Rabu, 10 Ogos 2011

NST Online: Latest

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

NST Online: Latest


Court strikes out suit on eviction notice

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 11:02 PM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court today allowed an application by the mayor of Kuala Lumpur to strike out a suit by the residents of Bukit Jalil Estate over an eviction notice and demolition of their houses.

Justice Datin Zabariah Mohd Yusof, who made the ruling in chambers, also ordered the residents to pay RM10,000 in costs to the mayor.

Counsel Ashmadi Othman, who appeared for the mayor, told reporters the judge held that there was no merit in the application and also no cause of action against the mayor.


Asked whether, with the ruling, the mayor could demolish the residents' homes, Ashmadi said he could but he did not know what the mayor's next step would be.

Counsel K. Ragunath and Muhammad Afiq Mohamad Noor acted for the residents.
Muhammad Afiq said they would appeal against the court's decision.

In the application, filed on May 27, the mayor sought to strike out the claim on the grounds that the suit was vexatious, frivolous and abuse of court process.

The residents filed the suit on March 14 against the mayor, seeking a declaration that the plaintiffs had exclusive right and equity on the land and sought an injunction to prevent Kuala Lumpur City Hall from demolishing their homes.

On May 10, Justice Zabariah dismissed their application for an interim injunction to stop City Hall from demolishing their homes.

Yesterday, the Court of Appeal dismissed their appeal over the injunction. The Bukit Jalil Estate, formerly made up of 18,000 acres (7,284 ha), was reduced to 26 acres (10.5 ha) after recent development of the land.

During the hearing of the injunction on April 27, the court was told that City Hall had given 26 acres of the land to the Federal Territory Islamic Affairs Department to build a Muslim cemetery.

The residents' counsel Ragunath had submitted that the residents were not squatters as they did not trespass on the land.

He said they had been living there for some time after the estate was sold to a private developer.

Ashmadi countered that the mayor was only carrying out his public duty by issuing the eviction notice and that the suit against the mayor was improper.
-- BERNAMA

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

6.0 quake jolts northern Philippines

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 09:59 PM PDT

MANILA: A magnitude 6 earthquake jolted northern Philippines today around 10:56 a.m., local time, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

According to Xinhua new agency, the epicenter of the earthquake, was located 23 kilometres northwest of Calayan islands.

The United States Geological survey said the earthquake has a depth 20. 8 kilometers. The tremor was of tectonic origin.


Phivolcs said intensity two earthquake was felt in the province of Ilocos Norte.

Phivolcs said there were no reports of loss of lives or damaged to property due to earthquake. The agency doesn't expect any aftershocks. -- BERNAMA

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.
Kredit: www.nst.com.my

NST Online: Topnews

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

NST Online: Topnews


Malaysians urged to be cautious of riot-affected places

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 10:34 PM PDT

LONDON: In the wake of riots and looting in the United Kingdom, Malaysians visiting or living in the UK have been urged to exercise maximum caution and avoid areas that are presently characterised by rioting and violence.

"We've issued a safety advisory asking Malaysians to be cautious and be aware of the present uneasy situation in the country which they should bear in mind while travelling," Datuk Zakaria Sulong, the London-based Malaysian high commissioner told Bernama.

Zakaria explained that the high commission had issued a safety advisory which was different from a travel advisory.


"We haven't issued any travel advisory. We've merely asked our nationals to be cautious and take maximum precaution about their safety," he clarified.

Zakaria urged Malaysian nationals to check the high commission's website which had posted a "safety advice" for them.

The advisory reads: "Following the spread of riots and violent protests in various areas in London and a few other cities in the United Kingdom, all Malaysians living in or visiting the United Kingdom are advised to exercise maximum alert and vigilance while they are in public places, especially in areas affected by the riots."


According to a World Bank estimate, there are some 70,000 Malaysians living in the United Kingdom, forming the largest Malaysian diaspora in Europe.

Besides the physical assault on a young Malaysian by a group of thugs who later had his belongings stolen in broad daylight, there have been no other attacks reported on Malaysians so far.

"We would like to help any Malaysian national in distress," Zakaria said, adding that the mission was closely monitoring the situation in the UK.


However, as is the case with other Asians living in the UK, Malaysians have been shaken by this wave of violence.

Fear is particularly deep-seated among many Malaysian students, including those who travel to Malaysia Hall in London to offer prayers.

The Malaysian community has also been shaken by widespread rioting accompanied by looting incidents.

