Ahad, 25 September 2011

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Posted: 24 Sep 2011 07:08 PM PDT

KUCHING: Temenggong Kanang Langkau, 67, the last surviving holder of the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP), received the prestigious Panglima Gemilang Bintang Kenyalang which carries the title "Datuk" from Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng in conjunction with his 90th birthday yesterday.

Temenggong (Paramount Chief) Kanang is a famous Malaysian hero and soldier from the Iban Dayak community in Sarawak.

He was in the Royal Ranger Regiment and Regimental Sergeant Major of 8 Renjer (8th Rangers) of the Malaysian army.

He was awarded the Panglima Gagah Berani and Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa medals by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ahmad Shah on June 3, 1981.

"This is indeed an honour for lower-ranked soldiers like me. This is not an award for me alone but for people like me who have sacrificed for the nation," he said when met at the Dewan Lapau Kompleks Dewan Undangan Negeri.

Kanang, who led Unit Combat Intelligence Platoon of the 8th Battalion Royal Rangers to track down communists, was shot three times during the battle with communists on Feb 19, 1980 but survived the ordeal. His battalion killed five communists.

Sarawak state assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar headed the list of 909 other recipients during the awards ceremony.

Asfia received the Datuk Amar Bintang Kenyalang award which carries the title "Datuk Amar" while Muara Tuang state assemblyman Datuk Mohamad Ali Mahmud was the sole recipient of the Panglima Negara Bintang Sarawak, which carries the title "Datuk Seri".

Head of the Brunei History Centre Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Datuk Seri Utama Dr Awang Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri was conferred an honorary PNBS, which carries the title Datuk Seri.

Minister in the Chief Minister's Department Datin Fatimah Abdullah heads nine recipients of the Panglima Gemilang Bintang Kenyalang (PGBK), which carries the title Datuk.

Others in the list were Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's Department Naroden Majais, Public Utilities Assistant Minister Sylvester Entri, Housing and Urban Development Assistant Minister Abdul Wahab Aziz, Tourism and Heritage Assistant Minister Mong Dagang, Sarawak Rivers Board chairman Roland Sagah Wee Inn, army chief of staff Maj-Gen Datuk Mazelan Kasap and 9th Infantry Brigade commanding officer Brig-Gen Stephen Mundaw.

Two recipients of the Darjah Jasa Bakti Sarawak (DJBS) were federal finance officer Jabidah Monseri and state Syariah Courts chief judge Mohamed Ali Mohamed Sheriff. The award carries the title "Datu".

Among the 13 recipients of the Panglima Setia Bintang Sarawak (PSBS), which carries the title "Dato", were High Court Judicial Commissioner Rhodzariah Bujang, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak rector Prof Dr Jamil Hamali and Inland Revenue Board deputy director-general (tax operations) Mohammad Sait Ahmad.

Hitachi GST Sarawak managing director Seyed Ali Dabier Moghaddam received an honorary PSBS. -- Bernama

No to hudud: Element of Islamic laws already in place in Malaysia

Posted: 24 Sep 2011 06:52 PM PDT

2011/09/25
By M. Husairy Othman, P. Chandra Sagaran and S. Ista Kyra
nsunt@nst.com.my

KAMPAR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday gave an undertaking that the government will not implement hudud in the country, but said this did not mean Islamic law was not being practised.

He said although hudud was accepted as "God's laws", its implementation must be centred on the surroundings and reality.

"If we ask Muslim scholars, Islamic laws cannot be implemented without taking into account the surroundings and reality," he said after launching the 1Malaysia carnival in Tanjung Tualang near here.

He said based on the principle of syariah maqasid, religion, life, morals and property must be protected and the existing laws provided for all these. "There are elements of hudud in the system." Najib said the statement by Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat that Pas would not back down from plans to institute an Islamic state was purely tactical. "Pas has come under fire because of the irresponsible statement made by its deputy president Mohamad Sabu on the Bukit Kepong incident. It has caused much anger among the people, especially Malays.

"They created the hudud issue so that Mat Sabu will be forgotten and at the same time, portray themselves as a party fighting for hudud to win the hearts of the Malays," he said.

