we need a change.

New Petrol Prices.

2008-06-04T20:03:00.003+08:00

By tomorrow, petrol prices will be increase from RM 1.92 a litre to RM 2.70 a litre. While for diesel, the price will be RM 2.58. These new prices were announced by Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

‘Sexy’ School Uniforms To Stay.

2008-05-25T17:10:00.002+08:00

PALOH: The Education Minister dismissed talk that the current uniform worn by girls in government schools, which has been in use for decades, was too “sexy” and that it contributed to rape and other immoral acts.

Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein said the uniform would probably not change much in the next few years.

He said that he personally felt it was unfair to blame the students or their uniforms for sexual crimes committed against them.

“It is unfair to punish women and children for the clothes they wear for the act of the rapist,” he said, adding that he could not allow such stereotyping to continue.

“Clothing is not the main consideration for those who commit despicable acts like these,” he said, in reference to the National Islamic Students Association of Malaysia’s condemnation of the uniform for being too sexy.

The association said the uniform encouraged rape and pre-marital sex.

Hishammuddin said that although he believed that changing the uniforms would not reduce sexual crimes committed against schoolgirls, he would refer the matter to experts within his ministry before making a decision.

from thestar.com.my - 25 May 2008

Gerakan Retools Itself To Get Back In Mainstream Politics.

2008-05-25T17:01:00.003+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan will be positioning itself as the party of choice for all Malaysians under a rebranding effort that it hopes would bring the party back to mainstream politics.

At the party's 40th anniversary on Sunday, Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the party's mission was to build a united and democratic nation.

"In order to achieve this, we must consolidate, evaluate, motivate and rejuvenate the party."

Dr Koh said three thrusts would be undertaken, one of which was to voice Gerakan's ideology and policy position, and to advocate a Malaysian solution for major issues.

"The other two is to rebuild, rebrand and re-empower the party at all levels to effectively serve and represent all Malaysians and by doing so, to win the people's hearts and minds while regaining their mandate."

Dr Koh said the party was at its most challenging crossroads following the dismal results of the March 8 general election.

"Most of us are dejected or demoralised but we must keep telling ourselves that we are down but definitely not out," he said.

Dr Koh said after meeting with grassroots members over the past two months, the picture was clear that the members wanted Gerakan to continue.

"A few may have gone astray. We can understand that. But we will keep fighting because we believe we are still relevant to the people."

He added that Gerakan had to quickly understand the new political environment and that politics now had moved from being racial-based to being issues-based.

"That is exactly what we are fighting for, but somehow we ended up on the other side.

"In this case, what is good for the country is negative for the party but it confirms that this is the way forward and we definitely have a role to play."

He added that Gerakan would execute its plan via eight strategies consisting of broad plans to expand and consolidate membership while rebuilding the party in Penang.

"One of the ideas is to provide a more flexible structure by opening cyber branches so that Malaysians overseas can also participate in the party," he said.

from thestar.com.my - 25 May 2008

S'pore Takes Pulau Batu Puteh, M'sia Gets Middle Rocks.

2008-05-24T01:40:00.001+08:00

THE HAGUE: The International Court of Justice has ruled that Singapore has sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh while Malaysia owns Middle Rocks.

As for the South Ledge, the ICJ ruled that it belongs to the state in whose territorial waters it is located.

ICJ vice-president, Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh read out the judgment, which was carried live over RTM1 Friday.

Pulau Batu Putih, which Singapore calls Pedra Branca, an isle no larger than half a football field, is about 14.3km from Tanjung Penyusop in Johor and 46.3km from Singapore.

Middle Rocks is about half a nautical mile from Pulau Batu Putih and 1.7 nautical miles from South Ledge.

The 17-member bench heard oral arguments from Malaysia and Singapore between Nov 16 and 23 last year.

The judgment ends the 28-year old territorial dispute between Malaysia and Singapore and both countries had earlier pledged to abide by the decision of the ICJ that is final and not subject to appeal.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim described the judgment as a "win-win" situation. He said the status quo remained although Singapore has sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh and Malaysia over Middle Rocks.

More: International Court of Justice official press release on the judgement

from thestar.com.my - 23 May 2008

School Uniform Sexy, Says Group.

2008-05-22T21:02:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian group condemned the uniform worn by girls at government schools, saying it encouraged rape and pre-marital sex.

“The white blouse is too transparent for girls and it becomes a source of attraction,” National Islamic Students Association of Malaysia vice-president Munirah Bahari said in a statement.

“It becomes a distraction to men, who are drawn to it, whether or not they like looking at it,” she said, calling for a review of uniform policy so that it did not violate Islamic ideals.

In multicultural Malaysia, home to majority-Muslim Malays as well as ethnic Chinese and Indians, female students at government schools have a choice of wearing a white blouse with a knee-length skirt or pinafore.

They may also wear a “baju kurung” and a headscarf is optional for Malay students.

Munirah said that “covering up” according to Islamic precepts was important to fend off social ills, including “rape, sexual harassment and even premarital sex.”

“This leads to babies born out of wedlock and, to an extent, even prostitution,” she said.

“Decent clothes which are not revealing can prevent and protect women from any untoward situations,” she said, suggesting that girls wear a blouse of a different colour or with an undergarment.

However, the girls themselves also came in for criticism, with the association saying that some used the white blouse to lure men.

“This is the source of the problem, where we can see that schoolgirls themselves are capable of using this to attract men to them,” Munirah said.

“This could see them getting molested, having premarital sex and all sorts of things.” – AFP

from thestar.com.my - 22 May 2008

S'gor Sultan Concerned Over Previous ADUNs' Spending.

2008-05-21T22:00:00.000+08:00

SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has expressed grave concern over the issue of previous state administration assemblymen spending their RM27mil allocation for this year in a matter of months.

“I view seriously the spending of the allocation for assemblymen in the first two months of this year.

“Efforts to improve efficacy of the state will be meaningless if wastage or inappropriate spending goes on,” he said during his speech at the opening of 12th state legislative assembly here on Wednesday.

He said efficiency in managing finances was crucial to maximising the state’s income so it could roll out more benefits for the people.

On April 15, Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu was quoted as saying that the 54 Barisan Nasional assemblymen in the previous state administration finished their combined annual allocation of RM27mil for 2008 in the first 50 days of the year.

The Sultan also said he wanted more aggressive efforts and for rules to be relaxed, to attract more foreign and Malaysian investors to the state.

He said the state government should seek improvements in the manufacturing, services, tourism and agriculture sectors, and also promote small and medium scale industries.

Sultan Sharafuddin said he also hoped the state government would continue to emphasise on holistic rather than examination-orientated education and increase vocational courses for those with SPM and STPM qualifications.

The Sultan hoped to see no hardcore poor in the state by the end this year and reminded the state government to continue to help the poor, regardless of race.

On development projects, he called for an end to development on Level 3 and 4 highlands, as well as the clearing of jungles and open burning, adding that he wanted at least 30% of green areas retained in Selangor.

Sultan Sharafuddin also expressed concern over the rising crime rate in the state.

from thestar.com.my - 21 May 2008

Mahathir’s Decision A Blessing, Says Musa.

2008-05-20T21:26:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The decision of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to quit Umno is upsetting but it may actually be a blessing in disguise because a "thorn in the flesh" has been removed from the party, said his former deputy Tun Musa Hitam.

“The news of Dr Mahathir’s decision is indeed upsetting, especially now when Umno is facing challenging times,” said Musa in a press statement.

“However, Umno members should accept his decision calmly and with an open mind,” Musa added.

He felt that the Umno leadership should instead focus on accepting the fact that the party was no longer as powerful as it used to be. Furthermore, Umno is not as widely accepted, especially by the Malays, as it once was.

The Umno leaders should also accept that the concept of “Mahathirism” is outdated. They instead should return to the concept of “Bersih, cekap, amanah” which was positively received by the nation in the 1980s.

Party members ought to reflect on recent events. Musa felt that Umno has strayed from its purpose and should take this opportunity to return to its roots.

“Umno is a party which is firmly grounded and does not forget to realise its promises to the people,” he said.

Umno veteran and stalwart Tan Sri Aziz Tapa, 85, said that he was shocked at the news and was lost for words.

“How can it be when he (Mahathir) says that he loves Umno? I met him only few days ago in Johor and everything seemed okay. What he is doing is not right,” he said when contacted here yesterday.

Umno supreme council member Tan Sri Rahim Thamby Chik also could not come to terms with the news.

“It's shocking news to me. If true, then I would say that it is an interesting yet tragic development for the party,” he said yesterday.

However, both men said they were unable to comment much on the matter until a clearer picture emerged.

from thestar.com.my - 20th May 2008

Dr M, Sanusi Quit UMNO.

2008-05-19T22:45:00.002+08:00

ALOR STAR: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and veteran party man Tan Sri Sanusi Junid announced Monday that they are quitting Umno.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced this on Monday at 12.35pm, citing a lack of confidence in the current leadership.

