KUALA LUMPUR: The remnants of Islamic religious sect Al-Arqam may still pose a threat to

national security although the group had been banned by the government almost 20 years ago.

This is despite the death of its founder Ashaari Muhammad – affectionately known as “Abuya” and regarded as “God” by his followers – three years ago.

Commenting on a newspaper report that Al-Arqam was carrying out activities despite the group

being banned since 1994, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Mohd Zinin said police had kept a close watch on the group.

“We are monitoring them to ensure they do not threaten national security,” Bernama quoted him as saying yesterday.

Mohd Bakri said police will give its full cooperation to enforcement agencies responsible for handling

deviant teaching groups.Ashaari, who was chairman of a

company called Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd, died at the Ipoh Specialist Hospital of lung infection in 2010.

The activities of Al-Arqam, o r J a m a a h A u r a d Muhammadiah, reached a peak in the late 80s and 90s, when it was reported to h a v e a b o u t

10,000 followers and its own commune in Sungai Penchala.

The movement’s apparent radicalism first alarmed the authorities when a number of Malaysian Al-Arqam students were arrested in Cairo for associating with Islamic extremist groups in Egypt, and evidence revealed that the movement was preparing for armed rebellion.

In September 1994,

some of its leaders – including Ashaari who was arrested in Thailand – were detained under the Internal Security Act.

The commune settlements were all closed and all former members prohibited from “intermingling” to revive the movement.

Ashaari was later released following rehabilitation and restricted to live in Labuan for about 10 years.

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Indonesian woman dies in Saudi protest fi reJEDDAH (SAUDI ARABIA): An Indonesian woman died on Sunday in a fire lit by workers outside her country’s consulate in western Saudi Arabia, where thousands converged seeking to resolve their im-migration status, a consular source said.

Some 8,000 Indonesians gathered outside the consulate in Jeddah trying to sort out their papers as illegal foreign workers in the kingdom face a deadline to regularise their position or leave.

“Some of them lit a fire near the walls of the consulate seeking to enter by force, but leading to the death of a woman,” the source said.

Before the fire, rocks and stones were thrown at the consulate by the Indonesian workers frustrated by long waits to get their cases dealt with.

The action was “limited to the walls of the com-pound and did not touch the offices”, said the con-sular source.

Police confirmed only that a fire had left some people injured, without mentioning any fatality.

“The fire has been brought under control,” a police source said.

Some 180,000 illegal foreign workers have left Saudi Arabia since April 1 under an amnesty that allows them to try to sort out their papers or leave without paying a penalty, a newspaper report said on Sunday.

This wave brings to 380,000 the number of foreign workers who have left Saudi Arabia since the begin-ning of the year. – AFP

INSIDE 12-PAGE ‘EDUCATION FOCUS’AIRASIA TO END TIE-UP WITH ANA SUNBIZ P15

DOWN SHE GOES ... Smoke rises as the 27-year-old fi ve-star Haitian Hotel is demolished in a controlled explosion in Qingdao, in east China's Shandong province early yesterday morning.

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Authorities working together to nip revival of deviationist sect

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS02theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11 , 2013

PETALING JAYA: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low refuted a report that he said the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) and the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) are the same.

Quoting the initial press statement on Sunday, he clarified that he said the “IPCMC and EAIC are only names, and what really matters is that we arrive at an independent agency that has the resources, clout and scope of influence to do the job effectively, now that the weaknesses of the existing EAIC had been more or less identified”.

He expressed disappointment that his words had been “blatantly misrepresented” by Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua, who reportedly said Low was “sorely mistaken” in saying the difference between the EAIC and IPCMC is merely in the names.

“This was not the meaning at all!” Low said in a statement yesterday.

He said that in the initial statement he had said the cabinet had more or less concluded that an extensive revamp and enlargement of the powers of the existing EAIC would be a better option than setting up a new IPCMC from scratch, as it would take too much time.

“Clearly even a teenager would be able to conclude that my intention was never to equate the EAIC in its current form to that of the IPCMC proposed by the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) in 2005,” he said.

He also said the cabinet’s aim is to get an effective independent commission with the right people, tools and scope of influence to regulate not just the police, but also other enforcement agencies.

“I fail to see how much clearer I can make it understood that my team and I are doing our level best to come up with a long-term solution that will meet this pressing and very real need, which the people are also crying out for,” Low said.

Low denies equating EAIC to IPCMC

RM400mil for fi rst access road to KapitBY SULOK TAWIEnewsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Naib Razak on Sunday night announced a RM400 million allocation for the construction of the 33km road linking Kanowit to Kapit.

When the road is completed in two to three years, Kapit will be linked to Sibu, which is 100km downriver, and other parts of Sarawak by road, to finally bring to reality a proposal made since the formation of Malaysia in 1963.

Najib, speaking at a Gawai Dayak dinner here, said: “I know Kapit town, the administrative centre of Kapit Division, may be the only place in the world without any access road.”

At present, river transport is the main means to reach Kapit, either from Sibu or Belaga, which is upriver.

He said the allocation will be used to build a bridge in Kanowit and upgrade a logging road from Kanowit to Song as well as for the construction of the missing link from Song to Kapit.

Najib stressed that the Kanowit-Kapit road project will be expedited.

“I am confident the federal government can complete the road in two to three years,”

he said to the applause of the diners, especially those from Kapit and Pelagus.

Najib also said a road linking Kapit to Belaga, a distance of about 120km, is being planned.

“A study has to be conducted taking into account the mountainous terrains and bridges that have to be built across rivers,” he said.

In an immediate reaction, Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing, who is from Balleh, in the Kapit Division, hailed the announcement as “a very good Gawai” gift for Kapit residents.

“My dream to see a road linking Kapit with the rest of Sarawak will become a reality in three years,” said Masing, who is Balleh assemblyman.

“When the road is completed, I can travel all the way from Kuching to Kapit by car,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pelagus assemblyman George Lagong hoped the Kapit-Belaga road would also be built in the near future.

“Rajang River is the only link between Kapit and Belaga.

“Many boats have capsized among the many dangerous rapids between these two places, the most recent incident involved an overloaded express boat not far from Belaga (late last month),” he said.

O & G MEETING ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak with (from left) 17th Asia Oil and Gas Conference (AOGC) organising committee chairman Datuk Wan Zulkifl ee Wan Ariffi n, Petronas president and group CEO Tan Sri Datuk Shamsul Azhar Abbas and Petronas chairman Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan at the opening ceremony of the conference at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.

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Group’s activities draw wide attention

An attempt to revive Al-Arqam teachings became apparent when Ashaari’s widow, Hatijah Aam, was arrested along with nine followers at the KL International Airport (KLIA) on her return from Saudi Arabia on May 13.

She will be prosecuted by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) in November for trying to revive Al-Arqam teachings.

Hatijah could also be charged under Section 12 (C) of the Selangor Syariah Criminal Enactment 1995 for insulting religious authorities.

A number of activities sponsored by the group, which have attracted widespread attention and criticism, include the Ikhwan Polygamy Club and the Obedient Wives Club founded by Hatijah, which are seen as attempts to revive Al-Arqam.

The group, led by Hatijah, recently held a “spirits parliament” from June 2-4 in Jitra, Kedah, to explain the arrest of followers of Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd (GISB).

Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha said Jakim is working with state Islamic religious departments to gather information on Al-Arqam activities.

Bernama quoted Othman as saying Al-Arqam, via GISB, had opened restaurants and retail shops overseas, including in Saudi Arabia to show members that the group is still active.

“The business activities did not generate much profit.

“They also performed concerts and pantomimes promoting the ideals and beliefs of the group,” he said.

He added that to convince members of the group’s “true teachings”, Hatijah also opened several business outlets in Mecca and Medina.

They also distributed brochures in hotels frequented by Malaysian pilgrims in Mecca to promote their businesses and activities.

FROM FRONT PAGE

Najib calls for Muslim unityKOTA BARU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak suggested that Muslims in this country find a common ground and similarities despite differences of opinion and ideology so as to show good example to the non-Muslim community.

He said thinking which leaned towards disunity and animosity should be replaced with values such as equity and fairness.

“We must have a positive attitude and not embellish stories that we hear of and we need to think of good and bad consequences (of our actions),” he said at the opening of the 56th National Tilawah Al-Quran or Quran Reciters Assembly at the Darul Naim Islamic Complex in Lundang last night.

Najib said Islam frowned on instigators who always tried to create animosity among Muslims.

He also urged Muslims to protect the sanctity of Islam and foster solidarity in upholding Islam as the official religion of this country.

He said disunity would place Muslims on the losing end and provide an opportunity for others to take advantage of their weaknesses.

“Preparing ourselves to be strong in our religious faith is necessary in facing whatever challenges that come, while empowering ourselves is also very important to gauge our strengths and weaknesses in enhancing the glory of Islam in this country.

“Let us together ensure that

what we and our nation are showered with will continue to endow us. We shall continue to build unity and at the same time, reject whatever actions and attempts by those who ridicule the monarchy in their politics of extremism.”

Najib said it was incumbent on Muslims to defend their supreme caliph, Prophet Muhammad, besides the Federal Constitution and the monarchy which had been the foundation for the formation of a civilised and sovereign Malaysia.

He said Malaysia was blessed with systematic infrastructure to manage Islam and had vast potential to continue developing further its civilisation based on Islam. – Bernama

> Find common ground and be good example to non-Muslims

03theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

out the potential conflict of interest as EAIC commissioner Datuk Salehuddin Saidin will be required to defend his client, while at the same time expected to be “independent and objective” when looking into the complaints and misconduct of policemen.

“We (PKR) note that this is not the first time Datuk Salehuddin Saidin is involved as a defence lawyer for policemen in custodial torture and death cases.

“He (Salehuddin) was also the defence lawyer for Navindran Vivekanandan, charged with causing grievous hurt on A. Kugan, who died in custody,” said Latheefa in a statement.

As such, Latheefa urged the government to withdraw its support for EAIC’s investigation into custodial deaths. She

reiterated a call for formation of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission.

In an immediate response, Salehuddin urged Latheefa to “get her facts straight”, saying the accused policeman in Dhamendran’s case is represented by his legal assistant, Geethan Ram.

“He (Geethan) accepted the case last week, while I was away, and before EAIC decided to investigate the case.

“Now that EAIC has initiated a full inquiry into cases of custodial deaths, our firm will write a letter to inform the court and our client that we are withdrawing from the case,” Salehuddin told theSun.

Referring to the Kugan case, he said he only represented the accused when the case was mentioned in court, and also the fact that EAIC was only set-up in 2011, two years after the incident.

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS04theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

BY ALYAA ALHADJRInewsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: PKR has raised a red flag in the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission’s (EAIC) ongoing investigation into recent cases of custodial death, as one of its commissioners is also representing one of the three policemen charged with murder in the case of N. Dhamendran.

PKR legal and human rights bureau head Latheefa Koya yesterday pointed

PKR raises ‘red fl ag’ in death probe> Confl ict of interest issue brought up over appointment of EAIC commissioner

Robbers preying on early morning dinersKUALA LUMPUR: Criminals are preying on diners at eateries and are making it unsafe for the public to eat out in the early hours of the morning.

Gangs of eight and 10 men armed with iron pipes and parangs robbed diners at five restaurants in the Klang Valley recently.

Police have received four reports on such cases in Kuala Lumpur and another in Petaling Jaya in the past two weeks.

Investigators learnt that the gang of robbers, who have been active for over two months, preyed on those who patronised restaurants between 1am and 5am.

Although no casualties have been reported in these cases, witnesses told police the robbers were aggressive and intimidating.

In the most recent case on Sunday at Taman Bahtera, Cheras, four

friends who were at a restaurant at 4.30am were relieved of their mobile phones and cash by a gang of seven men who arrived in two cars and armed with parangs.

Cheras police chief ACP Mohan Singh Tara Singh said the robbers also took RM1,300 from the restaurant owner after forcing him to open the cash register.

On Friday, robbers struck another restaurant at Taman Mutiara, Cheras, where they were said to have held up about three dozen diners at 2am.

The robbers took cash and valuables before escaping.

The robbers were said to be using a car that was reportedly stolen just hours earlier in Kepong.

However, Mohan Singh said police only received two reports from two men who lost their handphones and RM800 to these robbers.

No foul play in Japanese lock-up death: CopsBY CHARLES RAMENDRANnewsdesk@thesundaily.com

SHAH ALAM: Police maintain that there was no foul play in the death of a 33-year-old Japanese man who was found hanged in a lock-up at the USJ 8 police station in Subang Jaya on Saturday.

Selangor CID chief SAC II Mohd Adnan Abdullah said yesterday the case remains classified as “sudden death” and investigations, including a post-mortem report from the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), do not support suspicion of foul play.

Nobuhiro Matsushita was arrested on June 2 after brandishing a knife at an auxiliary policeman who approached him for allegedly trespassing a private university in Bandar Sunway.

During his detention at the USJ 8 police station, he was said to have been isolated from other detainees after he allegedly

picked a fight with them.On Saturday he was found

hanged from a bar of the lock-up grille.

Police found the man’s shirt coiled around his neck.

Matsushita’s death has put the police force in a bad light as it is the fourth case of police custodial deaths in less than three weeks.

On May 21, N. Dhamendran, 31, died at a lock-up at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters after complaining of chest pains.

Two other custodial deaths occurred in Negri Sembilan and Penang but investigations showed that both male detainees had died of natural causes.

On Wednesday, three police detectives were charged with the murder of Dhamendran after a post-mortem revealed he had died of severe beatings.

The investigations officer of the case, who was supposed to face murder charges, has since disappeared.

ROBBED OF CASH AND VALUABLESKUANTAN: Two men armed with a knife and stick, and wearing black ski masks, robbed a woman and her four children of RM5,170 in Medan Tok Sira here yesterday. Kuantan police deputy chief Supt Aziz Ahmad said the men kicked down the front door of the house at 12.30 am and held up the 36-year-old woman and the children, aged three to 11, who were watching television at that time. “The robbers then ransacked the bedrooms and took two laptops, five watches, handphones and RM170 before fleeing,” he said. – Bernama

THREE SOUGHT OVER MURDERSSHAH ALAM: Police are tracking down three male foreign nationals who are believed to be responsible for three separate murder cases in Selangor. Selangor Criminal Investigation Department chief SAC Mohd Adnan Abdullah said the first suspect, known as Tin Than Maung, 36, was the roommate of a victim in an incident at SS15, Subang Jaya on April 25. The second suspect, Myo Tun, 37, a Myanmar national, is said to be involved in a murder case on May 7 in Sungai Buloh while another suspect is a Bangladeshi known as Parman, in his 30s, who was believed to be the husband of an Indonesian national. – Bernama

B R I E F S

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS 05theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

Facebook duo must face actionKUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom yesterday called for “appropriate action” to be taken against the two individuals who had allegedly insulted Prophet Muhammad on their Facebook accounts.

He said their alleged action was rude and unless such action was checked, it could spark anger among Muslims and lead to inter-religious disharmony.

“These (social media) writers should

assume responsibility for their actions.” He was speaking to reporters after

launching the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) sports carnival 2013 at the Wangsa Bowl here.

Also present was MAIWP chief executive officer Zainal Abidin Jaffar.

Jamil Khir was asked to comment on a report that the Communication and Multimedia Ministry had identified two individuals who had allegedly insulted Prophet

Muhammad on their Facebook accounts last Friday.

He said social media publishers were liable to action if they were found to have insulted religions that are practised in this country.

“Action can be taken through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). If the alleged offenders are Muslims, they are also liable to action under the state enactments which provide for such penalty,” he said. – Bernama

Police getting4,000 recruits

MAB to set up child care centre for the blind

p5 Red Means Stop

CAUGHT RED HANDED ... A motorist caught beating the red light in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: The first child care centre for blind children aged four and below under the Malaysian Association For The Blind (MAB) will be set up soon.

MAB president Prof Datuk Abdullah Malim Baginda urged parents with blind children to come forward with their child as the centre could help parents manage the child more effectively at no cost.

“We would like the parents to know that there is this opportunity. If they do not know how to help their own blind baby or children, we are here to help them. We insist the parents be involved,” said Abdullah Malim at a press conference at Kompleks MAB here yesterday.

The purpose of the centre is to offer early intervention as it enables a child to deal with the disability and to grow up independently.

Abdullah Malim said RM300,000 has been allocated to set up the centre with highly skilled teachers, at a convenient location for families with blind children.

“We would like to have only the blind children, but if we are short, then the centre will be extended to children who are both blind and deaf (double disability),” he said.

As an organisation responsible for the blind, we would like to provide a wide range of services, from birth to death. Meanwhile, he also urged the government to regulate the registration of all blind persons.

Abdullah Malim said currently the MAB depends on the registration of blind persons with the Social Welfare Department on a voluntary basis.

“At the moment, there is no such law. Unless and until, there is a law for compulsory registration, they will only be referred to the MAB and the burden is on the parents (to register),” he said.

He urged parents to contact the MAB at 03-22722677 (Kavitha Devi), at extension 147, to register their children.

Fewer young Malaysians facing debt defaultsGEORGE TOWN: The percentage of young Malaysians facing debt defaults has reduced to 10% as at April this year from 15.8% in 2009, according to the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK).

It said the younger generation under its Debt Management Programme (DMP) was more savvy in financial management and that most preferred to use debit cards instead of credit cards.

“AKPK is concerned about those in the 20–30 age group as they are always in debt. The reduction now shows a healthy indication,” AKPK’s chief executive officer Koid Swee Lian told reporters after briefing financial

institutions here yesterday.She said AKPK hoped that its credit and

financial management education would reach out to one million people this year from 650,000 people in 2009 via active road shows and smart collaborations.

Koid said the most common reason for the highest default in servicing debt under its DMP was poor financial planning (23% as at April this year) and high medical cost (20%).

She said as at April this year, 3,412 cases were successfully exited from AKPK’s DMP with a total outstanding debt of RM130.86 million.

Koid said AKPK, with its smart partners –

Minggu Saham Amanah Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia’s Mobile LINK, Higher Education Corp’s Loan Fund and higher learning institutions – help educate the public on financial and debt management.

“Some 75 institutions of higher learning are offering elective personal financial management courses to empower young graduates to be financially savvy,” she said.

It featured, among others, 40 learning hours, 14 teaching hours, study visits, examinations and seminars. The module also features four hours of learning the agency’s money and debt management programme called Power! – Bernama

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Royal Malaysian Police is recruiting 4,000 new members in stages throughout the country to fill up vacancies in the force, said federal police director of management Datuk Mortadza Nazarene.

“The recruitment is being carried out through the PSD (Public Service Department) and we will call up the eligible candidates to attend interviews at the relevant contingents before assigning them to the selected training centres.

“However, the recruitment will be carried out in stages although, usually, we will take them all at once and make the selection and reserve the others who are not selected,” he said after attending the closing of the Inspector-General of Police Rugby Championship 2013 at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), here on Sunday night.

Mortadza said with the improvements in the service scheme provided, it had drawn more people to join the force and the response received had been very encouraging.

He said there were three recruitment categories according to the ranks offered, namely constables for those who had passed the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), cadet sergeants for those with diplomas, and inspectors for those with degrees. – Bernama

> Posting allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad could cause racial disharmony, says minister

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‘MONITOR HIDDEN CHARGES BY TELCOS’PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has been urged to monitor local telecommunications companies which allegedly made hidden charges to users. Deputy president of Malaysian Consumers Protection and Welfare Board Dr Lee Nan Sang said as a result, users have to pay a high price, including hidden charges when they have not received good service. – Bernama RM3M SANDALWOOD PROJECT FOR ORANG ASLI GUA MUSANG: A RM3 million sandalwood plantation will be opened in Gua Musang soon to provide employment with lucrative income for the orang asli community, Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said yesterday. He said the project will be carried out in appreciation of the continuous support given by the orang asli to Barisan Nasional. He said sandalwood could fetch up to RM50,000 per kg. – Bernama SABAH FIRST TO KICK OFF HOPE PROJECT KOTA KINABALU: Sabah became the first state to kick off the Hope Project of World Marketing Summit 2013 Malaysia with AirAsia where 40 orphans will be flown from Tambunan to Kuala Lumpur. World Marketing Summit Malaysia strategic partnership manager Fabian Nesan Selva said the project will give inspiration to orphans to express their aspirations through art and craft. Selva said the children will take part in a three-day programme until Thursday. – Bernama

FIRST ORGANIC DENTAL FILLINGKOTA BARU: A team of researchers from the School of Dental Science at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Kubang Kerian has produced the first organic composite dental filling made from rice husk. Team leader Prof Dr Ismail Ab Rahman said the innovation, which would potentially replace the conventional amalgam dental filling, was the culmination of research which began in 2011 under a USM three-year research grant of RM242,500.

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NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS06theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

Pakatan to challenge 34 seatsBY ALYAA ALHADJRInewsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has confirmed that it will be filing election petitions to challenge the outcome of 24 parliamentary and 10 state seats nationwide, in time to meet the June 12 deadline for the coalition’s parties to do so.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) strategic director Rafizi Ramli, who heads PR’s “electoral fraud fact finding team”, yesterday said PKR will challenge the outcome of 18 parliamentary seats and one state seat, while PAS will dispute four parliamentary and nine state seats and DAP will protest against two parliamentary seats.

He said the petitions will be separately filed at High Courts in the respective states of the disputed seats.

Among the seats in dispute are those contested by the parties’ top leaders, who lost to Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates with a slim majority, and others where PR has found indications of alleged electoral fraud.

According to the full list provided by Rafizi, PR component parties will also mount a challenge in seats won by BN top leaders,

> PKR also fi ling civil suits on alleged electoral irregularities

‘Black505’ rally postponed to June 22KUALA LUMPUR: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) will postpone its “Black505” rally at Padang Merbok to June 22.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) strategic director Rafizi Ramli said the postponement of the rally, initially scheduled for this Saturday, was made after consultation with the police.

Rafizi said PR had already agreed to hold the rally at Padang Merbok instead of Dataran Merdeka.

“When we made the application (on June 7), DBKL (City Hall) had confirmed that there are no functions at Padang Merbok on June 22.

“Therefore, there are no more excuses for DBKL and the FT minister to play politics and delay approval for our application,” he added.

Rafizi said the organisers will also resubmit its notice to the Dang Wangi Police today to comply with the 10-day requirement under the

Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri

Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor had on Saturday said that DBKL will not allow PR to gather at Padang Merbok and urged organisers to move their rally to an indoor venue.

Meanwhile, theSun was informed that DBKL has denied approval to PR for use of Padang Merbok on June 22.

At a press conference yesterday, mayor Ahmad Phesal Talib said that the rally date coincided with “preparations” for another event at the venue on June 23.

When contacted by theSun, Rafizi said PR will not accept DBKL’s refusal to grant approval.

“As far as we are concerned, the rally will go on as planned at Padang Merbok on June 22,” said Rafizi. - By Alyaa Alhadjri

HERITAGE SITE IN PERAKKUALA LUMPUR: Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz is determined to maintain Unesco’s recognition of the Lenggong Valley in Perak as a world heritage site. In his speech at the Lenggong Valley World Heritage Archaeology Site Visitor Centre Design Ideas Awards ceremony yesterday, Nazri said Malaysia must fulfill all of Unesco’s requirements of protecting outstanding universal values. Towards this, the National Heritage Department had collaborated with the Malaysian Institute of Architects to organise the design ideas competition, he said. Architect Muhamad Kamal Mohamed Alwi won the first prize of RM20,000 cash and a certificate. – Bernama

TWO HELD FOR ROBBERYMACHANG: Police detained two men in connection with a robbery at the house of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution in Kampung Air Hijau here last week. Machang district police chief DSP Che Malek Bedot said the suspects were arrested in Kampung Gosong at about 1am on Saturday. He said the two men would be remanded for three days. Laptops, watches, handphones and foreign currency were found when police raided their homes. – Bernama

June date for art and culture festBY ASHLEY TANGnewsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: A three-day multi-art and culture festival, called Cooler Lumpur Festival 2013, is set to stimulate Malaysia’s cultural landscape.

The event, which will run from June 21 to 23, will feature local and international world-class individuals covering various creative disciplines such as literature, journalism, film, poetry, art exhibition and social media.

Cooler Lumpur Festival Literary director Umapagan Ampikaipakan said the launch of the inaugural festival curated by PopDigital is

to encourage a reading culture in Malaysia by nurturing an appreciation of language and to improve the literacy skills of Malaysians.

“There is no better time then now to celebrate literature and for literary authors to show young Malaysian authors the value of what they do as writers,”

“This festival is also to change the mindset of Malaysians that a career in the literary field is a good, valuable, and an interesting work that contributes to society in different ways,” Umapagan said at the Hilton hotel yesterday.

The festival will be held at MAP @ Publika and will include a series of lectures, panel discussions and a wide range of topics.

B R I E F S

including Health Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam (Segamat), Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Bagan Datoh), Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel (Cameron Highlands) and former deputy minister Datuk Chua Tee Yong (Labis).

Rafizi also confirmed that a separate election offences petition will be filed against Ahmad Zahid, for allegedly breaching the spending limit of RM200,000 set for campaigning purposes.

“Ahmad Zahid was caught on camera admitting to have given out RM100 and a bag of rice to 24,000 voters in Bagan Datoh,” claimed Rafizi, who promised to release the alleged video at another press conference tomorrow.

