TNB HALTED BY STOP-WORK ORDER

M'sia corruption ranking falls to 10-year low

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WALK FOR FREEDOM A WASTE OF TIME? p 14

community

December 2 4, 2011/ issue 51

By Alvin Yap

SHAH ALAM: The land on which 56 nursery operators are currently occupying in Sg Buloh is unsuitable for buildings or development after all. According to a study by Ikram Centre for Engineering Forensic and Consultancy Services (Ikram), nursery operators in the area were putting life and property at risk by continuing to occupy the land due to the presence of high-pressure water pipes beneath. The report, which was obtained by Selangor Times this week, said temporary and permanent structures at the nursery will impede maintenance and upgrading works now and in the future. Ikram was appointed by Yayasan Selangor to carry out a feasibility study on developing the 14.58-hectare land in Sungai Buloh in June. The issue erupted after the operators were told that the Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) was given to Yayasan Selangor instead of them. The operators had argued that they should have been given the rights to the land as they have been developing the area since 1999. Yayasan Selangor said it had planned to turn the area into a nursery theme park. The Ikram report said radar and sonar mappings of the area confirmed that there were five water pipes ranging from 1,000mm to 2,200mm in diameter under the nurseries. At certain locations, the 5.25kmlong pipes beneath were being subjected to heavy stress loads from structures above ground and additional weight could cause the water pipes to rupture. Around 50m of the largest pipe is exposed above ground and can be accidentally breached by the slightest construction work, said the report dated Nov 29. The report said both scenarios could happen if settlements continued, and a rupture at any point could cause a release of high-pressure water. The blast or spray from a rupture would be dangerous to any structure or life in the immediate area. The study also found that structures the operators had already built would severely impede access to maintenance valves and service chambers. The report explained that regular servicing of the pipes would have to be carried out to ensure Klang Valley consumers received adequate water supply.

Carboard cartons and other refuse are placed on a service chamber hampering maintenance works.

Unsuitable for buildings

A number of the maintenance valves were now situated behind fences and locked gates belonging to operators. The report pointed out that a nursery operator had discarded cardboard cartons and other refuse on top and around a service chamber. Accessibility to these facilities must remain unimpeded round the clock in case of emergencies, the report said. Essentially, details of the report put to rest the issue of whether nursery operators should be allowed to continue operating on the site. It also means that Yayasan Selangor may not be allowed to continue their plans to develop the area. The state, however, has yet to announce its next course of action. The Menteri Besar had said in June that the state would retain administrative control of the 14.65-hectare plot in Sungai Buloh to ensure access to the pipes and integrity of water supply to a large part of Klang Valley. Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said as water security is paramount, the state has to ensure that accidents will not take place that would disrupt water supply or compromise on water safety.

news

Malaysia at 10-year low

sian government has introduced the Corporate Integrity Pledge in a bid to address corruption in the business sector, it continues to award mega projects and contracts without open tenders or competitive bidding in the public sector. [There is] also limited access to information which contributes to a culture of secrecy and lack of transparency, she said. The corruption watchdog urged Putrajaya to introduce a Freedom of Information Bill and amend the scope of the Official Secrets Act. The top four countries in the index, New Zealand, Denmark, Finland and Sweden, have excellent Freedom of Information Act, said Josie. She urged the government to pursue corruption cases at the highest levels to restore public confidence and demonstrate that it is serious in combating corruption. We must enhance the autonomy and independence of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), she said, adding that there must be a protective framework to encourage whistleblowers to come forward. Former Transparency International Malaysia chief Tan Sri Ramon V Navaratnam urged all cabinet members and political leaders to declare their assets and liabilities to curb corruption. Political leaders who are living beyond their means ought to be investigated and sacked if found to be corrupt, said Navaratnam, who is also chairperson of the Centre for Public Policy Studies. Meanwhile, Transparency International Malaysia also released results of another survey the Corruption Barometer on the same day. A thousand Malaysians across gender, age and geographical regions were interviewed, and the study found that the police and political parties were identified as the most corrupt institutions. However, close to half of the respondents believe that the Malaysian government is effective in fighting corruption. In addition, the percentage of respondents who paid bribes dropped from 9% in 2010 to 1.2% this year.

December 2 4, 2011

Malaysias CPI from 2002 to 2011

Year 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Rank 1 2 4 5 44 57 60 61 Ranking 33 37 39 39 44 43 47 56 56 60 Country New Zealand Denmark & Finland Sweden Singappore Brunei Czech Rep, Namibia, S. Arabia Malaysia Cuba, Latvia Turkey Countries surveyed 102 133 146 159 163 179 180 180 178 183 Score 4.9 5.2 5.0 5.1 5.0 5.1 5.1 4.5 4.4 4.3 Score 9.5 9.4 9.3 9.2 5.2 4.4 4.3 4.2

By Gan Pei Ling

SUBANG JAYA: Malaysias ranking in Transparency Internationals Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2011 has dropped to a 10-year low, placing 60th, while neighbouring country Singapore was ranked among the top five out of 183 countries. Out of the total score of 10, Malaysia only received 4.3, significantly lower than Singapores 9.2 and Brunei 5.2. The results showed that our leaders are not doing enough to combat corruption, said corruption watchdog Transparency International Malaysia secretarygeneral Josie M Fernandez, at the launch at Grand Dorsett Subang Hotel yesterday. The CPI ranks countries and cities on how corrupt their public sector is perceived to be by drawing on data compiled from 17 reputable sources such as the World Bank, World Economic Forum and Asian Development Banks assessments. Fernandez noted that while the Malay-

CPI INDEX 2011

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State executive councillor Elizabeth Wong (left) pressing a pearl to launch the 1Utama Christmas Winter Waterland theme on Thursday, accompanied by 1Utama Shopping Centre director Datuk Teo Chiang Kok. Special events and performances are lined up at the mall from now until Dec 26, including the Selangor Christmas state-level celebration, which will be held at 6pm on Dec 10. During the launch, Wong congratulated 1Utama for coming up with new products to attract tourism, such as its Farmer's Market and rooftop garden. Selangor will have welcomed close to six million tourists by the end of 2011 thanks to the initiatives of local businesses.

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SELANGOR TIMES December 2 4, 2011 3

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DECEMbEr 2 4, 2011

EvEnts
Painting workshop
The Malaysian Institute of Arts (MIA) will conduct a painting workshop at the MIA Art Centre on Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. There are two different workshops on watercolour and oil painting, both six hours long. Participants can attend one or both workshops on Dec 3 and 10. In the watercolour workshop, participants will learn techniques like flat and graded wash, and wet on wet, while in the oil painting workshop, they will learn techniques like blending and direct painting. Call 03-2163 2337 or email mia.ems@gmail.com for details.

TNB halted by stop-work order

Leong (centre) and Gan (on his left), who rushed to the scene.

Meditation retreat
The Chempaka Buddhist Lodge is holding a eight-day meditation retreat titled Awakening Retreat from today (Dec 2). The retreat, led by Dr Mehm Tin Mon from Myanmar, is from 7am-10pm. To register, call 03-78803936 or email info@ chempaka.org.my.

Yoga for beginners

Non-profit organisation Divine Life Society (DLS) will conduct a three-month yoga course for beginners led by experienced instructors at DLS Petaling Jaya, 16, Jalan 18/16, Taman Kanagapuram. Classes will be held every Saturday starting from tomorrow (Dec 3) from 4.30pm-5.30pm. For details, call Sujatha at 017-8810848 or Loga at 019-2406784.

Premises licence renewal

The Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) is opening its doors to premises owners to renew their 2012 business licences from now until Dec 31. Renewals can be made at the MPSJ headquarters in USJ5 or MPSJ branch offices in Bandar Puteri Puchong and Serdang. For details, call the Licensing Department at 03-8026 3176, 03-8026 3177, 038026 4321 or visit www.mpsj.gov.my.

By Gho Chee Yuan

Charity fun fair

Desa Amal Jireh, a home for underprivileged children and seniors, will hold a charity sale, food and fun fair tomorrow (Dec 3) from 9am to 3pm. The home accepts donated items from the public to be sold at the fair. Those wishing to contribute items are encouraged to deliver them directly or call 03-87245153, 03-87245158 (Catherine/Mala) or fax 03-87245160. Donations by money order, crossed cheque or postal order can be made payable to Desa Amal Jireh and mailed to PO Box 20, 43007 Kajang, Selangor.

Youth leadership programme

Extol Toastmasters Subang Jaya will be conducting its yearly Youth Leadership Programme for students aged between 12 and 18. This programme will be held on Dec 16,17 and 18 at No 2, Jalan SS19/1G, Subang Jaya. For further details, contact 019-2319800 (Kwa Ngan Eng), 012-2323578 (SK Ratnam), 016-2160632 (Patricia Tan) or email nganeng@gmail. com or skratnam2011@gmail.com.

RAWANG: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) personnel were stopped from resuming work on a controversial high-tension cable project at Kampung Sungai Terengtang yesterday after a stand-off with villagers that lasted several hours. Villagers in Kg Sg Terengtang were alerted by the presence of over 100 TNB personnel equipped with cranes, excavators and other tools entering their village at 6.30am, said village head Goh Ah Kow I alerted the villagers and quickly went to lodge a police report, said Goh, who was visibly upset. The villagers subsequently brought benches to stage a sit-in at the construction site, preventing TNB workers from placing culvert pipes into freshly dug earth channels. The TNB workers stopped working altogether on the Central Area Reinforcement project at around 2.30pm after receiving a stop-work order from the Selayang Municipal Council. Selayang Member of Parliament William Leong and Rawang assemblyperson Gan Pei Nei also rushed to the scene to negotiate with TNB. Journalists and photographers were prevented from entering the site by auxiliary police, and had to find another route into the village to reach the location of the stand-off. TNB general manager (asset development department delivery unit) Faezah Ahmed said the company had

informed the state last week it would resume work. We did not receive any response from the Menteri Besars office, said Faezah in a statement. She added that the project has been long delayed and is almost 100% completed, except for the installation of five high-tension towers over a kilometre stretch in Kg Sg Terentang. She further claimed that the entire Peninsular Malaysia risked facing major blackouts if the project is not completed soon. However, Leong said based on an independent study conducted by an Australian consultant this year, two alternative routes proposed by the villagers are feasible and affordable. The first suggestion was that the high-tension towers be moved away from the houses so that none of the villagers would have to be vacated. The second proposal involves rerouting the hightension cable to TNB reserves along Jalan Perdana instead. Gan said the state was scheduled to meet with TNB representatives during the Selangor Economic Action Council yesterday. Villagers have vehemently opposed this high-tension cable project due to public health concerns. This issue has been in a deadlock for three years, and residents have taken TNB to court. However, the Federal Court ruled in November 2009 that TNB could continue the project as planned, by compensating the residents RM10.4 million.

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SELANGOR TIMES December 2 4, 2011 5

News

MBPJ mulls fee for garden waste collection

By Basil Foo

December 2 4, 2011

Roslan (left) with MBPJ councillor Syed Abd Malik Syed A Hamid.

Applications for CNY SS2 market now open

PETALING JAYA: Application forms for next years Chinese New Year market stalls are on sale at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) tower today (Dec 2). The forms, priced at RM5 each, are available at the Licensing Department on level six of the tower from 9.30am to 11.30am. About 150 forms will be on sale, with 83 stall lots available at the market. Applicants must return their forms with relevant documents to MBPJ by Dec 6. Interviews will then be conducted, and shortlisted candidates will be chosen through a ballot system. Applicants must be Malaysian and will go through a screening process by various MBPJ departments such as licensing, health, and enforcement.