Indeed, the display windows of some of the shops in the direct proximity of Malaysia Hall had been smashed, with the contents of the shops having been emptied by rioters in a wave of frenzied violence.

Even though the police arrived in time to control the situation near Malaysia Hall, the sight of the looters descending on the shops sent shivers down the spines of many Asians, including Malaysians.

Meanwhile, an uneasy calm has returned to most parts of London but rioting continues in a number of other cities such as Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool.

The next few days will be very crucial for the law and order situation, according to British security experts. -- BERNAMA

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

People look up to police force

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 11:22 AM PDT

2011/08/11
By Syed Umar Ariff andFadhal A. Ghani
news@nst.com.my

JOHOR BARU: "They can call us what they want, but we will continue to serve and protect," said Johor police chief Datuk Mokhtar Shariff in reference to criticism of the force in its handling of the Bersih 2.0 rally in Kuala Lumpur last month.

He said despite the adversity, police must continue protecting the public.

"The nation's security was jeopardised by a group demanding electoral reforms last month.


"Bersih, an illegal organisation, even questioned the police's actions during the rally.

"The police now have to manage people's negative perception of us," he said during the Johor police monthly assembly at the state contingent headquarters.

Mokhtar said the public should realise they needed security forces.


"And so, the police will face challenges with courage and confidence to uphold their credibility and increase the public's understanding of the role of the police."

People interviewed by the New Straits Times yesterday said the police were proficient when it came to handling riots and illegal assemblies.


Mohamad Sawadi Azahar, 27, a company senior manager, said the police were experts in handling such situations with efficiency and professionalism.

"That is why our police are acknowledged as one of the best forces in the world."

The police's preventive measures and professionalism during the July 9 rally did not lead to property losses.

Businessman Hanizam Idrus, 36, from Ampang, said he was frustrated with the riots in London.

"Here, there were no reports of serious injuries on the part of demonstrators, even though several illegal assemblies have taken place over the years."

Security guard Aman Deep Singh, 24, of Kuala Lumpur, said he was shocked with what was happening in London.

"I have more respect for our police force now as they are professional when it comes to handling demonstrations to ensure there is no property loss or loss of lives."

Lee Kok Meng of Puchong said the police remained proactive, which was why the country was safe.

Ang Huei Wian said the police had proven their ability to maintain peace in a professional manner, even in tense situations.

"They can control a situation before it gets out of hand."

Zacky Nelson, 24, of Sentul, said the police were well trained to handle demonstrations.

"Look at London. Many buildings were burnt down and people were injured.

But you hardly hear anything of that sort happening here during illegal assemblies or rallies. I have great respect for our police."

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.
Kredit: www.nst.com.my

NST Online Business Times : latest

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

NST Online Business Times : latest


Posted:

[unable to retrieve full-text content]
Kredit: www.nst.com.my

NST Online: Sports

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

NST Online: Sports


Badminton / World Championships: Awesome Chong Wei

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 05:11 PM PDT

2011/08/11
Vijesh Rai
rai@nst.com.my


LEE CHONG WEI

LEE CHONG WEI

FINLAND'S Ville Lang couldn't contain his excitement after beating Indonesia's Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka in the first round of the World Championships on Monday as it secured him a meeting with World No 1 Lee Chong Wei.

It was an experience that Lang could only savour for 29 minutes as Chong Wei was in inspired form and sauntered to a 21-10, 21-11 win at London's Wembley Arena.

Up next is an old foe in Park Sung Hwan but with Chong Wei displaying great form yesterday, it will take a massive effort from the South Korean to deny the Malaysian a place in the quarter-finals.


"I played much better today (yesterday) compared to the first round. I had a better feel on the conditions and just concentrated on producing my best," said Chong Wei.

Lang had played above expectations in the first round and with nothing to lose, was expected to throw everything at Chong Wei in a bid to make a name for himself.

But other than a slight wobble in the second game, Chong Wei was always on top and made full use of the tie to try out his tactics,


"The shuttles here are very slow and I had to make sure that I got my timing right. Lang tried but I am glad that I was able to vary my tactics to score the win."

Sung Hwan will be a different challenge as not only is he a dangerous player, he has made it a habit of scalping big names -- as was the case in last year's World Championships in Paris when he beat China's Lin Dan.

"Sung Hwan is a stroke player and with the shuttles being slow, the conditions will favour his style of game. However, I am not too worried after today's performance," said Chong Wei.


Coach Tey Seu Bock was also confident that Chong Wei would advance to the quarter-finals.