"I am quitting Umno today," he told about 1,000 people, mostly Kedah Umno members, at a talk here on Monday.

"I will write a letter to Umno headquarters to inform that I have quit the party," he said.

He has been critical of his appointed successor Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, blaming the current Umno president for the party's disappointing performance in the 12th general election.

The ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, of which Umno is the largest component party, won the March 8 election with a simple majority, and saw four more states join Kelantan under Opposition rule.

Dr Mahathir urged other party members to quit too, as a way of pressuring Abdullah into vacating his post.

However, he advised those who do quit not to join any opposition party, adding they can all rejoin the party once there is a change in leadership.

Abdullah has so far refused all calls for him to step down, and said he would defend his presidency in the party polls in December.

Sanusi, who is a former Kedah Mentri Besar, also quit the party on Monday.

PM Abdullah: Shocked
Meanwhile, Abdullah said he was shocked by the decision and, despite their differences, had not expected him to leave.

However, the beleaguered premier said he would stay on and fight for the party.

“Perhaps some other members might leave too, but this won’t entirely affect the party. It all depends on whether the rest want to stay on and continue to fight for the party too,” he said.

Umno Deputy President Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak expressed his shock and sadness too.

Najib, who read a prepared statement to Malaysian reporters at Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, said he was prepared to meet Dr Mahathir to discuss his decision.

"I will also discuss with Datuk Seri Abdullah, whom I had contacted just now, on efforts to strengthen Umno and also the issue of leadership transition in the party.

"I hope all Umno members will stay calm and give support to our efforts to strengthen the party," he added.

In KLANG: Former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo said Dr Mahathir’s decision will affect public perception of Umno’s strength and possibly discourage youngsters from joining the party.

Many of those aged below 40 years grew up during Dr Mahathir’s premiership and hold him in high regard.

“Dr Mahathir’s resignation will have a huge impact on the trust that this group of people, including the Malays, have in Umno and its capability to lead the country,” he said.

He said youngsters wanting to join the party now might also shy away as questions would be raised on Umno’s ability to be effective as a party.

“These youngsters might not join other parties but they will stay away until Umno can mend the current situation and avoid splits in the party,” he said.

In PUTRAJAYA, Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said it was a bad time for Dr Mahathir to quit Umno as the party was going through a difficult period.

He said the resignation would not help in efforts to rebuild Umno.

"He is doing more damage than good; whatever it is, the party is still looking for a new direction and we need everyone to remain united and not split," he said.

Syed Hamid expressed fear for the future of Umno because Dr Mahathir had a great influence and a person of his stature could rattle and destroy the party.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said Dr Mahathir's hatred for Abdullah was seemingly stronger than his love for Umno.

He said the former premier should realise that asking others to follow his footsteps would only make it easier for Pakatan Rakyat to take over the Federal Government.

"What he is saying is that if you love Umno, leave Umno -- it does not make sense," he said.

Shahrir also said that Jerlun MP Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir should be the first to take up his father's suggestion to quit.

Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib said he was surprised at the decision, but added that it was Dr Mahathir's right to do so.

"Every member has the right to join or leave the party," he said.

Asked if Umno would convene an emergency meeting, the former Umno vice-president and Selangor Mentri Besar said that "we will wait and see."

The next Umno Supreme Council meeting is scheduled to be held within two to three weeks.

Urged to reconsider
In IPOH, MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan called on Dr Mahathir to reconsider his decision.

Speaking at a press conference after a Wesak Day celebration at the Malaysian Buddhist Associatino (Perak branch) hall here, Ong said he was saddened by Dr Mahathir's sudden announcement.

Barisan Nasional was currently facing a huge challenge and his decision would not benefit Umno and the coalition, said Ong, who is also Housing and Local Government Minister.

As a former Prime Minister, his words carried weight and would affect all levels of the people including party leaders, he said.

“We do not hope for any more problems and neither should we create more,” he said. “Our country needs stability and not uncertainty. His decision would paint a bad impression for the rakyat (citizenry) and foreign investors,” he added.

Lumut Umno division chief Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir also urged Dr Mahathir to reconsider his decision.

“I feel very sad with Tun's decision to leave the party. It should not have happened in the first place,” he said.

Dr Zambry, who is also Pangkor assemblyman, said Dr Mahathir was a great leader who provided a sense of direction and ideas for the party and country.

The problem involved a former president and the present one, he said, adding that it so happened that the predecessor had appointed the current one.

“So it is a complex issue,” he said, adding that the current leadership must immediately find ways to overcome the problems in the party.

Dr Zambry pointed out that it was not unprecedented for former party presidents to quit Umno, adding that Dr Mahathir was the party's fourth president to leave the party.

The other three were the late Datuk Onn Jaafar, Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussein Onn, he added.

In PETALING JAYA, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said Dr Mahathir's decision would not solve the problems faced by the party and would instead give more strength to the Opposition.

"At this time when the party is under stress, all parties including leaders and former leaders must work together to heal Umno so it becomes firm and strong," she said.

In MALACCA, Umno veteran and stalwart Tan Sri Aziz Tapa, 85, said that he was shocked at the news and was at a loss for words.

“How can it be when he (Mahathir) says that he loves Umno? I met him only few days ago in Johor and everything seemed okay. What he is doing is not right,” he said when contacted here on Monday.

Umno supreme council member Tan Sri Rahim Thamby Chik described the move as an "interesting but tragic development" for Umno.

"It's shocking news to me. If true, then I would say that it is an interesting yet tragic development for the party,” he said.

Reacting to Dr Mahathir's resignation, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said, “This will weaken the party at a time when it is facing its enemies.”

Dr Mahathir joined Umno at its inception in 1946.

He became a Member of Parliament in 1964 when he won the Kota Setar Selatan seat.

He lost the seat in the following general election in 1969.

Following the May 13, 1969, riots Dr Mahathir was sacked from the Umno Supreme Council on July 12 because of the widespread distribution of his letter to first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman criticising Tunku’s manner of handling the country’s administration.

Dr Mahathir rejoined Umno on March 7, 1972 and was appointed Senator in 1973. He relinquished the senatorship post a year later to contest the Kubang Pasu seat in the general elections. He was returned unopposed and was appointed Minister of Education.

In 1975, Dr Mahathir became one of the three vice-presidents of Umno.

Tun Hussein Onn appointed Dr Mahathir Deputy Prime Minister on Sept 15, 1978.

Dr Mahathir was Prime Minister of Malaysia from July 16, 1981, until Oct 31, 2003.

Dr. M's Timeline

1946: Joined United Malays National Organisation (Umno).

1947: While a medical student, he wrote extensive anti-colonial commentaries in Malay newspapers under the pen-name "Che Det".

1957: Resigned from government service as a doctor. Starts private practice.

1964: Entered active politics as Kota Star Selatan MP.

1965-1969: Member, Umno Supreme Council.

Sept 1969: Expelled from Umno for disciplinary reasons. Re-admitted on March 7, 1972.

June 1972: Elected a member of the Umno Supreme Council with the highest number of votes. Lost in the election for an Umno Vice-President post.

Dec 1972: Appointed a Senator by the Kedah State Legislative Assembly.

1974-2004: MP for Kubang Pasu, Kedah.

Sept 1974: Education Minister.

June 1975: Umno Vice-President.

March 1976: Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Education.

1977: Acting Chairman, Umno Liaison Committee, Malacca.

Jan 1978: Deputy Prime Minister & Trade and Industry Minister.

May 1978: Chairman, Perak Umno Liaison Committee.

Sept 1978: Umno Deputy President.

June 1981: Barisan Nasional Chairman.

June 1981: Umno President.

July 16 1981: Fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Minister of Defence (until 1986) and Minister of Home Affairs (until 1999).

July 17 1987: Umno Political Bureau Chairman.

Feb 16 1988: Pro-tem President of Umno Baru. Umno was declared an illegal society on Feb 4, 1988.

Dec 1993: Kelantan Umno Chairman. Chairman, Politics and Constitution Committees of the Supreme Council.

Sept 1998-Jan 1999: Finance Minister. June 2001 - Finance Minister.

June 22 2002: Announced his intention to resign from all political and government posts at the final day of the 56th Umno assembly. Appeals from Umno Supreme Council members.

Oct 31 2003: Retired as PM and Umno president after 22 years.

Sept 2006: Fails in bid to be an Umno delegate for the Umno general assembly coming in ninth out of 15 contestants in the Kubang Pasu division.

May 19 2008: Quits Umno

from thestar.com.my - 19 May 2008

Three Days' Mourning To Honour 32,500 Quake Dead.

2008-05-18T23:41:00.002+08:00

BEICHUAN, China (Reuters) - China said it would start three days of national mourning on Monday after raising the death toll from last week's earthquake to nearly 32,500.

More than six days after the 7.9 magnitude quake rattled Sichuan province, rescuers pulled two more people alive from the rubble and desperately tried to reach at least two other known survivors.

Authorities worried by the hundreds of aftershocks and the build up of water in blocked rivers tried to stop people from entering the affected area.

