Jumaat, 2 September 2011

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DPM extends condolences to family of killed BernamaTV cameraman

Posted: 02 Sep 2011 10:57 PM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR -- Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his wife, Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman, today extended condolences to the family of a BernamaTV cameraman who was killed in a shooting incident in Somalia yesterday.

Muhyiddin said the sad news of the death of Noramfaizul Mohd Nor would tug at the heartstrings of all Malaysians, particularly the local media fraternity.

"I am sure that the death of Noramfaizul is felt not only by his family but also by the media fraternity which has lost a colleague who was not only dedicated and hardworking but also courageous in facing the challenges that came with the task entrusted to him," he said in a statement.


Muhyiddin said that besides members of the security forces, journalists also sacrificed a lost in the course of their work, especially during festivals when they had to be away from their family and loved ones.

"Often, their sacrifices go unnoticed. It is time that we show some appreciation for these people and pray for their safety," he said. -- Bernama

BernamaTV cameraman shooting: 'I cannot believe my dear colleague is no more'

Posted: 02 Sep 2011 09:47 PM PDT

MOGADISHU -- I cannot believe what has happened. That my dear colleague and cameraman Noramfaizul Mohd Nor is no more.

I cannot bring myself to accept the fact that Noramfaizul, 39, was killed in a shooting incident on Friday here as we were covering the Putera 1Malaysia Club humanitarian mission to provide food and other aid to victims of the Somali drought and famine.

The shooting occurred when Noramfaizul and I from BernamaTV, along with the crew from TV3, Astro Awani and RTM, were travelling in a four-wheel-drive vehicle back to our living quarters from the operations centre about a kilometre away after covering the giving of aid to famine victims in this city.


I was seated next to the driver while Noramfaizul was seated on the right at the rear. Beside him on the left was the TV3 cameraman Aji Saregar Mazlan, who was injured in the incident.

It happened in the blink of an eye, just as our vehicle turned left onto the road leading to the hostel where we were staying.

I heard two shots and saw the African Union peacekeepers' armoured vehicle overtake us. Soon after, I heard my media colleagues calling out the name of my cameraman. He was injured.


There was panic and confusion. I saw Noramfaizul collapse. He was brought out of the vehicle and given treatment at our hostel.

He was injured in a shoulder and I was informed later that the bullet had pierced his lungs. He died at about 6 pm (11 pm in Malaysia).

Noramfaizul's body was flown to Malaysia Saturday in a C-130 aircraft of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).


The other 54 members of the aid mission also flew home as well, and are expected to arrive at the RMAF airbase in Subang Sunday, at about 9 am Malaysian time. -- Bernama

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Wikileaks report incorrect: Salleh

Posted: 02 Sep 2011 08:05 PM PDT

KOTA BELUD -- Sabah Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said Keruak has dismissed as untrue a Wikileaks report on his purported comment over the failed bid by the opposition Pakatan Rakyat to take over the federal government on Sept 16, 2008.

"I never confirmed or endorsed the purported defection of MPs to the opposition or Pakatan Rakyat. At that time, as far as I can recall, the opposition tried hard to win over MPs from Sabah but they failed to woo them.

"What had happened was more of a "psy war" adopted by the opposition to destabilise the Barisan Nasional (BN) government," Salleh, a former Sabah chief minister, told Bernama after attending the Kota Belud Wanita Umno Aidilfitri open house in Kampung Siasai, here.


Online portal Malaysiakini was quoted as reporting yesterday that a leaked US embassy cable had lent credence to Pakatan Rakyat leader Anwar Ibrahim's claim that a group of Sabah and Sarawak politicians had planned to defect from the BN on Sept 16, 2008, over alleged marginalisation of the two states.

An entry in the cable, posted by Wikileaks, quoted Salleh as telling US embassy officials that potentially more than half of the 25 Sabah MPs were ready to abandon the BN.

The cable claimed further that embassy officials found "no expressions of support" for then Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's leadership among the senior Sabah politicians they met in a series of meetings in the state from June 18 to 20 that year. -- BERNAMA

Germany claim first Euro 2012 berth

Posted: 02 Sep 2011 07:24 PM PDT

GELSENKIRCHEN - Germany became the first team to book their Euro 2012 place through the qualification groups as they hammered neighbours Austria 6-2 here on Friday.

This was the Germans' eighth straight qualification victory, giving Joachim Loew's side an unassailable 24 points at the top of Group A to leave second-placed Turkey 11 points adrift.

Plucky Austria, however, exposed some weaknesses in the Germany defence and both Austrian goals were scored by players who ply their trade in the German league.


Despite the hosts making an explosive start to the game, the result suggests Loew still has some fine-tuning to do if Germany are to challenge at the finals in Poland and the Ukraine next June.

