Archive for June, 2007

EU Envoy blasts NEP

June 24th, 2007
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“As part of the NEP, all public-listed companies are required to allocate 30 per cent of their shares to the Malays. Companies without Malay directors or employees are excluded from lucrative government contracts,” he said in a speech to local and foreign businessmen last Thursday. He also urged the Malaysian government to roll back its affirmative action policy for the Malays, saying it was discriminatory and amounted to protectionism against foreign companies.

Is that a fact the envoy mentioned? Ooops, looks like the world wants a piece of Malaysia. As it is, the pie is not enough until have to start grabbing others' share, now have to worry about foreigners.

What was raised can certainly be disputed in terms of the fact,” the Deputy Prime Minister said

don't we all love to see those facts our DPM will produce soon.

Don't meddle in Malaysia's domestic affairs, warns Najib
BERNAMA

KUANTAN, Sat.:

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today expressed regret over the statement by the Ambassador and Head of the European Commission Delegation to Malaysia with regard to the New Economic Policy (NEP), saying that the envoy should not interfere in Malaysia’s domestic affairs or policy.

Refuting the facts submitted by the envoy, the Deputy Prime Minister said that as an ambassador accredited to this country, Thierry Rommel should play a role to forge closer relations between the two countries.

“Normally, an ambassador or envoy does not comment on the affairs of the country to which they are accredited. This has been the practice because when we comment on the policies adopted by the country concerned, it means that we are intefering in the affairs of the host country,” he told reporters after launching the national level Campaign On Early Intervention To Prevent Children’s Disability, here.

Najib said this when asked to comment on Rommel’s statement yesterday which was carried by a foreign wire agency, The Associated Press. Rommel was quoted as saying that the NEP gave a host of privileges in jobs, education, business and other areas to the ethnic Malays. He also urged the Malaysian government to roll back its affirmative action policy for the Malays, saying it was discriminatory and amounted to protectionism against foreign companies.

“As part of the NEP, all public-listed companies are required to allocate 30 per cent of their shares to the Malays. Companies without Malay directors or employees are excluded from lucrative government contracts,” he said in a speech to local and foreign businessmen last Thursday.

On Malaysia’s action or official protest against the statement, Najib said: “Wait first, I will seek the opinion of Wisma Putra (the Foreign Ministry). The role of the ambassador is to forge closer relations between the country he represents and the host country. In terms of diplomatic principles and practice, his action contradicts the practice that we adopt.

“What was raised can certainly be disputed in terms of the fact,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Also present at the launch were BAKTI Vice-President Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.

Kannan Murugesan – Ironman

June 23rd, 2007
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From an Ironman to an Ultraman

source

By STUART MICHAEL
metro@thestar.com.my
Photos by S.S KANESAN
 

FITNESS buff Kannan Murugasan is one man who is determined to reach for the stars as far as fitness is concerned. 

Cruise control: Kannan embarks on weekly rides of 100km to 180km to get himself ready for the Ultraman.

The 33-year-old, who has taken part in seven Ironman Triathlon competitions, now wants to do the Ultraman in Canada from Sept 1-3 and will use his own money to compete there. 

Unlike the Ironman that has a 3.8km swim, 180.2km cycling and a 42.2km run, the Ultraman is a gruelling 10km swim, 418km cycling and 84.3km run in 36 hours, that is more than double a triathlon event. 

Ultraman is twice to three times harder than Ironman. 

If Kannan completes the Ultraman, he will be the first Malaysian to finish this race and it would be a feat that only a handful of Malaysians dare to take. 

Kannan said that he has always looked forward to doing things that people rarely venture into and it was more timely since Malaysia is celebrating its 50th year of independence. 

“Obesity and health problems are on the rise and by doing this, I want to send a message to all Malaysians to start somewhere, be it walking for 15 minutes, and you can be doing the impossible someday, like me. 

“Given a lot determination and persistence, anyone can accomplish the impossible,” said Kannan, who had his best finish in the 2005 Hawaii Ironman World Championship with a time of 13 hours and 29 minutes.  

The Penangite is living proof as he does not come from an athletic background. 

Kannan obtained an Electromechanical Engineering diploma at the Federal Institute of Technology in 1996 and became an engineer but that is not his desire but his father’s wish. 

“Then, I joined Fitness First four years ago and now have my own mobile fitness concept called Mission Fit,” he said. 

Chong Huey Yin, 30, who has been training under Kannan for the last three years, hoped that he does well in the upcoming Ultraman, and makes Malaysia proud. 

As regular face in Ironman events, Kannan has been training for a month. 

His training regimen includes attending seven cycling classes a week and weekend ride that covers 100 to 180km in Cameron Highlands, Hulu Langat and Putrajaya. 

He also swims about one-and-a-half hours each day on weekdays and runs on the treadmill at least 80km a week with some weight training. 

“The next 60 days will be the toughest training that I will endure. In fact, my metabolic rate is so high that I feel hungry every two hours and sweat very easily. 

“My hope is just to finish the race in 36 hours and prove to foreigners abroad that Malaysia Boleh!” hesaid. 

Those interested in having a personal trainer or sponsoring him for Ultraman, can contact at 019-383 0447 or missionfit@gmail.com

Malay teachers recalled from Tamil and Chinese schools

June 23rd, 2007
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When the pie is not enough already, its time to grab from others. It is clear to all and sundry.  How can weak students be taught by someone unfamiliar with their mother tongue?

source

Tamil Nesan reported Education Ministry parliamentary secretary P. Komala Devi’s rationale for the recall of Malay teachers who had been assigned to Tamil and Chinese schools to teach pupils who were weak in their studies. 