Xinhua state news agency said the most dangerous mass of water was only about 3 km upstream from Beichuan town where rescue workers saved a man on Sunday from under the remains of a hospital.

Another man was found alive in a collapsed office building in Maoxian county, Xinhua reported. Rescuers were also trying to reach a man and a woman in Yingxiu town, and had dripped glucose and drinking water into the rubble, the agency reported.

Six days after the main quake hit, the overall death toll stands at nearly 32,500, Xinhua said, and 220,000 more injured.

Some 9,500 people are thought to be still buried under the rubble in Sichuan, but most are feared dead.

Offers of help have flooded in and rescue teams with sniffer dogs and specialised equipment from Japan, Russia, Taiwan, South Korea, the United States and Singapore are assisting. Donations from home and abroad have topped 6 billion yuan ($858 million).

Statistics from past earthquakes show some victims have survived up to nearly a fortnight under rubble.

Yet Fujiya Koji, head of the Japanese rescue team in Sichuan, conceded: "Generally by this stage the likelihood of survival is low. They say they have been finding some in Beichuan and we'll certainly keep trying."

President Hu Jintao visited distraught families in Yinghua town and said he shared their pain. "We will try every effort to save your people once there is the slightest hope and possibility," he said, according to Xinhua.

China will observe three days of national mourning from Monday, with flags flying at half mast, public entertainment suspended and a three-minute silence to mark exactly one week since the quake, the government website www.gov.cn said.

State television said the Olympic torch relay through China would also be suspended for three days.

AFTERSHOCKS CAUSE MORE ANXIETY

Early on Sunday, a 5.7 magnitude tremor caused thousands to flee swaying buildings in the provincial capital, Chengdu, some 200 km south of the latest aftershock's epicentre.

Xinhua said there had been no reports of casualties, but roads had been seriously damaged.

The military moved to quell concerns over the safety of its nuclear facilities, including the main nuclear weapons research laboratory, close to the affected zone.

"I could say in a responsible manner that all these facilities are safe and secure," Ma Jian, a senior People's Liberation Army officer, told a news conference in Beijing. "There is no problem at all."

In Beichuan, hard hit by the quake and which many people fled on Saturday following warnings a dam may collapse, worried relatives quarrelled with police who tried to prevent them entering the area, citing safety reasons.

"I've travelled all this way, and I don't know where my father is," said Chen Shiquan, who had come back from work in the neighbouring province of Qinghai to look for his father.

"To let me get this far and then not let me in is too cruel," he added.

At least three lakes, formed after rocks blocked a river, had burst their banks but caused no casualties. Officials were monitoring 21 cases where landslides had dammed rivers, Xinhua reported.

Fu Xingyue, looking for his daughter who was supposed to turn six the day after the quake happened, brushed off safety concerns.

"I don't think the dam is a big threat, and anyway, there's nothing I can do. I have to keep searching," said Fu, who works as a truck driver and has spent days desperately searching though rubble and shouting out his daughter's name.

Dozens of schools collapsed in the area, crushing to death thousands of children taking classes at the time. Officials pulled out more bodies from the wreckage of the local primary school in Beichuan on Sunday. Forty-one corpses were laid out in front of the school.

A strong smell of ammonia and incense hung over the town, which was littered with massive boulders from a nearby mountain slope. All of the buildings in the town were either destroyed or appeared beyond repair.

China's Health Ministry said on Sunday there had been no disease outbreaks so far.

China has said it expects the final death toll from the earthquake to exceed 50,000. About 4.8 million people have lost their homes.

(Additional reporting by John Ruwitch and Ben Blanchard)

from thestar.com.my - 18 May 2008

A Chinese Oddity

2008-05-17T22:33:00.001+08:00

Some of the world’s most intriguing sites have still somehow managed to escape the scrutiny of the guidebooks.

An example is Sanxingdui, a mind-boggling museum of bronze artefacts unearthed in China’s Sichuan province between 1986 and 2001.

These remarkable figures look as though they could have come from Mayan sources, or directly out of Star Wars. Their origin is as yet a total mystery; even more mysterious is why Sanxingdui, just an hour by road from Chengdu (the caal of China’s Sichuan province) is not more widely known.

These are no mere artefacts, but a stunning, mind-boggling expo of statues that could have been sculpted by a 4,000-year-old Salvador Dalí.

Xie Wei Fan and Ling Shu Yün, a young couple from Guangdong, are visitors to Sanxingdui Museum.

“I’ve never seen anything like these statues, except maybe in Canada,” says Wei Fan. “They remind me of American Indian sculptures.”

The Sanxingdui story began nearly 5,000 years ago – but its modern version started in 1929, near the city of Guanghan, some 50km NE of Chengdu. To the north of Guanghan’s Yanjiang or Yazi (“Duck”) River is a highland known as Yueliangwan (“Moon Bay”) and across the river three mysterious earthen mounds rise prominently above the plains; hence the name Sanxingdui (meaning “three star mounds”)

In the spring of 1929, a Yuelingwan farmer discovered a large cache of buried jade, which was later investigated by archaeologists from the Huaxi University Museum. As well as jade, the archaeological team uncovered large quantities of strikingly crafted pottery. But because of wars and the Cultural Revolution, Yueliangwan and Sanxingdui were not fully surveyed until the 1960s, when it was surmised that Sanxingdui could have been one of the main centres of China’s ancient Shu kingdom.

Finally, in 1980, a government archaeological team began a systematic excavation at Sanxingdui. In July 1986, the diggers discovered what is now known as Number One. In addition to jades and pottery, the most intriguing discoveries were a series of bronze heads, pointed helmets, masks and other headgear. Then, about a month later, Number Two revealed its treasures – numerous urn-shaped bronze wine vessels, bronze heads, and a huge bronze mask measuring over 130cm across.

Chen De’An, chief archaeologist and now assistant director of the Sanxingdui Museum, is quoted as describing his reaction upon first seeing the artefacts in Number Two: “I couldn’t believe the way the eyes on that one mask popped out so far from the sockets. The feeling that they were staring at me kind of addled my brain. I had no idea what we were looking at.”

The items from the two burial pits were compared with items unearthed earlier at Sanxingdui. Results of carbon-14 dating later indicated that the relics had been buried some 3,000 years ago, when the Shang culture flourished in the Yellow River region.

And the story is ongoing. In 2001, road-workers at Jinsha, on the outskirts of Chengdu, discovered several pits containing relics remarkably like those at Sanxingdui – ivory, jade artefacts (including the largest bi, a kind of ceremonial jade disc, ever found), and objects of bronze, gold and carved stone. While the Jinsha site has still to be thoroughly investigated, it is sure to throw up still more riddles and clues.

To find out more, I take a trip to Guanghan, about 50 minutes by bus from Chengdu’s NE bus terminal. Guanghan is an eye-catching city, with tree-shaded boulevards and a business centre looking like a big Chinese temple. From the bus station, a connector minibus travels along the scenic Duck River to Sanxingdui.

Sanxingdui Museum consists of two extraordinary main galleries, some distance from each other in extensive grounds studded with gardens and canals, plus one smaller gallery. The first gallery is a mere prelude to the main exhibition space, hidden as it is half-underground. This gallery features an introduction to Sanxingdui, and the “moon-brilliant” civilisation of the Shu Dynasty.

Jade was regarded as a sacred stone by the Shu, and (in particular the aforementioned bi discs) was used for communication between humans and gods. Metal blades, on the other hand, were used to communicate with the mountains.

The most startling exhibits are the Sacred Tree (a scale model of the 3.5m high bronze tree in Gallery Two), described as “an axis of the world, leading to heaven” and the money tree, presumably a forerunner of the 2,000 year-old Han dynasty legend of a magic tree that rains coins when shaken.

The birds on the sacred tree denote nature spirits, while the red birds on the money tree are meant to represent the sun and its brilliance.

Gallery Two is a remarkable structure, consisting of a spiral ramp winding upwards and inwards. On the lower levels, replicas of One and Two are supplemented by exhibits of the striking masks unearthed from the Sanxingdui sites.

These remarkable figurines look like they could have come from Mayan sources. But how? Ancient Chinese legends talk of a sage Bo Gang, who once built an aircraft and flew it. Could this be where the designs come from? Personally, I reckon they look more like set-pieces out of a bizarre Terry Gillam movie.

On a higher level still, a tableau looking like an Aztec sacrificial altar, is startling in its effect. The bronze “high priest”, wearing bushranger-style metal armour and riding on a sacred bull, is surrounded by phalanxes of peons, each with a flat head like a prehistoric Frankenstein.

In the centre of the spiral, a scale model of the sacred tree, 3½ times the original size, totally dominates the museum. A modest bookshop on the fourth level offers a couple of English-language guides, but a much better and cheaper range can be found on level six.

Together with my companions Wei Fan and Shu Yün, I start to wind down from the heady heights of the Sanxingdui Museum by taking a stroll through the museum grounds. Everything seems normal. Until, that is, we get to the Yin-Yang circle, a performance space half-surrounded by tiered seating.