"There is a marked improvement in Chong Wei's game. His movement was much better and he also looked very comfortable on court. That was crucial ahead of the tougher battles that await," said Seu Bock.

He added Sung Hwan, though a much better player than Chong Wei's first two opponents, would find it hard against Chong Wei if the Malaysian repeats yesterday's performance. Sung Hwan beat teammate Shon Wan Ho 21-14, 21-10 yesterday.

"In this form, it is very hard to beat Chong Wei. If he stays focused and doesn't underestimate Sung Hwan, victory will be his."

The last meeting between the two was in the Sudirman Cup in May which ended in Chong Wei's favour, and Malaysia will be rooting for that to happen again today.

Veteran Wong Choong Hann, the only other Malaysian in singles action, was down to play Thailand's Boonsak Ponsana in a late second round tie yesterday.

RESULTS

Selected, Men's Singles, 2nd rd: Kevin Cordon (Gua) bt Henri Hurskainen (Swe) 21-19, 21-17; Peter Gade (Den) bt Stanislav Pukhov (Rus) 21-5, 21-9; Park Sung Hwan (Kor) bt Shon Wan Ho (Kor) 21-14, 21-10; Lee Chong Wei (Mas) bt Ville Lang (Fin) 21-10, 21-11; Simon Santoso (Ina) bt Dmytro Zavadsky (Ukr) 21-19, 21-8;

Doubles, 2nd rd: Chai Biao-Guo Zhendong (Chn) bt Sam Magee-Tony Stephenson (Irl) 21-11, 21-10; Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong (Mas) bt Liu Xiaolong-Qiu Zihan 21-6, 20-22, 21-15.

Women's Singles, 2nd rd: Saina Nehwal (Ind) bt Chloe Magee (Irl) 21-10, 21-7; Yip Pui Yin (HKg) bt Michelle Li 23-21, 17-21, 21-17;

Doubles, 2nd rd: Selena Piek-Iris Tabeling (Ned) bt Ha Jung Eun-Kim Min Jung (w.o); Mizuki Fujii-Reika Kakiiwa (Jpn) bt Chin Eei Hui- Wong Pei Tty (Mas) 21-16, 22-24, 22-20;

Mixed Doubles, 2nd rd: Chris Adcock (Eng)-Imogen Bankier (Scot) bt Anugritayawon Songphon-Kunchala Voravichitchaikul (Tha) 24-22, 21-19; Diju Valiyaveetil-Jwala Gutta (Ind) bt Ong Jien Guo-Chong Sook Chin (Mas) 21-11, 21-15.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Badminton / World Championships: Kien Keat-Boon Heong pull through

Posted: 10 Aug 2011 05:09 PM PDT

2011/08/11
Vijesh Rai
rai@nst.com.my


Koo Kien Keat (left) and Tan Boon Heong brushed aside a second game slump to beat China’s Liu Xiaolong-Qiu Zihan 21-6, 20-22, 21-15 to
advance to theWorld Championshipsmen’s doubles third round at London’sWembley Arena yesterday.

Koo Kien Keat (left) and Tan Boon Heong brushed aside a second game slump to beat China's Liu Xiaolong-Qiu Zihan 21-6, 20-22, 21-15 to advance to theWorld Championshipsmen's doubles third round at London'sWembley Arena yesterday.

IT was a tie that lived up to expectations that it would be tricky but Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong brushed aside a second game slump to beat China's Liu Xiaolong-Qiu Zihan 21-6, 20-22, 21-15 to advance to the World Championships men's doubles third round at London's Wembley Arena yesterday.

With tougher battles to come, fears were expressed that Kien Keat-Boon Heong were still afflicted with their infamous inconsistency but coach Rexy Mainaky allayed them, pointing out that it was the pair's first competitive match since arriving in England more than two weeks ago.

In fact, the players and Rexy were happy with the overall form as the tough workout -- the match lasted 66 minutes -- was just what Kien Keat-Boon Heong needed to get into competition mode.


"It was a satisfactory game as what we wanted was a good workout after having been in training for so long," said Boon Heong.

"The second game was due more to the China pair changing their tactics but overall, I think we did well considering that this was our first match here."

Kien Keat-Boon Heong had drawn a bye in the first round.


Kien Keat said it was good to get the first match out of the way.

"We now have a feeling of the competition. There was no pressure on us despite the China pair giving us a good fight," said Kien Keat.

Rexy said the fourth-seeded Malaysians played to plan in the first game.


"I told them that they could not let the China pair wake up and that is exactly what they did in the first game as they were in total control to win 21-6.