On top of the election petitions, Rafizi said PKR will also be filing three other civil suits within the next few weeks, focusing on alleged electoral irregularities. The actions to be taken

consists of the following: Suing the Election Commission

commissioners for failing to conduct a free and fair election by using the indelible ink fiasco as grounds for its claims;

Applying for a judicial review or other legal means to push for scrutiny of the Sabah electoral roll, as testimonies from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the problem of illegal immigrants had pointed out the existence of some 60,000 dubious names registered as voters in the state; and

Seeking a court order to declare amendments made to Section 9A of the Elections Act 1958, which prevents a review to the electoral roll, as being ultra-vires to the Federal Constitution and thus should be repealed.

Rafizi added that PKR has appointed constitutional expert Prof Dr Aziz Bari to head the team tasked with evaluating all legal options.

(from left) British Council Malaysia arts & programme manager Grey Yeoh, Ampikaipakan, writer and publisher Amir Muhammad, Borders Malaysia CEO Yau Su Peng and BMW Group Malaysia head of corporate communications Sashi Ambi at the launch yesterday.

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS 07theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

Call for independent probeBY BERNARD CHEAHnewsdesk@thesundaily.com

GEORGE TOWN: An MP has called on the government to set up an independent technical investigative committee to look into the Second Penang Bridge Ramp accident.

Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin said that the committee, comprising local and foreign experts, should be similar to the one set up for the Highland Tower tragedy in 1993.

"As a result of this tragedy, it is important to restore the confidence of the public in the safety of the bridge," he said.

Speaking at the site of the accident in Batu Maung yesterday, he said that the committee should also have a public hearing to disclose the findings of the tragedy.

"For now, the investigations carried out by the authorities are classified and will not be revealed to the public unless the matter is brought up in court," he said.

"The public hearing is important to allow people to

> Findings on Second Penang Bridge tragedy should be disclosed in public hearing

SUNPIX BY MASRY CHE ANIAn independent committee has been suggested to investigate the ramp collapse in Batu Maung, Penang.

know the truth and help restore their faith in the bridge," he said.

In the accident which occurred last Thursday, a

man was killed while three others were injured when a ramp for the Second Penang Bridge collapsed.

The Department of

Occupational Safety and Health said that it will investigate the matter to determine the cause of the accident in a month's time.

Big leap in public offi ce by DAP womenBY CINDI LOOnewsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: There has been an increased participation of women in public office from DAP in the last general election, with four MPs and 18 in state seats, said DAP Wanita chief Chong Eng yesterday.

She said the party improved its female representation from one parliamentarian and two state representatives in the 1990 general election to 22 representatives in the recent polls.

“With the three state seats won in the 2011 Sarawak state election, we have a total of 25 women representatives,” she said at a hi-tea session with the media here.

Chong said although this target falls short of the purported 30% representation in Parliament, it is an encouragement for the party wing.

DAP deputy national public secretary Teo Nie Ching also said women who want to see change should come forward to play an active role in public.

“We should not wait for the change we want to see, but we should be part of the transformation process,” she added.

Meanwhile, DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke said women elected representatives should be encouraged to highlight not just gender issues but discuss topics that are across the board.

“The women should highlight other issues such as foreign policy and the economy, even as men take up women’s issues as part of their duty,” he said.

DAP political education bureau director Liew Chin Tong also said technology has helped to provide a massive awakening among young females who took issues in their own hands through social media and the internet.

“I hope to see the party’s women wing be abolished when there is equal representation of women in Parliament,” he said.

JOHANNESBURG: The South Africa government yesterday said that Nelson Mandela’s condition remained serious but stable as he continued to receive hospital treatment for a lung infection.

“Former president Nelson Mandela remains in hospital, and his condition is unchanged,” the presidency said in a brief statement.

The increasingly frail 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader was admitted to a Pretoria hospital in the early hours of Saturday.

Updates about his health have been infrequent, and the latest tersely worded report is only likely to fuel concerns about the fate of a man who is regarded as the father of modern South Africa.

“President Jacob Zuma reiterates his call for South Africa to pray for Madiba and the family during this time,” the government said.

Although the government has not identified the hospital treating Mandela, family members were seen leaving a heart clinic in Pretoria where a media camp is gathered.

The Star newspaper reported yesterday that Mandela’s family has banned hospital visits by non-family

members including government officials and members of the ruling African National Congress.

Although Mandela has long since left the political stage and has not been seen in public since 2010, he remains a towering symbol in South African public life.

Twitter users expressed sadness

and urged a quick recovery, but they were also prepared for the worst.

“Madiba has served us well, a real blessing, a definition of a leader but it’s time to let him go. We can’t hold on forever,” said one tweet.

Song filled the morning air at the Regina Mundi church in Soweto, a key flashpoint in the anti-apartheid

struggle, as worshippers prayed for their hero.

“I mean Tata is 94. At 94 what do you expect?” said churchgoer Sannie Shezi, using a term meaning father.

“He lived his life, he worked for us. All we can say is God help him. If things happen they will happen, but we still love him.” – AFP

Mandela’s condition unchanged: Govt> S. Africans prepared for the worst

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS08theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

BEIJING: Authorities are reportedly probing a pig farm in central China for dissolving dead pigs in a chemical solution and pumping the resulting remains down its drains, which empty into a river.

Huasheng Online, a news website published by the Hunan Daily Press Group, said environmental protection and animal hygiene authorities in Changsha, Hunan province, were investigating the allegations.

The farm claimed that using strong alkali to break down carcasses before flushing them away was a non-harmful method of disposal for pigs that died of disease, the report said.

But users of China’s Twitter-like microblogs were disgusted. “It’s absolutely illegal and absolutely harmful,” wrote user Quxiaolijie.

“The only non-harmful way to dispose of dead pigs is to burn them or bury them. They absolutely can’t be discharged into the river. Strictly investigate and strictly punish!”

Food safety is a major issue in China following scandals, including the discovery in March of thousands of dead pigs in a Shanghai river.

No official explanation has been provided for the incident, which lasted for several days and was a major embarrassment for China’s commercial hub. – AFP

Farm puts ‘dissolved carcasses’ into river

Artist Sudarshan Pattnaik works on a sand sculpture created in the likeness of Mandela, to wish him a speedy recovery, in Puri in the Indian state of Odisha on Sunday.

REUTERSPIX

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS 09theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

Patience ‘has limit’: Turkey premierANKARA: Turkey’s defiant Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told supporters his patience “has a limit” as police fired tear gas and jets of water at demonstrators in unrelenting protests against his government’s decade-long rule.

As tens of thousands held noisy demos on Sunday in Istanbul, the capital Ankara and the western city of Izmir, Erdogan went on the offensive, firing up loyalists of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) with rallies of his own across three cities.

“We remained patient, we are still patient but there’s a limit to our patience,” Erdogan told thousands of cheering AKP supporters in Ankara on a 10th day of unrest.

“Those who do not respect this nation’s party in power will pay a price,” he added, before ending his final rally with a fireworks display.

His fans relished the show of strength, frequently interrupting his outdoor speeches with bursts of applause and chanting: “Turkey is proud of you.”

While Erdogan was speaking, police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse thousands of anti-government protesters in the city’s Kizilay square, the second clashes there in two days. At least two people were injured, an AFP photographer saw.

The nationwide unrest first erupted on May 31 with a tough police crackdown on a campaign to save Istanbul’s Gezi Park from demolition. The trouble spiralled into a mass outpouring of anger against Erdogan and his party, seen as increasingly authoritarian.

> Protest violence fl ares, EU urges restraint

Plane crashes in Indonesia, two injuredJAKARTA: An Indonesian passenger plane carrying 52 people crash-landed at an eastern airport yesterday, injuring two, officials said, the latest accident to hit the country’s fast-growing aviation sector.

The MA-60 aircraft, operated by state-owned Merpati Nusantara airlines, was coming in to land at an airport in East Nusa Tenggara province when the accident happened, said transport ministry spokesman Bambang Ervan.

Pictures showed the Chinese-made turbo-prop plane lying on its belly on the runway with its engines jammed facedown into the tarmac and its wings bent forward.

An increasing number of planes are taking to Indonesia’s skies to feed growing demand from a booming middle class, but the country has one of Asia’s worst aviation safety records.

In April, a passenger jet carrying 108 people missed the runway as it came into land on the resort island of Bali, crashing into the sea and splitting in two. Dozens of people were hurt.

Yesterday’s accident happened as the plane, which was on a domestic flight from the central island of Flores, came into land at El Tari airport in Kupang city at 9.40am.

There were 52 people on board, 46 passengers and six crew, said Merpati spokesman Herry Saptanto.

“Two passengers sustained minor injuries from pieces of glass but they have left hospital and are now fine. The plane is badly damaged, I don’t think it can be used anymore.”

In May 2011, an MA-60 operated by Merpati crashed in West Papua province, killing 25.

Following that accident, authorities banned the plane from landing at three airports with difficult approaches. However, Saptanto said the ban had been lifted six months earlier. – AFP

More than 4,000 demonstrators, many of whom are young and middle-class, have been injured and three people have died in the nationwide unrest so far, tarnishing Turkey’s image as a model of Islamic democracy.

Earlier on Sunday, Erdogan visited the southern port of Mersin and nearby Adana, urging roaring, flag-waving loyalists to respond to the demonstrators by voting for the AKP in next year’s local polls.

“I want you to teach them a first lesson

through democratic means at the ballot box.”European Union (EU) foreign policy chief

Catherine Ashton meanwhile called for “a quick solution” to the unrest, urging “restraint on all sides”.

The government said on Saturday that the protests were “under control”, but hours later some of the largest crowds yet packed Istanbul’s Taksim Square, the epicentre of the demos, with people peacefully singing and dancing through the night. – AFP

AFPPIXA protester shouts a slogan during a demonstration in Izmir on Sunday.

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS10theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

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SWISS VOTE FOR TOUGHER ASYLUM LAWGENEVA: The Swiss voted overwhelmingly Sunday in favour of a government move to tighten the country’s asylum law amid a spike in refugees, in what opponents of the changes decried as a “disaster”. A full 78.4% of voters embraced changes made to the asylum law last September as applications soared to their highest in over a decade. Opponents of revision voiced disappointment at their defeat. “The referendum is a disaster for asylum seekers and leaves no winners,” the committee that had requested the vote on the changes said, hailing the “minority of the population that still has a conscience”. – AFP

AUSSIES SUSPEND SEARCH FOR ASYLUM-SEEKERSSYDNEY: Authorities yesterday said they had called off their search for a boat carrying at least 55 asylum-seekers which disappeared off Christmas Island. Officials suspended the search for the vessel, which was seen before it went down carrying men, women and children, late Sunday after failing to find survivors. Up to 13 bodies were spotted in the water during the extensive search. But customs said staff were occupied with other “high priority operations” and would not be able to recover the bodies. “Our priority in those operations remains the protection of life, responding to other vessels which may require assistance and preventing further loss of life,” a spokesman said. – AFP

HISTORIC JAPANESE CHEST FETCHES €7.3M PARIS: An Edo-era Japanese chest belonging to Cardinal Mazarin, France’s chief minister from 1642 to 1661, was snapped up at an auction on Sunday for €7.3 million by Amsterdam’s famed Rijksmuseum. The black-and-gold lacquer chest, with silver and mother-of-pearl decorations, dates back to the start of Japan’s Edo period and was acquired by Mazarin in 1658, auctioneer Philippe Rouillac said on Sunday after the sale in France’s Loire Valley. Rouillac found the chest when he was contacted by people who wanted to sell their parents’ home in the Loire Valley. The chest had been used as a bar for the past two decades. – AFP

BRITAIN’S PRINCE PHILIP TURNS 92 IN HOSPITALLONDON: Queen Elizabeth II’s husband Prince Philip celebrated his 92nd birthday in the London hospital where he is recovering from exploratory abdominal surgery. The colourful royal was said by Buckingham Palace to be “progressing satisfactorily” after undergoing the operation at the London Clinic on Friday. The palace would not reveal if the queen, 87, and other family members visited the duke, who is expected to spend up to two weeks in hospital while his results are analysed. The occasion was marked by traditional gun salutes at the Tower of London and Hyde Park. – AFP

SEVEN TALIBAN DEAD IN KABUL AIRPORT ATTACKKABUL: Taliban militants yesterday launched a grenade and gun attack on Kabul airport, seizing two nearby buildings and firing on military facilities before being overwhelmed by security forces. Two suicide bombers blew themselves up and all five other attackers were killed in fighting as elite Afghan troops stormed the half-built properties where the militants had holed up. Loud explosions and sporadic bursts of small-arms fire erupted for at least four hours after the attack woke up Kabul residents at 4.30am (8.30pm in Malaysia). – AFP

HARDLINER MODI TO FRONT INDIA’S OPPOSITION NEW DELHI: Hardline Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi was on Sunday named to lead the main Indian opposition Bhartiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign for national election next year, a move seen as a precursor to his being declared a prime ministerial candidate. BJP president Rajnath Singh made the announcement at the end of the party’s three-day conclave. “The coming elections are a big challenge. We are going in to win. I have appointed Modi as the chairman of the election campaign committee,” he said. Modi, 62, heads the BJP government in Gujarat. – dpa

B R I E F SSource of US intel leak revealedWASHINGTON: A 29-year-old government contractor revealed himself on Sunday as the source who leaked details of a vast, secret US programme to monitor internet users, as the US spy chief pressed for a criminal probe.

Edward Snowden (pix), who has been working at the National Security Agency (NSA) for the past four years, admitted his role in a video interview posted on the website of The Guardian, the first newspaper to publish the leaked information.

“My sole motive is to inform the public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done against them,” Snowden said, speaking in Hong Kong.

He said he had gone public because he could not “allow the US government to destroy privacy, internet freedom and basic liberties for people around the world with this massive surveillance machine they’re secretly building”.

The Washington Post, the second newspaper to publish leaked information, also revealed details from its correspondence with Snowden, including his bleak assessment of his future, once the information was out.

“I understand that I will be made to suffer for my actions, and that the return of this information to the public marks my end,” he wrote early last month, warning the Post reporter he was in danger too.

Snowden gave an even starker view of his possible fate in the interview with Guardian, saying that he feared he might be snatched by the CIA.

“Yes, I could be rendered by the CIA. I could have people come after me. Or any of the third-party partners. They work closely with a number of other nations. Or they could pay off the triads. Any of their agents or assets.”

A former technical assistant for the CIA, Snowden worked for the NSA as an employee of various outside contractors, including Dell and Booz Allen Hamilton.

Snowden flew to Hong Kong on May 20 after copying the last set of documents he intended to disclose at the NSA’s office in Hawaii, the Guardian said, adding he has

remained there ever since, holed up in a hotel room.

Snowden has said he may seek asylum at the consulate of Iceland.

Hong Kong has an extradition treaty with the United States. The British-based Guardian said it had revealed Snowden’s identity at his own request.

In response to Snowden’s decision to go public on Sunday, the office of the Director of National Intelligence said the matter had now been “referred to

the Department of Justice”. The leaks have set off a furore, with President Barack Obama defending the programmes as vital to keeping Americans safe.

Director of national intelligence James Clapper confirmed on Saturday that the NSA uses a programme called PRISM to gather data trails left by targeted foreign citizens using the internet outside the US.

A separate programme has been used to scoop up the telephone records of millions of Americans. – AFP

> Ex-CIA man exposes spy scheme ‘to protect world’

Two Koreas strike cautious accord on talksSEOUL: North and South Korea yesterday struck a patchy agreement to hold a high-level meeting in Seoul, following marathon talks aimed at rebuilding trust after months of soaring tension and threats of nuclear war.

Sunday’s preparatory talks, held in the border truce village of Panmunjom where the armistice ending the 1950-53 Korean War was signed, were the first between the two rivals for over two years.

In a sign of the trust deficit that remains six decades after the armistice agreement, they dragged on into early yesterday as the two sides struggled to agree on a framework for a more substantive dialogue.

They concluded by settling for a two-day meeting in Seoul beginning tomorrow, but with some confusion over who would attend and what topics would be discussed.

“Both sides issued separate statements on the outcome after failing to narrow differences over the level of chief delegate and agenda,” the South’s Unification Ministry said.

Agreed topics for discussion include the future of the Kaesong joint industrial complex which the North shut down as the recent military tensions between the rivals peaked.

The resumption of South Korean civilian tours to the North’s Mount Kumgang resort and reunions between families divided since the Korean War will also figure, the separate statements said.

Sunday’s talks came about after an unexpected reversal from the North, which suddenly dropped its default tone of high-decibel belligerence and proposed opening a dialogue.

South Korea responded swiftly by offering a meeting in Seoul between its unification minister and his North counterpart, which Sunday’s talks in Panmunjom were meant to set up.

In the end, it was unclear who exactly would attend, with the North and South statements vaguely alluding to “authorities” with ministerial-level responsibilities. – AFP

Tens of thousands left homeless by fl oodsBERLIN: Tens of thousands of people were forced to evacuate their homes across Germany and Hungary on Sunday as further dramatic rises in the levels of the swollen Elbe and Danube rivers continued to cause the most devastating floods ever experienced in Central Europe.

In the east German city of Magdeburg, flood waters from the Elbe rose 80cm higher than during 2002’s so-called “flood of the century”. Some 23,000 residents were forced to flee their homes as soldiers, rescue workers and volunteers battled furiously to shore up dykes.

City officials said an entire district of Magdeburg faced the possibility of being submerged and there were fears that an electricity-supply station would be flooded, shutting off power supplies.

“You just cannot imagine what people are having to deal with,” said the German President Joachim Gauck after touring flood-hit towns.

The flooding northwards along the Elbe is expected to continue and possibly even worsen this week as waters from the river’s swollen tributaries flow into the main river south of Magdeburg and head north-west.

In southern Germany, thousands of

residents were struggling with a massive clean-up operation following devastating Danube floods which hit parts of Bavaria last week. Further heavy rain is forecast for the area.

So far at least 15 people have died in Central Europe since the flooding began a week ago.

In Germany, 70,000 firemen, 11,000 soldiers and tens of thousands of volunteers are battling the rising waters.

On Sunday the Elbe cities of Wittenberge and Lauenburg were also hit by severe flooding and officials said they expected water levels to remain high for days. By contrast, 10,000 residents who were evacuated from the town of Bitterfeld, further south, were being allowed to return home yesterday.

German police said the problems caused by the floods were exacerbated by letters circulated early on Sunday by a suspected left-wing group, threatening to damage sections of already weakened river dykes to create chaos.

The letters signed by a group calling itself the “anti-German, anti-fascist flood brigade” threatened to strike at dykes in order to “harm people across Germany”. Police said they had stepped up helicopter surveillance and road patrols in response. – The Independent

A man inspects a sandbag wall next to the river Elbe in Schoenebeck, eastern Germany, on Sunday.

AFPPIX

LETTERSletters@thesundaily.com

SPEAK UP 11theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

Managing Editor Freddie Ng Senior Manager, Advertising & Marketing Anafiah Omar Senior Manager, Production Thomas Kang Senior Manager, Distribution Channels Gurunatham Gopal Tel (Editorial) 03-7784 6688 Fax 03-7785 2624/5 Email newsdesk@thesundaily.com Tel (Advertising) 03-7784 8888 Fax 03-7784 4424 Email advertise@thesundaily.com

Tourist guides can do betterTHOSE keen to be tourist guides may enrol for a part-time four-six month course at any licensed tourism training institute, and national examina-tions are held three times a year.

They may apply for the tourist guide licence after passing all tests. New guides are granted a provisional licence and must sit for a confirmation course within the two-year probation and acquire three Continuous Tourism Related Education (CTRE) certificates to obtain a permanent tourist guide licence. Later, to renew the licence, six CTRE certificates must be acquired within two years.

CTRE programmes can be more fruitful if they are turned into full-day group coaching sessions. Instead of sitting through a seminar, guides would learn more by repeating in front of the class the commentaries they make during tours.

They should then be commended on what they have done well so that others can emulate and likewise, their mistakes should also be pointed out. It is possible that half the class may make the same errors or have common weaknesses and correcting the mistakes of one participant can benefit many.

The class can be moderated by a competent guide and everyone present is entitled to share their views. Such trainings are more participatory, lively and effective than normal CTRE pro-grammes.

The Ministry of Tourism and Culture should also appoint a team of seniors to observe guides at popular places of interest.

Unwittingly, our speeches and writings are littered with errors, and some of our expressions and gestures may be rude or offensive. When these are pointed out to us, we will perform much better after correcting them.

YS ChanKuala Lumpur

requirement, as it meets the criteria of having 50,000 unique visitors from Singapore a month over a period of two months.

The licences, which have to be reviewed annually, include a performance bond of S$50,000 (RM135,000) and a requirement

that objectionable content be removed within 24 hours when directed by the MDA.

This has sparked an outcry from human rights groups. “Websites will be forced into the role of private censors on behalf of the government,” Cynthia Wong, senior internet researcher at Human Rights Watch, told Reuters.

For a long time, we could look at the internet scene in Singapore and proudly say, “Yeah, we are more progressive.” But this situation might change soon. There is a push for online media to be regulated here too. Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Chik indicated as much although it’s not certain yet.

The reasons for wanting to regulate online media are well-worn arguments that just aren’t very convincing. They usually have to do with the fact that since we live in a multiracial, multicultural, multi-religious society, we have to regulate hate speech and other forms of so-called seditious statements.

Such arguments portray Malaysian society as a powder keg ready to explode anytime, which is far from the truth.

In recent years, we have seen very provocative actions like a cow’s head being kicked and pig’s head being thrown in front of a mosque. These are very insulting towards Hindus and Muslims respectively. Yet, we did not see riots erupting. People were outraged, yes and justifiably so. But they did not take to the streets and riot.

Malaysian society has matured and it

understands that the act of agent provocateurs does not represent the views or values of anybody other than the provocateurs.

If people can keep cool heads over such outrageous acts in the physical world, surely they can do the same when they come across provocative postings.

As a web-savvy media person, I consume a lot of online content. I visit a lot of news sites, blogs, Facebook pages, Twitter accounts and so on to get a sense of what the online chattering class is talking about.

And yes, I do come across provocative comments designed to provoke outrage. Do I go out and start rioting? Of course not. I dismiss such comments as the work of sorry individuals who are desperate for attention. Most Malaysians would do the same.

To Shabery Chik’s credit, he did note that the majority of Malaysians are discerning enough to reject outright lies published on the internet. That being the case, there really should be no attempt to impose regulations on online media.

But even if the government were to follow Singapore’s regressive online footsteps any attempt to censor or regulate online media would be futile as people will find ways to publish and share content via blogs and social media sites. Good luck trying to regulate those outlets.

The genie is out of the bottle. Malaysians are used to uncensored internet access. We have had this for nearly two decades now. And we are all better off for it. The government made the right decision in keeping the internet censorship-free in the 90s. Let’s stick with that.

Oon Yeoh is a new media consultant. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

Online media will survive

MALAYSIA did the right thing when it was decided in the mid-90s that the internet would not be censored. As a result we have

a vibrant internet culture. Malaysians love blogging and updating their Facebook and Twitter timelines.

What we have seen is a blossoming of creativity and self-expression – the kinds of things we need to transform our economy into an innovation based one. Another side benefit is that as Malaysians become more web-savvy, they are more likely to warm up to both e-commerce and e-government initiatives, something that we want to encourage.

Although internet access is not completely censorship-free – certain sites like Pirate Bay (its name alone should tell you what it’s for) are blocked – for the most part, websites are freely accessible in Malaysia.

Not only that, but news sites and blogs that report and comment on current affairs and political matters are not regulated. This is why our online media scene is so vibrant and our neighbour, Singapore’s, is so lame.

The government there regulates its online media, just as it does its traditional media. This is Big Brother going overboard any way you slice it.

Popular websites that regularly report on Singapore have to get a licence, putting them on par with newspapers and television news outlets, according to Singapore’s Media Development Authority. Even the news site run by Yahoo! will be affected by the new

SPEAK UP12theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

The myth of a stable Turkey BY PATRICK COCKBURN

THERE is something almost comic in the way the missteps of the Turkish government turned a small

demonstration aimed at preserving sycamore trees in Taksim Square from the developers’ bulldozers into the biggest and most widespread popular protest ever seen in Turkey. Its security forces made the classic mistake of being pictured on television and social media publicly assaulting peaceable protesters with water cannon and pepper spray. Just enough violence was used to provoke while wholly failing to intimidate.

There was a time when brutality by the security forces was easier to keep off TV screens by censorship or frightening journalists and media-owners. But these mechanisms no longer work when people have a multitude of TV channels to choose from.

It is astonishing that skilled politicians such as Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and those around him should make so many mistakes in such a short time. It is easy to understand why Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia and Hosni Mubarak of Egypt should have miscalculated popular reaction to repression at the start of the Arab uprisings in 2011, because as rulers of police states their approach to public opinion was to ignore it.

But how did Erdogan fall into the same trap? An obvious explanation is simply the arrogance of those who have held power for too long. They

ignore advice and demonise and underrate their critics. There is nothing very Turkish in this. The same was true of Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair who, like Erdogan, had each won three election victories and were facing an electorate that blamed them for anything that went wrong.

The parallel should be between Turkey and Western Europe, not between Turkey and Middle East states. One of the many reasons why foreigners find Turkey so difficult to understand is that they imagine that its politics have similarities with other Muslim states in the region, which are not there. It is true that Turkey has had four military coups since 1960, which vie with anything that happened in Iraq or Argentina for the cruelty of the repression. In the 1980 military coup 450 people died under torture, 50 were executed and many others disappeared. At least 178,000 people were arrested and almost all tortured, while 64,000 were jailed.

This makes Turkish politics sound like Iraq under the Ba’ath Party or Argentina under the junta. But Turkey never ceased to have elections that, unlike in Latin American and Middle Eastern police states, mattered in the distribution of power. Even at the height of military rule, Turkey never wholly ceased to be a democratic state in which

powerful parties stood for election and the outcome was not fixed from above as in Mubarak’s Egypt or Saddam Hussein’s Iraq.

Foreign commentary on the Taksim Square protests speaks of the competition between “secularism” and “Islam” in Turkey. But in almost all cases it is evident that the writers

have not taken on board what these words mean in a Turkish context. “Secularism” in Turkey brings with it the same intensity of belief as a religious cult, attracting at one time the officer class, the professionals, the civil service, the security service and many of the well educated.

But at the heart of Kemal Ataturk’s legacy is not secularism, which

appealed primarily to the elite, but a super-heated nationalism that had an appeal to all Turkish social classes, though not to all ethnic communities. Hence the great difficulty Erdogan may have in bringing to an end the 30-year guerilla war with the Kurds of southeast Turkey despite the March ceasefire agreement.

The Taksim Square protests and Turkey’s draining entanglement in the Syrian civil war have brought to an end for the moment talk of a resurgent Turkey emulating the old Ottoman empire in terms of influence in the Middle East and even in the Balkans and around the Black Sea. This always seemed to me to

exaggerate the political, military and economic strength of Erdogan’s Turkey. The idea of “the new Ottomans” carried hidden dangers that Ankara was slow to understand.

First, what was the region where Turkey was going to exercise its enhanced influence? It was primarily among countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Iran, notoriously the most dangerous places in the world for interfering foreign states. The US, at the height of its power, suffered two of its biggest defeats here: the overthrow of the Shah in 1979 and its calamitous occupation of Iraq in 2003-11. But now Turkey was confidently lurching into the same quagmire in the expectation of swift enhancement of its influence.

There is not much talk of “the new Ottomans” these days. Erdogan’s gamble that Bashar al-Assad and his government would swiftly collapse has not paid off. Instead Turkey has a raging war beginning to spill across its 500-mile southern frontier with Syria. Syrian leaders have been enjoying themselves by applying Erdogan’s criticisms of the Syrian regime to Turkey and demanding that he resign. Turkey has ended up acting as proxy for the US in Syria, something that is highly unpopular in Turkey. Erdogan may feel good about his easy access to the White House, but he has made some serious enemies in Teheran and Damascus. There is no reason to suppose that they have anything to do with the protests, but Turkey will have difficulty reaching an accommodation with its own Kurds

and the Kurds in Iraq in the face of Iranian opposition.

Turkey is ill equipped to get entangled in sectarian and ethnic conflicts in Syria and Iraq. It has been unable to resolve its Kurdish issue and is unlikely to be able to deal with inter-ethnic and sectarian conflicts abroad. It may not have started out intending to be part of a Sunni Muslim offensive against the Shi’ites or allied to the Sunni monarchs of the Gulf, but it has ended up that way. Its wooing of the Iraqi Kurds and their oil and gas will be forcefully opposed by Baghdad and Teheran.

Erdogan’s mistakes in dealing with the protests and the failures of Turkish foreign policy are not irretrievable ones. But the weaknesses of the Turkish state and the depth of the political divisions within Turkey are becoming more apparent. The demonstrations are also highlighting failings that had been masked by Turkey’s economic success. Such impressions are important because the flow of foreign capital into Turkey depends on a sense that the country is stable compared to its neighbours. Nightly riots in western Turkey, bombs exploding in the south of the country and the possibility of renewed Kurdish unrest in the east is sapping the belief inside and outside Turkey that the country is still one of the world’s success stories.

Patrick Cockburn is the Middle East correspondent for The Independent. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

The parallel should be between Turkey and Western Europe, not between Turkey and Middle East states.

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2.417bil RM2.532bil

FBMEMAS 12,489.92 +102.80FBMKLCI 1,787.80 +12.21INDUSTRIAL 3,053.60 +25.80CONSUMER PROD 598.83 +2.85INDUSTRIAL PROD 133.78 +0.90CONSTRUCTION 285.60 +3.81TRADING SERVICES 225.91 +1.80FINANCE 17,026.36 +89.03PROPERTIES 1,472.20 +13.51PLANTATIONS 8,494.04 +153.33MINING 478.24 +12.16FBMSHA 12,499.00 +116.93FBMACE 4,781.67 +94.43TECHNOLOGY 13.37 +0.20

KL MARKET SUMMARY

KLCI 1,787.80 12.21

STI 3,200.51 15.79

Hang Seng 21,615.09 39.83

SCI Closed

Nikkei 13,514.20 636.67

TSEC 8,160.55 65.35

KOSPI 1,932.70 8.85

S&P/ASX200 Closed

JUNE 10, 2013

STOCK VOL CLSG +/-

PATIMAS 383,201,500 6.5 +0.5LUSTER 251,736,200 22.5 +0.5MAS 74,716,500 32.5 -0.5MALTON 65,526,900 83.5 + 13SCOMI 58,316,000 45 +1.5LUSTER-WA 38,435,500 12 +0.5HOVID-WB 37,503,100 8.5 +1GOB 36,785,600 87.5 +2CSL 32,204,500 31 -2.5SMARTAG 26,806,600 12 -1

10 MOST ACTIVES

BURSA Malaysia closed at a two-week high yesterday, boosted by persistent buying support, especially in blue-chip counters and plantation heavyweights, dealers said. The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 12.21 points to 1,787.8 after hovering between 1,780.17 and 1,792.67 throughout the day.

Of the plantation counters, IOI Corp advanced 18 sen to RM5.49, Sime Darby jumped 12 sen to RM9.61, PPB Group and KLK gained 3 sen each to RM14.04 and RM21.74, respectively, and Genting improved 16 sen to RM10.60.

Market breadth was positive as gainers thumped losers by 667 to 224, with 233 counters unchanged, 464 untraded and 15 others were suspended. Volume rose to 2.417 billion units valued at RM2.532 billion from 1.58 billion units valued at RM2.09 billion on Friday.

JF Apex Securities Bhd head of research Lee Chung Cheng said bullish external developments, coupled with strong regional performance, spurred buying interest and helped the local market rebound from the sell-off last week.

Top gainer Country View perked 68 sen to RM2.97 with 129,600 shares traded. – Bernama

Two-week high

Business Editor Kang Siew Li Tel (Editorial) 03-7784 6688 Fax 03-7785 2624/5 Email sunbiz@thesundaily.com Tel (Advertising) 03-7784 8888 Fax 03-7784 4424 Email advertise@thesundaily.com

Yinson to acquire Norwegian FPSO owner

BY IZWAN IDRISsunbiz@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Oil and gas contractor Yinson Holdings Bhd plans to acquire all shares in Norwegian company Fred Olsen Production ASA for RM551.34 million or RM5.20 per share cash, in a move to leapfrog the group into the top two position in the floating production, storage and off-loading (FPSO) services segment in Southeast Asia.

Shares in Yinson were suspended from trading yesterday to make way for the announcement. The stock, which shot up 42% last week to RM4.76, will resume trading today. At its last traded price of RM4.76, Yinson’s market capitalisation stood at RM954 million.

“Upon the successful takeover, our order book will increase to RM7.5 billion in

> Takeover of Fred Olsen Production will boost order book to RM7.5bil

total,’’ Yinson managing director Lim Han Weng said in a statement yesterday. His target is to complete the takeover of Fred Olsen Production by September this year.

The proposed acquisition of Fred Olsen Production will add three FPSO units to Yinson’s fleet of vessels and will provide “a steady income stream” to the group, he added.

Yinson’s current fleet consists of three offshore support vessels (OSVs) as well as a floating storage and off-loading facility (FSO) via a joint venture with Petrovietnam Technical Services Corp (PTSC). The group, together with PTSC is also building a FPSO scheduled to complete by end of this year.

The acquisition of Fred Olsen Production will be partly funded with the RM106.62 million proceeds to be raised from a special share sale to Kencana Capital Sdn Bhd. Kencana Capital’s stake in Yinson will increase from 4.54% to 18.52% upon completion of the placement exercise.

Yinson also said it will place out 37.809

million new shares in the group to Kencana Capital at RM2.82 apiece to raise cash for expansion. The rest of amount needed to pay for the acquisition of Fred Olsen will be sourced from institutional borrowings and internal funds.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday, Yinson said it entered into an agreement with Fred Olsen on June 7, 2013 to acquire all shares in the Oslo-listed company for NOK9.40 a share (RM5.20) cash. The offer was a 5.1% premium over Fred Olsen Production’s last traded price of NOK8.94 on Friday.

Fred Olsen Production made a net profit of US$1.9 million on revenue of US$113.3 million for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2012. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, its net profit improved to US$3.5 million on lower depreciation charges as revenue stood at US$29.3 million.

Yinson, meanwhile, made a net profit of RM33.98 million, or 14.8 sen a share in the financial year ended Jan 31, 2013 on revenue of RM935.46 million.

Time extension for BToto biz trust listingPETALING JAYA: Berjaya Sports Toto Bhd (BToto) has received approval from Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Ltd (SGX-ST), operator of the Singapore Exchange, for a further extension of three months to Sept 10, 2013 to list its business trust known as Sports Toto Malaysia Trust (STM-Trust) on the main board of the bourse there.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday, BToto said SGX-ST has, via its letter dated June 10, 2013, granted approval for the extension of the validity period of the conditional eligibility-to-list.

Deloitte Corporate Advisory Services Sdn Bhd has valued STM-Trust at between RM5.7 billion and RM6.3 billion.

AirAsia X aims to raise RM859m from IPOBY EE ANN NEEsunbiz@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Long-haul, low-cost airline AirAsia X Bhd seeks to raise RM859.3 million from its initial public offering (IPO) to help fund new aircraft acquisitions, as its expansion goes into overdrive over the next four years by adding 22 Airbus A330-300s to its fleet. It also has a firm order of 10 A350-900s beyond that.

The airline currently has 10 A330-300s, serving 14 destinations across Asia, Australia and the Middle East. It will take delivery of an additional A330-300 next month, representing the largest low-cost carrier wide-body aircraft seat capacity in Asia-Pacific.

AirAsia Bhd group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, who is also AirAsia X co-founder and director, said AirAsia X now has the potential to have 40-50 aircraft “very quickly”.

“If you look at Singapore Airlines down the road, it’s a long-haul (airline) and it has about 100 aircraft and, thus, the potential of AirAsia X is enormous,” he told a press conference after the launch of AirAsia X’s prospectus here yesterday.

AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani said the growth in aircraft capacity will supplement its plans to set up regional hubs outside of Malaysia, particularly in Thailand and Indonesia, to strengthen regional competition and market footholds. “We’re initiating the process which includes applying for licences from relevant regulatory bodies,” he said.

To support the growing demand for low-cost, long-haul travel and to take advantage of the various short-haul hubs and the network connectivity established by the AirAsia group, AirAsia X intends to establish hubs outside Kuala Lumpur where it can leverage the existing presence of the group, which it believes will provide additional feeder traffic.

“Our key strategy is to maintain market leadership position in the markets we serve and principally the bulk of expansion is strengthening our core markets in Australia and North Asia (such as China, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan),” said Azran. “The first thrust is to add frequencies to cities. Second, to add new routes or cities in countries and, third, continue to invest in aircraft that will be based at our soon-to-be overseas hubs.”

Azran added that AirAsia X plans to

take delivery of seven new aircraft this year, another seven in 2014 and five in 2015.

AirAsia X will begin flights to Busan, South Korea next month.

AirAsia X’s IPO is set to be the largest IPO in Malaysia year-to-date. It is the fourth IPO from the Tune group of companies.

Due to be listed on July 10, AirAsia X expects to use 33.3% or RM285.81 million of the IPO proceeds to repay bank borrowings, 32.6% or RM280 million for capital expenditure, 29.7% or RM255.45 million for working capital; and 4.4% or RM38 million for listing expenses.

The IPO consists of up to 790.12 million shares of 15 sen each in AirAsia X. This comprises an offer for sale of up to 197.53 million existing shares and a public issue of 592.59 million new shares, comprising institutional offering of up to 538.01 million shares and retail offering of 252.11 million shares.

The initial retail price is RM1.45 per share. This is however subject to a book-building exercise for its institutional offering. The final retail price will equal the institutional price.

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Fernandes (left) and Azran posing with Air Asia X cabin crew at the launch of the airline's listing prospectus yesterday.

SUNBIZ14theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

Petronas technique boosts oil extractionBY PREMALATHA JAYARAMANsunbiz@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd’s (Petronas) enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technique has improved the oil recovery rate of existing reservoirs to over 40% from 10% previously, said its president and group, CEO Tan Sri Shamsul Azhar Abbas.

“Advancement in technology such as EOR and carbon dioxide management has to a certain extent increased oil extraction from depleted and mature fields while slowing down the natural production decline,” he said in his state of industry address at the 17th

> Recovery rate soars to 40% from 10% previously

Najib calls for comprehensive energy settlement in AsiaKUALA LUMPUR: Asian countries need to find a comprehensive energy settlement in order to tackle pressing global energy issues, taking into account major shifts under way in the oil and gas (O&G) industry.

In making the call, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said this settlement can unlock development and profits while delivering sustainable long-term growth.

“We must find a way to bring economic, social and environmental considerations together and answer them as one: a

comprehensive energy settlement,” he said in his keynote address at the 17th Asia Oil and Gas Conference 2013 here yesterday.

Najib, who is also finance minister, said Petroliam Nasional Bhd’s (Petronas) stewardship in developing the country’s natural reserves and human resources has resulted in Malaysia’s economic potential being fulfilled. “And it is together with Petronas, and the rest of our energy industry, that we must find a path towards sustainable, secure and equitable development: that

comprehensive energy settlement that I spoke of earlier,” he said.

Najib said this also means understanding the changes that are shaping both policy and business decisions and, how the energy industry and governments should respond to them. Taking into account the changes, he said, Asian countries can tap into two areas of opportunity which are ensuring stability and develop a knowledge-based economy.

“The first opportunity is to form partnerships for stable economic and energy

industry growth,” he said.On knowledge-based economy, he said

creating an ecosystem which encourages technology and human capital development is critical to opening up new energy supplies.

Najib said the O&G sector has done an excellent job in working with the government to create a culture of excellence, investing in skills and encouraging innovation. Now, it is for the industry to play a greater role in developing human capital via partnerships with the government. – Bernama

Oil prices seenremaining stable KUALA LUMPUR: Crude oil prices are expected to remain stable at the US$115 (RM345) a barrel level in the second half of this year, driven by steady demand from oil refinery processors despite the booming shale oil production in the US, said an analyst with Credit Suisse.

“We don’t see the fundamental effect of US shale production affecting the oil and gas (O&G) outlook this year, and we think that Saudi Arabia will continue to be the world’s main producer,” said its global co-head of O&G equity research, David Hewitt, at the 17th Asia Oil and Gas Conference 2013 here yesterday.

Hewitt was one of the panelists at a session on “Political and Economic Scenarios”.

Hewitt predicted that the world’s population will reach 8 billion by 2030, with Asia leading the global energy demand. He said Asia is now importing more than half of its current O&G consumption.

Another panelist, UK-based Wood Mackenzie chairman David Morrison, foresees oil prices slipping to between US$80 and US$90 (RM240 and RM270) a barrel in the medium term. If oil prices fall, he said, it could affect several new projects which may be cancelled.

Asia Oil and Gas Conference 2013 here yesterday.

He said the world is not running out of oil and gas (O&G) despite decades of drilling and production.

“If we were to look beyond Asia on a global scale, there is significant supply due to be on stream or under development. Owing to new discoveries, technological advances and operational experience, technically recoverable resources are estimated to last for the next two centuries at current trends of consumption,” he said.

According to the International Energy Agency, Shamsul said, proven reserves globally have increased since 1990 despite growth in consumption. As at 2011, the estimate was 1.5 trillion barrels, with a further 5.9 trillion barrels of recoverable resources

yet to be proven. Shamsul said the world is still making

conventional discoveries, notably the Brazilian pre-salt, West African Transformation Margin and East Mediterranean basins. The new frontiers of the Arctic, East Africa, the Caspian and the Black Sea also look promising.

Still, he said, there is a need for multilateral cooperation to ensure a more efficient and sustainable way of managing both demand and supply.

“While energy demand for economic growth is justified, it still needs to be managed to ensure efficiency. We must not forget that despite the availability of supply today, fossil fuels remain finite and unabated demand that can never be satisfied,” Shamsul warned.

Every second Tuesday of the month

JUNE 11, 2013

Editor Irene Leong Tel (Editorial) 03-7784 6688 To advertise email advertise@thesundaily.com

ON TUESDAY

KDU’s 30 years of educational excellenceBY YEE JIE MINjiemin.yee@thesundaily.com

A PIONEER in the private education scene, KDU University College (KDU UC) has surely

come a long way from 1983 when it fi rst started. And it has many success stories to show for it—among them, some 45,000 graduates that have been produced thus far. And this year, the university college chalks up another milestone as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.

“It’s a pretty good track record,” says vice chancellor Prof Khong Yoon Loong. “We have been a steady performer in educating young people and a quiet achiever but in the next few years, if all goes well, you should see a very new and transformed KDU!”

Khong, who assumed the position last August, has 25 years of experience in industry and academia. He has played senior leadership roles in research and development, academic, operations and project management, and strategic planning.

Having previously lived and worked in the UK, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, India and the US, he understandably has acquired a global mind. However, when you engage him in conversation, you’d fi nd him unmistakably local at heart! His range of professional interests, he says, include science and technology, and organisation and people development.

Khong hopes to apply his wealth of experience and visionary mindset to bring KDU to the next level.

theSun gets him to share his thoughts

What are your hopes as vice chancellor of KDU?My vision is to make KDU different by building a culture of enterprise among the staff and students. Having the spirit to do things differently; being bold, daring and innovative encompasses this culture of enterprise that I have in mind. Basically, I like to see students challenge the status quo.

Times have changed. However, there are many private and public universities which are still providing education using a conventional and traditional approach. Moreover, the mindset of parents and students are still very much focused towards obtaining a degree and then a job.

We must remember that in this digital age, the playing fi eld is levelled, so educators, parents and students must learn how to play in this new environment.

The world is changing rapidly and what we learn now is becoming irrelevant very quickly. So, rather than the traditional “learn then do” method of education, I’m trying to promote a “learn and do” model.

In the “learn then do” model, the teacher is the proverbial “sage on the stage”. Here, the student is very dependent on the teacher. If we were to rationalise this to Alvin Toffl er’s “knowledge is power”, then the power resides with the teacher in this model.

In this model, learning is sequential and what you do with what you learn comes after the classroom studies.

With the internet, the power of knowledge is transferred from lecturer to student. For example, a group of 25 students in a class each holding a few pieces of information that they easily retrieve from the Web, can collectively end up knowing more than the teacher when they collaborate to piece the information together.

Thus, students can now take more responsibility in their learning because technology has made information so readily available.

By innovatively making use of information, and with the boldness to apply them in real life as they learn, they will be able to “learn and do” simultaneously.

We believe that this is a more meaningful educational experience which is closer to what students would need to do in this digital age.

In this context, the teacher’s role changes from one who dispenses all knowledge and wisdom to a facilitator and guide.

When I say “apply as they learn”, I’m not talking about internship. That is old stuff.

The issue with internships is most of the time, the intern is a spectator.

From my experience of working in industries, I observe that there is hardly time for the intern to actually do anything or learn anything meaningful.

In the “learn and do” model, I am looking at something where students have to actually do something meaningful and deliver an outcome. This is the real world.

Therefore, we are in the process of putting in the structures to deploy this enterprise model of how we educate. We strongly believe that this will make KDU UC different.

At a time when the internet has allowed us to acquire, assemble and apply knowledge in parallel, we have to come to terms that the traditional way of educating, where knowledge is transmitted retrospectively, is

not going to serve us well.

What are the most critical issues in educating a rapidly emerging global society? The biggest challenge we face is mindset. Parents still want to see the lecturer in front of the classroom. They want to see their kids graduate and look for a job. But in a fast changing world, you may need to play the game differently.

Think of big names like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. They fi t my model of being enterprising—bold, daring, innovative and different!

On one hand, we tell our kids to be different and don’t follow the crowd. On the other hand, we are driving our kids in the same direction as the crowd.

Changing mindsets is diffi cult. We need small wins. People look at successes, so I’m trying to generate small successes with smaller groups of

people fi rst. I believe when people see that the model of “learn and do” works, the mindset will start to change.

There will always be an instinctive resistance to change. There is always the expectation of inertia when people are required to move out of their comfort zone. They will always want to do things the same way that they have always done it before.

But again, thanks to technology, the rate of change in our world is accelerating. The world is not going to wait for us. We either change as fast as we can or get left behind.

As our founder Datuk Teo Chiang Quan mentions regularly, KDU UC is about nation-building. Therefore, we aim to continuously contribute to this and by making a more signifi cant difference through our enterprise model in education.

> A vision to build a culture of enterprise and innovation

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EDUCATION FOCUSS02theSun on TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

AUCMS sets up TCM faculty > Houses fi ve schools including

homeopathy medicine

who has long nursed a passion for traditional medicine from the days of her youth.

In a recent interview, Jeanne said Malaysia is rich with medical biodiversity, but much of it is purely academic.

“We need to bring out of the bookshelves and into the market. So much of our natural heritage has potential to be used for its medicinal properties.

“Why shouldn’t medical students pay attention to this fi eld of medicine?” she said, adding that the faculty by AUCMS is indeed a much-needed move in the right direction for the promotion of study in this area.

“What many do not realise is that much of modern medicine has roots in traditional herbal medicinal properties.

“Scientists come from all over the world to Malaysia to study the medicinal properties of our natural fl ora and then recreate it chemically,” she

said.“Why shouldn’t we then, take this

natural source which is right in our backyard, so to speak, and develop it to our advantage? We are blessed with such wealth,” she added.

She also called on the government to not only focus on

developing the infrastructure of the country, but also the human infrastructure.

“It is not just about developing

tall buildings but about developing

quality lives.”

How do countries like Malaysia become global players in the fi eld?It (Malaysia as an education hub) can happen but we need to get a few things right. I cannot emphasise this enough—get our policy in teaching English right and many things will fall in place.

The other thing is building quality in our education system and not just based on quantity of students. Numerical objectives are easy to set and tertiary institutions are competing to increase their enrolment. We should also be thinking hard about the quality metrics.

I think the MQA (Malaysian Quality Assurance) and MOHE (Ministry of Higher Education) are moving in the right direction in terms of enhancing the quality of the private education sector. There are stringent regulations and policies concerning private universities. This can only make us better.

We work hard to improve our quality to ensure our education delivery system is up to par. This would position us well in the world stage.

There are also many other components to look into to make Malaysia a global player.

For example, the basic unit of an education institution is the lecturer and there are three things that make up an effective lecturer.

First, a lecturer needs to be competent in the subject matter. If you’re not competent, you cannot facilitate. You need to guide students properly to enable them to have an understanding of a subject matter.

Number two is communication. You can have all the expertise in the world but if you cannot communicate well, it is diffi cult to effectively teach.

Number three is passion. I’m fortunate that I had passionate teachers in most of my tertiary and my secondary education. They gave me perspectives of life and the world that are priceless.

The quality of our education infrastructure should be shipshape. We don’t need the best technology but the appropriate technology that is fi t for function. Then, of course, there is also the administration system which enhances the students’ experience.

I see my tenure here as to transform KDU UC and position it for a new generation of students to be ready for a new world. I like to see our graduates carry a spirit of enterprise with them.

FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

BY PAULINE WONG

THERE should be greater focus on traditional and complementary (TCM) medicine locally, as this fi eld of

medicine is still largely under-utilised here.

Despite the wealth of plants and herbal remedies available to Malaysia, most research into TCM stops as far as the bookshelf, with very few companies willing to expand it to export quality products or to market them as viable alternatives to western medication.

As such, there is a need to raise awareness on TCM, and to this end, the Allianze University College of Medical Sciences has set up a new faculty, the Traditional & Complementary Medicine Faculty.

The faculty, which houses fi ve schools, namely Traditional Malay Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional Indian Medicine, Homeopathy Medicine and Complementary Medicine, will offer seven diploma programmes, seven degree programmes and various certifi cate-level “soft” programmes.

The programmes are 70% underway to getting approval from the Malaysian Qualifying Agency (MQA).

One of the most passionate advocators for TCM is the wife of former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Tun Jeanne Abdullah,

Jeanne believes Malaysia is rich with medical biodiversity and should develop it to our advantage.

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EDUCATION FOCUS S03theSun on TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

KBU International College’s Android Smartphone App Challenge is back,

offering students the chance to learn how to create cool apps. They also stand the chance to walk away with cool gadgets such as Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Samsung Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini.

The challenge, organised for the second consecutive year, is scheduled for June 22. The fun event, aimed at introducing the exciting part of engineering and computing to students, is open to students who are sitting for SPM and UEC examinations this year.

“The Android Smartphone Apps Challenge is one of our initiatives to promote the fun learning part of engineering and computing,” said School of Engineering and Computing head Lye Boon Han.

“Students will learn how to create games, chat services, media and video-related apps, etc, all within a short span of time.

“Just like fi tting together puzzle pieces, you can set your app’s behaviour with just clicks of the mouse,” he said. “All you need is just a live connection between your computer and phone, where your app will appear in your phone.”

