Malaysia@60 (PROPOSAL)

60 YEARS O F N AT I O N H O O D

A book by The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad

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Mohammad Najib Abdul Razak Mohd Najib Abdul Razak | 16 September 2017

REUTERS/Bazuki Muhammad

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Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur is the national capital of Malaysia as well as its largest city. With a population of 7.25 million people as of 2017, it is among the fastest growing metropolitan regions in Southeast Asia, in both population and economic development. The city is one of three Federal Territories of Malaysia, enclaved within the state of Selangor, on the central west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Since the 1990s, the city has played host to many international sporting, political and cultural events including the 1998 Commonwealth Games, and the 2017 SEA Games. It is also the home to the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers. The city remains as the economic and business centre of the country, as well as centre for finance, insurance, real estate, media and the arts of Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur, 31 December 2015.

PHOTOGRAPHY IZWAN ISMAIL. Izwan Ismail is a veteran technology journalist with over 20 years of experience. Since the advent of digital cameras, the Kuala Lumpur-born journalist found a new passion - photography. His curiosity to learn more about photography and passion for travel has led him to study the ins and outs about cameras and photography techniques. He has a Diploma in Photography from the Department of Skills Development, Human Resources Ministry, Malaysia. He also has a certificate from Leica Akademie for completing a workshop on street photography. Currently, he runs a photography column in New Straits Times, Life&Times, BOTS, sharing tips and tricks on photography.

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F1 “Malaysia joined the F1 calendar in 1999. Even though 2017 is the last year of this prestige motor racing event for the country, the race has brought much benefits to the nation, especially in developing and promoting the motoring sport, as well as putting Malaysia in the eyes of the F1 world. During its time on the Formula 1 calendar, not only has Malaysia built a loyal F1 fan base, it has also become a major force in motor racing and successfully established itself as a global tourist destination. Both Formula 1 and SIC say they are determined to make this year’s event in October a fitting finale for the ground-breaking circuit. It’s always sad to say goodbye to a member of the Formula 1 family. Over nearly two decades, the Malaysian Formula 1 fans have proven themselves to be some of the sport’s most passionate supporters.”

F1 MANAGING DIRECTOR, COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS, SEAN BRATCHES. Pemandu Mercedes AMG Petronas, Lewis Hamilton pushes his machine during a time trial at the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang,1 October 2016.

PHOTOGRAPHY OSMAN ADNAN. Osman passion is shooting action sports and has been shooting F1 every year since 20XX. Lis andae culpa sinvelluptur sequae aliqui qui odi dolores ea pariam anducid itatquo id quias moluptatem reped maximet volorum quianis namus eos serecatiunt volesed issendentio doluptia que nos denectem vidiae sinctur itaspiciti occus, ut dendusdanis rehenimolo optur magnatum quatibuscia.

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Paralympian Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi “Sprinter Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi delivered Malaysia’s first Paralympic gold by winning the men’s 100m T36 (cerebral palsy), breaking the Games record at the Rio Paralympic Games in Brazil in 2016. I hope my son’s achievement will motivate and encourage other children with disabilities to aim for such accomplishments and success. I also hope that one day that my son would be able to talk normally like other people. My wife and I are also honoured by the government’s initiative to rename the Taman Sinar Harapan Home in Jitra, Kedah, which caters to disabled children, after our son. This is meaningful to us. With his named carved on the plaque of the home, people will always be reminded of our son’s achievement and contribution to the country. We hope that other children with disabilities will dare to aim for such an achievement, which is possible with great determination and hard work.”

MOHAMAD PUZI MAT ISA, FATHER. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor celebrate during Ridzuan’s homecoming after the Rio Paralympic 2016, KLIA, Sepang, 22 September 2016.

PHOTOGRAPHY OSMAN ADNAN 9

Petronas Twin Towers “I was a young architectural graduate at that time and felt priviledged to be given to opportunity to be involved in the construction of the Petronas Twin Towers, which were going to be the tallest building in the world. The design, construction and completion of these 88-storey, 452 metres tall buildings were made possible by the collaborative effort by many individuals from various countries throughout the world.”

AR KHUSHAIRI MUHAMMAD, architectural design coordinator for Samsung-Kukdong-Jasatera JV, a Korean lead construction consortium frm, which was the main contractor for the Tower 2 and Skybridge construction package in the 90s.

Khushairi is a graduate of University of Houston, Texas.

The national landmark, 31 March 2012.

PHOTOGRAPHY BAZUKI MUHAMMAD. Bazuki is an international award-winning photojurnalist who was shooting 17 years for Reuters, which had an office at the 32nd floor of Tower 2 of the twin towers. Bazuki, the founder and manager of NSTP Kreatif, who crafted the idea of “Nationhood @ Sixty.”

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International BASE Jump The KL Tower International Jump was first organised in 1999 in conjunction with KL Tower’s third anniversary celebrations. It then became an annual event and made its way into the Malaysia Book of Records as the first BASE jumping event in Malaysia. The event also put Malaysia in the record books where it was the first country to organise an extreme sport involving the use of a parachute to jump from a height of 300m legal. The prestigious international sports event is popular among BASE jumpers globally and is listed in the country’s national tourism calendar. At 421m, KL Tower is the seventh tallest telecommunications tower in the world and the tallest in Southeast Asia. “I’ve been base jumping for more than 10 years. I always look forward to coming back to Malaysia as the people are friendly and we always receive a warm welcome”. - Dan Witchalls, a base jumper from England Penerjun dari USA, Miles Daisher membuat terjunan pada waktu malam dari puncak Menara Kuala Lumpur sempena acara sukan ekstrim “KL Tower International Jump Malaysia 2014,” 26 September 2014. PHOTOGRAPHY MUHD ZAABA ZAKERIA 13

Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge Also known as the Penang Second Bridge, this beautifully-designed structure is a dual-carriageway toll bridge in Penang, Malaysia. It connects Bandar Cassia (Batu Kawan) in Seberang Perai on mainland Peninsular Malaysia with Batu Maung on Penang Island. It is the second bridge to link the island to the mainland after the first Penang Bridge. The total length of the bridge is 24 km with length over water at 16.9 km, making it the longest bridge in Malaysia and the longest in Southeast Asia. Its main contractor was China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd (CHEC), from China. Construction started in November 2008. The bridge was officially opened on March 1, 2014 and was named after the fourteen Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah of Kedah and was assigned with the route number E28.

Jambatan Kedua Pulau Pinang yang dirakamkan waktu matahari terbit jam 7.30 pagi 25 February 2014 dari Pelabuhan Perikanan MITP Batu Maung, Bayan Lepas Pulau Pinang. PHOTOGRAPHY ROSLI AHMAD

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MRT “Malaysia enters a new phase in public transportation with the launch of the Mass Rapid Transit Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) Line, by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. With the service, the number is expected to swell with an estimated 400,000 people expected to commute by the MRT every day. In terms of ridership, it recorded two million passengers in just six months, with an estimated 15,000 people taking the MRT in a day. The SBK Line connects 44 shopping locations, 11 schools and higher learning institutions, as well as a number of hospitals. From an average of 15,000 passengers a day, we expect to see an increase to 150,000 passengers a day with the launch of the MRT phase two from Semantan to Kajang. In December, 2016, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, under its service brand RapidKL rail services, was appointed the official operator of the first MRT service in the Klang Valley. RapidKL rail services have forecasted a 10-fold increase in the number of users in coming months.”

MRT CORP STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS AND STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS DIRECTOR DATUK NAJMUDDIN ABDULLAH. An MRT coach approaches Station Semantan in Kuala Lumpur during a trial run,14 December 2016. PHOTOGRAPHY HAFIZ SOHAIMI

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TN50 Malaysia needs a new roadmap to prepare its people for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the Government has come up with a vision called Transformasi Nasional 2050 or TN50. It is designed to form a future society from 2020 until 2050. The TN50 roadmap will prepare the people to face the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is a threat to old business models, especially as society was becoming more cashless. For instance, one can use a smartphone in China to buy things at bazaars or shopping websites such as Amazon. This will be the lifestyle in Malaysia in the future. This is the nature of the very disruptive changes we need to prepare our people for. We cannot change the future, but we can prepare our people for it.�

PRIME MINISTER DATUK SERI NAJIB RAZAK Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dan Timbalan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi bergambar bersama menteri-menteri kabinet sambil memegang buku laporan tahunan 2017 sempena Majlis Pelancaran Laporan Tahunan Program Transformasi Negara di UITM Shah Alam 23 Mei 2017.

