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april 22 – 24, 2011/ issue 21
Kept in the dark By Gan Pei Ling
Kampung Kemensah Orang Asli resident Kia Sun (left) and her daughter wait for electricity to be connected to their home which came ready with a electricity circuit box when the house was handed over to her in 2009.
hulu kelang: Located a stone’s throw away from the affluent neighbourhoods of Ukay Perdana and Kemensah Heights are homes of 18 Temuan families who exist with no electricity. Despite being relocated to the site to make way for development in 1963, development and basic amenities have eluded the villagers of Kampung Kemensah Orang Asli. Hidden from view in the Hulu Gombak Forest Reserve, the 100odd villagers rely on candles and kerosene lamps, as well as generators for the fortunate few who can afford them. Kia Sun, a mother of five, said her children cannot study at night by candlelight. “Not all of us can afford to buy a generator and petrol,” she said to Selangor Times. A plaque in front of Kia’s home states that it was built by the federal government in 2009. Their homes come ready with electricity circuit boxes, and the community hall even has fans but no electricity. Their plight has caught the attention of state lawmaker Saari Sungib, who has been fighting to get them the power supply they deserve. The Hulu Kelang assemblyperson told Selangor Times that he had w r i t t e n t o th e O r a n g A s l i Development Department ( JAKOA) to highlight the villagers’ plight but received no response. Utility company Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) had also estimated that it would cost RM1.06 million to connect the nearest electric cable – about 2.5km away – to the village. Saari has also explored the option of building a micro-hydro system to supply electricity to the village as it is cheaper and more environmentally friendly. The first community-based micro-hydro system in Selangor only cost RM80,000 and was successfully installed in an Orang Asli village
in Tanjung Rambai last year. Unfortunately, experts found the terrain at Kampung Orang Asli Kemensah unsuitable for such a system. When Selangor Times visited the site on Monday, electric cables and street lamps could be seen on Jalan Taman Zooview, located about 400m down the road from the village. The cable supplies electricity to chalets and the All-Terrain Vehicle Adventure Park along the road, as well as Institut Budaya Baru Malaysia at the end of the road. Saari said the cost of connecting power supply to the village should be cheaper as the existing cable is close to the village. Gombak assistant district officer Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim, who was also present, said he would instruct the rural development department to assess the cost needed to connect electricity to the kampung. But village chief Ebak Pulasan and other residents want the state to expedite the process. The 70-year-old farmer pointed out that the villagers had been waiting for decades for authorities to fulfill their promises of electricity for the village. When contacted by Selangor Times, Elizabeth Wong said the state would be allocating funds for the village to finally get electricity. The executive councillor said the money would be obtained from the state’s Orang Asli Trust Fund, which was established to finance small-scale infrastructure projects and community programmes for them. • Turn to page 2
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NEWS APRIL 22 — 24, 2011
Alam Flora contract cut to save councils millions
“The local councils have been handling the cleaning duties until Alam Flora took over the job from them 10 years ago. “This is nothing new to them,” he said. The duties will include cleaning drains, streets, roads and cutting grass. In addition, five local councils are joining forces to ensure a smooth transition. They are Shah Alam City Council, Petaling Jaya City Council, Subang Jaya Municipal Council, Ampang Jaya Municipal Council and Klang Municipal Council. “If there’s a problem reported in Subang Jaya, MPSJ can ask for help from the other four local governments to solve [it] quickly,” said Khalid. He said they would be assisting other authorities with limited financial resources such as Sabak Bernam and Hulu Selangor district councils. However, Alam Flora will still handle rub- Khalid at the monthly state government on April 18. bish collection. Alam Flora, a subsidiary of DRBHicom and Pahang. meeting on Monday. Bhd, was awarded the concession rights for “They were handling too many things. Sungai Pinang assemblyperson Teng Chang solid waste management in 1998 for the cen- They had too big a portfolio,” Khalid had said Khim and state secretary Datuk Khusrin tral region covering Selangor, Kuala Lumpur at a state government departments’ monthly Munawi were also present.
By Basil Foo and Gan Pei Ling
SHAH ALAM: Local governments will save up to RM20 million annually once they retake responsibility for cleaning public areas from solid waste management concessionaire Alam Flora Sdn Bhd. “Local authorities were paying exorbitant fees for the cleaning duties, but the result was disappointing, and the people [are] dissatisfied with the services,” said Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim. The Menteri Besar said this after a weekly executive council meeting on Wednesday. He said councils would be saving the 10% management fee they now pay to Alam Flora out of the RM200 million annual cleaning costs. The move effectively removes Alam Flora’s role as facilitators, having previously outsourced their cleaning duties by appointing subcontractors. Khalid said there might be hiccups at the beginning of the transition, but he expressed confidence that the local councils will provide better services to the people.
Selangor WEATHER Friday
Saturday
Sunday
‘Federal agency’s job to provide basic amenities’ • FROM PAGE ONE
Morning
Afternoon
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Source: Malaysian meteorological department
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Village houses located in the Hulu Gombak Forest Reserve.
Wong had also hit out at JA KOA during S elangor’s legislative assembly last month for neglecting the welfare of the indigenous peoples. She pointed out that the state had to step in to provide basic amenities such as roads, electricity and water for the Orang Asli when such matters were supposed to have been taken care of by the federal agency. Meanwhile, Selangor JA-
KOA director Azali Mohamed told Selangor Times yesterday that the department would be providing electricity to the six remaining indigenous villages in Selangor by 2012. “Allocation has been provided under the NKRA (National Key Result Areas) by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry,” said Azali. However, he could not specify a specific timeline for Kampung Orang Asli Kemensah to receive electricity as TNB would need to survey the site and assess the cost.
Contact Timothy Loh at 019-267 4488 or Ivan Looi at 014-936 6698
phone (603) 5510 4566 fax (603) 5523 1188 email editor@selangortimes.com
EDITORIAL CHIEF EDITOR COMMUNITY EDITOR
KL Chan
Neville Spykerman
Tang Hui Koon, Chong Loo Wah, Gan Pei Ling, Basil Foo, Alvin Yap, Gho Chee Yuan, Brenda Ch’ng COPY EDITORS Nick Choo, James Ang
WRITERS
DESIGNERS
Jimmy C. S. Lim, Chin Man Yen
PHOTOGRAPHER ADVERTISING ADVISORS
Victor Chong
Timothy Loh, Ivan Looi
Faekah Husin, Arfa’eza Abdul Aziz
Saari (left, wearing cap) meeting villagers in the community hall, which has lights and ceiling fans but no electricity.
SELANGOR TIMES ⁄ April 22 – 24, 2011 ⁄ 3
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NEWS APRIL 22 — 24, 2011
EVENTS Sudoku convention The Senior Citizens Association of Selangor and Federal Territory (Secita) will hold its monthly Sudoku session on Monday (April 25) from 9am to 10.30am. Members of the Malaysia Sudoku Society will be on hand to assist newcomers at their clubhouse, Bangunan Secita, 4A, Jalan SS5D/6, Kelana Jaya, 47301, Petaling Jaya. Admission is free. For details, call 019-3118174 (Lim) or 0122341492 (Lee).
Blueprint for forest conservation
Korean cultural art performance Korean culture can be experienced live at the Malaysian Airlines (MAS) Academy Auditorium Kelana Jaya. Ten-member Jang Sueng Eouri Art Troupe from Seoul will be performing on May 15 from 2pm to 4pm. Expect traditional Korean dances, musical presentations, traditional rhythm percussions and more. Entry is by invitation only. Call 012-3009968 (Eddy Loh), 019-3568879 (Dolly Teoh) or 0162010853 (Nancy Peng) for details.
Mountain bike jamboree The Hulu Selangor Mountain Bike Jamboree will be held on May 15 at 7am. The ride, which will last about four hours, begins at Dewan Millenium Bandar Utama Batang Kali, Kuala Kubu Baharu. Registration began on April 1 and closes on April 30. Each entry costs RM60. For details, call 017-6303441 (Zak), 012-6866550 (Nizam) or 012-3533755 (Kishah).
Treasure hunt Come join Hospice Klang in their Charity Treasure Hunt in Klang Town at 8am on June 12. The event aims to raise funds and to create awareness of the services Hospice Klang provides. Get a team of three to four people and join the hunt. Entry forms are available now. Each entry costs RM85. High tea will be provided. For more information, call 0333244740/016-2741178 (Hong).
Pet Finder fair Pet Finder will be celebrating its third birthday with a fun-filled charity drive to help raise awareness and funds for seven leading animal welfare non-governmental organisations in Malaysia. There will be public education, launch of the 100-day adoption drive, and registration for the “save-a-stray” Sunway spaying campaign. Join them at Orange Wing LG2 Sunway Pyramid from tomorrow (April 23) to Sunday (April 24) from 12pm to 8pm.
Badminton tournament Badminton Club of Multimedia University (Cyberjaya Campus) will hold a MSC Team Championship from May 6 to 8 at the VRC Sunway Badminton Court. The events are men’s singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles. There is no age limit, but players can only take part in one event. Registration is open now until Sunday (April 24). Registration fee is RM200 for a team comprising up to seven players. For more information, contact 0174329872 (Tan Chin Hwa) or visit www.mscteam-championship.blogspot.com.
Tamil New Year The Malaysian Ceylonese Congress will celebrate the Tamil New Year at the PJ Pillayar Temple on Sunday (April 24). The gathering is open to the public. Events lined up are children’s fashion show, songs and dances and a flower arrangement contest. For more information, call 012-2238395 (Kamalanathan), 012-9053030 (K Rasamani) or 013-3312727 (K Shamini).
Professor Latiff (left) being given an award by Wong, while JPNS head Burhanudin Arshad looks on.
By Alvin Yap
KOTA DAMANSARA: How the Kota Damansara Forest Reserve is managed will act as a blueprint for the role of local communities in adopting and protecting green lungs in Selangor. Under the plan, residents will play a part in ensuring that development does not encroach on the gazetted reserves by voicing their concerns during public inquiries. “Every day, there is pressure on the state as it receives proposals to de-gazette forest reserves into private land for development,” said Elizabeth Wong. The executive councillor for environment said the public should utilise the amended Forestry Act to its full potential if they want the status quo for their forest reserves. The amendment makes public inquiries mandatory before a decision is made by the state to de-gazette forest reserves. The enactment also protects water catchment areas from being overrun by property development. Wong praised the Selangor Forestry Department ( JPNS) as the lead agency responsible for suggesting that the oncealienated Kota Damansara Forest Reserve be gazetted as a forest reserve. She said the department has been successful in convicting illegal loggers and also tracking illegal timber at mills in the state. “The state depends on JPNS to manage and protect the forest reserves,” she said at the closing ceremony of a Bio-diversity Scientific Expedition in conjunction with World Forest Day. The expedition, held recently at the
Kota Damansara Forest Reserve, was participated by biological, geographical and geological teams from various institutes of higher learning. The teams have discovered that the 346-hectare area is “the last refuge for wildlife” in Klang Valley, and is rich in flora and fauna biodiversity. “We encountered foxes, wild boars, and many more insect species, as well as many other ferns and fungi species,” said Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Latiff Mohamad at JPNS’s training centre in Sungai Buloh. The expedition head said the area was probably part of the Klang Gates hills in Ulu Kelang. “We discovered the same quartz and mineral content here as in Ulu Kelang Ridge,” he said. He said the team also discovered a series of small streams, and more indigenous settlements than was previously thought. “The challenge is how to protect the biodiversity that is contained in this endangered piece of land,” he said. “The community [here] will work with JPNS to care for the forest. It is a treasure,” he said. Latiff said he supported the idea of turning the forest reserve into both an educational and recreational park, while balancing it with environmental concerns. “We can create educational posters of the different species of insects and plants. We can come out with a high-quality coffee-table print of the pictures we took,” he said. He said the forest should be enjoyed by people, and supported the building of jogging tracks and mountain bike trails as long as they do not damage the environment.
JPNS head Burhanudin Arshad said his department would compile the data from the expedition to create a working model to manage other forest reserves in the state. Using Kota Damansara as a blueprint, he said JPNS would involve local communities as stakeholders in caring for forest reserves. “We have to ensure sustainability in managing our forests,” he said. The Kota Damansara forest reserve was a part of what was previously the Sungai Buloh forest reserve. Gazetted as far back as 1898, the colonial government created 6,590 hectares at the Sungai Buloh area to make it the oldest gazetted forest in peninsular Malaysia. Since its first clearing in 1988 for the construction of the North-South Highway, the forest has been slowly affected by development projects. In 1992, 1,600 hectares were alienated for the Kota Damansara township.
Wong planting a Meranti tree.
State to revive Port Klang ghost town SHAH ALAM: Selangor is looking for ways to revive the abandoned project Bandar Armada Putra in Port Klang. Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said the state is assessing the feasibility of reviving the “ghost town” and the cost it would take. “We’ll also meet with the affected buyers,” said the Men-
teri Besar after chairing the executive council meeting on Wednesday. English daily theSun had reported on Wednesday that Bandar Armada Putra, formerly dubbed the “New Singapore”, is now an abandoned town due to poor planning. The project was developed by Brisdale Holdings
15 years ago. Most of its 5,000 units of shop houses, offices, lowcost flats and double-storey terraced houses are unoccupied. Buyers were left in the lurch, while looters have stripped the buildings of windows, doors, grilles, water and electricity meters, hydrants
and manhole covers. Property developer Central Spectrum had proposed to the Klang Municipal Council to upgrade the area. The proposed upgrade would include a theme park and other projects, but the company has yet to receive the required approval from authorities.
NEWS
Villagers still treating sea as rubbish dump By Gho Chee Yuan
PORT KLANG: Old habits die hard, and no one knows this better than authorities who are trying to get residents of the Sungai Lima new village to recycle. The joint effort between the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) and the fishing village’s committee to get residents of the island near Pulau Ketam to stop throwing rubbish into the sea seems to be failing. The year-long campaign, which started in January, is only getting a lukewarm response from villagers. Only a small group has embraced recycling, while the majority continues to treat the sea as their garbage dump. “Only the village committee and some students are helping us to clean up,” said village chief Tan Chuee Cheng. He is disappointed that some villagers have even discredited their efforts without giving the campaign a chance to take off. The campaign at the 150-year-old new village was launched to solve the perennial problem of what to do with their trash, and transform the village into the first ecofriendly village in Selangor. But Selangor Times found that plastic bags and bottles
APRIL 22 — 24, 2011
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could still be seen below the wooden stilt houses during low tide. Old electronic items are also chucked into the mangroves at the back of the village. Tan explained that villagers from Sungai Lima and Pulau Ketam have been throwing rub- Village chief Tan pointing to garbage during low tide. bish into the sea for ages as they did not have any proper waste disposal system until a few unteers to sort out the recyclable items apart from cleaning years ago. up the village. But he is determined to push on with the clean-up and The committee plans to take a year to educate villagers recycling project as the village’s survival depends on tourists. and raise their environmental consciousness. “Young people are moving out of the village, and the Tan acknowledged that it would not be easy to change the government has banned fisher[folk] from hiring migrant villagers’ habits, but the village needs to be cleaned up if it is workers,” said Tan. to become a tourist destination. Currently, most of the 200 families in the village depend Meanwhile, Klang local councillor Lim Lip Suan said he on fishing or related industries for their income. plans to increase the villagers’ participation in recycling “We have to reduce our reliance on the fishing industry. campaigns. Transforming the village into a tourist attraction is our only Lim said he would assist the village committee to look for alternative,” said Tan. sponsors to reward villagers who participate in clean-up and He added that the village committee was recruiting vol- recycling activities.
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NEWS APRIL 22 — 24, 2011
Huge turnout at Malaysia’s first pet carnival
Owners and pets lounging and mingling at the carnival.
By William Tan
SERI KEMBANGAN: Malaysia’s first-ever pet carnival was held last Saturday at the Mines Square, with approximately 5,000 visitors and their pets taking part in the festivities. Events included pet fashion shows, dog boat rides and even an eating competition. Booths were available to cater to every need, from food and drinks for owners and pets, to activities to keep children entertained, to special services just for pets, like Malaysia’s first local pet furniture maker, Petsvilla. “This is meant to be an outing for the complete family, and that means including our pets,” said Shoba Mano, director of
Ivy Lee showing off her dog Moby.
event organiser Petz Unleashed. She said there are just not enough venues or opportunities in Malaysia for pets to meet other humans and animals. With the success of the event, she said they would be making it an annual affair. Visitors who were delighted with the news included Subash Visvalingam and Kumuthamalar Balakrishnan. The couple, with their dogs, golden retriever Elmo and mix-breed Alvin, said such events were really lacking in Malaysia. They hoped a greater variety of such events would be held, with more publicity. The couple, who are both shipping officers, also keep birds and fishes. Other visitors included Millie Lung with her one-and-a-half-year-old ChiSubash Visvalingam (left) with Elmo, and Kumuthamalar huahua, Metta. “It is really important that he (Metta) Balakrishnan with Alvin. gets a chance like this to socialise with other dogs, otherwise they will be really un- loved dog and other pets. friendly,” she said. Cats were also on site, well separated from their canine The teacher lets her dog sleep with her in counterparts. Owners got to show off their felines in an exthe bedroom, and has personally toilet hibit and get grooming tips from experts. trained him. The public also had the opportunity to adopt their own Also present was dog lover Ivy Lee with cats from Ominey Home, who offered free adoptions. her seven-month-old toy poodle, Moby. The cat-exclusive adoption home said they normally see 13 Being a first-time pet owner, she loved out 15 cats adopted through such events. meeting other pet owners, and was seen snapFor more information on future events and product offerping photos at every opportunity of her be- ings, visit www.petsunleashed.com.
Know Your Councillor: V Maneyvannan By Brenda Ch’ng
EDUCATING the lower-income community on their basic rights is one of the roles V Maneyvannan has taken upon himself as councillor with the Klang Municipal Council (MPK). “Many in my area don’t know how to voice out and fight for their rights towards improving their living conditions,” he said. Midway into his third term, Maneyvannan feels his goals for communities such as Kampung Sementa in Kapar are only half done. He lamented that his task is made more difficult by lack of funds and allocations. He also struggles to cope with complaints about Kapar’s poor infrastructure. These range from poor roads, utilities and recreational facilities to stray dogs. The 49-year-old businessperson also feels that MPK staff should step up to better serve the community. “Though there is more transparency now in MPK, more can be done to improve standards,”
Scheme to alleviate funeral costs By Brenda Ch’ng
said Maneyvannan. He hopes that he and his fellow councillors will be able to better improve MPK. Topping his wish list for this year is to improve development in Kampung Sementa and Kampung Perepat by bringing more facilities into the villages. Maneyvannan says the most exciting experience he has had being a councillor was in learning the different ways to satisfy and give residents what they want.
BATU CAVES: Cheques for RM1,500 were handed out to 51 beneficiaries under the Selangor’s welfare scheme for the elderly (SMUE) to help defray the cost of funerals. “The funds I received will be able to help ease my burden a little when paying off my father’s funeral expenses,” said S Suriy Kalan. Suriy was among the beneficiaries from Batu Caves, Hulu Klang and Gombak Setia who attended the event recently at Dewan Kampung Melayu. Another beneficiary, Choi Tack Chee, said he was pleasantly surprised when he received a call from the land office to claim the money for the funeral expenses. The RM1,500 is the second payment amounting to RM2,500 provided under the scheme. An initial
payment of RM1,000 was handed out to the family earlier. “These funds, which are from profits made by state subsidiaries, are given back to the people through schemes like this,” said Shaari Sungib. Despite the benefits, the states assemblyperson for Hulu Klang said there are 2,000 senior citizens in his constituency who have yet to sign up for the scheme. Since 2009, the state government has given out RM50 million to all beneficiaries regardless of religion or race. Sungib expressed hope that people will be made more aware of state welfare programmes and not miss out on benefits. The event was hosted by Sungib, SMUE chief officer Kamsani Nasir, and the Gombak District Office.
SELANGOR TIMES ⁄ APRIL 22 – 24,2010 ⁄ 7
news
Feline wonder drug available by next year SHAH ALAM: Owners of cats inflicted with end-stage Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Vrus (FeLV) will soon have what’s being described as “miracle drug” for their pets. The locally developed drug – currently on trial – has successfully treated some 14 cats under closely monitored tests, and the drug developer says owners can expect it on shelves by early next year. “We only lost one cat out of the 15 as the owner did not want to continue with the treatment regime,” said Ung Eng Huan of BioSatria, who added that the tests are ongoing. The Chief Technology Officer said the drug, RetroMAD1, has reversed up to 90% of the symptoms in the felines arising from FIV and FeLV infection. Ung said the drug was researched and created by Malaysians without any foreign assistance. BioSatria, a company based in Kota Kinabalu, invested RM4 million to research and develop the “wonder drug”. The drug is unprecedented as it “genetically modifies” to beat viruses, even those that mutate into different forms. Ung said the pricing for the drug has not been decided upon yet, but pointed out that it would priced to make it available for all animal lovers. He said the federal government has also approved a grant of RM1.37 million to BioSatria, which he hopes to use to fund more research and development on the miracle drug. The drug will have to be approved by Malaysian veterinary departments before it can be approved for use, said Ung, who is a visiting lecturer in biotechnology at University of Malaya. Ung said he want to expand the test cen-
tres to Penang and Johor Baru . One promising outlook is that the drug may also be a “puppies’ best friend” as it is shown to combat canine Parvovirus in puppies, which has a 91% mortality rate. One of the first to try the drug was Sabrina Yeap, co-founder of Friends Furry Farm, an animal rescue sanctuary in Selangor. “Just before Christmas last year I had three very small FIV-positive kittens suffering from eye infections, dehydration and diarrhoea,” she said. Yeap, who said the kittens were at death’s door, dosed them with RetroMAD1, and claimed the “reverse effect” was almost instantaneous. “They got stronger, began eating, and the diarrhoea disappeared. Within a week I knew they were going to make it,” said Yeap. As the antiviral drug is not approved for sale and is currently available only for testing, cat owners whose felines have FIV or FeLV symptoms may register their pets as test subjects. Currently, the drug test is conducted at Klinik Haiwan dan Surgeri Wawasan in Puchong. Volunteers can call 03-58820755 for further details.
FAQ on FIV What is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)? FIV attacks the immune system in cats, and like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), FIV makes it hard for the cat to fight infections. The FIV-infected cat may succumb to other diseases caused by the weakened immune system. How common is FIV? FIV-infected cats are found worldwide, but the prevalence of infection varies greatly. In the United States, approximately 1.5-3% of healthy cats are infected with FIV. Rates rise significantly by 15% or more in cats that are sick or at high risk of infection. How is FIV spread? The primary mode of transmission is through bite wounds. On rare occasions, infection is transmitted from an infected mother cat to her kittens, usually during passage through the birth canal or when the newborn kittens ingest infected milk. Sexual contact is not a major means of spreading FIV. What does FIV do to a cat? Infected cats may appear normal for years. However, infection eventually leads to a state of immune deficiency that hinders the cat’s ability to protect itself
against other infections. The same bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi that may be found in the everyday environment – where they usually do not affect healthy animals – can cause severe illness in those with weakened immune systems. These secondary infections are responsible for many of the diseases associated with FIV. What are the signs of disease caused by FIV? · Poor coat condition and persistent fever with a loss of appetite are common. · Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis) and chronic or recurrent infections of the skin, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory tract are often present. · Persistent diarrhoea can also be a problem, as well as a variety of eye conditions. · Slow but progressive weight loss is common, followed by severe wasting late in the disease process. · Various kinds of cancer and blood diseases are much more common in cats infected with FIV. · In unspayed female cats, abortion of kittens or other reproductive failures have been noted. · Some infected cats experience seizures, behavior changes, and other neurological disorders.
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NEWS APRIL 22 — 24, 2011
Walking to eradicate blindness By Alvin Yap
PETALING JAYA: Blindfolded participants walking in the shoes of the blind learnt to appreciate their sight when they completed a 3km walkathon on Sunday morning. “I was worried that I might walk into a tree or lamppost. I am not going to take my eyes, my sight for granted,” said engineering student Simon Lam, 25. Lam, one of the 150 participants at the Petaling Jaya Lions Club-sponsored Blind Leading the Blind event here, said he understood better the struggles the blind were living with. The fundraising event, which kicked off at 8.15am, aimed to raise RM250,000 in corporate sponsorship to fund its blindness-eradication programmes. The money will be used to pay for eye checkups and cataract surgery for some 6,000 people, mostly from lower-income groups, as part of the Lions Club’s Sight First Programme to fund free cataract surgery at Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital. The international programme has restored
sight to some 1.2 million people worldwide. Participants gathered at the Petaling Jaya City Council(MBPJ) car park at Civic Hall and were blindfolded before being guided by another “seeing” participant. “Goodness, I’m dependent on you, Kim,” said Stephanie Maria, 24, to her friend Kim Boon Kee as the housemate led her out to the five-foot way opposite Lotus restaurant. Trainers from the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) provided “hints” on walking blindfolded. “Can you feel the different tiles under your feet? It feels different than the other tiles,” said Abdul Samad Shamsul to the participants as they walked in a single file. Abdul was referring to the “tactile tiles” the city council had installed to help the blind in navigating their way along the city’s walkways. Participants who finished the 3km walk received vouchers for a comprehensive eye check at Tun Hussein Onn hospital worth RM160. The walk was flagged off by MBPJ mayor Blindfolded participants being led by sighted persons. Datuk Roslan Sakiman.