PETALING JAYA: The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is considering charging a fee for collection of garden waste as the burden is becoming increasingly difficult to bear. Although we currently collect 170 to 200 tonnes of garden waste a month, there are still more that goes uncollected, said MBPJ mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman. He spoke to reporters during a press conference after chairing the MBPJ full board meeting on Wednesday. Roslan said the council currently employs 10 contractors to collect garden waste and is charged RM240 per tonne. Each contractor has two to three lorries. Garden waste collection is being conducted every day, he said. The council has received increasing reports of garden waste like

chopped trees and branches that is dumped on the side of roads. He said this is probably due to the change in peoples mindset as they think MBPJ will clear it up after the council took over waste collection from Alam Flora Sdn Bhd. Last time they had to contact Alam Flora to clear the waste. But now they just leave it by the roadside and assume the council will take care of it, Roslan said. Most of the areas that require heavy collection of garden waste are older parts of the city like Section 5, Petaling Jaya Old Town, and Bukit Gasing. These areas have a higher production of garden waste as the trees there are more matured and need

constant trimming. We also cannot use ordinary rubbish-truck compactors as putting pieces of wood in them will damage the machinery. We need different lorries, Roslan said. He explained that in areas with higher waste production, lorries can only collect from three or four houses before going to the dumpsites to unload. He urged homeowners who employ contractors to trim their trees to also pay them to get rid of the waste and not rely solely on the council. We will have to see the situation before charging a fee. We will bring the issue back for discussion with the councils health department, he added.

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Fewer complaints for MPK

KLANG: Replacing garbage collection subcontractors with Klang Municipal Council (MPK) staff has resulted in a drop in ratepayer complaints in several areas. During the MPK full board meeting here on Wednesday, councillors were also told that the average response time to complaints was now six hours. Previously, subcontractors would only rectify a complaint the following day, said MPK Environmental and Cleanliness department head Wan Mohd Sufian Wan Husain at a press conference. He said MPK had intervened and sent in-house garbage collection lorries to Jalan Teratai (Meru), Jalan Kem in Port Klang, and Simpang Empat (Sungai Udang) as subcontractors there have been slow to address complaints. Wan Mohd said the areas have registered almost zero complaints since MPK staff took over garbage collection in the areas. He said they were expanding the initiative to include urban areas in Klang, including Bandar Baru Klang, Kelang Utara and Selatan and Bukit Tinggi. However, MPK has to spend some RM1.67 million to buy 12 garbage collection lorries due next year in staggered numbers to cover the areas mentioned in Klang. MPK currently has six, making it a total of 20 lorries at the municipalitys disposal by the middle of next year. Wan Mohd said they would ensure that garbage collection would not be disrupted in Klang, and that public areas remained litter-free. He said MPK would also look into buying another 10 tricycles for its staff to collect litter in Klang town.

Open tenders for garbage collection, cleaning jobs

SELAYANG: Beginning yesterday, Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) has begun taking tenders for public-area cleaning and solid waste collection jobs under its jurisdiction. OThere are 24 tenders for grasscutting and public-cleaning tasks, and another 36 for solid waste management. The existing contracts will expire on Jan 31 next year. Meanwhile, councillors at a full board meeting on Wednesday urged MPS to blacklist non-performing contractors. MPS president Datuk Zainal Abidin Aala said the municipality was constantly monitoring companies that carry out public cleaning tasks. Errant contractors are served with a Notice-To-Correct notification, along with details of the complaints. Companies accumulating three

Selangor eyes incentives to spur farming

SELAYANG: Farming can be a lucrative industry with the right incentives, according to Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim. The Menteri Besar said yesterday agriculture should not be seen as menial work or unglamorous. With sufficient incentives and biotechnological methods, farming can yield handsome rewards, he said after launching the Selangor Agro Fest 2011 at Melawati Stadium yesterday There will be a new generation of farmers who are going to be one-third scientist and another-third business executive, he said. Khalid said farmers has to master scientific skills such as biotechnology to ensure that their land constantly produced the highest amount of fruits, vegetables or livestock. He said this was important as over 80% of the land in Selangor is used for urban development. Khalid also said farmers had to develop their entrepreneurial skills to ensure yields to market their products. He said farmers have to use the internet or other social networking sites to market their products successfully. The Ijok assemblyperson said he wanted to see farm products from Selangor in the global market. Its not enough to have our products marketed in Malaysia. We must break into the global market, he said. Elsewhere, state executive councillor Yaakob Sapari said Selangor is on track to become the largest producer of bananas in the country. The fest attracted a big crowd comprising families with young children, who took took advantage of the school holidays. Families thronged the zoo set up by the Sri Melor Rabbit Farm, as well as the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) mini-farm. We set up the display booth to show the public how livestock is kept on a farm, said DVS public relations officer Mohd Helmi Atan. He said the booth had registered some 600 visitors by Monday afternoon. Food manufacturers also set up booths, mostly selling hotdogs, burgers and keropok lekor. Children thronged entreprenuer Mohd Noor Wan Ismails booth to receive samples of his famous product, the jumbo-size chicken frankfurter.

notifications will be blacklisted and their services terminated. He said MPS has terminated seven companies in the last five years, adding that on the whole, the performance of contractors serving in Selayang has been satisfactory.

SELANGOR TIMES DECEMBER 2 4,2011 7

NEWS

Three-fold increase in PJS 7 apartment project

By Basil Foo

SUBANG JAYA: Residents living in the PJS 7 neighbourhood may experience a further increase in traffic density with a new service apartment in the works. An application to the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) for the construction of two blocks of service apartments amounting to 332 units was approved in 2007. However, the council recently approved an amended submission to increase the number of units to 961 at their full board meeting on Tuesday. This came despite councillors objecting to the move. Councillor R Rajiv urged the MPSJ One-Stop Centre (OSC), which approved the application, to reconsider their decision as the plans include increasing the number of floors in the apartments. The main worry was that PJS 7 already experiences heavy traffic due to being iso-

lated by the neighbouring Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas), Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP), and New Pantai Expressway (NPE). The nearby Taylors University College, which has enrolled about 20,000 students, has also been a factor in the traffic congestion. The number of units was increased from 166 to 332 in one tower and 166 to 629 in the second tower. Chairing the meeting was MPSJ president Datuk Asmawi Kasbi, who said the increase in units would still fall within the plot-ratio guidelines of 1:5. The plans outlined changes of some apartment units to smaller Soho (small office, home office) units which does not affect the plot ratio, he said. He agreed that the residents worries of increased traffic congestion should still be heard, and said the council will hold a talk with the residents in January.

Hotels urged to step up dengue prevention

SUBANG JAYA: Hotel operators in the municipality were urged to step up efforts in the war against dengue after multiple breeding grounds were found on their premises. Major hotels in Subang, Seri Kembangan, and Sunway recorded three to five breeding grounds on their premises throughout the year. We urge these operators to take the appropriate actions to monitor their surroundings to avoid becoming breeding areas for Aedes mosquitoes, said Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) president Datuk Asmawi Kasbi. He spoke to reporters after chairing the councils full board meeting on Tuesday. He said it was important that these places were kept Aedes-free as they were frequented by the public, especially tourists. If they (the hotel operators) dont take heed, we will issue compounds. If that is still not enough, we will take the issue to the courts, Asmawi said. He added that the water features in the interior design of the hotels potentially serve as Aedes mosquito breeding grounds. MPSJ health director Dr Roslan Mohamed Hussin, who was at the meeting, said for every breeding ground found on site, a compound of RM500 will be issued. From January until Nov 19, the total compounds issued for Aedes mosquito breeding grounds found in public and residential areas is 506, said Roslan.

Asmawi (middle in gray) with families who received monetary aid from the council on Nov 29 after their homes were damaged in natural disasters.

News

December 2 4, 2011

By Gan Pei Ling

SHAH ALAM: Selangors largest stadium, Shah Alam Stadium, will be closed until next April for upgrading works. The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) will spend RM3.4 million to renovate the stadium. Mayor Datuk Mohd Jaafar Mohd Atan said renovation work started three weeks ago. Were upgrading the lighting system to meet international standards. We hope to attract top international football teams like Manchester United and Liverpool to play in the stadium, said Mohd Jaafar, after inspecting upgrading and repair works with councillors on Wednesday. Apart from upgrading the cables and floodlights, the RM3.4 million will be used for roof repairs, new grass for the pitch, as well as to replace vandalised seats, upgrade players dressing rooms, washrooms and other facilities. Work is scheduled to be completed by March. Mohd Jaafar said the last major renovation of the stadium was in 2005. He said MBSA would get the contractor, FZ Maju Resources, to repaint the stadium and improve its sound system, as suggested by councillors. Councillors Kamarudzaman Sanusi, Izham Hashim, Halim Redzuan, James Ng, Tan Ah Kow, With a capacity of 80,000, Shah Sarimah Lisut and V Vembarasan Alam Stadium is slightly smaller were also present during the inspec- than the 87,411-capacity Bukit Jalil tion. National Stadium.

Shah Alam Stadium closed for renovation

Repair and upgrading works in Shah Alam stadium. Mohd Jaafar inspecting the site.

Built in 1994, the stadium is primarily used to host football matches. Companies also rent the place for family-day functions.

Doing it the roundabout way

SHAH ALAM: The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) will hold a public competition to redesign the landscape of 28 roundabouts in the city. We want a more cheerful image and identity for our roundabouts, said Shah Alam mayor Datuk Mohd Jaafar Mohd Atan at the launch at the council on Wednesday. The council is looking for unique landscape designs that will instill a sense of revival and welcoming in visitors via the roundabouts. The competition started on Nov 19 and is open to individuals, consultants, as well as students from higher learning institutions. Registration fee is RM150 for individuals and consultants, and RM50 for tertiary students. The winner will take home RM6,000, runnerup RM5,000, third place RM4,000, fourth place RM3,000, fifth place RM2,000, and sixth place RM1,000, with a certificate. Ten consolation prize winners will also receive RM500 and a certificate each. The competition closes on Jan 19, 2012, and contestants shouldreceive a CD containing the basic plan of the roundabouts. Among the 28 roundabouts are: Bestari roundabout, Section 2 Permai roundabout, Section 4 Setia Jasa roundabout, Section 5 Mestika roundabout, Section 6 Megawati roundabout, Section 20 Aman roundabout, Section 25 Panglima Hitam roundabout, Section 35 Subang airport roundabout, Section U3 Judges comprise professionals and academics from Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara and MBSA engineering, planning and building departments. Registration forms can be downloaded from www.mbsa.gov.my. For more information, visit the Parks and Recreation Department, MBSA, 7th floor, Wisma MBSA, or call 03-55105133.