"However, China changed their tactics in the second game and this caused difficulty to Kien Keat-Boon Heong. They tried to attack their way through the China defensive wall but when their smashes didn't work, they lost a little confidence," said Rexy.

The coach, however, stressed that the Malaysians didn't do too much wrong.

"It may have gone to three games but Kien Keat-Boon Heong were in control. In fact, I was closely watching their body language and it was positive. Having coached them for so long, I wanted to see how exuberant and focused they were and I must say that I like what I saw."

Up next are either Germans Ingo Kindervater-Johannes Schoettler or Taiwan's Chen Hung Ling-Lin Yu Lan and Rexy preached caution.

"There have been several upsets already and we mustn't underestimate any pair."

Women's doubles Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui were also involved in a marathon battle but it ended in favour of their fourth seeded Japanese opponents Mizuki Fujii-Reika Kakiiwa.

It was, however, a valiant battle that the Malaysians fought before the Japanese sealed their place in the third round with a 21-16, 22-24, 22-20.

Ng sisters Hui Lin-Hui Ern's campaign ended on Tuesday when they were beaten 21-10, 21-11 by Japan's Matsutomo Misaki-Ayaka Takahashi.

It was also the end of the road for mixed doubles Ong Jien Guo-Chong Sook Chin who were beaten 21-11, 21-15, by India's Diju Valiyaveetil-Jwala Gutta.The Malaysians had beaten Taiwan's Liao Min Chun-Chen Hsiao Huan 21-18, 21-16 in the first round on Tuesday.

National interest in the mixed doubles remains though as Chan Peng Soon-Goh Yiu Ling stunned England's 10th seeds Nathan Robertson-Jenny Wallwork 21-19, 21-19 on Tuesday and play Singapore's Chayut Triyachart-Yao Lei today.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.
Kredit: www.nst.com.my

NST Online: StreetsJohor

0 ulasan
Klik GAMBAR Dibawah Untuk Lebih Info
Sumber Asal Berita :-

NST Online: StreetsJohor


LITERARY TRIBUTE

Posted: 09 Aug 2011 12:28 PM PDT

2011/08/09
By Syed Abdullah Syed Mohamed


Several local writers were honoured at the Darul Takzim Eighth Literary Award recently

IT was was an evening of splendour at the Persada Johor International convention centre, Johor Baru.

Senior government officers, art enthusiasts, teachers and students thronged the Tanjung Puteri hall to witness the presentation of the Darul Takzim Eighth Literary Awards ceremony.


Administered by the Johor Heritage Foundation (Yayasan Warisan Johor or YWJ), with the co-operation of Gapena (National Writers Association), Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) southern branch, Johor Writers' Association) and YWJ Citra Holdings Sdn Bhd, the aim of the award is to acknowledge the contribution of the state's writers.

Their works comprise novels, short stories, poems, essays, articles and dramas.

Recipients of the award were successful writers who received prizes ranging from RM500 to RM7,000.


Guest-of-honour at the biennial event -- first launched in 1996 -- was Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman. On hand to welcome Ghani were state Rural Development and Territory, Arts, Culture and Heritage chairman Asiah Md Ariff, senior exco member Datuk Ahmad Zahari Jamil, state secretary Obet Tawil, YWJ director Muhamad Fuad Radzuan and other dignitaries.

The audience was entertained with poetry, music and dance.

Two new books produced by the YWJ's Literary division, Seorang Pemikir (A Thinker) and Mohd Said Sulaiman, Cendekiawan Terbilang Johor (Mohd Said Sulaiman, Johor's distinctive intellectual) were also unveiled at the event.


YWJ's Literary and Historical division head Dzul Karnain Asmawi said the awards are handed out to participants whose works (in the Malay language) were published in the mass media in 2009 and last year.

"The awards are given to talented writers born in Johor and those who are not born in in the state but have resided in Johor for at least five years," he said.

Dzul Karnain said a team of seven panelists comprising senior lecturers from the country's leading universities, senior officers of DBP, Gapena and Pena (National Writers Association) were assigned to evaluate the writers' works.

The panelists include the prominent literary figure Associate Professor Dr Lim Swee Tin.

This year's recipient for the "Hadiah Karyawan Sastera Johor" -- the most prestigious award of the event -- was Dr Amida @Hamidah Abdul Hamid, a retired academician from University Malaya.

Anida, 68, whose uses the pseudonym Anis, has produced a long list of novels.

She received RM7,000.

