Khamis, 15 September 2011

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Colourful National, Malaysia Day celebrations

Posted: 15 Sep 2011 10:05 PM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: A strong sense of patriotism filled the air as tens of thousands of people joined the nation's leaders at Dataran Merdeka here for the first ever simultaneous celebrations of the National Day and Malaysia Day.

The younger generation dominated this year's celebrations, forming the largest group among the 10,000-strong participants in the four-segment parades.

The participants, comprising school students, teachers, security personnel, and government and private sector employees started to gather around the venue as early as 5am to get ready for the historic occasion.

The celebrations got underway soon after the arrival of the supreme head of the federation, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah at 8am.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor as well as Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Puan Sri Norainee Abd Rahman had earlier arrived at the venue.

Also present were the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and wife Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni as well as the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng and wife Toh Puan Norkiah Abdullah.

Cabinet ministers were also at the celebrations.

The massive crowd who lined up along the road from Jalan Raja right to the Jalan Sultan Ismail intersection applauded and cheered and waved the flags as the guests of honour made their way into the venue.

The celebrations got off with Tuanku Mizan getting a salute from Major Ahmad Muzaimi Mohd Ali of the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment. This was followed by the playing of the national anthem "Negaraku" by regiment's band.

At the same time, seven Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) helicopters made a fly-pass, carrying the national flag Jalur Gemilang as well as the flags of the Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, RMAF, Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.

His Majesty then inspected the guard-of-honour mounted by 103 personnel of the regiment.

This was followed by the hoisting of Jalur Gemilang and the singing of Negaraku, after which a 14-gun salute was fired. The "Rukun Negara" was read by 54 youths headed by Muizzuddin Maarof, 18, a student of Sekolah Agama Menengah Tinggi Sultan Hishamuddin, Klang.

This was later followed by the shouts of "Merdeka" and "1Malaysia".
The celebrations proceeded with 2,300 trainee teachers performing a choir on the Rukun Negara as 2,500 students took to the field to perform a human formation as a visual interpretation of the national principles.

This was then followed by the parade of contingents.

Among those who took part in the parade were Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria, singer Aizat Amdan, musician Datuk Ahmad Nawab, filmmaker Datuk Yusof Haslam and top badminton player Datuk Lee Chong Wei, on Proton Lotus as well as on classic cars.

Among the contingents was the 195-member Young Creative Generation group headed by Information Communication and Culture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Kamaruddin Siaraf comprising artistes, arts activists and TV as well as movie mascots of "Upin dan Ipin", Cicak Man and Merong Mahawangsa. - BERNAMA

* More pictures can be viewed at http://www.facebook.com/nstonline

Leaders say it is a revolutionary move

Posted: 15 Sep 2011 11:22 AM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: The country's leaders said the prime minister had taken a revolutionary move in improving the nation's legal administration and human rights with the abolition of the Internal Security Act.

Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said it was a big paradigm shift for Malaysia.

"I can classify this as a milestone for our country. With the abolition of the ISA, the opposition will have no more salvos (to fire at the current administration), especially allegations of power abuse."

Rais said his ministry would also be ready to provide explanations to those who were still sceptical about the government's decision to abolish the ISA.

At the same time, he said the world would give Datuk Seri Najib Razak credit for such a decision.

In fact, it showed Malaysia had faith in its judicial system.

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said it was a bold action to abolish the ISA.

It showed the prime minister had kept his promise to review the ISA when he first took over the No. 1 post, said Shafie, who is Umno vice-president.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk V.K. Liew, who is also Malaysia Law Reform Committee chairman, was upbeat.

"It shows the committee's work and inputs for the past two years have paid off."

He said the upcoming Parliament session would be busy.

"The two new laws that the prime minister said will replace ISA should be done by next Parliament session.

"The details, however, are best for the minister in charge (Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein) to announce."

MIC president Senator Datuk G. Palanivel said the prime minister's announcement was a breath of fresh air.

"The prime minister, with a single announcement, has moved the country in line with the rest of the modern world."

When asked if the move to repeal the ISA was done in the hope that it would garner more support from the people in the next general election, Palanivel said Najib did not have any ulterior motive.

"This is just to keep the country on a par with international standards on matters relating to national security and human rights."

Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said the prime minister had solved one of the country's thorniest issues in one fell swoop.

"The announcement came as a surprise and could not have been more timely."

He said some of the "hardest" problems, like the ISA, had been conquered, other pressing matters could also be solved in due time.

"We are looking at a new epoch where change through reform is real."

Wee said that he wished the Universities and University Colleges Act, which prohibited students from participating in politics, could also be reviewed.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail said the announcement was a fitting "Raya gift" to the country.

"The reforms are a milestone achievement."

Bar welcomes repeals

THE Malaysian Bar applauds the prime minister for announcing far-reaching and welcomed promises of repealing and reviewing outdated pieces of legislation.

Its president, Lim Chee Wee, said this was a major step towards restoring the rule of law and respecting the Federal Constitution.

"This is a correct reaction by the prime minister to the voice of the rakyat."

Lim said the Bar eagerly awaited more details

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Man Utd listing in Singapore approved

Posted: 15 Sep 2011 11:00 PM PDT

SINGAPORE: The Singapore stock exchange has approved an application by English football giants Manchester United to sell their shares in the city-state, a source familiar with the deal said Friday.

But the club will gauge market sentiment before launching their initial public offering (IPO) because of the uncertainty sparked by the eurozone debt crisis.

"They have received approval but the timetable is not fixed," the source told AFP.

"The company is not in need of funds so they are not in a hurry to list.
Basically, they are keeping a watching brief on market conditions." For now, the target is for a listing at the Singapore Exchange later this year but the source described it as a "moving target". "Now that there is approval, they can roll out any time," added the source, who asked not to be named.

United are expected to offer both voting shares and non-voting preference shares, said the source.

Analysts said such a structure will allow the American owners of the club — the Glazer family — to effectively retain control. - AFP

IGP to meet AG on Police Act 1967 review

Posted: 15 Sep 2011 10:39 PM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: The Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Ismail Omar, will meet Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Patail to give his views on the proposal to amend Section 27 of the Police Act 1967 on the freedom of assembly.

Speaking to reporters after attending the joint Malaysia and Merdeka Day celebration at Dataran Merdeka here, Ismail said his views would encompass aspects on how to balance public order, the public freedom to speech and to assemble.

"These matters are crucial for the public to ensure the peaceful situation is preserved," he said.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that the government would also review Section 27 of the Police Act 1967 by taking into account provisions in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution on freedom of assembly, but with a principle which strongly opposed street demonstration.

The prime minister said the approval to assemble would be given in accordance with methods to be outlined later which would take into consideration international norms. -- BERNAMA

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I can take on Aziz anytime: Dr Zul

Posted: 14 Mar 2011 11:25 PM PDT

I can take on Aziz anytime: Dr Zul

2010/10/29
By NST team in Gua Musang, Kelantan
news@nst.com.my

GUA MUSANG: Pas' candidate Dr Zulkefli Mohamed remained a good sport over jokes that his stocky frame might tire him fast during the campaign trail.

He said he was used to work long hours when he was a doctor at government hospitals in the past.

"There were times when I had to work over 36 hours on a stretch, then. I think I can keep up with the hectic campaign schedule now," he said.

Dr Zulkefli, 44, will be up against Barisan Nasional's Abdul Aziz Yusoff, 49, in the Galas by-election on Nov 4.

Some segments of political watchers have been heard making comparisons between the two candidates of their physiques.

Such light banter follows an absence of substantive issues to debate since campaigning started on Nov 26.

Dr Zulkefli said he was feeling alright even when there were many places to visit over the past three days.

To keep fit, he said he took a lot of water and sufficient rest.

When a reporter asked about his weight, Dr Zulkefli said: "I do not know. Let us keep it as a secret."

In jest, he said he could take on Aziz in a running or tug-of-war competition.

Visit us for more web exclusives everyday from NST Galas team. For full stories and in-depth news, get NST in print tomorrow.

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Sabah Umno reaching the 500,000 mark

Posted: 14 Mar 2011 08:17 PM PDT

Once upon a time, a real history took place and handed down the real lessons out of the events concluded that a small number can defeat a huge number of opponents by the will of Allah taala. Therefore, in the modern institutions and struggle like political institutions, this lessons of history is still relevant and worthy to ponder. In fact, there are many facts to ponder on why the listed numbers of political members do not reflex the true pictures.

The Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Musa Aman's recent annoucement of Sabah UMNO success in the recruitment of membership drive does not mean much to me as it seems to suggest it is the result of his leadership.

A leader should be humble and not self glorifying. One's work should be judged by the people and not himself.

I still remember our DPM, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin remark in the opening of the PBS congress in Kota Kinabalu recently where he said "he has done little in the success of the Batu Sapi by election ".

Frankly how many can do that ?

This is the model of leader we must emulate - humble, unassuming and lead by example.

Traits of great leader who make small people feel great.

Afterall, recruitment of new members in any party is the duty and obligation of its leaders.

It is not a competition as it is the quality and not quantity of the effort that count.

We should not trumpet about it.

High membership in any political party does not guarantee success if the party and its leaders do not command the support from its ranks and files as well as leaders from other coalition parties, particularly in the state of Sabah.

Having such a mentality would breed complacency and place the party concerned and BN in a perilous situation.

Sabah UMNO chief, Datuk Musa Aman's annoucement that their membership drive to date has reached 456,000 membership level, the highest among all other states is indeed quite credible.

The first thing that comes to thought is 456,000 is 456,000 until the half million mark is reached which is another 44,000 more to go and this is not a small number.

In the annoucement, last year alone, they only managed to recruit 40,000 new members and has no mention of what this year's result is ?

Has the effort reached been saturated is another question that surfaces in my mind.

My concern however is in any numerical assessment, we must give the picture in its correct perspective and not try to over dramatise or sensationalise it to justify certain motives, personal or otherwise.

And when figures concerning and affecting the outcome of an election, the state and the image of UMNO and Barisan Nasional, we have to be careful and truthful.

The annoucement also gives rise to many questions to be answered.

First, how many of these registered members will actually and eventually vote and vote for BN comes election time?.

Is the annoucement trying to suggest we are growing stronger, there is nothing to worry and we can repeat the big win in the state achieved in the last election ?

The Batu Sapi by election is no doubt the combined efforts in greater and lesser extend of all state BN coalition members.

However, with the bad blood that existed all along with the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Musa Aman and PBS president, Datuk Pairin, with SAPP president, Datuk Yong Teck Lee, the duel was in actual fact a life and dead battle among the subject combatants.

Aided by a predominantly bumi constituency,the vast resources from BN and the ever tireless presence of our DPM, the vast win at Batu Sapi could be an isolated incident.

Removing these factors, or in a diluted extent, the result could be different.

As a rough estimate, Sabah with a population of 2.5 million and say,with a 60% eligible voters, it will work out to have about 1.5 million potential voters.

From the above, the present UMNO membership only represents to about 30% of the total possible voters. Will that be adequate to determine another landslide victory in the coming election ? given the fact there 60 constituencies in the state ? Many in the last encounter encountered sort of narrow escape ? The growing number of unresolved problems faced by the people todate? The discontents of the present leadership among the files and ranks ? How much support the present state leadership since last reappointed, still enjoy is therefore any one's guess.

To me the annoucement seems to be made in conjunction with the coming BN convention in Kuala Lumpur in an effort to influence its outcomes

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Football: Kim Swee pleased despite loss

Posted: 15 Sep 2011 05:08 PM PDT

2011/09/16
Devinder Singh
devinder@nst.com.my

IT was not the send off that the Olympic squad had wanted but national coach Ong Kim Swee saw enough in the 1-0 friendly defeat to Oman yesterday to be cautiously optimistic ahead of the Olympic qualifier against Japan on Wednesday.

Immediately after the outing at the UiTM Stadium in Shah Alam, Kim Swee named a 21-man squad, that contained few surprises, for the Asian zone third round Group A match in Tosu.

The squad include two 17-year-olds in midfielder Nazmi Faiz Mansor and defender Syazwan Tajuddin, who will however see little action, if any, against Japan.

Rather, it is the core of the squad which Kim Swee has cultivated since embarking on a month-long tour of Slovakia in August which carry the hopes of the country in giving Asian Games winners Japan a tough fight.