On the worsening feud between Pas and DAP, he said this was expected as both parties had different ideolog ies.

"Their differing stand on hudud cannot be hidden any more and I hope the people are aware of this. You simply cannot rely on a coalition that has differing principles and ideologies." On the budget to be tabled next month, Najib said it would focus on creating confidence among consumers to strengthen the domestic economy.

"This is crucial as we have to rely on domestic demand in view of the weak and erratic external market.

Najib was in Perak yesterday for a one-day turun padang prog ramme.

At Taman Song Choon in Ipoh earlier, thousands lined the streets, hoping to snap photographs of the prime minister.

Najib was touched by the overwhelming support.

"I hope this is a good reflection of support for Barisan Nasional among the constituents of Sungai Rapat," he said in his speech during a Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration with Taman Song Choon residents.

With him were his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and his wife, Datin Seri Saripah Zulkifli.

Later, in Mambang Di Awan, families, friends and neighbours crammed together into a school hall to be with Najib.

Residents there, who make up the countr y's largest Chinese new village population, also had a chance to witness and participate in a candid interview with Najib.

The people were eager to know how Najib spent quality time with his f amily.

"I like to spend my Sundays having lunch with my family to catch up. In my free time, I like to relax, watch television, read motivational and inspirational books or simply have a chat with my wife," he told the crowd.

Before leaving for the next location, Najib promised to help solve the residents' flood woes by announcing a RM1.5 million allocation to upgrade the drainage system in the area.

He also gave RM5 million for the development of the Orang Asli community in Gopeng, RM2.1 million for the development of the Sungai Rokam religious school, RM2.2 million for the construction of Masjid Al- Hidayah in Pengkalan Pegoh Seberang and RM800,000 to develop a children's teaching centre.

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Sabtu, 24 September 2011

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List more Felda subsidiaries on bourse

Posted: 24 Sep 2011 10:44 PM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: The successful listing of a felda subsidiary engaged in the sugar industry, MSM Holdings, has prompted several parties to urge the government to list other Felda subsidiaries on the bourse.

They feel the move will help increase settlers' income significantly and uplift their socio-economic well-being through share ownership.

"The listing will not only benefit 112,635 settlers but also 1.8 million Felda populace, including settlers' families," says Datuk Khairil Anuar Aziz, a panel member of professional thinkers called "GAPROF Anak Felda".

"We want to see shares to be issued to be given directly to the Felda community at all levels, be they in or outside the country," he told BERNAMA in an exclusive interview today.

Khairil Anuar said the settlers could use the extra income from the share profit to invest in Koperasi Permodalan Felda, Amanah Saham Nasional, Tabung Haji and other investment schemes.

GAPROF Anak Felda is a "think tank" under Felda Seranta under the Prime Minister's Department comprising second generation Felda settlers.

It was set up to provide an opportunity to Felda settlers' children to jointly assist the government and Felda management in upgrading the social well-being and enriching the economic resources.

Several quarters have suggested that Felda lists its oil palm units which would enable the agency to realise the real commercial potential as a listed company.

"Generally, oil palm-based companies are in a good positiom for listing (on Bursa Malaysia). Although Felda's sugar company is not big, its value rose upon listing.

"If oil palm-related companies are to be listed, it will definitely yield good results as the market for expansion is huge in the country and outside," said Khairil Anuar, a second generation Felda settler.

MSM Holdings was listed on Bursa Saham on June 28 at RM4.45 a share, a 95 sen premium as compared to RM3.50 institutional price. The Initial Public Offer (IPO) price was RM3.38.

The company's shara price has almost doubled now.

Khairil Anuar said the timing to list Felda oil units was apt now as palm oil prices were at the peak and this would provide a golden opportunity for Felda settlers to own shares in a potential and high-income sector.

"The demand for palm oil has been always quite stable, be it when the economy was in good state or otherwise. We see this is a good opportunity as the industry is sustainable and expansion-driven." he said.

According to market analysts, crude palm oil prices are expected to be stable and will remain at the RM3,100 a tonne range throughout the year.

The palm oil export value based on Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) statistics is expected to hit RM80 billion this year, surpassing the highest in 2008, about RM65 billion.

Khairil Anuar also said the listing would generate more revenue via improved efficiency as listed entities would operate with more transparency and are subjected to strictly adhere to corporate governance rules and regulations.

After more than 50 years, the time has come for Felda to undergo a transformation phase, going forward, that is listing, which will provide added value and profit to the land development agency.

Listing will also showcase Felda's vast development, settlers higher income and their quality of life. Khairil Anuar's parents only earned RM2.90 a day in 1967 and now more than RM4,000 a month.

Asked when Felda subsidiaries would be listed, Khairil Anuar said: "Definitely, we want it to be speeded up, but a thorough study should be done before making a decision on which are the subsidiaries to be listed."

"We don't want to see after one or two years after listing, we don't get the value we expected. We have to be selective.

"It's okay if there are not many companies (for listing), but the selected ones must give good value. The quality is more important, but we must start something," he said.

Khairil Anuar did not dispel the expectation that the listing of Felda subsidiaries would yield more than 10 per cent returns as was enjoyed now by members of the armed forces under the Armed Forces Fund Board.

He said Felda must invest and expand its operations as competition is becoming increasingly intense both from within and outside.

"We are competing with the Sime Darby Group, Kuala Lumpur Kepong, IOI Group and Sabah Sawit and in fact with also foreign countries like China and Indonesia. Indonesia is actively increasing oil palm hectarage.

"If Felda don't want to intensify its business in whatever form, its huge size now will shrink in the 10 years ahead," he added.

Felda, the country's biggest plantation owner, owns some 800,000 hectares via Felda Global Ventures and Felda Holdings. -- BERNAMA

M'sia supports Palestine membership in UN

Posted: 24 Sep 2011 10:37 PM PDT

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia welcomes and strongly supports Friday's announcement by President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority for Palestine's full membership in the United Nations, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement today.

It said that despite arguments offered by Israel and other countries that peace could only be achieved through negotiations and not by UN resolutions, Malaysia felt that this was the most decisive and realistic solution to finding lasting peace in the Middle East.

"Malaysia totally rejects the arguments forwarded by Israel as to why the peace process has stalled, especially with regard to the issue of illegal settlements in the West Bank.

"In Malaysia's view, the illegal settlements are the core of the problem and they have to be removed.

"The Government of Malaysia is of the view that the membership in the UN would not jeopardise the peace process, therefore, the argument against the membership of Palestine in the UN is weak, unfounded and absurd.

"It is time for those who opposed the membership of Palestine in the UN to listen to the voice of the majority, which was obvious by the standing ovation that President Mahmoud Abbas received (at the UN General Assembly)," the statement said.

It said the offer by Israel to have immediate talks and the efforts by the Quartet (the United States, the UN, the European Union and Russia) to reschedule negotiations within one month appeared to be desperate efforts to dissuade Palestine from seeking membership.

The statement stressed that Malaysia would assist Palestine in securing the required number of votes it needed in the UN Security Council and in the General Assembly. -- BERNAMA

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Tennis / Malaysian Open: Quality fare despite withdrawals

Posted: 24 Sep 2011 05:14 PM PDT

2011/09/25
By Ajitpal Singh
ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my

Spain's World No 12 Nicolas Almagro will be hoping to land his first indoor hard court title.

THE Asian swing of the ATP Tour has been hit by withdrawals but fans in Kuala Lumpur can still expect an exciting week ahead in the RM3 million Malaysian Open.

The tournament, at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil, may have lost its defending champion Mikhail Youzhny of Russia and top seed Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic but this year's player list looks good with other top draws.

Spain's World No 12 Nicolas Almagro, Serbia's Viktor Troicki, Janko Tipsarevic and Austria's US Open doubles champion Jurgen Melzer are the top four seeds in the tournament. All four received first round byes.

Almagro, a clay court specialist with 10 career titles, will be hoping to clinch his first indoor hard court tournament in Kuala Lumpur.

The top seed faces either Kazakhstan's Mikhail Kukushkin or compatriot Albert Ramos in the second round while

Troicki, the second seed, takes on either Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin or a qualifier.

Troicki hopes to continue his winning streak in Asia with a third straight title. He won the singles in Bangkok in 2009 and followed up with a win in doubles last year.

