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Kayu Nasi Kandar owner lodges report over poison-pen letter Posted: 06 Sep 2011 11:13 PM PDT KUALA LUMPUR: A "nasi kandar" restaurant owner has lodged a police report over a poison-pen letter accusing him of being a cheat and engaging in gambling and the forecast of lottery numbers. Sirajudin Mohamed Mydin, 48, the owner and chief executive of Kayu Nasi Kandar Restaurant, dismissed the allegations in the letter as slander by certain quarters envious of his thriving nasi kandar business. Sirajuddin said he lodged a report at the Shah Alam police headquarters yesterday after his sister-in-law had faxed him the poison-pen letter found pasted at a hairdressing salon in Kuala Kangsar, Perak. He said he hoped that the people would not believe the contents of the letter which attempted to discredit him and his business. Sirajuddin claimed that his nasi kandar business was growing and that he had three restaurants, in Shah Alam, Damansara and Subang Jaya in Selangor. - BERNAMA

No radioactive contamination in Malaysia: Maximus Posted: 06 Sep 2011 10:37 PM PDT KUALA LUMPUR: No radioactive contamination has been detected in Malaysia to date after the March 11 nuclear incident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in Japan, the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry confirmed today. Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB), as part of its standard procedures, was continuously monitoring the environmental radiological level throughout the country via the Environmental Radiological Monitoring System. The system is located at seven sites (Chuping, Ipoh, Senai, Melaka, Kuantan, Sri Aman and Kudat). "Reading at these sites continue to show levels are normal and safe for the people," he said in a statement today. Malaysia's regulatory limit considered safe for the people is 0.5 micro-Sievert per hour. Nonetheless, he said, the AELB would continue with its monthly sampling, especially for seawater throughout Malaysia at Kota Baharu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Mersing, Kuching, Labuan and Kudat. Since April 2, various samples, including rainwater, seawater, drinking water, soil and vegetation were taken from various points all over Malaysia to monitor the possibility of radioactive contamination in the country. Maximus said the AELB and Malaysian Nuclear Agency would continue to offer free individual contamination screening at their headquarters. People requiring screening and verification of industrial products imported from Japan can make enquiries with ANM at 03-89251201/019-3877609 (Ibrahim Ali) or 03-89256270/019-3888031 (Zulkifli Hashim), he added. Enquiries can also be made at the AELB information radiological centre's hotline by caling toll-free line at 1-800-88-7999 or e-mail at MNR-Customer@aelb.gov.my. - BERNAMA

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Direct recruitment of Indonesian maids eliminate hefty fees Posted: 06 Sep 2011 08:40 PM PDT PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) today expressed support for the government's policy to allow Malaysians to recruit Indonesian maids directly. Its vice-president, S. Balasubramaniam, said both the Malaysian employers and the maids would benefit greatly because the move would eliminate the middlemen agents who he claimed charged hefty fees. He was commenting on the statement by the Indonesian Embassy's minister- counsellor for information, social and cultural affairs, Suryana Sastradiredja, that direct recruitment of Indonesian domestic helpers was in contempt of Indonesian laws. Balasubramaniam told Bernama it was wrong for the Indonesian embassy to put the blame squarely on the Malaysian government since it was the Indonesian agents who were "dragging their feet and had yet to implement the MoU signed between both countries three months ago". Under such circumstances, he said, it was only right for the government to allow direct recruitment. He said the agents charged between RM8,000 and RM12,000, and this was a big burden on an average Malaysian household which could ill-afford such high fees. Moreover, he said, part of the fees were to be deducted from the maid's salary, which in some instances amounted to about six months. "To work for six months without any pay is a totally unacceptable practice and is against all human ethics," he said. Balasubramaniam pointed out that bringing in maids was much cheaper and the employers, instead of paying the agents, could pay the maids a bigger salary. He said that almost 99.9 per cent of Malaysian employers were humane and kind to their maids and the Indonesian authorities had nothing to be worried about. "Mistreatment of maids is rare and far between, and is usually blown out of proportion by the media," he said. -- BERNAMA