Khairul Hafiz Abd Rahman, 39, received the Hadiah Cipta Karyawan Muda award which carried a prize of RM3,000.

Kairul Hafiz, whose pen name is Serunai Faqir, is the owner of Astaka Villa Aksara, a media company. He said he started writing in primary school.

"I just love writing. It gives me great satisfaction," said Khairul, who is a much sought-after speaker at workshops on novels and short-story writing.

Winner of the children's novel category was Muhammad Hilal Asraf Abdul Razak, 21. His story was story entitled Remaja Mulia (Honourable Youth).

Hilal received RM2,000. He is now in Jordan pursuing a degree course in Islamic law. Hilal's prize was received on his behalf by his father Abdul Razak Kaprawi.

"My son has written 13 books," said Abdul Razak, a lecturer at the Temenggong Ibrahim Teachers Institute, Johor Baru.

In her welcome speech, Asiah hoped that more literary enthusiasts, especially students and trainee teachers, would continue the work of their predecessors.

She advised youngsters not to get too caught up in cyberspace but to develop their own creative-thinking skills.

Ghani lauded the management of YWJ for organising the event. He congratulated award recipients and gave the assurance that the state government would assist in promoting the literary works of local writers.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

The day I beat the odds to win post

Posted: 09 Aug 2011 08:06 AM PDT

2011/08/09
by Mohd Ghauth Mohd Yusoff


MY interest in political activism was sparked during my secondary schooling years in Sekolah Aminudin Baki in Kuala Lumpur in 1967.

I was enrolled as a Form Three Science student. Since my family resided in Johor Baru, I spent my free time participating in school activities and programmes including sports.

I was appointed secretary -- a post that many of my peers disliked -- of several clubs and associations


After three years, I returned to Johor Baru.

Armed with a well-earned SPM certificate, I secured a clerical post at the state treasury department in 1973.

After a couple of years, I was transferred to the office of the Menteri Besar.


My tenure at the distinguished department was exhilarating. In 18 years, I served under three chiefs of state -- the late Tan Sri Othman Mohd Saat and Datuk Ajib Ahmad and of course, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin, the present Deputy Prime Minister.

Under Othman and then Ajib, I administered the Umno Youth brass band, the former's baby.

The only one of its kind in the country, the band consisted of 50 youth members and conductor the late Atan Ahmad.


The band was invited to perform at state government functions, wedding receptions at homes of senior government officers and tea parties and dinner at Saujana, the Menteri Besar's official residence.

Simultaneously, I became a member of the Yahya Awal Umno branch under the Pulai division.

In 1985, following a re-delineation exercise, the Yahya Awal locality was placed under the jurisdiction of the Johor Baru parliamentary constituency.

Thus the Yahya Umno branch went under the JB Umno division, which is headed by Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad to this day.

In 1987, Mohd Khaled Nordin, (the current Higher Education Minister and Pasir Gudang MP with the title Datuk Seri), then Shahrir's political secretary, beat incumbent Zais Akilwon to win the JB youth division chief post.

I was appointed division secretary by Khaled. However, our activities and programmes were short-lived following court order on the validity of he party.

When the party recuperated the following year, I was appointed pro-tem leader of the JB youth division.

Shahrir, Khaled and some disgruntled members only rejoined after much persuasion from high-ranking party leaders through a special resolution.

In 1989, Khaled, with many youth supporters rallying behind him, affirmed nomination to challenge me for the youth division leader post.

The odds were indeed in Khaled's favour. His credentials as a lawyer and former political secretary and his superior position in the youth hierarchy were sufficient to discourage me.

I had a strategy for the two-week campaign, however, and during my term as pro-tem leader, my relationship with the branch leader was cordial and positive.

Inside Diamond Jubilee Hall, the election venue, the air was fraught with tension and suspense.

It was also packed with party representatives, observers and members of other divisions.

Astonishingly, I won to retain the post by a margin of only five votes, to the shouts, applause and congratulatory messages from my supporters.

However, my employment in government service prevented me from seizing the opportunities to move up in the political arena.

In the 1990 general elections, the party machinery selected Khaled as the candidate for the Johor Baru parliamentary constituency. As youth leader, I campaigned tooth and nail to ensure a victory for Khaled.

We remain close to this day although he is now a full minister.

In 1993, after completing my term as youth chief, I gradually distanced myself from active politics to concentrate on my family.

Upon retirement from government service late last year, I joined Warisan, a non-governmental organisation, as secretary.

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.
Kredit: www.nst.com.my
 

NST Online

Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved