The Onam harvest festival brings Malayalees together

MALAYALEES all over the world celebrate the culmination of the Onamfestival today, a unique celebration that brings together the entire community regardless of religion.

Onam is celebrated for over 10 days and is essentially a harvest festival secular in essence, and is known for the myriad of activities held during the week.

According to the All Malaysia Malayalee Association (Amma) secretary general, Sreekala Nambiar, it is believed that during the last four days ofOnam festival, the legendary Asura King Mahabali (Maveli) comes to visit his subjects.

Each household decorates their front-yards with elaborate Pookolam(fresh flower arrangement), sumptuous meals and sweets to welcome King Mahabali.

“The preparation for Onam begins on Atham Nakshatram day in the Malayalam Chingam month (August to September). Atham falls around 10 days before Thiruonam,” she added.

A special floral arrangement: Abdul Kadir (left) and Fernandez (second from left) watching the womenfolk light up the lamp placed on the flower decoration, the Pookolam.

On Thiruonam day, members of the family gather at the ancestral home for Onasadya (traditional Onam feast) served on banana leaves.

The significance of the Onasadya is established from the popular Malayalam saying kanam vittum onam unnanam (Onam feast should be prepared even if one has to sell all the seedlings that are kept to sow for the next harvest).

Cover-up suspected as shootout witnesses detained

PKR supreme council member Latheefa Koya said police are suspected of trying to cover up an extra-judiciary killing last week by “harassing” eye-witnesses and the deceased’s friends and relatives.

In a press conference today, Latheefa (right) said that four people who witnessed the fatal shooting of D Dinesh, 26, in Ampang on Aug 21 have been re-arrested and sent to the Sea Park police station after their remand order ceased on Aug 25.

“This is what is called ‘chain smoking remand’ (tukar gari). If the police can’t get an extension of remand, they pass (the suspect) to another set of police... defying the magistrate’s order,” she said.

She added that two of Dinesh’s cousins and four of his friends who visited him while he was in Hospital Ampang were nabbed there, and released last night after four days in remand.

“They were nowhere near the shootout. If (police) did nothing wrong, there is no reason to do this,” she said.

Dinesh died from close range gunshot wounds to the head and arm two days after the shooting, which police claim happened after patrolling officers were attacked with a parang.

Eyewitness: Cops shot unarmed man point blank

Two eyewitnesses of a police shootout in Ampang last week have claimed that plainclothes personnel shot an unarmed man "point blank" and released at least 10 rounds of ammunition indiscriminately.

Entrepreneur D Dinesh, 26, who died two days after he was shot in the wee hours of Aug 21, was not carrying anything when he got out of a white Proton Perdana, said his friend Y Ilavarasen, 24 (right).

He said the Proton had been blocked by an unmarked car at a traffic light near Ampang Waterfront.

"I was a few cars ahead of him and could see him from the back. He wasn't holding anything, Ilavarasen told a press conference called by PKR today.

"(Police) were shooting point blank, up and down. Everyone panicked. The shooting was haywire and there was no warning, neither did they identify themselves as police. They just started shooting, pointing towards people and cars.”

Ilavarasen said he had seen the Proton behind him after he sped off, and thought that Dinesh had escaped unscathed.

First human on the moon Neil Armstrong dies

The first human to set foot on the moon, renowned US astronaut Neil Armstrong, has died following complications from cardiovascular surgery. He was 82.

Armstrong underwent cardiac bypass surgery earlier this month after doctors found blockages in his coronary arteries.

Praising Armstrong as a “reluctant American hero”, his family said it was heartbroken and noted that the space pioneer had “served his nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut”.

“While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves,” it added.

Armstrong and fellow Apollo 11 astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin landed on the moon’s desolate surface on July 20, 1969, before the eyes of hundreds of millions of awed television viewers worldwide.

His first words upon stepping on the lunar surface have since been etched in history: “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”

The 500 million people who watched the grainy black and white broadcast breathed a sigh of relief when Armstrong told mission control the module had landed safely, saying: “Houston, Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed.”

But the lunar pioneer, who was decorated by 17 countries and received a slew of US honours, was never comfortable with his worldwide fame, shying away from the limelight.

Armstrong even stopped signing memorabilia after learning his autographs were being sold at exorbitant prices.

John Glenn, the first American to to orbit Earth and the third in space, recalled Armstrong’s legendary humility.

Body ash grab: Penang MIC Youth wants CM to act

Penang MIC Youth has called on Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to show his authority in protecting the rights of the non-Malays in the ‘body snatching' case of 64-year-old M Nagamah.

Its chief J Dhinagaran said Lim should not allow Penang Islamic Affairs Department (JAIPP) to hold the state government for ransom.

"Lim Guan Eng should direct the JAIPP to provide a standard operating procedure that has to be strictly adhered to ensure that there is no recurrence of another body hijacking in future," Dhinagaran said in a statement today.

His statement followed 18 police reports against JAIPP by Hindus in the state who accused the department of snatching the ashes of Nagamah body, which had been cremated, on Aug 14 without proper evidence to prove that Nagamah had been a Muslim.

However, this afternoon, the South Seberang Perai (SPS) Religious Department provided documents to show Nagamah's conversion to Islam in November 2006. Her Muslim name was given as Maria Abdullah.

According to Dhinagaran, JAIPP's action of ‘stealing' Nagamah's ashes, without any regard for the process of the law, has caused tension among the Indian community in Malaysia.

"We want JAIPP to explain the rationale for its strong action and what it intends to do with the remains of the late Nagamah," he said.

 

Why are Pakatan's Indian leaders silent?

He said it was state executive councillor Abdul Malik Abul Kassim's responsibility to explain JAIPP's action to the Penang Indian community, since Abdul Malik was in charge of Islamic affairs in the state.

The MIC Youth wing also questioned why Pakatan's Indian leaders in Penang have been keeping quiet about this case.

"It seems these leaders are so busy securing their seats for the coming general election that they have forgotten the Indian issues," Dhinagaran said.

This is not Malaysia's first case involving ‘body snatching' by religious authorities in recent time. The body of Lawrence Selvananthan, 33, was also taken away by the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Affairs Department (JHEINS) in September last year. 

Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/207024

Main roads around Dataran Merdeka to close for Merdeka Day celebration

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 — Several roads around Dataran Merdeka here will be closed to all vehicles for the 55th Merdeka Day celebration on Aug 31.

According to the Kuala Lumpur police Facebook page, the roads will be closed in stages from 6am on Aug 27 for the rehearsal until Aug 31.

The roads will also be opened in stages on Aug 31 after the ceremony ended, it said.
The roads that will be affected are Jalan Travers / Jalan Damansara; Jalan Mahameru / Jalan Damansara (Carcosa Seri Negara); Jalan Lembah / Jalan Perdana (Masjid Negara); Bulatan Hishamuddin / Jalan Lembah; Jalan Tembusu / Jalan Lembah; Jalan Cenderasari / Jalan Perdana and Jalan Kinabalu / Bukit Aman exit.

Also affected are Jalan Kinabalu / Bulatan Hishamuddin; Jalan Raja / Jalan Hishamuddin; Jalan Leboh Pasar Besar / Jalan Hishamuddin; Jalan Leboh Ampang / Jalan Tun Perak; Bulatan Dato Onn / Jalan Parlimen; Jalan Parlimen / Jalan Raja Laut; Jalan Sultan Ismail / Jalan T.A Rahman; Jalan Munshi Abdullah / Jalan Dang Wangi; Jalan Dang Wangi / Jalan T.A Rahman; Jalan Leboh Pasar Besar / Jalan Mahkamah Persekutuan and Jalan T.A Rahman / Jalan Raja.

However, there will be no road closure for the '55th Merdeka Gathering: Promises Fulfilled' at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium. The programme is scheduled to begin at 4pm.


Source : Bernama

No roses in Palanivel’s GE list

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC president G Palanivel is expected to meet Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chief Najib Tun Razak next Tuesday to finalise the party’s candidates list for the coming general election.

Apart from some minor changes to the list, the most shocking was that the largest Indian-based party in the country would not field any women candidates.

Sources revealed that although Palanivel had submitted a list of potential candidates, the meeting on Aug 28 would “finalise everything including two seat swaps”.

The source said that Palanivel had a meeting with the party’s women’s wing towards the end of July.

“And the outcome of the meeting shocked the wing as the president decided not to field any women candidates for the general election,” he added.

The source also claimed that Palanivel was peeved when only six representatives from the women’s wing turned up for the meeting.

Police reports against JAIPP for 'body-snatching'

A total of 18 police reports have been lodged by a group of Hindu devotees against the Penang Islamic Affairs Department (JAIPP) for snatching the remains of a woman it believed to be a Muslim without proper documentation.

One report was lodged at the Nibong Tebal police station by the deceased's son M Kamasanthren and 17 other relatives and friends of the family.

In his report, Kamasanthren said his family received information by telephone from the crematorium on Aug 14 that several officers claiming to be from JAIPP wanted to take possession of the cremated remains of his mother, M Nagamah.

He added that his uncle R Raja, who spoke to the person from the crematorium on the telephone, had categorically stated that the family would not allow JAIPP to do so.

He stressed that unless JAIPP has gone through the due process of the law, the officers have no legal authority to take possession of his mother’s remains which rightfully and lawfully belongs to the family.
"As it turned out, the JAIPP officers forced the issue and eventually took possession of the remains of my mother. In fact, they had stolen her remains from us," said Kamasanthren, 46, from Sungai Jawi.

"My mother and the rest of my family are Malaysians and our rights and interests should be protected by the federal constitution and the laws of Malaysia.

"This act of stealing the cremated remains of my mother is blatantly unlawful and is in serious and clear violation of rights guaranteed us in Article 11 on freedom of religion," he stressed.

Kamasanthren said he lodged the report as he wanted police to investigate the matter, adding that he wants the problem with JAIPP resolved "amicably" so that he could carry out his final Hindu funeral rites as the eldest son, on Aug 28.

Ambiga to quit as Bersih co-chair after GE13

Bersih co-chairperson Ambiga Sreenevesan has revealed her intention to step down from her post in the electoral reform movement after the next general election.

In an interview with financial news-wire Bloomberg published today, Ambiga said this would allow her to focus on her legal firm which specialises in commercial, intellectual property and industrial law.

It would also allow her time for personal interests such as cricket and the arts, which she has put aside to hold up the Bersih banner, the report added.

Ambiga said she also has unfinished work particularly on women's rights, which she had been advocating prior to taking the reins of Bersih, particularly when this involves issues of conversion to Islam.

“The courts have abdicated their responsibility over a lot of family law issues in these situations involving both the Syariah courts and civil courts,” she was quoted as saying.

She noted that, as a solution, the government had in 2008 proposed a law to require individuals wanting to convert to Islam, to first inform their family members. However, the process has stalled at the Council of Malay Rulers who are responsible for Islamic affairs.

“This should be first in line for resolution... The ordinary Malaysian is beginning to realise that it is not acceptable to play up religion and race in politics. There is a real maturing," she reportedly said.

Ambiga had led two major street protest to demand clean and fair election - these were the largest since the reformasi movement which started in 1998.

Her role has seen her subjected to harassment, death threats as well as vitriol from government lawmakers.


Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/206856

Hanuman: Suara Hati – Bahagian 55

“Ampun, tuanku.”

“Hm?”

“Siapakah yang kita nantikan, tuanku?”

“Kau akan tahu sebentar lagi, Maramanden.”

Ah, bahagianya jiwaku! Kebahagiaan yang meluap-luap minta diluahkan.

“Kau tahu siapa yang saya nantikan, Maramanden?”

“Tidak, tuanku.” Dia mengerling.

“Kau masih ingat akan pasangan musafir itu?”

“Musafir yang mana, tuanku?”

“Yang datang dalam mimpi saya malam tadi.”

“Mimpi yang mana, tuanku?” Mungkin Maramanden sudah nyanyuk kerana meningkat tua.

Pasangan musafir itu berlari masuk ke istana. Maramanden menyambut mereka. Seorang manusia sedang duduk atas singgahsana!

Ah, mimpi itu!

“Kita akan tahu sebentar lagi. …”

Mimpi itu. Aku berusaha melupakannya.

Ayah dan ibu sedang datang. Aku dapat merasakan kedatangan mereka. Semakin dekat.
Mereka akan menerima aku sebagai anak kandung mereka. Aku akan dapat mengecap kasih sayang ayah dan ibu secara mutlak.

Betapa hebat perasaan kasih ini. Betapa bahagia perasaanku. Kebahagiaan yang meluap-luap minta diluahkan dengan segera.

“Maramanden. …”

“Ya, tuanku?”

“Hanuman. Sayalah kera putih itu. Sayalah yang dianugerahkan Tuhan keupayaan membesar sebesar alam dan mengecil sekecil kuman. Sayalah yang hadir walau di mana pun nama Rama diseru. Sayalah yang dikatakan pengikut setia Rama. Itu kau pun tahu.”

Maramanden membiarkan sahaja aku meluahkan perasaan dalam hati.

“Tapi saya bukan sekadar pengikut setianya. Ada yang lebih istimewa daripada itu. Ada yang lebih berharga, lebih membahagiakan. Saya juga … anak kandungnya!”

“Benarkah, tuanku?”

Mata Maramanden terbeliak. Aku mengangguk dengan perasaan megah yang tidak terhingga.
Akan tetapi, tiba-tiba sahaja pandanganku mula menjadi kabur. Imej Maramanden menjadi pudar.

“Tuanku!”

Badanku terasa panas yang terlalu amat. Bagaikan tubuhku sedang terbakar.

“Tuanku!”

Suara itu semakin sayup. Kemudian hilang. – TAMAT


Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/08/20/hanuman-suara-hati-%E2%80%93-bahagian-55/

Hanuman: Suara Hati – Bahagian 54

“Kanda, adinda mahu segera bertemu Hanuman. Adinda mahu meminta ampun padanya. Adinda berdosa. Adinda mahu segera menemui anak adinda. Adinda mahu mendodoikannya atas ribaan adinda.”

“Benar, adinda. Dosa kita terlalu besar untuk diampunkan. Kita sedang cuba menebus dosa kita dalam masa setahun sedangkan anak kita telah menanggung derita batin selama tiga dekad. Biarlah dia memanggil kita ‘ayah’ dan ‘ibu’ walau hanya sekali. Kekanda tidak kisah jika kita berdua terbakar hangus selepas itu.”
Rama dan Sita bergegas bangun.

“Sebentar!”

Pasangan yang sudah mula melangkah pergi itu berpaling dengan hati yang berat.

“Lihat!”

Maharishyi Kala berdiri mendepa tangan ke arah mata angin. Ular danu sedang turun dari langit petang sambil tersenyum mesra lalu melingkari puncak Gunung Maha Purita.

“Dewata Mulia Raya sudah mengutuskan berita pengampunan. Dosa kalian berdua sudah terampun.”
Rama dan Sita berpelukan sambil menangis. Maharishyi Valmiki mencatatkan setiap pergerakan.

“Pulanglah. Hanuman masih menunggu kepulangan kalian berdua. Pergilah membuat pengakuan terbuka di hadapan penduduk Kerajaan Indus bahawa Hanuman adalah anak kandung kalian berdua.”