Take care of your health, residents urged

By Basil Foo

PETALING JAYA: Participants who attended free health camp here on Nov 20 were reminded about the importance of regular checkups. You can have a disease like diabetic maculopathy, which can lead to vision loss, because you are not aware of whats going on in your eye, said Dr R Sethunath. The health camp was held at the Damansara Jaya Residents and Owners Association (DJROA) community centre. Dr Sethunath gave a talk on Diabetes and the Eye to about 50 residents, mostly senior citizens, at the event. Important tests to carry out are monitoring blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and an annual eye

check, he said. This is the first time Ive attended such an event. Ive gotten a check for diabetes, body mass index, and a vision check here, said resident Shirley Wong, 73. She said the event was a good reminder to senior citizens like her to keep a check on their own health as they age. Resident Ng Chee Keong said the health camp, which provided free health screenings, was a good alternative to private clinics that may charge a fee. Rather than go outside, this event has been well-organised with checkups for the residents convenience, said the 55-year-old. DJROA president Datuk Yew Cheng Hoe said apart from the health camp, the association conducts bi-monthly health talks at their community centre. He urged residents to arm themselves with knowledge to take care of their health, rather than being forced to spend money when they fall ill. The event was jointly organised by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Forrest Medical Centre, and DJROA. Also at the event were Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua, MBPJ councillor Terrence Tan, and Damansara Jaya Senior Citizens Association president Wee Beng Khim.

Dr Sethunath delivering his talk on diabetes during the health camp.

Condo residents want sinking fund preserved

December 2 4, 2011

news

By Basil Foo

PETALING JAYA: Residents of Kelana Mahkota condominium here launched a petition to re-elect their Joint Management Body ( JMB) and to safeguard their sinking fund worth over RM1 million. The JMB is planning to transfer the sinking fund from fixed deposit and move it into the operational current account. This could be misused later, former Kelana Mahkota JMB member Felix Cheam claimed. The unit owner of the SS7 condominium spoke to reporters during a press conference on Nov 24. He said of the 712 units in the condo, they had signatures of over 25% of the owners. According to the Building and Common Property (Maintenance and Management) Act 2007, getting the consent of 25% of owners is the legal requirement to remove a JMB member. We have saved the sinking fund for years, which has now grown to over RM1 million, for major works in the future like repainting the whole condo, Cheam said. He said should the sinking fund be used
(From left) Cheam, Nik Nazmi, Harun, and residents of Kelana Mahkota.

for day-to-day expenses, they would be caught off guard should emergency repair work need to be done. On another issue, the residents complained that they had not received their strata titles since moving in six years ago. The problem is caused in part by Kelana Mahkota sitting on one plot of land, and another part sitting on a plot shared by mixed development done by Zenith, Cheam said. He said they were told by the developer that it will now cost RM24 million for the re-demarcation of the plots. They should have realigned the plots before the building was built, said resident and former JMB member Harun Mizam. He revealed that the cost for demarcation of the plots was included in the initial purchase price, and wondered why they paid for something that has ended up not being done. At the press conference was Seri Setia assemblyperson Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who said he will be writing to the Commissioner of Buildings and the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ). I will also be notifying the Selangor Housing and Property Board of the issues highlighted by the residents, he added.

Street festival to showcase PJ

By Alvin Yap

Kelana Jaya MP Loh Gwo Burne (third right), Liu (fourth right), Asmawi (fifth right) and MPSJ deputy president Abdullah Marjunid, together with MPSJ councillors, youths and JKP members.

Local leaders feted by MPSJ

By Brenda Chng

SUBANG JAYA: Members of resident committees and youths leaders from throughout the municipality were feted by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) recently. The annual appreciation dinner, held on Nov 23, was to recognise community leaders for their efforts in improving their communities. A total of 24 youths and 24 committees from each zone in MPSJ were represented at the dinner. A big thank you to everyone who has been helping the council act as a medium of communication between us and the residents, said MPSJ president Datuk Asmawi Kasbi. Asmawi said MPSJ would not have been able to serve the public as effectively had it not been for close cooperation with the committees and youth leaders. During the course of the year, these committees, which comprise at least 15 residents and a

local councillor, work with MPSJ to ensure the well-being of their communities. MPSJ annually allocates RM110,000 to each committee to run events and infrastructural repairs. The money can be utilised for festivals, to help welfare organisations, and repair potholes. MPSJ also allocates RM5,000 annually to youth groups in every area to organise sports, dance or tuition classes for all. The council wants youths involved in these programmes to develop leadership and other skills. I think its time we consider increasing the amount as RM5,000 is too little and the events organised have been quite impressive, said state executive councillor for local councils Ronnie Liu. Liu, who launched the dinner, said the youths have proven their worth and can be trusted with additional funds to run more activities throughout the year. The state will discuss and de-

cide how much additional money to allocate for them. I hope all councils will follow in MPSJs footsteps and organise annual appreciation dinners such as this, Liu added.

SHAH ALAM: Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will hold a street festival and cultural show here on Sunday. The day-long event will showcase Petaling Jaya as a tourist city, said Mayor Datuk Roslan Sakiman at a press conference at Kelana Jaya Lake on Tuesday. MBPJ will cooperate with Subang Jaya Mun icip a l Council (MPSJ ) and Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to ensure the success of the event, he said. The main highlight of the festival is a competition for anglers, with RM10,000 awaiting the contestant who nets the biggest ikan patin. The runner-up will get RM4,000. Last April, an angler caught a whopping 18.7kg ikan patin in

another competition. Wak Jali Event, the organisers, released some 1,000kg of ikan patin into the lakes for the contest. There will also be a sandwicheating competition sponsored by food maker Adabi Sdn Bhd. The Selangor Cultural Council will hold a workshop on traditional Malay games like congkak followed by a competition. The festival will start at 8am, beginning with an aerobics class and a kompang performance by a musical group from Ulu Langat. Roslan said contestants stand to win electrical goods such as microwave ovens and other items, while visitors can try their chance with the lucky draw. State executive councillor Rodziah Ismail will launch the event at Kelana Jaya Lakes, near the MBPJ stadium.

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news 10

Residents want longer sound barrier near LRT tracks

section where the train turns five metres away from the apartment block. The screeching sound the train makes when it turns at the corner will be too loud, said resident Cheah Hai Su. The 80-year-old was among residents who voiced their concerns during the dialogue session. Prasarana had also earlier argued that proposals from residents were impractical. We cant built such a long, fully enclosed sound barrier because it will affect the trains operating system, and for safety reasons as well, said Prasarana project director Faudzilah Razali. He said access to broken-down trains in the tunnel would be hard, and it would also be dangerous if there is a fire. But his explanation did not sit well with the residents, who demanded for an extended sound barrier. If the fully enclosed sound barrier is not a suitable choice, why not consider putting up a half-open barrier, like a wall along the rail? said Cheah. Reiterating his point was a representative from the Subang Resident Committee, AB Naicker, who said the current proposed sound-barrier tunnel would only reduce the noise level by three decibels. This area (SS16) has a heavy traffic flow and the noise is already bad. With the train, the sound will be amplified, and I dont think reducing the noise level by three decibels will help much, he said. Prasarana said it will also monitor the noise level after the LRT is up and running, and will take additional measures to reduce the noise if necessary. Also at the meeting was Subang Jaya assemblyperson Hannah Yeoh. I hope Prasarana will carry out their noise-monitoring operations monthly and minimise as much noise as possible for the sake of the residents, she said. Yeoh pointed out that the elevated LRT line will be built just five metres away from the second- and third-floor units of the apartments. She urged Prasarana to monitor construction to ensure no damage is done to the apartments.

DECEMBER 2 4, 2011

By Brenda Chng

SUBANG JAYA: Prasarana Negara Bhd has agreed to build an additional 50m of sound barrier near apartments which will be affected by the new light rail transit (LRT) tracks. Representatives from the company, who met residents from Saujana Residency, initially refused to undertake the measure, but relented after hearing out their concerns. Prasarana will build the extra 50m sound barrier in addition to the proposed 100m [which are in the plans], said Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) president Datuk Asmawi Kasbi, at the meeting with esidents and Prasarana on Nov 19. The LRT, to be built between Empire Shopping Gallery and Saujana Residency apartments, is part of the Kelana Jaya line extension project by Prasarana. Residents had earlier voiced concerns that the original 100m sound barrier would not adequately reduce noise pollution. A longer sound barrier should be built, especially at the

Developer urged to extend Residents unhappy over land lease repairs to other houses
They have since appointed a consultant, T-Corp Engineers Sdn Bhd, to look at the extent of the damage and the report is already out, said Mahendran, who lives in house No 50. According to the report, the five houses directly facing the construction area had suffered damage to the back brick fencing, roofing structures and ground beams. Part of house No 52 was also severely tilted and declared unsafe for occupation, according to the report dated Nov 9. The extended kitchen for houses 51 to 54 had also settled and moved Nurul Izzah (left), showing the engineers report as Mahendran and backwards towards Lot 3799 (conanother resident, KK Tan, look on during the press conference on struction area), said the report. Wednesday. We hope that the developer will agree to repair all the five houses, said PUCHONG: Living right next door to a construction Mahendran. site is no joke more so when the construction of two According to him, the developer had already agreed blocks of 26-storey condominium is less than 20m from to repair three houses, but the residents want restoration your backyard. extended to the remaining two. For owners of five single-storey terraces along Jalan We met the developer last week and they said they Taman Tan Yew Lai 4, the nightmare was made worse will only repair 50 to 52, he added. this year when wall cracks and minor landslides began According to Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament happening. Nurul Izzah Anwar, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) The cracks in the wall started appearing around July had also visited the houses and agreed that the damage when they began construction work, said Mahendran was caused by the adjoining construction. Kutty during a press conference at his house on WednesThe owners request is supported by DBKL and we day. hope that the developer will take this into consideration Pointing to the back of his house to a damaged wall when deciding to extend the repair works, Nurul said. separating house No 51 and a construction site, Mahendran said they raised the issue with the developers, Bauer (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, in July. KLANG: Renewal of business licences for 2012 can be done throughout December at various Klang Municipal Council (MPK) counters around town. Counters will be opened at selected Giant and Jusco stores in Bukit Raja and Bukit Tinggi, and at Pasar Besar Meru. All licenses can be renewed at those counters except for permits relating to massage parlours, cybercafes, illegal
The construction site.

Nurul Izzah and the residents of 6 1/2 Mile Jalan Puchong.

PUCHONG: Residents of Jalan Puchong want the authorities to explain why the land they have been occupying has been leased to another party. Eight former residents of Lot 14235 6 Mile Jalan Puchong said they had been staying or operating their businesses on the land since the 1970s, and had applied to the government to lease or sell the land to them in January 1997. But according to one resident, Mehedhar Singh, they did not receive any reply from the government until a letter arrived from the Federal Land Office in 1996 asking them to vacate the land. The premises were subsequently

destroyed on May 3, 1997. The same plot is now leased to used-car dealers, he said. We were offered compensation between RM6,000 and RM7,000 each, but there were no reasons given to us on why they chose to lease the land to a used-car dealer instead of us, said former mechanic Leong Kam Tim. While some have already accepted the compensation, there are two more residents who have not received their money. Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament Nurul Izzah Anwar told reporters that she has written to the Federal Land Office to obtain an explanation about matter.

MPK counters open for licence renewal

factories, kindergartens and eateries, said MPK Public Complaints and Communications director Norfiza Mahfiz in a statement last week. She said those licences can only be renewed at the MPK building during office hours at the respective counters. All other licences can be renewed at the various counters every day, including on weekends at some locations. The counter at Giant Klang will be open on Saturdays Dec 3 and 10; Giant Bukit Tinggi on Saturdays Dec 17, 24 and 31; Jaya Jusco Bukit Raja on Sundays Dec 4 and 11, and Jusco Bukit Tinggi on Sundays Dec 18 and 25. These counters will be operating from 10am-10pm every weekend. The counter at Pasar Besar Meru will be operating from 8am-4.30pm every Monday to Friday, and 8am-1pm on Saturdays. The schedule is also available at the councils website at www.mpk.gov.my.