'Mat Indera was never vindicated' Posted: 06 Sep 2011 11:19 AM PDT 2011/09/07 By Ahmad Fairuz Othman and Syed Umar Ariff news@nst.com.my JOHOR BARU: Ahmad Indera or Mat Indera has never been officially vindicated as an independence fighter in the book Pengukir Nama Johor. However, its publisher, Yayasan Warisan Johor is leaving the matter up to interpretation as the article on Mat Indera was written by then YWJ assistant director for integrity, Ismail Adnan, who had presented his arguments based on academic research. In a statement yesterday, YWJ director Muhamad Fuad Radzuan said to ensure the topic was open for discussion, another article in the book by Sahgidon Dirhan portrayed Mat Indera as a communist terrorist. "Another article in the same book, entitled 'Bajuri Haji Siraj', by Sahgidon Dirhan, stated that Mat Indera was a Malay communist leader who had committed terrorism and atrocities to his own people. "Therefore, the book Pengukir Nama Johor is a compilation of studies by individual researchers and writers even though it (their writings) may lead to controversy. "It is up to the community, specifically historians, to interpret and evaluate. It is feared that interpretation from those who are ignorant may confuse the community." The book is the third of its kind published in Johor to commemorating Merdeka Day in 2004. The book recorded biographies of prominent local figures. The first, Pejuang Terbilang Johor, was published in 2002 and the second book, Tokoh Ternama Johor, in 2003. The publication was a project under Pewaris -- the Johor Historical Heritage Research and Literature Project. It involved researchers and writers who were trained by academicians from public higher learning institutions in the country. Fuad said the purpose of the books was to gather information about prominent local figures from various backgrounds and fields. "YWJ gave freedom to the researchers and writers in presenting their findings, with the hope that their research will spur other writers to expand the information in their writings in order to make it more comprehensive." YWJ is better known for its stable of musicians, dancers and artistes, who promote the state's culture through stage performance or at official events. However, it has a lesser-known function as an archiver of historical manuscripts. Meanwhile, Johor Local Government, Housing, Works and Public Amenities Committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Zahri Jamil said there had been too much polemics following the news report of Mohamad Sabu's statement about the Bukit Kepong communist attack but he didn't elaborate further.

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Flood spoils 30-year vinyl collection Posted: 14 Mar 2011 06:27 PM PDT 2010/11/10 Adie Suri Zulkefli adie@nst.com.my Tengku Nahar Tengku Mansor holds his treasured collection of Michael Jackson Thriller at his flood-ravaged house at Taman Rakyat, Alor Star. NST picture by Ramdzan Masiam ALOR STAR: Flood victim Tengku Nahar Tengku Mansor, 48, was devastated when he came home to find his collection of vinyl records was soaked in mudwaters after the city was ravaged by floods last Wednesday. The father of three only realised the irreparable damages when he returned to his house at Taman Rakyat, Jalan Sultanah Bahiyah here on Saturday after seeking refuge at a relative's home in Hutan Kampung. Self-employed Tengku Nahar said his record collection were kept in the storeroom of his double-storey house and he had forgotten about the records when his family were rushing to evacuate the house last week. "I was busy moving our furniture to the upper-floor when the flood started to reach our doorstep last Wednesday. I forgot about the records that was stacked in a box which I placed on the floor of the store room," said crestfallen Tengku Nahar. Tengku Nahar said he may salvage the vinyl records but the album covers were spoilt. His collection includes evergreens and superstars the likes of Bee Gees, Dan Hill, Neil Young, David Gates, Kim Carnes, Cliff Richard, Nat King Cole, and Graham Nash. Tengku Nahar began collecting the vinyl records in the 1970s, and he loved each of them dearly. "This is the precious collection of my life, I simply could not believe that I forgot about them when we were leaving the house," he added. Tengku Nahar had lived in Langkawi for over 20 years before moving back to his hometown in Alor Star two months ago. "I had never expected this area would be inundated by flood as it was never badly affected even during the major flood in 2005. I certainly hope that it would not occur again," he said. He thanked the volunteer rescuers for helping them in the evacuation process. "I didn't realise how serious the situation was until the rescuers arrived at 11pm on Thursday telling us to leave the house as the authority was about to cut-off the electricity supply on safety ground," he said, sharing his first experience with flood disaster. Tengku Nahar said he was planning to frame all the vinyl record and have them hung on the wall but did not have the time to do so. He only managed to frame his most treasured album 'Thriller', by the late King of Pop Michael Jackson. "At least I still have this."

Nation needs DNA banks, says lead CSI Posted: 09 Mar 2011 10:50 AM PST 2010/12/08 By Nor Hidayati Mokhtar SHAH ALAM: Malaysia needs to build DNA banks or repositories to assist in solving crimes and prosecuting cases, according to a senior forensic police officer. Head of the Police Forensic Lab's Crime Scene Unit (CSU) Supt Amidon Anan said the ability to collect DNA at crime scenes often proved futile as the forensic lab had only a limited bank of samples. "Having the DNA is useful if we have suspects we can match the samples against. But we are unable to use the samples to help us find potential perpetrators as we don't have DNA banks like what you see on the television series CSI," said Amidon. He was speaking to students from UiTM's Faculty of Communication and Media Studies on the topic, 'Crime as the elective subject' at the campus here on Oct 5. The need to create and develop DNA banks was critical, said Amidon, given the high public expectations on the police to safeguard society and reduce crime. He said: "DNA banks can help the CSU in many pending cases, such as Nurin Jazlin. It was sad that while we were able to collect a DNA sample from the body of the child, we had little means or resources to match it with the likely murderer," he said. Nurin Jazlin was a high-profile case of a missing child whose body was subsequently dumped in a gym bag in Petaling Jaya more than three years ago. Amidon expressed his frustration that the CSU's repeated requests for the establishment of DNA banks seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. While the cost of implementing such a project would be substantial, he said it would only escalate over time and "if not now, then when?" "It is not about being a hero in solving these cases. It is about finding justice for the victim's family." "Having this ability to solve and prosecute cases would significantly reduce the ability of criminals to get away with their crimes," added Amidon. (Ed: This article first appeared in Varsity Voice, a monthly publication jointly produced by the New Straits Times and Universiti Teknoogi MARA (UiTM) under the newspaper's Journalism on Campus project.)

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Alam Maritim gains on winning RM221m deal Posted: 06 Sep 2011 06:08 PM PDT Alam Maritim Resources Bhd, a Malaysian oil and gas services provider, rose the most in more than four months after winning a RM220.8 million (US$74 million) contract. The stock gained 4.8 percent to 76.5 sen at 9:01 a.m. local time in Kuala Lumpur trading, set for its steepest increase since April 20. -- Bloomberg

Takaso rebounds from yesterday's tumble Posted: 06 Sep 2011 06:17 PM PDT Takaso Resources Bhd, a Malaysian consumer products company, rose the most in two weeks in Kuala Lumpur trading after saying it's not aware of any reason for the recent plunge in its shares. The stock climbed 2.3 percent to 22.5 sen at 9:10 a.m. local time, set for its steepest gain since Aug. 23. It tumbled 35 percent yesterday. -- Bloomberg

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MOVIE TREAT Posted: 05 Sep 2011 10:43 AM PDT For the first time, Soroptimist clubs nationwide simultaneously have children from over 30 homes watching the charity premiere of Cars 2 AFTER the charity screening of the Disney-Pixar animated movie, Cars 2, comments like, "I like Mater!" and "I want to be friends like Lightning McQueen and Materare" were heard among the excited children as they walked out of the theatre at Cathay Cineplex, City Square Johor Baru. They came out starry-eyed, captivated by the antics and adventures of the movie characters that were involved in a World Grand Prix that took them from Radiator Springs, United States, to Tokyo and London. The intrigue of international espionage, exciting car chases and Mater's bathroom scene in Japan certainly put a smile on their faces. The screening in Johor Baru was part of the nationwide charity premiere of Cars 2 for 1,200 children from more than 30 homes that was hosted by 13 Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia clubs. For the first time,the event was organised for the charity movie to be screened simultaneously in various locations from Penang to Johor Baru. Over 2,800 tickets were sold throughout the country for children to enjoy the movie and raise funds for Soroptimist's education service projects. "We need funds, sponsorships and other forms of help to benefit these children," said Soraya Alkaff, president-elect of Soropti mist International Johor Baru (SIJB). Working with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Malaysia as one of the event's main coordinators, SIJB were among the clubs in Penang, Ipoh, the Klang Valley, Kuantan and Seremban to host the nationwide event. The clubs had the support of Cathay Cineleisure at the Curve in Petaling Jaya, Penang and Johor Baru, as well as Tanjong Golden Village cinemas in Ipoh and Seremban, and Golden Screen Cinemas in Kuantan to make this simultaneous charity screening a success. Some 107 of these children were given the opportunity to interact with local children from the Villa Paulos Orphanage Home, Puspanesan Welfare Home, Berkat Welfare Association and students from Sri Ara International School. Tickets were sponsored by individuals and corporations who share in the non-governmental organisation's vision to help underprivileged children, including giving them happy experiences such as enjoying a movie in a theatre. Proceeds from ticket sales were channelled to the various clubs for their respective education projects in line with Soroptimist International's long-term vision, "Soroptimists: Educate to Lead -- Empower, Educate, Enable". Some 330 tickets were sold by SIJB for the event. Proceeds will go towards the maintenance of the two schools under the club's Project ABC -- Kota Tinggi School for Rohingys and Kulai School for Rohingys.

State needs bigger convention centres Posted: 05 Sep 2011 09:13 AM PDT 2011/09/05 by Sim Bak Heng SOMETIMES, it makes sense to lay claim to be the biggest or the longest of certain things. You would have noted there are more exhibitions, expos and trade fairs in Johor Baru in recent years, and this is largely attributed to the setting up of more convention centres at the southern gateway. Prior to the emergence of these centres, most events are held at big halls or stadiums. These days, the word big halls and stadiums could be quite deceptive, as most of the time, they are generally smaller than convention centres. Convention centres is a big business, so is event management. The two always work in a pair, as no one could survive without the other. We have the Persada Convention Centre, the Danga Bay Convention Centre and the Expo @Danga City Mall, which operate from independent buildings. Some shopping centres and hotels also joined the bandwagon by setting up their own so-called convention centres. The organiser of an event in Johor Baru recently told me the convention centres in Johor Baru are just too small to accommodate more booths. I was perplexed by his statement and told him the Persada is the biggest in Johor Baru so far. He told me there are even bigger ones in the Klang Valley. Without giving names, I already know he must be referring to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the Putra World Trade Centre, Mines Convention Centre, the Mid Valley Convention Centre, among others. I attended events at the four convention centres and agreed that some are bigger than those in Johor Baru. What difference does it make to have a smaller or bigger convention centre? The organiser said an organiser of a big event in the Klang Valley with 300 participants will find it difficult to host a similar event of the same scale in Johor Baru. So when the event organiser comes down to Johor to host the same event, chances are that he has to slash the number of participants. Who is losing out eventually? Now it makes sense to have a bigger convention centre, rather than to have the biggest pizza or longest satay. Convention centres provide the platform for businessmen to explore and expand their market, as well as for consumers or buyers to get their supply of goods and services. With fast development taking shape in Iskandar Malaysia, and impressive figures announced by the state government, it makes sense for us to explore the possibility of having a bigger convention centre. For those who had visited the Shanghai Expo, they will realise how small we are in size. That should encourage the state to do better.

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Malaysian exhibitors showcase garden furniture at Cologne Fair Posted: 05 Sep 2011 11:10 PM PDT Frankfurt: The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), is showcasing their products at the prestigious Cologne garden furniture trade fair called SPOGA which runs from September 4 to 6. The Malaysian products on display at the Cologne show include garden, terrace and balcony furniture, garden decorations, cushions for camping and garden furniture and others. Although the Malaysian exhibitors are participating on their own, the Frankfurt-based Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) said that it would be providing any support they may need. "This is an important event for the garden furniture trade and, if I am not mistaken, it is the biggest show of its kind worldwide," Matrade Commissioner in Germany, Mohd Sabri Abd Rahman, told Bernama during a recent interview. Export statistics provided by Sabri revealed that Malaysia's worldwide exports of furniture, wooden and other non-specific products during the first five months of the year amounted to 201.653 million euros, a 5.77 per cent decline compared with the same period a year ago. The United States of America continued to be Malaysia's biggest market for this product category, absorbing some 50.458 million euros worth of products in the first five months of the current year, down 24.41 per cent from the same period last year. Other important markets in the top 10 importing nations in the sequence of order were Japan, Singapore, the U.K., Australia, Canada, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France and Germany. Sabri attributed the decline in Malaysia's exports of garden furniture and accessories to the slow economic recovery in many traditional markets. "Expectations of continuing strong economic growth in Germany, for example, were dashed when the second quarter growth came in at a disappointing 0.1 percent. "Indeed, forecast from all the major economic institutes had predicted growth rates ranging from 0.2 per cent to 0.8 per cent. Nevertheless, Gross Domestic Product growth for 2011 as a whole is still expected to exceed 3 percent," Sabri said. Malaysian businessmen visiting German trade fairs have expressed concern over the economic uncertainties in many European countries, including Germany, plagued by the ongoing Euro crisis. "We have been seeing both positive and negative business and economic news about Germany in recent weeks, some of which may affect trade levels with Malaysia. "Local developments are, however, overshadowed by the ongoing Euro crisis arising from very high indebtedness in several Euro-zone member countries," said Sabri. According to Ifo, a German economic research institute, business confidence in Germany had dropped sharply in August amid fears that an overall slowdown in the global economy would negatively impact German exports. Despite the macro-economic uncertainties that characterise the present business mood in Germany, Malaysia's exports to Germany surged 29 per cent in the January-May period of this year. German imports from around the world grewat a slower rate of 19 per cent. Sabri predicted that based on the current slowdown in Germany's economic activity, Malaysia's export growth rate will not attain the record growth of 40 per cent of 2010, though Malaysia's exports will grow at "an above-average level". Sabri also believed that the present troubles faced by high-tech companies such as Infineon and Q-Cells will probably lead to an even greater transfer of production from Germany to Malaysia. -- BERNAMA

Djokovic in all-Serb clash, Federer, Tsonga through Posted: 05 Sep 2011 11:04 PM PDT NEW YORK: World number one Novak Djokovic set up an all-Serbian quarter-final at the US Open on Monday, while Roger Federer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga advanced to a Grand Slam rematch. Djokovic, who has lost just two matches in a spectacular season that has seen him win the Australian Open and Wimbledon as he surged to number one, defeated Alexandr Dolgopolov 7-6 (16/14), 6-4, 6-2 to advance to a last-eight meeting with friend and Davis Cup teammate Janko Tipsarevic. Third-seeded Federer dismantled unseeded Argentinian Juan Monaco 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 to line up a clash with France's Tsonga, the man who rallied from two sets down to beat him in the Wimbledon quarter-finals. Tsonga, the 11th seed, doused the hopes of eighth-seeded American Mardy Fish 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. Their three-hour, 43-minute tussle on the Arthur Ashe court helped ensure that Federer didn't take the court until shortly before midnight. Federer and Monaco also had to wait out the protracted battle between women's world number one Caroline Wozniacki and former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova. Once they had, a focused Federer appeared determined not to stay up any later than he had to. He won the first set in 18 minutes and by the time it was all over he had blasted 42 winners — including 14 aces — past the hapless Monaco. After breaking Monaco in the opening game of the second set, Federer won the next game with four straight aces. "It's only a game, only a few points, but it's nice to win it that way," Federer said. "It's tough for Juan," Federer said. "I've been in his position before. I thought he fought bravely. Sometimes it's not your time — tonight it was mine." Tsonga and Fish, in contrast, battled for almost four hours, both finding the going tough in the swirling afternoon winds. "Today was just really difficult because of Mardy, of course, because of the wind, because of all the conditions," said Tsonga, who also beat Federer in Montreal in August. For Fish, playing his first Grand Slam as America's top-ranked man, it was a bitter pill to swallow after a hardcourt victory and two finals appearances in the build-up to the US Open. Djokovic, playing out on the smaller Louis Armstrong Stadium, also struggled with the wind and with the unpredictable Dolgopolov in the early going, needing six set points — and saving four — to claim the marathon first-set tiebreaker. "I was confused on the court the first set," admitted Djokovic, who nevertheless notched his 61st match victory of the year with relative ease. "I think it was exciting for the crowd to watch because it was very close," he said. "But I think it was game-wise an ugly first set because I wasn't happy with the way I played." Ugly or not, the packed house loved it, and Djokovic said he was happy to play a match on the more intimate Armstrong court. "Sometimes it's really nice to be on the smaller court where the crowd is closer to the court where you can feel them." Two straight forehand errors from Djokovic gave Dolgopolov a 4-0 lead in the tiebreaker. A favorable net cord helped Djokovic take the next point to launch a run of five straight, and he finally finished it off when Dolgopolov sent a forehand long. From there Djokovic was in control, opening each of the next two sets with service breaks and rolling home from there. Djokovic said it would be difficult to play Tipsarevic in the quarter-finals, but the match-up has an upside. "There's going to be a Serbian in the semi-finals, which is great for our country," he said. Tipsarevic, 27, reached the last eight of a Grand Slam for the first time, his 20 aces helping him prevail in a baseline battle against former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero 7-5, 6-7 (3/7), 6-5, 6-2. The quarter-final lineup will be completed on Tuesday, when defending champion and second seed Rafael Nadal takes on unseeded Gilles Muller of Luxembourg and world number four Andy Murray tackles young American Donald Young. Fifth-seeded David Ferrer of Spain faces America's former world number one Andy Roddick, and French 12th seed Gilles Simon meets big-serving American John Isner. -- AFP