Tipsarevic, a Davis Cup champion, has not won a title despite reaching four career finals while Melzer will be the one to watch as the 30-year-old is brimming with confidence after victory in doubles at the US Open.

The most anticipated match in the first round, however, is between Russia's 2009 champion Nikolay Davydenko and the United States' Ryan Harrison.

Davydenko, the World No 31, has won an outdoor title in Munich while Harrison, the World No 82, has reached two semi-finals this year. It will be their first meeting on the tour.

"It will be a difficult match as Davydenko will want to maintain Russia's stranglehold in this event," said Harrison yesterday.

Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis and Alex Bogom olov Jr. of the United States face each other in the first round with the former winning their only previous encounter five years ago.

The match between two wild cards -- Australia's World No 137 Matthew Ebden and Belgium's World 223 David Goffen is the other anticipated clash on the cards.

The singles and doubles main draw start tomorrow.

Meanwhile, none of the local players won their first round qualifying match yesterday.

Si Yew Ming, the national champion, played respectable tennis but still lost 6-4, 6-2 to World No 558 Stanislav Poplavskyy.

Compatriot Ariez Elyaas Deen Heshaam fizzled out after a good opening set in his 6-4, 6-0 defeat to China's Zhang, Ze.

Ahmad Deedat Abdul Razak and Wan Abdul Muiz Wan Abdul Aziz were also outclassed by experienced opponents.

Hockey: Coach warns TNB against complacency

Posted: 24 Sep 2011 05:08 PM PDT

2011/09/25
By Ajitpal Singh
ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my

TNB's Faizal Saari and YNS goalkeeper Nasir Ahmed face-off on Friday. TNB won 3-0. — Picture by Fariz Iswadi Ismail.

TENAGA Nasional Berhad (TNB) coach Lailin Abu Hassan has warned his players not to be overconfident when they face UniKL in today's TNB-MHL Premier Division match at the National Hockey Stadium.

TNB are hoping to finally hit peak form following unconvincing wins of late while UniKL want to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Sapura on Friday.

Lailin hopes his team will finally show their true colours today.

"UniKL are a fit team with many talented players. We cannot take them lightly as they are energetic," said Lailin yesterday.

"I will likely make some tactical changes to counter UniKL's fast pace style of play."

UniKL manager Amir Azhar Ibrahim said his team need to work on their composure to win matches.

"We led for 64 minutes against Sapura before they hit back with two quick goals.

"It was a waste as my boys controlled almost the entire match. I do not want this to happen again," said Amir.

On today's match, he said his side must play a tight game to contain TNB.

"We cannot afford to play an open game as TNB are an experienced side," added Amir.

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Jumaat, 23 September 2011

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G20 ministers pledge support for development

Posted: 23 Sep 2011 10:31 PM PDT

WASHINGTON: The Group of 20 (G20) leading economies' finance and development ministers on Friday pledged to address development challenges as part of the global economic agenda, as developing countries worry about the spillover effect of debt crisis and slowing growth in advanced economies, China's Xinhua news agency reported.

The G20 meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the annual meetings of World Bank and International Monetary Fund in US capital Washington, reiterated the commitment to the Seoul Development Consensus, which put development as a key element of the agenda for global recovery, mapping out the group's work in partnership with other developing countries.

According to a communique issued by the G20, the ministers reviewed ways to

strengthen food security and infrastructure to "maximise growth potential and
economic resilience in developing countries," in preparation for the G20 Summit
due in November in Cannes, southern France.

The ministers said they intend to improve global food security through research, innovation and dissemination mobilizing the G20 agriculture networks.

They also announced a pilot project led by the Economic Community of Western
African States for a targeted regional emergency humanitarian food reserve.

The meeting took place on the backdrop of a worsening Eurozone debt crisis,
which threatens to undermine confidence and throw global economy into
territories of more uncertainty.

The G20 acknowledged that the economic crisis disproportionately affect the
most vulnerable people, and calls for mechanisms to offer better protection and
ensure a more inclusive growth path. It also welcomes participation of the
private sector in the development agenda. - Bernama

Death toll rises to 7 in Colombia mine accident

Posted: 23 Sep 2011 10:30 PM PDT

BOGOTA: Rescue personnel found two more dead miners killed in a coal mine explosion in Colombia's central province of Boyaca Friday, raising the death toll to seven, China's Xinhua news agency reported.