TTDI residents ready for futsal match

Kthxbai!
Fahmi Fadzil

views 11
december 2 4, 2011

few Fridays ago, I received an email from my neighbourhood securitywatch committee about a new project that had suddenly mushroomed in our little corner of Taman Tun Dr Ismail: a futsal court. It was a nervous email, wherein the committee queried the residents what they thought about the project, the location, the timing of this project, and our general sentiments regarding the matter. They also posted a photo, which made the project even more nervewrecking. It was of a billboard near the proposed site, and there was a date that stated the project began on Oct 27, 2011. Residents only realised the project was happening about two weeks later. Suffice to say that the residents were jolted and up in arms about the matter. Within a day of that email, most of the feedback they received was evidently negative. The committee subsequently planned a petition, and everyone who lived within that area was invited to sign the petition as a mark of protest. I decided I would meet these organisers, learn a little bit more about the project, and

The offensive billboard in question.

decide if I want to sign the petition or not. And as a bonus, try and figure out why other residents may be against such a project. Saturday evening. I drove by the terraced public field, but did not immediately spot the project site. I parked by the side of the road and walked onto the field, where I met the residents who had gathered to collect the signatures. They pointed me to the other end of the field to where the futsal court was to be built. I walked over, and instantly came to realise how badly and poorly maintained this public field was the grass was overgrown, litter

everywhere, and playground equipment such as swings was clearly broken or rusting. Oh dear, I thought to myself. Once this futsal court is up and running if the residents dont put up a fuss, that is would the court also face the same maintenance culture as this field? As I neared the planned construction site, I noted that the area had been fenced up. I spotted the DBKL sign. One side of the fence appeared to have been torn down, but why it wasnt clear it may have been kids who wanted to climb in to get their football, maybe. But otherwise, there was nothing else to suggest that the project had been initiated.

I walked back to the group of residents and asked them what they thought about the project. I dont think we need this project, because Taman Tun Dr Ismail already has a futsal court just 2km away, at the community centre. Anyway, have you seen the proposed site? Its so close to the road what if those balls fly out and hit cars? said one. Look at this field. I brought my daughter here and had to spend about 15 to 20 minutes just picking up glass from the ground before she can play. Glass! Can you imagine! I think, instead of building a new futsal court, they should spend that money to upgrade these already available facilities was another comment. I think theyre just trying to make some quick money. Its a project because the elections are close, no? another naysayer opined. All in all, there were nearly 50 residents who had signed their names within that hour. While I am not sure as to the total number of petition signatories to date, for me this incident indicates a greater need for all levels of governance particularly local to be sensitive to these voices of dissent, as their grouses, at the outset, appear legitimate. To ignore such discontent would be disingenuous, and bearing in mind the looming 13GE, it may be wise for any and all parties to listen to the people a little bit more.

Selangor State
Guest Of Honour:

10th December 2011, Saturday 6:00pm onwards Entrance Of New Wing, 1Utama Shopping Centre
TAN SRI DATO SERI ABDUL KHALID BIN IBRAHIM
Chief Minister of Selangor Entertainment: Reshmonu, Francesca Peters, Selangor Philharmonic Choir. Deafbeat, Boys Brigade, Church Group Performances Free Food !! Burgers, Roti Canai, Rojak and loads of Malaysian delicacies Come join us to spread the Christmas cheer. This event is organised by Selangor Pakatan Rakyat State Government in conjunction with the Petaling Jaya Council (MBPJ), 1Utama Shopping Centre, and Tourism Selangor.

Christmas Celebration

All are welcome!

12 December 2 4, 2011

InsIght
RAKRYAYTTHE IN LAPORAN DEMOC ANCT R, OLE O A
MACAM MANA NI?
Age Sex Constituency No Ethnic background

What is Laporan Rakyat?

Its a report card which allows the people to evaluate the performance of their elected representatives, Members of Parliament (MPs) and state assemblypersons. With Laporan Rakyat, the public can assess and judge for themselves if the politicians they elected have lived up to all their promises. This can be done by answering all the questions in Laporan Rakyat, with topics ranging from Who is your MP? to issues on corruption, crime and democracy.

Take Action: Think, Fill Up, Return This To Your Community Move

Whos behind it?

A joint initiative by the independent youth movement UndiMsia! and the Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS). Together, they came up with the five-part report card to help the people question and decide if this is the politician they want to vote in the upcoming General Election.

? IN RTA OR ARE T IS THIS Y IMPO WHAT PLAY A VER SE ELECTED DUCT O E ON LY. PEOPL G THAT THO POWER C EFFECTIVE RK URIN LECTED T O ENS E E AND W B WELL THER ELVES TO GA S UR THEM KYAT IS ABOUT YO ASK RA PORAN ROM YOU T YOU TO A THIS L ATION F TO ASSIS SESSING FORM KYAT, AND IONS IN AS . IN CE RA EST WAKIL RIGHT QU ERFORMAN THE EIR P TH

Are you a registered voter? Yes

Who is your ADUN? How many years/terms has he/she been your ADUN? Where is his/her service centre? Describe your ADUN in 50 words:

What is the most important thing your ADUN has done which posit you and your community?
.my pps.org www.c a.com ndiMsi www.U

Why?
We want to encourage critical thinking among voters. The report card will help the rakyat ask the right questions and assess their wakil rakyats performance, said UndiMsia! campaigner Edmund Bon. With this report card, they hope that the public will be more aware on the importance of electing a representative they are familiar with. This survey is open to all Malaysians. We welcome the public to fill up the Laporan Rakyat and send it back to us, said CPPS director Ng Yeen Seen. She said they will also using the Laporan Rakat to conduct a national survey on the peoples rating and expectations of their representatives.

Who is your MP? How many years/terms has he/she been your MP? Where is his/her service centre? Describe your MP in 50 words:

What is the most important thing your MP has done which positivel you and your community?

How does it work?

Step 1: Get your hands on a copy of Laporan Rakyat. Step 2: Gather information on your elected reps and answer all the questions in the report. Step 3: When youre done, snail mail it back to 1718 Jalan Ledang, Off Jalan Duta, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, fax it to 03-20933078, or email the online copy to laporanrakyat@cpps.org.my.

Where to get a copy

Laporan Rakyat is downloadable from the CPPS website www.cpps.org.my or UndiMsia! at www. undimsia.com. Forms can also be obtained through certain newsportals and newspapers (right). For more information, contact move@undimsia.com or call 03-22011454.

Evaluating the voted

By Brenda Chng

Laporan Rakyat:

(From left) Edmund Bon, CPPS chairperson Tan Sri Datuk Dr RV Navaratnam, CPPS director Ng Yeen Seen, and UndiMsia! campaigner Adam Adlin at the launch of Laporan Rakyat on Nov 18.

Can you name your state assemblyperson or Member of Parliament? asked one of our reporters during a quick survey. The reply was brief but telling. I dont know. Why should I care who they are or what they do? answered the man as he hurried towards the LRT station. That is just one of the many replies I got when I asked around during a quick survey in Klang. For city dwellers like that man, lawmakers only surface during election campaigns or talks. And the fact is, as more and more urban folk become independent, their lawmakers have less and less direct impact upon their busy lives. They listen to election speeches, decide on who to vote for, and choose the one whose promises resonate with them. But how do they know for sure that the elected politician theyve

HAVE YOU HEARD OR READ OF YOUR ADUN/MP TALKING ABOUT THE FOLLOWING ISSUES IN YOUR COMMUNITY? Issues a. Crime b. Corruption c. Democracy e.g. participation of people in decision-making d. Education e.g. access to schools & higher education e. Employment e.g. job opportunities f. Environment g. Freedom of Expression & Information h. Gender Equality i. Healthcare j. Infrastructure e.g. roads k. Prices of Food & Goods l. Prices of Houses m.Public Transportation n. Racial Unity o. Others, specify:
Yes ADUN MP No ADUN MP I dont know / I dont care ADUN MP

RATE YOUR ADUN/MP [ON A SCALE OF 1 (WORST) TO 5 (BEST)] Questions

Scale ADUN MP ADUN Comments MP

er

How often do you see your ADUN/MP in your community? e.g. once a month/ once a week/every day Is it easy to meet your ADUN/MP? Does your ADUN/MP solve problems that are brought to his/her attention? If so, which problems? Does your ADUN/MP know about the problems/issues in your community? Does your ADUN/MP speak to your community often? e.g. once a month/ once a week/every day Does your ADUN/MP discuss issues with your community to make a decision together for your community? Has your ADUN/MP ful lled the promises and pledges he/she made during the previous election(s)? Are you happy with the performance of your ADUN/MP? TOTAL SCORE
0 0

tively affected

ly affected

WHAT ARE THE 5 MAIN ISSUES ABOVE THAT NEED TO BE SOLVED/IMPROVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY? KINDLY EXPLAIN. I. II. III. IV. V.

Fill in and submit today.

Khalid Samad: Laporan Rakyat can also be seen as a process to educate voters.

Sivarasa: Methodology needs finetuning to produce fair and accurate results.

Yap: Results can be used as a gauge on how well a representative is liked.

voted for is one who will keep their word? Now, with Laporan Rakyat, people will get a chance to evaluate their elected representatives and assess them based on their performance and services, even before elections. Through this report, people can keep tabs on their representatives and have a clearer picture about the person they are voting for. Laporan Rakyat is a good move forward. It gives people a chance to better understand the roles assemblypersons and MPs play, says Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad in an email interview. He says this can also be seen as a process to educate voters to elect the best candidate to represent them. However, he also points out that the results of this report may be lopsided, as most Malaysians are confused between what their elected representatives are supposed to do

and what is expected of them. For example, a resident may choose to rate his or her representatives poorly on the Laporan Rakyat because of their rubbish woes or drainage issues. They might wind up judging the lawmakers based on the job scope of a councillor and not what they do in Parliament or at state level, Khalid says. Only a handful will assess MPs on what they do at Parliament level, while others might evaluate them based on local council issues, says the first-time parliamentarian. He says the public firstly has to be educated on the different roles local councillors, assemblypersons and MPs play, before answering the questions on the card. They must also be made aware of the challenges each politician faces in Malaysia, which has two different governments in power in the federal and state level. This clearer understanding will

allow for a more accurate result for the Laporan Rakyat. Once they are clear on who does what and understands the limitations we face, then only can they judge us fairly and decide if we are suitable to represent them, Khalid says. Agreeing with him is Subang MP R Sivarasa, who points out that the methodology of Laporan Rakyat needs to be finetuned in order to produce fair and accurate results. This report has to be circulated to the right demographic to fit each social profile, racial background and so on, Sivarasa tells Selangor Times during a telephone interview. He explains that if the Laporan Rakyat only reaches a handful of people from the same area in one constituency, the results generated might distort the perception of assemblypersons and MPs. For example, it would be unfair to deduce his performance as a Subang