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Back to Somalia Posted: 05 Sep 2011 10:37 AM PDT Back to Somalia 2011/09/06 By Elvina Fernandez news@nst.com.my Putera 1Malaysia Club to set up camp dedicated to Noramfaizul KUALA LUMPUR: The Putera 1Malaysia Club will return to Somalia next month to continue its humanitarian efforts there. Club president Datuk Azeez Abdul Rahim said the details were being finalised. "We learn from every mission and the club will improve safety measures. We want to set up a 1Malaysia camp dedicated to Noramfaizul (Mohd Nor, the BernamaTV cameraman who was shot dead in Mogadishu)," he told the New Straits Times yesterday. Azeez said, so far, about half of the recent mission team members were prepared to return to Somalia. "They are prepared emotionally, mentally and physically to go back there." He dismissed the need for counselling to help participants cope with emotional instability or trauma from the incident. "They are coping fine with the incident." Azeez said there was a medical team, headed by Dr Alwi Abdul Rahman, providing emotional support to participants. He said comments and suggestions from various quarters would be taken into account as there was room for improvement before the next mission departed. "We have an open mind to criticisms but the public has to also recognise our sacrifices. "We did not carry out the mission for money or fame, but to bring humanitarian aid there. "It was on a voluntary basis and purely a humanitarian effort." Air your comment on this issue: Back to Somalia Log in with your Facebook account or use the form below to comment. New Straits Times reserves the right not to publish offensive or abusive comments and those of hate speech, harassment, commercial promos and invasion of privacy. Your IP will be logged and may be used to prevent further submission.The views expressed here are that of the members of the public and unless specifically stated are not those of NST.

More want to sign up for club's next mission Posted: 05 Sep 2011 10:36 AM PDT KUALA LUMPUR: No one was more fearful of something untoward happening in Somalia than Putera 1Malaysia Club president Datuk Abdul Azeez Rahim. "The night before the flight, during a briefing, I kept telling the media personnel that if anyone wanted to step down, they could do so. Nobody did. "I even gave blank cheques, credit cards, ATM cards with pin numbers to my wife before I left. I, too, have young children at home, and I made the necessary preparations in the event that I would die, because I was certain that if anyone was going to be shot in Somalia, it would be me," he told the New Straits Times yesterday. Despite the immense backlash he had faced, the allure of signing up for humanitarian missions in conflict areas was still very much alive. Azeez said he received more than 50 text messages from the public, including media, asking if they could join him and the club on its next mission. He also hit out at his detractors, who were calling for Umno Youth to be held responsible for the death of BernamaTV cameraman Noramfaizul Mohd Nor. "This has nothing to do with Umno Youth. Putera 1Malaysia Club is purely a non-governmental organisation with a membership comprising various races. "People are trying to draw parallels between the club and Umno just because I am a supreme council member of the party." Azeez said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had come to the Subang air force base on Sunday not because of his affiliation with the party. "They were there because they were proud of their fellow citizens who contributed to needy countries, representing Malaysia and bearing the Malaysian flag." On an online news portal report quoting Noramfaizul's uncle, Abu Bakar Md Yasin, demanding that the club take responsibility for his nephew's death, Azeez said he had spoken to the uncle last night and he was satisfied with his explanation. "Noramfaizul's parents also told me that they accepted their son's death and thanked me and Datuk Seri Najib Razak for our concern," he said. Earlier in the morning, Azeez, who appeared on RTM's Selamat Pagi 1Malaysia programme alongside Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, said he was informed by the insurance company that RM200,000 would be paid out to Noramfaizul's family. He slammed critics who labelled him "unpatriotic" for not focusing on helping those in need at home first, adding that the club had placed 11 ambulances with 11 volunteer doctors and 66 paramedics on highways to assist balik kampung motorists involved in accidents. He also criticised DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang for calling the mission a publicity stunt. "Lim's statement is wrong. Ask DAP to do one dangerous mission and see if they'll do it or not." Azeez also shared his account of what transpired during the incident. Rais said the club had done everything according to procedures, but the current standard operating procedures should be fine-tuned to prevent mishaps in the future. He said among the things that need to be looked at were the preparations for a particular mission, depending on whether it was related to natural disasters or an area of conflict. He said it was also important for the organisers to take out special insurance policies for its participants. Azeez said a team, comprising Malaysian ambassador to Libya Datuk Zulkifli Yaacob and a military intelligence officer holding the rank of colonel, had done reconnaissance of the area prior to the mission, adding that the club had gone a step further to insure everyone although they had signed indemnity forms. Rais said volunteers and media personnel who had participated in humanitarian missions overseas could share their experiences with future mission participants and assist the Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (IPPTAR) in coming up with a syllabus on covering conflict zones.

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