PHOTOGRAPHY MUHD ZAABA ZAKERIA

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Sepang International Circuit “Since the first Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix (F1PMGP) which was held in 1999, the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has been a pride for the nation helping to catapult Malaysia’s reputation as a venue for top international sporting events, besides promoting Malaysia as a global tourist destination. However, after 19 years together, SIC and Formula 1 have agreed that this year’s F1PMGP will be the last. While the Formula 1 played a key role in SIC’s origin, we have grown and expanded far beyond that in the past two decades. Over the last 10 years, we are booked with an average of more than 90 percent track utilisation, and we have much planned in the years to come. Our comprehensive plan to transform the circuit into an integrated, multi-faceted edutainment hub over the next five years offers many exciting features to look forward to. This includes new and upgraded facilities at the Sepang International Kart Circuit, installation of new lighting to accommodate night driving activities extending the operating hours of the circuit, an Advanced Driving Experience Centre, a reconfiguration of the north and south tracks to create a new exciting half-track and much more. With these foundations in place, we will continue to be an important venue for motorsport for many years to come.”

SIC CHAIRMAN TAN SRI AZMAN YAHYA

Sunset at SIC ahead of the 2016 Malaysian Petronas F1 Grand Prix. PHOTOGRAPHY OSMAN ADNAN

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Lee Chong Wei Datuk Lee Chong Wei needs no introduction in the badminton arena. As a singles player, Lee was ranked first worldwide for 199 consecutive weeks from August 21, 2008 to June 14, 2012.

Lee is triple silver medalist at the Olympic Games, and the sixth Malaysian to win an Olympic medal. He won his first silver medal in 2008, also the first time a Malaysian had reached the finals in the men’s singles event. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak describing him as a national hero. He repeated the achievement twice more in 2012 and 2016, thus making him the most successful Malaysian Olympian in history. “National shuttlers should take Chong Wei as a role model, and emulate him. He is very disciplined. He is always the first to arrive and the last to leave.

The rest need to follow him. Badminton is definitely the No 1 sport in Malaysia because of our performance. There is also diving but badminton is still No 1, so we need to hold on to that”.

YOUTH AND SPORTS MINISTER KHAIRY JAMALUDDIN Pemain peseorangan Malaysia, Datuk Lee Chong Wei membalas pukulan pemain Denmark, Viktor Axelsen pada suku akhir lelaki kejohanan badminton Terbuka Malaysia Celcom Axiata 2016 di Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam, 8 April 2016.

PHOTOGRAPHY OSMAN ADNAN. Osman has been taking pictures of Chong Wei, at his practices, tournaments, since he was a junior player at Badminton Academy in Kampung Pandan.

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Mohd Faiz Subri “Mohd Faiz has made the nation proud and created history with his achievement in winning the FIFA Puskas Award 2016. His beautiful score in the match with Pahang is one of its kind, and the fact that he was also in the same group as international superstar players like Lionel Messi from Argentina and Neymar from Brazil and other players for the award shows that we have the talent. The support from Malaysians to vote for Faiz has also helped contributed to his success, and this would definitely boost the soccer sport in the country. In fact, Mohd Faiz has become a role model and an example for local players to train harder to be more ambitious to put Malaysia at the world stage again.�

DATUK SOH CHIN AUN, FORMER MALAYSIA SOCCER TEAM CAPTAIN. Pemain tengah Pulau Pinang, Mohd Faiz Subri, 29, menunjukkan kasut bola yang beliau pakai ketika menjaringkan gol luar biasa menerusi sepakan percuma dalam perlawanan antara Pulau Pinang dengan Pahang di stadium Bandaraya, Pulau Pinang, di Pulau Pinang, 17 Februari 2016. Kasut bersama jersi tersebut akan dijual dengan harga RM100,000.

PHOTOGRAPHY RAMDZAN MASIAM

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National Day “One should ask, what is the fundamental or pillar to ensure peace, harmony and a united country? The answer is love and appreciation for the country. We were born here, we grew up here and, when the time comes, we will die here. Thus, we have to continue to defend our beloved country from any internal and external threats, as there are certain quarters who are unpatriotic and work with enemies. The spirit of patriotism could be expressed in various ways. Civil servants can be patriotic when they work hard to serve the people. Teachers or educationists can be patriotic by nurturing the younger generation with love and dedication. A mother can be a patriot by loving her family and children unconditionally. Malaysians need to fly the Jalur Gemilang daily, not just on Merdeka Day. We don’t want to fly the Malaysia flag (only) when there is a special occasion, such as our National Day. We should fly the flag 365 days a year so that we can understand and appreciate the meaning of patriotism.”

PRIME MINISTER DATUK SERI NAJIB RAZAK PHOTOGRAPHY BAZUKI MUHAMMAD / REUTERS 27

Kuala Lumpur City Centre Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) is a multipurpose development area in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The area is located around Jalan Ampang, Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Binjai, Jalan Kia Peng and Jalan Pinang. The site of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre was historically part of an affluent suburban residential area north of the old Kuala Lumpur town, linked to the town via Ampang Road and populated by bungalows and mansions dating as far back as the colonial early-20th century. The centrepiece of the area was the original site of the Selangor Turf Club, with many houses constructed around the site to capitalise on views of the racing course.

Designed to be a city within a city, the 100-acre site hosts the tallest twin buildings in the world, shopping mall, office buildings and several hotels. A public park and a mosque is also built on the area and open to everyone. Today, there are a number of shopping complexes such as Suria KLCC and Avenue K. There are also hotels within walking distance such as G Tower, Mandarin Oriental, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Traders and InterContinental Kuala Lumpur hotel, with a few upcoming hotels like the Four Seasons and W. PHOTOGRAPHY BAZUKI MUHAMMAD

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Tony Fernandes “Tan Sri Tony Fernandes has a big heart, which is one of his qualities that I really adore. I still remember during my training in academy, he came to give everyone “duit raya”. He even went down to the airport to wish the crew and all the passengers on board “Selamat Hari Raya” before they took off. Where else can we find that kind of employer? Only in AirAsia. He is also very down to earth and he always appreciates and motivates everyone who’s working in the company. One of the things that I will always remember is when he told us to always dream big because dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”

ASSRAF NASIR, CABIN CREW AT AIRASIA Fernandes speaks to NSTP during an interview, Kuala Lumpur, 8 June 2016. PHOTOGRAPHY MUNIRA ABDUL GHANI

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Aksi pelumba basikal negara, M Azizul Hasni Awang meraikan kejayaan meraih pingat emas ke111 negara pada acara pecut individu lelaki akhir sempena temasya Sukan Sea ke-29 Kuala Lumpur (KL2017) di Velodrom Nasional Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Nilai 28 Ogos 2017.

PHOTOGRAPHY IQMAL HAQIM ROSMAN

Azizulhasni Awang “He has a big ambition that is to become the world champion and secure the Olympic gold medal. And because of that, he has been practising hard, preparing himself to the maximum for every tournament.

Alhamdullilah, he has achieved one of his dreams that is becoming the Keirin champion at the 2017 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Hong Kong, and now he will be pursuing the gold medal in the next Olympic Games in Tokyo. I am so proud of him and now he is the world champion in Keirin. I hope other cyclists can emulate and follow the enthusiasm and spirit of my husband so that they can one day become successful too in the cycling spot.”

ATHIA ILYANI ABDUL SAMAD, AZIZULHASNI’S WIFE.

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Nicol David It has been an amazing journey working with Datuk Nicol David. Her preparation and professionalism stand alone. I feel very privileged to be a part of it. Being one of the best players in the world is a real testament to her drive and dedication to the sport.

Nicol currently ranked world number 6. Beginning in August 2006, she was the world number one for a record-breaking 108 consecutive months, finally ceding the ranking in September 2015 to Raneem El Weleily. She has won the World Open title a record 8 times in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014, as well as the British Open title in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012 and 2014. In July 2016, she reached her 151st successive month in the top 10, breaking the record in both men’s and women’s categories. She surpassed Peter Nicol’s previous records of 150 months.”