More parking bays for USJ Developers threaten
to sue over allegations
Illegal parking in USJ 4 despite available parking bays right outside the hawker centre.
By Brenda Ch’ng
SUBANG JAYA: The Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) will provide between 250 and 300 new parking bays at the business centre in USJ 9 in a move to resolve the parking shortage. The proposal, which was approved at the end of last year, aims to address numerous complaints, particularly the chaos caused by cars which double park. “It’s near impossible to park [here,] so I brought up this new idea to legalise parking in lanes behind and beside shoplots,” said Rajiv Rishyakaran. The MPSJ councillor said this was the first such initiative in Subang Jaya. But the project is facing delays because various departments in MPSJ need time to coordinate before the
project can be carried out. However, the plan to maximise parking bays has already been drawn up by MPSJ. The move also includes widening back lanes by covering drains to enable cars to park on them. Twelve to 15 parking boxes can be drawn in each lane, depending on its length. Other parking projects in commercial areas in USJ 2 and USJ 4 have also been completed. Last year, there was a 62% increase of parking space in USJ 2 and a 128% increase in USJ 4. “In those areas, I think more parking spaces can be added, but it is not easy, especially when shoplots are located near residential areas,” said Rajiv.
Rajiv showing where more parking boxes in USJ 9 will be drawn.
(Front) Rahim and Yong showing the proposed Sekinchan Perdana apartment project.
By Basil Foo
SEKINCHAN: A condominium developer whose project is facing objections from residents has threatened legal action if they continue to protest. “As a business[person] who follow rules, it is not fair. If people still cause disturbances [which cause us delays,] we will sue for damages,” said Yong Choo Kong. The Bina Variamas Development project director said accusations against Sekinchan Perdana have delayed the project for six months since it was approved last year. Yong, speaking to reporters at a press conference on Monday, hit out at 40 residents who protested outside the project site the previous week (April 13). He said allegations that the residents are being “robbed” of their playground, where a sewerage treatment plant will be built to accommodate the high-rise apartments, were unfounded. Residents also expressed worry about the stench from the plant. The playground will be retained and a portion of the land comprising 884 square metres will be used to expand an existing treatment plant. Bina Variamas will also spend about RM1 mil-
lion to upgrade the plant which is already there, while upgrading the playground. Young explained that concerns about dirty water being discharged into nearby drains were also unfounded, as they would be adhering to standards set by the National Water Services Commission (Span). Bina Variamas Development Sdn Bhd chairperson Datuk Rahim Awang said the water that would be released into drains is “Class A”. “According to Indah Water standards, this class of water is considered clean enough for fish to live in, but we still can’t drink it,” he said. He said previous treatment plants had open air ponds, but the current plants are mechanical in design and would be completely covered to avoid any bad smell. Other allegations include a breach in the state’s housing-density law, which Yong refuted as their plans for the 280-unit apartment only reached 70.88 units per acre. “Based on the local plan of Sabak Bernam [which was gazetted in June 2007], the mediumdensity housing requirement was 51 to 75 units per acre,” he said. Yong said they welcomed all enquiries, and that they can be contacted at their office off Jalan Menteri Besar in Sekinchan.
news april 22 — 24, 2011
FAS tunnel goes one-way
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By Alvin Yap
KELANA JAYA: The move to allow one-way vehicular flow at PJU 1A today (April 22), instead of totally barring traffic, is being welcome by residents. “The decision by MBPJ to make the traffic one-way is better than closing it,” said Ara Damansara Action Group committee member YK Lee. The artery, known as the FAS Tunnel due to the proximity to the Football Association Selangor building, was earlier ordered closed permanently because of complaints that it channeled heavy traffic into surrounding residential areas. Lee said the tunnel – which caters to traffic to and from the Puchong-Damansara Highway (LDP) and neighbouring areas such as Ara Damansara, Taman Mayang, Taman Megah Mas and Taman Emas – is a vital link. However, he said MBPJ has not addressed the problem of fast moving and heavy traffic along the FAS tunnel road. Lee said that the city council should instead install traffic lights to manage the traffic flow. He also said that MBPJ should erect barriers to stop lorries and other large vehicles from utilising the tunnel, adding that it would address Taman Kelana Idaman residents’ concerns about heavy traffic. “MBPJ decided to allow traffic into the PJU 1A area,” councillor Khairul Anuar Ahmad Zainudin told SelangorTimes on Wednesday. The eleventh-hour decision is good news, as closure would mean that motorists would have to use the entry along Subang Airport road at PAWS animal shelter. The tunnel was initially ordered closed due to complaints by residents whose terrace houses are located along the route from the tunnel. Residents in Taman Kelana Idaman, a housing scheme situated near the tunnel road, also claimed that the traffic had caused noise pollution. MBPJ mayor Datuk Roslan Sakiman had said many large vehicles and lorries were using
Road from LDP leading to FAS tunnel will become a one-way road today.
the tunnel daily, disturbing the peace of residents in the area. Earlier, residents complained about the initial decision to close the FAS tunnel. “We have to use the longer route to enter PJU 1A area until MBPJ builds an alternative link to the LDP. This move will lead to traffic jams as the road only has a single lane for some distance,” said Lim, 46, who runs a car repair shop at PJU 1A. He said it was unfair of MBPJ to close the tunnel and make motorists travel the extra distance to housing and commercial areas there. The mechanic claimed that commuters would have to spend an extra 40 minutes to enter PJU 1A area, compared to the “mere minutes” now. Lim further claimed that MBPJ did not consult residents and business owners before closing the tunnel.
Victims want more protection KELANA JAYA: Victims of robbery and snatch thefts are urging the police to step up their presence here to reduce what they describe as rampant crime. Khon Weng Joo, whose wife’s bag was snatched from a café at the Seri Kembangan Business Centre last Sunday, said he never expected thieves to be so bold. “We just ordered our drinks at about 10.30pm. Only a few minutes after that, her bag was snatched from the seat next to me,” said the 44-year-old pastor. “We lost RM1,300 in cash, a handphone, credit cards, ATM cards, and keys to my home, office, and church,” he said. He called upon residents to watch out
for each other and urged government agencies and the police to educate people about their safety. Shopkeeper Ally Tan Hong Hooi, 40, was a victim of a robbery when her restaurant was invaded by a parang-wielding thief late at night last November. “My husband hit him with a metal dish rack and the thief escaped, but he managed to grab my car keys,” she said. Seri Kembangan assemblyperson Ean Yong Hian Wah said he had personally seen a snatch theft in his constituency. He urged the Home Ministry to reconsider their objection to the Selangor government proposal to set up an auxiliary police unit.
Spotlight on youth issues at forum By Basil Foo
KLANG: To curb juvenile delinquency and keep students in check, the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) will assess the effectiveness of Crime Prevention Clubs. “As we are in charge of this, we will look into the Crime Prevention Clubs in schools to see if they need
help from us,” said Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. The MCPF vice-president said this during a forum on crime and integrity in Pandamaran on April 16 to a crowd of about 400. Lee said over 5,500 clubs have been set up in various primary and secondary schools, with only 5% of schools remaining without a club. “The frequency and effectiveness
(From left) Malaysian Integrity Institute president Datuk Dr Mohd Tap Salleh, moderator Datuk A Kadir Jasin, Datuk Lee Chee Leong, Bukit Aman Narcotics Investigation director Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim and Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
of programmes managed by the clubs are determined by the teachers, but they can ask for more informational books and posters from us,” he said. He was responding to a query during the question-and-answer session in which a participant expressed uncertainty over the effectiveness of the clubs. Taman Desawan rukun tetangga chairperson G Puvananderan said crime was still occurring in and around schools throughout Klang despite the clubs. “As parents, we ask the police and other relevant departments to do more patrols to reduce the crime rates, especially at SMK ACS Methodist in Klang,” he said. Seri Perantau Apartments Zone B Residents Association chairperson Rosli Abdul Razak echoed the complaint, and said more enforcement is needed to curtail the gluesniffing habit. “Although we want to help the police by having our own patrols in the early morning, we
Gayathiri: Schools are a good place to promote awareness.
can’t really enforce the law or advise other people’s children about glue sniffing,” he said. Also at the forum was Bukit Aman Narcotics Crimes Investigation Department director Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim, who said there was no law against the activity. He said although there are no current restrictions against glue sniffing, a bill is in the final stages of planning. It is hoped that it would be tabled in Parliament soon. A student of SMK Andalas also
addressed the panel, saying schools were a good place to promote awareness of crime and education on how to prevent it. “But schools are also a place where children can be exposed to crime, so we need more education from teachers,” said Gayathiri Rajasehar, who is in Form Four. Also at the forum was Malaysian Integrity Institute president Datuk Dr Mohd Tap Salleh, and Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Lee Chee Leong.
NEWS 10 APRIL 22 — 24, 2011
Daily grind with 10 traffic lights along 3km stretch By Brenda Ch’ng
SRI KEMBANGAN: Gridlock caused by 10 traffic lights on a 3km stretch of main road here has municipal councillors scratching heads over what to do. Long-suffering residents have put up with daily congestion on Jalan Besar Seri Kembangan for the past two decades. “I’m stuck for at least half an hour or more every day on that road just to get home. Leaving my car and walking home would be faster,” said Loke Kong Ming, a resident from Taman Sungai Besi Indah. Loke is among thousands who rely on the clogged federal artery under the purview of the Public Works Department ( JKR). Besides the congestion, Loka Ng Sai Kai pointed out that the narrow dual-lane road in either direction is also a hazard. The Subang Jaya Municipal (MPSJ) councillor explained that it was next to impossible for cars in the inner lane to turn onto other roads along the stretch. Loka Ng added that he had also received numerous complaints from residents about being issued summonses by police for beating
the lights to escape the congestion. Fellow councillor Tai Cheng Heng said the stretch of road could not accommodate the high volume of traffic. He said while JKR has proposed widening the road, it isn’t possible due to development along the road. To make matters worse, cars belonging to patrons of a nearby market are parked daily on either side of the road. MPSJ and JKR representatives are putting their heads together to come up with a long-term solution to ease the traffic flow. MPSJ engineers and architects are also drawing up plans, but they are in Residents together with councillors Loka Ng (second from left) and Tai Cheng Heng (third from left). the preliminary stage. “ We w o u l d Jln Raya 1 Jln Raya - Traffic lights want to build ei(Balai Polis SK) Balakong Jln Muhibah 5(UPM) ther ramps or flyovers to ease traffic flow, but unfortuKlinik Kesihanately, MPSJ does tan SK not have enough funds for the project,” added Ng Sze South City Han. Plaza Ng was among four MPSJ councilMap of Jalan lors who made a KL Persiaran Sdg Perdana Jln Utama, Sdg Jln Sekolah Jln SK 6/1 Jln BS 3/1 Jln Indah Besar Sri site visit with JKR (KL) Raya (KL) (PSK) (Tmn U Indah) Kembangan. officials last Friday.
Market claims to be longest in country
MBSA councillor Ang Leng Kiat.
Aerial view of the Setia Alam night market.
By Basil Foo
SHAH ALAM: A night market in Setia Alam here applied for the title of “Longest Pasar Malam” with the Malaysia Book of Records on April 16. “The records committee came today to carry out inspections, but we are not sure if we can get the longest market title or if we have to apply for other categories,” said Ang Leng Kiat. The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) member said the weekly Saturday night market has been operating
along a 0.8km stretch of Jalan Setia Prima A U13/1 since 2009. As the market consists of three lanes, its total length is considered to be 2.4km of back-to-back food, clothing, and trinket stalls. “The current market capacity is 1,000 hawker lots, which are occupied by over 760 different hawkers,” said Ang. With the award in hand, the market should expect to see an increase in shoppers and tourists wanting a sample of local hawker fare.