She said 48 such teachers had been assigned to Tamil schools since the middle of this month. 

She said that her ministry had been receiving complaints from various organisations that the teachers could not help the weak pupils and the decision to recall them was made after discussions with the Education Minister and his deputy on Wednesday. 

The recalled teachers will be transferred to other schools

Carlsberg Malaysia Foundation launched

June 22nd, 2007
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update: got calls to boycott Carlsberg…

hmm…how about providing aid to the development of Indians' education and advancement of local Indian educational facilities?
 
 
Carlsberg Malaysia Foundation launched
 

KUALA LUMPUR: Carlsberg Malaysia launched the Carlsberg Malaysia Foundation last night in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of its Top 10 Charity Fund Raising Road Show.  

At the event dubbed “Celebrating 20 Years of Fund Raising,” which was held at the Chinese Assembly Hall here, Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd managing director Soren Holm Jensen said: “The funds raised by the Top 10 Charity Road Show so far have exceeded the staggering RM290mil mark.” 

The Top 10 Charity Road Show is an annual fund-raising campaign with the aim of providing aid to the development of Chinese education and advancement of local Chinese educational facilities. 

The foundation will be an umbrella for all Carlsberg Malaysia’s Corporate Social Responsibility activities and the ongoing fund-raising programmes sponsored by Carlsberg Malaysia on a long-term basis. 

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting thanked Carlsberg Malaysia for its efforts.  

“Chinese education began in this country even before we achieved independence. We have good friends from the non-Chinese community such as Carlsberg, which has helped us tremendously besides managing its own business,” he said.

Former sawmill worker needs aid

June 22nd, 2007
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UPDATE: i managed to talk to MCA Service Center and was introduced to Ms Ivy Choong of the Ipoh Love and Care Society, a well-known NGO in Ipoh.

According to her, the application for SOCSO is under progress, but the amount won’t be much. The society is in process of getting Ipoh GH to fund the operation. Since after introducing this problem to MCA, MCA has pledged to pay for the childrens education up to graduates, the only concern is living expenses. Mrs Bahlan is in advanced stage of breast cancer and needs to undergo operation and rounds of chemotheraphy. While the parents are at hospital, the children will be temporarily homed at a care center, under the watchful eyes of the society. According to Ms Ivy, the kids are well mannered and well brought up. The eldest girl is sitting for PMR, and all of them are studying well.

The family is currently living in a house (occupying one of the rooms). In such dilapitated conditions, the family still strive to live and take care of themselves well. They also don’t have proper meals, only eating once a day. I was sad after hearing this.

It is hoped that after surgery, Mr Bahlan is able to join back the workforce, however, as with all kinds of operations involving spine, there is always an element of risk.

The society has also got Bersamamu TV3 to come and visit the family. Expected to air in August. So far, the society had got 6 families highlighted in Bersamamu TV3.

A trust fund is planned to help the family with living expenses, since education is taken care of MCA. For those interested to contribute: Can do the following:

Cheque can be addressed to Ipoh Love and Care Society. Address is 43A, 1st Floor, Jalan Tokong, 31650 Ipoh. Phone: 05-2559933 (Ms Ivy Choong). Please write “Bahlan Packiry Fund” at the back of the cheque.

Or can send crossed cheques made payable to the “Perak MCA Public Services and Complaints Bureau”, with Bahlan’s name written on the back. Cheques should be sent to the Perak MCA headquarters at 90-92 Tingkat Satu, Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, 30000 Ipoh.

Former sawmill worker needs aid
 

IPOH: When it rains, it pours. The adage rings true for former sawmill worker P. Bahlan. 

Besides being diagnosed with a prolapsed disc and a pinched nerve which cause numbness and weakness in his limbs, Bahlan’s 48-year-old wife P. Meerah also suffers from advanced stage breast cancer. 

Bahlan’s problem started in 2004 after an industrial accident at his Menglembu workplace.  

A plank fell on him and hit his back, resulting in the spinal injury. 

“My condition was confirmed by the Ipoh Hospital in 2005 after an X-ray.  

“However, I have to delay the operation costing some RM7,000 to correct my condition because I have no money,” said the father of three schoolgirls. 

He added that he stopped working in December 2005 when his condition worsened. 

The family has been depending on the goodwill of family members and friends for their monthly expenses, which amount to some RM800. 

Bahlan said he collected recyclable materials whenever he could, although he had difficulties in walking. 

“I can get about RM100 a month from selling them,” he added. 

Perak MCA chairman Datuk Ong Ka Chuan, who visited the family on Wednesday with other party leaders, pledged to adopt the couple’s three children and pay for their educational needs.  

Perak MCA also donated RM5,000 to the family. 

Those who wish to donate can send crossed cheques made payable to the “Perak MCA Public Services and Complaints Bureau”, with Bahlan’s name written on the back. 

Cheques should be sent to the Perak MCA headquarters at 90-92 Tingkat Satu, Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, 30000 Ipoh.  

For enquiries, call 05-253 6981 or 05-253 8455

Bahlan.jpg

Ong (seated right) and other MCA leaders visiting Bahlan (seated centre) and his wife Meerah at their home in Menglembu on Wednesday.