LIZ IRVING, NICOL’S COACH. Duta Muhibah Kebangsaan Malaysia UNDP, Datuk Nicol Ann David bergembira dengan kanak-kanak Orang Asli ketika berkelah di lata di kampung Orang Asli Tual, Pos Sinderut, Lipis, 10 June 2014. PHOTOGRAPHY AZMAIDI ABIDIN 35

Zeti Aktar Aziz Tan Sri Ungku Zeti Akhtar Ungku Abdul Aziz (known professionally as Zeti Akhtar Aziz) in a figure well known in the financial industry, local, regional and globally. She was the 7th Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia. She was governor from 2000 to 2016, and was the first woman in the position. In 2009, Global Finance named her as one of the world’s best central bank chiefs. In 2010 during the national-level Ma’al Hijrah celebrations held that year, the Malaysian government had awarded her with the title of “Tokoh Ma’al Hijrah 1432H”. On 20 May 2011, Bloomberg columnist William Pesek had picked Zeti, during her post as Bank Negara governor, as one of his top four nominees to head the prestigious International Monetary Fund after the position became vacant. Zeti was also the Chairman of the Asian Institute of Finance. She was responsible to redevelop and strengthen the country’s financial institution after the 1997 world financial crisis, and she is one of the world’s best governors.

Zeti speaks during a news conference, Kuala Lumpur, 21 August 2013. PHOTOGRAPHY BAZUKI MUHAMMAD / REUTERS

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Pandalela Rinong “Pandelela has brought honour, glory and pride to all of us, especially the people in the state of Sarawak, with her achievement. She is a role model that the younger generation can look up to. She has shown that one can achieve greatness with discipline, determination and patience. This is an extraordinary achievement and we are confident that you can win the country’s first gold medal for the Olympics in four years. Pandelela has been constantly winning medals in the Olympics for Malaysia. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, she became the first ever Malaysian female athlete to win an Olympic medal, as well as the first in any sport other than Badminton, when she won the bronze medal in the 10 metre platform. At the 2016 Summer Olympics, Pandelela and Cheong Jun Hoong won the silver medal in the 10 metre synchronised platform.”

SARAWAK DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER DATUK DOUGLAS UGGAH EMBAS Ratu terjun negara Pandelela Rinong Pamg menduduki tempat ke 11 dengan mata 330.45 pada aksi final 10m platform individu wanita di Pusat Aquatik Maria Lenk Rio, Rio de Janeiro, 18 August 2016. PHOTOGRAPHY ROSLI RAHMAT

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Proton PROTON is a Malaysia-based corporation active in automobile design, manufacturing, distribution and sales. It was established in 1983 as the sole national badged car company until the advent of Perodua in 1993. The company is headquartered in Shah Alam, Selangor, and operates additional facilities at Proton City, Perak. In May 2017, DRB-HICOM announced plans to sell a 49.9 percent stake in Proton and a 51 percent stake in Lotus to Geely Automobile Holdings. The maiden vehicle from Proton Holdings Bhd’s strategic alliance with Chinese carmaker Zhejiang Geely Holdings Group is expected to hit local roads next year or early 2019. “As early as next year or early 2019, the production of the new car will begin, using Geely’s technology. The government hoped the alliance would help Proton to raise the exports of its cars significantly, targeting a production of about 280,000 cars from the partnership. Geely, together with Proton, will build a plant here in the next five years. The cars will enter Chinese and Southeast Asian markets.”

SECOND INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY MINISTER DATUK SERI ONG KA CHUAN The new model of Malaysian Proton Saga is driven from the backstage during its launch, Kuala Lumpur, 18 January 2008.

PHOTOGRAPHY BAZUKI MUHAMMAD

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Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Announced on August 1, 1996, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (formerly known as Multimedia Development Corporation, MDEC), an initiative made to primarily drive innovation in Malaysia, was established.

“With how the Malaysian ICT industry is continuously evolving, it is a clear sign that we live in the most exciting of times; where digital technology is now a key enabler in everything we do. Indeed, its role in driving global socio-economic growth has generated tremendous impact to all. As a driver for Malaysia’s digital economy, MDEC is tasked to spur investments into the country, grow local technology champions into global icons, catalyse innovation for the economy, and propagate digital inclusivity for everyone.

To-date, the digital economy contributions to the national GDP is 17.8%, with the total number of investments reaching RM304 billion. The development of this new-age socio-economy also saw 53 MSC Cyber-Centres and Cyber-Cities being created.”

Passing the 20 year mark, MDEC still propagates key national initiatives that now includes MyDigitalmaker, a programme that incorporates computational and critical thinking into the national school curriculum; eRezeki and eUsahawan, citizen-centric initiatives designed for boosting income digitally; and the Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ), a platform that widens export capabilities for SMEs as well as position Malaysia as a regional hub for e-commerce logistics. These programmes are designed to enable Malaysian businesses to become global powerhouses. Their success showcases how far our country has come and how much more we can accomplish moving forward.” Datuk Yasmin Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer of MDEC. Staffs of MDEC takes pictures with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak after the launch of the National eCommerce Strategic Roadmap during the 28th Implementation Council Meeting, 2016. PHOTOGRAPHY MDEC 43

KL Tower “Kuala Lumpur Tower is targeting one million visitors from local and international this year compared to 850,000 last year. Offers a variety of interesting activities this year include creating KL Tower Sky Cafe.

We also have a new special attraction, KL Tower Sky Box, which transforms how visitors experience Kuala Lumpur. At 300 meters up, the Sky Box extends out from the Sky Deck ledge. With safety as a priority, the Sky Box can fit 3 visitors at one time. It is a unique experience for visitors to enjoy the panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur as if you are floating in the air. KL Tower also features a new facade lighting which is the tallest Facade Lighting in Southeast Asia. KL Tower truly has its own uniqueness. We want to give visitors a three-in-one experience when the come to visit the tower, where they will experience the Malaysian culture through the various cultural programmes that we have, adventure activities, as well as the view.

Being the only tower in the world surrounded by reserved forest, we also work closely with the Forestry Department to ensure visitors get to see the beauty of nature surrounding the tower.”

KL TOWER CEO, MEOR SHAHRIL ANUAR AHMAD RATHUAN KL Tower lighted in Japanese flag colour of red and white, in support of the Japan’s March 11 earthquake and tsunami, Kuala Lumpur, 4 April 2011.

PHOTOGRAPHY AIZUDDIN SAAD 45

P. Ramlee & Saloma The late Tan Sri P. Ramlee (22 March 1929 - 19 May 1973) was a Malaysian film actor, director, singer, songwriter, composer, and producer. Due to his contributions to the movie and music industry and his literary work, which began with his acting debut in Singapore in 1948 to the height of his career and then later moving to Malaysia in 1964 onward where he moves towards his decline and death, he is regarded as a prominent icon of Malay entertainment; with his famed even reaching as far as Brunei and Sumatra, Indonesia as well as in Hong Kong and Japan. Meanwhile, P. Ramlee’s wife, the late Puan Sri Saloma (22 January 1935 - 25 April 1983) was a SingaporeanMalaysian singer, film actress, trendsetter and a fashion icon who became well known in the late 1950s.

“From my view, what ever is shown related to P. Ramlee, be it films or songs, it will always be entertaning.”

AHMAD FAUZEE, SINGER PHOTOGRAPHY NSTP IMAGE ARCHIVE

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Yuna “Yunalis Mat Zara’ai, professionally known as Yuna, is a Malaysian singer-songwriter and businesswoman. Born and raised in Kedah and Selangor, she began writing songs at age 14. She soon taught herself to play guitar, and by 2006, in need of a creative outlet while attending law school, performed for an audience for the first time. Yuna offered her music on her MySpace page, which received over one million plays. This online success tipped off the Indie-Pop label/management company to her music, and in early 2011 she signed with the Fader label. She’s one of the greatest singers I’ve ever heard, I love the tone of her voice. Your affinity for her and the way you celebrate her, I celebrate her just the same. I happen to be a big fan. The fact that she understands how to articulate herself in the runs that she chooses, that’s what makes her unique. There is a huge amount of talent and creativity in Yuna.”