MP just by the results generated from Kayu Ara. Though Kayu Ara is one of the 38 voting districts in Subang, it only makes up a minority of the 100,000 voters living in the constituency. This will end up misleading the peoples impressions on their elected reps if a balanced demographic is not reached. I fully support ideas such as Laporan Rakyat, which lets the public speak out, but I think it has to be randomly done and be applied to the whole constituency, he says. Laporan Rakyat, which was launched on Nov 18, is currently used as a pilot project by the independent youth movement UndiMsia!. UndiMsia!s community movers will be going to the Hulu Langat parliamentary constituency to conduct 500 face-to-face interviews with locals. Data collected from the interviews, based on questions in Laporan Rakyat, will be analysed by the Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS), and are due to be out in March 2012. Hulu Langat constituency was chosen due to its racial demographic of 52% Malays, 36% Chinese, 10% Indians and 2% other ethnicities, which is similar to the countrys population. Results from this pilot project will show the voters assessment and expectations of their elected representatives. I doubt the results of the findings will be accurate, but at least it can be used as a gauge to see how much the people like or dislike their

representatives, says Sungai Pelek assemblyperson Yap Ee Wah. He says the results can be used to gauge their performance level and used as a reference to see what the people really want or need from them. Yap further points out that the results may also influence the voting process in the upcoming General Election. Of course, people might vote for a candidate based on the results from the report. This may turn out to be unfair, because some people may dislike a politician and rate them lowly even though they are performing well and efficiently, Yap says. However, he says this may also help politicians improve their performance and find ways to connect with the people who dislike them. Politics is about winning the hearts and minds of the people, but at the same time politicians are judged by their actions as well, says Meru assemblyperson Dr Abdul Rani Osman. With the results of the Laporan Rakyat, assemblypersons and MPs will now get a chance to focus more on issues they have overlooked and reel in the community groups they have left out. All elected representatives should be given copies of the results and used as a future referrals to see what they did or didnt do, says Dr Abdul Rani. He adds that it is time the people make sure their elected representatives fulfill all their promises, and use the Laporan Rakyat as a checkand-balance tool.

views 14

Walk for Freedom A waste of time?

ear Lord Bobo So the lawyers walked, but the Peaceful Assembly Bill was passed a few hours later anyway. Is it guaranteed to become law now? If so, wasnt the walk just a waste of time? Jalan-Jalan, via email THE Peaceful Assembly Bill was indeed passed on Tuesday. However, it is not yet guaranteed to become law, as it has to first be approved by the Dewan Negara (which sits next week). If its passed by the Dewan Negara, it then goes for Royal Assent, and thereafter needs to be gazetted before becoming law. Oh, who are we kidding? Yes, the Peaceful Assembly Bill is as guaranteed to become law as a monkey is guaranteed to chomp into a fat, juicy, ripe banana. But that does not mean that the Walk For Freedom was a waste of time. First, His Supreme Eminenceness must declare that we were there for the Walk for Freedom. Of course we were. Although Lord Bobo was not there physically, we were ably represented by scores of LoyarBurokkers. Wherever and whenever there is a good cause to be fought for, and justice to be upheld, the minions of the monkey can be counted on to be there. And by all accounts, it was a beautiful walk. Approximately 1,000 people gathered in the cloudy sunshine of the Lake Gardens, chatted, laughed, smiled, hugged and bonded, before taking a short walk together towards the Parliament building.

DECEMbEr 2 4, 2011

Ask Lord Bobo is a weekly column by LoyarBurok (www.loyarburok.com) where all your profound, abstruse, erudite, hermetic, recondite, sagacious, and other thesaurus-described queries are answered!

Although the walk was led by the Bar Council, there were hundreds of non-lawyers present, walking together for their freedom, and the freedom of future Malaysians. Shoulder-to-shoulder, hand-in-hand, we walked, sang, chanted and smiled. The memorandum was handed over to Parliament, and after a short closing speech by the Bar Council president, the people dispersed peacefully. Could there ever be a more beautiful picture of participatory democracy in action? The rakyat came together to voice their dissatisfaction, in a civilised and peaceful manner. No one needed to be gassed or drenched with chemically laced water. No one needed to be chased and cornered like animals. No one needed to be beaten up with sticks. This picture-perfect democracy was stained by the fact that the government chose not to listen to the people. Un f o r t una t e l y, with the Peaceful Assembly Bill imminently to be passed into law, these gatherings may be a thing of the past. L ord Bobo hopes not. Lord Bobo does not

Members of the public participating in Tuesdays protest against the Peaceful Assembly Bill.

believe that the many right-minded and justice-seeking Malaysians will allow their rights to be trampled on in such a manner. To answer your question: No, it does not mean that the Walk for Freedom was a waste of time. It is never a waste of time to stand up for justice. It is never a waste of time to speak up and be heard if you are speaking up for what is right. It is disappointing that the government decided to proceed and rush the Bill through with such haste, but His Supreme Eminenceness knows that the LoyarBurokkers and all the good men and women who walked on Tuesday will not be so easily discouraged. Those who were there can be proud to say that they went out of their way to fight for the rights of all Malaysians.
p

may 13 recoll: reconcections & 12 & iliation

13

TI-M he ad disputes Christia state cl n aim p

Wesak a time Day: giving for

p

Where to get your

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 Taman Melati 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 Plaza Damas Ikano Power Centre Empire Subang MetroPoint Centro Mall, Klang Bangsar Shopping Complex Hypermarkets (From Saturday noon) Giant (Puchong, Kajang, Bandar Kinrara, Klang, Pandamaran, Bandar Selayang, Kota Damansara, Taman Setiawangsa, Putra Heights, Taman Connaught, Kelana Jaya, Bukit Antarabangsa, Subang Jaya, Bukit Tinggi, Setia Alam, Kota Kemuning) 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 SS15 Subang Jaya Taman Kuchai Lama Taman OUG Pasar Taman Megah Pasar Jalan Othman Pasar Jalan 17/2 Pasar Sek 14

commun

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May 20

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/ issue

25

By Will iam Tan Petal ed low- ing Jaya: cost Dila angor may flats through pidata pilot progget a new lease out Selsuch hom ramme to rehaof life if es is succ The amb essfu bilitate kind proj itious and l. first the Peta ect is being carr -of-itsKeeping (MBPJ) ling Jaya City ied out by in collabora Council safe: Faizabandoned tas Design tion bab demons ah Mohd Tahi ies pan y, and Group, a privwith Veritrati baby hatc ng the use r (left) commun Rum ah Air ate comof the Datin Sofi h as local ity-b Pan as, celebrity a The sing ased charity. a STory Jane looks on. Maju Jaya le block at on pag the houses 59 apartments here Taman e 10 fam , which to und ergo ilies, will be which inclu the tran sfor the first furb ishm des renovatio mation, ns physical ents whi le keep and reaspe ing the "All wor cts intact. sions mad ks are based on social active by the resid the decients," said ist Won Wong, g Hay pointed who mooted Cheong. out dents were that many the idea , of flats whe forced to mov the resie demolishn squatter settleme into the facilities ed, but the buil nts were were hard dings and ly adeq The Gro up, entr y of Veritasuate. RM100 whi ch has con Design ,000 and architect the skill trib uted Wong said change, s], means that s [of their ryin the priv is going said to Cor g out the proj ate firm is carAs many Wong. ect as part porate as 50,000 Their relocate Social of its fam (CS d technolo architects, usin 2000 and to low-cost flats ilies were last R) programme, Resp onsibilit g the gies y teri Besa 2008 under formbetween for two years layin having spent the rem ode l the and techniqu latest arch itect Iska g the grou es, the proj Squatter r Dr Khi r Toy er Menndwork budget, whic buil ding on a will Iskandar ndar Razak. policy whic The comect. o's Zer o tight than RM h is estimated added that icised for LB_246391_Sun_m pany has 500 to be less difficult to creating h has beencrit- with the fam obta 14.ai been liais It is very ,000. high-rise 1 from vario obta in comit was very busi in what they ilies regu 5/12/ feedback 11 ghettos. need from ness cont larly to ing ever ything challeng ing; 9:56 on the proj usparties at mitments them deci PM their need get acts. their need ect, with the De s and help wiring is horr s to be redo almost ous de on prac funding start of port spite it all, issue. ne. ible, ticalsolu this is still a seriant proj tions. and the septic the roof is leak The The that a city ect for us as a very imtank emit ing, spon success of stench, the project should not we believe saidVer s an awfu sorships by the itas Des ign Gro l nents, such for the various rests on strat wealthy only be inhabited up part a of , but as the supp compos, and the juvenati society. In a way, by ever y ng the compan ly of metal we y hopes If the pilo city, said Iska are reto t is successfu ndar. l, the com Turn To pag e2

Facelift for old

flats

Carrefour (Bukit Rimau, Subang Jaya, Wangsa Maju, Sri Petaling, Kepong, Puchong, Ampang, Jalan Peel, Jalan Kapar, Bandar Tun Hussein Onn, S23 Shah Alam) Jusco (Bukit Tinggi, Tmn Maluri, Wangsa Maju, Bandar Baru Klang, Mahkota Cheras) Commuter Stations (Distribution by hand) Morning

Pasar Seri Setia SS9A/1 Pasar Kg Chempaka Taman Tun Dr Ismail Hospital Forrest Medical Centre Colleges Help Institute College Bandar Utama (KBU) Universiti Kebangsan Malaysia

Tesco (Puchong, Kajang, Mutiara Damansara, Rawang, Bukit Tinggi, Setia Alam, Ampang, Extra Shah Alam, Kepong)

Disabled community walk for accessible tourism

By Alvin Yap SUBANG JAYA: The tourism industry should move

december 2 4, 2011

news 15

to fill the untapped market for disabled travellers in Malaysia and the region, says the handicapped community. We want travel agencies to take notice that the disabled population in Malaysia is some 600,000. More than 250,000 of disabled people have the financial means to travel and see the world, said Beautiful Gate assistant director Elaine Sia here on Sunday. Beautiful Gate is a non-governmental organisation that runs training and outreach programmes on public awareness of disability issues. She said tour agencies should approach the disabled community to work together to create tourism itineraries in Malaysia as well as Southeast Asia. Elaine, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, said public facilities like shopping malls and other tourist attractions must also cater for people with physical impairment, and include ramps for wheelchairs and Braille signs for the blind. She was speaking on the sidelines of the Accessible Tourism For All campaign here in Sunway Pyramid. Earlier, some 200 handicapped participants and their volunteers went for a 7km relay walk around the neighbourhood to demonstrate the difficulties the disabled face. I was struggling to push my partner on a wheelchair over a shoddily built ramp. It is difficult for them to negotiate these obstacles on a daily basis, said first-time volunteer Jeremy Tan, who came with a friend, Shirley Teng. The father of three said the able-bodied should assist the handicapped, and stressed that the public should

campaign for shopping malls and other facilities to include amenities for the disabled. Nurul Adilah, 21, said the event was a good way to showcase the difficulties the disabled face moving about their workplace and public areas. The Islamic Studies student suffers from muscular dystrophy, although it only affects her lower legs, which requires her to rely on Elaine Sia crutches to move around. I dont have to use a wheelchair, but I still find the walking difficult, she said, adding that she hopes the public will gain more awareness of the mobility problems the disabled community face daily. Nuruls volunteer, Ames Tan, said the disabled could only be truly independent if public facilities are built with their needs in mind. The self-employed Shah Alam resident said public infrastructure in the country must be built with ramps, Braille signs and other amenities to fulfill corporate social responsibility. Japanese writer, motivational speaker and wheelchair traveller Hideto Kijima said the fledgling domestic tourism in Japan had now grown into a multimillion-dollar industry because of disabled-friendly public facilities. There are tourist sites in Japan that have lifts and ramps and Braille signs for the disabled, said Kijima, who has been wheelchair-bound since suffering a spinal-cord injury in 1990.