Currently, the market is visited by about 10,000 shoppers every weekend, with more during seasonal festivals like Chinese New Year and Ramadan. With such a volume of customers, Ang said the market had to take certain measures to control traffic flow, prevent haphazard parking, and curb petty theft. “We have 13 Rela officers to guard the market’s eight entrances and also receive help from security officers from nearby gated communities,” he said. The market has more than 30 security officers who are also responsible for directing traffic to park in the back lanes behind nearby shoplots. With a steady flow of customers attracted by the many choices of
shops, hawker Abdul Hadi finds his business to be very profitable. “There is more business here compared to the Klang area where I also go. The market here is well organised, and security is okay also,” said the 48-year-old nasi lemak vendor. Footwear seller Jessy, who started her business in the market since its inception three years ago, said the area was usually very crowded, with most of the customers coming from outside Shah Alam. “I’ve never seen another pasar malam as long as this,” she said. When contacted, a representative from the Malaysia Book of Records said they are waiting for supporting documents from the MBSA to clarify the length of the market.
Nasi lemak vendor Abdul Hadi.
views 11 april 22 — 24, 2011
W
e are a country in a hurry: we want high-income status by 2020. We are also a KPI-driven nation: we speedily devise and monitor a litany of key performance indicators. And we are an ambitious lot: we set high targets and want fast results. There’s nothing wrong with aspiring for higher income, better material conditions, or setting quantifiable targets and striving to meet them. But in our haste to claim the trophies we have projected as a future inheritance, or under pressure to deliver on lofty KPIs, we lull ourselves into an alternate reality where the status matters more than the income, impression trumps knowledge, and new indicators of development misinform or trivialise the problems at hand. I am really perplexed. What does “highincome status” mean, and at what exactly rate will we get there? The “old” metric of economic growth, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), has given way to Gross National Income (GNI). The magic number is US$15,000, or RM48,000, per capita by 2020. Actually, there is just a minor difference here, even though replacing the word “product” with “income” suggests that the indicator is a better reflection of well-being. GDP is not very different from Gross Domestic Product (GNP), which is basically the same as GNI. Call it GNI, but we still sum up the amount produced, dividing it by the population, then assume this captures what the average Malaysian actually receives as income. In international comparisons, GNI per capita can serve as a convenient means for demarcating low-income, middle-income
Country in a hurry wit pleasure Lee Hwok Aun and high-income countries, and the average differences in living standards across these categories are stark enough. But when analysing development in one country over time, it is equally if not more important to look at the level and distribution of workers’ earnings. In 2009, 56.4% of workers earned less than RM1,500 per month, according to the Economic Transformation Programme. By 2020, that figure will be reduced, but to a still sizable 43.2%. Seriously, we’re going to call ourselves a highincome nation when almost half the working population earns RM1,500 a month? However frugal one tries to live, that’s not much. How will we get to US$15,000 per person? The mantra wafting around is that 6% annual growth until 2020 will deliver the Malaysian economy to that level, from US$6,700 in 2009. Actually, 6% increase per year will raise average income to US$12,719 in 2020. Secondary-school mathematics is enough to calculate that it will take annual growth of 7.6% to reach the high-income threshold. This basic error dumbfounds me. That it
shapes our national development template testifies to appallingly sloppy, fantastically delusionary or willfully deceptive policy analysis. Is it just a computation mistake, or a mentality that statistical faith matters more than truth, or a packaging strategy to sell a growth rate that we would find more palatable? I don’t know, but what I do know is that the 6% story is not false – yet this is the basis for charging towards high-income status. Intertwined with the goal of raising income, of course, is the alleviation of poverty, especially hardcore poverty. The current zeitgeist, of course, is not content with that as a KPI. We want zero hardcore poverty, and that was supposed to have happened by the end of 2010. And we made it, apparently. On March 28, it was reported that 44,600 extreme-poor households (98%!) were “removed from the category”, all in the space of last year. Unlike in the past when we measured poverty by sampling the whole country and getting some estimate, we now have impressively precise numbers. The new way of counting the poor is to tally the number registered with the e-Kasih programme under the Women, Family and Communit y De velopment Ministr y. The assistance offered to the poor surely benefited them in some way. But having met the KPI of zero poverty, the government should explain further how
such phenomenal progress was made. Data indicate that between January 2010 and October 2010, 22,753 were departed from the hardcore category, and another 21,890 left in the last three months of the year. A parallel report on Sabah revealed that in the last three months of 2010, RM7.3 million was disbursed through the “temporary allowance programme”. There seems to have been a lot of payments to registered poor folks in the latter part of the year. Does this have anything to do with meeting KPIs? More importantly, does striking households off the list, especially through temporary allowances, amount to sustainable poverty reduction? Fundamental flaws in this data must also be highlighted. The credibility and relevance of data obtained through voluntary participation is supremely inferior to the established approach of randomly sampling every district to obtain nationally representative data. The e-Kasih registry conceivably provides information biased towards more IT-connected areas, or communities where neighbours encourage each other to sign up. Using this data, instead of national household surveys, to detect the poor and formulate policy risks marginalising the poor who are out of reach. Trouble is, nationally representative surveys and comprehensive evaluations cannot be done in a flash.
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Penang Economic Monthly is a monthly magazine dedicated to socio-economic issues in Penang, offering reliable socio-economic data as well as informative articles on the arts,the industry, culture and social issues that are relevant to today’s generation of Malaysians. Available nationwide at bookshops and newsstands. www.penangeconomicmonthly.com
Insight
12 APRIL 22 — 24, 2011
Last line of defence: The polling counting ag
By Alvin Yap
THOSE who want to play a larger part than just voting during elections can volunteer to help out a candidate during the campaigning period. However, there are two key positions that many volunteers overlook that are very important during the balloting process. These are the polling agent and counting agent, who ensure that the entire balloting and counting process is carried out in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations. A polling agent is always present in the voting room to watch for electoral fraud during balloting, while a counting agent is responsible for looking out for fraud during the counting of votes. “Both the polling and counting agent represent their candidate’s interest, and must be attentive when polls are open and when the ballots are counted ,” said Col (Rtd) Shaharudin Othman, deputy president of polls watchdog Malaysia for Free and Fair Elections (Mafrel). Shaharudin pointed out that candidates in elections around the world and in Malaysia can lose, and have lost, if their agents ignore voter impersonation, spoilt votes and other forms of voting fraud. The polling agent’s day begins hours before the start of voting at 8am because he or she has to check that ballot boxes are empty, then locked and sealed by the Election Commission (EC). During voting time, the agent also has to check for voter impersonation or double voting. “If a would-be voter comes and presents his [or her] identity card (IC) and the first two numbers are, for example, five and zero, then he [or she] is 60 years old. However, if the bearer of the IC looks no older than 30 years, then it is a case of voter impersonation,” Shaharudin explained. In such a case, the polling agent must make an objection to the EC’s officer in-charge of the polling station.
Each candidate’s polling agent has the latest electoral roll complete with particulars like age, state and parliament constituency, and other information. The polling agent also has to make sure the ballot papers are not pre-marked or tampered with. Shaharudin said polling agents can enforce the Election Act, which specifies that only EC officers can remain in the voting room. Thus, he said, polling agents can demand that visiting dignitaries do not linger in the voting room. He said the polling agent is the only person that can make objections to the EC polling station officer. “An ideal polling or counting agent is someone who is attentive, knows the Election Act by heart, and is not afraid to make objections on those points. He or she must be vocal and outspoken,” Shaharudin said. This, he said, was important as every discrepancy that is not brought forward to the polling officer could result in a candidate losing an election. Apart from spotting and preventing electoral fraud, a polling agent is also able to determine the percentage of voter turnout. “If he [or she] feels the number is too low by a given time, say by 1pm, he [or she] may call for the party machinery to go out to the streets and canvass for those who have not voted yet,” Shaharudin said. A polling agent is on duty for a two-hour shift before being relieved, and comes back four hours later. This is done so that the agents are not tired out. In order to become an effective polling or counting agent, Mafrel conducts training for volunteers from political parties or those from civil society wishing to ensure free and fair elections. The one-day training sees potential agents receiving a history lesson on elections in Malaysia, beginning from 1955 to the most recent one. One fact that surprises volunteers is that the campaigning period was pegged at 43 days in the past, The ballot box, which is verified empty, sealed and locked before polls but gradually had been reduced to the current nine- start at 8am. It will not be opened again until after 5pm, when counting day limit. starts.
Ensuring free and fair elections ALLISON Yap registered too late to vote in the 2004 general elections. In late 2007, she followed her friends to youth rally in a church in Petaling Jaya, where she registered to vote. She also sat down to hear a speaker from Mafrel tell her about elections, and how the vote is used to hold accountable leaders in power. “He asked me what my aspirations were for the country. He also told me about the power of the ballot to change things for the better,” said Alison, 30, who works as a general manager in a camping and hiking shop. “I thought that only civil servants monitored elections. [But] when the Mafrel representative told me it was the duty of citizens to ensure free and fair elections, I knew I wanted
to be a polling agent,” said Yap. She registered for polling agent and counting agent training with an opposition party. Yap described the one-day training as a crash course on “free and fair elections, government [and] procedures.” She explained that she was suited for polling agent work as her work in her office also deals with the “same kind of paperwork.” “I have to delete line-by-line shipping orders, much the same as I check for a voter when the person comes in to ballot,” she said. During the 12th General Election, Yap was placed in the Petaling Jaya North constituency as a polling agent. “You know you are playing a part in ensuring that the country changes government in free and fair elections,” Yap concluded.
Small sacrifice
f
Agents should have best training
g and gent “They will learn that the government through the EC has reduced the campaigning period,” said Shaharudin. They are also briefed on the electoral system used in Malaysia – the First Past the Post (FPTP) system, where the candidate with most votes wins the seat. “We tell the trainees that because of the FPTP system, where a candidate will win by just one more vote, they better be vigilant, especially counting agents,” said Shaharudin. He said the agent must check that ballots are properly marked with an “X” on the box and not on any other parts of the ballot paper. The paper is handed over by an EC official to the counting agent. There is one counting agent for each contesting candidate. A counting agent has to know what constitutes a spoilt vote, a rejected vote or a doubtful vote. He or she has the right to demand a recount, especially if the first count comes out with a small margin. A recount can also be carried out at the main counting centres in the constituency area. Agents must therefore ensure the box is securely locked and sealed for transportation to the main counting centre. “This is to ensure that there will be no tampering of the ballot boxes and papers inside,” explained Shaharudin. He cautioned that the work is tedious, repetitive, and demands great concentration from the counting agent. The agent has to insist on checking suspicious votes and must not be afraid to raise objections. “Sign the election returns form and attest to the results if you are sure that the ballots have been correctly accounted for. Take your time. This is virtually the future of the direction of the country in your hands,” Shaharudin said. So what does an agent do if a polling officer does not listen to his or her objections? Shaharudin said the agent must stand his or her ground, and know that he or she has the power and right to bring the case to
STEPHEN Matthew Sudhagaran, 28, volunteered as a polling agent for a Penang island seat in the last general election. “I wanted to make sure my candidate won – or lost – the state seat fairly and without any fraud,” the self-employed Penangite said. Stephen volunteered after a church worker brought him to a Mafrel forum on Monitoring Elections. “After the 2008 general election, I volunteered at Permatang Pauh as a
counting agent,” he said. Stephen comes from a “conservative family” who finds it hard to understand his volunteerism. “They say I volunteer too much of my time helping out in elections,” Stephen said, who is currently in the interior region of Sarawak as a polling agent. The business owner said Malaysians should firstly register themselves to vote. “There are still too many Malaysians who have not registered to vote. That’s
their right. Many countries might not even have elections,” he said. Stephen said he wants to gain more experience as an election agent before training others. He added that Mafrel had ap proached him to consider conducting training for future volunteers. “I do not think I will be ready to train volunteers for the nearest general election. I think they should have the best training , to know all the scenarios likely to arise,” Stephen said.
A voter casting her ballot during the recent Galas by-election while polling agents from both candidates watch closely.
the courts if necessary. To handle such potential scenarios, the agent-training programme also includes a role-playing session, which goes through different situations that may arise during polling and counting. For instance, agents, like voters, could be “bought” over to remain quiet and not object on discrepancies. Such scenarios are explored during the training so that the agent knows what to do come polling day. Shaharudin said Mafrel will be increasing its training sessions in view of the upcoming 13th General Election. He called on members of the public concerned about the outcome of the elections to attend the training. “You might be someone who identifies with a candidate’s aspirations, and you want the person to win. Or you want to make sure elections are not rigged. “You are the last line of defence against voter fraud,” Shaharudin concluded.
e to ensure electoral integrity ROBERT Kee, 36, was a polling and counting agent for the last four general elections, but has consistently voted since he was 21 years old. “I have always voted because I want to be able to change the government of the day to reflect what I want for society,” said the software engineer, who hails from Teluk Intan. In 1995, Kee volunteered with the Democratic Action Party to become a polling agent while in Teluk Intan. “I was too young to vote, but I could become a polling agent,” he said. Kee stressed that he is not partisan but simply volunteered as a “civil society observer”. Kee, who is interested in politics and
governance, admits to being is largely selftaught in political science. “I knew that the First Past The Post system that we use to run the electoral system meant that one candidate wins with just one more vote over his opponent,” Kee said. As such, he took his polling agent duty seriously. “I was sombre-looking. I took my time checking the ballot papers that came to my desk,” said the father of two. Kee said being involved as a polling and counting agent was a way for Malaysians to participate in the democratic system. “You stop being a passive supporter when you volunteer this small sacrifice to ensure the integrity of the electoral system,” he said.
Citizens should do their bit
HAZNAH Hashim, 46, is a realtor who volunteers as a polling agent. She just returned from the Sarawak state election, where she was in charge of training polling and counting agents. According to Haznah, the training for this round of election agents was “intensive”, and was the most comprehensive to date. “We will use these agents to train the future election agents for the upcoming 13th General Election,” she said. The Wangsa Maju resident said training started on April 2 until polling day. The comprehensive training was needed, she said, because an agent has to understand election
law and the “mandate” the law gives to election agents. Counting agents had to object to the denying of “automatic recounts”. “If the majority is within a 4% margin, the Election Commission officer in charge has to carry out a recount,” she pointed out. How important is to volunteer as a polling or counting agent? “Regardless of your political leanings, every Malaysian should become [an agent] to ensure that the government is freely and fairly voted in,” she said. “As a citizen, make sure you do your bit to ensure the country has a credible and transparently elected administration,” she concluded.
views 14 april 22 — 24, 2011
Party whipping can be more meaningful
D
ear Lord Bobo, what political ideology do you most identify with? @ adriene, via Twitter DEAREST @adriene (for anyone who sends in an average of 172 questions a week to this column cannot be anything but very dear to us), you obviously spend a lot of time asking what, why, how, when, where, which, who, and what the…? His Supreme Eminenceness expects you must be a highly intelligent, if not puzzled, indivi dual – or likely both at the same time. Lord Bobo has, in our un quest ionably superior wisdom, deigned to answer three of your questions this week, despite their individual flaws. With regard to political ideology, the question is flawed because His Supreme Eminenceness cannot be categorised into boxes and labels conceptualised by feeble humans. Many of Lord Bobo’s earthly minions have sought to become more intimate with Lord Bobo (no, not in that way) through meditation scented by roasting purple bananas, floating on Amazonian rivers in a banana boat, and even wolfing down banana splits. And still they keep trying, for while His Supreme Emin enceness’ ways remain a mystery, there is much enlighten ment in the journey. To get a peek at the “ideologies” approved by His Lordship, read the blawg. Common issues published there include the fight for individual liberty (from freedom of expression to religion to assembly) – some may interpret this as being a liberal. Also common are issues con cerning the collective good and social justice (like ethnic discri mination, oppression-faced indige nous people and the poor) – some say this reeks of socialism. But this method is flawed, as it does not reveal a “political ideology”. Perhaps the one true defining principle that His Supreme Emi nenceness holds to is the freedom of expression, and love. That seems the
only common thread that one can weave through posts on patriotism and love for Malaysia (#WhyMa laysia), football, music, events, human rights, language, politics, activism, education, fiction, film, books, food ... the list truly is endless – almost as endless as Arsenal’s search for a trophy. And so, fret not over such defi nitions or labels. For Lord Bobo is unclassifiable. His Supreme Emi nenceness is both darkness and light; earth, wind, and fire; ebony and ivory; ape and monkey. Free your mind. Free your spirit.
W
hat’s the point of debate in the legislatures in Malaysia when lawma kers vote according to the party line instead of conscience? PARLIAMENT in Commonwealth countries often practise a certain convention in the august house by electing/appointing an official called the “whip”. The function of a whip official (usually an MP appointed/elected from the same party) is to enforce party discipline in legislatures by making sure MPs from their own party vote according to party lines. Whips also ensure MPs are in attendance when important votes are taken. The usage of “whip” comes from the hunting “whipping in”, i.e. preventing hounds from wandering away from the pack. Different Parliaments have different practice of the whip system. Some are more strict and dogmatic than others. Some Com monwealth countries even do away with such practice altogether because it tends to breed parti sanship across the floor and cause internal conflicts when MPs within the party disagree. A recent controversy regarding the practice of the whip system in Malaysia was in 2006 when Datuk Seri Shahrir Abdul Samad (BNJohor Bahru) decided to vote in support of an opposition motion
According to one MP, wives are supposed to drop everything to fulfill their husbands’ demands.
The party whip system can be used to enforce attendance among MPs during sittings.
led by Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) to refer allegations of graft and corruption by an anonymous MP to the House Rights and Pri vileges Committee for investig a tion. He was the only government MP in support of the oppositionled motion. It was insinuated by BN party leadership later on that he would have been sacked if not for his vo lunt ary resignation, for voting against the whip. Umno subse quently issued a formal directive that all BN MPs must vote according to party line, regardless of personal convictions or the merits of the motions raised. To Lord Bobo, the practice of the whip system has it merits, but it can be practised in a much more meaningful manner, for example by enforcing attendance among MPs during house sittings through the “pairing” of MPs across the floor for debate and voting of motions in the house. This application of the whip system will encourage debate on all issues in the house, and ultimately benefit the interest of the country by putting national interests above party interests.
B any?
y Malaysian law, what role is the spouse of the Prime Minister meant to play, if
THE question is flawed – because it assumes that law in Malaysia plays a primary role in shaping what happens in the country. Neverthe less, an intriguing query. Upon applying Pythagorean theorem, Cartesian geometry, Newton’s infinitesimal calculus, consulting the alignment of celestial bodies and the principles of karmic astrology, using I-Ching’s system of divination, performing Crowley’s sex magick ritual and examining a plethora of literature including the Statutes of Murphy and the heretical
Analects of the Sith, His Supreme Eminenceness has distilled the approach to arrive at the answer into the following formula: One Minus One Times Three Million Eight Hundred Ninety One Thousand and Five Hundred Twenty Six Point Three Three Seven. And no, we did not consult the Federal Constitution. Why bother? No one else does these days! It is arguably more important to refer to a certain (Pasir Mas) MP’s recent statement that wives are supposed to stop everything to fulfill their husbands’ demands. That anachronistic view goes against a core value which human rights seek to protect, namely the dignity of the individual.
Question for Lord Bobo? Have a Call on His Supreme Eminenceness by emailing asklordbobo@loyarburok.com, stating your full name, and a pseudonym (if you want), or tweeting your questions by mentioning @LoyarBurok and using the hashtag #asklordbobo. The first 100 questions published will receive LoyarBurok merchandise courtesy of Selangor Times.
fiction 15 APRIL 22 — 24, 2011
Making ends meet Fiction by Rumaizah Abu Bakar
I
t is the evening rush hour at the Masjid Jamek Star LRT station. A bald Chinese artist sits on the tiled floor at the bottom of the steps, his oversized Bermuda shorts barely covering his deformed legs. His expression is intense as he bends over and rubs a crayon furiously on a piece of paper. His completed pictures lie in a row on the pavement, each showing a picture of a train, with different backgrounds. He remains oblivious to passers-by, who shuffle about hurriedly in their office clothes, barely noticing him in their rush. The few who do see him are generous. The condensedmilk tin in front of him is full of coins and notes of small denominations. He senses company. He stops colouring and looks up to see a middle-aged man in a green baju melayu, kain pelikat and songkok spreading a mengkuang mat next to him. He watches with interest as the man settles down cross-legged. The middle-aged man stares at two teenagers in school uniform walking by. “Mat Rempit is haram!” he spits. The boys look at him in surprise and walk away quickly towards the ticket scanner. The middle-aged man notices me watching him from the side of the pillar. He is about to say something to me when a woman in her thirties in a kebaya and hair held up in a sanggul appears from the other direction. Swinging a red plastic basket on her arm, she
is trying to sell packets of homemade chips. “Kerepek! Kerepek!” she calls. As she paces back and forth, she accidentally steps on the mengkuang mat and bumps into the man’s shoulder. “Oh, mak!” she blurts. He jerks away and grunts loudly. “Exposing your hair is haram.” The woman glares at him. Hands on his hips, he glares back. “Pasal la,” she mutters. “Celaka!” When she sees the man struggling to stand, the woman steps back, fear on her face. She quickly lifts the hem of her sarung and runs across the road before the pedestrian light turns red. The man continues to abuse her. I quickly step back behind the pillar before he notices me watching him. An old man wearing a ketayap strolls by. He stops when he sees the pair on the floor. Balancing his weight carefully on his cane, he puts his free hand into his pocket and pulls out a few notes. He is about to approach them when the middle-aged man in the songkok shouts. “Bribery is haram.” Startled, the old man freezes and puts his money back in his pocket and walks to the ticket scanner, his face red with anger. I hear the sound of an accordion coming from the walkway that connects the two LRT platforms. The lilting voice of a woman is singing an old Sharifah Aini song. I turn around to look for the source. A couple in dark glasses sit on low stools next to the wall, the singer holding a mic in her hands. mrt pr oject: reside disapp nts ointed
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issue 16
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LRT Stations (Distribution by hand) – Morning Ampang – Sentul Timur Ampang Cahaya Cempaka Pandan Indah Pandan Jaya Sentul Timur Sentul Kelana Jaya – Terminal Putra Kelana Jaya Taman Bahagia Taman Paramount Asia Jaya Taman Jaya Universiti Sri Rampai Wangsa Maju Sri Petaling – Sentul Timur Taman Melati Sri Petaling Bukit Jalil Bandar Tasik Selatan Salak Selatan Shopping Malls (From Saturday noon) 1 UTAMA Tropicana Mall Sunway Pyramid The Curve IOI Mall IOI Business Park Ikano Power Centre
Empire Subang Amcorp Mall Klang Centro
By Gan Pei Ling su Ba ng films, liter jaYa: There are dedicate ature and even eat dog d to the old sayin song s g of “dog swoop by”, but in an inno a cil, the “dog local municip vative by a mos ” will soon be al counquit replaced In a pilo o. taken soon t project to be betw underMunicip een al Council the Subang Jaya versiti Sain (MP SJ), Ban k Bhd s Malaysia and UniCIM soon be , mosquito larvae willB used The larv to combat Mosquit ae of the Toxo deng ue. species of oe, which prey rchynchites s on othe mosquit feed on be employe o larva r hum d to redu e, will soon The loca an blood but threat. ce the deng gether with l council is wornectar. ue The pilo king to- USM , which the univ project “mosqui t project to ersity on a pilot fully sponsoredcost RM60,000, mosquit to release Toxorhy mosquit to eater” to redurelease the If the trial by CIMB Ban is this oes is bein ce USJ 1 tooes at an abandon nchites coun mon the MPSJ. is successfu k. g carried Aedes ed see if it cil mosquit th by monitoring l, the loca out pop can redu area in other plans to apply by ulat o pop A Toxo the l don the method areas with effectivelion of Aedes mos ce the ed area ulation at the Aedes up to 158rhynchites larv in to y. represen abanquit ae can to oes outHowever, Ada its municipality. Later, in USJ 1. tativ 400 Aed Asked dur ing eat nan also that Toxo its life es larv ae with MPSJ es during a 600 Toxo they will relea mosquit whether the poin tim e, said rhyn brie Unlike officials on Mar fing USM oes would distu release of the can only thrive chites mosquit ted the area rhynchites mos se around USM , with in quit tion, so oes fem Toxorhyn other mosquit ch 11. said science officer rb ecosystem the met areas with vege ales in each 100 males andoes in s, chites mos oes, Adanan it Che Rus in flats and apar hod cannot be ta100 batch. quitoes adult mosquitwould not as Toxo The enti used do not tments. oes rhyn “Th six mon re trial will take This projis a natural specie. chites help is is only one ths to com arou curb the of the tool ect betw nd plete. Adanan, spread of een MP SJ and Adanan. dengue,” s to in January who visited Sub said tion to ang He said s to cond identify suitable Jaya they will uct the begin the locaarea in USJ trial 1 was chostrial, said the en because • Turn To pag it e6
MPSJ t “mosquo unleash ito eater ”
Hypermarkets (From Saturday noon) Tesco (Puchong, Kajang, Mutiara, Bukit Tinggi, Setia Alam, Ampang, Extra Shah Alam, Kepong) Giant (Puchong, Kajang, Subang Jaya, Bukit Tinggi, Setia Alam, Kota Kumuning) Carrefour (Bukit Rimau) Jusco (Bukit Tinggi) Metro Point, Kajang GM Klang Commuter Stations (Distribution by hand) – Morning Sentul – Port Klang Port Klang Bukit Badak Shah Alam Subang Jaya Jalan Templer Petaling Rawang – Seremban Kuala Kubu Baru Sungai Buloh Kepong Sentral Kepong
Morning Wet Markets (Saturday morning) Jalan SS2/62 Taman Medan Jalan 17/27 Taman Kuchai Lama Taman OUG Pasar Taman Megah Pasar Jalan Othman Pasar Jalan 17/2 Pasar Sek 14 Pasar Seri Setia SS9A/1 Pasar Kg Chempaka Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
The middle-aged man presses his palms against the floor to push himself up. Standing, he shouts across at them. “Singing is haram.” They either ignore him, or do not hear. He keeps firing away at anyone who comes close. Soon, commuters start to take a detour. The Chinese artist notices that coins and notes have stopped falling into his can. Commuters are now dropping their change into the uncovered blue Tupperware in front of the visually impaired duo, instead. It is seven-fifteen and the evening rush is almost over. The woman continues to sing more Sharifah Aini songs while the man plays his accordion. The cling-clang sound of coins hitting one another goes on until I hear the maghrib azan from the mosque nearby. After the call for prayer ends, the middle-aged man stands and rolls up his mengkuang mat, getting ready to leave. The handicapped artist, who has been deprived of his earnings for the day, looks up at him but does not say anything. I wonder what he is thinking.
Making Ends Meet is featured in The Female Cell, a collection of short fiction and travel tales by Rumaizah Abdul Bakar, published by Silverfish Books. The writer will be present at a booksigning session at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2011 on Saturday, April 30, from 3-5pm, at Tun Razak Hall 3, Putra World Trade Centre. For more information on The Female Cell, visit www.silverfishbooks.com/buybooks.
MBPJ staff celebrate Tamil New Year PETALING JAYA: The City Council’s (MBPJ ) Tamil staff and their families thronged the Sree Maha Mariaman Muneswaran Temple here to usher in their New Year last Thursday. “We hope that by coming together during celebrations, our fellow Hindus from outside the area will also join our community. “We want to fulfill their spiritual needs,” said temple president P Nagaratham. Nagaratham said the temple, built in 1958 for district council workers when it was still under Kuala Lumpur administrative control, today caters to his spiritual needs and those of his fellow employees who work with MBPJ.
With devotees during the celebration was Gasing assemblyperson Edward Lee, who sponsored part of the event. He was honored with a blessing by the temple priests. MBPJ councillor Anthony Jayaseelan was also present, along with representatives of companies who facilitated the renovation of the 53-year-old temple on Jalan 4/46. “It is our social responsibility. We allocate 20% of our profit yearly to charity and other causes,” said Gidget Lim, general manager of Feruni Ceramiche Sdn Bhd. The building-materials supplier had donated tiles and mosaic for the temple’s renovation programme.
Hospital Forrest Medical Centre Colleges Help Institute College Bandar Utama (KBU) Universiti Kebangsan Malaysia
MBPJ staff and family members offering prayers at the temple.
news 16 april 22 — 24, 2011
Local plan amendments available for viewing
By Tang Hui Koon
S H A H A L A M : Draft amendments to local plans for Klang and Sepang are now available for public viewing till May 31. Iskandar Abdul Samad said members of the public should use the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed changes. The state executive councillor said both the Klang and Sepang municipalities had originally gazetted their local plans in 2009, but are amending them to cater to changes in development patterns. “The pressure of rapid develop ment has resulted in some conflict between how land has been gazetted and applications for development,” said Iskandar. In Sepang, there are plans to convert 2,753 he ctares of agricultural land for the aviation industr y under the proposed amendment. The Klang Municipal Council (MPK), meanwhile, is revising its local plan to allow lands along the fast-developing Jalan Kapar and Jalan Meru to be converted for commercial use. Iskandar, whose portfolios includes Housing and Building Development, said overall, about 2% of the original Klang local plan
Places to view the local plans Iskandar (right) and MPK president Datuk Mislan Tugiu (far left) unveiling the draft of local plans made available to the public.
and 30% of the Sepang plan are g oing to be affe cte d by the amendments.
The public can obtain further information during working days at the three locations.
Search for young leaders kicks off By Basil Foo
SHAH ALAM: Undergraduates in the state stand a chance to win attractive prizes while exercising their public-speaking skills in the upcoming Selangor Young Leaders Search. “Our audition road show will be visiting public and private universities through out the state until June,” said Idris Mokhtar. The Selangor Information Department representative said students will have to give a five-minute speech in Bahasa Malaysia, with additional two minutes given as leeway, during auditions. They will be free to speak on any topic except religion and politics, but exemptions will be made if the participants are in those fields of study. Idris, speaking during the launch of the competition on April 14, said participants must at least hold a diploma to qualify. They must also be between 22 and 27 years old. Ten contestants will be shortlisted for the finals during a dinner on June 28 at SACC Mall, Shah Alam. Prizes include RM2,000 for the winner, RM1,500 for the runner-up, and RM1,000 for third place. “The top three will also receive laptops and trophies, while the fourth- to tenth-placed contestants will receive consolation prizes,” Idris said. A contestant from the Management and Science University was called up during the launch to present a speech. Nor Leila Zaharah Ngabiah, who studies medical science, said if she was chosen to win, she would promote an anti-drug campaign. “I hope to encourage youth to take part in stateorganised events and clubs in their universities, especially during university when they would be exposed to drugs,” she said. Also at the launch was Kumpulan Darul Ehsan
Selangor Town and Country Planning Dept 1st floor, Bangunan Darul Ehsan No 3, Jalan Indah, Seksyen 14, Shah Alam.
Klang Municipal Council Bangunan Sultan Alam Shah, Jalan Perbandaran, Klang.
Sepang Municipal Council Persiaran Semarak Api, Cyber 1, Cyberjaya.
Competition to name PKNS HQ By Brenda Ch’ng Dr Mustafa Kamil Ayub speaking during the launch of the Selangor Young Leaders Search competition on April 14.
(KDEB) board member Dr Mustafa Kamil Ayub, who said good leaders are important for a civilisation to progress. As Selangor has many institutions of higher learning, he said this programme would be a channel to showcase the leadership talent of the youth. “I hope the contestants would use this programme as a bridge to more opportunities and not focus just on w i n n i n g ,” s a i d Mustafa. Nor Leila Zaharah Ngabiah.
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) is organising a competition to find a suitable name for its new headquarters. “ We would like the public to come up with creative names for the new headquarters, which will be ready in early March 2013,” said AzilahArshad. Azilah, public relations mana g er of PK NS, sa id the competition will be judged based on the “green building” concept. The winning name should reflect the new green building, which will be built to emphasise the importance of preserving the environment. The building will have a built-in sub-basement, vertical landscaping, and a roof complete with a green landscaping.
According to her, the new head quarters will become a prestigious landmark in Shah Alam. Applicants should submit the name of the new headquarters in Malay, with an explanation for each of the names submitted. The competition will be split into two categories: the naming of the main building, and the naming of four other blocks of the headquarters Prize money worth RM3,000 will be awarded to the name chosen for the main building and RM2,000 for each of the other four blocks. The contest starts April 13 and ends at 5pm, April 29. Entry forms can be obtained online from www.pkns.gov.my/ PertandinganNama. For more information, contact Azilah Arshad at 013-6296097.
review 17 april 22 — 24, 2011
Spicy northern Indian By Brenda Ch’ng
W
edged between bungalows on Persiaran Raja Muda Musa in Klang is the northern Indian restaurant Govind’s. The bungalow-turned-restaurant can be easily spotted while driving on the main road. Parking, situated behind the house, is accessible by driving through Taman Gembira. The restaurant resembles a wooden home with wooden ceilings and leafy finishings. We picked a seat on the outdoor wooden stilted patio, next to the colourfully lighted waterfall which was cascading down into a rectangular pool at the centre. Despite it being a warm night, the multiple fans lining the ceiling were enough to ensure that patrons were comfortably cool outdoors. Menus were handed out to us as soon as we were seated. It was just overwhelming to figure out which dishes to order. After a few minutes, we finally settled on the house specialties.
Govind’s Special Naan is stuffed with chicken and vegetables.
After about fifteen minutes or so, our food came all at once, filling the table as the mixture of spices tickled our nostrils. First up were three kinds of naan: the garlic naan, cheese naan, and Govind’s Special Naan, served with dhal that had a texture resembling cream of pumpkin. The garlic and cheese naan were rather ordinary, but one bite of Govind’s Special Naan will leave you wanting more. The Special Naan is a sweet-tasting dough stuffed with chicken and vegetables, blended with Indian spices and topped with sesame seeds. It is recommended for this naan to be eaten as a standalone dish to be able to get the most out of its unique blend of flavours. It should subsequently be eaten with the other condiments. Th e n e xt d i s h wa s Pa la k Pan e er (RM4.50), which consists of palak (spinach) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). The Indian cheese, which is made by curdling heated milk with lemon juice, is cut into cubes and added into the spinach, which has a smooth, green-curry-like texture. This incredibly popular curry dish has a pungent flavour and should be eaten with the mild-flavoured garlic naan. The next must-try dish was the Aloo Gobi (RM4.00), which is yellowish in colour from the use of tumeric. The aloo (potato) and gobi (cauliflower) tasted of cumin, garlic and coriander. The saltiness and mild sourness of the dish had new zest when complemented with the sweetness of the Special Naan. Next were the meats: the Mutton Rogan Josh (RM6.80) and the red-sauced butter
Palak Paneer is a combination of spinach with bits of cottage cheese.
chicken (RM7.50) were impeccable choices from the long list on the menu. The mildly spicy mutton was cut into small pieces, and, when bitten into, was succulent and tender. The chicken, which was buttery-textured and salty, made a good condiment for any of the three naans mentioned above. Finally, we had the mutton Briyani (RM10.80), where every grain of fragrant rice was cooked to perfection. Served with an authentic Indian sour yoghurt, the distinctness of this dish lies neither in the spices nor the ingredients, but in the way the flavours of the rice and
mutton blend together. The juice from the meat adds more flavour to the already fragrant rice. This dish can be described as a unique mixture of flavours dancing on your taste buds as you savour every mouthful. Govind’s is the place to be to feed your northern Indian cravings. This restaurant is a place where you get to taste a myriad of heavenly spices perfectly blended into one. Govind’s is located on Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, Kawasan 6, 41100 Klang, Selangor. It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays at dinnertime.
Rydgeway – the perfect fit By Alvin Yap
Sunway Rydgeway’s two-and-a-half-storey showcase bungalow was open for viewing last week.
AMPANG: Sunway Rydgeway held an exclusive by-invitation only viewing of the latest and pre-loved haute couture designer items with retailer Glampot here recently. Guests strolled through Rydgeway’s upscale bungalow showhouse to admire the designer handbags and fashion accessories which were laid out in the lush and spacious master bedrooms and living rooms. The large walk-in closets featured in the bungalow highlighted the quality finishing offered at Rydgeway. Meanwhile, at the modern and elegant kitchen and dining room, Rydgeway and Glampot tempted guests with delectable and mouth watering finger food. Renowned and exclusive caterers Just Pie and BreadStory laid out freshly baked pastries and other starters for the visitors during afternoon tea. In the luxurious dining room by the indoor courtyard patio, guests made new friends and acquantances as they dined on the delicious offerings. “SunwayMas is pleased to collaborate with Glampot for this event as we both cater to individuals with discerning taste for exqui-
An array of designer items and accessories were displayed at the Sunway Rydgeway showhouse.
site products embodying quality and style. “Many of the guests were also interested to learn about the attractive sale packages currently offered for Sunway Rydgeway,” said Daniel Lim, executive director of SunwayMas Sdn Bhd. He said many of the guests commented that the tastefully designed and furnished bungalow lot was the
perfect “home” for the event showcasing the high-end designer items. Lim said the exclusive property at Melawati here comprised a lowdensity development, offering 40 Zero Lot Bungalows and 30 semiDs on its 13.8-acre land. Rydgeway has recorded an impressive take-up rate, and only a limited number of Zero Lot Bungalows is available for purchase.
food 18 APRIL 22 — 24, 2011
Dry pan mee for connoisseurs Jalan TAR in Kuala Lumpur has some of the best street hawker food in the city. LIN ZHENYUAN joins some friends for a special pan mee session
J
alan Tuanku Abdul Rahman used to be called Batu Road. In fact, there are still some people who refer to this part of Kuala Lumpur as such. Today it is known as Jalan TAR, named after the country’s first Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tunku Abdul Rahman. Although the long stretch of road is not as busy as before, there are sections that are still well frequented by foodies. Around the corner from the popular nasi kandar shop Restoran Kudus is a nondescript Chinese eatery that has an uninspiring facade. Restoran Kin Kin is located on a narrow road, Jalan Dewan Sultan Sulaiman Satu, diagonally opposite Malayan Arms Sdn Bhd. Restoran Kin Kin’s specialty is its dry pan mee. For years now, it has been quietly enjoying full capacity during lunchtime. Officer workers come in large numbers and occupy all its tables and chairs. I have no idea why the restaurant is called Kin Kin. Perhaps it means “quick, quick” in Hokkien. Some time ago, a friend heaped what I thought was outrageous praise on Kin Kin’s spicy pan mee. So, one day last year I decided to pay a visit. It wasn’t difficult to locate the place, although I was a bit apprehensive about driving in an unfamiliar locality. Batu Road used to have a reputation that deters PJ middle-class folks from taking evening walks there. When we got there, people from various walks of life were eating with great gusto at the other tables. It had to be good, I thought, oth-
The dry pan mee that has a huge following among regulars.
Office workers make a beeline for this shop during lunchtime.
Watch out for the big yellow sign that says Restoran Kin Kin.
erwise there wouldn’t be such a large crowd. We ordered herbal drinks to go with our meal. The dry pan mee stall looked very “Batu Road”, that is to say its physical appearance gelled with the environment. There were four gas tanks in front of the stall. Business must be pretty good if there was an urgency for extra tanks of cooking gas. There was a machine in the corner for making strips of pan mee. At least two foreign women workers were helping out at the stall. If you are wondering what is so unusual about Kin Kin’s dry pan mee, it is the taste and texture of the noodles that will make you a believer. The appearance of the dish itself would not drive you into ecstasy, but the first mouthful may make you a “convert”. When it first arrived at my table, I stared hard at the small bowl of ordinarylooking spicy pan mee. It really didn’t look like anything that was fit for a king. It had a half-boiled egg on top, and a
generous spread of fried onion rings. There was a jar of dry chilli flakes immersed in oil on the table. After the second mouthful, I regretted ordering the small bowl. The ingredient which gives the pan mee an extra “kick” is the well-oiled chilli flakes in the jar. The more spoonfuls you mix with the dry pan mee, the more sensational the taste is. You also get a bowl of soup with spinach leaves in it. I was made to understand that Restoran Kin Kin is a family business. It has been operating as long as anyone in the neighbourhood can remember. Operating hours from Monday to Friday are 7.30am to 7pm. On weekends, it is from 7.30am to 5pm. The shop is closed on the last Sunday of every month. One bowl of spicy pan mee cost RM5.50, but the price could have gone up recently, especially around the Chinese New Year period. Parking isn’t a problem in the area. Just don’t forget to bring along your friends and your wallet.
The pan mee stall that enjoys roaring business.
news 19 APRIL 22 — 24, 2011
✂
Food galore at Vaisakhi celebration
Take 5 minutes to fill this form up and drop it off at the nearest police station to have regular checks at your house while you are away. Ibu pejabat Polis Daerah Subang Jaya
Tel: 03-5637 3722 Fax: 03-5631 9815 Borang maklumat Memaklumkan tentang meningalkan rumah kediaman untuk bercuti. Kepada Kawasan Pentadbiran Balai Polis .............................................................................................. Hannah Yeoh and Gobind Singh officiating the food.
By Brenda Ch’ng
SUBANG JAYA: A total of 150 different vegetarian dishes, prepared by the Sikh community here, greeted devotees at Sunway’s Gurdwara Sahib’s Vaisakhi celebration on Friday night. “All these dishes were prepared in a day by just 13 people,” said Jaswant Singh. The president of the Sunway Gurdwara Sahib described this year’s feat as a “record-breaking success”. On hand to commemorate the event and partake of the food were Subang Jaya state assemblyperson Hannah Yeoh and Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo. “It is events like this that bring people closer, and it also helps other races understand Sikh culture,”
Butiran penduduk:
said Gobind. He hoped to see more such events at other gurdwaras. “This is the first time I’ve been invited to this event, and am glad to see the Sikh community growing and other races who are present united to celebrate Vaisakhi,” said Yeoh. In support of the event and to cover some of the cost for food, Yeoh pledged RM3,000 to the gurdwara from her annual allocation. Yeoh was also invited up on stage to give hampers to the children from Gurpuri Orphanage located on Jalan Ampang. According to Jaswant, the gurdwara donates basic necessities to the orphanage several times a year.
Lower crime rate with Community Policing programme
The Community Policing team, with chairperson Low (seated far right).
By Brenda Ch’ng
KLANG: The decreasing crime rate in Bukit Tinggi 1 has brought relief to residents and business owners since the launch of the Community Policing scheme six months ago. “I know some residents who have moved out of this area because they
are afraid, but now, after the launch [of this programme], they feel it is safer to move back to the neighbourhood,” said Low Chwee Kim. The Community Policing chairperson said he tries to be on the scene every time he gets a phone call, even if it is at two or three in the morning. Low said crimes such as snatch thefts, shop robberies and the cut-
ting of wires in hawker stalls are common in the area. The policing team comprises Sergeant Manogaran Muniandy, police personnel and residents. They patrol the area from 9pm to midnight, three to four times a week. On Saturdays, patrolling time is extended to three in the morning. “A majority of the youths who are caught are [believed to be] Sabahans. They live upstairs in the shoplots and come out only at night to steal,” said Manogaran. He said Lorong Batu Nilam 1C is a hotspot for the crimes. “Two men recently attacked me at my [bicycle] shop with parangs in broad daylight. My worker managed to call the community police, but the robbers escaped,” said bic ycle shop owner Toh S o on Chuan. His shop on Lorong Batu Nilam has been broken into three times. The Community Policing unit is trying to get more residents in the area to be involved in the programme.
Nama: .................................................................................. Alamat: ................................................................................. .............................................................................................. .............................................................................................. Nombor telefon bimbit/kediaman: ........................................ Nombor telefon yang boleh dihubungi: ................................ .............................................................................................. Tarikh meninggalkan rumah: ................................................ Tarikh dijangka balik ke rumah: ........................................... Kenderaan yang ditinggalkan (jenis model & nombor daftar kenderaan). 1. .......................................................................................... 2. .......................................................................................... 3. .......................................................................................... Lain-lain maklumat: ..............................................................................................
............................................... Tandatangan
....................................... Tarikh
Have you checked your electrical switches before leaving home? Before ieaving your home for a holoday, have you checked all your electrical switches and turned off your gas tanks?
Call the SS17 Bomba for advise at
03-5634 9444
FEATURES 20 APRIL 22 — 24, 2011
Much to learn from Thailand T
wo weeks ago, by visiting Pattaya and helping to get the event going, I fulfilled a year-old promise to my good friend Kai Tuorila, mainstay of the Bangkok Chess Club and organiser of the Thailand Open, which is now in its 11th edition. In 2009, I had attended the Thailand Open for the first time when it was first upgraded from the Bangkok Open, with some financial assistance from the Thailand Tourism Board. I had observed in my blog www.thefidetrainer.blogspot.com that there were many things that even longtime organisers of major events in the region could learn from the crew of volunteers from the Bangkok Chess Club. This time around, I again saw how they have raised the bar. Last year I organised the KL Open just before the Thailand Open to ensure that the professionals playing had two back-to-back events to help defray expenses and make it much more financially. But this time around, Thailand had to go it alone and were equally successful. What they did to ensure this is worth analysing because they used their strengths and built a value proposition that ensured a total of 219 participants from 32 countries, including 12 grandmasters (GM) and 15 international masters (IM).
Get smart! Play chess! By Peter Long peterlong@aol.asia
Kai was very clear on what he had to do for his sponsors and also what he wanted for the event. Very early on, he had put up a well-publicised FaceBook page and ensured the website of the Bangkok Chess Club was regularly updated. He sold the idea of sun and sand at the five-star Dusit Thani in Pattaya. And he found sponsors to bring in their first 2,700-rated player, GM Francisco Vallejo Pons, and three other big-name players including GM Nigel Short, defending champion GM Sune Berg Hansen, and German star GM Jan Gustafsson. To ensure sufficient international media coverage, there was a daily live broadcast of games using the DGT Boards (disclaimer: Polgar Chess Asia is the Malaysian
Gustafsson deep in thought. The German pipped Short and Vallejo-Pons to the title after finishing with 7.5 points.
Distributor for DGT), and Ian and Cathy Rogers were roped in to generate press releases daily with commentary and photos for syndication to some 40 chess major websites, blogs and newspaper columns. No harm was done either with the Thailand Open being held during the Songkran Festival, which celebrates the Thai New Year. Notwithstanding having elephants around, I still can’t get over Dusit Thani letting the organisers have their ballroom for free for a whole week, including refreshments. The organisers also had a great deal by paying some RM250 a night for a suite that could host 10 people comfortably. There was an added bonus in that the top three seeds – Pons, Short, and Gustafsson – all went on to the last round on 6.5 points, and so ensured an exciting photo finish with another eight other players just one point behind on six points. Results (9 rounds) – 1. Jan Gustafsson (Ger) 7.5 pts; 2. Nigel Short (Eng), Francisco Vallejo Pons (Esp) 7.5 pts; 4. Martin Voigt (Ger), Yang Kaiqi (Chn) 7 pts; 6. Jha Sriram (Ind), Sune Berg Hansen (Den), Max Illingworth (Aus), Roy Saptarshi (Ind), Somak Palit (Ind) 6.5 pts. Here is the Gustafsson’s title winning game, not the win in the last round but the only decisive result among the top seeds when he took down Short, who was then leading. Nigel Short – Jan Gustafsson 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. 0-0 Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 0-0 8. a3 Bc5 9. c3 d6 10. d4 Bb6 11. h3 h6 12. Be3 Bb7 13. Nbd2 Re8 14. d5 Ne7 15. bxb6 cxb6 16. Ba2 Bc8 17. b4 Ng6 18. Re3 Nh7 19. Kh2 Rf8 20. Rc1 Nf4 21. c4 bxc4 22. Nxc4 b5 23. Na5 f5 24. Nc6 Qf6 25. Bb1 Kh8 26. Qb3 Bd7 27. exf5 Bxf5
Short (left) against Vallejo-Pons during their fourth-round encounter in the Thailand Open 2011 recently. The game ended in a draw after nine moves.
Ampang MP Trophy next month SHAH ALAM: More than RM2,000 in prize money is up for the grabs in the upcoming Member of Parliament (Ampang ) Cup next month. The one-day rapid event is open to all Malaysians and will be held on May 15. The tournament will be played with Swiss time control of 25 minutes per player. Entry fee is RM25 for adults and RM10 for students. The seven-round tournament, which is sponsored by the Ampang Jaya Chess Club and the MP for Ampang’s office, is a national rated event. The MP for Ampang is Zuraida Kamaruddin.
The champion stands to pick up RM500, while there are also prizes for the various groups such as top veteran, top woman player, top Ampang Jaya resident, top student, and others. As the event is registered for national rating, players will stand a chance to earn valuable rating points to improve their local rankings. For more information, contact Abdul Hakim Noordin at 019-3925828 or email him at abdulhakimnoordin@yahoo.com. Early registration or payment can be made via Najib Wahab at 016-3382542 or nab.wahab@chessmalaysia.com.