US SINGER AND SONGWRITER USHER Yuna performs during the “Konsert Cinta (Concert Xxxx)” at Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur, 19 August 2016.

PHOTOGRAPHY MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN

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Misbun (2nd left) with his shuttler brothers Jalani, Razif, and Rashid, 8 January 1988.

PHOTOGRAPHY NSTP ARCHIVES

Misbun Sidek and his brothers “Misbun and I go way back, in fact he is more of a father figure to me. I had to meet him on several occasions before he was convinced to make a return. He left the last time, because certain quarters had challenged him. He is a no-nonsense guy and I remember everything he taught me during training back then. All I can say to my fellow teammates is be ready. It will not be an easy ride, but he (Misbun) will do his best to get you there.�

NATIONAL SHUTTLER DATUK LEE CHONG WEI 51

Sudirman The late Datuk Sudirman Hj Arshad was a Malaysian singer and songwriter who had started his career after winning the Bintang RTM in August 1976. Also, he is the title holder of “Asia’s No. 1 Performer” on 19 March 1989 after winning the ‘‘Asian Popular Music Awards’’ competition in Royal Albert Hall in London. He was known as the “Singing Lawyer” of Malaysia”. Possessing of a clear piercing tenor with a surprising breadth of range and dynamic control especially at the extreme high end, Sudirman’s voice was instantly recognisable every time one of his songs are played in local radio or television. His ability to act through his voice is evident from songs such as “Bercanda di Pasiran Pantai”, a Latin-flavoured duet with Anita Sarawak which displayed the sultry quality of his voice. His unique talents had helped him to win many local competitions from Bintang RTM Best Singer (1976) to Muzik-Muzik TV3 Best Performer and Berita Harian Popularity contest Most Popular Artist. He topped Malaysian, Brunei and Indonesia charts with songs such as “Merisik Khabar”, “Milik Siapakah Gadis Ini” and “Salam Terakhir”. Songwriters who have supported him in the past include S. Atan, Manan Ngah, Michael Veerapan and Syed Harun. Even today, his songs are popularly played especially during National Day and Hari Raya.

PHOTOGRAPHY YAHYA HASHIM

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Lat Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid, more commonly known as Lat, is a famous Malaysian cartoonist. He has published more than 20 volumes of cartoons since he was 13 years old. His works mostly illustrate Malaysia’s social and political scenes, portraying them in a comedic light without bias. Lat’s best known work is The Kampung Boy (1979), which is published in several countries across the world. Born in a village, Lat spent his youth in the countryside before moving to the city at the age of 11. While in school, he supplemented his family’s income by contributing cartoon strips to newspapers and magazines. He was 13 years old when he achieved his first published comic book, Tiga Sekawan (Three Friends Catch a Thief). After failing to attain the grades that were required to continue education beyond high school, Lat became a newspaper reporter. In 1974, he switched careers to be an editorial cartoonist. “When I draw something, I want people to look at it, smile and feel good,” said Lat. Most of his career life was spent with the New Straits Times, adding that he was grateful to Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail, who was then Berita Harian editor, for recruiting him as a crime reporter. He said his passion for drawing did not falter although he was a crime reporter at that time.

It was his artwork that was published in Asia Magazine in 1974 that piqued the interest of the then NST editor-in-chief Tan Sri Lee Siew Yee. He was then made the column cartoonist of the newspaper.

Lat, Kuala Lumpur, 31 July 2012. PHOTOGRAPHY DANIAL NOORDIN 55

Harith Iskander The comedian with two decades of experience, plans to tour more US cities next year with The Laugh Factory, which also organised the Funniest Person In The World contest last year. Harith won the title and US$100,000 (RM447,950) at the contest’s finals in Levi, Finland, in December 2016 after beating 88 other international comedians. Iskander’s source of jokes come from everywhere around him and he is an advocate of cross-border relations between Singaporean and Malaysian comedians. Iskander’s career in stand-up comedy began during 1990 or 1991, when he was persuaded by a university friend to get on stage in the old Subang Airport Hotel lobby lounge to tell some funny stories. It was at this lounge where a member of the audience saw Iskander and invited him to another function to perform on-stage. On June 12, 2010, Iskander married doctor and FHM model Jezamine Lim. Harith (right) as a panel at Forum Keselamatan Wanita at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 20 March 2016.

PHOTOGRAPHY KHAIRULL AZRY BIDIN

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Khairul Idham Pawi “He made his Grand Prix debut as wildcard at Aragon entered by Honda Team Asia riding a Honda, he finish the race in 25th-place. In 2016, Pawi made his full-time debut in the Moto3 World Championship with the same team and bikes alongside the Japanese Hiroki Ono. Pawi won the second Grand Prix of the season in a wet Argentina race. Later in the season at the German Grand Prix, Pawi took 20th on the grid, but having established himself as a wet-weather specialist, charged through to lead after just six laps. He took the win by over 11 seconds from Andrea Locatelli, moving up to 10th in the rider’s standings. MotoGP Official website announced the 2017 entry list and Pawi is a new partner to Takaaki Nakagami in Idemitsu Honda Team Asia replacing Ratthapark Wilairot in the Moto2 category. This is just his second year in Grand Prix motorcycle racing after breaking a record of the youngest non-European rider to win a Grand Prix motorcycle race. Khairul has a big potential. He is a very hardworking racer and always wants to improve himself in every race.”

IDEMITSU HONDA TEAM ASIA TEAM MANAGER TADAYUKI OKADA Khairul takes a corner during a free practice session at Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Sepang, 28 October 2016. PHOTOGRAPHY OSMAN ADNAN

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16th Commonwealth Games Malaysia was in the eyes of the world when it became host to the 16th Commonwealth Games from September 11 to 21, 1998.

It was also the biggest sporting event held in the country. A total of 214 events in 15 sports were featured in the games. The 1998 games were the first held in an Asian country and the last Commonwealth Games of the 20th century. This was also the first time the games took place in a nation with a head of state other than the Head of the Commonwealth, and the first time the games were held in a non-English speaking nation. And for the first time, team sports were included and there was a full turnout of 70 countries.

During the games, Malaysian athletes really made the nation proud by collecting 10 gold, 14 silver and 12 bronze for the best ever medal haul. Never before, said Commonwealth Games Federation supremo Michael Fennell, has the Games enjoyed such a high profile.

PHOTOGRAPHY NSTP IMAGE ARCHIVE

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Michelle Yeoh Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh needs no introduction in the global film arena. The Ipoh-born actress is best known for her roles as a Bond girl in the 1997 movie Tomorrow Never Dies, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Memoirs of a Geisha and The Lady, and is expected to be in the upcoming Star Trek: Discovery TV series. She has also sat on the jury of the Cannes Film Festival. Her contribution to the French arts scene and her links to French culture were recognised last year when she was the first Malaysian actress to be conferred the title of Officier des Arts et des Lettres. Besides that, Yeoh is also known for her humanitarian work where she is the UNDP goodwill ambassador and UN global road safety ambassador. She is involved in road safety activities in France with her partner Jean Todt. In March this year she was conferred the title, the highest honour available to a non-French citizen, by French President Franรงois Hollande during a ceremony at the official residence of the French Ambassador in Kuala Lumpur.

Yeoh takes a selfie with the children after launching The Safe Steps Road Safety Programme, Ipoh, 15 April 2016.

PHOTOGRAPHY YAHYA ZAINUDDIN

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LIMA “Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) is a maritime and aerospace exhibition that takes place once every two years in Langkawi, Malaysia. The event is one of the largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific, and is focused mainly on the defence industry, but also supports civilian industries. After more than 15 years organising the exhibition, the Government said that Malaysia can become a dominant player in the aviation industry in 10 years. “Malaysia would be a hub for the industry in 10 years, and that this called for the country to have a futuristic plan to prepare its human capital for the market. This maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), which fell under the category of “dirty, difficult and dangerous jobs. The ground handling field must have a plan because in the near future, Malaysia will be a hub for the aviation industry. We gathered this from the fact that by the end of this LIMA 2017, the total value of contracts that will be signed would be no less than RM9 billion.”

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER DATUK SERI DR AHMAD ZAHID HAMIDI Pesawat Tempur China ‘August 1’ membuat persembahan di ruang udara Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Langkawi sempena Pameran Antarabangsa Maritim dan Aeroangkasa Langkawi (LIMA 2015), Langkawi, 17 Mac 2015.

PHOTOGRAPHY MUHD ZAABA ZAKERIA 65

2017 SEA Games “The 29th Southeast Asian Games or SEA Games is a Southeast Asian multi-sport event that took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from August 19 to 30, 2017, with 405 events in 38 sports featured in the games. This is the sixth time Malaysia host the games and its first time since 2001. Previously, it also hosted the 1965 games, 1971 games, 1977 games and the 1989 games.

The 2017 Sea Games also saw 24 sports being broadcast live from Aug 19 to 31, 2017. This makes up more than 60 percent of the total sporting events. It is also most live coverage that we have in the entire history of the Games. The sports that vwere broadcasted live includes athletics, aquatics, football, track cycling, bowling, billiards and snooker, rugby sevens, weightlifting, table tennis, rhythmic gymnastics, speed skating, boxing, muay, karate, taekwondo, pencak silat, wushu, basketball, badminton, netball, sepak takraw, squash, archery and hockey.�

SPORTS MINISTER KHAIRY JAMALUDDIN Atlit renang, Nur Dhabitah Sabri menyalakan obor ketika majlis perasmian pembukaan Sukan SEA KL2017 di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, 19 Ogos 2017. PHOTOGRAPHY DANIAL SAAD

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PHOTOGRAPHY BERNAMA

APEC Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a forum for 21 Pacific Rim member economies that promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region. It was established in 1989 in response to the growing interdependence of Asia-Pacific economies and the advent of regional trade blocs in other parts of the world; to defuse fears that highly industrialised Japan (a member of G8) would come to dominate economic activity in the Asia-Pacific region; and to establish new markets for agricultural products and raw materials beyond Europe. The last 2016 meeting in Lima, Peru, APEC member economies kicked off their discussion focusing on the anti-globalisation movement, rise of protectionism and income equality.

They also delved into the uncertain economy and sluggish world trade, and the implementation of inwardlooking policies. The next APEC meeting will be held in Da Nang, Vietnam.

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Ra dolupti busantotae nes corest archicae mo et que laborpori rendis ut aliqui dus sitatem rerum ipientiis doleseq uidelesto mossum elis exerfer cienimi llaborpos sed mollatum autendio. Um inulpa porae odi temoles aut ex et hiciantur solor seri officae dest quo tet derum audae. Ut apis mil explitatem rerecus consequi utem rendus, te venias ullaborepuda ducim que none nos eum sunt ut eum, ommos rehent ut qui illorit, sequo venis prae veliatur repudae natiberehent moluptate nus a nis voluptat.

Tem aut odi tecus iderspel et volore, idus de estem volum ad qui doluptate es moloriae cum fugitatatqui ullit, temos excerro reculli teceat lam, a nobis quundit, ea pro core sus perum eatem labo. Itate net ut esereri tenectam quunt.�

SOMEONE. Anja, competing during the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, August 2017.

PHOTOGRAPHY BAZUKI MUHAMMAD 71

MEASAT Measat Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd, formerly Binariang Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian communications satellite operator, which owns and operates the Measat (Malaysia East Asia Satellite) and Africasat spacecraft. The company provides satellite services to leading international broadcasters, Direct-To-Home (DTH) platforms and telecom operators. With capacity across six communication satellites, the company provides satellite services to over 150 countries representing 80 percent of the world’s population across Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe and Australia. The Measat satellite will turn 20. Since the launch of MEASAT-1 and MEASAT-2 in 1996, the company has expanded its fleet to across six geostationary satellites designed and built

by Boeing Satellite Systems, Orbital Sciences Corporation, Loral Space and Communications, and Airbus Defence and Space.

Direct broadcast satellite Pay TV service will also turn 20 next year.

Menteri Komunikasi dan Multimedia, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek mendengar penjelasan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MEASAT Satellite Systems, Paul Brown- Kenyon (dua dari kanan) pada lawatan rasmi di Measat Teleport and Broadcast Centre, Cyberjaya, 4 February 2014. Turut bersama Pengarah Measat Satellite Systems Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar (kanan) dan Pengerusi Suruhanjaya Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia, Datuk Mohamed Sharil Mohamed Tramizi (kiri).

PHOTOGRAPHY FARIZ ISWADI ISMAIL

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Felda Global Venture Felda Global Ventures Holdings Berhad is a Malaysian-based global agricultural and agri-commodities company. With operations worldwide, FGV produces oil palm and rubber plantation products, soybean and canola products, oleochemicals and sugar products. It is the third largest palm oil company in the world by planted acreage. In Malaysia alone, it controls over 850,000 ha of land, which includes the roughly 500,000 ha that it leases and manages for 112,635 FELDA smallholders. In its downstream business segment, FGV produces soybean and canola products as well as oleochemicals. FGV has interests in palm oil refineries and downstream processing facilities in Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Turkey and South Africa as well as a facility for other oils and fats in the USA. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak delivers his keynote address during the launch of the prospectus of Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, 31 May 2012.

PHOTOGRAPHY BAZUKI MUHAMMAD / REUTERS 75

1MDB 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) is a strategic development company, wholly owned by the Government of Malaysia.

It was established to drive strategic initiatives for long-term economic development for the country by forging global partnerships and promoting foreign direct investment. 1MDB is currently involved several high-profile projects such as the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Tun Razak Exchange’s sister project Bandar Malaysia and the acquisition of three Independent Power Producers.1MDB began as Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA), a sovereign wealth fund aimed at ensuring economic development for the state of Terengganu that is long term and sustainable while safeguarding the economic well-being of the people of Terengganu. TIA was established in 2008, and was renamed 1Malaysia Development Berhad on January 2009. In his announcement on 22 July 2009, Prime Minister Najib Razak said the decision to expand TIA into a federal entity was made to enable its benefits to reach a broad spectrum of Malaysians rather than to the residents of only one state. The project focuses on strategic development projects in the areas of energy, real estate, tourism and agribusiness.

A construction site of TRX, Kuala Lumpur, 31 March 2015. PHOTOGRAPHY ZULFADHLI ZULKIFLI

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Petronas Petronas is a Malaysian oil and gas company that was founded on 17 August 1974. Wholly owned by the Government of Malaysia, the corporation is vested with the entire oil and gas resources in Malaysia and is entrusted with the responsibility of developing and adding value to these resources. Petronas is ranked among Fortune Global 500’s largest corporations in the world.

Fortune ranks Petronas as the 75th largest company in the world in 2013. Fortune also ranks Petronas as the 12th most profitable company in the world and the most profitable in Asia. Since its incorporation, Petronas has grown to be an integrated international oil and gas company with business interests in 35 countries. As of the end of March 2005, the Petronas Group comprised 103 wholly owned subsidiaries, 19 partly owned outfits and 57 associated companies. Together, these companies make the Petronas Group, which is involved in various oil and gas based activities. The Financial Times has identified Petronas as one of the “new seven sisters”: the most influential and mainly state-owned national oil and gas companies from countries outside the OECD. Petronas outlet with its headquarters, Petronas Twin Towers is seen at the back, Kuala Lumpur, 4 February 2012.

PHOTOGRAPHY BAZUKI MUHAMMAD / REUTERS

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ECER “East Coast Economic Region (ECER): The Rakyat is at the very heart of our socio-economic transformation. This is why we are committed to ensuring that the people in the ECER, in particular the B40 communities in the urban and rural areas, are provided with opportunities to better their potentials and uplift their livelihoods. We focus on the delivery of high-impact development and infrastructure projects to reinforce the Region’s position as the investment destination of choice, while at the same time creating spill over socioeconomic benefits for the Rakyat. By working closely with the Federal and State Governments, the ECER has successfully attracted more than RM102 billion in private investments as at March 2017, which enabled the creation of more than 140,000 new job opportunities and 26,000 entrepreneurs, which in turn have uplifted and improved the lives of the people. Meanwhile, our inclusive human capital development programmes have ensured that the Rakyat will be an integral part of ECER’s socio-economic transformation.