The event was a huge success last year, with students from various parts of the country including Malacca, Johor and Penang,

participating. KBU’s School of Engineering has also

launched a facebook group, App Inventor Malaysia, where students can join and learn more about creating smartphone apps.

Students may also want to fi nd out more about the college’s engineering and computing programmes, including BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering, BSc (Hons) Computer and Network Engineering, BSc (Hons) Software Engineering, BSc (Hons) Information and Communications Technology, and NCC Level 4 Diploma in Computing.

For more details, log on to www.kbu.edu.my

Lye says one can learn to be a mobile apps developer within just a few hours.

KBU’s app challenge> Chance to create cool apps

EDUCATION FOCUSS04theSun on TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

Scholarships from Olympia College

MAJOR advances in science and technology have brought a new dimension to the world of multimedia. Its function has multiplied and this has created vast job prospects. Multimedia technologies continue to become ever more sophisticated even as boundaries overlap, blur and disappear. Multimedia is about conveying information effectively and effi ciently through the integrated use of different media: text, audio, graphics, animation, video and human-computer interaction. Multimedia techniques have numerous application areas, including entertainment, education, commerce, engineering, medicine and scientifi c research. Naturally job opportunities abound.

A career in multimedia involves such skills as sound engineering and web designing. Realising the rapid development seen in the multimedia world and the high demand for skilled manpower in the fi eld, PTPL College has introduced the Diploma in Multimedia Technology which is offered through its School of Information Sciences Engineering.

The two-and-a-half-year course begins with the scientifi c and technical principles of media capture and computer

representation, coupled with the methods of operation and application of the computer software and systems that enable delivery of multimedia productions.

PTPL ensures that graduates in the programme are ready for a rewarding career as technical professionals able to adapt to a wide range of opportunities in the fi eld.

The entry qualifi cation for the programme is a pass with three credits in SPM or SPMV. Priority is given to the subjects of mathematics and science.

With the diploma awarded by PTPL, students will gain transfer credit upon enrolling into the Management and Science University (MSU). The transfer credit given will ensure them a place in the second year of the degree-level studies at MSU.

Other programmes offered by the School of Information Sciences Engineering at the diploma and certifi cate levels cover such exciting areas as electrical and electronic engineering, graphic design, information technology, e-commerce, and computer science.

Students can further their studies to the highest level in their respective fi elds at MSU under the Faculty of Information Science & Engineering (FISE).

> Cover certain programmes at selected city campuses

YAYASAN Munarah and Olympia College have come together to offer scholarships that will

provide deserving school leavers and other students the opportunity to study at the college.

The scholarship covers certain programmes conducted at selected city campuses. They are namely Certicate in Commerce, Certifi cate in Executive Secretaryship, Foundation in Business, Diploma in Business Management, Diploma in Information Technology, and Diploma in Hotel Management.

Yayasan Munarah is an established charitable foundation of the Negeri Sembilan Royal Family.

Pursuing multimedia at PTPL

PTPL students can seek credit transfer when furthering their studies at MSU.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz said, “It is our longstanding commitment to give others a good education. By working with Olympia College, we hope to provide opportunities for people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, a chance to receive a quality education.”

Applying for the scholarship can be done through either parties’ website or in-person by fi ling up the forms available at Olympia’s campuses. Besides general details about the applicant, the application also requires two short essays to be written in Bahasa Malaysia or English.

Whilst anyone can apply for the scholarship, preference is given to applicants who have faced personal challenges that have led them to miss

out on post-secondary education; for example, single mothers and those that had to start work early to support their families.

Olympia College was voted Best Large College for Education Excellence by the National Association of Private Educational Institutions of Malaysia for 2005, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

The achievements cement its reputation as a serious provider of quality, internationally-recognised and affordable education.

With six prominent campuses, located in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Penang, Ipoh, Kuantan and Johor Bahru, the college caters to different needs.

The campuses are strategically located in the heart of business districts, manufacturing hubs and commercial centres, where students are given an insight into the working

world they aspire to be in.During the Raffl es Education

Group 17th Convocation Ceremony 2013, over 600 graduated with master’s and bachelor’s degrees, and higher national diplomas in Business Management, Information Technology and Hotel Management.

The college collaborates with the

award-winning University of East London to offer the master’s and bachelor’s degrees in International Business Leadership, International Marketing Management and International Business Management.

For more details, go to www.olympia.edu.my.

Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Ibni Tuanku Muhriz and Olympia College co-chairman Datuk Mahadev Shankar at the signing of the MoU.

EDUCATION FOCUS S05theSun on TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

KDU College Penang celebrated its inaugural Family Day at the Teluk Bahang Escape Adventure Theme Park recently.

Held in conjunction with the KDU Education Group’s year-long 30th anniversary celebrations, the event was well attended by the college’s academic and support staff, along with their family members.

The event was offi ciated by KDU Penang’s CEO and principal, Dr Chong Beng Keok who said, “The most signifi cant 30-year achievement of our education group has been our ability to provide generationally relevant quality and value-added education.

“Today, the KDU Education Group can stand tall given our successful collaboration with renowned universities and a 80,000-plus

Family day> Has some 80,000 alumni today

Theme park excitement for the KDU visitors.

alumni around the world, that comprise corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and celebrities. In the process, we have built an unblemished track record that we all are truly proud of.”

At the conclusion of the event, RM2,500 worth of lucky draw and competition prizes were given away. The obstacle event winners received Jusco cash vouchers from Big Tree Production Sdn Bhd while KDU Penang’s senior marcom executive, Thean Ven Ling and student records offi ce manager, Ariani Dewi, won hotel accommodation vouchers, courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel Penang.

The biggest prize, a SONY LED TV, was won by the college’s School of Engineering, Science and Technology business development manager, Amy Leow.

For more details, log on to www.kdu.edu.my or www.kdupg.edu.my

FOR working adults without a tertiary qualifi cation, the Executive Diploma is the perfect programme for them to get a

certifi cate that is specifi c to their profession. It is higher than a diploma and they can pursue it without having to quit their jobs.

Executive Diploma programmes at SEGi are conducted on a part-time basis, on weekday evenings and on weekends as well as through online learning. They take only 18 months to complete and entry requirements are

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SEGi’s unique executive diplomas> Work experience can be formalised into an academic qualifi cation

WAWASAN Open University (WOU) equips adult learners with quality tertiary qualifi cations and professional skills that enable them to lead more enriching lives through its unique open distance learning (ODL) approach.

To date, more than 12,000 students have continued their higher education journey with WOU. Having experienced the brilliant idea of learning and earning at the same time, some of them now readily share their learning experience at WOU with their friends, colleagues and family members.

Since signing up last January for Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Accounting, Kawsalya Durai Rajan has stepped into the role of student ambassador, actively sharing the benefi ts of education at WOU with her friends and family members.

Kawsalya has successfully introduced two of her friends to continue their education there.

“When I shared about how convenient and fl exible it is to study at WOU, I found out that my friends were actually looking around for courses that could help them to upgrade themselves professionally,” said Kawsalya who had just fi nished sitting for her examinations.

Under the WOU Friends and Family Programme, student ambassadors stand to enjoy

rebates on their tuition fees for each successful enrolment secured.

This incentive is extended to all newly-registered and existing students who introduce WOU’s study options to their friends, family members and professional acquaintances.

At the university, you can enjoy fl exible learning at your own pace.

Enrolment for July 2013 semester is now open. Newly registered and existing students are invited to participate in the Friends and Family Programme.

Learners can apply through Regular Entry or via the university’s unique Open Entry Admission System that takes into consideration the individual’s work experience.

Working adults are also welcome to apply for the free WOU Study Grant for the value of up to RM600 before June 16. The study grant is offered to new students who enrol in the university’s Headstart or Bachelor’s degree programmes.

For a limited time, WOU also offers an attractive fee rebate for new students who enrol in its postgraduate or undergraduate degree programmes.

Those keen can visit the WOU Open Day on June 29 and 30.

For details, go to wou.edu.my

The executive diploma at SEGi is ideal for working adults without tertiary qualifi cation.

Upgrading through WOU

Working adults are welcome to apply for the free WOU Study Grant for the value of up to RM600 before June 16.

master all the major accountancy essentials, starting from basic skills in book-keeping to more advanced accounting knowledge in preparing the balance sheet, profi t and loss account, trial balance and cash fl ow.

Also covered is the difference between international accounting standards and Malaysian accounting standards especially in social responsibility reporting and creating the fi nancial report.

The Executive Diploma provides a perspective of management accounting which is essential for management and operating decisions. Budgeting and costing have been regarded as vital skills and, indeed, the core reasons for the failure of some businesses.

For more information, log on to www.segi.edu.my.

SPM or equivalent. Prior learning and skills gained

through work experience are recognised for entry into the programmes. This is a great advantage because work experience can be formalised into an academic qualifi cation, speeding up the study period.

At SEGi, the Executive Diploma in Human Capital Management provides students with the knowledge, skills, techniques and ethics that are prerequisites for effective and effi cient strategies in managing human resources in an organisation.

The programme exposes students to basic human capital management concepts. It deals with the evolution and

development of human resource management thoughts, nature and descriptions of human resource management functions.

The Executive Diploma in Marketing, on the other hand, arms students with the knowledge, skills, techniques and ethics for implementing strategies in the marketing of products and services. It provides an excellent foundation to pursue a career in a variety of marketing fi elds.

Students learn how to analyse market needs and trends, defi ne target markets, create marketing strategies and unlock business opportunities in a competitive environment.

There is also the Executive Diploma in Accountancy that allows students to

EDUCATION FOCUS S07theSun on TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

MSU’s graphic design pathway> Global exposure through ISEP

GRAPHIC design, a profession involved in the structuring of visual information to aid communication and orientation, is a fast-growing

fi eld.An interdisciplinary fi eld related to

communication, technology, and business, it offers bright career prospects for young minds eager to pursue it.

The Management & Science University (MSU), twice rated “excellent status university” by the Ministry of Higher Education, addresses industry needs by offering degree and diploma programmes in the fi eld.

An MSU graduate in the programme is one who is equipped with the right knowledge and skills to handle challenges in advertising, art directing, costing, quality control and research. They will be able to take on all tasks relevant to their fi eld including web design, aesthetic judgment, and illustration.

Possessing indepth knowledge of the graphic design process, they are well-positioned to plan, develop and implement solutions that are effective.

The graphic design graduate can choose from many careers including creative or art director, layout artist, logo designer, illustrator, photo editor or photoshop artist, and web designer.

MSU believes it is committed to ensuring

The uni offers holistic training for those hoping to enter the fi eld.

the best for its students. Visiting professors, for instance, conduct regular semester visits to provide valuable inputs to students. Various skills enhancement programmes are also included that are aimed to improve a student’s competitiveness.

Global exposure through MSU’s International Students Exchange Programme (ISEP) unit further strengthens a graduate in terms of employability and marketability.

Through ISEP, students have the option of transferring their fi nal year studies to a foreign university that is a partner of MSU. There are over 40 universities they can choose from, located in such countries as the US, UK, Australia, Japan, South Africa, India, Indonesia and New Zealand.

The university’s academic programmes and curricula were designed based on market requirements to ensure the employability of its graduates. This goes in line with its vision to become a specialised university of choice that provides holistic education that is relevant to the needs of industry.

The Faculty of Information Sciences and Engineering (FISE) at MSU currently offers a wide range of programmes at the diploma and degree levels. Among them are Information Systems Auditing, Games Design and Animation, Technology (Electrical and Electronic), Instructional Multimedia, Computer Forensic, Mobile & Wireless Technology, Communication Design and Marketing and Creative Multimedia.

For more details, go to www.msu.edu.my

KUOK FOUNDATION BERHAD(9641-T)

UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS 2013( PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES / COLLEGES )

KUOK FOUNDATION BERHAD invites applications for the above awards from Malaysian citizens applying for or currently pursuing full time undergraduate studies at selected Malaysian Private Universities / Colleges.

Course Criteria

(1) Undergraduate courses undertaken and completed in Malaysia only (including “3+0” foreign degree courses);(2) Accreditation by MQA (Course accreditation can be verified at MQR portal at the MQA website www.mqa.gov.my);(3) Priority given to science stream courses.

Type and Value of Award

Half-loan half-grants or loans ranging from RM10,000 to RM40,000 per annum depending on courses undertaken.

For more information and downloading of application form, please log on to our website www.kuokfoundation.com.

Completed forms must reach the Foundation on or before 19 July 2013.Only shortlisted candidates will be notified for interview.

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IN our increasingly interconnected socio-economic environment, which depends on the excellent management of information and knowledge, information and

communication technologies (ICTs) are a key factor in the competitiveness of companies and their ability to hold on to their market position.

Dynamic and effi cient organisations do not simply invest in technology, they also analyse their needs and implement the system that best

suits them. It is also important for us to be familiar with the

policies of the information society and their interrelation with culture, economics and education if we are to deal successfully with strategies for business growth and their

technological

implementation.Hence, Asia e University (AeU) has

designed the Master of ICT Management programme (MICTM) to produce professionals who can successfully manage and implement ICTs in their organisation. These are professionals who understand the environment of the information society in which they do business.

The Master’s programme focuses on equipping professionals with fresh business and technology capabilities to help them fulfi l leadership roles in tech-savvy organisations.

The aim of the programme is to enable individuals to develop a more strategic and entrepreneurial approach to applying ICT in organisations. The programme gives you the opportunity to build on existing competencies and develop new skills in complementary areas.

The programme also enables you to focus on areas of specialisation within your professional fi eld or to broaden your knowledge and skills to enhance your career development.

The programme is designed to be offered where most learning activities are online mode. The background of the learner is not necessarily in ICT alone; they may come from other areas such as human resource, banking, business, and fi nance.

The programme’s core courses provide an advanced grounding in key areas such as ICT Management, Cyber Laws, ICT Entrepreneurship, System Analysis, Design & Development, Network Management, ICT Project Management, Information Security Management, and ICT Strategic Planning.

The unique programme content, with its explicit focus on management and organisational dimensions of information technology, is closely connected to employers’ needs for graduates who can contribute specialist knowledge whilst working across organisational boundaries, understand connections across different domains and conceptualise problems from different perspectives.

The development of this broad, critical and refl exive management mindset is cultivated across the programme, its modules and in refl ective management practice sessions throughout the programme.

“Future corporate leaders need to have knowledge information and communication

technology (ICT) and use it not only to support the business but utilise its advantages in line with the company’s business strategies,” says Prof Dr Syed Malek Fakar Duani, dean of Aeu’s School of Information & Communication Technology (SICT).

“Not many people think about the elements of business and IT going together. A leading organisation that uses internet technology fully to build better business and position their business is more likely to stay on top.

“So it is important for CEOs to fully understand all aspects of IT pertaining to business. One cannot solely depend on consultants when coming up with a system network for a product or service. Only when a CEO knows the full extent IT has for the business, will he be able to develop business strategies successfully.”

Alan Yap Cheng Tat, who graduated and received the AeU Chairman’s Award during the university’s recent third convocation, says, “This programme has helped me to identify the main aspects of business that need to be improved and how to use technology as a strategic element to drive business.

“During the course, I worked with a group of professionals from different areas and countries that gave me the opportunity to understand each problem in each class from a different point of view.

“For each practical case, data analytics is very important as a tool to understand the core of a business, according to the strategies of a company and how they turn into smart decisions.”

AeU offers a comprehensive range of academic and professional training programmes, from graduate diploma level to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels in Business and Management, ICT, Education and Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

Candidates can apply for studies through regular entry or via Open Entry System that takes into consideration the individual’s work experience.

For more information about the programme, go to www.aeu.edu.my

AeU’s thinkers for tomorrow

> Prepares professionals for leadership roles

Syed Malek says an organisation that uses ICT to position itself is more likely to stay on top.

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Free introductory lectures at ATC

ADVANCE Tertiary College (ATC) is holding a course preview and free introductory lectures for the University of London International

Programmes Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme on June 15.

To be held at its KL campus, the lecture will give students an idea of what exactly they will be studying in their fi rst year of the law degree.

This is aimed at all school leavers and any one who is interested in pursuing a degree in law.

ATC has positioned itself as a premier institution to study law. It is a one-stop centre in the sense that SPM school leavers can join it and be able to complete their entire journey towards becoming a lawyer there.

They can complete their whole education there—from pre-tertiary level to postgraduate professional qualifi cation.

ATC was formed in 1987 to provide school leavers and working adults local educational opportunities. The emphasis at that time was to provide Malaysian students with access to professional and tertiary education, particularly legal education.

Since its inception, the college has served the community with its brand of excellent education at affordable prices.

In this time, it has become the largest independent law school in the Asian region, with two campuses in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur and Penang), one in Singapore, and a joint venture partnership in Hong Kong with the publicly funded Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Its Business School has also grown to offer a variety of certifi cate and diploma programmes that are contemporary and market-driven.

ATC is recognised by the Ministry of Education, earning itself a four-star ranking that puts it above other specialist private law schools in the country, it says.

Dr Danny Choong, principal and deputy CEO of ATC, says “I have no doubt in my mind the reason for ATC’s outstanding achievements in recent years. It is powered by the amazing faculty of lecturers that forms the pillars on which ATC stands.”

ATC boasts the largest full-time faculty of any private law school in the country and this is supplemented by part-time teachers who are experienced practitioners.

“I am proud of the team we have assembled at ATC and I am confi dent that we have made the right investment. The personal touch given by our lecturers makes all the difference. Students have access to the faculty at any time with the Student Assistance and Support System (SASSY) programme. Our lecturers do not just teach and leave the students high and dry,” says Choong.

The lecture notes prepared by the lecturers in the college, in fact, have long been sought after by students regardless of the institution they are studying in. These notes are comprehensive yet presented in a student-friendly manner. This, together with the lecture and tutorial learning method practised gives students a solid preparation for exams.

ATC students’ excellent world-class results in the University of London LLB programmes every year are a testament to this fact. The students achieved 36 Second Class Upper degrees in 2012, the most from any single institution for the University of London International Programmes worldwide.

The ATC graduate, whether from Malaysia, Singapore or Hong Kong, is said to be highly employable. Already thousands of the college’s graduates are currently involved in the legal arena, the corporate sector and media industries, among others.

The University of London recognises the excellence produced by the team at ATC. Prof Dr Wayne Morrison, immediate past director of the University of London External Undergraduate Laws Programme, says, “ATC has groomed students on the University of London programme to achieve First Class Honours and Second Class Upper Honours degrees, and is the single largest institution in the world to produce such results.”

The college is also among the fi ve institutions worldwide recognised for excellence in conjunction with the University of London’s 150th year anniversary celebrations.

School leavers are encouraged to take advantage of the college’s free introductory lectures.

They have to call and register to reserve a place (dial 1-800-88-9292) or visit its KL campus in Bangunan Tunas Utama, Jalan Petaling.

> One-stop centre where school leavers can complete their journey in law

School leavers are encouraged to take advantage of the free lectures.

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Key competencies for fi nance professionals

FOR the fi rst time, ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certifi ed Accountants) has published a competency framework, highlighting the 10 key competencies

which business leaders require from aspiring fi nance professionals.

The Competency Framework, available online at competencyframework.accaglobal.com, lists the key knowledge and skills that fi nance professionals must have if they are to succeed in business and their career. These are namely professionalism and ethics, governance, risk and control, stakeholder relationship management, strategy and innovation, leadership and management, corporate reporting, sustainable management accounting, fi nancial management,

> Need to have a broader range of fi nance skills

out newly qualifi ed accountants who have breadth and depth of skills. Apart from the need for accounting professionals to behave and act ethically and professionally, fi nancial management and fi nancial analysis were seen as particularly high-impact areas, followed closely by governance risk and control, strategic management accounting and corporate reporting.

ACCA’s view is that the environment in which fi nance professionals now work requires them to bring a broader range of fi nance skills to the table. Finance functions now have to be excellent in a wide range of capabilities, from supporting businesses to

managing risk, and developing effective strategies for growth.

“This framework negates the myth that an accounting qualifi cation pigeonholes you into an accounting role. In fact, certifi ed accountants are incredibly versatile and can move into any other business discipline. A survey done by ACCA previously revealed that 62% of ACCA members in Malaysia have multi-sector experience while 59% anticipate starting their own business in the near future,” said Lopez.

To learn more about your career prospects with ACCA, visit www.accaglobal.com

audit and assurance, and taxation.The ACCA Qualifi cation comprehensively

covers these abilities and behaviours—from performance and fi nancial management and taxation, to Islamic Finance, and the principles of Integrated Reporting—through its exams, practical experience requirement and the ethics module.

Jennifer Lopez, head of ACCA Malaysia, said: “ACCA developed this Competency Framework to ensure that aspiring fi nance professionals and tuition providers are clear about the key skills demanded in an increasingly globalised and rapidly changing business environment. With this framework, our students and members can see the key competencies which are learned through the ACCA Qualifi cation and how they relate to the requirements of different jobs.”

The framework was identifi ed after a survey of more than 500 chief fi nancial offi cers (CFOs). ACCA’s research showed that recruiters seek

Lopez says ACCA offers a relevant qualifi cation that meets the needs of industry.

THE International College of Music (ICOM), Kuala Lumpur, is Asia Pacifi c’s leading music college focusing on contemporary music.

The ICOM education experience is an integration of theoretical knowledge and practice of skills in various aspects of music.

The learning process in the college prepares aspiring professionals to meet the needs of the ever-evolving industry of professional music. It offers an array of music programmes, from certifi cate level to Bachelor’s degree.

The college also boasts of experienced and committed lecturers, both local and from abroad. These lecturers are said to be the college’s “secret to success”; they are always on hand to guide and instruct students, their efforts complemented by the college’s state-of-the-art facilities and studio recording equipment.

Currently the college offers the Foundation in Music programme which leads to the Bachelor of Music (Hons) in Professional Music, validated by University of Wolverhampton,UK.

Students can complete their degree fully at ICOM. For the July 2013 admissions, the college offers up to 50% tuition fee exemption for all students who qualify for entry into the programme (exemption

EDUCATION FOCUS S11theSun on TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

Career in music through ICOM THE 7 Habits of Highly Effective College

Students is a workshop that empowers students with the skills to succeed throughout their years in post-secondary education—and beyond.

Life for post-secondary students is not easy; it is fi lled with tough choices, and challenges brought on by peer pressure, personal insecurities and anxiety.

The programme helps students overcome these challenges and develop personal confi dence; they learn to set life goals, prioritise tasks and team up with others.

When they see, think and act differently, they can begin to achieve positive results. They will achieve balance in all aspects of life and cultivate habits that lead to success.

Facilitators lead through instructional multimedia and activities, providing students with a comfortable forum in which to refl ect individually, apply the content and get to know each other.

For more details on the programme, go to www.leadershipresources.my

> Bachelor of Music validated by University of Wolverhampton

Students at ICOM enjoy many concert productions that are student-managed.

For highly effective students

Young people can learn to become positive in order to lead a more meaningful life.

covering throughout the programme).However, students need to meet the

requirement of a minimum of fi ve credits in SPM and have profi ciency in a musical instrument.

Students interested in obtaining the partial tuition fee waiver can register for the Admissions audition at ICOM’s Facebook page. Audition will be held this Saturday.

Those who wish to pursue an overseas music education can pursue the Berklee Transfer Program, a credit transfer programme to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA.

ICOM also offers two other programmes, namely the Diploma in Business (Music Industry), otherwise called DBMI, and Certifi cate in Audio Production (CAP).

Students who successfully complete the Diploma in Music Business can transfer their credits to the University of Hertfordshire, UK and complete their degree in the UK for

another year.Students at ICOM enjoy many concert

productions that are student-managed. These concert productions offer them real industry experience.

Currently the college plays host to students from over 25 countries, the exciting blend in student population further enhancing the learning experience for all.

Application is open for the coming July 2013 intake. For admission, students must submit their application together with relevant documentation, including performance videos for the board’s consideration.

Students are encouraged to submit through the online application system at http://www.icom.edu.my/oas/.

Application closing date for Malaysian students is June 21.

Those keen can go to admissions@icom.edu.my for further queries.

BERJAYA University College of Hospitality (Berjaya UCH) School of Culinary Arts student Ng Yun Ru bagged a

gold medal at the recent IASC-Asian Culinary Challenge 2013 held in Kuantan, Pahang.

Ng beat several other participants in the Apprentice - Dress the Cake category.

Other Berjaya UCH students who made an impact at the event were Adam Shafi q Chin bin Firdaus Chin who won a silver medal in the Apprentice Dessert category, Ding Cheong Wen who also won silver in Apprentice Pastry Showpiece - Chocolate/Sugar Work, and Lim Kian Weng who won silver in Apprentice Dessert.

Abdul Hadi Bin Mohd Ajis bagged a bronze medal in the Apprentice Fruit & Vegetables Carving Individual category.

Making their presence felt also was the fruit and vegetables carving team headed by Chef Zulkifl i. For their splendid effort, each one of them received a diploma.

The team, headed by Chef Mohd Roiziddin Bin Mohd Razalli, returned jubilant and were welcomed by their chef lecturers Yong Peik Yee, Rosni Binti Ismail, Sharifah Maria Sahila Binti Syed Ali Hassan, Kerlley Bong Siew Sin, Fara Nadia Binti Kamarudin and Ajemain Bin Husin.

The IKIP Advanced Skills Centre (IASC)-Asian Culinary Challenge 2013 is an international competition which

EDUCATION FOCUSS12theSun on TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

Berjaya UCH wins competition > Grabbing gold and silver in various categories to add to its excellent track record

REZZEN, a small but robust private education company was incorpo-rated about 12 years ago to provide conveniently delivered higher degrees from Universiti Utara Malaysia (mainly the MBA, DBA and the MSc in IT and in ICT, and the MSc in International Business) to students in urban centres throughout Malaysia attending weekend classes.