28. Nxce5 dxe5 29. Rc6 Qf7 30. Bxf5 Qxf5 31. Rxe5 Qd3 32. Qb2 Rf6 33. Rc7 Rg6 0-1
views 21 april 22 — 24, 2011
Good chi at Garden Residence By Alvin Yap
CYBERJAYA: Upscale residential homes are now increasingly marketed as “resort-style” living, and Mah Sing Group’s Garden Residence development is certainly on the spot. Choosing Cyberjaya as the location of one of their flagship developments has been a step in the right direction, according to chief operating officer Teh Heng Chong (right). “In many ways, this is the perfect location for our Garden Residence property and the resort style we want to achieve,” said Teh. The development is near Putrajaya’s Precint 11 and offers a lowdensity neighbourhood, which suits the Garden Residence’s “resort-living” theme. The 115-acre development sits on gently rolling hills and is home to upmarket commercial and residential lots. Garden Residence’s top-notch offering is its 69 units of 3 ½-storey bungalows with 7,800 square feet of built-up living space, called Aspen. The Aspen bungalows come with seven bedrooms with their own attached bathrooms, and is priced at
a RM3 million per unit. However, the price is expected to rise by 10% to 15% by May. “Each room is designed as a selfcontained suite, with space that can operate as a study or a sitting room,” said Teh. The spacious bungalow is designed as an “inter-generational” home, according to Teh. “The bungalow is designed for the parents to stay on one floor, and maybe the eldest son’s family on another floor,” said Teh, explaining that there are master bedrooms on both the first and second floors. The pièce de la résistance in Aspen’s amenity is perhaps the elevator
Hopping fun at GSC PETALING JAYA: It was a fun day out for 32 children as they hopped away with exclusive movie premiums when they took part in the GSC Hop Match Challenge and showed off their creativity in a egg-painting contest at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) in 1 Utama and Alamanda recently. Some of the first-time participants were so eager that they turned up as early as 10am to register for the games. The main competition began with the Hop Match Challenge as over 16 participants (age 7-12) were broken up into six groups and given the task to hop and collect as many ping-pong balls as they could. At GSC 1 Utama, 12-year-old Lee Jasen from Ampang bagged the top prize in as he out-hopped everyone else within the allocated three
minutes to take home Hop movie premiums and Gold Class movie vouchers. No stranger to GSC roadshows, Jasen said he has kept on coming back because of the prizes. “It is the prizes that attract me in the first place,” he said. Meanwhile, regular GSC roadshow participant, 10-year-old Samantha Leong’s persistence was well rewarded as her family drove all the way from Section 14, Petaling Jaya to join in the Hop activities at GSC Alamanda, Putrajaya. Her reward was winning the second prize consisting of a Hop backpack, Hop stickers, and movie vouchers in the egg-painting contest. During the roadshow, moviegoers were also entertained with Q&A sessions and rewarded with compli-
Aspen three-and-a-half-storey bungalows.
that serves the ground floor all the way to the third floor, which houses a gymnasium and a rooftop Jacuzzi at the outdoor deck. “Together with the ‘observationdeck’-style balcony on the second floor, Aspen bungalows are designed in the latest townhouse style and fit the resort theme,” said Teh. The spacious balcony on the second floor and the Jacuzzi deck on the third floor are perfect for a morning leisurely breakfast, he added. Teh pointed out that a similartype bungalow in Petaling Jaya or Kuala Lumpur would be priced at least RM4million and more. Teh said Cyberjaya’s location was perfect for Garden Residence as it is located away from the busy and crowded areas associated with Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. However, the commute to the Kuala Lumpur central business district takes only 15-20 minutes using the Maju Expressway.
According to Teh, the location gives Garden Residence one of the largest “green lung” areas in any property development. He said the response to the current development was positive and Mah Sing has already acquired another two parcels of land to build its Garden Plaza high-rise suites and shops. The construction is slated to begin as soon as the company obtains permission. Garden Residence will boast a large body of water with its lakeside development that fronts its clubhouse and niche retail shops, like bookshops and supermarket. “We want to be as self-contained as possible in Garden Residence,” said Teh. The rolling hill that stretches beyond the rear of the the development is prized by Feng Shui masters, said Teh. Mah Sing has also engaged re-
nowned Feng Shui master Joey Yap to consult on the present location for its Garden Residence development. According to Yap, the development at Garden Residence contains two “crucial elements” in generating positive Chi, a natural “life force” which can affect people at work and at home. Speaking at a forum at Mah Sing’s launch last Sunday, Yap said prospective buyers should look into the natural surroundings in any property development. “Look and see if it has hills. See if it has a body or water nearby,” he told a crowd of 70 participants who listened intently to the Feng Shui coach. He said hills and water was crucial in influencing people in both character and problem solving skills. Both areas, he said, was important in “wealth and happiness” creation.
Participants taking part inthe Hop Challenge in GSC 1 Utama recently.
mentary passes and Hop movie premiums. Phil, the character from Hop, also stopped by at both cinemas and many took the opportunity to snap
photographs with the character. For more upcoming events and promotions, log on to www.gsc. com.my or www.gscmobile.com. my.
Fans can also join the GSC Facebook fan page at (www.facebook. com/GSCinemas) or follow them on Twitter (www.twitter.com/GSCinemas).
Gallery 22 april 22 — 24, 2011
Gasing assemblyperson Edward Lee (in red) with committee members and sponsors of the Sree Maha Mariaman Muneswaran Temple in Petaling Jaya, during a celebration last Thursday with MBPJ staff and families to usher in the Tamil New Year. Also present was MBPJ local councillor Anthony Jayaseelan (fifth from left).
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong (left, in batik shirt) talking to Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation vice-president Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye during a forum on crime prevention in schools, held in Klang on April 16.
Some of the participating dogs eyeing the camera at the firstever pet carnival in Seri Kembangan on April 17.
The launch of the Blind Leading the Blind event at MBPJ car park last Sunday. Some 150 people took part in the walk, held as part of the Petaling Jaya Lions Club’s First Sight programme to raise funds for free cataract surgery. The event was flagged off by mayor Datuk Roslan Sakiman.
Children participating in an egg-painting contest, part of Golden Screen Cinemas’ Hop Challenge at GSC 1 Utama and Alamanda recently.
Culture 23 April 22 — 24, 2011
Compiled by Nick Choo
INTERVIEW
Just how civilised are we? Tell us, in your own words, about God of Carnage. What struck you most when you first read the script? Will: On a deeper level, the play deals with the question: just how civilised are we? One point of view is that people are just animals with a facade of polite behavior. Others believe people are intrinsically good. The play lets audiences ride along as social graces and the facades of expectation are torn down violently, and the true faces of human nature are revealed. I was immediately struck by the honesty of the play, and more than that, the comedy that came from such an uncomfortably true-to-life look at how people sometimes behave. Lina: What appealed to me most is that the play begins with such a simple everyday situation – [parents discussing their children] – which very quickly and unexpectedly escalates into an extremely absurd and crazy one. It makes us take a good look at how ridiculous we can be sometimes when we let small matters in our lives become larger than necessary. Tell us about your characters. How do you relate to them? Lina: I play Annette, a wealth manager [who] lives in Manhattan with her lawyer husband Alan. They are both very career orientated, like the fast city life, and are always very busy. She is fairly uptight and used to dealing with high-pressure corporate situations. She is a complete control freak. She comes across very strong on the outside but is actually very soft on the inside. There are certain aspects of her that I can relate to. Being a strong independent woman, it’s sometimes
Editor’s Pick God of Carnage
Theatre; April 28-May 8; PJ Live Arts @ Jaya One; RM60; 0379600439, www.pjla. com.my
THE second annual PJ Laugh Festival at PJ Live Arts @ Jaya One opens with this 2009 Tony Award-winning comedy play, which premiered in New York in 2009 with Hollywood bigwigs Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden. Malaysia’s version features Will Quah, Maya Tan, Megat Sharizal and former Ms Malaysia World Lina Teoh, directed by David Lim. God of Carnage is a tale of two couples who meet to discuss the
very difficult to juggle life between our careers, husbands, families and children. And life can be very demanding and fast-paced at times. So I guess I can relate to her struggle to keep that balance, stay calm and try to keep everything in control. Will: My character is a hotshot New York lawyer. He has a tenuous grasp of things such as morality and politeness. He has no problem answering a business call while in midsentence. I like to think I am a little diplomatic and classy than that. But we are similar in his view of humanity. He believes that all peo-
misdemeanours of their sons. “The evening begins quite amicably with the four parents intending to resolve the situation diplomatically. However, as their hopes begin to splinter and disillusionment sets in, the evening deteriorates from one of mild unease and discomfort into a deluge of accusations, recriminations, jealousy and rage.” Readers of Selangor Times can get a 20% discount on tickets by showing this article at the box office.
ple are inherently selfish, and greedy. It’s both human nature and animal instinct. And that’s something I believe in, too – though possibly not as extremely as he does. With a cast of just four, I imagine that chemistry is an important aspect. How do you generate chemistry with your fellow cast members? Or is chemistry something that either just exists or it doesn’t? Lina: Haha! I’m very curious to hear how Will answers this question! I think chemistry is something
that comes naturally. You either have it or you don’t. But that doesn’t necessarily affect your performance. As actors we have to work with many different types of people. You will always get along with some more than others. The difference is when you get along with someone, it makes the whole process much more pleasant and enjoyable, as opposed to when you don’t get along, and it becomes frustrating and miserable. Although in this play our characters don’t really get along and there’s a lot of fighting, off stage we all have a lot of fun. I feel very honored to be sharing the stage with all of them.
music
theatre
Caipifruta Go Graz, Austria!
Love Journey 2
Join singers Tracy Wong, Lai Suk Yin, Aaron Teoh, Joel Wong and jazz pianist Wei Zhong for a tongue-in-cheek, colourful evening of musical exploration. Like the cocktail drink which inspired their name, Caipifruta! aims to tantalise and relax your senses with splashes of jazz, a dash of pop and a slice of Broadway, all shaken together with a twist of humour and a few surprises. All proceeds from this concert go towards funding Caipifruta!’s trip to represent Malaysia in the Jazz and Pop categories of the World Youth Choir Championships.
Love Journey 2 features Joanna Bessey in an evening of comedic suspense, jazz, love and blues with the Michael Veerapen Trio, Junji Delfino and Malik Taufiq. Having recovered from the blues of the first Love Journey, Bessey’s Lily M La Rue is optimistic, in love and pregnant! Just when she thinks she has finally found happiness, she is faced with new (and growing) bumps in her road to love, including her jazz singing rival, Bianca Devereaux. “A journey back in time with music from the 1930s through to the 1950s in this unique performance marring the magical world of the theatre and a snazzy jazz club, with classics like Give Me the Simple Life, Cheek to Cheek, All Or Nothing At All, Lover Man and Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby.”
April 27-May 1; Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre; RM43/RM23; 03-40479000; www.klpac.org
April 28-30; Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre; RM40; 03-40479000; www.klpac.org
dance Masterpiece in Motion
Dance; April 28 & 29; Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre; RM43/RM33/RM18; 03-40479000; www.klpac.org Singapore Dance Theatre and KLPac present Masterpiece in Motion, featuring dance
works created by four prestigious choreographers. Programme A on April 28-29 comprises Concerto Barocco by George Balanchine, As Above, So Below by Edward Liang, and Nameless by Xing Liang; while Programme B on April 29 at 3pm features Hold the Fourth by Daniel Roberts; As Above, So Below by Edward Liang and Nameless by Xing Liang.
Will: I’m sure that chemistry can grow over time with rehearsal, but luckily for us we all just clicked. Lina and I have always been great friends. I’ve known Maya for a while, too, and I’ve known Megat by reputation. I have enormous respect and admiration for all of them; they know themselves and their craft intimately, are totally confident in their characters, and work hard to make the rehearsal space a fun and nurturing environment. It’s amazing knowing you can go on stage and have 100% trust in your fellow actors and know that no one is going to drop the ball, no matter how crazy it gets on stage. The show premiered in New York. Why, then, do you think it would appeal to a Malaysian audience? Will: I’m a firm believer that we are, nowadays, far more plugged into American pop culture than that of the UK. UK culture was a big thing 20 years ago when all the comedies and TV were British, but these days we all live and breathe US dramas, music, movies, sitcoms, brands, magazines, etc. Globalisation has made us more American than ever. So I think people will be able to get right into the play almost off the bat. It’s also such a universal piece. The subject matter is borderless. Lina: It’s just a really funny, wellwritten piece that has universal themes that I think anyone around the world can relate to. It’s about parents, children, relationships, women, men and much more! I think everyone will take something different from it, and that’s what makes it so clever and interesting. It’s not often that plays like this get staged in Malaysia, so I really do hope people come and watch it.