Today, more than 655,000 people have benefited from programmes such as empower ECER, entrepreneur ECER and the Agropolitan projects.”

DATUK SERI JEBASINGAM ISSACE JOHN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, EAST COAST ECONOMIC REGION DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL. Pegawai Eksekutif ECER, Datuk Jebasingam Issace John memberi penerangan mengenai projek peluasan pelabuhan Kuantan kepada Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Razak selepas Majlis Pelancaran Program Jelajah Janji Ditepati di Padang MPK2, Kuantan.

PHOTOGRAPHY AIZUDDIN SAAD

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Putrajaya Twenty years ago, amidst the rubber and oil palm trees, the first pile cap was struck to mark the construction of the first building in Putrajaya - the Putra Mosque of Putrajaya.

Now Putrajaya, the pride of the nation, is a symbol of the Malaysian Success, a well planned city with state of the art infrastructure, public amenities and facilities, its remarkable wetlands, iconic buildings and topping it all is the jewel of the City, the 400 hectare man-made Putrajaya lake, the backbone of the City. Putrajaya is a City like no other! People all over the world come to the City not only to marvel and admire but also to learn and replicate our City in their own countries. The Government quarters have all been built and the Government buildings will be completed in the next couple of years. The commercial development has started and with the elevation of the City from Garden City to Green City in the 2025 Green City Masterplan will shape the City into a vibrant, livable and sustainable city for future generations of Malaysians. Putrajaya Holdings chief executive officer, Datuk Azlan Abdul Karim Country’s landmarks, Putra Mosque (L) and the office of prime minister Putra Perdana, Putrajaya, 19 March 2011. PHOTOGRAPHY BAZUKI MUHAMMAD / REUTERS 83

Iskandar Malaysia “Iskandar Malaysia is the new southern development corridor in Johor that has been identified as one of the catalyst developments to spur the growth of the Malaysia economy. The Iskandar Malaysia initiative always welcome investors to Johor as this will enable more job opportunities. The initiative, which started at the end of 2006, has created a total of 651,536 jobs in various sectors such as Small Industry, Creative, Education, Financial, Healthcare, Logistics and Tourism. The initiative covers 2,217 sq km of land area within the southern-most part of Johor. The development region encompasses an area of about 3 times the size of Singapore and 2 times the size of Hong Kong. It covers the entire district of Johor Bahru (including the island within the district), Mukim Jeram Batu, Mukim Sungai Karang, Mukim Serkat and Kukup Island in Mukim Ayer Masin, all within the district of Pontian.�

MENTERI BESAR JOHOR, DATUK SERI MOHAMED KHALED NORDIN Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar is one of the landmarks in Iskandar Malaysia, 23 January 2014.

PHOTOGRAPHY MOHAMAD SHAHRIL BADRI SAALI

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Jimmy Choo “Datuk Jimmy Choo, a Malaysian fashion designer based in the United Kingdom, has successfully put Malaysia in the eyes of the world. He is truly an example of the Malaysia Boleh Spirit. He has placed Malaysia’s shoe making industry firmly on the map of the world. His extraordinary success has been a source of inspiration for many local designers to push the boundaries and break into the international fashion scene in a big way.”

CHRISTY NG, SHOE DESIGNER AND ONLINE ENTREPRENEUR PHOTOGRAPHY NSTP IMAGE ARCHIVE

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Forest City “The Forest City project will have a positive impact on the state and country especially through job opportunities and economic growth. Currently, 800 local skilled workers work in the project, which is about 70 per cent of the more than 1,100 workforce.

This trend will be sustained in the 20-year development period to complete the world-class smart and green city, where we project 220,000 job opportunities the next 20-year development. What is gratifying is that those who had gone abroad to work are coming back because of the Forest City project. Comprising four man-made islands off the southwest coast of Johor, Forest City will boast a gross development value of US$100 billion (RM442 billion) when fully completed in 20 years.”

FOREST CITY MASTER DEVELOPER COUNTRY GARDEN PACIFICVIEW (CGPV) SDN BHD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DATUK MD OTHMAN YUSOF The Danda Bridge project under construction, a part of Iskandar Malaysia project, Johor Bahru,18 February 2013.

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Bernard Chandran After honing his skills overseas in Paris, Datuk Bernard Chandran returned to Malaysia to set up his maiden shop in KL Plaza in 1993. The first ‘Bernard Chandran’ couture house was a small rented shop with a handful of staff in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. His talents have earned him many faithful clients among Malaysia’s elite most notably the Royal families of Malaysia and Brunei as well as two former Miss Universe. Due to this, Chandran used to be known as Malaysia’s “Prince of Fashion”, but is now being hailed as Malaysia’s “King of Fashion”. Bernard has also started introducing Europe to his couture with a boutique in Knightsbridge, London.

His creations are drawn from Chinese, Malay, Indian and other eastern cultures. He regularly does shows around the world, although he does tailor his overseas ranges to be more daring than his range for Malaysia. Bernard believes in the importance of creativity, confidence and vision. “My inspiration comes from my customers...how they move, how they talk, their attitudes, their lifestyles. When I first meet a new customer, I make her understand that I am here to make you look good.”

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Mokhtar Dahari Known as SuperMokh, the late Datuk Mokhtar Dahari is the Malaysia’s football legend. He was one of the best players in Asia in the 1970s and is known as the best Malaysian footballer during that time, a legend in Malaysian football. During the 1970s, Mokhtar played for Malaysia and Malaysia became a powerful team and defeated Asian giants such as South Korea and Japan. He was the best striker in Malaysia. His first game for Malaysia national football team was against Sri Lanka national football team in 1972. He helped Malaysia win the 1974 Asian Games Bronze medals and successive SEA Games gold medals in 1977 and 1979. He even scored a double winning goals for 2–0 Malaysia League XI against Arsenal FC in a friendly game in 1975 that led to rumours of the English top clubs’ interest in him. Although he has passed away more than 25 years, his contribution is still remembered especially through films like Ola Bola and theatre Supermokh Sebuah Muzikal.

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Ibrahim Hussein The late Datuk Ibrahim Hussein (March 13, 1936 – Feb 19, 2009) was a Malaysian artist. His main medium was one he devised himself and called “printage”—a combination of printing and collage. Ibrahim was born in 1936 in the village of Sungai Limau in the Yan district of Kedah. His eldest brother is Abdullah Hussain. A talented artist during his youth, he began studies at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore in 1956.

In 1959, he moved to London, where he studied at the Byam Shaw School of Art and the Royal Academy Schools. During his time in London, he worked as a postman and film extra to survive financially, until he was awarded an Award of Merit scholarship which allowed him to travel to France and Italy. He returned to Malaysia to become a resident artist at the University of Malaya. In 1991, he founded the Ibrahim Hussein Museum and Cultural Foundation in the Langkawi rainforest - a non-profit foundation and museum dedicated to the promotion, development and advancement of art and culture. His work of art The Dream once was the most expensive local art when it was bid at the price of RM500,500.

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Petronas Filharmonik Hall The Petronas Filharmonik Hall is Malaysia’s first purpose built concert hall for classical music by Malaysia’s oil company, Petronas. It is the home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Since then, this hall has hosted many of the world’s leading artists and orchestras. It also presents international jazz performances as well as traditional Malaysian music and dance cultural productions. Through its wide variety of musical presentations, it provides significant cultural enrichment opportunities for all Malaysians to experience. The concert hall is an 885-seat jewel box shaped room. The space is designed to serve every kind of music from orchestra with chorus, to Malaysian dance, to solo violin. The room is fully equipped for professional recording and fully isolated from the surrounding office towers, science center, and shopping mall. Its most unusual feature is a concealed movable ceiling that can change the acoustic volume of the room from as little as 470,000 f2 (13300 m2) for meetings and chamber music concerts to as much as 670,000 f2 (18975 m2) for large orchestra concerts and organ recitals. This feature was designed by acoustic consultant Kirkegaard Associates. The hall was officially opened to public on Jan 1, 1998.