"As a defender, of course you get a bit annoyed about conceding goals," said Germany captain and left-back Philipp Lahm.

"But the joy of qualifying outweighs any negative thoughts and the team has shown what it is capable of."


Goal-scorer Lukas Podolski described it as a "beautiful night of football" and said Germany have to be one of the favourites to win the Euro 2012 final in Kiev on July 1 next year.

Austria captain Christian Fuchs said his team got what they deserved, despite a battling display.

"We made our lives difficult because we made too many mistakes in the build up," said the Schalke defender.


"Germany isn't the third best team in the world for nothing." - AFP

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<b><small>ZUBAIDAH ABU BAKAR:</b></small><br>Pas goes 'under the radar'

Posted: 15 Mar 2011 03:57 AM PDT

2010/10/30
Zubaidah Abu Bakar
news@nst.com.my

Even the presence of Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat at a ceramah in Pas stronghold Sungai Terah on Thursday failed to draw the crowd.

Many blamed the heavy rain which started to pour earlier but the rain had stopped before the Tok Guru took the microphone.

There was an estimated crowd of about 200 people; its usually not the case

as Pas supporters would braved the rain, willing to be soaked to the skin
to listen to the party's spiritual leader and Kelantan menteri besar speak.

The Sungai Terah polling district has about 95 per cent of Malay voters; in the 2008 general election, Barisan Nasional only managed 78 votes compared to Pas' 215 votes.

That was how strong the Islamist party's influence there then.


But Umno leaders are anticipating that the situation could change, they believe the level of support to Pas may dip when some 300 registered voters there go to the ballot again on Nov 4 to pick their new representative in the state legislative assembly.

"Our candidate Abdul Aziz Yusoff had done a good job in the area, the people know him well because he had served the area as a manager in the South Kelantan Regional Development Authority (Kesedar).

"He could well be the reason behind the positive signs we are getting in the area," says Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan.


The "ceramah perdana" in Sungai Terah are among the few big public rallies that Pakatan Rakyat had outlined for its bigwigs to speak -- the other speakers at the ceramah that day were Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and DAP
secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

Pas is adopting a "low profile, below the radar" campaign strategy for Galas and this had somewhat toned the otherwise heated campaigns like during the Manik Urai by-election, which is the first by-election in Kelantan, last year.

Pas leaders wanted more direct contacts with voters be carried out; opting for small group ceramah and door to door campaigning, which ironically the same strategy that Umno and BN has adopted.

No big rally had been planned on BN's side either, including the "Pentas Pemuda" that usually make its appearance in past by-elections. Only eight mini ceramahs involving between 30-40 people and similar number of 'salam sayang" programmes (chit chat sessions) by wanita Umno are being organised daily.

Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and his troops have been knocking on doors of those identified as fence-sitters in several areas daily. They even bumped into their opponents during their campaign trails, like the on in Kampung Mentara where Pas had won by 11 votes in the area in 2008.

A source also revealed there is a list of do's and dont's for Pas campaigners and that include not touching the Kelantan oil royalty issue and on Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who is also the BN by-election director.

Canvassing for votes in whatever forms will continue until the eve of polling. For Abdul Aziz and his opponent from Pas, Dr Zulkefli Mohamad, the days ahead will be long and tiring.

BN aims for smaller, but effective meetings

Posted: 15 Mar 2011 12:34 AM PDT

BN aims for smaller, but effective meetings

2010/10/30
By NST team in Gua Musang, Kelantan
news@nst.com.my

GUA MUSANG: Barisan Nasional candidate Abdul Aziz Yusoff said he would continue with his plan to personally meet as many voters as he could although such an approach could slow down his campaign trail.

"I want to know them apart from introducing myself as BN candidate. I also want to know the problems faced by the voters here," he told a press conference at BN operations centre in Bukit Cekati here.

Aziz, who is Gua Musang Umno division secretary, also refuted claims that the BN election machinery for Galas by-election was too slow. He said the party machinery was actually giving more focus on small gatherings which would enable them to understand the people's problems and needs.


"From the feedback that I personally gathered from voters, they are frustrated with the Pas state government's failure to issue land titles and provide affordable homes for them," he said.

Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan who was present said BN would continue with its present approach, which was to hold dozens of small gatherings at different polling districts daily.

"We will use these gatherings to explain on BN government's development plan and counter all the allegations made by the opposition.


"It's more effective compared to big ceramahs," he said.

However, he said no gatherings would be held tonight as to allow BN campaigners and voters here to watch the Malaysia Cup final match between Kelantan and Negeri Sembilan. He said BN would put giant projector screens at 14 locations as to allow the people here to watch the final match live.

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BN aims for smaller, but effective meetings

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Rexy: BAM must decide quickly

Posted: 02 Sep 2011 07:09 PM PDT

2011/09/03
By K.M. Boopathy


Pang Cheh Chang has trained Tan Boon Heong at junior level.