Dosa ayah dan ibu sudah terampun!

Aku mencelikkan mata. Maramanden masih berdiri di sisi. Aku ingin menceritakan kejadian tadi kepadanya. Tapi aku kehilangan kata.

Ayah dan ibu akan kembali!

Aku bergegas bangkit. Aku berjalan ke arah pintu masuk istana. Maramanden mengikut.

“Ampun, tuanku,” katanya. “Tuanku mahu ke mana?”

Tanpa menjawab pertanyaan itu, aku terus berjalan keluar pintu utama. Aku menanti kepulangan ayah dan ibu di luar istana. Maramanden berdiri penuh bingung di sisiku.

Setelah sekian lama mengharap, akhirnya aku akan merasai kasih sayang ayah dan ibu secara mutlak.
Hanuman. Akulah kera putih itu. Akulah yang dianugerahkan Dewata Mulia Raya keupayaan membesar sebesar alam dan mengecil sekecil kuman. Akulah yang hadir di mana sahaja nama Rama diseru.

Akulah yang dikatakan pengikut setia Rama. Tapi aku bukan sekadar pengikut setianya. Aku juga … –


Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/08/18/hanuman-suara-hati-%E2%80%93-bahagian-54/

Hanuman: Suara Hati – Bahagian 53

“Sejak lahir.”

“Sejak lahir? Bagaimana mungkin?”

“Kalian lupakah siapa dia? Dia adalah Hanuman, kera putih bermata hijau yang istimewa. Dia adalah utusan daripada Brahma. Dia boleh berada di mana sahaja ibu bapanya berada. …”

“Jadi,” mata Rama terbeliak sambil bertanya, “semasa Belia Raja menyerahkannya kepada aku, Hanuman sudah tahu aku ayahnya?”

“Ya.”

“Ketika aku memperkecil-kecilkan keupayaannya, dia sudah tahu aku ayahnya?”
Maharishyi Kaswa mengangguk sekali lagi.

“Semasa dia datang menemuiku di Langkapuri, dia memang sudah tahu bahawa aku ibu kandungnya?”
Maharishyi Kaswa mengiakan.

“Sewaktu aku menghinanya di hadapan Tilewi, dia sudah tahu aku ibunya?”

“Ya.”

“Sewaktu kematian Tamnat Gangga, dia tahu kami adalah ibu bapa kandungnya?”
Maharishyi Kaswa mengangguk dua kali.

“Tatkala kami meninggalkan istana setahun lalu untuk menebus dosa, dia tahu kami ibu bapanya?”

“Hmm.”

Diam. Daun-daun kering pohon bodhi gugur bersama-sama gugurnya air mata Rama dan Sita.

“Dia juga tahu bahawa kalian sedar dia anak kalian.”

Kata-kata Maharishyi Kala pula menyumbang lagi kepada rasa terkejut pasangan berkenaan.

“Kenapa dia tidak pernah mendedahkan hal itu?” Sita memegang erat tangan suaminya. Suaranya terketar.

“Sudah lupakah kalian? Bukankah sewaktu kalian menyerahkan Hanuman kepada Anjathi Devi dahulu, kalian sudah bersumpah bahawa jika anak kera itu bertindak mendedahkan kepada sesiapa pun yang dia anak kalian, maka tubuh badannya akan hancur lebur?”

Rama dan Sita terdiam mendengar kata-kata itu. Baru mereka teringat kembali akan peristiwa tersebut. Sesungguhnya mereka menyesali tindakan terburu-buru itu.

“Hanuman tidak kisah jika dia mati. Dia hanya mahu memanggil kalian sebagai ayah dan ibu walau hanya sekali. Akan tetapi, kalau dia berbuat demikian, Brahma telah memutuskan bahawa kalian berdua juga akan terbakar hangus.”

Mata Rama dan Sita terbeliak.

“Maka Hanuman tidak ada pilihan lain selain daripada terus memendam perasaan. Dia hanya berharap agar suatu hari nanti, kalian akan menerimanya sebagai anak kandung kalian.”

Diam. Maharishyi Kala meneliti warna angin dan getar cahaya matahari.


Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/08/11/hanuman-suara-hati-%E2%80%93-bahagian-53/

Pandelela given state honours

Olympics bronze medallist Pandelela Rinong Pamg made, yet another memorable splash when she was honoured with a state award on her accomplishment, after touching down to a grand homecoming at the Kuching International Airport today.

The 19-year-old, who was accompanied by her parents and two other Sarawak Olympians, Bryan Nickson Lomas and Traisy Vivien Tukiet, became the first local athlete to be bestowed with the Sarawak Johan Kenyalang (JBK) award.

She received the award from Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng in an investiture ceremony at the Astana Negeri, Petra Jaya.

As the country's first woman Olimpic medalist, the state government has also announced a special incentive in the form of a full scholarship to pursue a four-year education in Australia.

Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said, based on the scholarship, the dive queen was given a choice to either focus on coaching in swimming or tertiary studies.

Malaysian Indians, are they the KINGMAKERS of the 13th GE?

Indians are enjoying their era of glory as both sides of the political divide – Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat – jump on the bandwagon to woo them as it is believed by politicians that Indian voters may be the kingmakers as their votes cast may be decisive in determining which side gets to govern at Putrajaya.

While the Chinese community appear to have all but deserted the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and Gerakan to opt for DAP, and the Malays are skewered three-ways between PAS, PKR and UMNO, the Indians are being wooed deeply by Barisan Nasional and Pakatan appear to have also begun to reach out to the Indian community.

However, the state of the Indian community is under much stress and things are not looking up for them right now. The future of the Indian community is in limbo and this is due to a number of factors.
But the community should learn to sit up and pay heed to where they are heading in the quagmire of the currently changing Malaysian political landscape. This is important if they harbor any hopes of making an impact as a race in this country.

Gov't rewards Pandelela with RM300,000

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak honoured 2012 Olympics diving bronze medallist Pandelela Rinong Pamg, at his office in Putrajaya today.  

As a token of the government's appreciation, Najib presented the national champion with RM300,000, comprised of RM100,000 under the National Sports Council (NSC) prize scheme and RM200,000 worth of shares in Amanah Saham Wawasan.

He also presented a full government scholarship from the Cemerlang Foundation to enable the athlete to pursue a degree of her choice at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak.

Najib made an assurance that the government was prepared to provide any assistance the young athlete may need to enhance her performance for further international success.

"Are you committed for Rio (2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and what else do you need? Do you have everything?" a smiling Najib asked Pandelela.
  
He then asked her about her experience during the 10 metre diving event.

"Were you nervous when you started?", asked Najib. 

"Yes but later I was excited," answered Pandelela.

Also present at the function were Youth and Sports Minister, Ahmad Shabery Cheek; Malaysia Amateur Athletics Union president, Shahidan Kassim, Malaysian Contingent head Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid and NSC director-general, Zolkples Embong.

Pandelela's parents, Hartini Lamim and Pamg ak Joheng and coach Yang Zhuliang were present too.

The 19-year-old Bidayuh girl attained 359.20 points in the 10m platform event at the recent 2012 London Olympics, while Chen Ruolin of China defended her record with 422.30 points and Australian, Broben bagged the silver with 366.50 points.  

Source : Bernama

Pakatan to blame for Evidence Act amendment, says Chua

It is not the government to blame for putting Section 114A into the Evidence act 114A, the MCA said today, but Pakatan Rakyat - for failing to stop it.

"This amendment was approved in Parliament, passed in Parliament, where politicians from both sides of the political divide are involved - BN and Pakatan Rakyat.

"They didn't request for a division of vote, so it passed through Dewan Rakyat, Dewan Negara, and it is now gazetted," MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek said.

Chua said the opposition did not oppose the amendment to the Evidence act, and it did not question it.

He said the amendment went through easily, despite Pakatan's objections to it now, and despite the ongoing campaign to raise awareness about Section 114A, which is heavily supported by the opposition.

"The same people who passed the amendment are now questioning it. This is what we call political dishonesty.

"The opposition should have voiced its objections and called for block voting," he said.

'Opposition went along with it'

Responding to a question on Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's tweet that the matter would be discussed by the cabinet, Chua maintained that it had been, and in the full presence of the opposition.

"We were briefed and there was a full discussion. The outcome was that this was debated in Parliament with the opposition.

"It was passed in Parliament, without the opposition calling for a division in vote. In other words, they went along with it," the MCA president added.

In recent days, Pakatan, as well as prominent groups such as the Centre for Independent Journalism, have pledged to put an end to the Evidence Act amendment that was gazetted on July 31.

The groups maintain that the amendment presumes guilty owners of online networks that are misused by others.

Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/206529

Remains of Punch Gunalan cremated

The remains of former national badminton champion Punch Gunalan has been cremated at the Petaling Jaya City Council crematorium at about 3.45pm today, in the presence of some 100 mourners.

He had succumbed to cancer yesterday morning at the age of 68, and is survived by his wife P Vikeyakumari and son Roshan Gunalan.

The last rites according to Hindu tradition for Gunalan were conducted at his home in Petaling Jaya earlier today at about 2pm.

Those paying their last respects today included Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek and former national badminton players Wong Choong Hann (left in photo) and Ong Ewe Hock (right in photo).

After almost an hour of prayers, Gunalan’s coffin was hoisted into the hearse.

Some members of his family wept as the coffin was loaded into the vehicle.

Again in Hindu tradition, some female members of the national champion’s family walked three circles around the hearse, with Vikeyakumari taking the lead while holding back tears.

The hearse and mourners then took a 5km-drive to Kampung Tunku where the crematorium is located.

At least four police outriders cleared a way through traffic for the hearse and the mourners.

Upon arrival at the crematorium at about 3.15pm, the priest conducted one more prayer, chanting as dark cloud gathered above and thunder was occasionally heard.

Once done, the guests were given their final opportunity to pay their last respects, before the coffin was finally wheeled inside the crematorium.


Source :http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/206528

Punch watched Chong Wei-Lin Dan match despite being weak

PETALING JAYA: Although the late Datuk Punch Gunalan was weak and feeble, it did not stop him from watching the epic Olympic Games men's singles final between Datuk Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan of China on Aug 5 from his hospital bed.

In fact, his son Dr Roshan said there was a glow on Punch's face when he was rooting for Lee to win the gold.

Yesterday, 10 days after he witnessed the heart-warming performance of Lee in his close defeat to Lin Dan, Punch passed away after losing his battle against liver cancer.

“He was weak but he insisted on watching the match. He could hardly utter words but he said that Chong Wei would win it. Despite his condition, he managed to witness Chong Wei's heroics. That's my father. Badminton always brought him joy,” said Dr Roshan.

Punch was diagnosed with liver cancer in March.

VIP visitor: Tun Dr Siti Hasmah with Vijeya and Dr Roshan before paying her last respects at his home in Petaling Jaya.

Dr Roshan, 36, the only son of Punch and Vijeya Kumari, said he would cherish the memories of his father.

“He was a great man. He was even a greater father to me,” said Dr Roshan, an orthopedic surgeon at the University Malaya Medical Centre.

“He is the only person who did not say No' to anything that I asked. I did not take up badminton like him but he never forced it on me. He gave me the freedom to choose,” he said.

Dr Roshan said when he was born, his father had already retired from the game.

“But I watched DVDs of him playing. I know that he lived his dream. He was so popular that even I was called and recognised as Punch Gunalan's son wherever I went.”

Dr Roshan said he had been intrigued as to how his father decided to keep his name Punch Gunalan although it was not his given name.

“When he beat (Malaysian shuttler) Tan Aik Huang in his first international tournament, the paper's headline the next day read Aik Huang Punched Out' and since then, the name Punch stuck,” he said.

His father, whose real name was Gunalan Panchacharan, liked the name so much that he made a statutory declaration and decided to keep the name Punch Gunalan.

“He was really special to all of us. We will miss him terribly. My mother has taken all this very badly because they were very close and inseparable,” said Dr Roshan, who has a four-year-old son Neeraj Madhav.

Vijeya, who was married to Punch for 41 years, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their support.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/8/16/nation/11867667&sec=nation

PM bows to pressure, wants to 'discuss' Section 114A

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has instructed cabinet to "discuss" about the controversial amendments to the Evidence Act 1950 following a major online protest, dubbed as Internet Blackout Day.

Najib said this in a tweet from Saudi Arabia, where he is attending the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit, that the people must come first.

"I have asked cabinet to discuss Section 114A of the Evidence Act 1950. Whatever we do we must put people first," wrote Najib.

Najib's tweet comes almost after dozens of websites adopted the Centre of Independent Journalism's campaign against Section 114A, which they argued would put innocent Internet users at risk of persecution.

The campaign is heavily discussed on social networking websites and has attracted wide coverage from international news organisations.

Earlier today, some BN leaders such as MCA vice-president Gan Ping Sieu has urged the federal government to review Section 114A of because it will cause hardship to innocent Internet users.

In a press release today, Gan described the law as imposing a “presumption of guilt” among Internet users and service providers who may be victims while the real offenders are at large.

“As an alternative and perhaps a compromise to meet the needs to tackle Internet abuse, a legal duty should be imposed instead so that any innocent agents or Internet service providers must provide full cooperation to enforcement agencies to assist investigations into these cases of Internet abuse,” said Gan.

Gan is among a small group of BN leaders to have expressed concern over the law. Others include Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and Saifuddin Abdullah.

In a tweet this evening, Khairy stated he will be meeting de facto law minister Nazri Abdul Aziz on Thursday to ask the government to have another look at Section 114A.

Punch Gunalan passes away

PETALING JAYA: Badminton legend Datuk Punch Gunalan passed away peacefully at 6am Wednesday. He was 68.Gunalan had been battling with liver cancer for some time.He had put Malaysia on the world's map in the 1970s with his immaculate performances in the singles and doubles events - representing the country in the Thomas Cup, All-England and Asian Games.

He had also served with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and Badminton World Federation (BWF), earning the respect of the world for his excellent administrative and communication skills and also for his warmth, kindness and passion for the sport.Born in 1944 in Sepang, Selangor, Gunalan was inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia Hall of Fame in 2004.

A citation from the OCM website reads:

While Malaysians were overwhelmed in 1970 for losing the Thomas Cup, Gunalan defeated Indonesian legends Injartno and Mirjati in his doubles title game with partner Ng Boon Bee to regain Malaysia back in the world of badminton. Despite losing 2-7 to Indonesia at the championship, Gunalan's victory is something that we can still be proud of.

Gunalan had made a successful career in his life. A talented right-hander, he was indeed among the finest combination doubles Malaysia has ever produced. In 1971, Gunalan and Boon Bee again became the top men's doubles team in the world, winning the prestigious All England title, as well as the Canadian, Danish and U.S Open titles. His gifted right-hand amazed people with his exiting smash.

After his retirement, Gunalan continued his career by coaching the Malaysian team (Badminton Association of Malaysia) and later being appointed as the Deputy President of the International Badminton Federation. Under his reign, he vowed to make badminton as the best racquet sport in the world. His continuous contributions and tremendous achievements in the badminton arena shall always be an inspiration for our young shuttlers.

Achievements

1969 - Champion, U.S. Open for Men's Double title
1970 - His first contribution in Thomas Cup
1970 - 1972 - Champion, Danish Open for Men's Double title
1971 - Champion, U.S. Open for Men's Double title
1971 - Champion, All England for Men's Double title
1971 - Champion, Canadian Open for Men's double title
2005 - Became Deputy President of the International Badminton Federation


Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/8/15/nation/20120815085535&sec=nation

Repeal ‘guilty until proven innocent’ law, Bar Council tells government

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 ― The Bar Council wants the government to repeal a law that makes even coffee shops offering free Wi-Fi services liable for any defamatory or criminal acts of customers using computers at their premises.

 
It said that while it recognised that people could exploit a false persona to incite racial hatred, organise violent hate crimes and commit fraud, the recently introduced Section 114A of the Evidence Act of 1950, which came into force on July 31, was not the answer to these problems.

The new law creates a presumption that any registered user of network services is presumed to be the publisher of a publication sent from a computer linked to that network service, unless the contrary is proved.
The Section also provides that any “person whose name, photograph or pseudonym appears on any publication depicting himself as the owner, host, administrator, editor or sub-editor, or who in any manner facilitates to publish or re-publish the publication is presumed to have published or re-published the contents of the publication unless the contrary is proved.”

“Suitable replacement legislation can be enacted later, if necessary, but only after full consultation with all stakeholders,” the Bar Council said in a statement today.“Such a section would therefore create a presumption that is so wide that even the owner of a coffee shop that offered a free Wi-Fi facility could be presumed to have published an online publication originating from a computer using the Wi-Fi facility.

Internet heavyweights rally against Evidence Act change

Several bigwigs in the Internet scene are throwing their weight behind the 'Stop 114A' campaign in a bid to reverse an amendment to the country's Evidence Act that presumes guilty owners of online networks that are misused by others.

One of the most prominent websites to join the fray is the Malaysian portal MOL, an online payment service that has a presence in more than 80 countries worldwide.

Netizens visiting websites in support of the campaign by the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) will - for 24 hours - be greeted by a black pop-up with information on the newly-gazetted Section 114A to the Evidence Act.

This pop-up will start appearing when the clock hits midnight tonight.

CIJ executive officer Masjaliza Hamzah (left) said in a statement hours before the start of its Internet Blackout Day that the campaign has gained much momentum, with the backing of prominent websites, top politicians and netizens.

Twenty golden moments of the 2012 Games

The London Olympics were packed with sporting highlights, personal dramas and emotional highs and lows. Here are 20 golden moments from the Games.

Michael Phelps bows out with a record medal haul

With a lop-sided smile of satisfaction, the greatest of swimmers and possibly the greatest Olympian of all time, said farewell with one last immense performance for the US relay team in the men’s 4x100m medley. Final tally: 18 career golds, 22 medals. He had done everything he set out to achieve. The world of swimming has lost a titan of the pool.

Usain Bolt wins (and wins and wins)

The world’s fastest man and his Jamaica relay team mates provided three of the enduring moments of the Games. The showman opened his campaign with a Games record in the 100 metres, followed up by becoming the first man to retain his titles in the 100 and 200m – where Jamaica finished 1-2-3 – and then anchored the 4×100 relay to a world record time.The moment where Bolt and Yohan Blake caught each others’ eyes as they crossed the finish line in the 200, with the winner putting his finger to his lips to silence the young pretender, was a classic moment of theatre.

Andy Murray winning tennis gold at Wimbledon

Murray had been reduced to tears when he lost the Wimbledon men’s singles final to Roger Federer in July but he took his revenge by thrashing the Swiss on Centre Court in an astonishing performance from a man who has yet to win a grand slam tournament. The memory of the Scot leaping into the crowd to celebrate with his nearest and dearest will linger long.

Gov't rewards Chong Wei with RM500,000

National shuttler Lee Chong Wei today received RM500,000 as reward for his silver medal win in the 2012 London Olympics.

The reward was presented by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak in a ceremony at the Seri Perdana here which was also attended by his wife Rosmah Mansor.

The reward comprised RM300,000 from the National Sports Council's Incentive Scheme and RM200,000 from the Malaysian government in the form of Amanah Saham Wawasan.

Apart from that, Chong Wei also received a watch presented by Rosmah who is also the Badminton Association of Malaysia's (BAM) patron.

In a short speech, the prime minister congratulated Chong Wei on his success in delivering a silver medal and was confident it would strengthen his resolve to achieve further success in the 2016 Brazil Olympics.
   
"Maybe, luck was not on his side to win gold but he fought right to the end. It showed how serious he was to achieve success and hope he will not give up on achieving even bigger success," he said.

Chong Wei eyes Rio 2016

Najib also agreed with a proposal to set up a National Badminton Academy at the Juara Stadium Badminton Training Centre in Bukit Kiara.

Meanwhile, Chong Wei, 30, said he would consider the wishes of the Prime Minister to deliver the country's first gold medal at the 2016 Olympics at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"I am grateful to the Prime Minister and his wife for the reward today, I will be saving the money. Even though I did not bring back a gold medal, the government still supports me. Nonetheless I have done my best," he said.

"However, I will look at my performance in two years, that is after the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, both in 2014. If my fitness permits, I will continue till the 2016 Olympics," he said.


Source : Bernama

Niat lists GE demands - seeks M'sian Indian DPM

The National Indian Rights Action Team (Niat) has listed out its demands for the next general election today, including calls for a Malaysian Indian deputy prime minister.

This was among the NGO’s five demands that it wants the next government to implement within the first 100 days in office.

The proposal calls a Malaysian Malay prime minister and deputy prime minister, plus two addition deputy prime minister posts.

The first post would be held a Malaysian Chinese and a Sabahan, each serving for half a term. A Malaysian Indian or Sarawakian, also swapping places mid-term, would hold the other office.

“We do not want other people to sideline us. We must make sure that what comes under the ‘Indian’ category should be brought together.

“Otherwise you do not have any justification to ask people to do thing that you won’t do yourself,” said Niat secretary Arun Dorasamy (left), who was also the project director to put together the group’s 42-page booklet to explain the demands.

Ex Bt Jalil tappers to continue fight for housing land

After a month of waiting patience is running thin for former workers of Ladang Bukit Jalil awaiting a response from Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to their demand for four acres of land there.

So, their Ladang Bukit Jalil action committee has decided to remind him of their demand for feedback, failing which on the 10th of every month "the committee will go to the Prime Minister's Office to remind the PM that their problems remain unsolved".

"There is already a feeling that their previous meeting (with Najib) was just drama without a solution, for we fear that if this problem is not solved during or after the elections, there would be evictions or demolitions like we had seen before," said Parti Sosialis Malaysia secretary and social activist S Arutchelvan (2nd from right in photo) at a press conference today in front of the estate.

On May 30, the former estate workers had "occupied" Putrajaya, hoping to meet Najib to press their demand for alternative housing land.

Their hopes rose when the premier responded to their calls on July 10, however, he could only promise no eviction threats against them until he arrived at decision on their housing woes but could do nothing about their demand for land.

Showman Bolt finally a legend

LONDON, Aug 10 — Usain Bolt finally permitted the world to acclaim him as a sporting legend after the supreme showman of track and field delivered another superlative performance at the London Olympics yesterday.

Bolt danced around the bend in the men's 200 metres final, accelerated past Yohan Blake on his inside and glanced quickly to his left to check he was ahead of his Jamaican team mate.

Satisfied he had the race won, he sauntered over the line with his right index finger held high. His time of 19.32 seconds equalled the then world record set by Michael Johnson at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics which statisticians estimated would last another quarter of a century.

Instead Bolt reduced it to 19.30 at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and then to 19.19 at the Berlin world championships the following year. He also broke the 100 record twice.

Last Sunday Bolt joined Carl Lewis as the second man to retain the 100 title but said he would defer any talk of legends until he went one better than the American and successfully defended both sprint crowns.

There were no such inhibitions yesterday after Bolt led Blake and Warren Weir to a Jamaican clean sweep. The United States, the traditional giants of Olympic sprinting, are the only other country to win all three medals in a single Games.

Pandelela claws back to deliver bronze, makes history

Despite a botched start, national diver Pandelela Rinong Pamg clawed her way back to the podium in the women's 10m diving to deliver Malaysia a bronze medal at the London Olympic Games.

The win by the 19-year-old Sarawakian marks Malaysia's second medal at this year's Olympic summer games after Lee Chong Wei's silver medal in the men's badminton singles and also set a number of new records for the country.

This is the first time Malaysia had ever won at least two medals at the Olympics in 16 years and the second ever in history, with the last being at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games where badminton pair Yap Kim Hock and Cheah Soon Kit bagged the silver medal while Rashid Sidek clinched the bronze medal in the men's badminton singles.

Her victory also marks Malaysia's first ever Olympic medal from a sport other than badminton.

Pandelela got off a shaky start on her first dive, scoring a mere 58.5 points, placing her at ninth place out of 12 divers.

PM offers RM100k to family of Alleycats band member

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak announced today that 1Malaysia Development Bhd Foundation will extend RM100,000 in aid to the family of Alleycats band member A Loganathan, whose house was razed recently.

Speaking at a Women, Family and Community Development Ministry event with the underprivileged, he said this was to appreciate the late Loganathan's (right) contribution to the arts and the nation.

"The donation is extended to his wife and children as a gesture to recognise his contributions to national unity through his profession as a singer," Najib said.

Loganathan's family home in Tanjung Bungah, Penang, was gutted on Monday, injuring his widow Susan Lovie Loganathan.

Susan and her brother Kevin Jonathan Boudville managed to salvage important documents before escaping the fire.

The Fire Department is still ascertaining the cause of the fire.

The 1MDB Foundation is funded by 1MDB, which is wholly owned by the government.

Najib also handed over aid close to RM40,000 in cash to 1,145 underprivileged women and children, the disabled, elderly and homeless at a buka puasa event at the Putra World Trade Centre.

He also handed over new clothes for Hari Raya, donated by textile company Jackel, for 280 children under the care of the Welfare Department.

In Penang, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng presented RM5,000 to Loganathan's son and daughter at his office in Komtar today.

Vignesh Waran, 29, and Darsha Logan, 24, received the money on their mother's behalf.

Their mother, Susan Lovie, was unable to attend the event. 

Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/205819

Ex-estate workers to knock on Najib’s door

PETALING JAYA: Tired of waiting for a reply, former Bukit Jalil estate workers are planning to meet Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak at his office in Putrajaya on Friday.

Bukit Jalil estate committee treasurer K Balakrishnan said he had delivered a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) this morning of their intention.

“We’re thankful that Najib met us on July 10 to hear our demands but a month has passed with no reply. So the committee will go to PMO on Aug 10 to get an answer,” he said.

The 41 families living in the former estate area are embroiled in a tussle with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) after the latter tried to evict them.

The land is slated to be turned into a Muslim burial ground. Subsequently, the residents took their case to the High Court and the Court of Appeal but lost their legal battle.

The residents demanded that DBKL allocate four acres of land to build low cost houses.On May 30, the residents camped outside PMO to get Najib to intervene on the matter.

A day later, the gathering was a called off after P Ravin, a special officer to Najib, promised that the premier would meet them to hear their grouses.

Najib met the committee on July 10 and promised to find a solution to their predicament.
Balakrishnan said although he only wanted to deliver a letter today at the PMO, he claimed that he was treated rudely by an officer at the security post known only as Vijay.

He also alleged that when he asked to meet any of Najib’s special officers to deliver the letter, Vijay had told him off saying no one was working in the PMO today.

“Najib wants our ‘nambikai’ (trust) but is this how you treat someone who comes to your doorstep,” said Balakrishnan who eventually managed to hand over the letter to an officer.


Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/08/08/ex-estate-workers-to-knock-on-najibs-door/

Chong Wei can still deliver gold at 2016 Olympics

Malaysia can still bank their hope on badminton ace Lee Chong Wei to deliver a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016, said former Badminton Association of Malaysia president Elyas Omar.

He said the 30-year-old Chong Wei was still considered young and could still represent the country in four years' time.

"There is nothing wrong with playing competitive badminton at the age of 34 if Chong Wei can maintain his health and does not sustain serious injuries in the next three or four years.

"In fact, I think at that age, Chong Wei will be more mature and more experienced and better prepared to take the challenge," he told Bernama today.

Elyas said from his observation, Chong Wei's performance at the London Olympics was more tenacious than in Beijing in 2008 as Lin Dan found it harder to beat him this time around.

Chong Wei lost 21-15, 10-21, 19-21 to world's number one single Lin Dan of China in the men's single final at the London Olympics on Sunday.

"He lost narrowly to Lin Dan and should be complimented for his fighting spirit and it is unbecoming of any quarters to find fault with him," said Elyas, adding that Malaysians should continue to support Chong Wei in his endeavour.

Source- Bernama

MIC confident of bigger win

GEORGE TOWN: Pakatan Rakyat Indian grassroots and its noisy cyber commentators may claim that the next general election will hammer the final nail in MIC’s coffin and send it into political extinction.
However, despite facing an imminent toughest electoral challenge in its history, G Palanivel-led MIC is quietly confident that it could turn the table against and win many seats.

Boosted by growing support among the Malay and Indian electorates, sources said the party’s strategists were increasingly poised of winning six parliamentary and between 11 and 17 state seats in the next polls.
Like in the 12th general election, MIC would contest in nine federal and 19 state constituencies in the 13th election.

Its federal seats are Sungai Siput, Tapah, Cameron Highlands, Hulu Selangor, Subang, Kapar, Kota Raja, Teluk Kemang and Segamat.In the 2008 general election, MIC won only Cameron Highlands, Tapah and Segamat before regaining Hulu Selangor via a by-election later.

This time it is confident of winning all except Subang, Kapar and Kota Raja.Its state seats are Lunas and Bukit Selambau (Kedah), Prai and Bagan Dalam (Penang), Pasir Panjang, Behrang, Sungkai and Hutan Melintang (Perak), Batu Caves, Ijok and Sri Andalas (Selangor), Jeram Padang and Port Dickson (Negeri Sembilan), Kahang, Permas, Tenggaroh and Gambir (Johor), Malacca’s Asahan and Pahang’s Sabai.
Among these seats, MIC believes it had a fighting chance to clinch Lunas, Bukit Selambau, Bagan Dalam, Prai, Pasir Panjang, Behrang, Sungkai, Hutan Melintang, Batu Caves, Ijok, Jeram Padang, Kahang, Tenggaroh, Gambir, Asahan and Sabai.

The party, however, concededed that Sri Andalas and Port Dickson were difficult seats, while it also feared losing Permas due to the inept performance of incumbent MM Samy.In the last election, MIC won only the four Johor seats, Asahan, Jeram Padang and Sabai.

Right formula is crucial

Although MIC was confident of avoiding another dismal electoral performance, nonetheless the party leadership was aware that it would be a rough ride towards the finishing line.Party insiders concurred that MIC must first apply the right formula to win these seats, combining winnable candidates with effective campaign strategies.

They said the right formula would be crucial in seats that MIC lost narrowly in 2008.
The party had submitted a list of 56 names of potential winnable candidates, two for each constituency, to Barisan Nasional national chairman Najib Tun Razak.

The MIC leadership was also contemplating shifting chosen candidates to different constituencies to increase their chances of winning, such as in Prai, Lunas, Bukit Selambau and Batu Caves.Party insiders said a capable winnable candidate could draw some 1,000 to 2,000 votes on his own.

“In the current political scenario, it’s a huge amount of votes. As BN faces a tough adversary, each vote counts,” said a MIC top leader.Among main factors boosting MIC’s confidence was the alleged surging shift of support among ethnic Indians and Malays from Pakatan Rakyat towards BN.

Sources claimed that MIC and BN’s own ground studies and intelligence reports revealed that some 60% to 65% of Malays and Indians would back BN in the coming polls.Chinese support for BN stood between 25% and 30%, said the source.

Sources said MIC would tap on Najib’s rapidly increasing popularity among the Indian community.
“Many working class Indians are impressed with Najib’s direct touch to address and resolve their issues spot on. This can tilt the balance in MIC’s favour in a close fight,” said a party insider.

Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/08/07/mic-confident-of-bigger-win/

PKR revives attack on 'dodgy' Maika-Aimst deal

PKR national strategy and policy bureau secretary S Gobikrishnan has revived allegations of a 'sweetheart deal' between MIC-owned Aimst University and MIC's investment arm Maika Holdings by showing a document that “supports” the claim.

At a press conference today, he said a statutory declaration (SD) by P Chithirakala - the former CEO of MIC investment arm Maju Institute Educational Development - shows that Maika Holdings subsidiary Maika Intellectual Resources Sdn Bhd (MIR) had been awarded a RM40 million deal through "direct negotiations".

Reading from the SD, Gobikrishnan noted: "Vell Paari, son of (then MIC president S) Samy Vellu is the CEO of MIR.

“They received a contract of RM40 million through direct negotiations with Samy Vellu... We had a tough time managing MIR as they had no expertise or competent staff.”

“It’s a father-son deal,” he added on the SD signed on Dec 8, 2009.

The SD further notes that subcontractors were not paid resulting in “chaos”, but this was rectified through negotiations with Samy.

Citing two letters of award shown to Malaysiakini, he said that MIR was awarded the RM40 million contract on Dec 30, 2002, only to subcontract it lock stock and barrel to Doxport Technologies Sdn Bhd for RM36 million on Jan 3, 2003.

He said this “immorally earned” RM4 million in a week.

“This means the work can be done for RM36 million, thus what is the rationale of awarding it at RM40 million?” he asked.

He said former PKR MP S Gobalakrishnan had also lodged a police report on the matter in 2009, but the MP did not have documents to support his claim.

“Vell Paari’s answer (then) was also unsatisfactory,” he said.

The MIC central working committee member had then denied the allegations.

‘MIR belongs to Maika, not me’

Speaking to Malaysiakini today, Vell Paari reiterated his denial, and added that any gains made by MIR would have benefit Maika Holdings, and not him personally, as MIR is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maika Holdings.

He added that the contract was subcontracted to several subcontractors and that payment claims by subcontractors were made to and paid out by Aimst.

He also denied that it was a “father-son direct negotiation”, claiming that there were other companies considered.

“I never had any direct negotiation with my father. Direct negotiation was on the project manager side, that is TMI Consultancy headed by Thasleem Mohamed Ibrahim,” he said.

“I know (Aimst) was talking to one or two other parties, and we came out cheapest.”

He said that TMI Consultancy had recommended Doxport’s termination due to non-performance and the matter was later taken to court.

“All this is disclosed in the annual report. Maika has thousands of shareholders. It doesn’t belong to me,” he said.

He added that while he “admires Gobikrishnan’s energy”, the latter seems to have a personal vendetta against MIC leaders.

“He is confused,” Vell Paari said. 

Source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/205668

PKR: Vell Paari intervened in Aimst cafeteria contract

PKR today revealed more documents which allegedly prove that MIC central working committee member S Vell Paari had “intervened” to ensure that a MIC Youth leader’s company was awarded a deal to operate Aimst University’s cafeteria.

According to PKR national strategy and policy bureau secretary S Gobikrishnan (right), this was detailed in a letter sent by the chief executive officer of MIC’s education arm Maju Institute Educational Development (MIED) on Jan 2, 2009.

“Vell Paari has himself interfered and ensured that (Penang MIC Youth leader) J Dhinagaran got the contract. This is proven by a letter by (then) MIED CEO P Chithirakala to S Samy Vellu, who was the chairperson of MIED,” Gobikrishnan told reporters today.

In the letter (see image at end of report), sighted by Malaysiakini, Chithirakala said she was about to view the presentations by some other companies that had submitted quotations, when Penang MIC Youth chief J Dhinagaran dropped Vell Paari’s name.

Fan dies after watching Chong Wei’s defeat

KUCHING: A 57-year old diehard fan of national shuttler Lee Chong Wei collapsed and died at the coffee shop in Serian, some 60km from here.

Chung Kin Kiat suffered a heart attack after watching Lin Dan defeat Lee in the second set in the London Olympic Games badminton finals on Sunday.

According to eye-witnesses, Chung had been cheering loudly when Malaysia’s top seed won the first set.

Borneo Post reported that Chung collapsed at 9.20pm after watching Lin Dan beat Lee 21-10 in the second set. Lin Dan went on the retain his Olympic title beating Lee 21-19

According to sources, the man who suffered from kidney failure had been undergoing dialysis twice a week.
His body was sent to Serian Hospital for a postmortem.

Serian police chief DSP Mohd Jamali Umi confirmed the incident. He said the case has been classified as sudden death.


Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/08/07/fan-dies-after-watching-chong-weis-defeat/

Chong Wei to get RM100k 'award' from Penang

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has announced that national badminton star Lee Chong Wei may be awarded RM100,000 from the state coffers.
          
At a press conference early this morning, Lim said he would recommend to the Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBA) to reward Lee for his success as the first Malaysian to win two silver medals.

"The PBA usually (gives) awards (to) outstanding sportsmen and women," said Lim when launching the  upgrading road project in Jalan Gottlieb at around 10.20am this morning.

“We want to show our appreciation to Lee for being the first Malaysian to bring back two silver medals.
Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, said when Lee returns to Penang, he would be presented with the award.

Lee returned to his homeland today via the KL International Airport at about 7.30am.

Malaysians mourned when he was defeated by archrival Lin Dan 21-15, 10-21, 19-21 in the singles badminton competition finals at the London Olympics on Sunday.

The loss is Lee’s second at the hand of China’s Lin Dan in his quest for Olympic gold.

While most Malaysians described Lee as a symbol of unity and heroism for bringing citizens together despite their differences, DAP Kota Alam Shah assemblyperson M Manoharan was intensely criticised for his less flattering tweets over the former’s defeat.

‘Manoharan is alone’

Responding to BN’s call for the DAP to make a clear stand on whether they agreed with Manoharan’s remarks, Lim today distanced himself from his comrade.

Lim castigated Manoharan for his “totally insensitive” remarks regarding Lee’s defeat at the hands of Lin Dan.

Lim said Manoharan does not represent the party and that he is “totally alone” in his views.
He declined to comment further, saying the remarks - which many considered as rude and racist - were not worth pondering on.

When asked if the party would take any action against Manoharan, Lim refused to elaborate.

“What I said is sufficient. This type of comment is insensitive, and not worth commenting on,” he added.
Lim also said Pakatan Rakyat does not wish to mix sports and politics.

“That is why we do not hold any positions in sports associations. We prefer the experts to hold them,” he added.

Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/205646

Chong Wei, Still Our Hero

KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Chong Wei may have brought home only an Olympics silver medal on his return from London this morning but it was still party time for thousands of fans at the KLIA.

These fans arrived as early as 4:30am and eagerly waited for Chong Wei to give him a hero welcome home after that thrilling three-game battle against Lin Dan for the gold at Wembley Arena on Sunday.
  
And today is a working and schooling day. Imagine if it's on a weekend or public holiday, it would have been more and more fans at the airport.

These fans, like millions more in the country, still love Chong Wei despite his unsuccessful attempt at winning Malaysia's first ever Olympics gold medal since we first participated in 1956.

They know the 29-year-old has been contributing a lot to the country besides building up his name as the top two players in the world right now. He is also like an ambassador who promotes the country by participating in big tournaments which are telecast live over satellite TV.

That's why many fans are fuming mad with  Kota Alam's DAP assemblyman M Manoharan who made  disparaging comments about Chong Wei's defeat to Lin Dan.

These fans are angry as Chong Wei and badminton have nothing to do with politics. They say, nowadays, desperate politicians will politicize on anything to score points.

The fans also asked what has Manoharan do for the country? Practically nothing.

The good news for the fans is that Chong Wei has given his assurance he will be around until 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.

He also said winning the World Championships next year would be a priority to him. There you are, he still has that hunger to be more successful.

Chong Wei, at the same time, called for Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to step up its search for the next Malaysian champion as he won't be playing forever.

He said BAM must ensure that there are players coming through the ranks to take over.

He said BAM has a new system in place and are looking at grassroots development in greater detail and there are quite a number of coaches who have come to the fold and are willing to help.

Chong Wei added a concerted effort must be made to unearth and nurture players who have potential to become world beaters.

Source : http://www.malaysiandigest.com/top-news/81832-chong-wei-still-our-hero.html

Hanuman: Suara Hati – Bahagian 52

“Kelahiran Hanuman adalah untuk membawa sinar kebahagiaan dalam hidup kalian. Dia diutuskan untuk membantu Rama menentang kejahatan. Tapi kalian pula telah bertindak membuangnya.”

Rama dan Sita memilih untuk membisu.

“Dia sepatutnya lahir sebagai manusia biasa. Ingat lagikah kalian berdua akan pertemuan kita semasa kalian baru sampai di hutan? Bukankah saya sudah menasihati kalian supaya minum air dari telaga berair keruh?”

Maharishyi Kala turut mengangguk-angguk mendengar penceritaan Maharishyi Kaswa. Maharishyi Valmiki pula terus tekun menulis.

“Oleh kerana kalian melanggar nasihat saya, maka kalian bertukar menjadi kera. Sebab itulah anak yang lahir itu menjadi kera juga. Bukan dosa Hanuman maka dia dilahirkan sebagai seekor kera.”

Muka Rama dan Sita memerah.

“Sebenarnya, itu adalah akibat kesilapan kalian berdua,” Maharishyi Kaswa meneruskan. “Apabila kalian membuang anak itu, kalian dimurkai oleh Brahma. Itulah sebabnya kalian berdua terpaksa menderita sekian lama.”

“Oh, bodohnya kami! Kami telah bertindak melalu. Sekarang kami menyesali perbuatan itu. …”

“Lalu mengapa kau tidak menerimanya sebagai anak kau apabila Belia Raja menyerahkannya kepada kau dahulu?” tanya Maharishyi Kala.

“Aku masih terlalu angkuh pada waktu itu,” Rama membuat pengakuan. “Lagi pun, kami telah bersumpah untuk tidak mengakui Hanuman anak kami. …”

Diam.

“Kau tidak pernah menyesal selepas itu?”

“Ada. Tapi Hanuman sudah besar pada waktu itu. Aku fikir, biarlah dia terus kekal sebagai anak angkatku sahaja. Apa lagi yang diharapkannya?”

Maharishyi Kaswa ketawa kecil.

“Kasih sayang,” katanya.

“Kasih sayang? Kasih sayang siapa?”

“Ibu bapanya.”

“Siapa?”

“Tentulah kalian berdua!”

Mulut pasangan suami-isteri yang menyamar sebagai musafir itu terlopong besar. Mata masing-masing merenung wajah Maharishyi Kaswa tanpa berkelip; sedaya upaya cuba mentafsir makna kata-katanya.

“Kami? Dia tahu kami ibu bapa kandungnya?”

Maharishyi Kaswa mengangguk sekali sahaja.

“Hanuman tahu bahawa kami adalah ibu bapanya?”

Wajah Rama dan Sita bersinar. Masing-masing tidak dapat menahan perasaan gembira.

“Sejak bila?” Sita tiba-tiba musykil.

Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/08/05/hanuman-suara-hati-%E2%80%93-bahagian-52/

Hanuman: Suara Hati – Bahagian 51

“Sudah setahun kami berdua berusaha menebus dosa kami. Belum terampun lagikah diri kami?” Rama memandang ketiga-tiga maharishyi berpakaian serba jingga itu.

Maharishyi Kala memandang kejauhan. Seperti cuba menelaah hembusan bayu dan sinaran cahaya matahari.
“Belum.”

Sita mengeluh. Dipandangnya Rama yang masih kelihatan sasa pada usia yang kian menghampiri separuh abad. Sita sendiri masih seperti dahulu; ramping dan awet muda. Cuma sehelai dua rambutnya mula berubah warna.

“Kami tinggalkan takhta kerajaan. Kami berpuasa lima purnama. Kami juga cuba menemui Anjathi Devi untuk memohon ampun. Tapi khabarnya dia sudah meninggal dunia. Kami menyucikan diri di Sungai Gangga. Kami lakukan pooja saban hari di kuil Vishnu. Kami berzikir setiap malam.”

Rama mengeluh. Menggeleng. Memejamkan mata. Air matakah itu di kelopak matanya?

“Itu sahaja?” tanya Maharishyi Kaswa sementara Maharishyi Valmiki terus-menerus duduk membisu sambil tekun mencatatkan segala butir perbincangan.

“Ya. Itulah sahaja arahan Bibasenam.”

Maharishyi Kala dan Maharishyi Kaswa berbalas pandangan. Masing-masing kurang faham mengapa agaknya dosa Rama dan Sita belum terampun; kalau benar mereka berdua sudah melakukan segala apa yang diarahkan oleh Bibasenam. Masakan Bibasenam tersilap memberikan arahan.

“Aneh. Jika begitu, mengapa tiada lagi utusan pengampunan?” Diamatinya lagi gerak angin dan sinar mentari. Mencari kalau-kalau perutusan pengampunan sudah sampai.

“Adinda menyesal, kanda.” Seketika Sita melupakan kehadiran ketiga-tiga maharishyi itu di hadapannya.

“Masakan dosa kita terlalu besar sehingga tidak mungkin diberi pengampunan sampai bila-bila.”
Rama meredakan tangisan isterinya.

“Bertenanglah, adinda. Tuhan Maha Pengampun. Kita sudah menyesali tindakan bodoh kita. Kita insaf. Sekarang terpulanglah kepada Dewata untuk sama ada mahu memaafkan atau tidak segala dosa kita.”

Maharishyi Kala mentafsir lagi suara angin. Kemudian mengeluh. Maharishyi Kaswa pula mengusap-usap janggutnya sambil membetulkan kedudukan di bawah pokok bodhi.

“Mungkin juga tempoh setahun belum memadai untuk menebus dosa kalian sehabis-habisnya.”

Maharishyi Kala dan Maharishyi Valmiki memandang Maharishyi Kaswa. Rama dan Sita turut memandangnya.

Source :http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/08/04/hanuman-suara-hati-%E2%80%93-bahagian-51/