PHOTOGRAPHY BAZUKI MUHAMMAD FOR RAMLI SARIP RASA MUSIC

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Some of the exhibits in the museum, Ipoh, 11 November 2015. In an effort to keep legendary film director Yasmin Ahmad’s legacy alive and to inspire a new generation of local film directors, a group of friends and fans of Yasmin took on the idea of her mother, Inom Yon, to establish a gallery to celebrate Yasmin’s work and life. PHOTOGRAPHY SUPIAN AHMAD

Yasmin Ahmad “The film industry is no longer the same when the late Yasmin was still alive and active. Although it has been many years since she passed, the influence in the local film industry is still strong. One of the beautiful memories I had of her was when I got to watch her speak at a seminar called Fearless. She didn’t use any text to guide her, and one sentence that she said has been a “strong factor” that has been pusing me until today. She said, “If you do something that touches your heart, then only can you touch other people’s hearts.”

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Smart Tunnel The Stormwater Management And Road Tunnel (SMART Tunnel), E38, is a storm drainage and road structure in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and a major national project in the country. The 9.7 km (6.0 mi) tunnel is the longest stormwater tunnel in South East Asia and second longest in Asia. The main objective of this tunnel is to solve the problem of flash floods in Kuala Lumpur and also to reduce traffic jams along Jalan Sungai Besi and Loke Yew flyover at Pudu during rush hour. There are two components of this tunnel, the stormwater tunnel and motorway tunnel. It is the longest multi-purpose tunnel in the world. According to a study by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, SMART has since averted potential flood disasters amounting to an estimated total of RM500 million.

Kelihatan laluan menunju ke Terowong SMART ditutup berikutan sistem banjir beroperasi dan menyebabkan ratusan kenderaan melalui lebuhraya PLUS menuju arah Kuala Lumpur terkandas pada kesesakan lalulintas, Kuala Lumpur, 27 November 2012.

PHOTOGRAPHY AIZUDDIN SAAD

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Azhar Mansor Datuk Azhar Mansor is the first Malaysian to sail solo around the world. He made his trip in 1999, sailing the ship Jalur Gemilang.

His round the world trip, with stops, took 190 days, 6 hours 57 minutes and 2 seconds. Azhar could be a good role model for youths because he was determined to accomplish something that was very difficult and dangerous.

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Le Tour de Langkawi The Tour de Langkawi is a multiple stage bicycle race held in Malaysia. It is named after the archipelago Langkawi, where the first edition started and finished. The race has been held annually since 1996, primarily in the month of February. It usually consists of 10 day-long segments (stages) over 10 days, but has been reduced to eight stages over recent years.

“The LTdL challenge has always meant to be for the best Asian rider and whoever wins it will have bragging rights for the year, so there’s no issue regarding the popularity of the race because it’s always been popular in Asia. The eyeball is actually much bigger than in Europe, that’s why Eurosports was counting on us with more than six million viewership worldwide. So, I don’t think the race is downgrading, it’s always moving up day in, day out. As the leader and the chief, the dream I always have is to upgrade the race to a World Tour level and this is the dream of Malaysians.” LTdL chief executive officer Emir Abdul Jalal.

Para pelumba ketika melalui kawasan ladang kelapa sawit Sungai Ambat di Mersing ketika peringkat ketujuh Perlumbaan Le tour de langkawi 2014 dari Kota Tinggi ke Pekan dengan jarak perlumbaan sejauh 230.1km. PHOTOGRAPHY OSMAN ADNAN

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Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary “This an elephant sanctuary located in Temerloh in the state of Pahang. The Centre was established in 1989 by the Malaysian Department of Wildlife and National Parks, and forms a base for the Elephant Relocation Team, which since 1974 has been rescuing problem Asian elephants whose habitats are being lost to cultivation or development, and relocating them to suitable habitats such as Taman Negara. The Centre also aims to raise public awareness and support research, and has increasingly become a popular tourist attraction since its existence began to be publicised in 1997. Visitors to the Centre are shown a video, then watch the elephants being washed and fed. This used to be followed by riding on an elephant but now, visitors are being given the chance to go into the river with younger elephants. The centre has also introduced a volunteer programme with a longer duration would allow people to spend more time with the animals and understand them better. Foreigners have expressed a strong interest in staying here and participating in longer volunteer programmes, ranging from several weeks to a few months. Similar programmes are practised in other countries. Although the centre here could provide visitors with information about elephant conservation through tours and video clips, first-hand knowledge on the pachyderms could be gained only through direct experience and by observing animals at the sanctuary. Volunteers can take part in regular tasks, such as bathing, grooming, feeding baby elephants and trekking into the nearby jungle during the elephants’ morning walks.”

KUALA GANDAH ELEPHANT SANCTUARY, ELEPHANT UNIT HEAD NASARUDDIN OTHMAN Tourist play with an elephant in the river at the sanctuary, 27 February 2011. PHOTOGRAPHY MOKHSIN ABIDIN 107

Masjid Negara Masjid Negara is a mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It has a capacity for 15,000 people and is situated among 13 acres of beautiful gardens. The original structure was designed by a three-person team from the Public Works Department: UK architect Howard Ashley, and Malaysians Hisham Albakri and Baharuddin Kassim. The mosque was built in 1965 on the site of a church, the Venning Road Brethren Gospel Hall, which had stood there since 1922 but was appropriated by the Malaysian government. The mosque is a bold and modern approach in reinforced concrete, symbolic of the aspirations of a then newly independent Malaysia. Its key features are a 73-metre-high minaret and a 16-pointed star concrete main roof. The umbrella, synonymous with the tropics, is featured conspicuously - the main roof is reminiscent of an open umbrella, the minaret’s cap a folded one. The folded plates of the concrete main roof are a creative solution to achieving the larger spans required in the main gathering hall. Reflecting pools and fountains spread throughout the compound.

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Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin Born in Banting, Selangor, Malaysia, Khairuddin made his debut in the 125cc world championship at the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix where he finished 20th. In 2010, Khairuddin competed in his first full season on board an Aprilia for the Air Asia-Sepang International Circuit. Khairuddin finally achieved his first ever Moto3 podium as he finished in second position at the 2012 Portuguese Grand Prix, and achieved the first pole position by a Malaysian rider in any class at his home race in October 2012.

Khairuddin led for most of the race, but finished second behind team-mate Sandro Cortese, after Cortese made a final-lap pass. At the end of the 2012 MotoGP campaign at Valencia, he claimed the 2nd podium of his career; he climbed from 17th on the grid to finish 3rd behind Danny Kent and Sandro Cortese in a dramatic thrilling race.

Zulfahmi takes a corner during the qualifying session of Shell Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2015, Sepang, 24 October 2015. PHOTOGRAPHY OSMAN ADNAN

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International Wau Festival The International Wau festival, a yearly event organised by Kelantan Tourists Information Centre (TIC) is one of the state’s tourists attractions. The beach area like Pantai Geting in Tumpat will come alive when kite enthusiasts from all over Asean and other parts of the world come for the International Wau Festival, normally held in May after the paddy harvest. During the festival, you could also see how the famous Wau Bulan is made. Besides Wau Bulan, there are various other types of Wau available during the festival, such as Wau Kucing, Wau Jala Budi, Wau Puyoh, Wau Daun, Wau Puyuh Sobek, Wau Daun Satu Pancang Meter, Layanglayang Rokkaku Lima Kaki, Wau Bulan Plastik, Wau Bercahaya dan Wau Ciptaan Dua Dimensi. Besides the Wau flying event, workshops on making Wau are also organised. The last festival saw participations by 45 participants from 20 countries, such as Malaysia, Australia, Brunei, Kemboja, China, Indonesia, Jerman, Nepal, Itali, Jepun, Macau, New Zealand, Filipina, Singapura, Sweden and Switzerland.

PHOTOGRAPHY SYAMSI SUHAIMI

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Statue of Lord Muruga This is the tallest statue of a Hindu deity in Malaysia and second tallest statue of a Hindu deity in the world, only second place to the Kailashnath Mahadev Statue in Nepal. It is also the tallest statue in Malaysia at 42.7 metres in height. It is located at the Sri Murugan Perumal Kovil at the foot of Batu Caves. It took 3 years of construction and unveiled in Jan 29, 2006 during Thaipusam festival. “The statue is painted in brilliant gold and placed prominently at the foot of the 272 steps leading to the Sri Subramaniar Swamy temple inside the magnificent limestone caves. “Earthwork to lay the foundation for the statue commenced after a groundbreaking ceremony on March 2002. We hired 15 sculptors from India and 15 general workers to assist them. A total of 1,550 cubic metres of concrete, 250 tonnes of steel bars and 300 litres of gold paint from Thailand were used.”

