadapan Vyasa. "Syarat apakah itu?" Vyasa bertanya dengan penuh debar; umpama peserta kuiz di televisyen yang perlu memenuhi syarat tertentu sebelum layak meneruskan cabaran bagi merebut peluang memenangi hadiah lumayan yang ditawarkan. "Sebaik sahaja awak mula bercerita, saya akan memulakan tugas menulis kisah itu dengan sempurna tanpa menokok-tambah walau sepatah perkataan dan suku kata. Jangan difikirkan soal bagaimana saya akan memastikan akan ada bekalan dakwat yang berterusan pada mata pena sepanjang proses penulisan ini." Vyasa mengerutkan kening. Apakah perangkap yang sedang cuba dipasang oleh dewa berkepala gajah itu? – Bersambung minggu depan      |
| ‘No fixed prescription in Quran for Islamic state’ Posted: 03 Nov 2012 07:34 AM PDT
He said this is because the Quran does not have fixed prescriptions of matters of a changing nature such as governing a country. What the Quran does offer are guidelines and foundations to governance. Speaking at a forum on "Islamic state: Which Version, Whose responsibility?" today, Ahmad Farouk hit out at PAS Youth and its scholars for their insistence on replicating the Medinan city-state model of the seventh century. "As the erudite Muhammad Asad said, every generation faces different circumstances and thus many laws and ways for society cannot be fixed for all time. This is also why the Quran fixes timeless laws, ethics and restrictions that are universal in its appreciation. "The companions of the Prophet (Muhammad) were not left with a set of rules as to how to settle disputes or lead their worldly lives. However they were compelled to perform ijtihad or independent reasoning," he said in the opening speech. He said Muslims should be able to exercise their independent reasoning to devise suitable solutions for emerging problems, and only by doing that will Islam be suitable for all time and all places. "Islam is not a panacea that provides ready-made answers to all human problems. Muslim scholars have not solved all the problems of humanity in history and for all times. "Rather, Islam provides a moral and just perspective within which Muslims can find answer to all human problems," he told some 500-odd audiences. The three-hour forum, which was organised by Islamic Renaissance Front and Oriental Hearts and Minds Study Institute, also featured respondents such as PAS parliamentarian for Parit Buntar Mujahid Yusof Rawa, independent analyst Wong Chin Huat, lawyer Malik Imtiaz, Kenny Ng, PKR's Nurul Izzah Anwar and Baru Bian. Ahmad Farouk opined that since governing a state is a human endeavour, democracy would be essential to guide Muslim societies towards Islam. Mutual consultation vital He said this is because democracy would allow operation of the community and the demands of Islam to be freely debated and refashioned. He said the governance has to be as democratic as possible so that all adults can participate in it. "Thus the mutual affairs – those pertaining to governance- should be conducted only by mutual consultation which in contemporary (times is) construed as democratic governance," he said. He went on to criticise PAS-led Kedah government for enacting a ruling earlier this year that barred religious verdict (fatwa) from being challenged in court, saying that it was a clear breach of democracy. "When such an institution declares that god is the sovereign, then they have the legitimacy to impose their own rule or whims in the name of sovereign," he said. Mujahid when responding to this later, said that the Islamic party rejected authoritarian leadership as it was discouraged in the Quran. He said it was up to the people to judge whether the fatwa ruling was suitable. "Whatever they have done (in Kedah) went through a democratic process. If people want us (to do things this way), it's good. If not, we must adjust ourselves so we give people what they want," he said. When asked about his party colleague's bashing of recent Halloween celebrations, Mujahid said such remark was personal opinion and not party stance. “For me Halloween is a party, just go and enjoy it. If I don’t want to go, then don’t say I’m banning it, just don’t go,” he said. Secularism should be upheld Meanwhile, Wong in his speech argued that since religious competition is inevitable in this multi-religion country, it's better for the competition to be geared towards the way a religion treats non-believers. Citing Islamic banking where non-Muslim make up the largest depositor as an example, he said a non-believer does not mind subscribing to a certain religious idea should the person be treated equally. "If Islam can do that, I would have no problem with Islamic state," he said. Baru, when expressing his views from East Malaysia standpoint, said Sabah and Sarawak were looking for a secular state when they joined Malaysia in 1963. Reading out the Cobbold Commission report, he said the secularism foundation was assured in the report and should be upheld forever.    |
| Nurul Izzah backs religious freedom for Malays Posted: 03 Nov 2012 05:21 AM PDT
Pressing home the message of religious freedom at a forum titled "Islamic state? Which vision? Whose responsibility" today, she said there should be no compulsion in any religion including Islam. "How can anyone say (freedom of religion) only apply to the non-Muslim, it has to be applied equally. "In Quran, there is no specific term to the Malay as how it should be done," she said when replying to an audience's question on whether Malays should be entitled to freedom of religion. Nurul Izzah's remark is expected to stir controversy as Malay Muslims in Malaysia are banned from converting out from Islam except under unique circumstances and discussion of the subject is seen as taboo. However, the PKR rising star said it is fine for Malays to be granted such freedom as the ties between a believer and certain religion was based on personal faith. "If you believe so strongly in your faith, then being schooled in (SK) Assunta with a big cross in the hall and singing Catholic songs all the time would not deter you," she said. Earlier in her speech, Nurul Izzah quoted a decree made by Egypt's University Al-Azhar president Ahmad el Tayeb and said freedom of belief should be a fundamental right for all. "Freedom of belief is based on complete equality and rights and duty. It should be regarded as cornerstone of modern social structure. She said the freedom should be guaranteed by the authentic conclusive religious text and clear constitutional principle. "Any aspect of compulsion, persecution or discrimination on the basis of religion is prohibited. Everybody in society should have the right to the idea he chooses," she said. Meanwhile, when replying to a question on sexual minority group such as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), she expressed conditional support in a similar fashion to her father, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. She said the group should not be victimised by laws but they should avoid displaying their sexual orientation in public space.    |
| MCA hanya tentang hudud PAS, kata Chua Posted: 03 Nov 2012 02:09 AM PDT
Beliau mendakwa isu itu telah dipolitik dan diputar oleh pemimpin Pakatan Rakyat apabila mereka menganggap PAS adalah agama Islam. Katanya, seperti mana MCA menghormati agama-agama lain seperti Buddha, Kristian dan Hindu, MCA juga peka dan menghormati sensitiviti umat Islam negara ini, apatah lagi, Islam adalah agama rasmi Persekutuan. Menurutnya, ini terbukti dengan sokongan dan penerimaan MCA terhadap perlaksanaan rukun-rukun Islam di negara . Ia seperti pembinaan masjid-masjid, institusi Tabung Haji yang memudahkan umat Islam menunaikan haji, penubuhan dan implementasi pusat zakat dan kutipannya, pembinaan sekolah-sekolah agama, perbankan Islam dan penerapan dasar-dasar Islam dalam kerajaan. Dan yang paling utama, MCA tidak pernah menentang malah menyokong dan mendokong bahawa Islam adalah agama Persekutuan dengan agama-agama lain bebas diamalkan dengan aman dan damai seperti yang termaktub dalam Perlembagaan. Dr Chua juga menegaskan parti itu telah bersama menuntut kemerdekaan negara dan membangunkan negara hingga ke tahap ini. Tidak pernah sekalipun MCA melakukan sesuatu tindakan yang mengecam agama Islam dan pengamalannya di Malaysia, katanya. Bagaimanapun, MCA, katanya menyeru Pakatan Rakyat meletak kembali hudud sebagai salah satu manifesto mereka dalam pilihan raya akan datang sepertimana PAS meletak manifesto hudud terhadap bukan Islam pada pilihan raya 1986 demi menghormati dan menjunjung prinsip demokrasi. Cabar PAS dan PKR Beliau berkata, MCA juga ingin mencabar pendirian PAS dan PKR dalam isu berkaitan tentang kenyataan Karpal supaya melangkah mayat beliau dahulu sekirannya negara Islam hendak ditubuhkan di Malaysia. “(Adakah) kenyataan tersebut merupakan kenyataan yang berbaur menghina Islam atau tidak. “MCA sekali lagi hendak mencabar pendirian DAP sama ada mereka bersama–sama MCA menentang pelaksanaan hudud versi PAS atau tidak? “Sekirannya mereka menyatakan mereka tidak berkongsi pendirian yang sama dengan MCA dalam isu hudud versi PAS maka mereka perlu tampil memberitahu rakyat bahawa mereka menyokong pelaksanaan hudud versi PAS di negara. “Diharapkan DAP tidak lari dan sembunyi daripada cabaran pendirian mereka dalam isu ini. Mereka hanya perlu menyatakan pendirian sokong atau tidak.? kata Dr Chua lagi. Dr Chua menegaskan sebagai Presiden MCA bahawa MCA adalah sebuah parti yang mendokong prinsip demokrasi. Oleh itu, demi menghormati dan menjunjung prinsip demokrasi maka Pakatan Rakyat perlu meletak hudud versi PAS dalam Katanya, jika ia diterima dan disokong oleh majoriti rakyat Malaysia, MCA akan menghormati kehendak rakyat. Dakwa Karpal persoal Sultan “Dahulu Pengerusi DAP iaitu Karpal Singh sendiri bangkit mempersoalkan Sultan Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah mengenai campur tangan istana dalam isu pertukaran Pengarah Jabatan Agama Islam Perak (JAIP) dan Istana seharusnya bebas daripada sebarang penglibatan politik. “Namun begitu , dalam isu pertikaian MCA terhadap hudud versi PAS pula Pakatan Rakyat hendak melibatkan Yang di Pertuan Agong demi memenuhi hawa nafsu dan kepentingan politik mereka sendiri,” kata beliau lagi. Menurut Dr Chua, beliau telah berbincang dengan Fathul Bari dari Pertubuhan Ilmuan Malaysia dan tidak ada masalah bagi MCA untuk menerima penerangan dari beliau tentang hukum hudud berdasarkan sumber-sumber Islam yang sebenar. Dr Chua bertanya, sekiranya Pakatan Rakyat benar–benar konsisten untuk memperjuangkan keadilan demi agama dan umat Islam, mengapa mereka hanya berdiam diri apabila pemimpin DAP iaitu Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham yang jelas menghina dan memperlekehkan Islam. Dalam tweetnya, Pengerusi DAP Perak itu, menyatakan protes umat Islam terhadap Sam Bacile adalah satu perkara yang terlalu membazir masa dan tenaga. “Peliknya juga dalam isu penghinaan Islam oleh pemimpin DAP ini ramai pemimpin PAS menyokong dan mempertahankan beliau (Ngeh),” kata Dr Chua. Beliau menegaskan, rakyat perlu tahu pada pilihan raya umum 1986, Mursyidul Am Pas, Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat yang ketika itu Pesuruhjaya PAS Kelantan telah mengeluarkan manifesto antara lain pelaksanaan undang-undang Islam turut berkuat kuasa ke atas orang bukan Islam. Manifesto PAS 1986 dalam muka surat lima menguatkuasakan undang-undang Islam di seluruh negeri dengan tidak meletakkan perbezaan atas sebab-sebab berlainan keturunan, bangsa, agama dan pangkat kecuali perkara berhubung dengan ibadat dan undang-undang kekeluargaan. "Dalam muka surat 24 pula dinyatakan bahawa hak-hak orang bukan Islam sama sahaja di sisi undang-undang jenayah dan sivil dengan orang-orang Islam dan ini adalah hudud sebenar berlandaskan Islam,” katanya.    |
| Why yet to resolve the “old story”? Posted: 03 Nov 2012 02:07 AM PDT
Taman Chi Liung Indah chairman K Yogasigamany insisted that Teresa Kok should have taken proactive steps, as the party’s national organising secretary, to once for all put an end to the issue by now. "She brushed it aside as an old story and asked why it was brought up again. "If it is an old issue, why hasn’t it been addressed yet?. “Why has she failed to act to resolve it?" asked Yogasigamany in a statement supported by six other Klang-based DAP branches of Southern Klang, Taman Gembira, Klang, Bukit Tinggi, Ehsan and Teluk Pulai. The branches declared full support for their national chairman Karpal's call for the one seat – one candidate policy, saying that it "was timely and fair to the larger interest of the party and Pakatan Rakyat." Acting as spokesman for the branches, Yogasigamny also rubbished claims that the formula can't be implemented due to lack of capable candidates. "Look around and you will see scores of eligible, dynamic and professional long serving party loyalists, some being members for over 10 years," he said. The one man – one seat idea was first mooted early last year by Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal, who last week called on the party's nine federal and state legislature double-seat holders to declare their support to his proposal. However, Teresa Kok, a double-seat holder herself as Seputeh MP and Kinrara assemblywoman, was quick to brush it aside as an "old story." Increasing public grouses She also said the party had set up a special candidature committee to deal with it and the party central executive committee (CEC), DAP's highest decision making body, had discussed the issue before. Other DAP elected representatives who are both MPs and assemblymen are Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (Bagan MP and Air Putih assemblyman), Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy (Batu Kawan MP and Prai assemblyman) and the state senior exco and party chief Chow Kon Yeow (Tanjung MP and Padang Kota assemblyman), all in Penang; Beruas MP and Sitiawan assemblyman Ngeh Koo Ham, Taiping MP and Pantai Remis assemblyman Nga Kor Ming, both Perak; and Rasah MP and Lobak assemblyman Anthony Loke Siew Fook in Negeri Sembilan. In Sarawak, state DAP chairman Wong Ho Leng is the Sibu MP and Bukit Assek assemblyman while state party secretary Chong Chieng Jen is the Bandar Kuching MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman. Unlike Teresa Kok, Perak double-seat holders have voiced their support to Karpal's proposal. But the silence of Lim, also the party secretary general, has been deafening. Yogasigamany said he had been hearing lay public grouses against DAP double seat holders all this while and party grassroots leaders have to do a lot of explaining as the issue has become a hot topic among the public. He said many double-hat wearers have become too busy and hardly had time to for the voters as they also sat as excos in state governments and directors in government link companies apart from running their own business and NGOs. He said they should make way for other capable and dynamic members to enable the party to build the future given to rapid changes in political landscape, needs and demands over the years. "No one is indispensable or most qualified to hold multiple positions. “They should not monopolise power and multiple perks at the expense of taxpayers,” rebuked Yogasigamany.    |
| Posted: 03 Nov 2012 01:15 AM PDT
BN ridicules the impossibility of Pakatan coalition partners working with each other within the confines of their own political ideologies. Three diametrically opposing political entities that BN hopes will be torn asunder by hudud and the realities of power sharing where race and religion, not needs, will decide who will be in government. Pakatan is spoilt for choice. They are tripping over themselves as to what they should do next to expose the abuses and mismanagement in government by BN. Does Pakatan start with exposing the need for greed amongst BN politicians and the corruption that goes with it or will Pakatan 'educate' the public on the massive abuse and misuse by BN of their political power to achieve their political agenda – that of remaining in government at all costs? I have news for BN and Pakatan – We already know all this and more! We know our politicians from both sides of the divide are so enamored with their own political agenda that they cannot see the forest for the trees! Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak comes up with scores of transformation initiatives that he said would make our country, our people and our economy better. Not to be outdone, Pakatan too have their proposals that they say would take away much of the economic burden of the people. BN and Pakatan say that the time for change is nigh – just as long as the change is for their own good – not ours! BN and Pakatan are so desperately focused on trying to win government that they fail to understand what we want. We want honest, decent and responsible politicians in government. We do not want politicians who lie to us, politicians who abuse the trust we place in them, politicians who takes money that does not belong to them, politicians who are arrogant, politicians who do not understand the meaning of the phrase "servants of the people" and politicians who talk of family values, devotion to religion and god even as they fornicate outside their matrimonial bonds and deliberate on how they could use god to boost their political credentials. We know all this and we also know the reality too. We know that when all is said and done, it is BN and Pakatan that will decide our fate and the sorry future of our nation. Our history has always shown this to be true, whether at state or federal level. Those who have political power do as they please because they can. So how is it that our people are able to put history aside and work towards trying to bring about change? Why do so many of us still participate in elections that we know are flawed? Why do we tolerate the Election Commission (EC) that openly favours the incumbent BN? How have our people been able to engage themselves in the election process with such exuberance, enthusiastically embracing their political inclinations despite knowing that in the end it is really race, religion and money that will decide the outcome of this 13th general election? Certainly money! We do all this because we passionately believe that all that is necessary for bad government to triumph is for us to do nothing….so we must still try. After all there are still men of principle in politics…are there not? CT Ali is a reformist who believes in Pakatan Rakyat's ideologies. He is a FMT columnist.    |
| Karpal’s call a ‘populist remark with no substance’ Posted: 03 Nov 2012 01:05 AM PDT
The duo are of the opinion that the proposal by DAP chairman Karpal Singh is just a populist remark with no substance behind, since it has often been DAP’s strategy to allow its leaders to contest many seats, or to migrate from one state to another. Kedah Gerakan Youth head Tan Keng Liang said DAP usually grants exceptions to some leaders such as its secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, who is also the Penang Chief Minister as well as Bagan MP. Guan Eng is also the Air Puteh state assemblyman in Penang, and he also assumes various chairmanship posts of state-linked companies by the virtue of his appointment as the state’s chief minister. “Guan Eng is their great leader as he can wear many hats at the same time. That is why, he ended up preparing for his Budget speech at 3am when others are asleep as he has many responsibilities.” Working late hours is indicative to illustrate that Lim is overwhelmed with many duties from holding so many posts, he said. According to Tan, there are other leaders in DAP, who also tend to be accorded exceptions besides Lim. He has reservations whether DAP has the political will to accede to Karpal’s proposal that the party adopts a one-seat-one-candidate policy ahead of the next general election. “Karpal in trying to be a righteous leader, has been proposing many things for DAP in the past decade, but it does not reasonate within the party as it has the Lim dynasty in-placed. Only if both Lims agree then, perhaps the party would adopt it.” Karpal is proving the suspicion held by some quarters here that he is more of a figure-head rather than an outright DAP leader. Guan Eng’s father is DAP adviser and veteran opposition personality Lim Kit Siang. Guan Eng’s too many hats It was reported that Karpal has allowed Guan Eng the exception of contesting or defending his present two seats because the latter is considered an invaluable asset to the socialist party’s cause. Tan said DAP should emulate Barisan Nasional including Gerakan that the best way to serve the voters, is that one candidate only contests one seat, either at parliament or state-level. Gerakan has long believed that the task of becoming a politician is heavy, and its candidates since the 1980s, have only contested one seat, Tan said in an interview. There should not be any exceptions to the rule, Tan said. “DAP is adopting a double-standard if it allows its members to contest one seat while Guan Eng has the choice of contesting two.” Penang Gerakan vice-chairman Wong Mun Hoe said even the prime minister only contests in just one seat. “Who is Guan Eng to have such special treatment? The same applies to PKR leaders. One seat for one candidate is ideal, especially with the demands by the people growing by each day.” Wong said Guan Eng has faltered in parliament since 2008, as he is busy performing his duties as chief minister. “Does one hear of any questions posed by Guan Eng in Parliament. Does he lead a walkout like what he did previously. He is not walking out because he is not in the Dewan Rakyat in the first place. He is busy performing his chief minister’s duties elsewhere.” Because of the exception given to Guan Eng, Wong doubts that DAP will allow its one-seat-one-candidate proposal to take root. Ultimately, the people will suffer as DAP leaders are contesting just to win power and, not to govern effectively. They are busy running around trying to just stay or grab more power, not to serve the people, he claimed.    |
| Hadi wajar lawan Najib di Pekan Posted: 03 Nov 2012 12:55 AM PDT
Bagaimanapun, beliau mengingatkan Presiden PAS itu supabeliau mengingatkan Presiden PAS itu tidak mungkir janji kerana orang Islam tidak boleh bercakap bohong. “Jangan sekadar bercakap tetapi apabila tiba masa mengundurkan diri. Jangan bikin politik saja tetapi akhirnya tidak jadi lawan. Orang Islam tidak boleh mungkir janji, kalau kata lawan, dia mesti lawan. “Saya bimbang jadi gimik politik saja,” kata Zainal ketika diminta mengulas kenyataan Abdul Hadi beliau bertanding di pekan jika diarahkan oleh PAS. Presiden PAS itu membuat kenyataan itu dalam satu program parti di Kuala Terengganu kelmarin. Zainal, bagaimanapun, menganggap jika hasrat Abdul Hadi itu menjadi kenyataan, ia lawan yang sepadan. “Saya mengalu-alu keyataannya mahu mencabar Najib di Pekan iaitu kawasan yang dipilihnya sendiri. “Hadi layak kerana beliau Presiden PAS, manakala Najib pula Presiden Umno. Presiden lawan Presiden,” tambah Zainal.    |
| Jobseekers must keep an open mind Posted: 03 Nov 2012 12:53 AM PDT
He said graduates should also be bold enough to face employment challenges, even if it meant that they had to venture into a whole new industry. “We understand that a graduate would want to secure a job that suits his qualification, but if he graduated with a degree in geography or literature and cannot secure any job with that degree, he should be ready to face the employment challenge and look for a job in other industry,” he told reporters after opening the Career Carnival 2012 at Universiti Teknologi Mara here today. He said the specific education obtained in university should not hamper the graduates from venturing into other industry because what was important was the skills and ability to complete a task. “In a away, the things we studied in university are not so important. What we want is the discipline, the ability to think, to read and to find resources,” he said. Nor Mohamed also said Malaysia had so far enjoyed full employment rate due to several factors, including the facts that workers had continued changing jobs and pursued further studies. He said most fresh graduates had managed to secure jobs within six months after their graduations and the government had continued implementing various programmes, including providing soft skills training to help those who were still unemployed. On the Career Carnival, Nor Mohamed, who is also Tasek Gelugor MP, said it was a good platform for jobseekers to get some information, counseling and guidance to kick start their careers. Hence, he also called on all job seekers to take full advantage of the carnival organised by Penang Bumiputera Development Council. Over 40 companies offering over 1,000 jobs are taking part in the two-day carnival.    |
| Posted: 03 Nov 2012 12:52 AM PDT
Sugar is as bad for you as cigarettes An hour's sleep could make you happier than $60,000 Exercise won't make you thin Chewing gum boosts your brain power Coffee can help ward off depression Being optimistic can save your life Cash machines are as dirty as public toilets Women are nine times more likely to suffer from a broken heart Less than one per cent of bacteria cause disease Stretching before running may lower your endurance LINKS    |
| Al Rawsha: Big meal, casual atmosphere Posted: 03 Nov 2012 12:43 AM PDT
Nestled along Jalan Damai, Al Rawsha Restaurant serves traditional Lebanese cuisine, a 'taste of Beirut', as their menu says. 'Rawsha' apparently refers to a rock off a cliff, along the coast of Lebanon. I first thought it was a formal, fancy place, but I was pleasantly surprised to see it's anything but. It's actually a converted bungalow, with open seating areas, and lots of tables. Luckily, being there at 6pm meant no crowds. Having taken our seats, we scrutinised the menu, looking at the various dishes on offer. The menu is quite large, with grill items, rice, cold and hot appetizers, as well as various side dishes and entrees. Feeling very hungry and enticed by the sight of a waiter carrying what looked like a platter of rice with huge pieces of meat in the center, my friend and I quickly decided on some dishes.
When the food all arrived at the same time, my friend and I got a bit apprehensive. It was a LOT of food. What we ordered could easily feed four persons. Putting that thought aside, the food looked very delicious indeed. Hungry and salivating, we pounced. Popping one of the Vine Leaves into our mouths revealed a pleasant surprise; the initial slight tinge of bitterness of the leaves gave way to a soury, minty and delicious filling. The Hummus, chickpeas blended with garlic, lemon, sesame paste and olive oil, came with large pieces of toasted flatbread, which we dutifully tore pieces off and dipped in the velvety smooth dip. A perfect way to whet the appetite.
Eventually we had to force ourselves from the rice and lamb to try out the Shish Tawook. It was served with pita bread, smeared with tangy tomato (or is it harissa?) sauce, grilled onion and tomato, pickles, sour cream and oddly, french fries. We wrapped a chunk of chicken around the flatbread that came with the hummus and bit in. Now, chicken breast meat tends to dry out when improperly cooked, but these wonderful morsels were superb. A slight char provided a smoky flavor and crust, and the meat itself was tender, moist and very juicy. Not at all dried out. It was, for lack of a better description, the best chicken shish I have ever had in Kuala Lumpur (let me know if I’m wrong!).
Al Rawsha is an excellent place for a big meal in a casual atmosphere. The only caveat? You might want to consider wearing pants with stretchy waistbands. You WILL get full. Address: No. 78 Jalan Damai Off Jalan Ampang, 55000, Kuala Lumpur [This content is provided by FMT content partner www.friedchillies.com, "Solving your makan problems since 1997"]    |
| Johor DAP’s campaign truck stolen Posted: 03 Nov 2012 12:01 AM PDT
The Isuzu truck with the registration number of BLU 2926 was parked outside a shophouse belonging to the Johor DAP assistant organising secretary Ng Sian Luang in Taman Tun Aminah, Johor Bahru. Ng said she woke up at 10am today to learn that the truck, which was parked at 8pm last night, had disappeared. “I thought my party colleagues drove it away, but they told me they didn't because the car key was with me," she said when contacted by FMT. Ng questioned why the truck was targeted when there were several lorries also parked along the road. "If they want to steal they could have gone for those without advertisement banner. My truck was plastered with so many DAP banners," she said. She said the owner of the truck, who is a DAP supporter, would be lodging a police report. "I am very panicky now. For those who drove it away, please don't play with us. This is not my truck, this was borrowed from the owner," she said. Meanwhile, Johor DAP chief Boo Cheng Hau suspects the theft to be politically-motivated. He said the truck was used in a Pakatan mega dinner last Sunday where he spoke about peaceful transition of power should Pakatan wins the general election. "Of course we expected intimidation and political pressures after that," he said.    |
| Raja Muda mahu pemimpin agama lenyapkan prasangka Posted: 03 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PDT
Baginda bertitah mereka juga perlu menyuburkan persefahaman serta menghindari apa jua perkara yang boleh membangkitkan ketegangan, prasangka dan permusuhan antara agama dan kaum. Bertitah merasmikan program Gerbang Muhibah Antara Agama (Gema) 2012 di Mata Ayer dekat sini hari ini, baginda turut berharap selain pemimpin, semua rakyat menghayati semangat muhibbah tanpa menggadaikan kepercayaan dan agama masing-masing. Program yang mempertemukan para pemimpin pelbagai agama itu dianjurkan oleh Persatuan Al Islah Perlis dengan kerjasama Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Perlis (MAIPs). Tuanku Syed Faizuddin, yang juga Yang Dipertua MAIPs, bertitah keharmonian akan terus wujud jika semua rakyat tidak mengganggu dan mencampuri hal dalaman agama lain selain menghormati sensitiviti agama dan kaum lain. Taat setia Titah baginda rakyat perlu bersatu mencintai negara dan negeri melalui pemupukan semangat taat setia dan rasa patriotik yang tinggi walaupun berbeza agama dan kaum. Pada majlis itu, baginda turut melancarkan ‘Inisiatif FAIZ’ anjuran Persatuan Al Islah Perlis yang antara lain bertujuan menyatukan masyarakat berbilang agama dan kaum. Empat komponen utama dalam inisiatif itu ialah faham, amal ikhlas dan zuriat yang membentuk singkatan nama ‘FAIZ’. Pengarah program Gema 2012, Dr Hazman Hassan berkata pihaknya berhasrat menjadikan Persatuan Al Islah Peris sebagai sekretariat tetap program itu bagi membolehkan lebih banyak kegiatan diadakan. Berangkat sama ke majlis itu ialah Raja Puan Muda Perlis Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil. -Bernama    |
| No to higher insurance premiums Posted: 02 Nov 2012 11:05 PM PDT
The General Insurance Agents Association Malaysia (Perwakim) instead wants the government to conduct a thorough study before implementing the new streamlined motor vehicle insurance framework. Its president Athi Rao said the new scheme is only a short-term solution as the claims settlement system is still not optimal. He suggested instead that the government sit down with industry representatives to reach a mutually beneficial solution. “There is no pressing need to raise the premium payments now as the industry is not in such a critical stage as alleged by some people. For us raising the premium will further burden the consumer,” he said. Yesterday at the Dewan Rakyat, Deputy Finance Minister Awang Adek Hussin said the new, higher vehicle insurance premium rates will be implemented gradually in stages from this year until 2015 so as not to burden vehicle owners. Athi said inefficient supervision had led to higher claim settlements as the process involves external factors such as payments to intermediaries. “Although premium payments will go up, if the claims settlement system is not also reviewed, the situation will be the same as now. We suggest that companies exercise caution in handling claims, ,” he said He added that in 2011, motor vehicle premium payments totaled RM6.3 billion but payments for repair of vehicles amounted to RM4.7 billion including RM600 million as compensation for stolen vehicle claims, just 76 per cent of the total premium collection, meaning insurance companies made a 24 per cent profit. - Bernama    |
| Trouble in Sabah: PKR’s ‘ori’ vs ‘photocopies’ Posted: 02 Nov 2012 10:49 PM PDT
“PKR ori” refers to genuine members of the party while “photocopy” addresses those with Angkatan Perubahan Sabah (APS) and Pakatan Perubahan Sabah (PPS) who “refused” to be members of PKR. APS is led by Tuaran MP who was once deputy president of Upko, Wilfred Bumburing, while PPS is by Lajim Ukin, a former federal deputy minister, who is also Beaufort MP. Lajim was with Umno and is often referred to as Umno’s westcoast warlord. Their ‘defection’ was much heralded by opposition Pakatan Rakyat. These parties are now “parked” under Pakatan and and have declared their support of Anwar Ibrahim, PKR’s de facto leader. The “ori” and “photocopy” catch-phrase is rising in popularity within PKR in Sabah. Anwar must already be aware of its effect on his party, more so now after last night’s ‘revelation’. Last night Bumburing was supposed to “launch” his APS for Sepanggar at a clubhouse in Inanam but only about 50 people turned up, according to PKR insiders in the division. Bumburing was disappointed and embarrassed. And so too was PKR Batu MP Tian Chua. Both were on their way to Inanam when told of the poor turnout. Eventually it was former senator Maijol Mahap who delivered Bumburing’s speech, eye-witnesses claimed. Tian Chua is now expected to discuss with his national leadership on how to negotiate this new challenge, resulting from PKR’s “multiple-marriage” with APS and PPS. Observers here are already questioning whether this political arrangement is counter-productive to the opposition party. He told his friends “his mood just evaporated”. Meanwhile a state PKR leader who declined to be named said there was an urgent need for PKR’s top leadership to address the “ori” and “photocopy” issue, as it was now dividing the hard-earned unity within the party in Sabah. Sabah PKR has been, for years in a tumultuous situation, especially when Sabah rights advocate Dr Jeffrey Kitingan was in it. “This is not a laughing matter. This is a real issue in PKR. “What made thing worse is that these “PKR photocopy” claimed and behaved as deciders and “the power’ in the party. You can feel the uncomfortable alliance between the two groups in Tuaran, Kota Marudu, Kota Belud and in other areas too,” he alleged. Insiders said in some areas, leaders of APS and PPS were telling their people that their leaders, and not the “PKR ori” would be chosen as candidates in the impending general election. This has made the situation more difficult, further confirming that there is growing animosity and unfriendly gestures. In many PKR functions, the groups sabotage each other. Rival leaders would not want the other group’s function to be a as successful. And last night’s function in Inanam was one example. In fact the only time when the two groups come together is when Anwar is present in a function. During that time both groups try to outdo each other by bringing in more of their respective people, and claimed credit for it. Anwar, according to insiders, may already have a plan. Members of Sabah PKR are eagerly awaiting for the Anwar solution, which could come in the form of a compromise or give-and-take arrangement. But what is obvious is that Anwar must come to Sabah and with a solution in hand to meet these divided supporters. He can no longer postpone solutions as election draws near.    |
| Light at the end of the tunnel for Kpg Railway? Posted: 02 Nov 2012 09:37 PM PDT
The decision dismayed current residents of the area and their lawyers vowed to appeal against the decision soon. "The developer is the owner of the land, and by that virtue, they emerge the absolute owners irrespective of how and why they came to be the owners," Justice Zabariah Yusof said in her verdict, paving way for the developer to start construction in the area. Sentul Raya, a subsidiary of YTL Corporation, initiated the case last year seeking a court order to evict Kampung Railway's 153 residents, claiming they were trespassers. The residents however countered saying that they have the right to remain there by virtue of their being descendants of former Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) employees who began settling there in 1885. They had also called on the government to turn the land into an Indian heritage site. The Kampung Railway saga is not something new. It has been on-going for decades. The government in its privatisation drive in the 1990s sold off the land to the private developer, thinking that development would spur economic activities. Although Sentul Raya did not start developing the area immediately, the company had plans to turn Sentul into a modern-living township. In its endevour the firm had to cross swords with the residents of Kampung Railway. Sentul Raya had originally planned a low and medium cost housing project for the people of Kampung Railway. In August last year the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) approved the development plan of the housing project. The plan was for the construction of 150 units of low-cost houses for Kampung Railway squatters, 576 units for KTMB lower-income staff and 200 units of medium-cost houses. Ministry’s letter ready but… The Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Ministry was ready to issue a letter of guarantee for the construction of houses for pioneer residents of Kampung Railway and KTMB staff. The letter of guarantee was supposed to put to rest Kampung Railway residents’ worries that the low-cost housing scheme for them would not materialise. In fact, the residents were offered a RM200,000 medium cost house each at the price of a low-cost unit, which is RM45,000. Then came the problem. The authorities and Sentul Raya needed the exact number of residents living in Kampung Railway. Sentul Raya’s survey showed that the area had only 26 families while the DBKL survey showed 53 families. The City Hall had also put another 57 houses under “investigation” as they were either vacant or had foreign workers renting them. Another joint survey conducted by Sentul Raya, DBKL and Federal Territories and Urban well-being deputy minister M Saravanan showed 64 families. While there was a contradiction in the numbers, several residents formed a group earlier this year and demanded that the whole Kampung Railway area be gazetted as a Indian heritage site. This was however, difficult as the government had already sold the land to a private entity and would have to fork out hundreds of millions of ringgit to buy back the land and turn it into a Indian Heritage site. But with the High Court decision this week, what is in store for the legitimate owners of houses in Kampung Railway? ‘Stop politicians from exploiting issue’ Legal eagles tell FMT that Sentul Raya now holds the trump card. “For one, the developer can clear the land without any hassle. Secondly they can revive the low-cost, medium cost housing project and sell the units to the residents of Kampung Railway at the actual cost. “This will mean the residents lose the subsidy. They would have to pay a full RM200,000 for a house compared to RM45,000 price offered to them earlier. Thirdly, the developer can choose to sell the houses in the open market,” said a lawyer familiar with the case. He said while the residents can appeal against the High Court’s ruling, it is very unlikely to change anything. The residents are now at the mercy of the developer. However, all is not lost. Saravanan when contacted by FMT, confirmed that Sentul Raya had issued the letter of offer to some residents of Kampung Railway, who had accepted the earlier offer to purchase a medium cost unit for RM45,000. “But they must come clean on the numbers. How many are actually staying there? How many really need these houses? Some of the residents desperate to save their houses launched this Indian heritage site campaign. “After so long, they make this new proposal. I can only say that the future for them looks bleak after the court ruling. But we can still negotiate with the developer. I really want them to get at least a medium cost house at RM45,000. “But until we come up with the actual number of houses needed this issue cannot be resolved. They have to stop politicians from exploiting the issue. Politicians will be here today and gone tomorrow. “The residents are the ones who would suffer in the future. Be careful in making decisions. If they come clean, I believe we can still negotiate with Sentul Raya and reach an amicable solution to the issue,” said Saravanan, who is also MIC vice-president. While the court had announced its decision, it is hoped all parties concerned would take into account the plight of the people in finding a solution to the problem.    |
| Adun Sekong: `Isteri saya seorang’ Posted: 02 Nov 2012 09:14 PM PDT
“Isteri saya hanya seorang. Beliau bekerja di Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN). Namanya Datin Junaidi Aji. “Tidak ada yang lain…” katanya ketika dihubungi ketika diminta mengulas laporan polis yang dibuat AMK kerana mendakwa gundiknya Pia Binti Dahlan seorang pendatang tanpa izin. Ketua Pemuda AMK Citra Masadi membuat laporan polis terhadap Shamsuddin di Tawau semalam. Beliau mendakwa Samsuddin ada kaitan dengan sindiket MyKad alsu dan kerakyatan songsang termasuk sebagai dalang mendapatkan untuk gundiknya, Pia. Bagaimanapun, Samsuddin tidak mahu melayan tohmahan yang dilemparkan oleh pemimpin muda PKR itu. “Macam-macam dia cakap, saya tidak mahu layan kerana ia buang masa. Saya juga tidak mahu ambil tindakan terhadap beliau,” kata Adun Sekong itu. Menurut Shamsudin lagi, AMK membuat laporan polis setelah beliau menghentam Pemuda PAS dalam sidang dewan negeri Sabah. Dalam perkembangan lain, Samsuddin berkata, BN negeri akan meang di kerusi majoriti Melayu dan Kadazan di Sabah dalam pilihan raya umum ke 13. Bagaimanapun, katanya BN menghadapi kesukaran di kerusi majoriti kaum Cina di kawasan-kawasan bandar seperti Kota Kinabalu.    |
| PKR lancar ‘Pakatan Harapan Rakyat’ Posted: 02 Nov 2012 08:31 PM PDT
Menurut Presidennya, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, PKR menjadi parti politik pertama yang menjalankan kempen ini. Katanya, kempen tersebut mengetengahkan idea,harapan dan wajah rakyat untuk memberi kelainan kepada Malaysia. “PRU kali ini akan jadi medan BN untuk menghambur segala caci nista kepada keadilan (PKR) “Sebab itu PRU-13 ini kita tidak mahu dirosakkan dengan cacian mereka. Makanya kempen poster dan papan tanda gergasi ini adalah pendekatan kita untuk menolak kempen berbaur fitnah yang akan dimainkan oleh BN,” katanya ditemui selepas perasmian kempen itu di Ibu Pejabat PKR pagi tadi. Beliau turut menafikan bahawa kempen ini bukan untuk propaganda namun membawa mesej,warna dan harapan rakyat. “Tsunami politik 2008 telah membawa perubahan termasuk pembentukan Pakatan sebagai wadah reformasi yang menjadi wadah baru kepada rakyat,” katanya. Jelas beliau, fasa pertama sebanyak 10 bilboard akan dipasang, dan fasa kedua kempen secara online akan dilakukan. Turut hadir dalam perasmian itu termasuklah Setiausaha Agung PKR, Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail dan pimpinan parti    |
| Posted: 02 Nov 2012 08:26 PM PDT
The show, billed as Tamil Rock Gig 2012, is organised by the entertainment website MyTamilChannel and will be staged at the lower ground floor of SSTwo Mall on Jalan SS2/72, Petaling Jaya. The music begins at 6pm. The featured bands are Suruthi Sutra, Rajhula, RPGIO, Intermezzo and Dhesam 7 Rock. The guest act is Sivam the Drummer and the host of the show is Magen aka Vikadakavi of Astro fame. FMT asked Danny Kumar, the founder of MyTamilChannel and the drummer for Suruthi Sutra, to explain what he hopes the gig will achieve. What is the main objective of the show? That's a shame because we have plenty of undiscovered talent to expose. Local Tamil Rock bands have proven, for example, that they can produce quality music videos. Ultimately, I want see our bands become popular not only with Malaysians, but also overseas audiences. What do you plan to do after this Sunday's gig? Did you have problems organising the show? So let's take it a step at a time. Apart from the Tamil flavour of the gig, what else sets it apart from other shows that Malaysians are familiar with? A band has to be really good to perform live. How has the public responded since you advertised the gig? Tickets for the show cost RM40 each at the door, but only RM30 if purchased in advance by calling one of these hotlines: 016- 6214554, 012-5302101 and 018-2370447. Below is the profile of the five Rock groups bands that will be performing at the gig. Rajhula Vocalist – Jibrail
The name Rajhula signals the identity of Indian migration to Malaysia as it was the second biggest ship in ferrying the Indian immigrants to Malaysia during the British colonization. Musically Rajhula experiments by infusing Indian music elements such as carnatic and folk with Rock, which is reflected in their singles. The first single 'Analum' was released in 2009 and 'Naan Solva Thellam', followed in the previous year. In 2012 Rajhula made their breakthrough with their hit song 'Kann Theduthey'. The track achieved considerable success as it had strong elements of Pop Rock Ballad with a mixture of Balladic Rock melodies and a tinge of Raaga on vocals. The track received a good amount of airplay on private radio station THR Raaga. The band has a good fan following and has a strong reputation for their live performance. Rajhula has been lauded as one of the Malaysian Rock acts to be on the lookout for in 2012 and 2013 as they are currently in studio finishing their album. RPGIO Vocalist – Vimalan
With numerous highs and lows and constant rebranding as Heavy Chains, Interrpgio and Intermezzo, RPGIO as a collective band, is probably one of the longest serving bands in the local scene. Besides, they can take pride being the only local band in recent years to release a quality music video with their English track – 'In Your Face'. RPGIO is not just a Tamil-based Rock band rather as they are pushing their boundaries by producing English materials for their broader fan base. RPGIO is one the more celebrated local bands in Malaysia for their never giving up attitude and passion for their work. Dhesam 7 Rock! Vocalist/Lead Guitar/Bassist – James Raj
Dhesam 7 Rock! is a four-piece rock band which consists of Jamez Raj (Vocalist, Lead Guitar, Bassist), T.Agu (Second Vocalist and Lead Guitar), Jeevan (Bassist and Rhythm Guitar) and Shades (Drums and Accordion). While drawing influences from the likes of A.R Rahman, Hoobastank, Sheila on 7, Greenday and Nirvana; Dhesam 7 Rock! defines their music as Alternative Rock as their music is eclectic and fusion. Thus, it is wrong to say Dhesam 7 Rock! is a just another Rock band in the local scene. They have achieved success with all of their singles, particularly – 'Oru Nodi', 'Inthe Ulagam' and 'Mayiley'. Both 'Oru Nodi' and 'Inthe Ulagam' achieved great success as they received heavy airplay on radio and were chart toppers. Recently performed in Rasah Festival, Dhesam 7 Rock! has received overwhelming crowd support for their uniqueness and diversity they bring to the local music scene. Suruthi Sutra Vocalist – Nanda
Thus in 2012, they decided to make comeback in the Rock industry with the inclusion of Aravin and Nanda. Aravin is from a local band and comes from a family of musical background while this will be the first time Nanda makes his mark as a vocalist. It will be interesting to see what Suruthi Sutra has in store for the public when they make their much anticipated comeback. Intermezzo Vocalist/Lead Guitar – Matthew Ras Intermezzo was established on 2003 with its first Rock album "Nikumo Nikato" which contains eight tracks and the hit song "Ithuthan Kathala", which was aired on THR Raaga Top 10 chart for quite a long period. Upon releasing the album, the band recruited new band members to keep moving forward in the local rock scene. In year 2000, Intermezzo rebranded themselves as Rudra, in which they released the hit number 'Bob Marley'. However Rudra only lasted for three years as in 2003 they changed their name back to Intermezzo. To date they are still actively performing in the Tamil Rock music industry, however the lack of avenue has hindered their music progress.    |
| Posted: 02 Nov 2012 08:09 PM PDT
Sources said the first term Kapar MP has been offered a choice of two state seats – Sri Andalas and Bukit Melawati – in exchange for the Kapar parliamentary constituency. In 2008, Manikavasagam beat S Komala Devi, the MIC Wanita chief, with a thumping 12,297 vote majority. As off March, 2008, the seat had 112,224 voters out of which 51% were Malays, 35% Chinese and 13 % Indians. The Kapar parliamentary seat has four state seats – Meru, Sementa, Sungai Pinang and Selat Klang. Sources close to Manikavasagam claim that the first term parliamentarian was keen to contest in Sri Andalas or Batu Caves and not Bukit Melawati. Incumbent Sri Andalas state assemblyman is Xavier Jayakumar, who is also a Selangor exco member. Amiruddin Shari and MP Muthiah are Batu Caves and Bukit Melawati state reps respectively. Party sources say Manikavasagam, fondly known as Mike in party circles, and Jayakumar could be involved in a seat swap. “Xavier (Jayakumar) would go to Kapar parliamentary seat while Mike would take over at Sri Andalas. Mike will strenghen the state Pakatan while Xavier (Jayakumar) would move up to national politics,” a party source claimed.
Lawyer and social activist K Saraswathy, who is yet to join any of the three main opposition parties, is another possible opposition candidate for Kapar. The Barisan Nasional also appears to have two candidates for Kapar. The seat is allocated to the MIC under BN’s seat sharing system. The largest Indian based political party in the country wants to field its Puchong division chief, A Sakthivel, a chemical engineer-turned-businessman. Sakthivel is also the party’s central working committee member. But the local Umno division, it is learnt, is not in favour of Sakthivel and want an outsider as Kapar parliamentary candidate. A local leader pointed out that D Ravindran, a director in the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) in charge of anti-corruption, would make a better BN candidate. Both Sakthivel and Ravindran have been frequent visitors to the constituency since 2008. All the four candidates from both side of the divide are actively engaging with the voters in Kapar and only time will tell who the next Kapar MP would be.    |
| Rodgers still has high hopes for Gerrard Posted: 02 Nov 2012 07:11 PM PDT  LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes there is plenty to come from Steven Gerrard as he prepares to make his 600th appearance for the club, against Newcastle at Anfield on Sunday.Gerrard, 32, is rated as one of Liverpool’s greatest players but despite winning the Champions League with the Merseysiders in 2005, he has never enjoyed a domestic title triumph. The midfielder twice turned down the chance to join Chelsea — in 2005 and 2006 — and is now set to spend the rest of his career at his home town team. His loyalty to Liverpool is matched by his importance to the club and Rodgers claims the willingness of England captain Gerrard to improve his game, even at an age where many players are thinking about retirement, is what marks him out. “He’s been brilliant since I came in,” said Rodgers. “He’s 32 years of age, captain of the England team and he and I are still looking at ways to improve his game — and that is a big mark of respect to him because he’s achieved many things in the game. “We’re looking at videos, analysing his game one to one and looking at areas he can improve – I think that says everything about him, about his mentality and his willingness to want to improve. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, he’s an iconic figure for this football club and hopefully on Sunday he gains that 600th appearance. “I think he’s still got a lot left in the tank because of his motivation. Mentally he wants to achieve and physically he’s looking very good at the moment,” Rodgers added. The Liverpool manager is desperate to reverse the miserable away form of his team, who have only managed three league victories at Anfield all year. The Reds have won their last seven home league matches against Newcastle, only scoring less than three goals in two of those games. But Rodgers, who claims he will have enough money to add reinforcements in the January transfer window, is keen to boost his team’s home points tally. “It’s something we want to improve. We tend not to want to look back so much and try and look forward. “We’ve had difficult games this season at home and been unfortunate not to have won more of those in the league. “We know it’s going to be a tough game against Newcastle. I respect every team that comes to Anfield — it’s a big moment in their careers and always has been over many years. “That doesn’t change because of the history and support of the club.” Liverpool defender Glen Johnson is doubtful with a muscle problem but striker Fabio Borini, midfielder Lucas, and defender Martin Kelly are all long-term absentees. Newcastle look likely to be without seven-goal top scorer Demba Ba as they go in search of their first victory at Anfield for 18 years. The Senegal international is struggling with a calf problem that forced him off early in the 2-1 victory over West Brom, which pushed the north-east club into the top half of the Premier League table. Papiss Cisse, who came off the bench to score his first league goal for five months against Steve Clarke’s side, is set to replace his compatriot up front alongside Shola Ameobi. James Perch will again deputise in midfield for Cheick Tiote, the Ivory Coast international who serves the second of a three-match suspension for his sending off at Sunderland last month. Newcastle have failed to win in their last 17 visits to the red half of Merseyside, but Perch is confident Alan Pardew’s side can end the long, fruitless run to continue their encouraging start to the season. The 27-year-old said: “We’ve not done too well there on our last few visits, but Liverpool have had a couple of disappointing results in the last week and we’ll go there to win. “They’ve got a new manager who is trying to get them to play his way, and it won’t happen overnight.” - AFP    |
| Messi becomes a dad but still ready to play Posted: 02 Nov 2012 07:08 PM PDT  BARCELONA: Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi announced Friday the birth of his first child, Thiago, although the club say he will still play yesterday.Messi’s partner, Antonella Roccuzzo, delivered their son at the Dexeus hospital about 700 metres from Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium. “Today I am the happiest man in the world, my son was born and thanks to God for this gift! Thanks to my family for the support! A hug to everyone,” the 25-year-old Argentine said on his Facebook page. Messi had permission to miss football training in the morning “for a personal matter” on the eve of Barcelona’s home game against Celta de Vigo, Barcelona said in an online statement. But coach Tito Vilanova said the Argentine is still expected to play at the Camp Nou today. “In principle he will be there for the game. It does not change anything that he has not trained for one day, it’s not important,” Vilanova told a news conference. In an interview published this week, Messi said he will not be pushing Thiago to lace up his football boots as a career. “He should be whatever he wants to be,” Messi told Spain’s top selling daily Marca. “When he grows up he will get to know what he wants and what he chooses will be fine for me, for his mother and for everyone.” Thiago’s arrival caps and no doubt overwhelms a string of good news for Messi in the past week. The football wonder picked up the Golden Boot award on Monday for scoring 50 goals last season and he is favoured this year to win his fourth Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best footballer. Last weekend he also scored his 300th career goal. - AFP    |
| NY marathon cancelation ‘best thing’ Posted: 02 Nov 2012 07:05 PM PDT  NEW YORK: Organizers, police and even athletes called yesterday’s cancelation of the New York Marathon the correct decision in the wake of the devastation caused by killer superstorm Sandy.Mayor Michael Bloomberg axed what would have been the 43rd annual race after complaints over the timing and the notion of staging the event on Sunday while many people in the area remain without electricity or shelter. “The best thing for New York and the best thing for the marathon for the future is unfortunately to move on. This isn’t the year or the time to run it,” said Mary Wittenberg, president of the organizing group, the New York Road Runners. “It’s crushing and it’s really difficult. It’s one of the toughest decisions we ever made, but we really believe it’s the right thing for New York.” Patrick Lynch, president of the largest city police union, called the decision “a wise choice”. Dwyane Wade, a star guard for the NBA’s Miami Heat, had said earlier that he thought it was a bad idea to stage the marathon so soon after the storm had caused flooding, major property damage and nearly 100 deaths in the New York area, more than 40 in the city alone. Much of the damage was located on Staten Island, where runners would have made the traditional start to the 26.2-mile (42.2km) event on Sunday as it wound its way through all five boroughs of New York. Wade and the rest of the NBA championship side visited the New York Knicks on Friday at famed Madison Square Garden for the first major sports event in the city since the storm struck. Wade donated his US$210,000 game check for the night to storm relief efforts. The marathon typically brings the city US$340 million but much of that would have been lost, organizers said, because as many as 10,000 of the field of nearly 45,000 runners would not have come this year because of the damage. Kenyans Wilson Kipsang, third at the London Olympics, and Moses Mosop, last year’s Chicago Marathon champion, would have been men’s favorites along with 2010 New York Marathon winner Gebre Gebremariam of Ethiopia. Reigning world champion Edna Kiplagat of Kenya, London Olympic marathon winner Tiki Gelana of Ethiopia and Olympic bronze medalist Tatyana Arkhipova of Russia were the top contenders on the women’s side. Organizers plan to review their stance of not refunding entry fees in favor of ensuring entry to next year’s race. - AFP    |
| Ferguson calls for Van Persie ‘respect’ Posted: 02 Nov 2012 07:02 PM PDT  MANCHESTER: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson expects star striker Robin van Persie to be treated with “respect” by visiting fans when he faces former club Arsenal today.The Dutch forward will play against the Gunners for the first time since his £24 million (US$39 million) pre-season move when United play Arsenal in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday. Van Persie scored 37 goals for the London club last season but with his contract running down left amidst concerns the ambition of Arsenal, without a major trophy in seven years, did not match his own desire for silverware. The 29-year-old has quickly settled into life at Old Trafford, with nine goals in 12 appearances in all competitions to leave his new club just a point behind Premier League leaders Chelsea. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who brought van Persie to England from Feyenoord in 2004, has urged Gunners fans to give the striker a sporting reception and it was a sentiment echoed by Ferguson on Friday. “I think Arsene has laid his seed for his supporters in terms of respecting him,” Ferguson said. “I think, if you think about all the former players who have come back to Old Trafford, they always get a warm applause. “I don’t think he’ll have a problem tomorrow. I think the fans will recognise the eight years he gave them and I think that will be nice.” As well as his goals, van Persie has also impressed the United faithful with his all-round game and Ferguson said: “He is a mature player and I think that helps, and the experience he has got playing eight years in England. “The fact he has played in England makes it easier to go to another English club. “It has been very satisfying for us. It has been a fantastic start and hopefully he keeps it going.” Last season’s corresponding fixture produced a stunning 8-2 scoreline in United’s favour but Ferguson is not expecting a repeat of that remarkable result on Saturday. “It won’t happen tomorrow, that’s for sure. There is no point living in the past, we have just got to look forward to tomorrow. “It could be a way of motivating Arsenal, that is possible, but I think we have got to have the motivation to make sure we win the match.” Victory for United would, possibly only briefly, put them on top of the table ahead of Chelsea’s match at Swansea later Saturday. Arsenal may have fallen off the title pace in recent seasons but Ferguson, who next week celebrates the 26th anniversary of his arrival at Old Trafford, has spent much of his time at United vying for Premier League honours with the Gunnners and has a healthy respect for Wenger’s side, currently in sixth spot. “Of course every game against Arsenal is always a big one. Since I have come down here it has always been a most important derby game, in the sense that both teams have been challenging for the league. It won’t be any different tomorrow. “I think they have improved defensively this year, there is no question about that. They are a solid team. “I think they are stronger — physically stronger — if you look at the make-up of their team.” Arsenal came back from 4-0 down to knock Reading out of the League Cup 7-5 in midweek while United were knocked out of the tournament following a 5-4 loss to Chelsea despite leading 3-2 in the final minute of normal time. “It was one of those crazy games – 12 goals in that game and nine in ours the next night. “Nine goals – we are now in a situation where we need to score six goals to win games!”, joked Ferguson. - AFP    |
| Rodgers wary of transfer window Posted: 02 Nov 2012 07:00 PM PDT  LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has ruled out bringing in a clutch of new players during the January transfer window despite having funds to strengthen his squad.Rodgers dismissed speculation linking him with Arsenal’s Theo Walcott saying: “There is nothing to say (about Walcott). He is an Arsenal player and it is all speculation about many players at the moment. “We’ll have funds and I’m in talks with the owners at the moment, along with our recruitment team,” Rodgers added. “January is always a difficult window. You don’t get too many top, top players. “Clubs will be unwilling to move on players but we have to scour the country and the world to try to get the types of players that are going to be available and correct for our model of play. “Obviously we are limited in what we can bring both in terms of availability of players and financially but there is no doubt we need to do that. “Our scouting team are working hard to identify those talents and who might be available. “There is no doubt we need that support (from new players) in January and I am very confident we will be able to do that.” Liverpool welcome Newcastle to Anfield on Sunday, with the visitors having won plaudits for their transfer policy under the guidance of scout Graham Carr. Rodgers, paying tribute to Carr’s work under manager Alan Pardew, said: “Scouting at any club is very important. Obviously Alan has gone in there and Graham Carr, as chief scout, has had a big responsibility in getting the players in. “I think they have bought in really well. (Yohan) Cabaye is a terrific player, an excellent passer of the ball, and the boys up front (Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse) have done well for them.” Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has been out for four matches with a hamstring problem while defender Glen Johnson has a similar injury. “Pepe Reina and Glen Johnson are still receiving treatment,” said Rodgers. “Glen has been out on the pitch so we’ll see how he goes over the next couple of days. Pepe will be likewise. “We can’t rule them out at this stage but I can’t say they are fully fit as yet. “I made it quite clear Pepe was the number one goalkeeper when I came in here and I’ve really enjoyed working with him. “Brad (Jones) was the number three goalkeeper and he has worked his way up to number two and shown what a number two is about; coming in and being solid for the games you are asked to play. “My decision will be when Pepe is fit. At the minute there is no decision as Brad is clearly playing in goal, he is doing a really good job, working hard to keep himself in the team and give me a decision when Pepe’s back.” - AFP    |
| City’s Barca link no bother for Mancini Posted: 02 Nov 2012 06:58 PM PDT  MANCHESTER: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini insisted yesterday he was comfortable with personnel changes that appear to have undermined his position with the Premier League champions.The Italian saw Spaniard Txiki Begiristain appointed as director of football by City this week, strengthening a Barcelona connection which began when they made Ferran Soriano their chief executive. The double Barca link has has led to speculation that Pep Guardiola, currently taking a year out of the game after phenomenal success at the Camp Nou, is being lined up to replace Mancini who has endured a poor Champions League with City to date. But Mancini, who has also seen the club’s football administrator Brian Marwood sidelined into a role as managing director of City’s yet-to-be-opened Academy, was adamant he had no problems with the new structure. “I think the next three or four years will be very important for us,” Mancini said Friday. “Now, with Ferran and Begiristain, we can work very well and improve our team. “I’ve always believed my future is here. I signed a contract for the next five years because I believed in this squad and because I can work with serious people like the owner and the chairman. To work with these people is fantastic. “Now I think we have time to improve and build a stronger team. “I played against Txiki many years ago and I am very happy,” said Mancini, who did not deny reports he spoke to French second tier outfit Monaco after winning the Premier League title with City last May, with the Guardian newspaper reporting he held “extensive talks” with Monaco. Mancini said Friday: “Last year I was very close with seven, eight teams but I prefer to stay here because I work well here the first three years.” Regarding Begiristain, Mancini said: “He has a lot of experience with a top club like Barcelona and this is another reason we can work together. Also, if we did well the last two years, we can do even better in the future. “It’s important he worked with Barcelona. He won everything with the club, he built a fantastic team so I think it will be very important.” Nevertheless, the appointment of two high-profile former Barca men will be seen as undermining Mancini’s position. Despite City, unbeaten in the Premier League this term, trailing current leaders Chelsea by just a point and only five months on from being crowned champions of England, Mancini’s men have yet to scale the heights they hit last season. The criticism of his club’s form drove the manager to joke: “I didn’t know we were the only unbeaten team in the Premier League. Last week, I thought we were in last position in the table.” But there is no doubt the Guardiola speculation will only intensify as the season progresses. “I read that now Txiki is here and next year Guardiola or another manager will come here but this is not my problem,” said Mancini. “I’m here, I want to continue to work well because at this moment we’re ready to build and improve a strong team,” added the manager, whose side are away to West Ham on Saturday. “I’m very happy because we have a new CEO and also he worked for Barcelona. He has big experience of a top team. I have my job, Txiki has his job, Ferran has his job but I think we can work very well together and we can work quickly.” Whatever the appointments mean for Mancini’s long-term future, the City manager has had some good news from defender Micah Richards, who injured his knee during last week’s win over Swansea. Earlier in the week, the club announced he could be out for up to four months but Mancini said Friday: “In my opinion, he will be out three or four weeks maybe. One month maximum. “I don’t know why people said three months. It’s not a bad injury. “He didn’t tear his meniscus. He just had two stitches in his knee, for me that is not a four-month injury and that’s good for us.” - AFP    |
| Hamilton plays down Abu Dhabi pole chance Posted: 02 Nov 2012 06:56 PM PDT  ABU DHABI: Lewis Hamilton played down his chances of preventing Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel from claiming pole position at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.Despite topping the times after first practice and running only one-tenth of a second off the 25-year-old German’s pace in the second session, Hamilton said he had struggled with his car, notably on the softer tyres. He added that there had been no significant upgrades for his McLaren car and that his only real hope of taking pole rested on Vettel making mistakes. Hamilton said: “If we get pole it will be fantastic, but we shouldn’t get our hopes up — Sebastian has a faster car. Nothing has changed. We have not improved so I don’t know why anyone thinks we can beat them (Red Bull). It’s not the case. “The reason I say that is because the last four races have been won by a certain guy and (his) car is very quick around here, but I’m going to give it my all, everything I can, and hope maybe his lap isn’t so great and mine is. If we get ahead it will be a huge bonus for us.” Hamilton was six-tenths faster than his McLaren team-mate and Jenson Button, in third place. He added that he was happy with his car on the harder ‘prime’ tyres. He explained: “We seemed quite good in P1, but P2 was a bit of a struggle for me. It was very difficult to get the time (on the option) – we had a good time on the prime, but people seemed to find eight-tenths on the option and I wasn’t able to get any time out of it. “I don’t really know why – perhaps it’s about switching the tyres on. “I expected that Sebastian would all of a sudden go very quickly. I don’t know what they do in the first session, but I guess they’re cruising and then second session they switch everything on. “They picked up some good pace. I generally didn’t have great pace, I was struggling with the car. I’m, not really sure why, but we have plenty of time to figure it out.” Hamilton reflected also on the time he spent in India earlier this week, following the Indian Grand Prix, when he stayed on for two days to work with the United Nations’ charity for children UNICEF. Asked about the experience and to compare what he saw in India with Abu Dhabi, he said: “It’s a billion miles apart. Literally opposite ends of the scope. It was very, very sad to see. “I got to see an issue that not many people are conscious of….there were ladies having babies on the streets and malnourished kids that are just allowed to die. “No-one comes to the rescue, these babies don’t have a chance, and that’s insane given there is enough wealth to go around. My visit will make the smallest of differences, if at all, but it all starts with one step….” - AFP    |
| Posted: 02 Nov 2012 05:20 PM PDT
The fourth, Dr Mahathir Mohamad of course had the longest tenure which stands at 22 years while the sixth, Najib Tun Razak may be facing the prospect of being the one with the shortest tenures if he loses the 13th general election next year as he would have been holding the post for about four years only. The fifth prime minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, took over the premiership from Mahathir on Oct 31, 2003 and relinquished his post on April 2, 2009 which means that he was PM for about five years five months. Mahathir is a formidable strategist as he had managed to vanquish all his opponents while at the same time running a tight ship. His policies were simple, straightforward and to the point. This is what strategy is all about – at the highest level it is simple and at its most basic. Take for instance these few fine examples:
All the above policies are self-explanatory and can be understood by the common man-in-the-street. They are without frills, hype and complications. The rakyat had no difficulty in understanding these policies. On the contrary, PM Najib Tun Razak has too many alphabets in his policies. Appended below are a few examples:
There is also the EOC (Equal Opportunities Commission) which at first was part of the NEM but has since been discarded. Item No 3, the GTP begs the question: ‘What is it all about?’ This policy is not clear-cut because people are asking what sort of transformation it entails. Questions such as: ‘Transform into what?’ and ‘How to transform?’ are being asked by the rakyat. The whole plan is hazy as it lacks clarity and a well-defined goal. At the back of it, people are wondering if those who initiated this idea are justt as dazed and confused. So much for policies. In Mahathir’s era, citizens had to work more as Saturday was also a half-day working day. Mahathir wanted everyone to consistently work hard. He had once commended the Chinese stall-owners and coffee-shop proprietors for doing business seven days a week and only taking a long break during Chinese New Year. He exhorted Malaysians to emulate the Japanese work ethic and never to shirk their duties. In Najib’s era, working hard was not given so much emphasis. As for the National Day celebrations, the slogans during Mahathir’s time were always inclusive and neutral. This is so unlike PM Najib who had plug in his BN slogan of ‘Janji Ditepati’ as the National Day slogan for this year’s celebrations. Overall, Mahathir is a disciplined and decisive no-nonsense leader. This was well-reflected in the way he had run the general elections all throughout his tenure. Zap, zap, zap and the polls came and gone. There was no pondering and hesitating because he had the big picture in mind. He always knew when to call for the polls and went about it in his own meticulous manner. Questionable leadership skills Where Najib is concerned, the polls date is stuck as his mind is clouded with uncertainty. The current Prime Minister is also prone to flip-flops. Four of his most well-known flip-flops are the MAS-Air Asia Share Swap Deal, the New Civil Servants Remuneration Scheme, the omission of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) from the New Economic Model (NEM) and the name change of KLIFD (Kuala Lumpur International Financial District) to TRX (Tun Razak Exchange). Chalking up these four major flip-flops in his less than four years tenure certainly says a lot about the man himself. That he fails or does not want to reprimand MCA President, Chua Soi Lek, although the latter has openly insulted Islam certainly shows that he lacks the necessary authoritativeness in handling matters. The leadership skills of the current prime minister is weak. Due to this, he has to put in much effort to whip up the BN component parties into shape to get them going properly in time for the 13th general election. It must also be mentioned that one of his most scatterbrained schemes to-date was to approve the Health Ministry’s test-project to release mutant mosquitoes in Alor Gajah, Melaka with the aim of getting these mutant mosquitoes to devour the aedes mosquitoes which cause dengue. PKR’s Gopeng MP, Dr Lee Boon Chye has raised this issue in Parliament by asking how safe and reliable is this Health Ministry test-project. We hope that the mutant mosquitoes will not start to feed on the humans instead. Another bad project during the current Prime Minister’s tenure is allowing too many foreign workers into the country. The KL areas surrounding Pasar Seni is teeming with Bangladeshis many of whom are just walking around doing nothing and yet 800,000 more are to be taken in, said the Human Resource Minister, S Subramaniam as they are needed to work in various sectors with the plantations sector being most in need of workers. And the National Debt during Mahathir’s era of 22 years was just over RM200 billion but now it has ballooned up to a figure of over RM500 billion in less than 10 years that Mahathir has retired. From the era of Mahathir to PM Najib, we have now descended from order to confusion. Will this situation be allowed to deteriorate? Selena Tay is a FMT columnist.    |