Headed by two renowned professors, originally from USM, the pair of them studded with degrees from Ivy League and Ox-bridge colleges and universities, the company contracted to market mature qualifi ed students to take various degree courses.

After 10 years, UUM moved from being an almost unknown and then, the most remote of local public universities, to one of those with centres in urban areas that cater to working adults throughout the country.

After much marketing effort, the university became latterly known as a liberal and quality institution, becoming known for its Senate rules being interpreted liberally by Rezzen to run courses which would allow the encouragement of fast track studies—that is, allowing students to take the maximum of four modules every semester.

This allows liberal deferment and leave provisions so working adults can incorporate their busi-ness travel without violating at-tendance provisions. (Some of these rules have recently been changed to restrict fl exibility for mature and high achieving stu-dents).

After 10 years, more than fulfi ll-ing its key performance indicators, a large part of which contributed towards UUM’s enrolment in Management, Rezzen graduated

almost 1,000 students in total, 200 of them from Telekom Malaysia through a separate contractual agreement with Rezzen.

In all, about 100 students graduated every three semesters to join the yearly convocation numbers. Rezzen was particularly adept at recruiting up to 30 DBA students in each of its centres while others struggled with no more than four or fi ve DBA students each.

After the May and September semesters this year, the existing nearly 200 students currently en-rolled, under existing legal provi-sions will be “taught out”—that is, taught until they graduate from the collaboration.

While UUM has now shown its wish for its city campus to be given the chance to do recruitment on its own, Rezzen is seeking new pastures, teaming up with other new educational entities such as global online ventures like MOOC or Massive Open Online Courses or Edx—a consortia of universi-ties.

Rezzen on its own, after working with new or young institutions, is now seeking to collaborate with premium universities with prestig-ious accreditation for their de-grees.

Rezzen is also being innovative; it is experimenting with its own mini MBAs as an additional and unu-sual admissions credential for corporate-based students who can learn fl exibly and adjust to earning the MBA based on different plat-forms. As such, Rezzen looks to-wards a bright new future adjusting to the new world of education.

For more information about Rezzen’s new programmes,

contact www.rezzen.com.my

The team that made an impact at the culinary challenge.

Higher degrees for mature students

DBA students during their convocation ceremony.

aims to develop, improve and recognise individuals in the culinary industry.

The competition, fi rst introduced in 2008, is under the patronage of Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Hajjah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

It is organised by IASC in collaboration with East Coast Chefs Association, and is recognised by the Malaysian Chefs Association.

SUNBIZ 15theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

AirAsia to end tie-up with ANA: ReportTOKYO: Asia’s largest budget carrier AirAsia is to pull out of its partnership with Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) because of slumping business, a report said yesterday.

Malaysia-based AirAsia has decided to withdraw from AirAsia Japan, a company it jointly formed with ANA to begin low-cost carrier operations out of Tokyo’s Narita International Airport in August 2012, the Nikkei business daily said.

AirAsia’s CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes reached a basic accord on the dissolution after discussions

with senior officials of ANA Holdings, which owns ANA, the newspaper said. Under their accord, the Japanese airline plans to buy the 49% stake held by its Malaysian counterpart and turn the joint venture into a 100% subsidiary.AirAsia aims to establish a new budget airline operator in partnership with another Japanese company, the paper said.

The airline’s Japan’s service is likely to continue under the Peach Aviation brand when AirAsia Japan’s service finishes at the end of October, it said.

Peach Aviation is an ANA group budget carrier based at Kansai International Airport.An ANA spokesman said: “Nothing has been decided, but no matter what happens, we are determined to maintain the current LCC (low-cost carrier) operations at Narita airport.”

Shares in ANA rose 3.55% to 204 yen (RM6.47) on the Tokyo Stock Exchange yesterday as the benchmark Nikkei index closed up 4.94% on the back of a weaker yen and better-than-expected US jobs data. – AFP

> Japanese airline to buy 49% stake held by Malaysian low-cost carrier

PETALING JAYA: U Mobile Sdn Bhd has signed a two-year contract with mini-market chain operator 99 Speedmart, expanding the 3G mobile operator's reach and access to a wider range of consumers.

The collaboration with 99 Speedmart entails an exclusive distribution of U Mobile prepaid SIM packs and mobile reloads in over 430 99 Speedmart outlets in the Klang Valley.

"By offering our products at 99 Speedmart, we now address a broader range of customers who normally shop in these outlets. They are part of our target markets for the prepaid segment and the

availability of U Mobile prepaid products in these outlets will make it convenient for them to stay connected with friends and family," U Mobile CEO Jaffa Sany Ariffin said in a statement yesterday.

"We are set to see tremendous growth in our prepaid segment this year.”

The collaboration is in addition to U Mobile's partnerships with other non-traditional distribution channels, including Giant, Singer, 7-Eleven, Cosway, Senheng and senQ stores, bringing the telecommunication company's total distribution channels to more than 22,000 outlets nationwide.

99 Speedmart public relation director Ng Lee Tieng (left) and Jaffa exchanging a U Mobile prepaid SIM card, which is now sold at all 99 Speedmarts in the Klang Valley.

U Mobile widens reachvia 99 Speedmart outlets

Renowned experts to speak at biogas forumPETALING JAYA: Malaysian Biotechnology Corp Sdn Bhd (BiotechCorp), the country’s biotechnology industry developer, and the International Clean Energy & Sustainability Network of Singapore will co-host the Second Biogas Asia-Pacific Forum 2013 from June 12 to 14, 2013 in Kuala Lumpur.

The three-day event is expected to attract local and international bio-based industry players, policy and decision makers and equipment suppliers.

BiotechCorp CEO Datuk Dr Nazlee Kamal said the forum will see renowned experts presenting their cases on the sustainability of biogas industry as they share views and discuss the progress, lessons learned and future of Asia-

Pacific biogas industry. Highlights of the forum topics

include “Thailand’s Biogas Development Blueprint – Opportunities for Growth” by Jariya Budnard from Thailand’s Ministry of Energy, “Biogas Development and Renewable Energy” by Dr Peter Lau from Caterpillar Inc and “Organic Matter Management and the Potential for the Biogas Sector in the Malaysia Agro-Industrial Sector” by Clarence Loh of Biotech International Sdn Bhd.

“Renewable energy such as biogas not only brings positive outcome for the environment, it is also the most economical solution for areas with good natural and sustainable resources such as Malaysia,” said Nazlee in a

statement.He added that this is great

news especially for developing countries such as Malaysia, where producing renewable energy such as biogas offers an economically viable alternative compared with traditional power resources.

“We are aiming at a target of 4,000-megawatt (MW) of installed renewable energy capacity for 2030, raising the total installed capacity to 17% from less than 1% today.

“The target for biogas alone is 410MW installed capacity by 2030, which can only be achieved by the conversion of almost all mills to use biogas, as suggested by Entry Point Project 5 of the Palm Oil National Key Economic Area,” he said.

Uzma’s chances of winning deals strong: PublicInvestPETALING JAYA: Uzma Bhd has seen its share price rally significantly since February this year as it is believed that the oil and gas (O&G) engineering services provider’s chances are high in securing risk service contract (RSC) projects after news emerged of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) kick-starting the third round of marginal field bids and sentiment for the O&G sector turning more positive post the 13th general election, said PublicInvest Research.

“We believe Uzma’s chances for RSC wins are strong given that it was a participant in the early studies for some of the marginal fields, giving it in-depth knowledge that should have helped its tender

proposals,” the research firm said in a report yesterday. “Further game-changers are the successful participation in any of the chemical enhanced oil recovery projects.”

PublicInvest noted that Uzma’s share price has ballooned 145% since it started coverage of the company in July 2012.

“We are thrilled with Uzma reaching new highs, but also a little concerned that the current euphoria surrounding oil and gas-related stocks may drive prices unduly high.

“Nonetheless, we have been made aware that Uzma is working on a special project, which may have driven its share price higher in anticipation of the new business venture. For now, we believe Uzma

is still fully valued until we obtain further clarity,” it said.

PublicInvest is retaining a “neutral” call on Uzma at RM3.50, with a revised target price of RM3.45 pegged to a 12 times multiple (from RM2.86 on a 10 times multiple).

PublicInvest noted that Uzma has expanded into new developments, but still within its job scope. “Nevertheless, not all have borne fruit, that is, the Mongolian business (oil field exploration) has stalled due to soft production and other issues. We expect the business would have to be sold back to its (Chinese) joint venture partner Junlun International Holding Ltd and to write off its RM4 million investment,” said PublicInvest.

Maxis unveils new structure PETALING JAYA: Maxis Bhd, which hasn’t found a new CEO yet, announced yesterday a new organisational structure that sees joint COOs Nasution Mohamed and Suren J. Amarasekera providing overall leadership to the group and responsible for its performance.

The new structure also sees the group’s businesses divided into four areas: enterprise solutions, consumer business, sales and services, and digital services, with the aim to strengthen these core business areas for future growth.

The four business areas will be supported by information services, network, finance, human resources, corporate affairs, regulatory and government affairs and legal divisions in the day-to-day operations of the group.

In a statement yesterday, Maxis chairman Raja Tan Sri Arshad Raja Tun Uda said the new structure will streamline operations, improve processes and make Maxis more agile and cohesive in delivering its integrated propositions across its

wide range of products and services, as well as support the group’s growth strategies.

“The move to streamline the structure under the four business areas will enhance our ability to focus on giving our customers the best experience anytime, anywhere and across any device as well as create a rich customer experience for both consumer and enterprise,” he added.

Enterprise solutions will be headed by Shanti Jusnita Johari who will manage the group’s enterprise, government and SME business.Consumer business will be led by Dushyanthan Vaithiyanathan, who will be responsible for the end-to-end management of all mobile and fixed business for the consumer segment. Sales and services will be headed by Tan Lay Han, who will lead a team focusing on customer service, channel and supply chain management.

Digital services will be headed by Kugan Thirunavakarasu, who will oversee the development of Maxis’ innovative digital media and cloud-based services including mobile apps.

SUNBIZ16theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

www.thesundaily.my

Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD1 US DOLLAR 3.1445 3.0675 3.05751 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 2.9710 2.8970 2.88101 BRUNEI DOLLAR 2.5150 2.4520 2.44401 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.0780 3.0140 3.00201 EURO 4.1550 4.0520 4.03201 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.4860 2.3990 2.38301 PAPUA N GUINEA KINA 1.6140 1.2770 1.26101 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 2.5145 2.4520 2.44401 STERLING POUND 4.8760 4.7770 4.75901 SWISS FRANC 3.3550 3.2850 3.2700100 UAE DIRHAM 86.7200 82.4100 82.2100100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.0970 3.8930 3.6930100 CHINESE RENMINBI N/A N/A 0.0000100 DANISH KRONE 57.2800 52.8100 52.6100100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 41.0300 38.9900 38.7900100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.5830 5.3000 5.1000100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0326 0.0308 0.0258100 JAPANESE YEN 3.2110 3.1240 3.1140100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR NA NA 0.0000100 NORWEGIAN KRONE 56.0200 51.6300 51.4300100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 3.2500 3.0500 2.8500100 PHILIPPINE PESO 7.5400 7.1500 6.9500100 QATAR RIYAL 87.4400 83.1700 82.9700100 SAUDI RIYAL 84.9700 80.6700 80.4700100 SOUTH AFRICA RAND 32.1500 29.6500 29.4500100 SRI LANKA RUPEE 2.5600 2.3600 2.1600100 SWEDISH KRONA 49.5000 45.1700 44.9700100 THAI BAHT 10.9600 9.3000 8.9000

Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama

JUNE 10, 2013EXCHANGE RATES

BY HEMANANTHANI SIVANANDAMsunbiz@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA: The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry is mulling carrying out an open bidding process for solar photovoltaic (PV) panel systems.

Ministry mulls open bidding for solar PV > Seda has approved 1,297 applications for RE as at April 2013

Palm oil stocks drop to one-year lowKUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s end-May stocks of palm oil fell to their lowest in nearly a year, as domestic and foreign demand were still higher than an uptick in production.

Inventories in the world’s No. 2 producer slid 5.1% in May to 1.82 million tonnes – the lowest since June last year, and missed expectations for a drop to 1.78 million tonnes, data showed.

But traders said prices could weaken further as demand tapers off after the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and production seasonally rises in the second half of the year.

“For the past few months, the endstocks have been dropping because although demand has not picked up much, production has not

been growing higher either,” said a trader with a foreign commodities brokerage.

“Production is supposed to pick up in the second half of the year and the drawdown of stocks could be halted,” the trader added.

Ahead of the data release, benchmark futures was flat at RM2,458 per tonne for the midday break. The tropical oil had posted its fifth straight weekly gain last week, buoyed by investor optimism that stocks would have eased further in May.

Leading industry analyst Dorab Mistry had forecast prices could rise to RM2,400 to RM2,700 by the end of May as weaker output sped a fall in stockpiles.

Production edged up 1.3% to 1.38 million

tonnes in May, just slightly below expectations of a 1.39 million tonne rise, as yields recovered in mainland Malaysia.

Exports fell 3% to 1.41 million tonnes from a month ago as forecasted. Combined with an estimated domestic consumption of about 150,000 to 180,000 tonnes, demand more than outstripped production.

Cargo surveyor Intertek Testing Services reported that Malaysian palm oil exports in the first 10 days of June rose 10.3% compared with the same period last month as demand from Europe and India picked up, while shipments to China lagged, signaling uncertainties in the world’s second-largest edible oil consumer. – Reuters

Minister Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili said this is due to popular demand of the systems from the public.

“We need to be efficient in terms of selecting the applicants,” Ongkili told a press conference after the launch of the Home Complete Plus Solar Panel Financing, a scheme jointly developed by Alliance Bank Bhd and the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda).

A Seda spokesman said an open bidding process will also promote competitiveness in the market, but added that discussion is still in “early stages”.

He said the commercial quota for solar PV has “more or less finished”, with the 10-megawatt (MW) of solar PV quota snapped up all within 15 minutes at the launching last month.

Ongkili said since the implementation of the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme in December 2011, response from the solar PV sector has been overwhelming.

As of April this year, Seda has approved 1,297 applications for RE with a total installed capacity of 448MW.

“Out of that, a total of 171MW is from solar PV and from this number, the total installed capacity for installations from the individual category is 14MW.

“The number may look small but it actually translates into 1,079 individual rooftops in Malaysia,” he said.

The average PV system price for household is between RM8,000 and RM10,000 per kilowatt (kW).

Ongkili said his ministry is aware that financing remains one of the biggest obstacles especially for individuals who would like to install solar PV systems on their roofs, and expects the new Home Complete Plus Solar Panel Financing to help ease the problem. The new scheme is the first financing package of its kind which is provided by a local bank for individuals to install solar PV systems in their homes.

Ongkili said the government through Seda will continue to provide quota for individuals via the Solar Rooftop Home Programme to generate greater public interest in being a renewable energy generator, adding that the remaining 6.5MW of solar PV quota in the individual category is expected to be fully taken up in the next six months.

“Assuming each household takes up 4kW, this will translate into 1,625 houses with solar PV on rooftops,” he said, adding that Seda is in midst of discussion with three local banks on providing financing for home owners keen in the programme.

MANULIFE, ALLIANCE TOSEAL TIE-UP ON THURSDAYPETALING JAYA: Manulife Insurance Bhd and Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd will sign a bancassurance partnership this Thursday, confirming a SunBiz report that said a deal was imminent. A press invite received yesterday said a joint press conference will be held on June 13 with Manulife Holdings Bhd group CEO Mark O’Dell and Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd group CEO Sng Seow Wah attending. On May 28, SunBiz reported that the companies were to seal a long-term exclusive banccasurance tie-up.

MITI APPROVES LISTINGOF UMW'S O&G UNITPETALING JAYA: UMW Holdings Bhd has received approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) to implement the initial public offering (IPO) and listing of its oil and gas (O&G) unit. UMW plans to offer 843.1 million shares, or about 39%, of UMW O&G's enlarged paid-up capital under the IPO. The 843.1 million shares comprise 231.3 million offer for sale shares, and a public issue of 611.8 million new shares to retail and institutional investors. Out of the 843.1 million, 648.6 million shares, or 30%, of UMW O&G's enlarged issued and paid-up share capital will be allocated to institutional investors. The remaining 194.58 million shares are for retail investors. To facilitate the IPO, UMW is reorganising its O&G unit with acquisitions by UMW O&G of related firms in the group.

CIMB GETS BURSA NOD TOLIST SHARES IN THAILANDPETALING JAYA: CIMB Group Holdings Bhd has obtained Bursa Malaysia's approval to list up to 100 million new CIMB shares on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in a planned dual listing. CIMB will now need to get the nod from the Securities Commission here, the SET and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand.

B R I E F S

Puncak Niagaunit partners China’s Yiu LianPETALING JAYA: Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd’s indirect subsidiary, GOM Resources Sdn Bhd, and China’s largest ship repair yard operator, Yiu Lian Dockyards (Shekou) Ltd, have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to work together in oil and gas engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning projects in Malaysia.

The MOA is expected to strengthen the relationship between Malaysia and China, and further develop shared knowledge and collaborative efforts between GOM Resources and Yiu Lian Dockyards, the two companies said in a statement issued after the signing ceremony yesterday.

GOM Resources, a service provider for offshore construction and a recognised offshore installation contractor, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Puncak Oil & Gas Sdn Bhd which in turn is owned by Puncak Niaga.

Yiu Lian Dockyards, covering 700,000 cu m, was formally put into production on Dec 18, 2008.

MEDIA & MARKETING 17theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

Petronas rewards customersPETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) recently rewarded the 88 of their loyal customers at the “Win RM8,888 and 80 Mini iPad this CNY with Petronas’ prize giving ceremony, with eight grand prize winners winning RM8,888 each and 80 lucky winners taking home a mini iPad each.

During the month long contest which began on Feb 5, customers were given the opportunity to enter the contest by making a minimum purchase of RM15 at any Kedai Mesra and answer one simple question related to Petronas’ famous “Primax 95 Xtra” F1 inspired fuel to put themselves in the running for those prizes.

Speaking at the prize giving ceremony, PDB’S retail business division head Akhbar Md Thayoob said: “The ‘Win RM8,888 and 80 Mini iPad This CNY with Petronas’ was held as part of our on-going commitment

to reward our loyal customers who have contributed to PDB’s growing success all these years.”

“This is one of our ways to thank our customers for choosing Petronas as their brand of choice – by organising contests that are simple to participate, so that everyone stands a fair chance to win something,” he added.

The joyous occasion was aptly held at PDB’s first-of-its-kind lifestyle station named the Petronas Twin Stations in Serdang. The prize winners were kept entertained with a series of fun pop quizzes and were also treated to dinner.

Over the years PDB has grown leaps and bounds to become the largest petroleum retail network in the country. Petronas 95 Xtra was also recently recognised as the people’s choice at the recent Putra Brand Awards for the fourth consecutive year.

Orientation day at IOC Beauty makes a statement

Samsung bags gold

INTERNATIONAL Open College (IOC) has recently opened its doors to welcome students for their May 2013 semester. The three day long student registration and orientation programme was held from the May 29 to 31 at the IOC campus in Bandar Baru Bangi.

This intake saw students coming from various backgrounds nationwide, adding a sense of diversity to the batch. Ayu, 18, a mass communication student that hails from Terengganu said: “When I first arrived at the campus there was a bit of tension as this was all new for us because we are from different parts of the country, but once we had our ice-breaking session and after getting to know each other, we are now good friends.”

Over the course of three days these students were encouraged to communicate with each other through a range of fun and interactive

programmes conducted by the faculty. “The reason we place such a huge

emphasis on communication is that we want our students to be able to communicate well with one another in college or even in the outside world,” said IOC CEO Professor Siti Aishah Hashim Ali.

The orientation programme culminated in a closing ceremony held by the college where the new students had to give a performance in front of everyone.

IOC is an affliated institution of Open University Malaysia and was founded in 2012.

IT was certainly a beautiful evening at the Tropicana Metropark Sales Gallery recently, as the 18 beautiful finalists of the Miss Malaysia Tourism 2013 pageant were on hand to entertain the crowd and vie for the two subsidiary titles of “Miss Tropicana Lifestyle” and “Best in Talent”, both presented by Tropicana Corporation Berhad (formerly known as Dijaya Corporation Berhad).

The presentation and voting for the two subsidiary titles was held in conjunction with the launch of the group’s mixed development project in Subang Jaya, Tropicana Metropark. Already pretty well known, the 88-acre development recently won a five star rating for Best Mixed-use Development (Malaysia) at the Asia-Pacific Property Award. In fact, 70% of the first phase of the development, the Pandora Serviced Residences, has already been bought up.

The evening saw 11 of the 18 finalists perform various songs, dance and even a magic show to wow and captivate the audience into voting for them. There was also a catwalk show with the finals sporting trendy outfits, and demonstrating their

beauty and confidence.In the end, Polin Teo, a 25 year old freelance

model, nabbed the “Best in Talent” title with her breathtakingly beautiful modern dance rendition, while Amanda Lee, also 25 but a pharmacist, managed to grab the judges and crowds attention, and won the title “Miss Tropicana Lifestyle”.

Also in attendance at the event were Tropicana Corp Group CEO Datuk Yau Kok Seng, deputy Group managing director Edmund Kong, Sales & Marketing executive director Pamela Loh and Miss Malaysia Tourism president Datuk Danny Ooi.

A well-known regional player in the personal electronics arena, Samsung Malaysia Electronics recently bagged the top prizes for four categories in the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Awards, namely the smartphone, washing machine, refrigerator and flat screen TV categories.

“We are honoured to continue our winning streak in the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Awards in recent years. It is empowering to know that customers appreciate our determination in bringing them the latest products and services to improve their lives,” said Samsung Malaysia Electronics Sdn Bhd managing director Kwon Jae Hoon.

Samsung’s recent wins have allowed the brand to venture out in to more diverse product categories

Adding to their haul of four golds this year, Samsung has also won gold awards in the past which include LCD/Plasma TV from 2005 to 2009 and flat screen TV from 2010 to 2013.

Present at the event were Samsung Malaysia’s mobile division head Vincent Chong and Minister of Communications and Media Datuk Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

Some of the winners of the CNY contest with their respective prizes.

Building a global network UNIVERSITI Tun Abdul Razak (Unirazak) has established formal links with four major academic institutions offering students and staff access to a global network of research, academics and educational possibilities in just three months, further enhancing the excellent offerings at the university.

These links will enable students, staff and information to be exchanged with one another. This also will allow leading foreign institutions to undertake joint conferences, publications and educational activities with Unirazak.

The first link was established when a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Macquarie University in Australia. Research staff and academics from Macquarie will now work cooperatively with academicians from Unirazak, enriching learning options for both students and staff. Other opportunities like student exchanges and study abroad programmes will also be implemented.

Unirazak then entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA)

with University Paris-Est Creteil Val de Marne (UPEC). This provides another option for local students and staff to further their studies and research abroad.

Their next MoA, with the London-based Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) now provides Unirazak students with a highly sought-after fast-track to obtaining one of the world’s leading accountancy qualifications. CIMA, the largest professional body of management accountants worldwide, will now offer Unirazak students a CIMA pathway by incorporating CIMA modules into the existing university programmes. Alongside this academic collaboration, CIMA and Unirazak will also embark on

joint development events as well as research projects.

Last but not least, The Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia (IBFIM) have also linked up with Unirazak in signing a MoA. Unirazak will become a training provider and exam centre for the IBFIM programmes, while Unirazak staff will be trained for the IFP programme. These modules of study will be subsequently incorporated into existing Unirazak programmes.

The establishment of these relationships is a major milestone for Unirazak, and will greatly enhance the international links and educational opportunities for both staff and students of the institution.

Loh (left), Yau (second from left) Ooi (second from right) and Kong (right) flank Lee and Teoh, the winners of the two subsidiary titles.

From left: IBFIM chief operating officer Mohamad Najib, IBFIM CEO Datuk Adnan with Professor Zabid and Professor Garry.

The new batch together with members of faculty and parents.

Chong (left) receiving the award from Ahmad Shabery.

managed to kill the Ursa is Kitai’s expressionless father, the legendary General Cypher Raige played by Jaden’s real-life dad Will Smith, who had toned down his acting and emotions so much in the

ENTERTAINMENT18theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

SCREEN SHORTS

RETURNING TO IDOLJENNIFER LOPEZ, 43 (pix), looks set to take back her seat on the judging panel of American Idol when Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj – who quit the talent show last week to focus on their music careers – leave.

A source told RadarOnline.com: “J.Lo’s manager, Benny Medina, was in talks with FOX even before Mariah and Nicki announced their departures last week. They’re talking. Negotiations are in their infant stages, but they’re underway to get her back to the judges’ table.”

WOMAN OF THE DECADE FORMER Spice Girl-turned-fashion designer, Victoria Beckham (pix), was crowned woman of the decade at the annual Glamour Women of the Year Awards in London at the Berkeley Square Gardens.

She was on the arm of her eldest son Brooklyn, 14,

and was presented with the prize by Burberry’s chief creative officer Christopher Bailey.

The 39-year-old star took the opportunity to reaffirm her support for “girl power” and said: “I kind of wish I’d written notes now... I’d like to start by congratulating all the women tonight, and also ‘Harry Potter’. I like to celebrate women... Girl power! What Myleene (Klass) said was right, we need to support each other.”

MOTHER-DAUGHTER THRILLER AFTER mastering the art of performing, the Great Gatsby star Isla Fisher (pix) is now ready to try her luck at a screenplay.

The 37-year-old star has teamed up with her mother, Elspeth Reid – who’s helped her publish two teen novels, Bewitched and Seduced by

Fame when she was 18 years old – to create a film, which she claims has been challenging, but amusing.

Speaking in an interview with Britain’s Cosmopolitan magazine, Isla said: “She doesn’t understand the rules of screenwriting and breaks all the rules, which makes it original at least. We’ve had a scream doing it.”

STRIKING A BALANCETHE Lone Ranger actress Helena Bonham Carter (pix) refuses to film on location for more than two weeks at a time because she hates being away from Billy, nine, and five-year-old Nell, her children with director partner Tim Burton.

The 47-year-old star splits parenting duties with Burton, 54, who says Helena can be “ insecure” about being a working mother, but insists it’s important for her to strike a balance. – Bang Media

FROM the moment the movie opens with a motionless Jaden Smith lying on his side and narrating in a m anner that convinces you that he has the same acting coach as Jason Statham, you know the movie is heading downhill.

The story revolves around young Kitai (Jaden) who narrates the story about how humans were evacuated out of Earth to Nova Prime after Earth was devastated but it has its own set of dangers such as a creature called the Ursa which hunts down its prey by smelling their fear.

The man who successfully

MOVIE REVIEWS BY S. INDRA SATHIABALAN

After Earth Cast: Will Smith and Jaden Smith

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

E-Value: 4 Acting: 4 Plot: 4

movie, he had turned into a Vulcan. To cut a long story short, father

and son have issues and during a trip

to help re-establish their relationship, their ship crashes onto Earth leaving no survivors except for

Kitai and a badly injured Cypher.Cypher convinces Kitai to

overcome his own fears and travel across some harsh terrain in order to find the ship’s tail which holds the device that can send out a signal for help.

Kitai not only has to battle the elements but also dangerous creatures on Earth and an Ursa that was on board the ill-fated ship.

The visuals and special effects are good but the somewhat familiar storyline and not-so-great acting are the negative aspects of this film.

However, look out for brief scenes with Zoe Isabella Kravitz who breathes some life into the film despite the fact that her character is supposed to be dead.

BY BISSME S

IT is an honour for a filmmaker to receive a 15-minute standing ovation after the screening of his film. This honour is even greater if it takes place at the prestigious

Cannes Film Festival.Singaporean Anthony Chen, 29, (below)

not only received a standing ovation but his debut film, Ilo Ilo, also fetched him the coveted Camera d’Or prize (best feature film debut) and became the first Singaporean feature film to win a prize at the recent Cannes Film Festival.

Set in Singapore, Ilo Ilo centres on the relationship between a Singaporean Chinese family and its new maid, Teresa. Like many Filipino women, Teresa has come to the Lion City in search of a better life. The young and troublesome son in the family, Jiale, forms a unique bond with Teresa and this friendship ignites jealousy in his mother.

Chen, who is currently based between London and Singapore, talks to theSun after his success at the Cannes Film Festival.

Did you always want to be a filmmaker? “I wanted to pursue filmmaking since the age of 15. While everyone was busy mugging for ‘O’ levels, I was at the library reading up on film directors and film schools.

“I learnt that film schools overseas were expensive and I could not afford them. I also learnt that there was only one film school in Singapore (Ngee Ann Polytechnic)

and decided that is where I would start building my portfolio.

“Most of my schoolmates pursued their ‘A’ levels but I took the slightly rebellious route of going to film school at the age of 17.

“I can’t explain why I wanted to be a filmmaker. I would say it is a subconscious decision.

“I remember that the first film I saw on the big screen was Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor and when I was growing up, I was attracted to the early films of Zhang Yi-mou and Ang Lee.”

Who are the directors you admire?

“I’m interested in filmmakers and cinemas that explore the human

condition in a sensitive, delicate way. I admire greatly the works of Hou Hsiao-hsien, Edward Yang, Yasujiro Ozu, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Lee Chang Dong, Jacques Audiard, Andrea Arnold and Nuri Bilge Ceylan.

“But in terms of my biggest hero, it will have to be Ang Lee. I

can’t imagine a better role model for a filmmaker and as a person. His

humility and dedication to life and work deserves

admiration.”

You wrote the script for Ilo Ilo.

Where did the inspiration come from? “The movie is very much inspired by my childhood years. When I was young, we had a Filipino maid who was with us for eight years. We called her Auntie Terry.

“Somehow, in the last few years, she kept surfacing in my memory and I realised that I am literally part of an entire generation of kids in Singapore that was brought up by foreign helpers. That was the starting point for the film.

“When Auntie Terry returned home for good, it was hard to bear. Eventually, we got used to her absence but somehow lost contact. The one thing that stayed with me after all these years is the name of the place she was from (Iloilo, a province in the Philippines). That is how the title of the film came about.”

What is the biggest challenge you faced as a Singaporean filmmaker? “Funding. I had to work with a tight budget, especially if the film isn’t a mainstream horror or comedy film, which translates to less resources and less shooting days.

“So, it is literally a lot of blood, sweat and tears in order to not compromise on the vision you have and still retain your ambition.”

What are your next projects and are you afraid that there will be higher expectations after your win at Cannes Film Festival? “I am developing a few projects in United Kingdom and Singapore. It will take some time before they mature into something more concrete, so I am keeping a tight lip for now. But I am always interested in human dynamics and the human condition, so whatever I undertake, it is always steering in that direction.

“I do think it is a tall order to follow in the success of Ilo Ilo but I always believe that every film has a life of its own, so all I can do is work hard and give the dedication and sincerity it needs.”

Do you have any advice for budding filmmakers? “Always maintain integrity in your work. It is a tough and rather painful journey, so it is important to have a genuine passion for cinema.

“You need to ask yourself, “Are you really in love with films or with the idea of being a film director?”

What are some of the greatest misconceptions people have about you? “That I’m an arrogant brat who only wants things his way.

“I think very few people really understand me and I no longer see a point in just pleasing everybody for the sake of having people like you.”

Life after Cannes > Singaporean fi lmmaker Anthony Chen is set to create more waves after his glorious win at the recent Cannes Film Festival

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FAMILY TIES 19theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

DURING my father’s and grandfather’s time, it was rare for fathers to play an active role in

raising their offspring. They brought home the bacon, signed report cards and wielded the cane or belt when the occasion called for it.

My husband is a different sort of father to our children. He is the hands-on type. He changed the kids’ diapers (though he left the ‘big jobs’ for me to clean up), helped with the night feeding, played with them, talked with them, and disciplined them when necessary.

When our children were much younger, he built a tree house in the garden. Though they didn’t play there much as the red ants from the mango tree weren’t very welcoming, the tree house provided intrigue and great photo ops.

A couple of years back, no. 3 was crazy about fishing. His father bought him a fishing rod and took him fishing every other weekend. They would come home with their catch, which fortunately for me wasn’t bountiful. I hate gutting fish as my hands would get pricked and poked in the process, but I digress.

He took them to parks and outdoor adventures such as white-water rafting. He enrolled them in enrichment seminars and youth camps.

When no. 3 was in primary school, I had sent him to a swimming school which had a very tiny pool. He would kick off from one end and in two strokes he’d reach the other end. The best he could do was dog paddle. He didn’t really know how to swim and neither did no. 4 who had never learnt.

Last year, their father took it upon himself to send them for swimming lessons until they mastered the breast stroke and front crawl.

Since then, he has taken no. 4 to the recreation club countless number of times to practise swimming. The last time I went to the pool with her, she beat me comfortably in both free style and ‘breath stroke’ – sorry, digressing again.

Though no. 3 had gone reluctantly for the swimming classes, he will be glad that his father had forced him to learn should he ever get shipwrecked or pushed into the pool by playful pals.

The three older children now know how to cook simple dishes and indirectly, it is thanks to their father. He insisted that they help me during meal preparation. When they were younger, they used to take turns with kitchen duty.

No. 3 only learnt in recent years and he now does the lion’s share of the cooking as his older siblings are working full time.

When no. 2 started a job in Kota Kemuning, her father drove her to work every day, teaching her how to bypass the tolls until she became familiar with the route.

There are many other things he has done which mark him as a

HAVING grown up in a world packed with gadgets themselves, most parents of younger children aren’t stressed about the potentially damaging effects of too much screen-time on their offspring, a new US study finds.

A study of more than 2,300 parents of children up to age eight found that 78% report that their children’s media use is not a source of conflict or concern. Nearly 60% said that they aren’t concerned about their kids becoming addicted to media.

“Today’s parents grew up with technology as a central part of their lives, so they think about it differently than earlier generations of parents,” says lead author Ellen Wartella, director of Northwestern University’s Center on Media and Human Development.

“Instead of a battle with kids on one side and parents on the other, the use of media

and technology has become a family affair.”

The researchers found that children in what they call “media-centric” households spend three more hours every day with screen media, such as TV, computers, video games, smartphones and tablets, than those in “media-light” homes. About 39% of families were rated as media-centric, while 45% were considered media-moderate, with parents in this group spending an average of just under five hours a day using screen media. Their children spent just under three hours a day using some form of media.

Findings also showed that 70% of parents say smartphones and tablets do not make parenting any easier. Parents say they are most likely to turn to toys or activities (88%), books (79%), or TV (78%) when trying to keep their children occupied. Of those with smartphones or

iPads, 37% say they were more likely to turn to those devices.

Even when trying to calm an upset child, parents say they are still more likely to turn to a toy or activity (65%) or to a book (58%) than to media; of those who have them, only 17% say the same about letting the child play with mobile devices like a smartphone or tablet.

While parents feel

positively about the impact of most forms of media on their children’s reading and math skills and creativity, they felt video games did more harm than good. Parents rated video games as more likely to have a negative influence on their child’s academic skills, attention span, creativity, sleep, and social skills than other forms of media, such as TV or computers. – AFP-Relaxnews

TAKING a calcium supplement of up to 1,000 mg per day can help women live longer, according to a new study.

“Our study found daily use of calcium supplements was associated with a lower risk of death among women,” said the study’s lead author, David Goltzman, MD of McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

“The benefit was seen for women who took doses of up to 1,000 mg per day, regardless of whether the supplement contained vitamin D.”

Findings, announced recently, are slated for publication in the July edition of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

While calcium is an essential nutrient for health, and found naturally in dairy products, prior research has associated higher doses of calcium supplements (more than 1,400 mg) with increased heart disease risk in women.

In February, however, a study published by the JAMA Internal Medicine journal concluded that a high intake of calcium supplementation is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death in men, but not in women.

Researchers from the large-scale Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study sought to clarify this issue by analysing data from more than 9,000 Canadians between 1995 and 2007.

Although the data showed women who took calcium supplements had a lower mortality risk, there was no statistical benefit for men. The study also found no conclusive evidence that vitamin D had an impact on mortality. – AFP-Relaxnews

CHILDREN who spend more time in front of the TV are more likely to consume sugary beverages, says a new study out of Sweden.

The reason? The more screen time, the higher their exposure to TV ads that bombard impressionable young minds with images of junk food, juice and sweets, reason the authors of a new paper published out of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

In fact, for every additional hour parked in front of the TV, the likelihood that the child consumed sugary drinks increased by 50%.

For their study, published in the International Journal of Public Health, researchers questioned the parents of 1,700 parents of two- to four-year-olds in Sweden about

their kids’ screen habits and consumption of sweetened drinks.

Their findings showed that one in seven parents indicated they made concerted efforts to reduce their children’s

exposure to TV advertisements,

an effort that resulted in reduced

consumption of sugary drinks and empty calories among children of these parents.

Children of parents who were less strict about TV time, meanwhile, were found to be twice as likely to consume sweetened beverages every week.

Another US study published in March likewise found that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages contributed to higher caloric intake among kids who ranged between the ages of two and 18. – AFP-Relaxnews

Monitor children’s screen-time

Calcium linked to longevity

TV infl uences habits

good father, including bringing home enough bacon so that I could stay home with our children for 17 years. Though he’s not perfect in the parenting department, I think he ranks quite high, enough for me to hope that our boys would take after his positive traits when they start

their own family.

Lydia Teh is a mother of four and author of seven books, including

Honk! If You’re Malaysian and the latest The Wordy Tales of Eh Poh

Nim comic. Send comments to lifestyle.lydia@thesundaily.com

WITH LYDIA TEH

FamilyTeh Time

Celebrating fathers> Over the years, the image of fathers has changed from being a disciplinarian and breadwinner to being a homebody and buddy

GOING PLACES20theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

Reducing your water footprint

Passenger protecting pacts IN an effort to streamline the patchwork quilt of passenger rights and regulations which currently exist, members of the International Air Transport Association drafted a new set of resolutions created to protect the interests of travellers and consumers.

The core principles were unanimously endorsed by the group’s 240 member airlines at their annual general meeting in Cape Town. Resolutions call for:

Improved access to passenger information such as rights; fares (including taxes and charges before purchase); the actual operator of the flight, (particularly with code-share flights); and regular situational updates in the event of delays and disruptions

Efficient complaint handling procedures

Compensations, refunds, assistance and re-routing alternatives in the

event of cancelled flights, delays and denied boarding

Appropriate assistance for those with reduced mobilityIt’s hoped that the new set of core

principles will help serve as a reference guide for some 50 countries who have their own set of passenger rights and regulations that can be contradictory, conflicting and add more confusion in international situations says the aviation industry. – AFP-Relaxnews

FROM wearing water-resistant sunblock to taking a shower instead of a bath, travellers will be reminded to be responsible consumers in the wake of a water scarcity crisis that threatens parts of the world for World Tourism Day.

For the 2013 edition of the United Nation’s World Tourism Day which falls on Sept 27, both the tourism industry and travellers alike will be asked to re-examine their water footprint, particularly given that a record-breaking one billion international tourists travelled in 2012 alone.

The theme was chosen to align with the 2013 United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation.

This year, the official celebrations will take place Sept 27 in the Maldives, which consists of 1,190 coral islands.

Here are a few ways tourists are encouraged to be responsible water consumers when they travel abroad:

Take a shower instead of a bathLeave your towels on the rack and hang your ‘Do not disturb’ sign on the door to let housekeeping know you don’t need to have your linens and towels changed every day. This simple gesture saves on unnecessary use of water and chemicals.Where possible, select green, sustainable accommodations with water-saving programmes such as rainwater barrels.Respect the sites you visit. Leave seashells in their natural environment, for instance, and use water-resistant sunblock to avoid polluting the sea and damaging marine fauna. Scientists have shown that commonly found sunscreen ingredients can kill off coral. – AFP- Relaxnews

explore> Explore Malaysia and Indonesia with Accor’s attractive vacation deals

Travel, stayand

Le Club Accorhotels and Accor Advantage Plus members stand twice the chance to win an Apple iPad Mini whilst Accor Advantage Plus members also get to enjoy an additional 15% discount of the room rates.

Participating hotels include Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside, Pullman Kuching, Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre, ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Fraser Business Park and ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Cheras. The Explore Malaysia package is available for booking from now until June 30, 2013, for stays until Aug 31, 2013. For more, go to www.accorhotels.com/exploremalaysia.

Meanwhile, under the Explore Bali – Lombok promotions, guests booking the Accor promotional packages to these destinations will have a chance to win one of the following prizes in the weekly lucky draw – free tickets to see the Kecak dance at Uluwatu temple; pottery lesson at Jenggala Keramik in Jimbaran; rafting experience; tour to Ubud and many other prizes.

In addition, hotel guests can also win a

free two-night stay at participating hotels in a monthly lucky draw. Three lucky winners will each receive a Grand Prize of a three-night stay at an Accor hotel in Bali, Malaysia or Singapore.

Accor Advantage Plus and Le Club Accorhotels members also stand twice the chance to win the weekly, monthly and the three Grand Prizes while Accor Advantage Plus members also get to enjoy an additional 10% discount on the room rates.

Accor’s participating hotels in Bali and Lombok include Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana, The Royal Beach Seminyak Bali – MGallery Collection, Amarterra Villas Bali Nusa Dua – MGallery Collection, Novotel Bali Benoa, Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, Novotel Lombok, Mercure Resort Sanur, Mercure Bali Nusa Dua.

The Explore Bali-Lombok offers are available through online booking at www.accorhotels.com/bali or the Accor call centre (toll free 62 21 255 33 400) from now until Aug 31, 2013 and for stays until Sept 15, 2013.

BY CHAN SOO WAH

ACCOR, one of the leading international hotel operators in the Asia-Pacific, offers travellers the best way to explore Malaysia and

places in Indonesia like Bali and Lombok, through their Explore promotional deals.

“We want guests to enjoy our hospitality right from the moment they step off the plane,” said Adi Satria, regional director for sales, marketing and distribution of Accor Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

“The Explore Malaysia and Indonesia promotions allow guests to book and stay worry-free, while providing more reasons for domestic and international travellers to explore more of these destinations.”

For the Explore Malaysia package, guests can book rooms at participating Accor hotels in Malaysia with 25% discount off the room rate, and receive complimentary breakfast for two persons, unlimited WiFi access, and a RM50 food and beverage voucher with a minimum spending of RM100 in a single bill at the hotels’ restaurants, or a spa voucher (available at upscale Pullman hotels only) to be utilised throughout the stay.

The highlight of the Explore Malaysia package is a chance to win an Apple iPad Mini through a lucky draw held each month.

Winners for AirAsia contestsCONGRATULATIONS to the winners for the following contests.Winners for AirAsia/Hanoi contest

1st prize winner:Lin Hsien Leong IC no: 720109105777

Consolation winners:Brian Lim Choon WahIC no: 830523145077

Wan Faziatul Amira Binti Wan Mohd SallehIC no: 820314105416

Jessica JohnsonIC no: 841007085542

Winners for AirAsia/Vientiane contest

1st prize winner:Thong Yoke Leng

IC no: 580204085258Consolation winners:Mohd Yusri Bin YazidIC no: 810129045205

Chia Hin WongIC no: 571209105217

Chia Hin WongIC no: 571209105217

Winners for AirAsia/Yangon contest1st prize winner:Suzanna Ng Geok HiewIC no: 820417065568

Consolation winners:Lim Ju NieIC no: 860707565364

Fong Yen KwongIC no: 791216035557

Kevin VijayakumarIC no: 810317146193

Winners for AirAsia/Phnom Penh contest

1st prize winner:Loke Siew YeanIC no: 680305025148

Consolation winners:Yap Wai HoeIC no: 860725566133

Chin Ee LaineIC no: 850402076051

Mohd Yusri bin YazidIC no: 810129045205

All winners will be notified on the collection of their prizes by AirAsia.

houses.Visitors can also try out some

of the best dishes that Korea has to offer. While kimchi is a national dish, visitors can also try the other Korean signature dish such as bibimbap that is usually served in a stone pot. The ingredients vary, but it is a mixture of vegetable, meat and chili pepper paste over a bed of warm rice. They are then mixed together and eaten along with a series of side dishes.

One of the more wholesome dishes in Korea is the samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) which consists of a whole young chicken, stuffed with glutinous rice and boiled in a hearty ginseng and herb soup.

Also check out traditional snacks like tteokbokki (boiled rice cakes in chili pepper sauce), gimbap (steamed white rice and vegetables or meat rolled in seaweed) and jeon (a Korean omelette with either vegetable or meat).

EXPEDIA is The World’s Largest Online Travel Company. They

guarantee the best prices or they’ll pay you the difference plus

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GOING PLACES 21theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

Tune Hotels on wheelsTUNE Hotels, which currently has 29 hotels in operation across six countries, took its newly rebranded hotel room design to the public via a caravan roadshow that covered at least 32 destinations across major cities in the Peninsula during the recent school holiday.

The specially-designed caravan truck carrying Tune Hotels’ room replica, kicked off its journey from Petaling Jaya last month before heading up north with stops at various spots in Ipoh, Penang and Alor Setar.

Tune Hotels’ Room on Wheels then made stops in the Klang Valley before proceeding to Kuantan, Johor Baru, Malacca, LCCT Sepang, Cyberjaya and Putrajaya throughout the two-week school holidays. It also made stops at popular rest and relaxation (R&R) areas along the highways.

“Tune Hotels’ Room on Wheels is another of our innovative efforts to bring the unique concept of our hotel to the public. We have adopted a vigorously-rebranded room design for our newer hotels, including the recently refurbished Tune Hotel Downtown KL and we would like to invite everyone to experience our quality and comfort,” said Mark Lankester, group CEO of Tune Hotels.

Visitors also stood a chance to win Tune Hotels merchandise including T-shirts, caps, key rings and car stickers during the promotions.

Tune Hotels currently has 11 hotels in operation in Malaysia, five in the UK, four each in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines with the latest addition being Tune Hotel Ahmedabad that has just opened this month in Gujarat, India. Tune Hotels is set to open properties in Japan and Australia this year while future projects are also coming up in the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

For more, go to www.tunehotels.com.

Seoul attractions> The capital city of South Korea holds many interesting appeals for tourists, blending both the traditional and the modern

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KOREA TOURISM ORGANISATION

to spend an entire day is the COEX Mall. This retail behemoth not only carries luxury and casual retail brands, it also has a range of other attractions, including the Kimchi Museum, which features over 100 types of kimchi dishes, and the COEX Aquarium.

For complete family fun, check out the Lotte World, an amusement park located within the city featuring rides, and even houses a folk museum for visitors wanting a taste of life in old Korea.

Despite being an urban centre, Seoul does have pockets of nature within itself. The best known example is the Cheonggyecheon, the result of an urban renewal project that revives a stream that once ran through the city. The stream is now a popular tourist spot, with plenty of activities taking place around it almost weekly.

There is also Namsan Park, a protected ecology island with a mountain inhabited by wild animals. This conservation effort is also a public park, and visitors travel there to enjoy nature and also see the other attractions on the site, including the N Seoultower which provides a birds-eye view of the city, and the Namsan Hanok village, a village of traditional Korean

public.There is also the Jongmyo

Shrine, a site devoted to the royal family members from past Korean dynasties. It has been designated as a Unesco World Heritage site.

Besides having a distinct national heritage, Seoul is also a prime shopping destination. The city is peppered with large shopping malls, and shopping districts offering the latest trends and all things Korean.

The Myeongdong district is lined with shops and boutiques selling the latest fashion and cosmetics. It’s also the perfect place to people watch.

Others include Shinsegae, the oldest department store in the country, the Lotte Young Plaza, which caters mainly to the younger crowd, and the Hyundai Department Store, which carries luxury brands.

But one of the best places

(clockwise) Gyeongbok Palace; Cheonggyecheon; Korea’s national dish, kimchi; and Lotte World.

BY ANANSA JACOB

WITH K-Pop fever still burning hot all around the world, why not explore

the delights of Seoul? The capital city of South

Korea holds many interesting sights for visitors, with the perfect blend of traditional and modern attractions to appeal to everyone.

Among the key attractions around the city are Gyeongbok Palace and Namdaemun (Great Southern Gate). Marking some of the last vestiges of the city’s past history, these are two popular landmarks for tourists.

Gyeongbok Palace’s sprawling grounds not only preserve some examples of what life was like during the Joseon Dynasty, but also house the Joseon Palace Museum and Korean Folk Museum. The city also houses four other major palaces, namely Changdeok Palace, Deoksu Palace, Changgyeong Palace and Gyeonghui Palace.

Namdaemun is known as the number one national treasure for South Korea. Damaged in a fire

i n 2008, it has since been restored and is now open to

the

Dennis Cheng, Tune Hotels area manager, Northern Region (centre) with roadshow promoters at Tune Hotel Penang.

HOROSCOPE

Real Life AdventuresFlying McCoy

March 20 – April 18 THERE’S a difference between being interested in new ideas and being prepared to

undertake the changes those coming your way would require. While these would be disruptive and time-consuming, the more you explore them and what they have to offer, the more you’ll recognise they’re essential.

April 19 – May 19AS somebody ruled by the gracious Venus, you’re an expert at sugar-coating even

the most provocative of statements. While that’s usually enough to overcome issues and encourage others to talk through their differences, you may have no choice but to battle out those issues openly.

Oct 23 – Nov 20THERE have been so many times in your life when you’ve longed for somebody to deal with a burdensome situation for

you. Now that’s exactly what’s happening and you’re wary, if not on the verge of rejecting the offer. The issue is trust and control, both of which you dislike relinquishing.

Nov 21 – Dec 20SOMETIMES your impatience can mean you plunge into arrangements

you’d have bypassed if you learnt more. Now, you’re urged to respond swiftly to whatever comes your way. While, in the long run, you couldn’t possibly pursue every idea or offer, you owe it to yourself to explore them all.

Dec 21 – Jan 19IT’S understandable that, after a series of challenging situations, you’d have

trouble accepting something brilliant that’s come from out of the blue. However, that’s exactly what you’re dealing with. It’s so good that you really can’t undermine it except if you take too long deciding to agree to it.

Jan 20 – Feb 18THE obstacles you’re facing may seem minor issues to be overcome as quickly and

cleverly as possible. However, they’re actually calling your attention to certain arrangements that need a serious rethink. At one point these worked. But times have changed and so have you. They may need to change or perhaps go.

Feb 19 – March 19EVEN the most exciting of ideas or offers involves a certain amount of detailed effort. Not only is that the

case now, the more time you invest in organising things, the more smoothly they’ll go in the future. Others may insist these are unimportant. But you insist they are, and you’re right.