Carlos Ivan Marquez, the National Emergency director, said authorities are still hopeful for survival of four of the 11 people confirmed to be working 300
meters underground in the mine named Diamond when the blast struck.

Rescue workers intensified their efforts Thursday and took advanced
oxygen and artificial respiratory equipment deep down to the spot where the four
miners, whom they believe are still alive, are trapped.

According to authorities, the coal mine, located near the capital, had been
operating with all necessary legal papers.

Colombia has lost at least 45 miners in mining accidents this year alone,
and in most cases, the mines involved were found to have violated safety
regulations. - Bernama

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ZUBAIDAH ABU BAKAR: 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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Football / Malaysia Cup: Maniam welcomes Selangor test

Posted: 23 Sep 2011 05:09 PM PDT

2011/09/24
By Ajitpal Singh
ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my

P. Maniam is confident of turning Selangor's fortunes around against Police today.

P. MANIAM maintains he has nothing to fear as the former international prepares for his first match in charge of Selangor as they look to bounce back against Police in a Malaysia Cup Group D match today.

Maniam was named as head coach of the 32-time Malaysia Cup champions until the end of the season following the resignation of K. Devan on Monday.

Having spent the last two-and-a-half seasons as Devan's assistant, today will represent Maniam's first senior match in sole control as coach.

Before becoming Selangor's assistant coach, Maniam steered the state youth teams to victory in the 2006 National Youth Football Competition and the 2008 President's Cup. He also guided Selangor to a silver medal at last year's Malaysia Games in Malacca.

"There is no fear. It is a great experience for me, I can't deny that. The players know me and I'm looking forward to it," said Maniam, who had stints with Selangor (1989-96), Kuala Lumpur (1997-99) and Public Bank (2000-04) during his successful playing career.

"Devan's resignation came as a shock, but you can only be who you are. It was dramatic, but the next day you have to prepare yourself for a situation that will be unique for us. My only task is to give each player confidence and be their strength.

"I've been given this chance to impress the Selangor FA and I will do my best to get Selangor into the quarter-finals."

Maniam, however, has a difficult task on his hands as Selangor cannot afford to drop points against Police if they hope to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Selangor, who finished third in the Super League, have earned only four points and are third behind T-Team and Kuala Lumpur with two matches left to play in Group D.

"Every coach obviously has his own ideas and of course, I will make tactical changes to strengthen the team. I am confident that I have a squad of players capable of playing good football," said Maniam, who represented the national team between 1991-94.

Selangor's season has so far been below par, mainly because of their toothless attack after national striker Safee Sali signed for Indonesia's Pelita Jaya in February.

Badminton / Japan Open: Still feeling the blues

Posted: 23 Sep 2011 05:09 PM PDT

2011/09/24
K.M. Boopathy
boopathy@nst.com.my

Peter Gade Christensen will be taking on Lee Chong Wei today.

LEE Chong Wei has declared he still has not recovered from the disappointment of losing in the World Championships final last month and a patchy performance saw him barely surviving the Japan Open quarter-finals in Tokyo yesterday.

Chong Wei was taken to three games by Kenichi Tago of Japan before the Malaysian secured a 21-23, 21-7, 21-18 win in 56 minutes to reach the semi-finals.

However, there was plenty to be concerned about as Chong Wei let slip a 16-11 lead in the first game to lose 23-21 and allowed Kenichi to fight back from 19-10 in the third game before winning 21-18.

The World No 1 cannot afford to lose concentration in the last four today where he meets veteran Peter Gade Christensen of Denmark, who defeated Indonesia's Simon Santoso 21-14, 21-15.

Chong Wei, who suffered a narrow defeat to nemesis Lin Dan in the World Championships, said he has not recovered mentally from the shock defeat.

"I had match points at 20-19 and 21-20. I had a chance to win but I lost the match. I have been very down since then," said Chong Wei.

"I just decided to come, because this is the 30th anniversary of the Japan Open."