There is no doubting the power of this place. Standing in the Yin-Yang circle nearly blows me away. The experience proves to be totally unnerving, disarming and otherwise dismembering.

“Go stand in the circle and shout out loud,” says Shu Yün.

I stand on the white circle, and shout. Nothing happens. I stand on the black circle and shout, and still nothing happens. Then I stand on the junction of the black and white segments and shout, and my voice suddenly reverberates as though a big bronze bell has been placed over my head.

The feeling is as weird as it is unexpected. Where did this bizarre effect come from? Was it caused by the same characters who buried those strange bronze artefacts thousands of years ago – or am I carrying speculation to a point where even Erik von Daniken wouldn’t dare venture?

So, all I can recommend is this – go to Sanxingdui and repeat the experiment for yourself! The yin-yang circle is just one of the many mysteries of Sanxingdui that still await an explanation.

Getting there

Both All Nippon Airways and Air China fly regularly from Tokyo’s Narita Airport to Chengdu. Buses leave regularly for Guanghan from Chengdu’s new long-distance bus terminal, adjacent to the NW terminus of city bus route one. The trip to Guanghan is fast, comfortable and inexpensive (13 Yuan/RM6). From Guanghan, a minibus to the grounds of Sanxingdui Museum costs one Yuan.

MUSEUM ADMISSION Admission is not cheap, at 100 Yuan (RM47) or 50 Yuan (RM23) concession, but the money is well-spent. An English-speaking guide is 100 Yuan extra, but is not really necessary, as the exhibits are well-labelled in English. For enquiries, call +86 838 550 0439.

from thestar.com.my - 17 May 2008

Royal Commission Of Inquiry Report: Dr M And 5 Others To Face Probe.

2008-05-16T23:37:00.000+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet has agreed that investigations be made on all allegations levelled against former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and five others identified in the Royal Commission of Inquiry report on the V.K. Lingam video clip.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim said the five others are lawyer Datuk V.K. Lingam, tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, and former chief justices Tun Eusoff Chin and Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail could not be contacted on whether he would order for the probe immediately.

Zaid said the six would be investigated on offences under the Sedition Act, Official Secrets Act and the Penal Code, which included obstruction of justice.

“All the recommendations in the report are advisory in nature so we have to have another investigation,” he said, adding that the Government had taken note of recommendations on judicial reforms and the establishment of a commission on appointment of judges.

“The Government is in the process of finalising the relevant laws to set up this commission and it will be made known soon,” he said, adding that Government also proposed to include the recognition of “judicial power” as proposed by the Commission.

He said these moves were vital to help restore the people’s confidence in the judiciary.

The Cabinet, he said, had urged the public including the media to allow uninterrupted investigations without undue pressure and prejudice against any individual identified in the report.

“It must be reiterated that in our legal system, an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” he told reporters at the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister’s Department here Friday.

The Royal Commission was formed to verify the authenticity of the videotape purportedly showing Lingam on the phone brokering judicial appointments with a senior judge. Twenty-one witnesses testified in the 17-day inquiry starting on Jan 14.

The Royal Commission members are former chief judge of Malaya Tan Sri Haidar Mohamed Noor who acted as chairman, former appeals court judge Datuk Mahadev Shankar, former Sabah and Sarawak chief judge Tan Sri Steve Shim Lip Kiong, former solicitor-general Puan Sri Zaitun Zawiyah Puteh and historian Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Khoo Kay Kim.

Zaid also said that the Cabinet agreed for the contents of the report to be released and sold to the public.

The report, which comes in four volumes comprising 186 pages, will cost RM541.60; of which the main report cost RM161.40 while the notes of proceedings, statutory declaration and lists of exhibits are priced at RM123.30, RM120, and RM136.90 respectively.

The public can buy the report at the BHEUU office from Tuesday afternoon.

by thestar.com.my

4 Year Old Raped By Dad.

2008-05-15T18:19:00.000+08:00

JOHOR BARU: A 27-year-old man allegedly raped his four-year-old daughter repeatedly at their home in Kangkar Pulai.

The contract worker’s heinous act was uncovered when the victim complained of pain in her private parts.

When the mother, in her 20s, inspected her, she found blood in her daughter’s private parts.

The girl then told her that her father had done things to her, which prompted the mother to lodge a police report.

Nusajaya OCPD Supt Abd Aziz Ahmad said police picked up the suspect on Tuesday.

“Initial investigations revealed that the suspect committed the offence repeatedly at their home while the wife was busy taking care of their two other children.

“The victim has been sent to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital for treatment and a medical check-up,” he said.

Supt Abd Aziz said the suspect might have committed the offence since early this month.

He added that the suspect also has a six-year-old son and a three-month-old baby.

from thestar.com.my

Pandas Safe At Famous Park After China Quake.

2008-05-14T19:24:00.002+08:00

BEIJING (AFP) — More than 80 giant pandas at China's most famous panda park, the Wolong centre, were safe and well following a huge earthquake that struck the area, state press said Tuesday.

A total of 86 giant pandas at the centre did not sustain injuries following a 7.9-magnitude quake that hit the southwest province of Sichuan, where the centre is located, Xinhua news agency said.

Previous media reports had put the number of pandas in the centre at 130, suggesting some of the endangered animals may still be unaccounted for.

But Xinhua's report appeared to suggest that all the pandas held in captivity in the research and breeding centre at Wolong were alive and well.

The news agency said all 144 pandas in the three research bases in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, Wolong and the northern city of Xi'an -- all affected by the earthquake -- were unharmed.

The fate of the 1,590 animals that live in the wild, however, was unknown, the news agency said.

from afp.google.com

China Quake Toll Mounts To 20,000.

2008-05-14T19:16:00.003+08:00

China today rushed more troops and air-dropped relief supplies in areas cut off near the epicentre of the devastating earthquake in southwest Sichuan province as the toll mounted to nearly 20,000 with thousands of people still buried, trapped or missing.

As troops reached the quake-battered areas near the epicentre, the state media reported that the death toll in Mianyang city alone rose from 3,629 to 5,540 with 18,486 more buried and 1,396 missing.

In Yingxiu of Wenchuan county, only 2,300 people were believed to have survived of the 10,000 people living in the town near the epicentre, official Xinhua news agency said. It had earlier reported a toll of over 12,000 in the quake.

The toll was expected to rise further once rescuers reach other towns in Wenchuan.

Some towns near the epicentre have been "razed to the ground" with no houses left standing, a police official was quoted by the state media as saying.

"The losses have been severe. Some towns basically have no houses left. They have all been razed to the ground," Wang Yi, head of an armed police unit sent into the disaster zone, was quoted as saying by Sichuan Online news site.

Around 20,000 soldiers had landed in the disaster-struck areas, another 30,000 en route by air, road and rail and on foot and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has ordered 30,000 more troops to reinforce the disaster relief, the agency said.

The first batch of elite soldiers from airborne special force were parachuted into Maoxian county. Inclement weather had initially hampered rescue operations.

Survivors desperately need medical help, food and water, officials were quoted as saying in Yingxiu, where people had to dig with their hands after cries for help were heard from under the debris of a school.

Blocked roads prevented rescue teams and machinery from reaching the site. Rocks were still rolling down from the mountains.

Military helicopters air-dropped food, drinking water and medicine in Yingxiu, Xinhua said.

"Time is life", Premier Wen Jiabao told rescuers as he arrived at Beichuan county, one of the worst hit by Monday's deadliest earthquake in three decades, where the death toll is estimated between 3,000 and 5,000.

Racing against time amidst flickering hopes, soldiers and civilians were still searching for survivors in Beichuan, a mountainous county, where the quake toppled 80 per cent of the buildings with 1,000 students buried under rubble of a six-storey school building.

"The ground was moving and I felt as light as a tree leaf. In a minute or two, I thought the ground cracked and the mountain slid and I lost consciousness. When I woke up again, rubbed my eyes and saw the whole county had disappeared in front of my eyes," the state media reported quoting a teacher who survived in Beichuan.

After reaching the quake-battered areas battling against inclement weather and damaged roads, rescuers were pulling out bodies from the heaps of rubble of schools, hospitals and houses, with hopes for survivors.

Seven PLA helicopters had delivered 9.1 tonnes of disaster relief goods to Wenchuan and its neighbouring counties till noon. The supplies included satellite communication systems, medicines and quilts.

The helicopters also carried 45 injured to hospital.

China's Air Force has also dispatched 10 transporters to send 50 medical teams from Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an for disaster relief.

Several countries, including the US, Japan, South Korea as well as the European Union and the United Nations have offered aid to China, which said it welcomes their help.

Chinese scientists are analysing images from a Japanese satellite of the areas jolted by the deadly quake, China National Space Administration said.

They are the first large-scale images from space of the earthquake, Xinhua said.

from business-standard.com

Shock Over Doc’s High Dosage Prescription For Boy.

2008-05-13T19:07:00.001+08:00

A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy was given a prescription to take four antibiotic tablets four times a day – a dosage considered high even for an adult, Kosmo! reported.

The boy, Ashraff Hateimi, was given the prescription to take 16 tablets of Cloxacillin (250mg) a day by a doctor in a government hospital in Kajang.

His father, Ahmad Noor Zaini Mohd Amin, 36, said he found the prescription “hard to believe” when he had it filled at the hospital pharmacy.

He had brought his son to the hospital after Ashraff fell from his bed and cut his forehead. The wound required three stitches.

“I was worried that they had given my son the wrong prescription.”

“But when I asked, they (the hospital staff) rudely replied that the medication was based on the doctor’s slip,” he told the tabloid on Sunday.

Not satisfied with the explanation, Ahmad Noor Zaini brought his son to a private clinic near his home for a second opinion.

“The doctor was shocked with the amount of antibiotics prescribed for my son, which he said was also too much for an adult,” he said.

“He said an overdose of medication could cause complications.”

Another government hospital doctor, Dr Yasrul Izad Abu Bakar, said the appropriate dose for children was just one tablet of the antibiotic taken four times a day.

by thestar.com.my

The Case Of The Naked Burglar.

2008-05-12T21:45:00.001+08:00

KUALA TERENGGANU: A thief not only carted away cash and belongings but had the cheek to sleep naked beside a woman whose house he had broken into.

The victim, a 36-year-old housewife claimed she was not aware that the man, who caressed her and slept beside her, was a stranger.

State Deputy CID chief Supt Khairi Ahrasa said the suspect had gained entry into the house in Kampung Bukit Tok Beng, Seberang Takir here via the back at about 5.30pm.

He said the woman said in her report that she was fast asleep at the hall of her house when she was awakened by a man who was naked.

She said she could only get a glimpse of the man as the latter had covered his face with a t-shirt.

"The suspect invited the victim to the room, telling her (victim) that he was intoxicated. The victim called out to her husband when the suspect murmured 'I am the one'," he said.

Supt Khairi said the victim smelled something fishy when she heard the voice of the suspect, which was different from her husband's.

He said the victim then went to the second room and found her husband fast asleep on a couch.

She then screamed causing the suspect to flee by leaping from the window together with the loot.

Supt Khairi said the victim lodged a report at 11am.

by thestar.com.my

Too Many Deaths Reported In The Programme, Say Party Leaders.

2008-05-11T00:49:00.004+08:00

IPOH: Several DAP leaders are calling for the suspension or even scrapping of the National Service programme.

Batu Gajah MP Fong Po Kuan said she had submitted notice to table an emergency motion in Parliament following the latest death of an national service trainee.

“There had been many deaths,” she told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin at the State Secretariat yesterday.

Too Hui Min, 18, who was assigned to the Geo Kosmo National Service Training Camp in Kuala Kubu Baru, died at the Slim River Hospital on Wednesday at 10.45pm after complaining of constipation.

Kem PLKN Jiwa Murni Semanggol has been placed under quarantine by the Kerian district health office due to an outbreak of a fever since early this week.

At least 10 of its 300 trainees have been warded at the Taiping Hospital, while 80 others are being treated at the camp.

Fong said these clearly showed that there were weaknesses in the programme, as even the most basic needs of health and safety were not fulfilled.

“I will also be calling on Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to stop the programme immediately as some 110,000 young people will be taking part this year,” said Fong.

Reiterating her objection against the programme, Fong said it was impossible to achieve unity, instil love for the country and build one’s character in merely 90 days.

Meanwhile, Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran suggested that the national service programme be suspended for a parliament select committee to conduct a thorough study to see if it was worthwhile.

“No parent wants to send his child to an NS centre, only to have the child's body returned to him,” he said.

from thestar.com.my

Thomas Cuppers In High Spirit For Jakarta Challenge.

2008-05-09T14:49:00.005+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: There were smiles on the faces of the Thomas-Uber Cup players as they left for Jakarta yesterday in a bid to bring back glory for the country.

National men’s doubles shuttler Lee Wan Wah sees the jovial mood as a good sign for Malaysia ahead of the Finals, which will begin on Sunday at the Senayan Indoor Stadium.

Having played in the Thomas Cup team since 1996, Wan Wah feels that the current squad have what it takes to handle the pressure of playing in the premier team event.

At the 2004 Finals in Jakarta, Malaysia crashed out in the quarter-finals. Two years ago in Japan, they went one better - reaching the semi-finals.

Now, they hope to make it to the final.

Fun time: Choong Tan Fook (second from left) joking with Koo Kien Keat while Wong Choong Hann (left) and Lee Wan Wah look on at the KLIA on Thursday.

“This year, we are more prepared. Key players like Lee Chong Wei, Tan Boon Heong and Koo Kien Keat are more matured in their approaches. We do not have to worry about players not being able to handle the pressure,” said Wan Wah.

“If we continue to be cool and calm in our approach towards the Finals, we stand a chance of bringing back the trophy. We had a good chance two years ago but (Wong) Choong Hann was injured,” he said.

The Thomas Cup team comprise Chong Wei, Choong Hann, Kien Keat-Boon Heong, Wan Wah-Choong Tan Fook, Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari, Mohd Hafiz Hashim and Mohd Arif Abdul Latif.

The Uber team are Wong Mew Choo, Julia Wong, Lydia Cheah, Tee Jing Yee, Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty, Lim Pek Siah-Ng Hui Lin, Woon Khe Wei-Sabrina Chong.

On the lack of support shown by his team-mates during the simulation tie on Wednesday, Wan Wah promised that the team would stay united during the Finals.

Malaysia’s Thomas Cup skipper Wong Choong Hann leading his team and the Uber Cup squad to check in at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport before leaving for Jakarta on Thursday. The Thomas/Uber Cup Finals will be held from Sunday.

“I think the players took it lightly because they were up against their team-mates. We felt like it was just another day of training.

“But rest assured that it will be different when we face players from other countries,” he said.

“From now on, both the Thomas and Uber Cup players will mentally prepare themselves for the task ahead. Everyone knows deep down in his heart that we have a chance of winning it (Thomas Cup). Everyone will just have to do his or her part.”

Wan Wah said they would not dwell on their previous Thomas Cup outing in Jakarta. Then, the team were sent packing in the quarter-finals.

“The past is long gone and forgotten. It is a whole new challenge in Jakarta this time. We will be ready to face any team – be it China or Indonesia,” said Wan Wah.

Malaysia are in Group B with South Korea and England. If they top the group, they are likely to meet top seeds China in the top half of the draw. But if they finish second in the group, they will take on Indonesia in the last eight.

Malaysia, who last won the Cup in 1992, will begin their campaign against England on Sunday.

from thestar.com.my

Bail Posted But RPK To Spend Another Night In Jail.

2008-05-08T19:57:00.003+08:00

Malaysia Today news portal editor Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin, better known as RPK, will be spending another night at the Sungai Buloh Prison eventhough his wife had posted the RM5,000 bail imposed on him by the Sessions Court on Tuesday after he claimed trial to a sedition charge.

Marina Lee Abdullah, 54, posted the bail at about 2.15pm today after she managed to persuade her husband for the bail to be posted when she met him for about 10 minutes today.

Asked what prompted Raja Petra to change his mind, Marina said it was probably the note she left for her husband yesterday with the prison officials after he refused to meet her.

Marina said she had stated in the note that his readers were fully behind him and his family missed him dearly.

“I met him for 10 minutes before he agreed for bail to be posted. He told me he had a drink this morning before I rushed to the court to facilitate his release,” she said.
Sessions Judge Nurmala Salim issued the “Order To Produce” (OTP) to facilitate prison officials to bring Raja Petra to court tomorrow morning before releasing him on bail.

Raja Petra’s counsel Jadadish Chandra told reporters the blogger would be brought to court tomorrow morning as stated in the OTP.

“I met the judge in her chambers to get my client released by today but the judge explained she must follow procedures since the OTP she signed was for tomorrow,” he said.

Raja Petra, 58, claimed trial on Tuesday for allegedly posting a seditious article entitled “Let’s send the Altantuya murderers to hell” on his website on April 25.

Raja Petra had refused to post bail and instead opted to go to jail pending the trial on Oct 6.

from nst.com.my

Raja Petra Kamaruddin Charged.

2008-05-07T18:41:00.002+08:00

The Malaysia Today editor, Raja Petra Kamaruddin who was charged with sedition, declined to post bail and chose jail instead.

from theStar newspaper.

Myanmar Relief Fund.

2008-05-07T18:31:00.006+08:00

How can you help?

Join The Star in extending a helping hand to the people of Myanmar. We are working together with Mercy Malaysia to collect funds to buy items that are urgently needed by those affected by Cyclone Nargis on Friday.

Among the things required are water purification sachets, medicine, tarpaulins and plastic sheets for temporary shelter. Cheques must be made payable to Mercy Malaysia. Write Myanmar Relief Fund on the back of the cheques as well as your name and address so that receipts can be issued.

Because of the urgency of the matter, our collection will only be for two weeks. Cheques can be sent to :

Myanmar Relief Fund
Star Publications (M) Bhd
Menara Star
15, Jalan 16/11
Petaling Jaya 46350
Selangor.

Readers can also drop off their cheques at our collection box at the above address.

For inquiries, call : 03-79671388 ext 1121.

from theStar newspaper.

Malaysia Shelves Plan To Restrict Women Traveling Abroad Alone.

2008-05-06T19:56:00.002+08:00

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia : Malaysia's prime minister shot down a plan Monday that would have required women traveling abroad alone to carry a letter from their parents verifying the reason for their journeys.

Foreign Minister Rais Yatim proposed the move over the weekend as a way of deterring the use of Malaysian women as couriers for illicit drugs, but the plan immediately drew criticism by women's rights groups.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said in a statement issued through the national news agency, Bernama, that the proposal "will only create great difficulty, particularly for the immigration authorities and also the women concerned."

The government will instead "issue a travel advisory asking all Malaysian citizens to be cautious when traveling out of the country," Abdullah said.

Separately, Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar, who is responsible for immigration rules, told reporters that the idea "will not be practical."

"How can we ask an adult person to report to the mother or to her parents? They have to lead their own lives," Syed Hamid said. "We do not discriminate against women."

The proposal was born out of concern over government statistics that showed 119 Malaysians — 90 percent of them women — are imprisoned abroad for drug-related offenses. Most are between the ages of 21 and 27.

Drug traffickers who want to smuggle drugs into the European Union often recruit Malaysians because they do not require visas for short stays there.

Women's groups said the idea was ridiculous because immigration authorities would have no way of identifying if a letter was forged or genuine. They also contend the move would be an infringement of human rights.

from the International Herald Tribune

History Of The United States Of America In The Making.

2008-05-05T17:04:00.002+08:00

Will United States of America get their First Black President or First Woman President? Anyhow, anyone of them who if being elected to lead the country would automatically create a history in the history of Presidents of United States of America as since George Washington was the first President till now, no President of the United States Of America is either black or a woman. So who do you think would be the next President of the United States of America? or would John McCain simply be able to destroy their hopes of creating a history? We'll see in few months time.

Women Travelling Abroad Alone Needs To Get Letter Of Consent.

2008-05-04T21:13:00.004+08:00

Women who wants to travel abroad alone would require to get the consent of their families or employers. This matter is made to ensure that single women are not used by some gangs to smuggle drugs into other countries.

Malaysia's Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim, said 90% of cases where Malaysian women had been jailed by foreign courts involved drugs. He told the New Sunday Times newspaper that a compulsory letter of consent to travel alone would enable women's families to make sure they were not being tricked by drug smuggling gangs.

"Many of these women (who travel alone) leave the country on the pretext of work or attending courses and seminars," he said. "With this declaration, we will know for sure where and for what she is travelling overseas," he said.

Women's groups have expressed outrage at the plan. The National Council for Women's Organisations said it would infringe women's rights. Another group, Sisters in Islam, said the proposal was totally ridiculous and regressive, and assumed that women were less capable than men of making their own decisions. Campaigners have pointed out that letters of permission to travel would be very easy to forge. In recent years the influence of hardline Islamic groups has been increasing in Malaysia, but it is unclear whether this proposal has any religious motive.

Scholarships To Be Given Out.

2008-05-03T23:29:00.002+08:00

The Public Service Department (PSD) will offer scholarships to all students who scored 9As in their SPM examinations last year, regardless of background, to study Form Six in fully-aided schools.

Zimbabwe Opposition Does Not Rule Out Presidential Runoff.

2008-05-03T23:17:00.000+08:00

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Zimbabwe's opposition on Saturday held out the possibility its leader would face President Robert Mugabe in a presidential runoff, but called on the nation's neighbors to verify the vote count from the first round.

Thokozani Khupe, vice president of the Movement for Democratic Change, said the group still believed a runoff was unnecessary, maintaining opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai won the first round outright on March 29.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission released results a day earlier giving Tsvangirai the lead, but not the simple majority needed to avoid a runoff with Mugabe, the second-place finisher. The opposition rejected those results as fraudulent.

At a news conference Saturday, Khupe called on the Southern African Development Committee to help verify the results.

"We still need to be convinced before we participate in a runoff," she said.

Top opposition leaders were expected to meet this weekend to consider their next step. Khupe did not comment on the meeting.

No runoff date has been set. Deputy Information Minister Bright Matonga said the constitution requires a second round no sooner than 21 days from the announcement of the results and no later than a year.

The opposition has consistently rejected a runoff, but its stance has appeared to soften since the official results were released, and Mugabe's party said he would take part in a second round.

On Friday, Tsvangirai's deputy in the Movement for Democratic Change, Tendai Biti, acknowledged that skipping a second round could result in another term for Mugabe. Biti told reporters in Johannesburg in neighboring South Africa that the only way out of the impasse was a power-sharing government led by Tsvangirai, but with no role for Mugabe.

Biti also said a runoff would be illegal and there could not be one "for the simple and good reasons that that country is burning" amid violence and an economic collapse from rampant inflation.

International observers have questioned whether a runoff would be legitimate, given the violence the opposition has faced. The opposition's top leaders, including Biti and Tsvangirai, have been staying out of Zimbabwe for fear of arrest.

In a statement Friday, New York-based Human Rights Watch said "the ruling ZANU-PF party, the army and so-called war veterans have conducted a brutal state-sponsored campaign of violence, torture and intimidation against (opposition) activists and supporters."

The group said limits on the opposition's access to the media and questions about the impartiality of electoral officials also have not been addressed.

"The ruling party's bloody crackdown on the opposition makes a free and fair runoff vote a tragic joke," Georgette Gagnon, Human Rights Watch's Africa director, said in the statement.

In a separate statement Friday, UNICEF said there were growing reports of children fleeing their homes with their families as a result of political violence and that aid groups were finding it increasingly difficult to operate.

Mugabe's officials have denied fomenting political violence, instead accusing the opposition of being behind the unrest.

Mugabe, 84, was hailed at independence in 1980 for promoting racial reconciliation and bringing education and health care to the black majority. But in recent years he has been accused of holding onto power through elections that independent observers say were marred by fraud, intimidation and rigging.

by Angus Shaw.

NAZA Group Founder Passed Away.

2008-05-02T22:37:00.001+08:00

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri S.M. Nasimuddin S.M. Amin, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of the Naza Group, passed away of lung cancer in California at 1.15am (Malaysian time). He was 54 years old.

The low-profile businessman founded the Naza Group in 1974, starting his automobile business with an allocation of Approved Permits (APs) to import foreign cars.

He made his first million in about a year.

The Group now has 14 business divisions covering industries such as cigarette distribution, credit and leasing, engineering, hotels, insurance, machine tools and parts, manufacturing, motorcycles, property, transport services, plantations and water craft.

Last month it ventured into the food business by launching the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Market, but still remains most known for its automotive business, holding the local franchise for South Korea's Kia and France's Peugeot, as well as import permits for Mercedes Benz and Mazda.

Nasimuddin was implicated in the AP controversy of 2005, when he was dubbed the "AP King."

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad described Nasimuddin as an example of the New Economic Policy's (NEP) success, Bernama reported.

He said Nasimuddin had an extraordinary approach in developing his business, starting with selling imported used cars from Japan and then going on to collaborating with foreign companies to produce and sell local cars under his own brand name.

"He proved that the NEP was capable of producing successful bumiputras if they seized the available opportunities well. If all had the same opportunities and did what he had done, we may have achieved more than the NEP objectives," Dr Mahathir told Bernama.

Former International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said the nation has lost a succesful Malaysia corporate leader and he should be an example to all.

“I know him well and understood his spirit of innovation, as well as his forward-looking view. He saw opportunities and strove hard to realise them,” she said, according to the national news agency.

Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) managing director Datuk Syed Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar Nasimuddin as a successful pioneer and entreprenuer, as proven by his success in making the Naza Group a respected automotive group in Malaysia and overseas.

Syed Hafiz said Nasimuddin also cared very much about the development of the domestic automotive sector, including Perodua, although he had his own big business empire.

He had been receiving treatment for cancer at a private hospital in Long Beach since January this year, Bernama reported, adding that his wife Puan Sri Zaleha Ismail and children were by his side when he passed away at about 9am Pacific time Thursday morning.

The Malaysian Islamic Society of North America will prepare his remains and hold a prayer at the Islamic Centre. His remains will be embalmed and sealed in a casket to be flown home.

The funeral is expected to be held in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

from thestar.com.my

Austrian Threatened Incest Victims With Gas Death.

2008-05-02T00:59:00.000+08:00

AMSTETTEN, Austria (Reuters) - An Austrian man who imprisoned his daughter for 24 years and fathered seven children with her had threatened to kill his victims by pumping gas into the cellar where he was holding them, police said on Thursday.

Police were also investigating a claim by Josef Fritzl that the locked door to the cellar would open automatically if he was away for an extended period.

Fritzl, 73, told police earlier this week he had made threats to pump gas into the cellar where he hid his daughter and three of her children, a spokesman for the national criminal investigation office said.

"But we have not yet proved if this claim is correct," Helmut Greiner of the Federal Criminal Police Office said.

Greiner said investigators were also examining the reinforced concrete door to the cellar.

"They are examining how its mechanism works, Fritzl has said the door would open automatically after a certain time if he was away," Greiner said.

Fritzl has now stopped talking to police on the advice of his lawyer, according to officials.

The doctor treating the family said that after up to 24 years without sunlight in a cramped bunker, they were gradually getting back to normal.

"It is a question of restoring their spatial orientation step by step. We are convinced this will succeed in the next few weeks," Doctor Berthold Kepplinger said in a statement.

DNA tests have confirmed that Fritzl was the father of all six of his daughter's surviving children and prosecutors are probing him for rape, incest, coercion and the death of the seventh child, whose remains he burnt in a furnace.

Their 19-year-old daughter is critically ill in hospital.

The small Austrian town of Amstetten where Fritzl lived has pleaded for the family to be left alone and for life to return to normal.

The clinic where the family are being treated said a Belgian television camera crew had tried to get into the building to film the patients but had been removed by security staff.

"We are also having problems with photographers. They are sitting all over the place. People are hassling our staff. It just goes on and on," clinic spokesman Klaus Schwertner said.

"Our first priority is to protect the family from being disturbed so they can try to start their new life," he added.

Local officials said on Wednesday they would be holding no more regular news conferences and said 73-year-old Josef Fritzl's victims would not be appearing in public. They appealed to journalists to leave the family alone.

In his first public reaction on Wednesday, Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer expressed concern for the victims and announced a campaign to repair Austria's image abroad. He emphasized on Thursday the case was not Austria's fault but Josef Fritzl's.

from thestar.com.my

Dr. M Goes Blogging.

2008-05-01T23:30:00.001+08:00

Malaysia's fourth Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, better known to the public as Dr. M has recently launch his personal blog. To those who wish to check out his blog can visit it at www.chedet.com.

UEFA Champions League Final

2008-05-01T14:37:00.000+08:00

This year's UEFA Champions League Final would be an all-English Final. This would be only the second final contested by two English teams in the history of the European Champion Clubs' Cup and UEFA Cup. The first was when Tottenham Hotspur FC defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers FC over two legs in the inaugural UEFA Cup final in 1971/72. This year's Champions League Final would be held in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on 21 May. The final would be a match between the top two clubs in the English Premier League which is Manchester United and Chelsea FC.

So who do you think will be crowned UEFA Champions League Winners this year?

Tan Sri M.G. Pandithan Passed Away

2008-04-30T20:35:00.000+08:00

PETALING JAYA: Indian Progressive Front (IPF) president Tan Sri M.G. Pandithan, formerly the vice-president of MIC, passed away at KL General Hospital at 8.20am on Wednesday. He was 68.

He’d been admitted following a long illness. His body will be taken back to his home in Serdang at noon today.

Pandithan was also formerly Member of Parliament for Tapah and parliamentary secretary to the Trade and Industry Ministry.

He leaves behind his wife Jayashree and 21-year-old son Jeyan, who’s studying medicine in the Ukraine.

The funeral will take place on Thursday at 3pm at a venue to be determined.

Once considered a protege of MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu until they had a falling out in 1988, after which Pandithan was sacked from the party.

The two remained political enemies for nearly 20 years, but made up last year during the Ijok by-election. Pandithan’s renewed friendship with Samy Vellu led to fears that IPF would be dissolved into or merged with MIC.

But at a press conference last July, Pandithan declared that IPF would not be dissolved as long as “I am alive.”

From hospital bed last week, Pandithan named his wife Jayashree as his successor in IPF, declaring her president. This has led to some dissent within the party.

by thestar.com.my

Rowdy Name Calling in Parliament

2008-04-30T20:32:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — The first debate in Malaysia's new parliament descended into noisy name-calling Wednesday as a newly emboldened opposition took on the government.

Monkey and Bigfoot were two of the epithets used in a rowdy session during which lawmakers shouted and gesticulated in heated exchanges across the floor of the chamber.

The scenes, broadcast live on television, were an indicator of the new shape of Malaysian politics after Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's governing coalition suffered its worst ever election results last month.

The March 8 polls saw his Barisan Nasional coalition, which has ruled the country for the last half century, lose its two-thirds majority in parliament as well as control of five states.

The first sitting of Malaysia's 12th parliament was delayed by more than 20 minutes as government and opposition parliamentarians hurled barbs and raised technical issues.

Opposition Democratic Action Party chairman and lawmaker Karpal Singh began by questioning the way the session was being held when he was distracted by a government MP, Bung Moktar Radin.

"I hope Bigfoot... does not disrupt the proceedings," Karpal taunted him, using a long-standing gibe about Bung's physical size. "Bigfoot, sit down," he added.

Bung sprang from his chair, shouting: "I am bigfoot, you are big monkey."

Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia struggled to control the situation.

"Let's not create chaos in parliament," he appealed as the verbal exchanges continued. "Let us ensure there is order in parliament."

A semblance of order was restored when Abdullah responded to a question on measures taken to reduce the impact of rising fuel and food prices.

However, Pandikar's refusal to allow the usual follow-up questions to the PM's response drew a further outburst, with former opposition leader Lim Kit Siang calling the restriction "a mockery of parliament."

An exasperated Pandikar again appealed for calm in the house.

"Now we have spent one hour shouting on issues, is this a democratic process? Can we continue peacefully?" he pleaded.

The opposition has a total of 82 of parliament's 222 lawmakers, meaning it can block constitutional amendments, and has vowed to play a vocal role.

Analysts say a rejuvenated parliament could herald a major change in the way democracy functions in Malaysia.

"What we really need to see now is if the opposition alliance can work together to create a shadow cabinet, which would be a check and balance against the government," political analyst Azmi Sharom told AFP.

"All this excitement and debate is good for the country and will mean greater accountability to the people," he added.

The opposition Pakatan Rakyat alliance is led unofficially by former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim.

He predicted last week that with the help of defecting government MPs, the opposition could form a national government by September and install him as prime minister within three years.

AFP

Malaysia's Anwar Returns to Parliament

2008-04-29T18:45:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Ten years after being kicked out, Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim returned to Parliament on Tuesday — but only as a spouse guest.

"This is a new beginning. I have entered. I will never leave again," Anwar said after attending the formal opening of Parliament, where he was once deputy prime minister and finance minister.

Anwar was invited as the husband of Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who won a seat for their People's Justice Party and is now the first female opposition leader in Parliament in Malaysia's history.

Anwar said it won't be long before he is elected a lawmaker in a by-election.

He was ousted from government in 1998 by then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in a power struggle amid accusations of corruption and sodomy. Anwar denied the charges, which were widely believed to be trumped up.

The sodomy charge was later overturned but he served prison time after being convicted of corruption.

The corruption charge prevented him from holding public office until April 14, 2008, which meant he could not contest the March 8 general elections.

"Yes, 10 years is a long time but it is good to be back," he said after mingling with Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia's constitutional monarch, and other dignitaries including former colleagues, over tea.

"I always believe that in politics you shouldn't be bitter and personal. In fact I was happy to meet some of my very old friends including those in the Cabinet. They said very nice things and I reciprocated," he said.

The monarch urged lawmakers to preserve racial peace as he formally opened Parliament, noting that "the key to this country's success is political stability and racial unity."

A record 82 opposition members from a three-party alliance led by Anwar were elected to the 222-member lower house in the elections, breaking the ruling National Front's stranglehold over legislative power for the first time in 40 years.

The National Front's loss was attributed to a protest vote by ethnic Chinese and Indians, who together form 40 percent of Malaysia's 27 million population.

The minorities are bitter about government policies favoring majority Malays, and say they face racial discrimination in religion, jobs, education, and in dealing with the Malay-dominated bureaucracy.

Anwar said his wife is not his proxy. "In the past 10 years she has grown clever and competent in her own accord and strength. She's no longer just here by virtue of being Anwar's wife," he said.

Malaysia's New Lawmakers Take Oath

2008-04-28T18:57:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia's newly elected lawmakers took the oath of office Monday to join a revamped Parliament which for the first time in 40 years has a huge opposition presence challenging the government's power.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, whose National Front coalition suffered stunning losses in the March 8 elections, was the first one to take the oath, followed by Cabinet ministers and other lawmakers.

``Being chosen as member of Parliament , I vow to honestly fulfill my obligations as such,'' said Abdullah, dressed in a black and gold traditional Malay shirt and cap.

He said he would give ``true loyalty to Malaysia'' and defend the Constitution, reading the Malay-language oath in the Dewan Rakyat, or People's Chamber _ the decision-making 222-member lower house of Parliament.

The other lawmakers read out the same oath.

Parliament will formally open Tuesday when Malaysia's constitutional monarch, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, addresses the two houses of Parliament. The People's Chamber will then meet for a 16-day first session until May 27.

Brainless Humans

2008-04-27T22:53:00.000+08:00

recently i went to Jusco Taman Maluri and something really caught my attention.

an uncountable number of fishes being place into a small fish tank.

these fishes are not only many in number but they are also for sale

yet these people in charge just don't really have a brain to think.

can't they just placed these fishes into a bigger tank?

or at least separate them into a few tanks?

look at them.

they are suffering now.

then they are being sold.

then they are being killed and then cooked.

cant you people just give them at least some comfort before they die?

imagine if you are one of those fishes.

what will you feel?

Selfish Human Beings!

Whose Money?

2008-04-26T23:19:00.000+08:00

Did Balkis have the right to move out the RM9.9m?

PETALING JAYA: Questions are being asked whether it was correct for the Wives of Selangor Assemblymen and MPs Welfare and Charity Organisation (Balkis) to transfer out the RM9.9mil it had in its coffers a few days after the state fell to the Opposition.

Defending the money transfer, then president Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik said she had the legal right because her husband Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo was still the caretaker Selangor Mentri Besar at that time.

Dr Mohd Khir said the money was “temporarily transferred” to the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti) to ensure the money would be spent according to Balkis' purpose, namely for the welfare of children.

The state government, however, is questioning the transfer of the money and seeking legal advice. It has also asked the Registrar of Societies to put on hold the dissolution of Balkis, which the committee, led by Zahrah, also unanimously decided to do.

The Bar Council is of the opinion that Balkis' action could be tantamount to criminal breach of trust.

'RM9.9mil belongs to Balkis'

PETALING JAYA: The RM9.9mil in the bank account of the Wives of Selangor Assemblymen and MPs Welfare and Charity Organisation (Balkis) belonged to it. And Balkis was within its rights to hand the money over to another organisation.

This is the stand of the president of the organisation at that time, Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik.

“We have sought legal advice and our lawyers advised us on the options available – either to put the money with any organisation or give it to the state.

“After some deliberations, we decided to give the money to the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti),” Zahrah said yesterday.

The money was moved after a March 11 emergency meeting of Balkis, just days after the state government fell to the Pakatan Rakyat.

The current Selangor government is questioning the legality of the transfer of the funds.

Zahrah’s husband and former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said the organisation consulted its auditors and legal adviser before making the transfer and there was no “hanky-panky involved”.

Zahrah added that Balkis had decided to channel the money to Bakti because the two organisations have similar objectives.

She said the organisation’s constitution allowed for the money to be transferred to the state government or another entity with similar structure and charity orientation like Balkis – provided the recipient is recognised by the director-general of the Inland Revenue Board.

“Balkis was formed by wives of Barisan Nasional elected representatives who wanted to do something for the underprivileged.

“Now that Selangor is ruled by the opposition coalition, the members felt they could no longer serve effectively and that the organisation should be dissolved,” said Zahrah, adding that she chaired the March 11 meeting in her capacity as Balkis president.

“Balkis members worked hard to raise the RM9.9mil through various fund-raising activities over the years. The money is used to help the underprivileged groups in the state.

“All income, expenditure and contributions are clearly documented. Balkis members are proud of our work for the poor, we will never take what does not belong to us,” she said.

Selangor Government to seek legal advice on Balkis affair

PETALING JAYA: The Selangor Government will seek legal advice on the controversy involving the Wives of Selangor Assemblymen and MPs Welfare and Charity Organisation (Balkis) and its funds.

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the political secretary to Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, said the MB did not want to make any further statement on the matter as the state was currently consulting its lawyers.

“We are looking into the legal aspects of the application to dissolve Balkis and also the transfer of its funds before we decide on the next course of action,” he said, adding that the state would take legal action against the organisation’s office bearers if there was any wrongdoing.

In the meantime, the state government has asked the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to ignore the application to disband Balkis made by its previous president Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik, the wife of former Selangor MB Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo.

The state government said in a statement on Thursday that Balkis made the application following a decision during an emergency meeting held on March 11.

It argued that Zahrah could not hold office after the March 8 general election as Dr Khir was no longer MB.

It said that the organisation’s constitution clearly stated that the president had to be the Selangor MB's wife and after the Barisan Nasional lost the state, Zahrah did not have the right to represent Balkis or make the application, and even her right to chair the emergency meeting was questionable.

The state government also felt that disbanding Balkis under such circumstances was against the spirit behind its formation in 1985 to help the needy, provide ideas to the government on welfare issues and help Malaysians of all races and religions.

The statement said a Balkis official had informed the state government that RM9.9mil was moved from the organisation to the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti).

It said the MB's office had also been informed that part of the funds under Balkis came from state-owned companies like Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd which contributed over RM268,000 last year and the Selangor State Development Corporation which contributed more than RM590,000 in 2006 and 2007.

“The state government, therefore, is asking the ROS not to approve the application (to disband Balkis) until the contributions from all the state-owned companies have been ascertained,” the statement continued.

The state government said that it and all its companies would soon request that all contributions made to Balkis be returned, as the organisation was only acting as a trustee for the funds that were to be used for welfare purposes.

Bar Council vice-chairman Ragunath Kesavan said the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) must investigate Balkis for removing almost RM9.9mil from its bank account.

“There is a potential criminal breach of trust (element) or corruption, therefore the ACA must act fast. The money belongs to the association members, not to the office bearers.

“There are rules and regulations to be followed under the Registrar of Societies,” he said.

Hishammuddin Says Sorry For Wielding The Keris

2008-04-26T23:13:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- Umno Youth Chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Friday apologised to the Malays and non-Malays for wielding keris two years ago. Hishammuddin said as a responsible party leader, he should apologise if his action in wielding the "Panca Warisan" keris at the Umno Youth general assembly, contributed to the Barisan Nasional (BN)'s losses in five states in the March 8 general election. He said the keris issue was among those being brought up openly at the Barisan Nasional (BN) youth committee meeting to look at the reasons for the BN's dismal performance in the election. "I told them that I'm responsible for what I've done. If it had affected the performance (of the BN), we cannot run away from the reality. "If the issue had affected anyone, I apologise to the non-Malays and the Malays," he told reporters after chairing the three-hour meeting from 3.30pm at the Menara Dato Onn here Friday. Hishammuddin, who is also Education Minister, said the reality of why the keris was wielded had been manipulated by certain quarters. "(I apologise) to the non-Malays for making them feel apprehensive about (the keris) symbol, and to the Malays for not being able to defend our symbol of heritage. (The wielding of the keris) is not what it was made out to be," he said. Hishammuddin however said that as a leader, he would accept the reality if it was true that the keris issue had contributed to the BN's losses. "I'm not an arrogant person who can't accept reality. This is a sad lesson indeed. But if that's how politics goes, we as a leader should be willing to put the party's interest above self-interest," he said. Asked whether that would mean that the Panca Warisan keris no longer had any meaning, Hishammuddin said, it was still very meaningful to him as a Malay but not many had come to its defence. "The keris will not go anywhere," he said, adding that the BN youth chiefs were unanimous in moving forward and concentrate on efforts to regain the people's confidence. He said the BN had proven its ability to administer the country. However, he said, the BN youth accepted the fact that the people wanted changes and had demonstrated that desire in the recent election. He also said that the meeting Friday also agreed that the Sabah BN youth and Sarawak BN youth should be given important roles in the country's mainstream politics although not necessarily in terms of more cabinet posts or higher oil royalty. Met by reporters later, MCA youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai praised Hishammuddin for his bravery in apologising openly in the interest of all races in the country. "Datuk Hishammuddin is brave in re-evaluating (his action) and in apologising if the action had hurt others," he said. -- BERNAMA

Food Crisis

2008-04-25T23:54:00.000+08:00

the world is currently facing a terrible moment, FOOD CRISIS.

distributing food in Bangladesh.

carrying their goods back.

collecting water for daily usage from a public area.
- see how lucky are we to be living in a unify and prosperous country.

this people in Ethiopia are just waiting to be fed.
- they dunno when will their food comes and they just kept waiting for it to come.

this Somalian kid was starving due to the lack of food.

- imagine if we are in his place suffering. to all lucky bastards who don't know how to appreciate things.

this kid starve to death.

- we eat till we became fat yet we don't appreciate food. this kid wanna eat but he just don't have the chance to.

so try not to waste food

as there are other people out there

without food to eat

without water to drink

think about others.

and don't be selfish

by wasting these precious food and

by not showing your concern

saying who cares about them,

there will surely be someone who will help them.

imagine if you're in those places where there's not enough food.

imagine if you happen to be one of them.

imagine if someone is wasting food in another land

while u are suffering from hunger.

what will you feel?

- too little food too many worries. will there be enough food tomorrow?