May 20 – June 19LITTLE is more aggravating than encountering intriguing ideas and being prevented from turning them into action

by obstacles. Frustrating as these delays may be, they’re forcing you to explore further than might otherwise have been the case. What you learn over the coming days could be crucial.

June 20 – July 21ALTHOUGH the recent New Moon took place a few days ago, you’ll still be

reflecting on the insights it triggered. Those of pivotal significance involve certain burdensome obligations. Once you would have felt guilty even thinking of disentangling yourself from them, now you realise it’s best .

July 22 – Aug 21EXCITING as the ideas or offers triggered by the current rare aspect between Saturn and Neptune may be, explore but

avoid commitments until after the encounter between your ruler the Sun and fortunate Jupiter, on the 19th. What arises then could transform your future.

Aug 22 – Sept 21HAVING taken great pains to avoid upsetting others, you quite rightly refuse to accept

responsibility for recent problems. Yet they’ve done nothing. This raises the question of who’s to blame. The answer is: nobody. Everybody dealt with an impossible situation as best they could, and now everybody’s learning from it.

Sept 22 – Oct 22PLANNING ahead may be a virtue. But with so many exciting developments

every day, you’re urged to ensure arrangements are flexible. And even more important, explore every idea or offer that comes your way. What’s least expected or even unappealing could turn out to be best in the long run.

FEATURE22theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

TV111.05am Cinta Adam Dan Hawa12.05pm Fish Life2pm Nana Nini Nunu2.30pm Impak3.05pm Hang Tuah 3.30pm Angelina Ballerina4.05pm Dialek Kita4.30pm Selingan7pm When Weather Changed

History: Dunkirk8.45pm Majilis Tilawah Al-Quran

Peringkat Kebangsaan (Live)

11.30pm Nature Parks

TV22pm Simfoni Alam 2.30pm Balqis3pm Satu Dalam Sejuta:

Perjalanan Seni 4pm Mukkiya Pramugaradun

Oru Naal4.35pm Guru Siva5pm Ojakgyo Family 6pm Fortune Couple 7pm Special Agent Oso 9.30pm Bila Otai Bercinta 10pm Sayangku DewiMN Hart of Dixie

TV311.30am Jom Santai Bersama...1pm The Football Review2pm Annisa3pm Dangerous Love4.02pm Iman Nabila5pm Stanza Cinta6pm Realiti Kejelitaan6.30pm Planet Kiara7pm Teduhan Kasih9pm Kisah Cinta10pm Epilog Cinta Khirana11pm Plucky Pennywhistle’s

Magic Menagerie

NTV710.30am House of Anubis11am Bella 2013Noon Sassy Girl Chun Hyang1.30pm Ma Zu2.30pm Story of Parents House II4.32pm Golden Ferris Wheel6.03pm Joys of Life7.30pm Magseven8.30pm A Gentleman’s Dignity9.30pm Superhero at home11pm Wax & Wane

8TV11.30am A Place Called Home2pm Guess Guess Guess3pm Palace4pm Feng Shu’s Cooking Class5pm Mystery in the Palace6pm Family Harmony7pm Twilight Investigation8.30pm Swordman9.30pm Switched At Birth10.30pm Pretty Little Liars11.45pm X Factor USA

TV911am Biru Cinta De Laguna12.30pm Lagu Cinta Nirmala5pm SpongeBob SquarePants5.37pm Binar Bening Berlian6.37pm Upin & Ipin7pm Felix the Cat7.30pm Khurafat8.30pm Luluhnya Sebuah Ikrar9.30pm Arang and the Magistrate10.30pm Teen Wolf11.30pm Hot TV11.45pm Fly FM Stripped

A mix of

BY ANANSA JACOB

THE Heineken Green Room returns to Kuala Lumpur on June 15 for a supercharged showcase of music and cutting-edge arts collaborations.

The one-night party at KL Live will feature performances by New York-cased surf-pop hipster rockers The Drums, as well as one of the most celebrated DJ-producer-artistes in the new house and chill wave scene, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (TEED).

And like previous Green Room events, this year will see installations by a collective of local artists decorating the performance space, adding a new artistic dimension to the event.

Among the artistes taking part in the Green Room event are Donald Abraham, juxtaArt, James Ly, the Off-Day, Kontak! and themancalleduncle.

Ly, a lecturer with a background in multimedia design who runs the Minut Init Studio Galleria in Petaling Jaya spoke to theSun on his work. He will be designing a piece based on the theme for the event – Social Design.

“[Heineken] gave me the theme, but there was still a lot of freedom to do what I wanted,” Ly explained.

“I do appreciate what [music] brings to the environment. A lot of my work has a close relationship to music. Most of the inspiration comes from different sorts, like world music, house music, any music, really.”

He described the project that he was creating for the Green Room as a ‘collage of citations from our environment’.

“I will be using [images of] pop culture references conjoining in one area,” he said. “This came to me when I was thinking about my days partying as a student. We always have lots of conversations, and a lot of pop cultural references get thrown around. A lot

of what I learnt about pop culture came from conversations like this, so I wanted to create something and show that immense, chaotic sharing of information.”

To add another artistic twist to the Green Room event, there will also be a special edition of the popular global design networking and social event Pecha Kucha, a collaboration with the British Council.

Pecha Kucha is a series of six-minute and 40 second-long presentations by speakers from various walks of life, expertise and interests. Each presentation consists of 20 slides timed for 20 seconds, challenging each speaker to make their points concisely and creatively.

This invite-only music themed Pecha Kucha will see presentations made by various individuals, including Heineken alumni DJ Blink, photographer Vincent Paul Yong, visual artist Melor Hidyah and writer-actor Bernice Chauly.

According to British Council arts & programmes manager Grey Yeoh, Pecha Kucha events have been held regularly in Malaysia for the past few years. “[They] have been a way to get creative people in Malaysia to share their presentations, ideas and passions with each other,” he added.

“There’s no specific limitation to Pecha Kucha, and the presentation format itself is interesting.”

With such a visible platform for the local art scene, as well as a music line-up that includes local acts like Twilight Actiongirl, The Deer Society and Darren Ashley performing alongside The Drums and TEED, it looks like this year’s Heineken Green Room will truly be a smorgasboard of eclectic music and social design.

Heineken Green Room will take place at KL Live on June 15 from 9pm. Tickets are RM88 (early bird)

and RM108 (at the door). For more, go to www facebook.com/Heineken.

> The Heineken Green Room 2013 brings you music and cutting-edge art collaborations by local artists and international musicians

C R I M E & I N V E S T I G A T I O N NETWORK (CH732), 10:00PM: Watch what divorcee Elizabeth Reynolds does to 39-year-old Al Benitez when he finds out she’s married and tries to break it off. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, Linda Henning believes in government conspiracies and aliens, and her lover Diazien Hossencoft convinces her that his wife is an evil alien queen.

Monstresses

art & music

(From left) Yeoh, Ly and other artistes performing at the event Irman Hilmi

of The Off-Day, Callen Tham (aka

themancalleduncle) and DJ Bunga from Twilight Actiongirl.

COURTESY OF G2PR

SPORTS 23theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

Kiwis grab dramatic windramatic winNEW ZEALAND snatched a dramatic one-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their opening Champions Trophy Group A match in Cardiff yesterday after Lasith Malinga had threatened to turn the match on its head.

Malinga (caricature) captured four for 34 with a potent cocktail of slinging yorkers, short-pitched fl iers and wickedly deceptive slower balls after New Zealand had set off in pursuit of a modest victory target of 139.

New Zealand still needed fi ve to win with their last pair at the wicket when Malinga began his 10th and fi nal over to Tim Southee.

After an opening wide, Southee somehow negotiated the remaining six balls. Number 11 Mitchell McClenaghan and Southee both took a single off Tillakaratne Dilshan’s next over and the match was won when the batsmen ran two on a ball which was called wide.

After Angelo Mathews had won the toss and elected to bat, Sri Lanka managed only 138 all out from 37.5 overs against some wonderfully disciplined bowling and aggressive fi elding shrewdly marshalled by captain Bren-don McCullum.

Former captain Kumar Sangakkara scored 68 from 87 balls but only two other batsmen reached double fi gures.

Mitchell McClenaghan, who bowled so impressively in New Zealand’s 2-1 one-day series win over England before the tournament began, was again the pick of the bowlers with four for 43 from 8.5 overs.

“I am happy, though I was incredibly nervous at one stage,” Brendon McCullum told Sky Sports.

“Sri Lanka are always a dangerous side and we panicked a bit in the middle. It was very important to scrap through, we have enough experience to deal with situations like this, although it did get tough towards the end.

“But I thought we played well for the major-ity of the game. Our bowlers were the reason that we won the game today.” – R e u -ters

FORMER Sri Lankan captains Mahela Jaya-wardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan have been reprimanded for appealing excessively during yesterday’s tense Champions Trophy clash against New Zealand.

The International Cricket Council said the two players had pleaded guilty to a level one breach of that part of the Code of Conduct which relates to “excessive appealing during an international match.”

“Dilshan and Jayawardena were charged for excessive and prolonged appealing in a keenly-contested match that New Zealand won by one wicket,” the ICC said in a statement.

ICC match referee Andy Pycroft of Zimba-bwe said both players had apologised for their actions.

“Irrespective of the outcome of an umpire’s decision, players are not entitled to prolonged appeals as these can be construed as pressur-ing the umpires,” Pycroft said in the ICC statement.

“Both the players accepted their mistake and apologised for their actions.”

The charges against Jayawardene and Dilshan were laid by on-fi eld umpires Bruce Oxenford and Rod Tucker, and television umpire Ian Gould.

An offi cial reprimand is the minimum pen-alty for excessive appealing. A second offence can cost a player 50% of his match fees, the ICC said. – AFP

Sri Lankans pulled up for excessive appealing

theSun | TUESDAY JUNE 11 2013

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SPORTS – AHEAD OF THE GAME24theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

Tough upbringing made me: SerenaHOURS AFTER OVERPOWER-

ING Maria Sharapova in the French Open fi nal on Saturday,

Serena Williams recalled a very differ-ent time.

She remembered her childhood days back in Compton, the crime-rid-den neighbourhood to the south of Los Angeles where she had learnt her ten-nis on public courts littered with drug addicts’ syringes to the background noise of gunfi re from drive-by shoot-ings.

The youngest of fi ve sisters, Williams had to fi ght for herself in those days, even on the court.

As she recently told her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, it was that up-bringing which forged not only her competitive spirit but also her ingenu-ity on the court.

The focus can often be on Williams’ serve and ball-striking power, but what impressed most about her 6-4, 6-4 victory over Sharapova was the variety in her game.

The Russian, pummelling the ball from the baseline, was made to look one-dimensional as Williams brought together athleticism, power and art-istry to claim her fi rst title in Paris since she beat her sister Venus in the fi nal 11 years ago.

“I was talking to my mum about this, with Patrick, because he said I had unbelievable hands,” Williams said. “I was like: ‘Well, I have great hands, I have great drop shots and angles and slices.’ He never knew.

“I said: ‘It was because when I was younger, I was so small. I was like the runt. I didn’t have power, so I had to learn how to play other ways.’

“I think that also taught me how to be mentally tough because Venus used to win her matches really fast and I would be out there grinding, hitting lobs and fi ghting and grinding and grinding.

“In the end I think that really devel-oped me as a player, to learn how to win. Then when I did get bigger and stronger, it just helped me to win more easily.

“The reason I’ve won Grand Slams is because I’ve wanted it so bad. There were moments when I maybe wasn’t the fi ttest but I wanted it more than anyone else in the tourna-ment.

“So I think it’s fair to say that throughout my whole career at different stages I’ve really wanted it more than any other human being on the planet.”

Already the oldest player in history to hold the world No. 1 ranking, 31-year-old Williams is now the oldest woman in the Open era to win at Roland Garros, yet she says she has never felt fi tter or more motivated.

Her current unbeaten run of 31 matches is the longest of her career. Since going out in the fi rst round here last year she has lost just three times, winning 11 of the 14 tournaments she has played.

This was her 16th Grand Slam title, which puts her fourth on the all-time list, behind Steffi Graf (22), Martina Navratilova (18) and Chris Evert (18). The records of Navratilova and Evert are clearly within reach, though Wil-liams insisted that she continues to take one tournament at a time.

“When I had 15 Grand Slam titles I

said it was so close, yet it’s still so far,” she said. “Now I have 16 and I’m closer to 18 but still it’s so far, because who knows when I’m going to win another two? That’s a lot. It’s not easy.

“I think the competition’s getting really tough and every one I win, I’m just learning to really savour that mo-ment. Who knows what will happen? I live for the moment.”

Did Williams ever think about her place in history?

“No. Because I think if I did, I would retire. I would be like: ‘I’ve done enough. Why am I play-ing? Do I really need another title?’

“For me it’s just about not thinking about that at all and just playing. I know that I’m good at one thing in life. I might not be good at anything else, but I am good at playing tennis – and I’m going to keep doing it.”

Mouratoglou believes overhauling Graf’s record is quite possible.

“I think for Serena nothing is out of

reach – if she wants something it’s very diffi cult to stop her,” he said.

“Since she keeps this motivation for the game, she is able to win many more (Grand Slam titles), for sure.

“Physically, I think she’s even better than those last years because she’s really well prepared, because she’s so motivated. So I think she is able to, but you have to go step by step.”

The next challenge for Williams is Wimbledon, which begins in a fort-

night’s time. She returned to the United States yesterday but plans to be back on the practice court today, although she will not play on grass until she arrives at the All England Club next week.

“I’m going to get started straight away because I feel like I have a title to defend,” she said. “I want to win that title again. I want to break some more records.”

Having claimed her fi fth Wimbledon crown last year in the immediate aftermath of her earliest exit from a Grand

Slam tournament, Williams will be the strongest of favourites to win again.

“Last year I was really frayed,” she recalled. “The brain was fried and I was thinking: ‘Gosh, the last match I played I lost.’ So this year will be different, though I’m not going in overconfi dent because anything can happen.

“I could play a great player, or a player who plays great on that day. I won’t be overconfi dent, but I won’t be underconfi dent either. I’ll just fi nd a balance in between.” – The Independ-ent

> “When I was younger, I was so small... I didn’t have power, so I had to learn how to play other ways... that taught me how to be mentally tough”

Serena Williams poses with her trophy after defeating Maria Sharapova in their women’s singles fi nal match to win the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros. – REUTERSPIX

Bring on India, says Windies’ BravoWEST INDIES captain Dwayne Bravo is confi dent of containing India’s batting fi repower when the two sides meet in a key Champions Trophy match at the Oval today.

The winner is almost certain to take one of the two semifi nal berths from Group B after both teams won their opening games, albeit in contrasting fashion.

India, the reigning World Cup champions, brushed aside injury-hit South Africa by 26 runs in Cardiff after an impressive batting display saw them post a commanding 331-7.

The West Indies shot Pakistan out for 170 at the Oval on Friday, but then showed their vulnerability while batting as they lost eight wickets while chasing the modest target.

All-rounder Bravo, who replaced Darren Sammy as one-day captain ahead of the tournament, said the close result did not worry him as his side prepared to face the in-form Indians.

“We came out on top and that’s more important,” said Bravo. “It does not matter if you lose eight or nine wickets, we got the two points that we wanted.”

Bravo, who plays for Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Chen-nai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, said the West Indies had the resources to take the world champions in their stride.

“It’s another tough game against a team whose strength lies is their batting,” he said. “But we have the right bowlers to control their batting.

“Cricket is played on the day. India could turn up on Tuesday and be knocked over, or score a big total again as they normally do.

“I have the right attack if I want to go with someone with raw pace. I have the reserve bench that is strong enough to actually come up with the 11 that I think will do well against the Indians.”

Perfect English for Harris at St. JudeHARRIS ENGLISH (pix) fi red back-to-back birdies at 16 and 17 yesterday en route to a fi nal-round 69 and a two-stroke victory in the US PGA Tour’s St. Jude Classic.

English captured his fi rst PGA Tour title with a 12-under total of 268 after four rounds on the par-70 TPC Southwind course in mem-phis. He held off four-time major champion Phil Mickelson, who carded a 67 to share second place with Scott Stallings on 270.

Stallings, who closed with a 68, picked up four birdies on the front nine to seize the lead and led by as many as three strokes before a double-bogey six at the par-four 15th, where he was in the water.

He responded with a birdie at 16, but English moved past him with a two-putt birdie at 16 and an impressive birdie at 17, where he kept his approach shot under the trees and then drained a 17-footer.

“I was feeling good about my ball-striking and just had to get those putts to fall,” said English, who steadied himself with back-to-back birdies at the 10th and 11th.

Mickelson, using the tournament as a tuneup for the US Open that starts on Thursday had three birdies in his last fi ve holes. He nearly holed his approach shot at 18, tapping in for birdie.

“I thought that one on 18 might even go,” Mickelson said. “Looks like it wouldn’t have been enough with Harris making birdie on 17. He’s played some great golf,” Mickelson said

Park wins in playoffWORLD No. 1 Park In-Bee won her second major title of the year yesterday, downing Catriona Matthew at the third playoff hole to win the LPGA Championship in New York.

The sudden-death playoff made a long day even longer, coming after the fi eld completed 36 holes in a marathon fi nish made necessary after rain washed out play on Thursday.

After both players parred the fi rst two playoff holes – the 18th and 10th – they returned again to 18 – the same hole that Park bogeyed in regulation to fall into a tie with Matthew on 5-under 283.

Needing only a par to win after Matthew hit her tee shot into the rough, Park sealed her fourth win of the season with a birdie.

“I actually thought I was very lucky to get in the playoff,” said Park, who made three of her fi ve fi nal-round bogeys in the last fi ve holes. “I just hit it everywhere. I wasn’t hitting any fairways.

“I fi nally hit three fairways in the playoff,” said Park, who added a third major title to a resume that also includes the 2008 US Women’s Open.

In years past, Park would have been halfway to a grand slam, but this year the LPGA has designated the Evian Championship in France in September as a fi fth major.

However, she did became just the third player to win both the Kraft Nabisco and LPGA Championship in the same season, along with Pat Bradley in 1986 and Annika Sorenstam in 2005.

“Good thing I didn’t think about that,” said Park, who added that she just tried to stay calm and not get angry about her wayward shots.

ST. JUDE CLASSIC (US unless stated):268: Harris English 66-64-69-69; 270: Scott Stallings 67-68-67-68, Phil Mick-elson 71-67-65-67; 271: Ryan Palmer 72-67-65-67; 272: Patrick Reed 69-69-64-70; 273: John Rollins 67-71-67-68.

LPGA CHAMPIONSHIP (US/KOR) unless stated (x won in playoff):283: x-Park In-Bee 72-68-68-75, Catriona Matthew (SCO) 71-71-73-68; 284: Suzann Pettersen (NOR) 72-73-74-65, Morgan Pressel 68-70-71-75; 285: Yoo Sun-Young 73-69-70-73, Amy Yang 71-70-74-70, Shin Jiyai 68-73-69-75, Chella Choi 67-73-73-72; 286: Feng Shanshan (CHN) 74-70-72-70, Michelle Wie 76-68-71-71, Choi Na-Yeon 72-70-70-74; 287: Anna Nordqvist (SWE) 71-74-73-69, Cristie Kerr 75-72-70-70, Caroline Masson (GER) 74-69-71-73.

LEADERBOARD

SPORTS – AHEAD OF THE GAME 25theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

www.thesundaily.my

RAFAEL NADAL’S stirring comeback from a career-threatening knee injury was

crowned at the French Open on Sunday when he won the Roland Garros title for a record eighth time to move into joint third place in the all-time list of Grand Slam winners on 12.

But the 27-year-old Spaniard admitted that the injury woes that sidelined him for seven months last year are far from being a thing of the past. On the contrary, they are ever-present on his mind.

But after missing the Olympics, the US and Australian Opens to rest his

suspect left knee following his stunning second round exit at Wimbledon just under a year

ago, Sunday’s triumph seemed far off on the horizon as he rested up at his Mallorca

home.“It’s very

emotional. It’s a very important

victory for me,” said the 27-year-old.

“It’s a great personal satisfaction and I am only here because of so many people. It’s diffi cult to compare other years but it’s true that this is very special

for me.“Five months ago, we

never dreamed about this. I would have thought it would be impossible. But we are here, it’s incredible, fantastic.”

“My knee, not knees. I am lucky that it is not both. It’s only

one,” Nadal said with a wry smile when questioned again on his troublesome joints.

“But the knee, some weeks I didn’t feel well, but the last couple of weeks I start to feel my knee better.

“So that’s positive. And the knee is resisting tough matches like I had in Rome against (Ernest) Gulbis, David Ferrer - two days straight.

“The knee resisted a very tough battle against Djokovic the other day in the semifi nal. Yesterday I didn’t have a terrible feeling, so that’s very positive news.

“Sunday I was able to compete at 100% another time, so that’s fantastic.”

Nadal admitted his time off tour caused deep soul-searching and some very low moments where his tennis recovery, if not his devotion to the gym, was limited.

“I am a positive guy, but doubts are part of this life. People without doubts are arrogant because nothing is clear in this world. I had to work as hard as I could to be back here.

“I received hundreds and hundreds of messages of support and each one has their own signifi cance,” he added.

Nadal will be pulling out of next week’s grasscourt tournament in Halle, Germany where he had been scheduled to begin his preparations for Wimbledon and will head back to his beloved home-base on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca.

“I will check all my body, and I really hope to be ready for Wimbledon.

“Because even if I don’t play a good Wimbledon, that doesn’t mean I am not going to try, because I am going to try my 100 % to be ready for there and to play good tennis there.”

Asked if he expected a big welcoming party when he fl ies home, Nadal said: “No, honestly, I don’t think so.” – AFP

Triumphant returnTRAMLINES

WEATHER GODS UNKIND TO FERRERDAVID FERRER took one look at the weather in Paris on Sunday morning and knew right away that his already slim chances of upsetting Rafael Nadal in the French Open fi nal had just got slimmer. Rain and unseasonally cold temperatures in the French capital were the last thing the 31-year-old Spaniard wanted to see for his fi rst Grand Slam fi nal in what was his 42nd attempt. “To beat Rafael on a claycourt, I need to play more aggressive. I need to fi nish the points at the net and to play my best tennis to beat him. But when the court is slower, it’s very diffi cult. He has more power than me with his shots, and it’s very diffi cult for me to beat him. Rafael, in important moments he’s the best. He plays very good points always.” And he is not ruling out that happening at Wimbledon, where he struggled in the early years of his career, but where he reached the quarterfi nals last year before losing to Andy Murray.

NADAL CRAVES NORMALITYHAVING achieved the glittering distinction of becoming the only man to win eight singles titles at the same grand slam tournament, French Open champion Rafa Nadal was soon dreaming of another priceless thing – to be left alone. “The best present they give me is to leave me alone, to give me peace, to let me get back to my real, normal life,” he told a news conference. “Because when you leave a big event like this one, a big tournament like this one, you have no real life, like all players. I can’t be a guy of my age. So being left alone, this is priceless.”

BEATEN FERRER WAS LEFT CHUCKLINGA ROLAND GARROS FINAL against Rafa Nadal should have been the highlight of Spanish warrior David Ferrer’s career. Instead what he got was a “strange” match featuring driving rain, invaded by “strange” people “without clothes on” and he will now “strangely” be ranked above Nadal despite fi nishing second best. “Today was strange, no? The people (protesters) chanting, one person without clothes on the court, with one bengalas (fl are). It’s funny. It’s good for everybody. Rafael, he was scared a little bit,” he added breaking into laughter. Despite his defeat, Ferrer was at pains to point out that the match was not as one-sided as the scoreline suggested and things might have been different if the elements had not conspired against him. “To beat Rafael on clay, I need to fi nd anti-Rafa Nadal tactics. ... I need to fi nish the points at the net and to play my best tennis.” What was even more diffi cult for the fans to understand, however, was that Ferrer would leapfrog Nadal in the new rankings despite claiming only two minor titles this year compared to his rival’s haul. “It’s strange, no? I lost the fi nal but tomorrow I am going to be No.4 and him No. 5,” he shrugged. “I would have preferred to win here and to stay No. 5.”

> But knee injury still a concern for clay court master Nadal

Alonso not giving up FERNANDO ALONSO knows better than anyone there is no such thing as a safe lead in Formula One, either in races or the championship.

Last year, the Spaniard led the championship by 40 points with nine races to go. He had scored points in 23 consecutive races, a mark only Michael Schu-macher had bettered, and seemed a sure thing to win his third title.

He needed a good result in Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix and got it, fi nishing second. The only problem was that the one driver who fi nished in front of him was Vettel, meaning the Spaniard still lost ground in the title race.

He consoled himself with the fact it could have been worse.

“I think second tastes of victory, because we scored some good points after a very diffi cult weekend,” he said.

Alonso said he never really had any chance of catching Vettel, who made a fast getaway from pole position and quickly established a big lead that was never threatened, but there were plenty of other positives.

“I’m happy. Obviously we want to fi nish in front of our main competitors in the championship,” said Alonso, world champion in 2005 and 2006.

“With Sebastian we could not do it today but he did pole position and a very dominant race so we just need to congratulate him and to do a better job next time.

“With Kimi it was a good weekend because we scored many points and he didn’t. But we need to improve, especially qualifying. If we start up in front with Sebastian we can fi ght a little bit closer. – Reu-ters

Hamilton fi nds a third way

LEWIS HAMILTON achieved a Formula One career fi rst by steering his Mercedes to third place in yesterday’s Canadian Grand Prix, even if the po-dium was a bitter-sweet one for the Briton.