Lin Dan also struggled in his 20-22, 21-14, 22-20 win over compatriot Chen Jin and will play another China player, Chen Long -- who defeated Jan Jorgensen of Denmark 21-14, 21-13, in the last four today.

In the men's doubles, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong secured a place in the semi-finals when they overcame compatriots Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah 21-16, 19-21, 21-17.

They play world champions Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng of China today.

Cai Yun-Haifeng, who beat Candra Wijaya-Alvent Yulianto of Indonesia 21-12, 21-14, have beaten Kien Keat-Boon Heong seven times in 12 meetings.

The second semi-final will see brothers Markis Kido and Bona Septano taking on each other with their respective partners.

Markis and Hendra Setiawan defeated South Korean scratch pair Ko Sung Hyun-Lee Yong Dae 21-10, 15-21, 21-14 while Bona, partnering Mohammad Ahsan, defeated Liu Xiaolong-Qiu Zihan of China 21-5, 21-16 in the quarter-finals.

Selected Q-Final Results -- Men's Singles: Lee Chong Wei (Mas) bt Kenichi Tago (Jpn) 21-23, 21-7, 21-18; Peter Gade Christensen (Den) bt Simon Santoso (Ina) 21-14, 21-15; Chen Long (Chn) bt Jan Jorgensen (Den) 21-14, 21-13; Lin Dan (Chn) bt Chen Jin (Chn) 20-22, 21-14, 22-20.

Doubles: Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng (Chn) bt Alvent Yulianto-Hendra Gunawan (Ina) 21-12, 21-14; Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong (Mas) bt Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah (Mas) 21-16, 19-21, 21-17; Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan (Jpn) bt Ko Sung Hyun-Lee Yong Dae (Kor) 21-10, 15-21, 21-14; Mohammad Ahsan-Bona Septano (Ina) bt Liu Xiaolong-Qiu Zihan (Chn) 21-5, 21-16.

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NST Online Business Times : latest

US bourses see US$1tril wiped off

Posted: 23 Sep 2011 06:48 PM PDT

NEW YORK: An estimated US$1 trillion was wiped off the value of US stocks this week, amid heightened fears that the world economy is heading for another recession.

After a string of warnings that Europe and the United States must do more to put their economies in order, the Federal Reserve on Wednesday provided the straw that broke the market's back.

The bank's warning, that there are "significant downside risks to the economic outlook," sent stocks into a tailspin with the Dow Jones industrial average losing nearly 800 points over the next 24 hours.

By the end of Thursday an estimated US$103 billion had been wiped off the value of that 30-member index.

But the sea of red did not end with the blue chips.

According to figures from the Wilshire 5000, the broadest index available for the US equity market, around US$1 trillion was lost during the week.

That made it the second worst week since October 2008 -- the height of the financial crisis.

Stocks eventually halted their downward slide on Friday, with the Dow ending the day just above the break-even mark despite ongoing gloom about the state of the global economy.

The bounce-back came despite a tepid view of policymakers' responses to the rekindled crisis.

A pledge from G20 finance ministers to mount a powerful response to global recovery threats appeared to do little to assuage fears.

The finance chiefs noted "heightened downside risks from sovereign stresses, financial system fragility, market turbulence, weak economic growth and unacceptably high unemployment."

That drew a muted response on Wall Street.

"The market is worried about the European situation and that the officials are moving too slow in terms of their action of getting things under control," said Scott Marcouiller of Wells Fargo Advisors.

"It's fear and uncertainty, the two things that the markets hate the most, it is continuing to dominate the marketplace."

The Dow ended the week down 6.4 per cent at 10,771.48 points.

The broader S&P 500 fell 6.5 per cent to 1,136.43 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 5.3 per cent to 2,483.23.

Traders predicted more choppiness ahead.

"It's going to be a period of tremendous volatility," said Gina Martin of Wells Fargo Securities.

"It will depend on what happens with policy in Europe, fiscal policy in the US, and probably the eco data and how much weaker the eco data gets.

"We're starting to price in weaker data, it's just a matter of how much weaker the economy gets. If the data says a recession is more likely the market will suffer." --AFP

Kredit: www.nst.com.my

Ahad, 25 September 2011