"It is not so much the result (against Oman) that was important but the performance. I can say that I'm satisfied with the way the players played despite the defence allowing a goal due to a lack of focus (in the 40th minute).

"The intensity in the players was there to see, the passing was sharp and accurate and the only thing that let us down was our finishing. We've done everything possible but to put the ball into the net," said Kim Swee.

Indeed, Kim Swee gave every striker in the squad an opportunity as he started with A. Thamil Arasu and Irfan Fazail playing in an advanced role before Ahmad Hazwan Bakri, Izzaq Faris Ramlan and Syahrul Azwari Ibrahim took their turns in the second half.

Of the lot, Thamil impressed the most as in the span of 10 minutes after the break, he could easily have scored a hat-trick as he saw his attempts whistle past the posts and bar.

The defence looked solid with the AFF Cup-winning centre-back partnership of Fadhlis Shas and Muslim Ahmad reunited after the former's return from a loan spell with Slovak club ViON Zlate Moravce along with Irfan and Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor.

Kim Swee said he is happy with the team's preparation which also included a 0-0 draw with Iraqi club Arbil.

"The team needed exposure which they have received. Everything is ready and it's just a matter of keeping fit and polishing a few things in Japan. I was pleased with how the team responded to going a goal behind and I hope to see that fighting spirit when we play Japan," added Kim Swee, whose only injury worry is Irfan's right knee which has yet to fully heal.

Left behind from the 26-man training squad are goalkeeper Zamir Selamat, Azrif Nasrulhaq Badrul Hisyam, Ferris Danial Mat Nasir, Nazirul Naim Che Hashim and Reuben Kathiripillai, the Selangor President's Cup and national university side's captain who was only called up to the Olympic squad on Sunday.

SQUAD (Young Tigers, unless stated) -- Goalkeepers: Khairul Fahmi Che Mat (Kelantan), Izham Tarmizi Roslan; Defenders: Zubir Azmi (Terengganu), Syazwan Tajuddin, Amer Saidin, Fadhli Shas, Mahalli Jasuli, Muslim Ahmad;

Midfielders: Nazmi Faiz Mansor, Irfan Fazail, Abdul Shukor Jusoh, Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor, Fandi Othman, Wan Zaharulnizam Wan Zakaria, K. Gurusamy, Faizal Abu Bakar (Kedah);

Forwards: Izuan Solahuddin (Kelantan), Ahmad Hazwan Bakri (KL), A. Thamil Arasu, Izzaq Faris Ramlan, Syahrul Azwari Ibrahim.

Badminton: Only Koo-Tan survive

Posted: 15 Sep 2011 05:06 PM PDT

Tan Boon Heong (left) and Koo Kien Keat beat Chen Hung Ling-Lin Yu Lang 21-14, 9-21, 21-17 in the second round of the China Masters in Changzhou yesterday.

KOO Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong are the last Malaysians standing in the China Masters after advancing to the quarter-finals with an inconsistent show in Changzhou yesterday.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong defeated Taiwan's Cheng Hung Ling-Lin Yu Lang 21-14, 9-21, 21-17 in the second round that lasted only 34 minutes.

The match epitomised Kien Keat-Boon Heong's current form. They started well, stuttered in the second game and recovered in the deciding third game.

A more decent effort will be needed when they take on bogeymen Jung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae of South Korea today.

Hafiz Hashim took a game off four-time world champion Lin Dan but it wasn't enough to stop the China ace from registering a 14-21, 21-18, 21-9 in 48 minutes.

Promising women's doubles Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei's campaign also came to an end when they lost 21-16, 21-15 to Taiwan's Cheng Wen Hsing-Chien Yu Chin.

SELECTED 2ND RD RESULTS -- (Malaysia unless stated) Men's Singles: Lin Dan (Chn) bt Hafiz Hashim 14-21, 21-18, 21-9; Du Pengyu (Chn) bt Wang Zhengming (Chn) 21-11, 21-17.