In his fi ve previous visits to Montreal with McLaren, the 2008 champion had won three times and crashed twice.

Yesteray, Hamilton found a third way - taking

the chequered fl ag behind Red Bull’s race winner Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso.

“The car felt fantastic today and I had good grip for the low-speed corners but we just weren’t quite on the pace of Seb and Fernando,” said Hamil-ton.

“I was on the maximum that I could possibly drive and we got absolutely everything out of the car today.

“It would have been nice to have kept second place of course but Fernando was very quick today and it was diffi cult to keep him behind.”

Hamilton’s German team mate Nico Rosberg, who had taken pole position in the three previous races and won in Monaco, also struggled to keep up with the frontrunners and fi nished two places behind the Englishman.

“I think fi fth place was probably my optimum today,” he conceded. “Even if my race had gone perfectly, I wasn’t able to match the pace of the guys in front.”

Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn, who is at the centre of a controversial tyre test with Pirelli, was pleased with the overall result but also admitted the car was just slightly off the pace.

“The car performed reasonably well but we still had some anxiety about the tyre performance in the high temperatures, so we were managing the situation carefully, particularly in the opening laps of the stints,” he said.

“Lewis drove a very strong race although it was a shame that he could not quite hold on to second position in the closing laps.

“However, that wasn’t down to him but rather the fact that we still need to fi nd a little more per-formance from our car to compete with Ferrari and Red Bull.”

Mercedes are standing behind team principal Ross Brawn and will not use a Formula One tyre testing controversy as an excuse to replace him, motorsport director Toto Wolff said on Sunday.

“That’s the opinion of many people but it is not how Mercedes or ourselves do business. We are all in this together, said Wolff.

“Ross has wide enough shoulders to have said that he has taken the decision. But the truth is we will not let him down or any other individual down in the company ... we are together and we are a team.” – Reuters

Marshal killed in accident

A 38-YEAR-OLD marshal at the Canadian Grand Prix was killed yesterday in an accident involving a crane after the end of the Formula One race, organizers and the International Automobile Federation said.

The accident occurred as workers attempted to remove the Sauber driven by Esteban Gutierrez, who had been forced to abandon the race.

As workers used a mobile crane to lift the ve-hicle and return it to the pits, one worker, who was not immediately identifi ed by offi cials, dropped his radio and attempted to pick it up.

The man stumbled and was hit and run over by the recovery vehicle, whose driver couldn’t see him, the FIA said in a statement posted on its website.

He was stabilised by race track medical person-nel and airlifted to hospital, but succumbed to his injuries.

“The FIA is sad to announce the death of a Formula 1 Grand Prix Canada circuit worker, at

6pm (6am yesterday in Malaysia),” the FIA said, adding that the marshal was treated at Sacre-Coeur Hospital by the trauma department of Dr Ronald Denis, Deputy Chief Medical Offi cer and Dr Jacques Bouchard, Chief Medical Offi cer of the Grand Prix.

“Unfortunately, the worker succumbed to his injuries at the hospital,” the FIA said.

The worker was the third marshal to be killed working at a F1 race since 2000.

At the Italian Grand Prix in Monza in 2000, volunteer fi refi ghter Paolo Ghislimberti died from head and chest injuries after being struck by a loose wheel from Heinz-Harald Frentzen’s Jordan in the wake of fi rst-lap crash.

Red Bull Racing, whose driver Sebastian Vettel won the race ahead of Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, offered condolences via Twitter.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family of the marshall who tragically lost his life today,” the team said, while Alonso said on the social networking site that the death was “terrible news”. “Today there is nothing to celebrate,” the Ferrari driver tweeted. – AFP

Red Bull driver Sebastian Vette (2nd right) celebrates his win in the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix with his race engineer Guillaume Rocquelin (2nd left), second place fi nisher Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso of Spain (left) and third place fi nisher Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain (right) at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal yesterday.

SPORTS – AHEAD OF THE GAME26theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI could be set for a shock move to the Premier League after Borussia Dortmund refused to sell him to Bayern Munich. The 24-year-old Poland striker has been strongly linked with Manchester United.

REAL MADRID president Florentino Perez claims 28-year-old forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been linked with a return to Manchester United, wants to commit his future to the Spanish club.

FIORENTINA’S 23-year-old forward Stevan Jovetic, who is reported to be a target for Arsenal, wants to join Juventus instead.

REAL MADRID’S sporting director Zinedine Zidane says his club will have to break the world transfer record – which currently stands at £80m (RM400m) – to land Tottenham’s 23-year-old forward Gareth Bale.

FORMER Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler says his old club should keep 24-year-old forward Andy Carroll, a target of West Ham, as he believes the squad is short in terms of numbers.

MANAGER Rafael Benitez has told Napoli he would like to work with 29-year-old Chelsea striker Fernando Torres again – paving the way for the Blues to sign Napoli’s Edinson Cav-ani.

MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on a deal for 20-year-old Monaco mid-fi elder Nampalys Mendy.

CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho is looking to sign 22-year-old Porto de-fender Eliaquim Mangala and 20-year-old Vitesse Arnhem midfi elder Marco van Ginkel.

MAN CITY are willing to offer AC Milan Carlos Tevez plus £21m (RM105m) for striker Stephan El Shaarawy.

STOKE CITY’S Bosnia and Herzegovina goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, 25, has been voted “Idol of the Nation” to end Edin Dzeko’s three-year reign after helping put his country in a strong position to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

TURKISH side Besiktas are considering a move for forward Ronaldinho, 34, currently of Brazilian side Atletico Mi-neiro.

JOSE MOURINHO did more harm than good to Spanish football during his three years in charge of Real Madrid, according to Barcelona midfi elder Andres Iniesta.

FRANCO DI SANTO, winger Albert Crusat, Adrian Lopez, and Ronnie Stam, are to leave Wigan Athletic following their relegation from the Premier League.

TOUCH LINES

BRAZIL scrapped their way to a fl attering 3-0 friendly win over France yesterday in an ugly,

disjointed match against opponents who are even worse off than themselves.

Second-half goals from Oscar, Hernanes and Lucas gave the under-fi re Confederations Cup hosts a timely pre-tournament tonic in the city where coach Luiz Felipe Scolari built his reputation.

Brazil, who ended a six-match, 21-year winless run against France, had gone into the game under enormous pressure after only one win in six outings since Scolari returned for a second stint in the job last November.

While the result, if not the performance, will give Brazil some relief, France were left to face the long fl ight back from their brief South American tour refl ecting on their fourth defeat in fi ve matches this year and their fi fth in 11 outings under Didier Deschamps.

France barely tested Brazil keeper Julio Cesar as they completed their trip without scoring.

“We didn’t have the head nor the legs,” Deschamps told TF1 television.

“We played well for 20 minutes against Uruguay and for a short period against Brazil.

“Even in adversity, against superior teams, we should be able to do better.”

Brazil’s win placated a restless 51,000 crowd at the Arena Gremio, after they had jeered forwards Neymar and Hulk during the game.

But, with only Oscar showing any

real invention and Neymar once again struggling against a European defence, it was still a far from memorable display

“The team is still being put together,” said Scolari.

“We are working to have a competitive team that will win matches.”

Brazil often had four players – two central defenders plus two defensive midfi elders – behind the halfway line even when they were attacking, severely limiting their creative options.

France occasionally looked threatening when they came forward, yet never really tested Julio Cesar.

Brazil defender David Luiz showed his wild side as he escaped a yellow card for hacking at Karim Benzema’s leg near the halfway line, and was booked shortly afterwards for a needless high challenge in midfi eld.

The fi ve-times world champions, who had not scored in their last three meetings against France, fi nally broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when Oscar produced a virtuoso fi nish after Fred’s low cross found him in the middle of the penalty area.

France had their best chance shortly afterwards though it came from a Brazilian player when David Luiz diverted a Mathieu Valbuena cross towards his own goal, forcing an excellent save from Julio Cesar.

Scolari was jeered by the crowd when he took off Oscar in the 65th minute, yet two of his substitutes ended up on the scoresheet.

> Brazil scrap their way to 3-0 win over France

“IMAGINA NA COPA!” is a familiar phrase in Brazil these days. “Just imagine this happening during the cup!” is what's meant, when the traffi c is choked, there is no end to the queues at the bus stops, banks and ticket counters, there’s another power outage and the mobile phone network again can’t cope.

Almost six years after getting the nod to host football's biggest tournament, there are only 365 days to go to kickoff for the June 12-July 13 World Cup next year. Not everyone feels happy about it. The dress rehearsal is more a matter of hours than days away.

On Saturday, the eight-nation Confederations Cup begins, with matches in six of the 12 World Cup venues – in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Recife and Salvador.

“I am sure Brazil will shine both on and off the fi eld ... I am sure all who come will fall in love and

want to return for the World Cup,” said a confi dent President Dilma Rousseff.

The challenge for the fans and teams will be the distances to travel in a country 25 times the size of a large European nation such as Germany, where at the 2006 World Cup the best way to get around was by train. In Brazil it will more often than not have to be the plane.

Some 4,000km separate a venue such as Porto Alegre in the south from Manaus in the Amazon region. Some 600,000 foreign visitors are expected, which will be the acid test for airports already running at full capacities.

Football’s world governing body FIFA has been keeping a keen eye on the progress of construction works in and around the stadiums – not without reason, for most of the deadlines for the Confed-erations Cup have not been met.

“That can’t and won’t happen at the World Cup,”

FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke said recent-ly.

FIFA certainly want to avoid the last-minute un-certainties just experienced with the legendary Maracana. Yet despite all the doomsaying, the new Maracana has turned out well, even if around the stadium green plastic awning blocks the view here and there and not every toilet waste-pipe is leak free.

The players and coaches have given it the thumbs up. Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari praised the “spectacular technical areas” including pitch and changing rooms following the stadium opening match against England on June 2.

Since Scolari took over as coach, the Selecao have yet to enjoy a win against a leading team. Ima-gina na Copa! – no, that’s something no one in Brazil can imagine happening at the World Cup. – dpa

Brazil face World Cup test with a year to go

AF

Brazil forward Neymar (up) is tackled by France defender Adil Rami, during yesterday’s friendly match in Brazil. – AFPPIX

Wither the beautiful gamebeautiful game

Hernanes made it 2-0 in the 85th minute with a left-foot shot from outside the penalty area which went in off the post after the ball had been teed up to him by Neymar, who was generally disappointing.

Lucas, who replaced Oscar, converted a penalty in stoppage time after a foul on Marcelo as he burst into the penalty area, completing Brazil’s fi rst win over France since 1992. – Reuters

SPORTS – AHEAD OF THE GAME 27theSun ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013

> A second coming it may be but Mourinho faces new challenges at Chelseaby SAM WALLACE

HIS RETURN TO CHELSEA began offi cially at 9pm yesterday when, in the Ron

Harris suite at Stamford Bridge, Jose Mourinho was introduced as the club’s manager for the second time.

The club’s long-serving press-room steward was on holiday so someone else served the plate of Mourinho’s favourite custard cream biscuits, and then it was down to business.

1. THE MESSAGEThe extensive interview that Jose

Mourinho gave to Chelsea TV seven days ago covered the big issues thoroughly and there is none bigger than the relationship between Mourinho and Roman Abramovich.

Mourinho was clear that it was “the boss”, as he calls the Russian, who made the call to ask him if he wanted to come back and that the relationship is fi ne.

Mourinho ticked off the key questions: he is here for the long-term this time; he has evolved as a

manager; he will not be complacent in spite of his popularity and he is treating this partnership like a marriage. And he has only ever had one of those. Whether this new spirit of cooperation lasts is anyone’s guess, but he is trying.

Yet Mourinho will want to fi nd something else that will make an impact. The ultimate prize, the Champions League, has been won by Chelsea in his absence so what else can he offer?

2. THE FIRST HOME-PRODUCED PLAYERS IN A GENERATION

One school of thought is that Mourinho can try to deliver what no Chelsea manager has done before him: the successful integration of young players from the club’s academy into the fi rst team.

Chelsea were beaten fi nalists in the NextGen series (U-19) and the FA Youth Cup (U-18) last season and the belief is that this is the strongest group yet, although that has been said before at the club.

There is a group of at least fi ve players who have either had a taste of fi rst-team football, been around the squad or been out on loan who could be ready to move up – Nathan Ake, Nathaniel Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Josh McEachran and

Mour questions for Josegoalkeeper Jamal Blackman.

In his fi rst spell at Chelsea, the academy was in the early stages of its development. Now there is an opportunity for Mourinho to answer the criticism, often justifi able, that he is a team-builder, rather than a club-builder. The fans would love to see young players thriving in the fi rst team.

3 THE NEW STRIKERThere was an improvement of

sorts at times from Fernando Torres last season, and 23 goals is a decent return, but realistically he is not going to be the main man in Mourinho’s team.

He just does not score enough or dominate in the fashion that previous

Mourinho strikers have done. This is the manager who made Didier Drogba one of his fi rst signings in 2004.

The diffi culty is that all the potential big names – Edinson Cavani, Wayne Rooney, Stefan Jovetic – are all problematic, expensive deals that could take right up to the end of August to complete.

Mourinho will want his new man ready to be integrated into the squad by July 11, when they leave for Thailand for the fi rst of the club’s two forthcoming summer tours.

A new striker will change the buzz around Chelsea immediately. Even now, with Mourinho back in charge, they look like a good bet for the League title. With an A-list centre-forward as well as Torres and Demba Ba it would be hard to argue with them as favourites.

4 JOHN TERRY’S FUTUREIt was on the plane to Seattle for

Chelsea’s pre-season tour in 2004 that Mourinho told Terry he wanted him to succeed Marcel Desailly as club captain.

Terry recalled in his subsequent book about that fi rst title-winning season that Mourinho said then it was the captain’s job to be on the players’ side.

Terry wrote: “He said: ‘Even if you have to tell me something I might not like, always stick with the players.’”

By September 2007, the Terry-Mourinho relationship was shaky, culminating in a row between the two around the fi nal Mourinho game, a draw at home in the Champions League against Rosenborg. But the reasons for the Portuguese leaving then ran a lot deeper than a fall-out with Terry.

Having seen Ashley Cole and Lampard rewarded with new one-year contracts, the majority of the fans want Terry to stay.

Mourinho needs a new centre-half, as well as a striker and defensive midfi elder. What he will not need is the saga hanging over his season. Best

to sort it out early and take the sting out of it.

5 THE BATTLE OF THE COACHESAs well as Mourinho, Manuel

Pellegrini at Manchester City and David Moyes at Manchester United have all inherited great squads. All will make signings. Who wins the League comes down to an infi nite number of factors. Nevertheless, the coach can achieve many of those marginal gains.

In Mourinho’s interview seven days ago he made reference to the need for the club to improve, and to do that with skill and ingenuity rather than just signing players.

“People are already thinking about how many millions Chelsea are going to spend, and when I say ‘improve the team’ I am saying improving by work.

“My work has to improve players and improve the team. If I don’t do that I am not happy with myself.”

The post-Sir Alex Ferguson Premier League landscape is very different. The managers of the top three start anew.

Of course, all have different advantages and disadvantages but it feels like a great season to measure the relative qualities of the managers. – The Independent

Lewandowski not joining Bayern this yearBORUSSIA DORTMUND’S prized striker Robert Lewandowski will not be making his anticipated move to Champions League winners and Bundes-liga rivals Bayern Munich in this transfer window, the club’s CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said yesterday.

Bayern, who completed a treble-winning season earlier this month, were fully expected to poach Lewandowski from the Champions League runners-up after they already persuaded talented Dortmund midfi elder Mario Goetze to join them for next season.

“Robert Lewandowski will defi nitely not transfer to Bayern Munich in 2013,” Watzke told Bild newspaper. “This is fi nal. We have informed Rob-ert and his advisors. The Bayern case is closed because there was no written offer.”

Dortmund, who won consecutive league titles from 2011 with Lewand-owski but lost 2-1 to Bayern in the Champions League fi nal in May, appeared to have little choice but to sell the player after he refused to extend a contract that ends next year.

Last week, the Poland international said he expected to transfer to his “club of choice” in a few days but Watzke said Bayern never made a formal offer. “It is absolutely legitimate for a player to express such a wish,” Watzke said.

“There were two phone calls in the past four weeks with Bayern. We told Bayern that due to stock exchange rules (as Dortmund are a listed com-pany), we need a written offer for Lewandowski. But until today, no offer has come in. If Robert wants to go to Munich he will have another chance next year.”

Argentina sweat on Messi fi tnessARGENTINA travel to Ecuador for their latest 2014 World Cup qualifi er with a big doubt hanging over the head of star striker Lionel Messi.

A victory would all but assure the twice world champions’ place at next year’s showpiece in neighbours Brazil but without Messi, Argentina are not the same animal.

They may lead the qualifying standings by fi ve points from Colombia after the pair’s draw in Buenos Aires on Friday but that match showed just how important the Barcelona great is to the team.

Messi played only the last half hour of an uninspiring match and afterwards his club and country teammate Javier Mascherano admitted the team isn’t the same without him.

“Obviously if everyone was thinking that we wouldn’t notice his absence, they were mistaken. There’s a reason he’s the best player in the

world,” said Mascherano.Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero agreed: “You

always notice it when Leo is in the team but we have to try to organise ourselves when he isn’t,” he add-ed.

The problem is Messi has been struggling with a hamstring injury for some time. It was the same injury

that reduced him to a single brief substitute’s cameo in Barca’s 7-0 aggregate humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-fi nals a month ago.

According to press reports Argentina coach Alejan-dro Sabella is still unsure whether to risk Messi from the

start or keep him on the bench.

Brazil 2014 to be Pirlo’s Azzurri swansongITALY possess quality players in every

position but few have the same impact, or boast the same valuable experience, as deep-ly-ing midfi elder Andrea Pirlo.

Pirlo’s ball control, vision, passing and dead ball skills are known the world over and have

earned the Juventus veteran a string of illustrious nicknames over his years of enjoying success with a pair of top clubs.

Whether being called the “architect” or the “professor”, Pirlo is one of the few remaining Azzurri “old guard” along with keeper Gianluigi Buffon and Roma midfi elder Daniele de Rossi.

He is also the player who has played most under Cesare Prandelli, mak-ing 32 appearances in the coach’s 37 games in charge and contributed to 16 of their 18 wins during that time. Brazil 2014, however, will be Pirlo’s international swansong.

“In 2014 I will stop with the national team, I think the World Cup will be my last outing in the blue shirt,” Pirlo said in May. “The younger players need to be given their chance.”

… as Italy continue to seek identityITALY will embark on their second Confederations Cup campaign with a strong squad which is poised to qualify for their 19th World Cup, but Cesare Prandelli’s quest for a near defi nitive starting XI is not over.

The 55-year-old Italian, who earned his spurs in a turbulent but largely successful fi ve-year spell with Fiorentina, took over from Marcello Lippi in the wake of Italy’s group stage exit from the 2010 World Cup.

Italy’s disaster in South Africa marked the end for some of those who had worn the Azzurri shirt with pride, including defenders Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluca Zambrotta and midfi elders Mauro Camoranesi and Gennaro Gattuso.

Prandelli’s task has been integrating Italy’s youth players with the more experienced squad members, and that has prompted tactical tinkering which has sparked some criticism. Prandelli, however, said he will stick to his plan to make Italy great again.

“It’s been said we’ll make a lot of changes, but the most important thing is for us to play quality football,” he said after a dire 2-2 draw against Bul-garia in Sofi a at the start of World Cup qualifying last September.

“We are Italy and we must characterise something more than a simple tactical model. We have to rediscover our identity.”

QUOTE OF THE DAY

> Toughupbringing made me: Serena

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> Triumphant return

pg25

> Wither the beautiful game

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> Mour questions for Jose

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ON TUESDAY | JUNE 11, 2013theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435

Third time luckylucky> Vettel makes up for

past mistake in Canada RED BULL’S Sebastian Vettel won the Canadian Grand Prix yesterday and made amends for an uncharacteristic

mistake that cost the Formula One world champion victory two years ago.

The 25-year-old German cruised to his fi rst triumph in North America with a dominant performance to erase the disappointment of his last lap error in the 2011 race in Montreal.

Two years ago, Vettel seemingly had the race at his mercy. He had snatched pole position and led for almost all of the race. He was still in front when the race resumed after a long rain delay when, under pressure from McLaren’s Jenson Button, he slid wide and allowed the Briton to overtake him for the chequered fl ag.

His disappointment was tempered when he went on that year to win the second of his three successive championships, but he resolved to make up for the mistake by one day winning in Canada. That day arrived yesterday and the 25-year-old’s relief was unmistakable.

“Yes! At last we have won in Canada,” he screamed into the team radio after crossing the fi nish line. Later, interviewed on the winners’ podium, he told the crowd: “Two years ago we came very close but I lost it on the last lap and that was my mistake – but I made up for that today.”

It was a case of third time lucky for Vettel. He also had a chance to win last year after starting on pole position but lost pace over the fi nal laps and was lucky to fi nish fourth after skimming the wall near the end. He had another brush with the wall yesterday, running wide on a corner and clipping the concrete but there was no damage to his car and he continued on. In fact, he did not even know he had touched it.

“I knew it was close but the next time around I thought ‘Oh, somebody brushed the wall there’ because I saw some marks. I didn’t know until the end that they were mine,” laughed the German.

Vettel also ran wide on another corner near the end of the race, losing a little bit of time, but he was so far ahead it made no difference to the result.

“He had a couple of wake-up calls today,” said a relieved Red Bull team boss Christian Horner. “This makes up for two years ago. We came pretty close but it’s been a bit of a bogey circuit for us. To lap all the fi eld up to the last four cars is a really dominant display today.”

Vettel’s win extended his lead over Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso in the title race to 36 points after seven of this season’s 19 rounds but niether he nor his team were taking anything for granted.

“I don’t think you can afford to write off anyone’s chances at this stage,” said Horner. “There’s still a long way to go so no-one can afford to be complacent.” – Reuters

Red Bull Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany gestures after winning the Canadian F1 Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal yesterday. – REUTERSPIX

Nadal is scintillating as the king of clay returnsON A DAY when not even a court- in-vading protester could get close to Rafael Nadal, the 27-year-old Spaniard sealed his place in history as the greatest clay-court player of all time. A 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 victory here over David Ferrer in the fi nal of the French Open saw Nadal become the fi rst man ever to win the same Grand Slam title eight times and took his astonishing record at Roland Garros to 59 victories – more than any other player – from 60 matches.

The bare statistics, nevertheless, barely do justice to Nadal’s achievement. Only four months ago there were serious doubts as to whether he could ever rescale his former heights, but after a seven-month absence following the latest in a series of injury crises with his knees he has made a comeback beyond his wildest dreams.

Of the nine tournaments Nadal has played since he began his return at a minor event in Chile in February, he has won seven and fi nished runner-up in the other two. Only those closest to Nadal

know how dark those days were when the tendinitis in his left knee left him unable to play.

“It’s unbelievable. We have gone through so many hard times,” his uncle and coach Toni Nadal told reporters. “When he comes to Roland Garros, there’s always a special pressure. It’s not just pressure, it’s a huge emotion. Roland Garros is special for him.”

Nadal is a player who respects every tournament in which he competes, but this was clearly the prize he sought above all others. Last year the Spaniard took himself clear of Bjorn Borg’s record of six French Open triumphs, while this latest victory established him as the second-youngest player – behind Roger Federer – ever to win 12 Grand Slam titles. Only Federer and Pete Sampras, with 17 and 14 Grand Slam titles respectively, have won more than Nadal, who has moved equal with Roy Emerson on the all-time list.

Although he refused to elevate this victory above any of his other Grand

Slam triumphs, Nadal admitted it was special. “Five months ago nobody in my team dreamt of a comeback like this,” he said. “They thought it was impossible. But here we are today. It is just fantastic and incredible.”

He added: “When you have a period of time out of the game like I had, you don’t know whether you will ever have the chance to come back, so that makes this very special.”

One could only feel for 31-year-old fourth seed Ferrer who was contesting his fi rst grand slam fi nal at the 42nd time of asking having lost in fi ve previous semi-fi nals.

He had won 18 consecutive sets on his way to the pinnacle of his hard-work-ing career but, just as his semifi nal thrashing of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga became a footnote on a dramatic day high-lighted by Nadal and Djokovic, so his name will become a mere statistic on the day Nadal reached yet another milestone.

His tidy summing up of the match

could easily be an epithet for their re-spective careers. “I had my good mo-ments, and he had lots of them,” Ferrer told reporters. “It’s always diffi cult to have a winning shot with the conditions that were so heavy,” he added.

As a fi nal, the match was a bit of a damp squib, the only major fi reworks arriving towards the end of the second set, when a protester campaigning against same-sex marriage legislation in France invaded the court carrying a fl are.

It remains to be seen how much this effort will have taken out of Nadal by the time Wimbledon comes. He said he was happy with the way his knees had held up, particularly after his marathon vic-tory over Djokovic on Friday, but would have to take time to assess his fi tness for the challenges ahead.

However, such thoughts are for an-other day. For now it is time to celebrate the achievements of a player fi rmly es-tablished as one of the sport’s all-time greats. – Agencies

“Now I have 16 (Grand slams) and I’m closer to 18 but still it’s so far, because who knows when I’m going to win another two? That’s a lot. It’s not easy.”

Serena Williams