| Posted: 02 Nov 2012 05:18 PM PDT
Indeed, not many would argue against the belief that Malaysians are becoming more aware of their rights as citizens in a democracy, more ready to assert and defend those rights and less susceptible to the influence of propaganda. Yet, according to figures released by the Election Commission last June, more than 20% of those eligible to vote have not registered to exercise that right. To our knowledge, no credible research has been done to find out why one out of every five potential voters in Malaysia has chosen note to participate in the democratic process. However, the greater question is whether such a high level of apathy is acceptable at this stage of our history. One 26-year-old MyKad-carrying Malaysian told FMT that although he was a keen follower of political news, he saw "no use" in voting in an election. His subsequent explanation implied that he had resigned himself to his powerlessness in the face of mighty political forces that had always done things their own way regardless of whether the public approved of these. Obviously there is something wrong with his attitude, which makes us wonder whether political parties and relevant NGOs have done enough to convince such people of the importance of exercising their voting right. Perhaps the most important message that must go out to these apathetic Malaysians is that nobody is immune to government policies, and bad leaders increase their chances of getting elected with each decrease in the number of voters. The Greek statesman Pericles, who lived during the golden years of Athenian democracy, did not speak kindly of those who were politically apathetic. "The unique character of democracy is that a person who does not take an interest in public affairs is considered not as a harmless but as a useless character," he said. Political scientists agree that an engaged and well informed citizenry participating in civic society is crucial in ensuring social, political and economic stability. "People's power should be a check to (the) power (of ruling elites)," said Montesquieu. And here comes the crucial rationale for encouraging eligible voters to go to the polls: according to political scientists, the larger the electorate, the less likely will politicians have the audacity or gather the nerves to practice the vicious arts of political manipulation. Mature democracies like the United States can afford some degree of apathy, if by "apathy" we simply mean the reluctance to go out to vote. In such nations, the democratic institutions are strong enough and the populace enlightened enough to provide checks against power abuses. Malaysia, however, is a democracy in infancy. We are yet to gain many of the freedoms and rights that democracy promises. Indeed, according to some activists, our so-called democracy is worse than infantile; it is regressive. They argue that the deterioration in the quality of governance and the loss of judicial independence are but two of the manifestations of a regressing democracy. Political apathy—or voter apathy, to be precise—is a luxury Malaysians cannot afford, at least at this juncture of our nation's history. Perhaps, even without the support of 20% of the potential electorate, Malaysians who will vote at the 13th general election can still force a directional change in our democratic development—from regression to progression. Perhaps the hope is brighter in the further future. A 19-year-old student told FMT that she wished she was two years older so that she could vote in the coming election. She added that she was looking forward to the 14th general election. Stanley Koh is a former head of MCA’s research unit. He is a FMT columnist.    |
| Disgusted with gross inefficiency of EPF Posted: 02 Nov 2012 05:17 PM PDT FMT LETTER: From Member No 10048326, via e-mail This year I turned 55 years of age. And like everybody else, I looked forward to withdrawing my meagre savings from the Employees Provident Fund. I went to the EPF office at the Kuala Lumpur headquarters on Oct 17, and made an application to withdraw my money. When the officer went through my IC and took my particulars, including my thumbprint, she informed that my records showed that my membership was under my old IC number. Also, she said the card reader had trouble reading my thumbprint and they needed to refer to the Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara to verify my thumbprint. Nevertheless, she said that by my birthday, which fell on Oct 29, I should get my money. Since Oct 29, I have been calling the EPF incessantly and have been told that my case is still pending because they have not got any confirmation from the Jabatan Penedaftaran Negara. I cannot believe this story. At the age of 50, I made a withdrawal. Every year since then, I have inserted by card into the EPF kiosks and received my statements without any problem. Now, the EPF is saying, that they have not updated the system with my 12 digit IC number and that they are awaiting confirmation from the IC department. What have they been doing since Oct 17? Have they got such incompetent people who cannot even update a member’s details with the new 12 digits? How in blazers have they been crediting my monthly contributions if the system has not been updated? Why is it taking the IC department so long to confirm my thumbprint? I happen to be an educated person and am able to call and speak to the various people at the EPF. I wonder how many millions of people who do not have the privilege of my education to speak up and question what the expletive is going on? This is an election, year or season and I flabbagastered and disgusted that such gross inefficiency is not only tolerated, but seems to be the order of the day. Today is Nov 2. I just called and was told, that my case is till pending! This is because the IC department has not given a verification of my thumbprint! This is a reflection of the attitude, in popular parlance known as "tidak apa". You have the gall to expect me to vote for you, but give me the boot when I wish to take what is mine? I’m writing this to FMT because I know no MSM paper will publish such gross inefficiency of their pet cash cow, EPF.    |
| Zoo operators fail to understand animal welfare Posted: 02 Nov 2012 05:15 PM PDT FMT LETTER: From Ismail Mamat, via e-mail After reading the response by P4PHM in ‘Give reasonable time frame’ (The Star, Sept 29) and ‘Zoo popular tourist attraction’ (The Star, Oct 16), my belief on how zoos value the precious lives of animals have been confirmed. P4PHM claims none of the 45 zoos nationwide broke any animal welfare regulations under the previous Wildlife Act. Forget the law for a moment, most zoos don’t even understand the meaning of compassion towards animals, they are ‘guilty’ in humane terms, lacking ethics and morals in the way they use and abuse animals to make money. P4PHM’s statement seem to defend horrific and disgusting zoos like the KL Tower Mini Zoo, Cave Villa Batu Caves, Perlis Snake & Reptile Farm, Penang Bird Park, among others. So, does Perhilitan really want to have dialogues with P4PHM, a group which clearly does not know the meaning of love for animals? Bowing to the demands of this group, I’m afraid, will only make animals suffer more and nothing will change for the animals. It will also bring unwanted negative perception of Perhilitan for willing to work with the wrong groups. It is a shame that the law has to force zoos to buck up, this clearly shows zoos do not care for their animals but only see them as a source for profit. Personally, I believe It is not the lack of resources which is a problem, it’s apathy towards animals. So 3.4 million people visited Malaysian zoos last year. Whereas Singapore Zoo, which puts every zoo in Malaysia to shame, welcomes 1.6 million visitors every year, according to their website. So 3.4 million visitors in 45 zoos in Malaysia, 1.6 million visitors, one zoo in Singapore. It is hilarious to suggest Malaysian zoos are a popular tourist attraction. Instead, most Malaysian zoos have to be shutdown. On the matter of overcrowding of confiscated zoo animals in Perhilitan’s possession, Perhilitan should come up with a solution. Money is not a problem, this I’m aware. They only need proper planning and the ardency to execute them. P4PHM should also cease making false allegations about Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM), because SAM never said they’d like to “open and manage an animal sanctuary to house all animals confiscated by Perhilitan”. Infact, SAM and another local NGO, Friends of the Orangutans, should be thanked for revealing the atrocious condition of most zoos few months ago. Regarding the confiscation of sun bears from the president of P4PHM’s Deerland in Lanchang, he mentioned the confiscation took place in 2011 and that the new law was passed in 2012. Pardon me, but I was not referring to the law. I was referring to the fact the P4PHM is led by someone who owns a zoo which kept majestic sun bears in sorry conditions, and it was plain for everyone to see the sun bear photography sessions were purely for commercial purposes. What impression does all this give Malaysians of P4PHM? Seriously, what part of compassion, love and respect for animals do zoo operators not understand? But they understand making money from animals very well it seems.    |
| Temple grounds should be respected Posted: 02 Nov 2012 05:11 PM PDT FMT LETTER: From S Param, via e-mail I refer to the recent protest by the Batu Caves Sri Subramanian temple committee members with regards to the 29-storey condominium building project close to its premises. Like many others I’m equally puzzled as to how on earth the temple committee had kept quiet all these years and suddenly thump their chest in protest over the planned project. I had an opportunity to speak with several Hindu devotees recently about the matter and practically all of them could not stomach what the temple president has been claiming – that he was not aware of the project. Those who hold key positions in temple committees should not confuse and create unnecessary tension among the public, especially the devotees with their actions. The temple committee should have ideally approached the state authorities and worked out an amicable solution to the matter instead of creating a drama. It is unbecoming to stage a loud protest on the temple grounds as it is supposed to be a place of worship. Protests involving hundreds of people are events that arouse negative vibes in the temple grounds and this is definitely not in line with the Vedic teachings. The sanctity of the temple grounds should be respected at all times and circumstances. It is sad to note that the temple committee in its over zealousness in highlighting the condo project has breached the sacred code of conduct. The Thaipusam festival is around the corner and I hope the temple committee does not aggravate the situation further to a point of creating unnecessary anxiety and stress among the public especially the Hindu devotees. Since the state government has already formed a special committee to look into the condo project issue, let’s pray everything turns out well. It is unwise for anyone to politicise this issue further. The Batu Caves Sri Subramanian temple is renowned world over for the hundreds of colourful kavadi bearers during Thaipusam. Please don't turn it into a ground for protesters and placard holders.    |
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