Pang Cheh Chang has trained Tan Boon Heong at junior level.

KOO Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong's request to train under Pang Cheh Chang has received the greenlight from national doubles chief coach Rexy Mainaky.

Kien Keat, who finally turned up for training at Juara Stadium yesterday, and Boon Heong had a heart-to-heart talk with Rexy who accepted their request in good faith and will convey the message to the BA of Malaysia (BAM) management.

Rexy said if the move can bring the best out of Kien Keat-Boon Heong, he will not stand in their way.


In fact, he felt it is better for them to start training with Cheh Chang right way rather than waiting until the coaching and training committee (CTC) meeting on Thursday.

Kien Keat had missed training since Friday.

The CTC is likely to accept the arrangement but Rexy said almost two weeks would be wasted if the committee waits till Thursday to decide.


"I spoke to both players and they have requested to train under Cheh Chang. If that is going to help them improve, I have no problems. However, I have told them not to miss training as they will lose out," said Rexy.

"Cheh Chang has trained Boon Heong since he was a junior and both feel they can become better and regain their confidence under him. What is important now is that the management should grant permission temporarily for them to train with Cheh Chang until the CTC approves it officially.

"This is because any further delay will only result in both players not being fully focused in training.


"Cheh Chang and I worked together last year and there were some results. Chang Chang can fully concentrate on Kien Keat-Boon Heong while I can train the other players and manage the overall elite doubles programme."

Kien Keat said he would not miss training again but declined to elaborate on his discussion with Rexy.

Police revel in dark horse tag

Posted: 02 Sep 2011 07:06 PM PDT

2011/09/03
By Devinder Singh

AFTER being written off as no-hopers at the start of the season, Police silenced their critics by qualifying for the Malaysia Cup on merit after finishing third in the Premier League.

With a side largely made up of police personnel, coach K. Thayanathan's squad finished strongly and will be out to act as spoilers against more established teams in Group D.

Police open their campaign against Kuala Lumpur in Paroi on Tuesday and Thayanathan is relishing the prospect of his side causing an upset or two against Super League sides KL, Selangor and Kuala Terengganu T-Team.


"We surprised a few people with the run we had this season and we beat teams which spent a lot of money like Sime Darby and Armed Forces. Not many expected us to qualify for the Malaysia Cup, nobody gave us a chance but we qualified on merit, unlike the last few times when we were pre-qualified.

"But this Malaysia Cup is going to be tough. We will go into each match and fight to the best of our abilities and see what happens," said Thaiyanathan, who is into his fifth year as Police coach.

Police only have three contract players in Fazuan Abdullah, N. K. Dhurai and Afif Amiruddin, and of the trio Fazuan has carried the goalscoring burden with nine goals along with Khairul Izuan Abdullah (11).


Thaiyanathan declined to bring in players on loan for the tournament given the limited financial resources of the Police FA but he argued that there are few quality players from non-Malaysia Cup teams for him to sign anyway.

"We have three contract players and the rest are all from the force. We have qualified for the Malaysia Cup with these players and we will continue with them. I did not see any player from other teams who interested me."


Police will be making their fifth appearance in the Malaysia Cup, but only the second time on merit, having achieved their best result in 2008 when they reached the quarter-finals only to go out to Selangor on the away goals rule.

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NST Online: StreetsJohor

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COLOURS OF 1MALAYSIA

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 08:20 AM PDT


UEM Land is holding a National Day campaign featuring drawing, mural painting and essay writing competitions for 17 Pintar schools in Gelang Patah

UEM Land Holdings Bhd is holding a Merdeka Day campaign called 1Malaysia for its Pintar schools.

The campaign, which goes on until Sept 12, consists of drawing, essay writing and mural painting competitions.


The Merdeka Day-themed drawing competition is targeted at Year Four and Year Five pupils.

The first, second and third prizes are RM150, RM100 and RM75, respectively.

There is also a consolation prize of RM50. Each of the 17 Pintar schools in Gelang Patah, Johor, will submit five of its best entries.


The Malay essay writing competition is open to Form One, Form Two and Form Four students. Participants can choose any of the following topics -- 1Malaysia Menjana Transformasi, Rukun Negara Amalan Hidup Rakyat Malaysia, Malaysiaku Gemilang, Mengangkasa Tamadun Bangsa: Harapan dan Cabaran and Sejarah Kemerdekaan Negara: Memupuk Semangat Patriotisme. The essays should be between 500 and 1,500 words. Each school is submitting 10 entries.

The first to fourth place winners of the essay writing competition will receive RM350, RM250, RM150 and RM100, respectively. There is also a consolation prize of RM75.

Ten primary and two secondary Pintar schools are taking part in the 1Malaysia-themed mural painting competition. UEM Land, the master developer of Nusajaya and a key driver of Iskandar Malaysia, has given paint worth RM500 to each school. The top three schools will get RM1,500, RM1,000 and RM750, respectively.


SK Taman Nusantara was one of the first schools to complete its murals. A UEM Land team evaluated the pupils' work early last month.

SK Taman Nusantara headmistress Azizah Rahman said the murals had improved the school's atmosphere, making it more cheerful and appealing.

She said the experience of drawing the murals had boosted patriotism among her pupils and given them a greater appreciation of the significance of the Merdeka Day celebrations.

"It is amazing to see the high level of interest generated by this campaign. My pupils are constantly asking the teachers about Merdeka Day and national emblems.

"We are also having our own projects, such as a Malaysian culture exhibition and a Merdeka Day corner, where we have placed related posters and reading materials," added Azizah.

Nur Syafiqah Norhisam, a Year Five pupil of SK Taman Nusantara, said she was more appreciative of her life after reading about the struggles and sacrifices of the country's founding fathers in helping the nation gain independence.

"I had no idea what it was like to be colonised by foreign powers. I did not know much about the value of independence as I took everything for granted," said Nur Syafiqah.

"I am proud of the country's achievements. We must cherish and protect the freedom that we have inherited."

The campaign is one of UEM Land's initiatives to support the government's efforts in instilling patriotism, and promoting multiracial integration and unity among the young.

The campaign also aims to foster a greater sense of pride in events of historical significance to the country.

UEM Land hopes the campaign will help the students to develop a better understanding of the nation's history, which would equip them to become good leaders.

UEM Land's parent body Khazanah Nasional initiated the Pintar schools to promote academic excellence and civic-mindedness among students.

Pintar stands for Promoting Intelligence, Nurturing Talents and Advocating Responsibility.

Animal lover's career goes to the dogs

Posted: 01 Sep 2011 07:21 AM PDT


I WANTED to make a major career change, from a deejay to a sales executive in an animal clinic cum supplier of pet products and services.

My first two attempts to get a job at Global Pets failed. The company felt that I would not stay long. The reason was simple. The pay was half of what I was getting as a pub deejay in Kulai. I love animals so much that I was willing to settle for a less attractive salary. But, I did not pursue the matter because I believe in fate.

Then, one of my pets got sick. Before I go on, I need to tell the story of how I got my pets. My first pet was a golden retriever. It was a gift from my godfather on my 22nd birthday.


The dog always wore a "smiling" expression. I named it Pig as I wanted a short and simple name. I didn't want to name it Jason or Mike. I felt it would be awkward if someone with the same name were to come to our house in Taman Skudai. I have two elder brothers, an elder sister and a younger brother. One never knows who they might be bringing over.

Later, I got another golden retriever. I named her Hiow Poh, which is Hokkien for slutty.

Hiow Poh and Pig got along just fine. Unfortunately, Pig was with me for only three years. I had to take it to an animal clinic regularly as it suffered from nosebleeds.


Because of my frequent visits to the clinic, I became close to Leong Kee Wee, who is a dog trainer at Global Pets. I went for my third interview in 2007, and this time I got the job.

Shortly after that, Pig's condition deteriorated. It was heart wrenching to watch Pig die on the operating table. To this day, tears come to my eyes when I think of that moment, when Pig died in my arms.

Leong suggested that I adopt a border collie named Wind. I had never owned a border collie, so I was hesitant. Eventually, I decided to invite Wind into my life. It was a decision that I won't regret.


I soon became a dog trainer with Leong as my mentor. Wind is the first dog that I trained. Wind had canine insecurity issues, but Leong taught me how to instil confidence in the dog by earning its trust.

All dogs can be trained and the best time to do it is when they are three to four months old. Training dogs which are timid or have been abused can be challenging, as they do not want to get close to a human.

I learnt that it was not necessary to use a stick to beat a dog into submission. All you need is voice command. My mentor taught me that a high-pitched voice signified approval to a dog, while a firm command, uttered in a low pitch, conveyed the message that it had done something wrong. Being a guy, I found it difficult to speak in a high pitch.

The first time I took part in the obedience trials competition, last year, I came in second in the novice and pre-novice categories. I refused to give up on my dream and decided to hone my training skills. This year, Wind and I scored 100 marks in the pre-novice category, and 103 points out of a total of 105 in the novice category. The competition was organised by the Malaysia Kennel Association.

There are a growing number of animal lovers. Currently, there are four Global Pets retail shops and veterinary clinics, a bulk purchase centre, a medical centre, and a pet resort and boarding centre in Johor.

Alvin Tang, 30, is with Global Pet's grooming academy in Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, Johor Baru. He is also a district basketball player.

Interview by Chuah Bee Kim

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