CHAIRMAN OF SRI MAHA MARIAMMAN TEMPLE DHEVASTHANAM, TAN SRI R NADARAJAH PHOTOGRAPHY BAZUKI MUHAMMAD / REUTERS

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KLIA Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is Malaysia’s main international airport and one of the major airports in South East Asia. Built at a cost of US$3.5 billion in Sepang district of Selangor, it is located approximately 45 kilometres south of Kuala Lumpur city centre and serves the Greater Klang Valley conurbation. KLIA is the largest and busiest airport in Malaysia. In 2016, it handled 52,643,511 passengers and 642,558 tonnes of cargo. It is the world’s 24th-busiest airport by total passenger traffic.

The airport is operated by Malaysia Airports (MAHB) Sepang Sdn Bhd and is the major hub of Malaysia Airlines, MASkargo, AirAsia, AirAsia X, Malindo Air, UPS Airlines and Gading Sari.

PHOTOGRAPHY BAZUKI MUHAMMAD

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Istana Budaya The Istana Budaya is Malaysia’s main venue for all types of theatre including musical theatre, operetta, classical concert and opera from local and international performances. It faces Jalan Tun Razak in then northern edge of Kuala Lumpur and is located next to the National Art Gallery. The Istana Budaya theatre hall Panggung Sari, with its unique design of royal boxes inspired by the windows of the traditional Rumah Melayu or Malay house, can accommodate up to 1,412 audiences at a time. The building is the first theatre in Asia that is equipped with state-of-the-art stage equipment. Istana Budaya is also rated among the ten most sophisticated theatres in the world, and on par with the Royal Albert Hall in London. The building was designed by the local architect, Muhammad Kamar Ya’akub. The inspiration for the design is based on a traditional moon kite in flight. The turquoise folds on the roof and the intricate design of the foyer are just two of the interesting features of the building. Istana Budaya’s architecture has intrigued experts and academics. The main building takes the shape of the sirih junjung, a traditional arrangement or a present made of betel leaves used during Malay weddings and welcoming ceremonies. As in a traditional Malay house, the building is divided into three areas: The serambi (lobby and foyer), The rumah ibu (main house) as the auditorium and The rumah dapur (kitchen) as the stage and rehearsal hall.

PHOTOGRAPHY BAZUKI MUHAMMAD FOR ISTANA BUDAYA

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Pan Borneo Highway “Pan Borneo Highway is a road network on Borneo Island connecting two Malaysian states, Sabah and Sarawak, with Brunei. The lack of a road network system in Sarawak was the main factor of the construction. The Pan Borneo highway is also one of the projects that is high on the list of priorities of the Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof.

“Because this is what the people expect. It’s also a promise made by Barisan Nasional in its manifesto.

The 2,083km highway, whose construction commenced in 1963, starts at Sematan on the Sarawak/West Kalimantan border and ends at Serudong on the Sabah/East Kalimantan border.

The highway, which also passes through Brunei, would be used to open up more rural areas via the construction of secondary or feeder roads. He said when the highway was upgraded, there will be added value to what we are doing like building roads to connect rural areas. The highway has been touted as an economic game changer for the state.

The Traffic Management Programme (TMP) had been activated to facilitate the construction of the Pan-Borneo Highway. Apart from minimising traffic inconvenience, the standard operation procedure was also meant to ensure the safety of motorists in affected routes during the construction of the multibillion-ringgit highway.”

WORKS MINISTER DATUK FADILLAH YUSOF Pemandangan lokasi pelancaran Projek Lebuhraya Pan Borneo Sarawak di Jajaran Bulatan Serian - Simpang Pantu.

PHOTOGRAPHY NSTP IMAGE ARCHIVE

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KL Sentral Kuala Lumpur Sentral (KL Sentral) is a transit-oriented development that houses the main railway station of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Opened on 16 April 2001, KL Sentral replaced the old Kuala Lumpur railway station as the city’s main intercity railway station. It is the largest railway station in Malaysia. The RM713 million station does not only incorporate an integrated network of rail transportation but will also provide seamless air transfer services from its City Air Terminal to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in just 28 minutes. It was officially launched by the then Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

KL Sentral, 7 May 2013. PHOTOGRAPHY SAIFULLIZAN TAMADI 123

North-South Highway The expressway is the longest controlledaccess expressway in Malaysia with the total length of about 772 km running from Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah near the Malaysian–Thai border (connects with Phetkasem Road (Route 4) in Thailand) to Johor Bahru at the southern portion of Peninsular Malaysia and to Singapore. The expressway links many major cities and towns in western Peninsular Malaysia, acting as the ‘backbone’ of the west coast of the peninsula.

It is also known as PLUS Expressway, named after the highway’s concessionaire, Projek Lebuhraya Utara Selatan Berhad (North South Expressway Project; abbreviated as PLUS. The company has changed its name to Projek Lebuhraya Usahasama Berhad (PLUS), which is a subsidiary of PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PMB).

This expressway passes through 7 states on the peninsula: Johor, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Perak, Penang and Kedah. It provides a faster alternative to the old Federal Route 1, thus reducing travelling time between various towns and cities.

Keadaan lalu lintas bergerak lancar menghala ke pusat bandar Kuala Lumpur ketika tinjauan pada jam 6.30 petang sempena hari terakhir cuti sekolah dan cuti Tahun Baru di Plaza Tol Duta Lebuhraya Utara Selatan (PLUS), Kuala Lumpur, 2 Januari 2017.

PHOTOGRAPHY HAFIZ SOHAIMI

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National Sports Complex The National Sports Complex or Kompleks Sukan Negara in Malaysia is the largest sports complex in the country. It is located in Bukit Jalil, 20 km south of Kuala Lumpur.

Described as the “sports complex in a park”, it was the only one of its kind in the country or region when it was fully developed. It was officially inaugurated by the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, on Jan 1, 1998 ahead of the 1998 Commonwealth Games in which it staged the Games’ opening ceremony.

Pemandangan dari udara percikan bunga api sempena majli perasmian Sukan SEA KL2017 di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, 19 August 2017.

PHOTOGRAPHY MUHD ZAABA ZAKERIA 127

Cyberjaya “Cyberjaya is indeed special to me. This is home, and much like building your own home and putting in all sorts of improvements, this is what we are doing in Cyberjaya too. For the past several years, we have been hard at work putting in the necessary ecosystem to build Cyberjaya as a Global Tech Hub. It has not been an easy road, but focusing on developing it as a smart city and a living lab, has thus far put us on the right track. It is quite a journey for Cyberview, as we endeavor in putting in smart city elements in our infrastructure, economy, environment and the social life of our community here. Central to what we do here, is the people. We adopt an open attitude, encourage collaboration and empower constructive conversations from among key stakeholders and most importantly, the people who live and work here. We believe that the best ideas can come from anywhere and smart partnership allows for an expeditious execution of smart initiatives. In celebrating our 20th Anniversary, we are even more driven to bring the vision of Cyberjaya to fruition. The next few years, will truly be exciting, as our city landscape is poised to change with new development and a more robust ecosystem, offering our community here, a space to truly thrive and create.”

DATO’ FARIS YAHAYA, MANAGING DIRECTOR CYBERVIEW SDN BHD Model Bandar Pintar Cyberjaya is on display, Cyberjaya, 31 May 2017.

PHOTOGRAPHY AHMAD IRHAM MOHD NOOR

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Thank you NSTP Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abdul Jalil Hamid NSTP Executive Editor, Special Project Azizi Othman NSTP Kreatif Bazuki Muhammad New Straits Times Izwan Ismail NSTP Resource Center Ramlan Ramli, Rozaini Kamarudin NSTP Photography Hasan Ismail, Khairul Ghazali Copyright Š The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, whether digital, electronic, photographs and recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission from NSTP. EDITION ONE DECEMBER 2017

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MALAYSIA

60 years of nationhood