Doubles: Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong bt Chen Hung Ling-Lin Yu Lang (Tai) 21-14, 9-21, 21-17;

Women's Doubles: Cheng Wen Hsing-Chien Yu Chin (Tai) bt Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei 21-16, 21-15; Cheng Shu-Pan Pan (Chn) bt Ng Hui Lin-Ng Hui Ern 21-10, 21-16; Wang Xiaoli-Yu Yang (Chn) bt Goh Liu Ying-Chong Sook Chin 21-17, 21-9;

Mixed Doubles: Yoo Yeon Seong-Jang Ye Na (Kor) bt Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying 16-21, 21-10, 22-20.

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US stocks rally on Europe banks' cooperation

Posted: 15 Sep 2011 07:44 PM PDT

NEW YORK: US stocks got a boost on Thursday despite poor domestic economic data after major central banks joined hands to ensure US dollar liquidity to Europe's embattled banks.

In positive territory for the fourth day in a row, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 186.45 points (1.66 percent) at 11,433.18.

The broader S&P 500 rose 20.43 points (1.72 percent) to 1,209.11, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 34.52 points (1.34 percent) to stand at 2,607.07.

The markets were strong from the opening but fell off after a series of economic indicators - on weekly jobless insurance claims, inflation, and business conditions - reinforced beliefs that the economy is stagnating.

But stock prices surged again after the European Central Bank, along with its US, Japanese, Swiss and British counterparts, announced they would act in concert to inject extra dollar liquidity into banks facing a shortage of the US currency.

The announcement sent European stocks soaring - the key eurozone bourses all closing up more than 3 percent - and the sentiment spilled over to the United States.

"The rally was fuelled by an announcement that major global central banks will work together to provide further US dollar funding to the world's financial system, taking pressure off funding issues across European banks," said analysts at Charles Schwab.

All 30 Dow blue-chips traded higher, led by Bank of America, which added 4.0 percent after it said it would raise another $1.5 billion in cash through the sale of a stake in Hospital Corporation of America to the hospital owner-operator itself.

On the Nasdaq, Netflix plunged 18.9 percent after slashing its forecast for subscriber growth.

Netflix cut its third-quarter US subscriber forecast from 25 million to 24 million, the result, analysts said, of a sharp increase in subscription prices in July. -- AFP

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AGENTS OF CHANGE

Posted: 14 Sep 2011 05:24 PM PDT

2011/09/14
By Chuah Bee Kim

Students from Indonesia, Laos, Brunei, South Korea and the Philippines
meet at a symposium to empower youths to bring about change

A TOTAL of 430 participants, comprising local and international students, came together recently for the Fully Residential Schools' (FRS) International Symposium hosted by Sekolah Tun Fatimah (STF) in Johor Baru.

The inaugural event, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education through the Fully Residential and Excellence Schools Management Division and STF students, saw the participation of youths, between 17 and 18 years old, from Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Brunei, South Korea and the Philippines.

The six-day event themed "Students: A Catalyst of Change for a Better Tomorrow" started last Friday and was declared open on Monday by Deputy Education Minister Dr Puad Zarkashi.

The opening ceremony kicked off with a choir performance, followed by a medley of dances comprising a Sabah and Sarawak traditional dance, the zapin dance, and Indian and Chinese classical dances.

Puad said the symposium was a stepping stone for young leaders as it allowed students to share knowledge with their foreign peers.

Most of the participants found the event, which required them to come up with working papers, empowering as it helped them to build up their self-esteem and confidence and also changed their mindset.

STF student Syafiqah Syakria Saiful Yazan, 17, said she now believes in the power of youth.

"Before attending the symposium, I didn't quite believe that youth can do much to bring about a change. But the experience I have over the past few days had opened up my mind and it has made me more humble.

"This is because I have met others who are much wiser and more knowledgeable. There is so much for one to learn," said Syafiqah Syakria, who also believed that to make a big change one must start by making small changes.

Muhammad Aiman Shuhaimi, 17, of Malay College Kuala Kangsar who was selected by his school principal to attend the event, echoed Syafiqah Syakria's sentiment.

"The young should be encouraged to think out of the box and I strongly believe small changes will lead to big transformations," Muhammad Aiman said.

Phonmany Fongsouyanh, 17, from Laos said her first visit to Malaysia was in May when she followed a school delegation to Penang.

Phonmany said she loves the friendly and caring attitude of the people. On the side, she said she enjoyed the local dish of chicken curry but disliked the taste of durian.

"I hope to visit Malaysia again on my own so that I can have more time to explore the different cultures, food and attractions of the country," she said.

Handy Trihusodo, 18, of Central Jawa, Indonesia, who had visited the United States on a student exchange programme, said he initially was apprehensive about making the trip to Malaysia.

"I have heard some negative stories concerning the country but after coming here, I found the people here are so friendly and there are similarities in our culture and food.

"I am going home to share my experience here and I am going to tell them, especially those who have negative perceptions of Malaysia, how wrong they are," Handy said.

Meanwhile, South Korean, Lee Inbok, said she has learnt from the symposium that knowledge can be acquired outside the classroom.

"Before I came here, I didn't realise that not everything can be learnt within the confines of a classroom. I have made so many new friends at the symposium," Lee said, adding that this was her first trip to Malaysia.

STF, helmed by principal Junaidi Santano, is a premier boarding all-girls school.

There are 60 FRS, a school system established in the 1970s, throughout the country. The schools produce excellent results in both academic and sports, as well as leadership.

The vision of FRS is to develop exceptional world-class leaders.

Pottery paradise off the main highway

Posted: 14 Sep 2011 06:37 AM PDT

ISTARTED visiting Aw Pottery in Machap almost 40 years ago, usually enroute to spending the weekend with Uncle Steven and Auntie Polly who lived on a farm located between Air Hitam and Kluang at that time.

The journey was a leisurely drive along the scenic route from Johor Baru to Air Hitam, often with a stop in Machap to see what was new in the pottery showroom. It was easy to spot the entrance to the showroom because it was marked by two giant figures that resembled a couple performing a Malay cultural dance, designed with a glossy mosaic covering of ceramic chips.

The distinct rough and rustic beauty of handcrafted Aw pottery has a special appeal to fans of ceramic ware. The founder and sculptor, Aw Eng Kwang, an immigrant from southeastern China, even expanded overseas to the US market, and products from their pottery plants in Ru Yang, Chao'an and Guandong in China were exported for distribution there.

The small plant and showroom in Johor was once a popular tourist attraction, and I often brought visitors there not only to see Aw's artistic creations displayed in the Aw Museum but also to check out the unusual restrooms, colourfully decorated inside and out with ceramic mosaic pieces. I was so fascinated and enthralled by the restrooms that I could not resist photographing them from all angles.

Ceramic ware in the Machap plant was first produced using a traditional wood-fire kiln that was nicknamed the "Dragon" because of its structure. Sprawled across a wide atrium in the rear, this brick-walled kiln measured 50 metres long, 4 metres wide and 2 metres high, and had two side entrances.

When it was fired up, Aw and his team of workers worked 24-hour shifts in a carefully-timed week-long cycle to prepare the "green" products, stack them inside the kiln, smoke them and maintain the fire before allowing the kiln to cool down. After more than 30 years of spewing smoke and fire, the "Dragon" retired in 1982 and its dormant frame became a museum showpiece.

In 2004, I had the privilege of going into the cavernous "Dragon" kiln for a glimpse of the interior that was still stacked with dusty disused "saggars" or containers made of high temperature refractory materials, used to protect the "green" products from direct flames. It felt cool then, but I could imagine the intense heat inside when it was fired up.

Having been dormant for more than 20 years, this derelict space inside the old "Dragon" had become an abode for spiders and other creepy-crawlies, so I beat a hasty retreat.

Aw Pottery remained popular for creative landscaping designs, and garden deco and die-hard fans still found their way to Macap for their regular ceramic fix. However, when the PLUS Highway opened, fewer motorists used the scenic route to Johor Baru. The north-south traffic gradually bypassed Air Hitam and Machap, and Aw Pottery ceased to be a popular stopover on the tourist map.

Recently, when a friend asked me about Johor ceramic ware, my first thought was Aw Pottery! I gave him the contact telephone numbers to call but was later told that no one was picking up his calls. Since it was just about an hour's drive from Johor Baru to Machap, it didn't take long for us to decide to go there to check them out.

After the exit to Machap from the PLUS Highway, I noticed that the old road looked different because new buildings seemed to overshadow the older structures along that way. Although they were now covered in moss, I recognised the two figures that marked the entrance to Aw Pottery.