Participants and volunteers returning from the convoy.

Beautiful Gate executive director Sia Siew Chin said she hopes the public will press the state and federal governments to look into regulations to make public facilities disabled-friendly. She said such a move would not only benefit the disabled but also the elderly, as they are face problems in walking around shopping malls or other tourist locations. Sia said providing ramps, lifts for wheelchairs and other amenities is a long-term investment for society and will also contribute to nationbuilding. She also said the tourism industry should approach disabled groups so that both can work together to identify and create tourism packages that cater for the handicapped.

Harness positive thinking for the environment

(From left) Guru Soon, Nagunanda, Khairul, and MBPJ Sustainable Development director Lee Lih Shyan.

Know Your Councillor: Tan Hui Chuan

By Brenda Chng SELAYANG: Kampung Rajah and Lim

PETALING JAYA: Individuals can harness the power of positive thinking and change the climate for the better, said a leader on mind over matter selfmanagement. Anyone can harness their healthy mental state to change the world, said Meera Nagunanda, director of Brahma Kumaris-Malaysia, at a press conference at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) office here on an upcoming seminar on positive thinking and its relation to the environment. The Malaysian chapter of the Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University (BKWSU), a non-governmental organisation that advocates spiritual living, will hold a seminar on Dec 5 on spiritual consciousness and its effect on the environment and climate change. Nagunanda said humans give off positive vibrations that can influence the surrounding environment and matter, such as oxygen or carbon that make up the atmosphere. The talk on Monday will feature international lecturer and former BKWSU

student Anthony Strabo on how science and spirituality can complement personal development, and also mind over matter management. Environmental Protection Society Malaya president Nithi Nesadurai is also a key speaker on the environment, as he was a delegate to the United National Conference on Parties summits on climate change from 2000 to 2009. The one-day seminar titled Effects of Consciousness on Environment and Climate Change will be held at the PJ Community Library. Admission is free. MBPJ councillor Khairul Annuar said the seminar is important, and that the talk would give people tips and methods on how to be aware of caring for the environment in their daily routine. He said no amount of council by-laws or legislation could change personal habits such as consumption or promote recycling. When we developed the Low Carbon Framework for Petaling Jaya, we knew that personal awareness was important, he said.

Tan may have been without proper drainage for decades, but Tan Hui Chuan is confident he can improve the situation during his tenure as local councillor. The 57-year-old lawyer, who has served three terms at the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), says residents in Kampung Rajah and Kampung Lim Tan deserve better facilities and infrastructure. These villagers should have facilities like upgraded drains to prevent flooding and additional parks for recreational activities, says Tan. He says villagers live in fear of flash floods, while stagnant water left in the aftermath has turned the place into a breeding ground for mosquitoes. A project to improve drainage along Sungai Rajah has been approved, which Tan hopes will resolve the issue once and for all. Concrete walls are being installed along the river to prevent flood waters from overflowing into the villages. The project will begin this month and is scheduled to be completed by January 2013. Tan has also called on MPSto upgrade Jalan Waterfall, which caters to hundreds

of motorists in the area. The narrow one-lane street is prone to accidents. For decades, the road has been a hazard. Too many near misses and fights on the narrow road. A boy even got hit by a car and died on the spot, he recalls. The road is being widened by eight metres, which is big enough to cater to two lanes. Tan has also managed to convert two abandoned houses into a multipurpose hall for the villages, thanks to cooperation of the Land Office and RM40,000 obtained from executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wan. We painted it, cleaned it and did some renovations. Its now available to the villagers, he says. Tan wants to add more playground facilities, upgrade roads and replace rusty railings along monsoon drains. He can be contacted at 03-60925728, fax 03-60927151 or at 33-1B, Jalan Bandar Rawang 1, Pusat Bandar Rawang, 48000 Rawang.

16 December 2 4, 2011

Move to tackle flash floods

By Brenda Chng

news/Media

KLANG: An existing two-footwide drain at taman Chi Liung, Pandamaran will be widened to 10 feet to put an end to frequent floods in the neighbourhood. Construction to widen the 200m-long drain located on Jalan Batu Unjur will cost the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) rM130,000, and is scheduled for completion at months end. The (existing) drain is too small to cater to rainwater, which overflows and floods the neighbourhood, said Klang Municipal Councillor (MPK) Yew Boon Lye. The neighbourhood, with 1,000 homes, only has a single outlet for floodwater, which is often clogged up with rubbish despite the best efforts of the council to keep the waterway open. He said a second outlet is being Yew with representatives built to channel floodwater into a nearby retention pond. from the MPK engineering We started work on nov 1 and department are scheduled to complete it in one inspecting month, said project contractor the collapsed Azahari Mat Yusof. drain. He added, however, that the

Azahari (left) explaining to Yew what remains to be done.

completion may be delayed as some approvals are needed from the Fire and rescue Department, syarikat Bekalan Air selangor sdn Bhd, and tenaga nasional Bhd. some cables and fire-hydrant lines are underground, and these have to be relocated and checked by the various departments, he explained. Yew also pointed out that sections of drains were prone to collapsing due to the weight ofheavy vehicles illegally parked by the side

of the road. Weve issued summonses and even repaired a few collapsed drains in the area, said MPK engineering department project supervisor idura Alias. she said MPK does not have enough money to keep repairing collapsed drains in the neighbourhood, and added that the council has moved quickly to remove the debris to ensure it does not obstruct water flow.

A unique MBA experience with Unisel

Universiti selangors (Unisel) Graduate school of Management is addressing the demand for postgraduate studies in supply Chain and Logistics Management by offering a curriculum that is created and taught by experienced lecturers from the industry. Unisel is a member of the supply Chain Council (sCC), where it plays a key role in enhancing the knowledge of supply Chain and Logistics Management. Unisel takes advantage of its presence in the sCC by sending highly qualified and experienced lecturers to supply Chain Council forums, conferences and regional meetings. in turn, Master of Business Administration (MBA) students are guided by the latest technology, skills, methods, and knowledge in the supply chain field. The most recent method taught in classes are the sCOr and GsCF models. recently, the Malaysian Qualifications Agency accredited Unisels MBA programme, and said its MBA-supply Chain and Logistics Management is innovative as it trains and gives students the ability to apply theoretical sCOr models in real working environments. the sCOr model leads students to review how supply chains are managed, understanding the financial aspects of supply chain costs and developing a students project management skills. students also develop negotiation skills and learn to work with suppliers and customers to achieve optimum efficiency and profitability. these experiences will help them with the topics in the course. The subjects incorporate company-related projects to ensure that students receive an educational experience relevant to their specific career objectives in supply chain management. in industry feedback on supply Chain and Logistics Management, companies have reported that there is a lack of capable and qualified employees. While companies are spending greater resources to upgrade their supply chain capabilities, there is still a shortage of postgraduate students who focus on supply Chain and Logistics Management. in the past, companies employed supply chain managers from diverse areas such as manufacturing, operation or finance. However, companies today are looking at hiring supply chain professionals who have formal educational qualifications in specific areas. While it is common for people working in supply chain managerial positions to possess a general business degree or an MBA, such curricula do not cover supply chain functionality, making it difficult for employers to hire professionals with proper skills. Unisel is unique as it has been providing supply chain management education at postgraduate levels for almost six years. The MBA course offers formal education for leaders in the supply chain management of tomorrow.

Palace Of The Golden Horses wins luxury golf award

SERI KEMBANGAN: Palace of the Golden Horses bagged their first-ever award for Country Winners World Luxury Golf resort during the World Luxury Awards 2011 in Croatia recently. The ceremony, which celebrates the worlds finest hotels, is held annually to recognise hotels that have taken the extra step to provide guests with excellent services. the Mines resort and Golf Course, which was awarded best golf course, has been the host to world-class events like the 1999 World Cup for Golf and the recent CiMB Asia Pacific Asian PGA tour. We are very proud to be honoured with this award and to be associated with such a prestigious organisation, said Country Heights Holdings Bhd Group chief executive officer Dianna Lee. Built in 1997, the hotel and golf course is one of the properties under the Hospitality and Health Division of Country Heights Holdings Bhd, and is described as an oasis amid the concrete jungle of Kuala Lumpur. Going by their new tagline Beyond Hospitality, the hotel offers business, leisure and wellness solutions. Apart from 472 exquisite guest rooms and suites, the Palace of the Golden Horses is also home to the integrated Mines Wellness City, which has a shopping mall, golf course, water sports and entertainment park. With this award, it will further strengthen their status as a world-class hotel which offers their guests only the finest things in life. This award is dedicated to the hardworking team of the hotel. if not for their perseverance, dedication and loyalty to the company, we wouldnt have been able to achieve it, said Lee. The hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment to upgrade its decor, and is scheduled for completion by the end of next year. For more information on the hotel and other facilities, log on to www.palaceofthegoldenhorses.com.my.

Ricky Yip (front left), chief sales officer, and Robert Menzies, resident manager of Palace of the Golden Horses, with the winning team.

PT+ for better skin

KUALA LUMPUR: Beauty experts Glow and Glamour (G&G) launched new skin therapy PT+ and anti-aging drink Sparks at a ceremony on Nov 24. PT+, or Photothermolysis+, transmits a broad spectrum of visible light through a smooth and transparent lamp placed over the skin. This skin therapy is deemed to be a more comfortable method of beautification compared with its predecessor, the IPL. While traditional IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments have sharp pulses and emit high energy that tends to burn skin, PT+ produces an accurate pulse with medically certified safe output energy. There is no pain involved with the treatment, just a warm sensation, said G&G brand ambassador Belle Theng at the ceremony. The Miss Astro Chinese International Pageant 2009 winner, who used to spend long hours playing golf under the sun, said the main problem her skin faced was pigmentation. After a three-week PT+ course, Theng was satisfied with the results of reduced pigmentation, which have lasted since she underwent the treatment four months ago. The treatment targets the second layer of skin, the dermis, to stimulate collagen production for a healthier glow from the inside. For those exposed to air pollution and unhealthy diets, the Sparks Phyto-HA Collagen drink will help to replace lost collagen to keep skin healthy. Im happy with the taste, and although it usually takes a few weeks, I saw results in two days after drinking it, said G&G brand ambassador Nurul Wahab. The singer said the drink, certified halal, has improved her skin condition as she puts on make-up daily. Also at the ceremony was G&G managing director Norman Chong, who said the PT+ treatment and Sparks drink will address customers demands for modern age-defying products. People will say you dont look your age. This is the secret of how to look younger, Chong said. PT+ treatment and Sparks drinks are now available at all G&G slimming and beauty studios.
(From left) Nurul, Norman Chong, G&G executive director Pang Kui Yun, and Belle Theng.

Media 17
December 2 4, 2011

food 18

December 2 4, 2011

Food is many things to different people. LIN ZHENYUAN crosses an unfamiliar threshold and makes a delightful culinary discovery
or several years now, whenever I join a large crowd of other shoppers at Amcorp Mall on Persiaran Barat, Petaling Jaya every other Sunday, I would head towards a nasi kandar restaurant for lunch. Then one Sunday, on impulse, I decided that it was time to try something different. One shouldnt always trudge on the same old beaten path. On the lower ground floor of Amcorp Mall, there is an inconspicuous eatery called Restoran Atap Atap, which extols its signature dishes, among them the Portuguese ikan bakar. Up until then, I had ignored the place. Somehow it wasnt much of Atap Atap on the lower a gastronomical lure. From outside, the faade ground floor next to the wasnt impressive. My view was probably shared by Giant supermarket. the other shoppers. But on that occasion, I took a closer look at its promotion banner outside its premises. There were so many choices that for a few moments I was stumped. When a pretty waitress smiled and beckoned me in, she won me over, hook, line and sinker. I scanned the comprehensive menu for long minutes. Finally, I relied on my gut instinct and zeroed in on the Atap Atap fried rice, which was priced at RM7.90. It seemed to be a reasonable offer. As usual, even on a Sunday, there quite good, but looks arent everywere not that many customers. Hu- thing, as I have learnt from previous man beings are such that whenever experiences. I hesitated with the first we pass by a restaurant and it is not spoonful. But upon the first mouthcrowded, we quickly assume that it ful, my sensory faculties went on an is really not that good. overdrive. The flea But that Sunday, I yielded to an Well, it seemed people have market irresistible hunch. Service was not judged Atap Atap rather poorly. It stalls swift. I understood that it always certainly was their loss. It is my bilocated takes time to cook up a good dish. ased opinion that its signature dish opposite The waitresses, who looked like is one of the best I have ever tasted. Atap Myanmar nationals, were friendly The rice portion isnt large, but it Atap. and courteous. That was certainly a is adequate. The restaurant is very plus. Waitresses who are compelled generous with its portions of topThe fried egg on top of the rice to work too hard usually do not pings on the rice. Cucumber, lettuce was the icing on the cake, so to speak. dispense the best kind of service. and tomato are in sufficiently large For RM7.90, it was a value-forIn time, my dish arrived. It looked pieces to make it a satisfying meal. money meal.

Surprises on the Portuguese front

Coincidentally, an overseas relative of mine who was in Malaysia for a visit had taken some foreign guests to Atap Atap as well. He did not know that I had dined there a few days earlier. When he remarked that Atap Atap was a really fine dining area, I knew my opinion about the place wasnt wrong. Atap Atap also has a number of notable Portuguese ikan bakar dishes. Among them are Pariwi rice, shark with rice, la-la with rice, squid with rice, Portuguese beef with rice,

and lemongrass chicken with rice. I havent sampled anyone of these yet, but I will in the near future. Other specialties of this restaurant are nyonya kerang, nyonya kembung, Portuguese ikan pari, sambal udang and sambal petai. If all these do not satisfy your cravings, then you are in the wrong restaurant. Atap Atap, like a host of other eateries found in Amcorp Mall, enjoys a surge in business every Sunday because of the large and very popular flea market. It is said that Amcorp Mall on Sundays is like an unofficial country club for retirees. There are groups of silver-haired men who mill around the scores of stalls selling knickknacks and other old stuff that sellers could salvage from their grandparents cupboards and storerooms. If you are looking for this restaurant, keep a sharp lookout for a lifesized poster of former national badminton player Rashid Sidek. Rashid is the brand ambassador for Atap Atap. Apparently, there is another Atap Atap outlet in Negri Sembilan, located at 9 Avenue, Taman Corporat in Putra Nilai. If you are tired of dining at your usual joints, you may want to bring a few friends to Atap Atap for a nice meal. Make somebody else pay, of course. After all, it is your recommendation.

Rice dishes and Portuguese grilled fish choices aplenty.

Sturdy chairs and tables at Atap Atap.

food/fiction 19
December 2 4, 2011

A glass of teh tarik makes it a complete meal.

You may want to have a good meal after spending some money at the flea market.

Nonsense
Fiction by Zedeck Siew

he always tried not to think nonsense-thoughts, but nonsense-thoughts always came to her, unbidden. That morning, yawning in the passenger seat of their red hatchback, Pn Rubiah thought: I want to go on a holiday. Her husband was driving her to work. They had breakfasted at dawn, then set out at 7.30. Her husband didnt like the radio on because he said it was distracting, so they sat in quiet air-conditioning. Rubiah watched the skittles of the onramp recede. I want to go to the beach, she thought. Developer oversight meant that their neighbourhood, a late-Mahathir-style, sparsely occupied township built in the middle of palm-oil country, only had road access to the coastward direction of the highway the direction leading away from her office. So Rubiahs husband had to: drive to the end of the highway and exit; make a U-turn at the traffic lights; get back on the highway; drive all the way to the other end, passing through the toll gate; exit and turn around; re-enter again; and drive back to the highways midpoint, where there was a rest-stop complex. Besides its empty toilets and shuttered, untenanted food stall lots, this rest stop also contained the Tourism Malaysia Holiday Beaches Info Centre, where Rubiah worked eight to five. Rubiah knew that going to the beach was nonsensethinking. She couldnt do it not while being as pregnant as she was. She could barely walk, much less frolic in wet sand. Silly me, Rubiah thought. She was only feeling this way because they hadnt done anything exciting for many months. Her husband yawned. To get to town, where he worked, he would have to repeat the circuit: all the way down the length of highway and all the way back again. The toll operators let him through, free of charge, because they had come to recognise his red hatchback. THE office had a chronic damp-carpet smell, and by late morning this smell today as on every other day was making her head ache. She heaved herself from her seat, turned the air-conditioning off, and lumbered to the office entrance. There was a gust of wind and dust from the highway when she opened it. She stood there awhile, enjoying the warm, moving air. She looked at her shadow, in its doorframe of sunlight, on the two racks of state- and district-level tourist brochures. She had arranged the brochures according to size and type first thing that morning. Rubiah felt some pride. She was particularly pleased with the cut-out letters that spelt Welcome to the Holiday Beaches on the wall; she had done them by hand, and glue had not smudged at all. There was another shadow in the door. The man had milk-

chocolate skin and close-cropped hair; he wore a pair of wraparound sunglasses. Sammualaikum? he said, one boot on the step. Mualaikumsalam? Rubiah straightened the apron of her tudung over her swelled belly. The mans pepper moustache lifted into a mischievous grin. Yes, anything? Rubiah asked, adjusting the forehead-arch of her tudung. The man came in, looking around, fists on hips, holding a cigarette pack in one hand and a bunch of keys in the other. What place is this? Oh? Its a Tourism office, Rubiah said, as the man fingered the brochures on the counter. Encik can take that, its free. Encik is going where? To nearby the beaches. This Te l u k

Yes, many. Ah. He put his sunglasses back on. I go first, then. He looked at the brochure he was holding, then waved it. Thanks! I can take this, ya? Yes. Come again, Rubiah said, half-heartedly. The man gazed out at the highway, intently, as if he was making some serious decision. Then he slapped the pamphlet on his thigh and wandered off. Style like a tourist! Rubiah thought to herself, making sure her brochure display was in order. Turned out he was just a truck driver. AT five, Pn Rubiah locked up the Tourism Malaysia Holiday Beaches Info Centre and waited on a bench outside. The red hatchback arrived a half-hour later. They were eating out tonight. There was a tom yam restaurant in their neighbourhood, but she had gotten food poisoning there once so this meant her husband, fresh from town, would have to: pick her up; drive past the turn-off to their housing park; go right up to the end of the highway, exit and turn around; drive the entire length of the highway back; and drive into town again. Her husband did not complain. They were going to a caf that served expensive meehun and cheesecake for dessert: his favourites. This is just like a date, Rubiah thought. I should feel excited about it. She saw the many streetlights of the town come into view, and idly wondered whether Zul, that truckdriver man, would use her brochures and visit the beach. After ordering dinner, to break the silence, Rubiahs husband told her about how one of his colleagues had missed a deadline and was yelled at by their boss. They ate quietly, absorbed with chewing. Soon Rubiahs husband had his hand up to call for the cheesecake. She picked at her plate. Biah? her husband said, suddenly, tentatively, as if a train of thought had completed a loop in his head. I was wondering whether Biah would like to go to the beach this weekend. For so long we havent gone, isnt it? I think it might be fun. Just two of us, like we used to. Rubiah giggled aloud. What nonsense are you talking, Abang? Look at me. How am I supposed to go to the beach like this? I cant fit into my swimming dress. I cant even walk properly. Ala, we can do it, he said. It will be fun. It will be like we are dating. She frowned playfully, then shook her head. Dont want, Abang. Dont want. Come la. With me. Dont want, Rubiah answered. Nonsense la you. All right, he sighed, but not without mischief. Later I go with some other woman, then you know. Rubiah pinched his arm. They laughed about it. After sharing a slice of cheesecake, they paid for dinner, got into the car, and started heading for home in the middle of palm-oil country. Her husband yawned, and said nothing. Pn Rubiah told herself: I am happy.

Kemang, is it good? Oh, it is very nice, Encik, Rubiah said, moving back behind the counter. Encik can camp, ride jet skis, even ride the banana boat. Banana boat? said the man, propping the sunglasses on his crown as he flipped the pamphlet apart. Yes, banana boat. It is yellow and long and many people can ride on it at once. Good for families. If Encik? Abang Zul, the man said, smiling. Encik Zul, does Encik already have a household? Rubiah asked. She thought he had a nice, adventurous air about him. Havent found my match yet, the man answered. Oh, like that, Rubiah replied, fiddling with the crystal tassel of her tudung. Encik is holidaying alone, then? He laughed. No, no. I drive a trailer. Im on a job. Taking air for a while, because I was feeling drowsy. This highway is too straight, too smooth! Very dangerous. Easy to fall asleep. Oh. My first time using this highway, he explained. Interesting place for a Tourism office, ya? You are quite far away from the beach. Well, the beaches are only about 20km away, Rubiah said. At the highway turnoff after next, Encik will already be there. We are here so that we can provide information to travellers. Do you get many visitors stopping here?

20 December 2 4, 2011

Travel

White-knuckling it (sort of) in Kuala Kubu Baru

By Basil Foo

or those who do not want to spend another expensive weekend mall crawling, head on to Kuala Kubu Baru. Besides been known as a quaint little town with some of the best chicken chops this side of Selangor, the Hulu Selangor capital is famous for white-water rafting. In the heart of Kuala Kubu Baru lies the scenic Batu dam and Sg Selangor. Travellers can find it by taking the North-South Highway past Rawang, Batang Kali, and Rasa or by driving north from Batu Caves up Jalan Sungai Tua. Be prepared for narrow two-lane roads as the traffic in the outskirts of the Rowing down Sg Selangor on inflatable rafts. state begin to give way to large slowmoving lorries. The Batu dam, constructed under the Kuala Lumpur Flood Mitigation Project, collects enough water to turn the area into a picturesque lake surrounded by hills as far as the eye can see. A beautiful mist can be seen when the water plunges down the main outlet, said Khersonese Expedition Sdn Bhd sales and marketing executive Syed R Safiq Al-Attas. During the dry months of January and February, when water treatment plants downhill experience water shortage, water is released from the dam through Sg Selangor. It is this veritable torrent that lends the river its signature deep and fast-flowing water that whitewater rafting enthusiasts have been coming back to. We have been doing this (rafting) for more than 10 years. Many foreign tourists and local compa- View of the Batu dam from the visitors area. nies doing team-building come here However, the press corp I was for the dam to release its stored wato raft, said Safiq. in when traversing the river last ter so as to avoid floods downstream. Sg Selangor comes in at Grade Saturday endured few rough patches The 7km course that Safiq takes Four, where Grade One is slow- in the water as the dam gates were visitors on is divided into three secmoving and scenic, while the water closed. tions, the first and third being rafting in Grade Five rivers are swift-flowDue to the recent wet spell in the sections and the middle being a calm ing and only for experts. city, local authorities did not allow floating section.

