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King gets commission's report on Teoh's death Posted: 22 Jun 2011 11:12 PM PDT 2011/06/23 By Jennifer Gomez news@nst.com.my Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin receiving the report from Royal Commission of Inquiry chairman Tan Sri James Foong Cheng Yuen at Istana Terengganu in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. — Bernama picture KUALA LUMPUR: A 124-page report by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock was presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong yesterday, three days ahead of the June 25 deadline. Commission chairman Tan Sri James Foong Cheng Yuen told reporters this at a press conference at the Jalan Duta court complex here yesterday. Present were other members of the commission: former Federal Court judge Datuk Abdul Kadir Sulaiman, former Appeals Court judge Datuk T. Selventhiranathan, Penang Hospital forensics pathologist consultant Datuk Dr Bhupinder Singh and Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences medical faculty dean and forensic psychiatry consultant Professor Dr Mohamed Hatta Shaharom. Also present was the commission's secretary Datuk Saripuddin Kasim, who is the Prime Minister's Department's legal affairs division director-general. Foong said a copy of the report was to be extended to the prime minister. Foong said the course of preparing the report was "sometimes trying", but that at the end, they were " satisfied to have completed it". He said members of the commission went through 19,200 pages of notes of evidence and 256 exhibits. The terms of reference for the commission wwere to establish the cause and probe the circumstances surrounding and contributing to Teoh's death and to look into whether there was impropriety by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission during Teoh's questioning in relation to its standing orders and practices and recommend the appropriate action. Teoh was found dead on the fifth floor corridor of Plaza Masalam on July 16, 2009, hours after he was taken in for questioning by the MACC over the alleged misappropriation of state funds. At the time, he was a political aide to Seri Kembangan assemblyman Ean Yong Hian Wah. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

Taib denies secret stash in Switzerland Posted: 22 Jun 2011 11:12 PM PDT 2011/06/23 By Desmond Davidson, Nancy Nais and Lian Cheng news@nst.com.my Observers watching a telecast showing Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud denying having a private Swiss account or properties in Switzerland during the Sarawak state assembly yesterday. — NST picture by Mohd Radzi Bujang KUCHING: Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud denied yesterday that he has stashed illgotten gains in Switzerland as alleged by Basel-based organisation Bruno Manser Fund (BMF). "Let me state categorically that I have no secret Swiss bank accounts, no assets or investments of any description in Switzerland. "None whatsoever," the chief minister told the assembly in response to the allegation made online by BMF that he had bank accounts and assets in Switzerland, and that the Swiss financial regulatory body, Financial Markets Authority (Finma), was investigating the allegation. Taib, who made the unprecedented personal statement after the questionand- answer session, said the allegation by BMF about assets held by him in Switzerland was just a continuation of its malicious efforts to smear the state government and its leaders. "This allegation by the Bruno Manser Fund has since been used by local politicians to advance their own political agenda against me, and against the state government that I lead once again with a strong mandate from the people during the last state election in April this year. "As head of the state government, and as a member of the legislature, in keeping with parliamentary practice and tradition, I am accountable to this august house. "Therefore, it is my right... it's only right and proper for me to make a personal statement to this august house, in accordance with Standing Order 22, regarding this allegation by BMF, a foreign non-governmental organisation not at all accountable to the people of Sarawak." Taib told the assembly he had written to Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rel last month, asking her in clear and unequivocal terms to confirm if she had ordered any investigation into the allegation made by BMF to Finma. The chief minister said if she had, hewould like her to furnish him with a copy of the allegation so that he could exercise his rights to seek legal r e d r e s s. He said he would render full cooperation to the Swiss authorities to swiftly bring the truth to light. "Let me firmly reiterate here that the allegation by BMF is utterly false and, evidently, politically m o t i vat e d . "BMF has a track record of making scurrilous and scandalous allegations against the state government of Sarawak for many years, including the allegation of cutting down 90 per cent of our rainforests, although local and international forestry experts have certified that 70 per cent of our forests are still being preserved and sustainably managed." Opposition leader Wong Ho Leng (DAP-Bukit Assek) told a press conference later that the opposition was unhappy with Speaker Datuk Seri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar's ruling that there would be no debate on Taib's statement. "He is allowed to do that (make the statement) and there is no debate." Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

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Japan's 'Sense-Roid' replicates human hug Posted: 22 Jun 2011 10:51 PM PDT TOKYO: Japanese inventors have pushed the frontiers of technology with the ultimate companion for lonely singles — a wired torso-shaped device that you can hug and that hugs you back. The "Sense-Roid" looks like a tailor's mannequin with silicon skin and is packed with pressure sensors. It is connected to a jacket worn by the human user that replicates the embrace with the help of air compressors. The illusion of a mutual hug with the half-humanoid is enhanced by artificial muscles and vibrating devices in the "tactile jacket", say the inventors from the University of Electro-Communications in Tokyo. "Many people initially feel surprised and uncomfortable about the unusual experience, but they gradually get accustomed to it until they feel comfortable and pleasant," said research team member Nobuhiro Takahashi. "Usually people feel nothing, or they even feel bad, when they hug strangers, but they experience feelings of satisfaction, love and comfort when they hug a boyfriend or girlfriend," Takahashi said. "We wondered how humans would feel if they could hug themselves." He added that the device could be used in medical therapy and to give comfort to elderly people living alone. However, there were no immediate plans to put the gadget into commercial production. The Sense-Roid is on display at the 3D & Virtual Reality Expo that kicked off in Tokyo on Wednesday. - AFP Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

PM fields questions on One FM Posted: 22 Jun 2011 09:53 PM PDT KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, accompanying by his son Ashman, spent more than an hour at the One FM radio station today replying to several questions from listeners over the "Morning Kaki" programme. "I began my day today with my son at the One FM conti on the Morning Kaki programme conducted in Mandarin. "I spent more than an hour on the programme and answered several questions from listeners on the scholarship award policy," Najib wrote in his account on the social website, Facebook. -- BERNAMA Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

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Football: Chance to live the dream Posted: 22 Jun 2011 05:13 PM PDT Football: Chance to live the dream 2011/06/23 By Ajitpal Singh ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my THE national Olympic team are just 90 minutes away from joining the elite of Asia's Under-23 level football. Malaysia would achieve that dream if they beat Lebanon in today's second round return leg to earn a slot in the final round of the Olympic Qualifiers for the first time since 1984. "We have the depth and experience to reach far in the qualifiers. I strongly feel we can do it. But my players must focus on the current mission first," said coach Ong Kim Swee after the team managers' meeting at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya yesterday. "We are just 90 minutes away from being part of the 12 elite teams in Asia. It would be good for Malaysian football if we do it. "Who knows ... maybe once in the third round, we will be good enough to qualify for the London Olympics. Thinking big is good but we cannot think too far ahead just yet." Kim Swee said the return leg will be a tricky affair as his side need to score quick goals to hold an advantage. "We will have to do more attacking. But we must be careful as Lebanon have players with talent. These players are dangerous if we give them space. "The draw in Beirut will prove meaningless if we fail to beat Lebanon here. We need to approach this match carefully to attain a good result," added the Malacca-born coach. Kim Swee, however, will need to re-shuffle the team in the absence of suspended Mahalli Jasuli. The experienced right-back picked up his second yellow card in the first leg last weekend. The coach said Mahalli's absence will slightly affect the team's game-plan as the defender adds more fluency on the right flank. "We have Fandi (Othman) and Mohd Affize Faisal Mamat, who both can play on the right. Both are capable of doing well," he said. On the form of striker Izzaq Faris Ramlan, Kim Swee said the youngster needs more experience to become a better finisher. "Izzaq lacks international matches. He played well in Beirut but lacked the finishing. I have not decided whether to start him tomorrow (today)," he added. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

Badminton / Indonesia Open: Easy for Chong Wei Posted: 22 Jun 2011 05:11 PM PDT Badminton / Indonesia Open: Easy for Chong Wei 2011/06/23 By K.M. Boopathy boopathy@nstp.com.my TOMMY Sugiarto had given favourite Lee Chong Wei some scary moments in two previous meetings but was easily subdued in the Indonesia Open in Jakarta yesterday. Chong Wei, gunning for a fourth Indonesian Open title since 2007, strolled to a 21-16, 21-8 win in 32 minutes to advance to the second round of this Premier Super Series event. Tommy put up tough resistance in the opening rounds of the Malaysia Open Super Series in January and Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold last month but the Indonesian had no chance against Chong Wei yesterday. Chong Wei is on course for a hat-trick after winning the title in 2009 and last year but the Malaysian World No 1 stated that yesterday's win was important to stay ahead of the pack going into the 2012 London Olympics. "My two meetings earlier this year were enough for me to gauge Tommy's ability. I am aware of his strong points and managed to contain him," said Chong Wei. "My target here is to win a hat-trick of Indonesia Open titles but more importantly, this event is vital in terms of earning points to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics." Chong Wei will next play either Frenchman Brice Leverdez or Wong Wing Ki of Hong Kong, who were facing off in a late first-round match yesterday. Liew Daren suffered another agony after a narrow 30-28, 21-23, 21-12 defeat to six-time champion Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia in 76 minutes. Daren was also eliminated by Taufik in the first round of the Singapore Open last week. China's Olympic champion Lin Dan also came through with a 21-12, 21-15 over Alamsyah Yunus of Indonesia to set up a second round meeting with Japan's Sho Sasakai, who beat Hans Christian Vitinghus of Denmark 11-21, 21-17, 21-18, today. Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong were the only Malaysians left in the men's doubles when they thrashed Thailand's Songphon Anugritayawon-Sudket Prapakamol 21-10, 21-7 in 23 minutes. Kien Keat-Boon Heong will meet Naoki Kawamae-Shoji Sato of Japan, who beat professionals pair Gan Teik Chai-Tan Bin Shen 21-10, 21-19, in the second round today. Elite pair Fairuzizuan Tazari-Ong Soon Hock were beaten 21-10, 21-18 by Fang Chieh Min-Lee Sheng Mu of Taiwan while Zakry Latif-Hoon Thien How lost 21-15, 21-17 to Mohammad Ahsan-Bona Septano of Indonesia. Women's doubles Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui advanced to the second round, beating Line Kruse-Marie Roepke of Denmark 21-18, 24-22. SELECTED RESULTS -- 1st rd (Malaysia unless stated), Men's singles: Lee Chong Wei bt Tommy Sugiarto (Ina) 21-16, 21-8; Taufik Hidayat (Ina) bt Liew Daren 30-28, 21-23, 21-12; Nguyen Tien Minh (Vie) bt Lee Hyun Il (Kor) 21-15, 15-21, 21-13; Lin Dan (Chn) bt Alamsyah Yunus (Ina) 21-12, 21-15; Doubles: Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong bt Songphon Anugritayawon-Sudket Prapakamol (Tha) 21-10, 21-7; Fang Chieh Min-Lee Sheng Mu (Tai) bt Fairuzizuan Tazai-Ong Soon Hock 21-10, 21-18; Mohammad Ahsan-Bona Septano (Ina) bt Zakry Latif-Hoon Thien How 21-15, 21-17; Naoki Kawamae-Shoji Sato (Jpn) bt Gan Teik Chai-Tan Bin Shen 21-10, 21-19. Women's doubles: Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui bt Line Kruse-Marie Roepke (Den) 21-18, 24-22. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

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Life-long journey of learning and caring Posted: 21 Jun 2011 10:08 AM PDT 2011/06/22 by Gavri Devi Arasu LEARNING is a journey that never ends. This motto aptly describes my journey as a doctor, wife and mother to my two beautiful daughters and my friends. My medical journey began when I qualified from Lady Harding Medical College in New Delhi in 1974. Since then, this road has taken me through various departments in the Health Ministry for the State of Johor, with public health being a special area of interest for me. I have been fortunate that my journey has allowed me to live my passion to help those less fortunate and, intertwined with my professional journey, there have been many opportunities for me to contribute my heart, time and skills for worthy causes. Over the years, I have been actively involved in various organisations such as Johor Baru Mawar, the Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation and the Malaysian Medical Association. I have enjoyed working with and getting to know residents of aged-care facilities, special-needs children and single parents. I believe that learning is a life-long journey and am always keen on developing and challenging myself. Despite my hectic schedule, I still completed post-graduate studies in a variety of areas including Masters in Public Health, Reproductive Medicine and Occupational Health and Safety. To date, my journey has been primarily involved in helping people enter this world and improving the quality of their lives as they enjoy their journey through life. As I move into the new phase of my career as a doctor, I am now providing holistic care and walking with people and their families as their journey on this earth comes to an end and they begin a new one. I joined the Palliative Care Association of JB as a resident doctor in October 2009 and, since then, my days have been filled with visiting and examining cancer patients that need palliative care in their own home and making sure this leg of their journey is as comfortable as possible, both for themselves and for their families. I work with a team of people who give of themselves tirelessly to assist these patients in their time of need. Our home visits are based on referrals from various hospitals, family or friends and are primarily for the purposes of ensuring the patients are as comfortable as they can be, teaching their families how to best care for them and manage their symptoms, and also counselling and preparing their families for what is to come. So as to ensure I am providing the best level of care to my patients, their families and my team, I embarked on a new course of study: completing a general Certificate in Palliative Care, which required frequent travel to Singapore throughout the course. Some may think it crazy to undertake a new course of study at my age, but I am blessed to have the full support and encouragement of my family, who share my philosophy that learning never ends. Notwithstanding the nature of the work, it is always hard to lose a patient, especially when we have spent time with them and have gotten to know them and their families; we often feel we've lost a friend. Lavishing love on my family, friends and pets, nurturing a variety of plants in my garden and challenging myself to complete different types of handwork help calm me and restore my peace after a hard day at work. There is a strong and urgent need for the public to be aware of our services and I am actively involved in promoting our services through various avenues. I am presently conducting a course for volunteers who wish to help with this initiative. At the same time, I am working on a survey on client satisfaction among my patients during my home visits. This is to enable my team to be able to improve our services according to the clients' needs. My future plan is to embark on a survey on public awareness of palliative care in Johor Baru. Dr Gavri Devi Arasu is the former Deputy Director of Johor Department of Health. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

ARAB CULTURE Posted: 21 Jun 2011 10:02 AM PDT ARAB CULTURE 2011/06/21 By Syed Abdullah Syed Mohamed Popularised by Yemeni Arabs in the '60s, the 'samrah' enjoys a steady following THE samrah, a Middle Eastern cultural performance comprising music, songs and dance, was introduced to the Malay Archipelago by Arab traders during the eighth century. Samrah literally means night entertainment. It was performed by traders in the evenings as a form of entertainment after a hard day's work. The music ensemble of the samrah comprised stringed instruments such as gambus (lute) and violin, and percussion instruments such as the tambourine, darabuka, bongo and marwas (a two-sided cylindrical drum). Later the synthesiser and accordion were included in the ensemble. Spiritual songs sung by a soloist were the main repertoire of the samrah. According to Ahmad Roslan, an ethnic music enthusiast who carried out research on the history of samrah, the ensemble was popularised by Yemeni Arabs who settled down in Singapore and Malaysia in the 1960s. "It was started by two Yemeni brothers Omar and Hussein Bakshir, who settled in Indonesia during the early 50s," he said. Omar played the violin and Hussein the gambus. They were initially invited to perform in Singapore at a function organised by a group of Arab businessman. Accompanied by colleagues playing the percussion instruments, they wowed the guests, some of whom started dancing the zapin and syarah. From then on, the members of the ensemble were sought-after at Arab weddings in Singapore, Johor Baru and major towns in Malaysia, especially Kuala Lumpur. As the group became increasingly popular, the Bakshir brothers settled in Malaysia to popularise their music here. And so it was that in the late 60s right up to the early 80s, samrah became the favourite entertainment of Arabs in Johor Baru, Batu Pahat and Muar. In Johor Baru, the neighbourhood of Wadi Hana became the enclave of samrah, notably in the early '70s. However, samrah performances came to an end with the death of the brothers at the end of the '70s. In 1995, a group of boys from Wadi Hana revived the samrah, backed by the state Culture and Arts department and the Johor Baru district office. Calling themselves the Samrah Wadi Hana, the group comprised well known 60s pop singer Syed Abdul Kadir Syed Agil a.k.a S. Agil, accordion player Omar Osman (a one-time organist with the '60s pop group Les Coasters) and veteran violinist Syed Mustapha Aljufri. "Our repertoire is no longer confined to spiritual songs. At times, we perform Arabic pop numbers and Malay hits to gain more fans," said the group's gambus player Syed Abdullah Syed Abu Bakar. S. Agil, whose husky voice makes him popular with the women, frequently sings hits popularised by Amr Diab such as Nurul Ain (The Mind's Eye), Amarin (Two Moons) and Kalby Ekhtarak (My Heart Chose You). He also sings songs of P. Ramlee and those of other popular Malay artistes. Another up-and-rising gambus player-cum-vocalist Radzie Ali, 45, said samrah should be promoted by the government via workshops, competitions and annual festivals to prevent it from dying out. Currently, he leads the Wadi Al Samrah group. A samrah performance will usually begin with a taksim (a one-minute ad-lib instrumental tune led by the gambus) while the dancers sit on the floor. The dancers will then rise and perform at the sound of all the instruments. The zapin is performed by two pairs of male dancers. They move forward and backwards to the tune of a four-beat piece. The dancers extend their feet to the side on the fourth beat of the music p layed at a moderate pace. In between the music, the thunderous beat of the marwas accompany the movements of the dancers. The syarah dance is livelier and more energetic, with the darbuka beating in the background. It is normally performed by a pair of dancers who twirl and swing to the fast pace of the music. The dancers normally take turns to dance because of the lengthy music of each performance. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

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