As I drew closer, my elation turned to disappointment, because the front gate was shut and fastened by a huge padlock. I was sad that my search seemed to have ended in failure, and there had been no replies to email I sent to their American sales offices, enquiring about the factory in Machap.

Last Sunday, I was overjoyed when I finally received an email from Aw Pottery's Atlanta outlet saying that the Machap factory is still in operation and is open from Saturday to Wednesday, 8am to 5pm. It is closed on Thursdays (the day I went) and Fridays. If you like to visit the factory, call 07-754 1476.

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Govt doesn't marginalise development of vernacular schools

Posted: 14 Sep 2011 11:16 PM PDT

MUAR: The government has never marginalised the development of National Type Chinese Schools (SJKC) and National Type Tamil Schools (SJKT), but had constantly provided aid to these schools, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin, who is also the Education Minister, refuted the views of certain groups who claimed that the government and ministry had not given adequate attention to the development of SJKC and SJKT.

"The government had built 1200 National Type Chinese Schools and 600 National Type Tamil Schools so far. Such developments were fully funded by the government," he said when officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the multipurpose activity centre for Sekolah Tinggi Chung Hwa, Muar today.

The government, he said, provided significant allocations for the development of SJKC and SJKT, as it realised the development of these schools was part of the government's responsibility towards education in the country.

However, Muhyiddin, who is also the Umno deputy president, said the country had the national education policy which gave priority to the construction of primary and secondary schools.

"Nevertheless, we (the government) do not hinder or prevent (the development of SJKC and SJKT) to enable us to become a hub for education," he said.

He said every school that was constructed had the objective of providing the best education to the children to ensure the country's development in future.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Malaysia gave strong emphasis to the education of its nationals with 26 per cent of the annual budget being channelled to education.

The education sector was also given strong emphasis in the Government Transformation Plan (GTP) and Economic Transformation Plan (ETP) such as boosting pre-school education and so on.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Muhyiddin also announced the allocation of RM1 million to Sekolah Tinggi Chung Hwa, Muar for the construction of the multipurpose activity centre costing RM10 million. -- BERNAMA

Fire at PD Esso refinery put out

Posted: 14 Sep 2011 10:48 PM PDT

PORT DICKSON: A fire at the marine pump loading area at the Esso Malaysia Berhad (EMB) refinery here early today saw workers running for safety and flames shooting skywards visible from two kilometres away.

The fire, which occurred at about 1 am, was put out about three hours later and prevented from spreading to two oil refinery tanks and a nearby LPG bottling plant, said Negeri Sembilan Fire and Rescue director Saadon Mokhtar.

He said foam was used to extinguish the fire by the 32 firemen and 24 fire-fighters from Esso and Shell.

"Our 32 firemen, including the hazmat (hazardous materials) unit, were rushed to the location after we were summoned at 1.06 am," he said, adding that the fire was brought under control at 3.36 am and extinguished at 4.17 am.

Saadon said about 100 workers were on duty at the time of the fire and all of them were safe.

"Although the fire has been put out, we are keeping watch. There is no danger to nearby inhabitants. The hazmat unit is determining whether any chemical substance had triggered the fire," he told Bernama.

A spokesman of Esso Malaysia said in a statement that the fire was extinguished with the support of the Fire and Rescue personnel and the area was secured.

"There were no injuries. Safety remains our top priority, and operations at EMB's terminal in Port Dickson were temporarily halted as a precautionary measure but have since resumed," he said.

The spokesman said refinery operations were not affected and were continuing.

"A full investigation has commenced with the relevant authorities to determine and address the cause of the fire," he added.

Many of the workers who fled their work stations were reportedly filling gas into cylinders at the time the fire broke out.

One of them, Kassim Bee Mohamad Kassim, 49, said she (rpt) she heard a loud mechanical noise and suddenly saw flames.

"It was 12.55 am. We were at work when we heard the loud noise and a small explosion. Then we saw the (delivery) pump on fire. We ran out (of the plant)," she said.

Another worker, T. Mallika, 54, said she and several fellow workers were filling gas cylinders when they spotted the fire and ran for their lives. -- BERNAMA

Kredit: www.nst.com.my

Khamis, 15 September 2011