Visitors being briefed on rafting safety tips.

The rafting that Khersonese organises comes complete with helmets, rafts, life jackets, paddles, a short snack break, and a buffet lunch at the end of the journey.

Waterfalls can be found along the river.

To float, you put on a helmet and a lifejacket, get into the water, lie down, and be swept downstream by the current, he said. He advised floaters to travel feet-first to see where they are going and paddle with their hands to steer themselves. Paying a fee for merely floating down a river may not sound like much, but I personally enjoyed the almost 30-minute-long journey. Carried away by an inexorable body of water, it was peaceful to just let loose and surrender my body to the elements, opening my eyes every so often to steer myself. The rafting that Khersonese organises comes complete with helmets, rafts, life jackets, paddles, a short snack break, and a buffet lunch at the end of the journey. As the water was not gushing as we had hoped it would, I only managed to experience going down a solitary rapid, which was an almost four-feet drop. With just a tinge of fear, our four-rower raft with guides at the front and back stopped rowing right before the precipice and fell with hoots of surprise. We did not capsize despite our attempts to shake the raft in our

excitement, but even if we had, observant guides stood by in the waist-deep water. We have experienced guides whom we have trained over the years from local indigenous people, said the adventure companys general manager, Illyaz Yushaak. The rafts are able to fit four to six people, with a guide in each to help with steering and giving directions on when to paddle. The trip up to the north of Selangor is well worth taking by adrenaline junkies or even city-dwellers wanting to get away from it all for the weekend. I am awaiting the dry spell, which usually hits around Chinese New Year, to make the drive up once again and hope for a churning Sg Selangor. White-water rafting packages cost about RM180 per person, depending on the size of the group and the season. Interested travellers can email info@thepaddlerz.com or call 03-77223511 or 03-77223516 for more details and booking. The trip was organised by Tourism Selangor in its effort to promote white-water rafting in Kuala Kubu Baru.

Gallery 21
December 2 4, 2011

Carrying yellow balloons, the protesters assembled at KLCC Park on Saturday at 2pm, singing songs and chanting slogans against the Peaceful Assembly Bill. Over 300 people came together at the fountain lake at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) Park last Saturday (Nov 26) to protest against the Peaceful Assembly Bill.

About 1,000 lawyers turned up during the Walk for Freedom and marched along Jalan Parlimen on Tuesday (Nov 29) to hand over a memorandum to the federal government to protest against the Peaceful Assembly Bill, which was passed in Parliament on the same day. Temme Lee, a human rights activist, demonstrating the irony.

Lawyers responding to speeches by Bar Council leaders on why peoples constitutional rights to gather peacefully must be upheld and protected.

Orang Asli supporters all the way from Pahang came out to support the cause.

Gallery 22
December 2 4, 2011

Participants having a splashing good time on Sg Selangor, during a trip organised by Tourism Selangor to promote white-water rafting in Kuala Kubu Baru.

Nurul Adilah, 21, with her friends after participating in the Accessible Tourism For All campaign at Sunway Pyramid. Nurul, who has muscular dystrophy, was among some 200 disabled participants who took part in a 7km relay walk on Sunday. Member of Parliament for Hulu Langat Dr Che Rosli Che Mat (in red) with Kampung Sentosa leaders and residents in Semenyih on Saturday, taking part in a campaign to promote the consumption of local fruits.

Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Mayor Datuk Roslan Sakiman checking ikan patin with organisers of a street festival and cultural show to be held on Sunday. The fish were released into Kelana Jaya lake for an angling competition during the event.

Participants of the Hulu Selangor Sepak Takraw Cup held next to the public multipurpose hall in Taman Melawati on Nov 19.

Culture 23
December 2 4, 2011

Editors Pick
Theatre; 2-17 Dec (preview 2 Dec); Black Box @ MAP, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur; www.tix.my, 017-2287849, www. terryandthecuz.com; RM68/RM38
A collaboration between theatre makers from Australia and Malaysia, Klue,Doh! is an interactive experience aimed at exploring the art of voyeurism within the confinement of the domestic space, where the audience is taken out of their comfort zone and brought on a rollercoaster ride that baffles at every turn! One Murder. Two Perspectives. Three Weapons. A whodunit set in a household filled with lies, lust, betrayal, secrets and the policemen trying to get to the bottom of it all. Featuring Anne James, Davina Goh, Nabihan Yaacob, JD Menon, Terence Conrad and Jon Chew. Presented by TerryandTheCuz.

Klue,Doh!

cALeNDAr

Compiled by Nick Choo Send your events to: nick@selangortimes.

Magic Mirror: The Musical

Musical; until 4 Dec; Istana Budaya; 011-12828859 / 8860, 01112880399, www.guanyin.org.my; RM100-RM300
In the Western Pure Land of Great Bliss, the embodiment of all the Buddhas compassion, Guanyin is entertained by the singing and dancing of her attending goddesses, but her heart, however, is perturbed. She contemplates the welfare of beings, and, hearing their laments, decides to help by teaching villagers and bandits about love, compassion, patience, tolerance and concern. Presented by Yayasan Guan Yin.

reVIeW
By Nick Choo

STOMP ll
Theatre/Musical; until 4 Dec; Plenary Hall @ KL Convention Centre; 0378807999, www.ticketpro.com.my; RM78-RM268
Londons West End theatrical sensation returns. With unstoppable energy and toe-tapping exuberance, STOMP takes the clutter and junk of everyday life bins, lighters, and even the kitchen sink and transforms it into a pulsating, witty, utterly irresistible theatrical even.

AN unfaithful husband, a hedonistic lover, an apathetic father, a shrewd brother in-law, a ruthless businessman, a merciless moneylender: Datuk Jackson Mo had many faces one too many. When he is found brutally murdered in his mansion, everyone has a reason, and everybody is a suspect. With such a premise set on Malaysian premises and with a creative team comprising Malaysians and Australians how could we not want to know more? Selangor Times turns the heat up on producer and performer Terence Conrad, one of the prime suspects behind this interactive original murder mystery. What are some of the inspirations behind Klue,Doh!, and how much have you drawn on these sources in the process of creating the show? We started writing Klue,Doh! about almost four years back while the idea for the show goes back even further. It started off as a comedy-murder mystery but evolved over time. The writing of the script was influenced by many sources and experiences including movies like 8femme, Alfred Hitchcocks Rope, The Usual Suspects and Gosford Park. The staging of the show was actually inspired by a show we saw in Flinders Street Station called Small Metal Objects by Back2Back Theatre, and our visit to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the audience is taken out of their comfort zone, making the experience truly memorable. Klue,Doh! runs for 50 minutes, and our audience are split into two spaces, which are the living room and the study. After intermission the audiences swap sides and the show starts all over again, completing the experience. How did the collaboration with the Australian creative team come about, and what was the process like? TerryandTheCuz has been working in Australia since 2004 and have collaborated with Australia-based artists on projects all over the world since. We are a Malaysian company, and so we

Animal Farm
have always wanted to work on projects in Malaysia. So it was a natural process when it came to staging Klue,Doh! that we continue working with an Australian creative team. Our set designer Matthew Kneale flew down in December 2010 to design our set, while we liaised with the rest of the team via working visits to Australia, and via Skype and email during the creative design process. Ideas were bounced back and forth this way, and once we were all here, things really starting coming together! actual prison. What was that experience like? Tell us a thing or two about your time behind bars. Yes! The police were amazing in the access and hospitality granted to us. It was quite strange being there as there were real inmates in the holding cell next to us, and here we were putting on make-up, costume changes and voluntarily being locked up. They must have thought we were quite mad. Every time we would look behind or to the left and right, there would be 20 inmates behinds bars staring right at us. So it was interesting! What has been the biggest challenge in producing/ directing Klue,Doh!? Ultimately, what do you hope the audience will take away from the production? The biggest challenge is the staging in two rooms as the play happens in real time. So characters are moving in and out of two rooms simultaneously while things are happening, and this took a lot of time and patience from the actors especially. Everything is about [timing] and movement between rooms the result of a lot of planning and hard work by the actors and creative team. The interesting thing about Klue,Doh! is that it is not a whodunnit but a whodunnit first! Everyone killed Datuk Jackson Mo its up to the audience (and the cops in the play) to figure out who killed him first! We hope everyone comes and has thoroughly enjoyable evening, even if they dont figure who actually killed him. Its the experience of watching Klue,Doh! that we hope will linger in their minds.

Theatre; 8-11 Dec; Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre; www.klpac. org, 03-40479000; RM48/RM28
Premiered October 2008, Pentas Projects Animal Farm received six nominations in the 7th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards and won the Best Director, Best Set Design and Best Costume Design. Adapted from the legendary story written by George Orwell in 1945, Animal Farm points on the scathing destruction of the dictatorial governance of Communism, hauntingly similar to the situation of our society today. It will again boldly question the complications of power and greed, capitalising upon the boiling discontentment of the people, and strange political and social phenomena that are real for many up till today.

Klue,Doh! is a multilingual work. How easy or difficult was it to explain the Malaysianisms to the Australian creative team, as well as your vision for this project? What makes Klue,Doh! a show that will appeal to all audiences? Great question. It was hard explaining the speech, behaviours and mannerisms of a multilingual Malaysian play to them. Theres English, Malay, Cantonese, and even a bit of Tamil in Klue,Doh!. So rehearsals were very interesting, to say the least. Our comedy is another thing that required some explaining, haha! I think audiences will connect to the dynamics of the show, which is about a murder in mixed-marriage household and the Malaysian police who just happen to stop by! Also, most of the dialogue is everyday Malaysian conversation which you would hear in the market or at the mall. So even if you dont understand the language being spoken, you will get the idea or message or feelings the character is trying convey.
I hear that the photo shoot for Klue,Doh! was done in an

Malaysian Girls
Theatre/Musical; 10-26 Dec; Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre; www. klpac.org, 03-40479000; RM38RM100
An original musical about the beautiful world we live in; about the friendship between Malaysian girls, and how this fragile friendship can be more beautiful than the crown one aspires to wear. Put on your tiaras, pucker up that smile, and brace yourself, for really, with 14 beautiful girls on a glitzy stage, how ugly can it get?

Aladdin: The Musical

Musical; 25 Nov-2 Jan 2012; Sunway Lagoon; 03-87754666 (AirAsia RedTix), 03-56390000 (Sunway Lagoon ticketing); www.airasiaredtix.com/ Events/Aladdin; RM50-RM300
Get whisked to a land far, far away, filled with adventure, magic, and excitement in this production from the West End! Set against the mystical kingdom of Askabar, go on a musical journey featuring international artistes and dancers with exotic costumes, a flying carpet and a stunning stage. Witty dialogue, hit songs and a spellbinding spectacular.

Published by Selangor State Government and printed by Dasar Cetak (M) Sdn Bhd No. 7, Persiaran Selangor, Seksyen 15, 40000, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan.