PETALING JAYA: “Buy locally made products.” That is the call to Malaysians from an economist who said the country cannot continue to foot the food import bill, which has swelled to RM482.8 billion in the last 10 years. The Statistics Department also reported that in 2022, Malaysia imported food worth RM75.71 billion, an increase from RM63.65 billion in 2021. Universiti Teknologi Mara senior economics lecturer Dr Mohamad Idham Md Razak said consumer preferences for locally produced goods or imported ones make a significant difference to economic health. “Malaysians must buy locally made products to ensure a healthy economy and a better life for everyone. “Research conducted by the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) revealed that a 10% increase in consumption of local products stimulates a 0.5% increase in gross domestic product (GDP). “This underlines the substantial economic impact that consumer preference for local goods oHike of 10% in local goods consumption spurs 0.5% GDP growth, increases production rates and job possibilities: Economist █ BYRAVEEN AINGARAN [emailprotected] Call to buy M’sian INSIDE TELLING IT AS IT IS ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 24, 2023 No. 8378 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my SOLIDARITY RALLY ... Thousands of Malaysians holding placards, posters and flags to show support for Gaza residents at the Freedom for Palestine gathering at Dataran Merdeka on Sunday. – BERNAMAPIC To stimulate the consumption of local products and manufacturing, he said Malaysia has imposed several trade policies and economic strategies. “The 1990 Buy Malaysian Products Campaign (BMPC) is an example of such a policy. “The BMPC was successful in boosting interest in locally made goods. For instance, the MIER study showed that the BMPC increased local product consumption by 5%.” Mohamad Idham said imposing import taxes on specific items, such as televisions, motorcycles and cars, is a strategy that encouraged purchases of locally made products. “These taxes increase the price of imports, potentially swaying consumers towards locally made products. Turn to — page 3 Cooperation needed to stop Gaza attacks, says Anwar CAIRO: All parties, including the world’s major powers, must work towards a ceasefire in Gaza to ease tensions in the region, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the killing of children, women and innocent Palestinians in Gaza must stop. “Malaysia is not a big country, not an Arab country, not a Gulf country that neighbours Palestine. But we are responsible for voicing the conscience of the ummah and the Palestinian people,” he said when speaking at a meet-and-greet session with the Malaysian diaspora and students in Egypt on Sunday. About 1,200 Malaysians gathered at the event, which was also attended by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Malaysian Ambassador to Egypt Zamani Ismail and Malaysian embassy officials in Cairo. Anwar highlighted the stance adopted by several Western powers that did not seem interested in stopping the cruelty, oppression and killing of Palestinians in Gaza, while being cold towards the efforts of sending humanitarian aid. Earlier in Istanbul, he mentioned that several Arab leaders he had met provided positive response to the issues raised by Malaysia regarding developments in Gaza. “Many Islamic countries have made positive determinations. Stop the attacks and intensify efforts to assist the people of Gaza from a humanitarian perspective,” he said at a media conference at the end of his two-day working visit to Turkiye. Anwar also met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Vahdettin Palace in Istanbul, where they discussed various issues, including trade, economic cooperation and bilateral relations. He said Turkiye is seen as being at the forefront in terms of providing aid to the Palestinian people, as the country channelled various forms of medical aid to Gaza. can have on national economic health.” Mohamad Idham said this is because buying locally made products is a catalyst for domestic manufacturing and employment growth. As an example, he said government initiatives aimed at incentivising consumers to opt for Malaysian-made vehicles boosted the automotive sector. “Such initiatives directly led to a significant increase in production rates and job possibilities in that sector,” he said. On the other hand, Mohamad Idham warned that buying imported goods can be detrimental to the economy. “A World Bank study showed that a 10% increase in import consumption results in a 0.2% decline in GDP growth due to reduced domestic production and employment.” Child car seats regarded as 5 ‘unnecessary’ page Smartwatch approach to 4 good health page See also report on — page 7 Turn to — page 2
2 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME S. Arabia, M’sia committed to preserving global peace RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Malaysia have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering coordination and intensifying efforts to preserve international peace, stability and security. This was expressed in a joint statement released following the visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the Kingdom on Saturday. The statement, issued on Sunday by Saudi Arabia, highlighted many accomplishments resulting from the meeting between Anwar and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Both parties have also reached an agreement to strengthen cooperation in the defence and security fields and to coordinate on matters of mutual interest, including combating various forms of crime. This collaborative effort aims to enhance security and stability in the two nations. On the current conflict in the Gaza Strip, both sides emphasised the international community’s crucial role in exerting pressure on Israel to halt its plans to invade Gaza. They also strongly cautioned against the forced displacement of oBoth nations to strengthen cooperation in defence and security, including combating various forms of crime Palestinians and the severe consequences it would precipitate. The importance of intensifying efforts to achieve a comprehensive and equitable resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict was also underscored. It includes pursuing a genuine path for substantive and effective negotiations that align with the principles of the two-state solution, relevant international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. The negotiations should guarantee the Palestinian people’s right to establish their independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on 1967 borders. The discussion also covered issues of security, stability and the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan as well as the Yemeni crisis, Saudi Arabia’s role in facilitating dialogue among Yemeni parties and its economic support for Yemen. The statement commended Malaysia’s positive reception of the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, acknowledging its potential contribution to regional security and stability. Both parties stressed the importance of activating the SaudiMalaysia coordination council and its subcommittees to align with the aspirations of their respective leaderships, fostering an enhanced and developed partnership in areas of mutual interest. The statement also highlighted Prince Mohammed’s appreciation for Malaysia’s support for Riyadh’s bids to host the World Expo 2030, World Cup 2034 and the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions 2027. It also noted Malaysia’s gratitude for the Kingdom’s efforts in servicing the two holy mosques and their visitors, encompassing pilgrims, umrah performers and other visitors, Bernama reported. On economy, trade and investment, both sides expressed determination to bolster investments and invite Malaysian companies to explore investment opportunities presented by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 programmes and projects. The parties also expressed intent to enhance cooperation in Islamic financing by providing syariah compliant financing products and services, particularly in the Islamic Murabaha sector. While the Malaysian side welcomed the “Saudi Green” and “Middle East Green” initiatives supporting Saudi Arabia’s climate change efforts, the Saudi side lauded Malaysia’s recent launch of the National New Renewable Energy Roadmap. Both sides have agreed to intensify cooperation in various domains, including renewable energy and its technologies, environmental initiatives, digital economy, tourism, higher education, healthcare, agriculture, and food industries. Anwar with Erdogan at the Vahdettin Mansion in Istanbul during the former’s visit on Monday. – BERNAMAPIC Allah issue: Proposal to be sent to Rulers KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal of the new administration on the use of the word Allah will be tabled at the meeting of the Conference of Rulers from tomorrow to Oct 27. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the proposed new administration directive had been presented to the Malaysian National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) chaired by the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. He said the proposal was the findings of five engagement sessions held to obtain feedback and input related to the matter, Bernama reported. “The result of the discussions from the engagement sessions has been acquired and it has been presented to the Sultan of Selangor and the next stage is the presentation to the Council of Rulers by the secretariat of MKI. “All the results from the presentation will be used by the Home Ministry to produce a new guideline on the use of the word Allah,” he said in Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Saifuddin Nasution was replying to a supplementary question by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh), who wanted to know the development related to the issue of the word Allah and what steps the government is taking. In response to Muhyiddin’s original question on the government’s stand on issues involving religion, race and royal institutions (3R), he said the Federal Constitution, Communications and Multimedia Act, Penal Code and the Sedition Act were the legal basis used. “The position of the government is that actions, statements, messages and speeches that are against the laws on 3R matters are not allowed. “Provocation, incitement involving Rulers can be acted upon under the Sedition Act, apart from the Penal Code and the Communications and Multimedia Act,” he said. According to him, 104 cases related to 3R issues are being investigated by police involving both the government bloc and the Opposition. Malay language snag for elderly citizenship applicants KUALA LUMPUR: Most applicants for citizenship among the elderly fail the Malay language proficiency test, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the test is one of the requirements in the application for Malaysian citizenship. “In other countries, their best practices require a mastery of the official language or speech of the country concerned, that is, those who apply for citizenship are required to be able to speak its official language. “The failing score (in the Malay language proficiency test) is ‘1’ and the passing score is ‘8’. Sometimes, those who score only a ‘2’ can be thankful that we pass them. Most of the older applicants are usually only fluent in their mother tongue,” he said during the oral question-andanswer session in the Dewan Rakyat. He was replying to a supplementary question by Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng (BN-Tanjung Piai), regarding applications of senior citizens not being approved or taking a long time for approval. To an additional question from Lo Su Fui (GRS-Tawau), on the Home Ministry’s alleged lack of seriousness on the issue of citizenship applications, Saifuddin replied that in 10 months, a total of 10,381 citizenship applications had been attended to, with the majority of cases involving child applicants. “Most of the applications involve cases of adopted children and illegal children. They cannot go to school and have to pay expensive hospital bills (because they do not have citizenship status). “We tell ministry officials to resolve this first, (but) instead, we were accused of approving tens of thousands of citizenship applications for Chinese nationals. This is mischievous.” Responding to Lo’s question on a solution to the issue of residents not having complete documents for citizenship applications, Saifuddin said several initiatives have been implemented such as the Program Menyemai Kasih Rakyat to help people in rural areas obtain complete documents. – Bernama Elections for school prefects mulled KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry is prepared to study a proposal to introduce elections for school prefects at secondary school level to improve political literacy of students, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday. Its deputy minister Lim Hui Ying said the introduction of school prefect elections would provide students with early exposure to political literacy, in line with the implementation of Undi18. “It is a good proposal, and we are ready to study it.” She was replying to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota), who suggested that the ministry look into the feasibility of holding elections for secondary school prefects as part of the political literacy curriculum, and to prepare students to vote at the age of 18. – Bernama He added that the conflict in Gaza is worrisome because if Israel persists in invading and capturing the territory, it would lead to a prolonged crisis involving many Arab countries. Anwar subsequently departed from Istanbul to continue his working visit in Egypt, where he met President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, with humanitarian issues to continue being the main topic of discussions. He is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on the Grand Imam of al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb before leaving for Kuala Lumpur. – Bernama From front page ‘Gaza invasion will affect Arab countries’
3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 KUALA LUMPUR: Datin Harveen Kaur has etched her name in history as the first Malaysian beauty queen to scale Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa. Harveen, 44, achieved the feat on Sept 24, reaching the Uhuru peak at 5,895m above sea level. “I aspire to contribute to the empowerment of women of all generations, encouraging them to have faith in their abilities. Together, we can muster the courage to recognise and unlock our boundless potential,” she said yesterday when asked to reflect on her achievement. The Malaysia Book of Records has recognised her achievement and will honour her with a certificate for the national record of being the “First Beauty Queen to Summit Mount Kilimanjaro”. The certification presentation is scheduled for Nov 1. Harveen secured the title of Mrs Malaysia World in a beauty pageant held on Sept 7, 2017. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: The Kelabits of Sarawak put on an engaging event over the weekend, bringing the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people to Peninsular Malaysia. The event, “The Kelabits Live in Kuala Lumpur”, organised by the Foundation for Indigenous Art (FIA) and supported by the Tourism Ministry, was held at Berjaya Times Square. It attracted hundreds of attendees on Sunday and Monday. FIA chairman Dr Anil Andre Ratos said the Kelabit dancers who showcased their skills at the event were specially flown in from the Bario Highlands in Sarawak. The non-profit foundation initially intended to create an Orang Asli cultural village, but due to economic setbacks and changing circ*mstances, the focus shifted towards cultural preservation and various initiatives that support the indigenous community. “This is a continuation of my late father Datuk Anthony Ratos’ legacy and his dedication to supporting and preserving the dignity of the Orang Asli community. “He developed a passion in the 1960s for the Orang Asli due to the invaluable knowledge they shared with him about foraging and fishing. “He dedicated himself to promoting the wooden sculptures of the Orang Asli, amassing a large collection that depicts their animistic culture and spiritual beliefs,” he said. Sarawak Cultural Village Sdn Bhd general manager Jane Lian Labang said the event helps to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Kelabits while addressing the challenges they face in today’s rapidly changing world. “During the event, guests marvelled at the elegant performances by the dancers and admired their elaborate attire. Some even took part in beadwork and basket-weaving workshops to learn these traditional crafts. “Arang Mekasor, also known as the welcoming long dance, enthralled the audience. This elegant dance serves as a warm and festive greeting during significant events and festivals held in Sarawak longhouses.” Jane said the Arang Iyap folk dance performance by seven female dancers skilfully imitated fishing actions which the guests from various countries thoroughly enjoyed. There was also a female solo performance called the Arang Sebulang performed by a 61- year-old housewife Ganit Tebaran to add grace to the event. Jane said a few dances worth mentioning are the Arang Rinuh, which represents the process of winnowing padi, and Upun Aluh, which is a bamboo dance. “When performing Arang Rinuh, dancers mimic the winnowing motions while traditional music is played. In Upun Aluh, the dancers showcase their agility, coordination and precision by skilfully manoeuvring in and out of rhythmically clapped bamboo poles,” she said. Madelyn Thomson, a 32-year-old backpacker from Annecy, France said the dances were breathtaking. “The vibrant display of traditional music and dance left me in awe of the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia. “This cultural event truly made my visit unforgettable and I am glad to have experienced it.” FIA director Datin Pearl Masna Ulun said the initiative prompts the Orang Asli to preserve their traditional knowledge before it is lost to time. “The event helps rekindle indigenous youths’ interest in their culture by featuring performances by housewives from the villages instead of professional dancers. “Preserving indigenous culture is not just about aesthetics. It’s also about recognising the valuable knowledge and practices they possess,” she said. ‘Consumers choosing affordable options’ “The government also supports local production through subsidies for export businesses, thus enhancing their competitiveness in global markets.” Mohamad Idham stressed that changes in consumer preferences can significantly impact Malaysia’s global competitiveness as well. “For example, the demand for sustainable products and the growth of online shopping are two trends that affect Malaysian businesses. “The expanding middle class will also drive demand for premium goods and services, creating opportunities for businesses that can meet these needs. “Overall, Malaysian businesses that can adapt to changing consumer preferences stand a better chance of success in international markets,” he said. Meanwhile, Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the high cost of living is already driving consumers to choose more affordable options. “While prioritising cost, buyers are not just looking at prices but also quality. “So, while they often opt for cheaper local products over expensive imports, this shift doesn’t seem to affect employment in related sectors.” Syed Hussain said MEF actively promotes strategies for businesses and employers to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and their potential impact on sectoral employment. “Consumers’ shift to online shopping has significantly impacted the retail sector, prompting retailers to establish an online presence to meet customer demands. “To tackle these challenges, we have urged businesses to enhance their workplace appeal,” he said. Showcase of Kelabit cultural heritage oTwo-day event awes visitors with unique dances originating from Bario highlands in Sarawak Speaker cautions MPs over name-calling KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has reminded all members of Parliament to refrain from labelling one another using the words kafir (infidel), Zionist and Yahudi (Jew) in the lower house. He said uttering such remarks against one another could stir up sensitivities, hurt a person’s feelings and undermine harmony in the country. “Various arguments and positions were expressed during the four-day debate on Budget 2024 last week, leading to sensitive issues that were hurtful. “Therefore, I urge all honourable members of the House to stop using the words kafir, zionist and yahudi on each other that touches on sensitivities that could affect our harmony,” he said in his address before commencing the Question and Answer session at yesterday’s sitting. He added that Standing Order 36(10)(C) states that it is wrong to use words that promote feelings of ill-will or hostility among the different races in Malaysia. In response to a question from Indera Mahkota MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah regarding the use of such words, Johari said it only applied to the act of labelling someone and not when making a statement condemning the attack carried out by the parties concerned. Johari said MPs should act honourably and prioritise the interests of the country and the people, in addition to not using the House as a political arena for groups or individuals. “I will not tolerate and will take action if such issues are raised again,” he said. Johari added that any personal issues raised and reported outside the Dewan Rakyat must be resolved outside the Lower House. He said Standing Order 23(1)(i) states that a question shall not be asked as to whether statements in the press are accurate. Standing 36(9), meanwhile, states that no reference shall be made in any debate to the conduct or character of any MP or public servant other than conduct in the capacity of MP or public servant, as the case may be. – Bernama No issues over Jepak polls candidate BINTULU: The selection of a candidate who is not a member of any party in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to represent the coalition in the Jepak state by-election is not a big issue, said Jepak Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Women chief Noriha Ali. She said the grassroots leaders and party supporters respect the decision made by GPS chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg. He said the selection of Iskandar Turkee, 54, who is a former director of the National Anti-Drug Agency, as candidate gave the coalition an advantage because of his extensive experience in social activities. “I think he is the right candidate for us to continue the legacy left by the incumbent. We hope that with Iskandar’s vision and mission, he will bring development to Jepak, economically and socially,” Noriha said yesterday. Meanwhile, she added that the Jepak PBB women’s movement will go from house to house to introduce the GPS candidate to electors in the constituency. The Jepak by-election involves a threecornered fight between Iskandar, Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) candidate Stevenson Joseph Sumbang and Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) candidate Chieng Lea Phing. The by-election on Nov 4 was called following the death of the GPS incumbent Datuk Talib Zulpilip on Sept 15. – Bernama █ BY SIVANISVARRY MORHAN [emailprotected] Beauty queen achieves tall feat Dancers performing the Arang Mekasor during the event. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN From front page
4 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Contact theSun's Advertising & Marketing team to book your advertising space. 03-7784 6688 [emailprotected] Christmas Christmas Special Advertise with us on Christmas Special on Dec 15, 2023 PUBLICATION DATE 15 DECEMBER, 2023 (Friday) BOOKING DEADLINE 1 DECEMBER, 2023 (Friday) When the time comes for you to once again put up the Christmas tree in your living room and go through the family festive recipe books, don't forget to check out our Christmas Special on where, when and how to get the best festive gifts, surprises and promotions for your loved ones, friends and associates. Smartwatch way to good health PETALING JAYA: While there are hardly any research findings on Malaysians using smartwatches to monitor their health, experts say the devices serve as valuable tools that empower people to manage their overall well-being. Allied Market Research said the Asia-Pacific smartwatch market, which includes Malaysia, was valued at RM135.6 million in 2022, demonstrating a cumulative annual growth rate of 69.8% from 2021. A Rakuten Insight Global survey by gender on the frequency of using wearable technology (smartwatches and fitness trackers) in 2022 showed oDevices enable users to make decisions by providing real-time data on overall well-being █ BY RAVEEN AINGARAN [emailprotected] that 58% of males and 54% of females used their smartwatches or fitness trackers daily. Universiti Malaya Social and Preventive Medicine Department professor Dr Moy Foong Ming said since the inception of pedometers, wearable technology has made remarkable strides. Moy, who was named among the “World’s Top 2% of Scientists” in Stanford University’s list from 2019 to 2022, said: “Smartwatches serve as valuable tools in empowering people to proactively manage their overall health and fitness. “They now monitor sleep patterns, heart rate, calories burned, and blood oxygen levels, providing valuable insights into their overall well-being.” Moy said the devices promote and enable wearers to make knowledgeable decisions by giving them immediate feedback on sleep patterns, physical activity, and other health-related indicators. She added that features like heart rate monitoring and stress tracking contribute to a holistic understanding of one’s well-being. While the use of smartwatches in healthcare holds significant promise, particularly in enhancing self-monitoring and preventative care, she stressed that further exploration and research are needed to better ascertain their impact and benefits. “People with certain medical illnesses, such as heart attacks, diabetes or high blood pressure, have benefited significantly from using smartwatches to manage their conditions. “However, it’s important to acknowledge that such cases might not have received public attention or widespread publicity,” she said. As for future developments regarding the integration of smartwatches into the healthcare system, Universiti Kebangssan Malaysia public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh predicts substantial advancements in this area. She anticipates the advancements to encompass the development of more intelligent software that is capable of comprehensive biometric tracking. “This will include the detection of abnormal heart rates, blood biosensors for monitoring renal profiles, urea levels, and body temperature. “Moreover, their adoption for health assessment can significantly reduce the workload of nursing staff, because wearable devices collect data as patients go about their daily lives, reducing the need for frequent doctor visits. “These capabilities have the potential to be harnessed by dedicated groups to extend healthcare support to marginalised communities in Malaysia and across the globe,” she said. Muralitharan Govindan, 59, who has diabetes and hypertension, uses a smartwatch to monitor his heart rate and blood pressure. “While transitioning to new diabetic medications, my smartwatch’s heart rate monitor alerted me multiple times a week to elevated heart rates and irregular blood pressure readings. This prompted me to seek timely medical attention. “As it turned out, the new diabetes medications were unsuitable for me, causing complications such as increased heart rate, irregular blood pressure, and occasional lightheadedness,” he said. 7 dams classified as ‘high risk’ CYBERJAYA: Seven dams in the country have been identified as high risk and may cause water supply issues to treatment plants as well as surrounding areas in the event of dam malfunction. National Water Services Commission chairman Charles Santiago said yesterday the dams are Pedu and Muda in Kedah; Durian Tunggal, Asahan and Jus in Malacca; Mengkuang in Penang and Linggui in Johor. He said these dams have been classified as high risk in the Level of Water Supply Dam Monitoring Report for 2022 after risk assessment was carried out based on three key factors. The factors are physical performance, storage level record and the number of treatment plants in the dam areas. Santiago said to reduce the risk, the report proposed that the respective state governments develop Off River Storage (ORS) for water supply purposes. “Constructing new dams is seen as less effective because they require extensive catchment area. The development of ORS is considered an alternative to help improve water source capacity. Besides serving as reservoirs, the ORS can also act as a flood mitigation measure.” Santiago said ORS works by taking raw water from nearby river and channelling it into a reservoir, where it undergoes pre-sedimentation treatment. The water is then channelled to plants before being distributed to consumers. – Bernama New clinic to benefit Kuala Tahan residents KUANTAN: More than 16,000 residents in Kuala Tahan, including the Orang Asli community, will enjoy better healthcare services when a new clinic is built in the area. Pahang Health Director Datuk Dr Nor Azimi Yunus said the site for the new clinic, which will be equipped with an X-ray machine, has already been identified. “We had applied for the new clinic in the area and was approved in the 2024 Budget. It will be built on a 2.38ha site near Sungai Tembeling,” she said. Nor Azimi added that the new facility will replace the existing 43-year-old dilapidated clinic. Kuala Tahan resident Siti Nur Suhada Suhami, 24, said the government’s effort to provide a new healthcare facility is greatly appreciated as the present clinic is too small to cater to the high volume of patients. “The number of patients keeps increasing and the old clinic, which is near a school, is not suitable,” she said. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced that Kuala Tahan would get a new clinic when tabling the 2024 Budget in Dewan Rakyat on Oct 13. – Bernama HELLO FROM DANANG ... Participants at the Tourism Roadshow of Central Vietnam promoting Vietnamese products at an Indochina Charm Tours booth at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA /THESUN
5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 RM2 million each given to Najib, Guan Eng: Witness KUALA LUMPUR: A company director told the Sessions Court yesterday that he gave RM2 million each to Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng in connection with the Penang undersea tunnel project. Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli, 64, of Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd, said the money for Najib was given in cash while for Lim, via cheque from businessman G. Gnanaraja at a hotel in Petaling Jaya in 2017. The prosecution’s 23rd witness was replying to lawyer Gobind Singh Deo at the trial of Lim, who is facing four charges of corruption involving the tunnel project and main roads in Penang worth RM6.3 billion. Zarul Ahmad said the money was given to Najib to stop an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission against his company. Gobind: The RM2 million cash was given to Najib because he was prime minister at the material time and to your mind, he could influence the investigation against your company? Zarul Ahmad: Yes. Gobind: In your witness statement, you said Gnanaraja is close to Najib? Zarul Ahmad: Correct. On the first charge, Lim is alleged to have abused his power as then Penang chief minister to obtain a RM3.3 million monetary gratification as inducement to appoint Zarul Ahmad’s company to implement the tunnel and three paired road projects. He is alleged to have committed the offence between January 2011 and August 2017 at the Penang Chief Minister’s Office. On the second charge, Lim is accused of asking Zarul Ahmad for 10% of his company’s profits in order to secure the projects. He is alleged to have committed the offence at The Gardens Hotel, Mid Valley City in March 2011. Lim is also facing two charges of dishonest misappropriation of property by disposing two plots of land belonging to the Penang government in Bandar Tanjong Pinang worth RM208 million to Ewein Zenith Sdn Bhd and Zenith Urban Development Sdn Bhd – companies linked to the tunnel project – on Feb 17, 2015 and March 22, 2017. – Bernama Associate of airline co-founder under probe detained KUALA LUMPUR: Police detained a businessman yesterday to assist investigations over a case of an airline company co-founder who was arrested last Tuesday. Bukit Aman Commercial CID director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said the man, in his 40s, who is a shareholder of one of the companies founded by the airline co-founder, was picked up from his house in Bangsar at 1am. Ramli said in a statement the man has been remanded for five days until Friday to assist investigations after a remand application was made at the Central Lockup in Jinjang. “The case will be investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA). “All individuals who invested in businesses involving the airline company co-founder have been told to lodge police reports and assist investigations.” He said police seized 12 luxury vehicles, six branded watches and documents relating to two companies of the co-founder, who has a “Datuk” title. “We also confiscated eight designer handbags, two laptops, a computer and 10 jewellery items. The co-founder was released on police bail after his remand period ended.” Last Tuesday, it was reported that police arrested the 57-year-old co-founder, his wife, 55, and son, 26, at their home in Shah Alam to investigate a case under AMLA. The remand of the businessman’s wife and son ended on Saturday. – Bernama Child car seats regarded as ‘unnecessary’, laments Miros KUALA LUMPUR: Some 1,286 children aged below 10 died in road crashes from 2010 to 2020 mainly due to not using rear child safety seats, said Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) Road User Behaviour division director Azhar Hamzah. “Of this total, 65% were passengers who accounted for 1.9% of all traffic-related deaths during the 10 years.” He said on a positive note, the data indicated a decreasing trend in child passenger deaths since 2019, coinciding with the introduction of the child safety seat requirement for children aged up to 12. Azhar added that despite the requirement, many parents still regard child car seats as unnecessary and believe their children would be safe without them. “Many parents consider rear facing car seats inconvenient since they cannot see their child easily. “This has caused the adoption of child car seats to be lacking, although research has proven that rear facing seats offer significantly better protection in the event of a crash, especially for infants.” He said rear facing car seats are specifically designed for infants and young children, accommodating those from birth up to 13kg in weight or until the child reaches 83cm in height. Azhar said unfamiliarity with the specialised attachment points for child safety seats hinders parents from exploiting its full potential. “The cost is also a factor as high quality child car seats can be expensive, making them inaccessible to some families.” He said Miros has undertaken a Azhar said Miros has undertaken a series of initiatives to promote child car safety, including collaborating with the authorities. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN oCost, unfamiliarity with attachments and interaction inconvenience of rear facing position discourage use █ BY QALIF ZUHAIR [emailprotected] Peeping Tom apprehended at supermart toilet PASIR GUDANG: Police detained a man for allegedly peeping at a woman in the women’s toilet of a supermarket in Taman Bukit Dahlia on Sunday. Seri Alam district police chief Supt Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said in the 11am incident, the 23-year-old man was apprehended by the public. “The man has no criminal record and the case is being investigated under Section 377D of the Penal Code,” he said in a statement yesterday. Mohd Sohaimi added that police will apply for a remand order to facilitate further investigations into the case. On Sunday, a video was uploaded on social media showing a hijab-clad man being detained by the public over the incident. – Bernama Part of oil palm plantation in Malacca razed JASIN: A fire that has been raging since Sunday has destroyed 5.26ha of the 10.23ha Merlimau Valley oil palm plantation. The Malacca Fire and Rescue Department said in a statement as of 10.30am yesterday, flames at 4.86ha of the plantation have been put out. It said a call was received at about 4pm on Sunday before two fire engines and a four-wheel drive from the Merlimau and Jasin stations rushed to the location. “Two fire engines with 12 firefighters from the two stations arrived about nine minutes later. “The cause of the fire and the amount of losses are still under investigation.” – Bernama series of initiatives to promote child car safety, including collaborating with the authorities. “We worked with the Transport Ministry, police, Road Transport Department and policymakers to advocate laws, creating a legal framework that promotes the use of child car seats. “We also promote child car safety for parents at the point of purchase and in educational environments, so they can receive relevant information and guidance regarding the selection and usage of appropriate child car seats.” Child Passenger Safety Malaysia founder Jchanet Tan said the public needs to know that the basics of wearing a seat belt should not be limited to drivers and adult passengers, as children need to be restrained too. “It is common for most passengers who ride in the back seat not to use a safety belt. This results in even children not being restrained,” she told theSun. “Most parents also do not realise that placing children in rear facing child seats offers greater protection compared with having front facing seats. “This is because in front facing seats, the impact of a crash will be absorbed by immature neck vertebrae, possibly causing internal decapitation or paralysis.” She said the risk is higher for children aged below two when facing forward as their neck bones are not fully formed or strong enough to withstand the impact during a sudden stop or crash. “Paediatricians can educate parents about the use of designated specialised child seat options, sharing statistics on reduced severe injuries and increased chances of survival with appropriate child restraints.” Tan said the NGO has been actively educating parents on child safety since 2016, while stressing the need for enforcement to bring about real changes in child car safety awareness and compliance.
6 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME ‘Chinese vessels intentionally hit Philippine boats’ MANILA: Manila said yesterday that Chinese vessels “intentionally hit” Philippine boats at the weekend, escalating a diplomatic row over two collisions in the South China Sea. The countries have traded blame over Sunday’s incidents near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, with both sides filing diplomatic protests and releasing videos to support their accusations. The two collisions happened during a Philippine resupply mission to troops stationed on a navy vessel that was grounded on the shoal in 1999 to assert Manila’s territorial claims. A video grab released by the Chinese coast guard yesterday showing a collision between one of its ships and a Philippine boat during a resupply mission in Second Thomas Shoal. – AFPPIC oManila and Beijing lodge protests over maritime collisions Philippine officials accused a Chinese coast guard ship and a “militia” vessel of “dangerous manoeuvring” that resulted in collisions with a Philippine resupply boat and a Philippine coast guard vessel. Philippine Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro took it one step further yesterday, labelling the Chinese actions near Second Thomas Shoal deliberate. “Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels, in blatant violation of international law, harassed and intentionally hit Unaiza May 2 and Philippine coast guard vessel BRP Cabra,” said Teodoro. “We are here to really decry in the strongest possible terms this egregious violation and illegal act within the (Philippines’) 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone and the obfuscation of the truth by China’s distorting the story to fit its own ends.” His comments came hours after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr met with security officials and ordered the coast guard to investigate the incident, which was “being taken seriously at the highest level of government”, his communications team said. Earlier yesterday, the Philippine Foreign Ministry summoned China’s ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian and lodged a diplomatic protest over the incident. Spokesman Teresita Daza said the ambassador was unavailable and was represented by his deputy chief of mission Zhou Zhiyong. “Ayungin Shoal is part of our exclusive economic zone and continental shelf and we have sovereign rights and jurisdiction over it,” Daza said, using the Philippine name for the shoal. The Chinese diplomat made “solemn representations ... expressing strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the trespassing” by Philippine vessels into the Ren’ai Reef area, the Chinese embassy said, using China’s name for the shoal. China has said a “slight collision” happened after the Philippine resupply boat ignored “multiple warnings and deliberately passed through law enforcement in an unprofessional and dangerous manner”. In the other incident, China accused the Philippine coast guard of reversing in a “premeditated manner” into a Chinese fishing vessel. – AFP iPhone maker faces ‘politically motivated’ tax probe TAIPEI: Foxconn, a major supplier of Apple’s iPhones, is facing a tax probe in China, two sources close to the company confirmed yesterday, saying they believed it was disclosed by a state-backed paper for political reasons tied to Taiwan’s upcoming elections. On Sunday, state-backed Global Times tabloid said some of Foxconn’s key subsidiaries in China were the subject of tax audits and that the natural resources department had conducted on-site investigations on land use by Foxconn enterprises in Henan and Hubei provinces and elsewhere. The two sources, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, said several companies which they did not name had been audited by Chinese authorities in recent months, but they believed only Foxconn’s probe was made public for political reasons. The sources highlighted the audits come less than three months ahead of Taiwan’s presidential election and amid Foxconn’s drive to expand production outside China. The government of Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, frequently accuses Beijing of seeking to exert pressure, whether military or economic, to sway the outcome of its elections to ensure an outcome favourable to China. Foxconn’s founder Terry Gou, who stepped down as company chief in 2019, is standing as an independent for president. The Global Times, in an English language story on Sunday, said by running, Gou might split the opposition vote, potentially ensuring a victory for current Vice-President Lai Ching-te who is already leading in the polls. Beijing detests Lai, whom it believes is a separatist. He said only Taiwan’s people can decide their future, and Beijing has rebuffed his offers of talks. Citing unnamed experts, the Global Times said Gou’s “act of running for the elections is likely to further divide the island’s opposition camp, and this will in the end favour secessionist ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s candidate Lai Ching-te”. The audits of Foxconn have not been officially announced by any Chinese government department. Foxconn employs hundreds of thousands of people in China and is a major investor there, regularly hailed by Beijing as an example of the success of Taiwanese investors in the country. However, the company has been pushing to diversify its manufacturing base outside China, and the first source told Reuters they viewed the audit as a “warning” to Foxconn. “Their economy isn’t doing well. It is a warning, seeing major companies like us moving to India,” the source said “They want you to take a side. You either stay with us, or leave,” the first source said. – Reuters Former Pakistan prime minister indicted in leaked documents case ISLAMABAD: Jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan was yesterday charged with leaking classified documents, a prosecutor said, a charge that carries a prison term of up to 14 years. Since being ousted from power last year, Imran has been tangled in a slew of legal cases he says are designed to stop him from contesting upcoming elections in January next year. The populist politician was jailed in August for three years over graft but when his sentence was overturned, he was instead kept in custody on the far more serious charge of sharing state documents. “He has been indicted today and the charge was openly read out,” Shah Khawar of Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency said outside Adiala Jail, where Imran is being held. The case relates to a cable that Imran touted as proof that he was ousted as part of a US conspiracy backed by the powerful military establishment, according to a report by the FIA. The United States and Pakistan’s military have denied the claim. The vice-chairman of Imran’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, a former foreign minister, has also been indicted over the case. A PTI spokesman said both men were charged under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act in a trial “conducted within the court premises with no access to public or media”. “We are going to challenge it,” Imran’s lawyer Umar Khan Niazi told reporters. The former premier’s lawyers say the crime he has been charged with carries a possible 14-year prison term, and in the most extreme circ*mstances, the death penalty. – AFP Kishida to focus on ‘economy, economy, economy’ TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida promised yesterday tax cuts as part of a new economic programme that he hopes will shore up his sagging popularity. Kishida has seen his ratings plummet to the lowest levels since he took office two years ago, and over the weekend his ruling Liberal Democratic Party lost a by-election. In a legislative policy address to Parliament, Kishida listed his economic achievements and pledged to continue fuel subsidies and steps to energise local economies in broad efforts to prop up the flagging Japanese economy. “Economy, economy, economy. Above all, the economy is my priority.” His government has been working on a fresh stimulus package expected in the coming weeks which aims to ease pressure on Japanese households from rising prices. He said the programme would include tax cuts for households, encourage corporate investments and wage growth. “We will intensify support measures that will contribute to strengthening supply capacity including large investments related to national security, such as semiconductors and decarbonisation.” – AFP B R I E F SBEIJING WELCOMES AUSTRALIAN PM VISIT BEIJING: China said yesterday it welcomes a visit by Australia’s prime minister next month, saying Beijing was keen to “strengthen” ties with Canberra as the two trading partners work to repair a once-frosty relationship. Beijing’s Foreign Ministry said it hoped Anthony Albanese’s visit, due Nov 4 to 7 on the invitation of Premier Li Qiang, would help improve relations. “A healthy and stable China-Australia relationship is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples, and is also conducive to regional and world peace and stability,” ministry spokesman Mao Ning said, adding: “China is willing to work with Australia to strengthen high-level exchanges.” – AFP WIDOW OF JOURNALIST SUES KENYA POLICE NAIROBI: A widow of a Pakistani journalist who was shot dead by police in Kenya after he fled arrest in his home country filed a lawsuit against Kenyan police yesterday, her lawyer said. Arshad Sharif, a strident critic of Pakistan’s powerful military establishment and supporter of former premier Imran Khan, died when Kenyan police opened fire on his car at a roadblock outside Nairobi in October last year. Javeria Siddique, one of Arshad’s two wives, told AFP in Islamabad last week that she was filing a lawsuit. Her lawyer confirmed it had been lodged at Kenya’s High Court yesterday, a year to the day since the late-night killing. “Yes. The case has been filed,” lawyer Ochiel Dudley said. – AFP
7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 Nashville police chief’s son wanted in shooting of cops WASHINGTON: A manhunt for the son of a US city police chief has been launched after he was accused in the shooting of two police officers outside a Dollar General store. John C. Drake Jr, 38, allegedly opened fire at two police officers who were investigating a stolen vehicle outside the store on Saturday afternoon in the city of La Vergene, police said. The two officers were left injured in the attack and received treatment in a hospital. One of the officers was shot twice in his groin and forearm and another suffered injury in the rear of his left shoulder and was released from the hospital on Saturday night. The first officer was kept overnight for observation in the hospital and was in stable condition, said La Vergne spokesman Anne Smith. Nashville police chief John Drake, who said his son was estranged, has called for his arrest. “I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn that my estranged son, with whom I have had very minimal contact over many years, is the suspect in this afternoon’s shooting of the two La Vergne police officers.” Drake Jr is said to have fled the scene in a stolen car and has been on the run as the search for him entered the second day. His father said that, starting from his teenage years, his son “resorted to years of criminal activity” and is now a convicted felon. “He now needs to be found and held accountable for his actions today. “I hope that anyone who sees him or has information about him will contact law enforcement immediately.” Drake Jr was involved in crimes dating back to 2005 and has 59 criminal charges in Davidson County, local media reported. – The Independent Indigenous Aussies denounce ‘shameful’ referendum result CANBERRA: Aboriginal Australian leaders ended their vow of silence yesterday to denounce millions of their compatriots for rejecting a landmark push for indigenous rights, saying that the referendum result would be “etched into Australia’s history forever”. Simmering racial divisions were exposed earlier this month when just over 60% of Australians voted against a referendum to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders within the 1901 constitution. In the wake of the result, many indigenous leaders embarked on a “week of silence”, asking for time to grieve what they saw as a crushing rejection at the hands of Australia’s white majority. Some leaders ended that silence in a scathing open letter addressed to the government, criticising the “appalling and mean-spirited” outlook of millions of Aussies. “The truth is that the majority of Australians have committed a shameful act whether knowingly or not, and there is nothing positive to be interpreted from it.” The authors said history would not look kindly on those who opposed the referendum. If passed, the reforms would have created a consultative body – a so-called “Voice” to Parliament – to help tackle the inequalities that plague Aboriginal communities. The referendum was defeated in every state of the country, despite being backed by Australia’s centre-left government, leading sports stars, celebrities and corporations. The deluge of “deliberate disinformation” unleashed a “tsunami of racism”, the letter said. Social media posts suggested the “Voice” would lead to land seizures or create a South African-style system of apartheid. – AFP Johnson, Truss blamed for Tories’ historic by-election defeats LONDON: British opposition leader Keir Starmer has cast himself the heir to Tony Blair after a historic Tory by-election drubbing in which he jubilantly declared Labour was “redrawing the political map”. The Labour leader said Tory voters were turning to them because they were “fed up with the decline and despairing of the party they used to vote for”. The Tories are now staring down the barrel of an unprecedented wipeout after suffering defeats in two fiercely contested by-elections, with huge majorities evaporating following a disastrous few years in which the party has seemingly stumbled from one crisis to another. Overturning the biggest majority in British by-election history, Labour took Mid Bedfordshire from the Tories for the first time. In Tamworth, Labour saw the second biggest swing from the Tories in a by-election in post-war history. Starmer insisted that his party would stay “humble” but boasted that he could see the “summit” of a general election victory, as he cited Blair’s 1997 triumph. “What I do want to do is follow in the footsteps of a leader of our party who took us from opposition into power.” Meanwhile, former chancellor George Osborne warned the record defeats spell “armageddon” for the Conservatives at the general election. Boris Johnson and Liz Truss are to largely blame for the Conservatives crushing double by-election defeat, according to polling guru John Curtice. Curtice said the Tories were staring a general election wipeout “in the face” after “extraordinary swings” to Labour which saw the safe seats of Tamworth and Bedfordshire turn red. Pointing to Johnson’s Partygate scandal and Truss’mini-budget fiasco, he told BBC Radio 4: “I think one could reasonably argue that the reason why we are where we are is because of those two events – and that’s more important than the fact Starmer has changed his party, although perhaps if Starmer had not changed his party maybe they wouldn’t be as popular to the same degree. “Let us say those Partygate happenings had never happened, or at least we’d never heard of them and as a result Johnson was still in No. 10 today. “Would Labour be doing as well as they are at the moment?” – The Independent B R I E F S‘SYNAGOGUE LEADER’S MURDER NOT DUE TO ANTI-SEMITISM’ WASHINGTON: Police probing the stabbing death of the president of a US synagogue said on Sunday that no evidence has emerged of anti-Semitism as a motive. In a statement, Detroit police chief James White said his force is interviewing “individuals with information that may further the investigation” into the death on Saturday of Samantha Woll. He gave no details. “No evidence has surfaced suggesting that this crime was motivated by anti-Semitism,” White said. He asked for patience as the probe proceeds. Woll presided over the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, which serves metropolitan Detroit. Emergency personnel found Woll dead outside her home with multiple stab wounds. – AFP RUSSIAN COURT EXTENDS DETENTION OF JOURNALIST MOSCOW: A Russian court yesterday ordered Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva detained until Dec 5, after prosecutors said she had failed to register as a “foreign agent”, Russian news agencies reported. Kurmasheva, who works for the US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty media outlet, was detained by Russian law enforcement in the central city of Kazan on Wednesday. The Sovietsky district court in Kazan – the main city of the Tatarstan republic – ruled she should be kept in detention as a “preventative measure”, Interfax news agency reported. Kurmasheva faces up to five years in jail if found guilty of the charges. – AFP Gaza bombarded, war spreads to other fronts GAZA CITY: Israel bombarded Gaza with more air strikes yesterday ahead of an anticipated ground operation into the besieged Palestinian enclave as the United Nations warned that civilians were running out of places to seek shelter. In signs that the conflict was spreading, Israeli aircraft also struck southern Lebanon and Israeli troops clashed with Palestinians in occupied West Bank, residents said. More aid crossed the border into Gaza on Sunday but the UN humanitarian agency said it was just a fraction of the amount needed to help a desperate population short of food, water, medicine and fuel. Health authorities in Gaza said at least 4,600 people have died in Israel’s two-week bombardment after an assault on Oct 7 by Hamas fighters on southern Israeli Palestinians gathering at the site of Israeli strikes in the Gaza city of Khan Younis yesterday. – REUTERSPIC oUN says 1.4 million of enclave’s population now internally displaced communities in which 1,400 people were killed and 212 taken as hostages. The Israeli military said yesterday morning that in the past 24 hours it had struck more than 320 targets in Gaza, including a tunnel housing Hamas fighters, and dozens of command and lookout posts. Palestinian media reported that the Israeli attacks concentrated on the Gaza Strip’s centre and north. Israeli troops and tanks are now massed on the Israeli-Gaza border but how soon they might launch a ground invasion aimed at rooting out Hamas was not clear. The UN humanitarian office (Ocha) said about 1.4 million of Gaza’s 2.3 million population were now internally displaced, with many seeking refuge in overcrowded UN emergency shelters. Israel has ordered Gaza residents to evacuate the north to avoid being caught up in the fighting. But Ocha said anecdotal evidence indicated that hundreds and possibly thousands of people who had fled were now returning to the north due to bombardments in the south and lack of shelter. Fears that the Israel-Hamas war could mushroom into a wider Middle East conflict rose over the weekend with Washington warning of a significant risk to American interests in the region and announcing a new deployment of advanced air defences. Early yesterday, Israeli aircraft struck two Hezbollah cells in Lebanon that were planning to launch anti-tank missiles and rockets towards Israel, its military said. Israel’s military also said it struck other Hezbollah targets, including a compound and an observation post. Hezbollah said yesterday one of its fighters was killed, without providing details. Israel’s military said seven soldiers have been killed on the Lebanese border since the latest conflict began. In the West Bank, two Palestinians were killed at the Jalazone refugee camp near Ramallah, the Palestinian Health Ministry said yesterday. Residents said Israeli forces raided the camp and made many arrests as they clashed with gunmen and some youths who threw stones. – Reuters
8 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 SPEAK UP Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesundaily.my/ Tackle surge in CHD among newborns CONGENITAL heart disease (CHD) refers to structural heart defects present at birth, affecting the heart’s form and function. CHD is a significant global health issue, impacting millions of children across the world, with approximately one in 100 live births being affected. In recent years, Malaysia has observed a surge in the occurrence of CHD in newborns, with an estimated 5,000 infants born with this condition annually. Two-thirds of these infants require surgical intervention. This increase underscores the immediate need for proactive measures by the government and Health Ministry. In 2016, more than 400 children under the age of five succumbed to congenital heart disease in Malaysia. Nevertheless, Malaysia only has three healthcare facilities capable of providing paediatric cardiac care for these vulnerable children. Families coping with CHDafflicted infants find themselves not only enduring emotional distress but also facing significant financial challenges due to the exorbitant costs associated with medical treatments and surgeries. The healthcare system is under mounting pressure to deliver specialised care and surgeries for infants with CHD, creating a strain on healthcare providers. To tackle this pressing issue, the government must take decisive actions for long-term solutions. Firstly, the government should offer direct subsidies or financial aid for CHD treatment, surgeries and medications. These can be in the form of grants, low-interest loans or cash assistance to help families cover the medical expenses related to CHD. Allocating funds for CHD research is imperative for gaining a deeper understanding of the root causes, to help in forming preventive measures. Secondly, since Malaysia only has three facilities capable of providing paediatric cardiac care to children with CHD, it is important to invest in training and development of additional pediatric cardiac specialists to help address the shortage of specialised care facilities in the country. The government should also introduce legislation that mandates health insurance coverage for CHD screening, diagnosis and treatment. Financial assistance or subsidies for CHD treatment, including surgeries and medications, should be made available within the insurance coverage. Insurance companies also have a crucial role to play in addressing this issue by offering comprehensive coverage for CHD, including prenatal screening and long-term care. Eliminating pre-existing condition clauses that deny coverage to children with CHD is of utmost importance. In conclusion, the alarming rise of congenital heart disease in Malaysian newborns is a critical health crisis that demands immediate attention and concerted efforts from all stakeholders. The government, healthcare authorities and insurance companies must work together to address the root causes of CHD, expand the availability of specialised care facilities and ensure financial support for affected families. By doing so, we can not only reduce the emotional and financial burden on these families, but also save the lives of countless infants born with CHD. The time to act is now as every child deserves a healthy start in life, regardless of their heart condition at birth. Comments: [emailprotected] Embarking on an academic odyssey STARTING a new chapter in one’s academic journey at a university is an exhilarating and overwhelming experience. For new students, the anticipation of learning, growth and personal development is tangible. However, to make the most of this journey, it is essential for students to establish good relationships with the university, faculty and lecturers, who will be guiding them through their educational voyage. New student orientation programmes are the first steps in their university journey. These sessions provide valuable insights into the university’s culture, resources and academic expectations. They also offer students an opportunity to meet and interact with their professors and lecturers. Engaging in orientation activities allows students to become familiar with the environment, and sets the stage for building positive relationships with faculty members. Students should begin their journey with a clear understanding of their academic and personal goals. What do they hope to achieve during their time at university? Setting specific, measurable and achievable goals will provide them with a roadmap for success. Whether it is earning certain grades, pursuing extracurricular activities or developing specific skills, having goals will give their university experience a purpose. Effective time management is the key to balancing their academic commitments, social life and personal well-being. They should invest in a planner or digital calendar to keep track of assignments, deadlines and important dates. Creating a daily or weekly schedule that allows them to allocate time for studying, attending classes and engaging in extracurricular activities while ensuring they have time for relaxation and self-care is vital. They should not hesitate to seek academic support when needed. Universities usually offer resources, such as tutoring and small group discussions, to help students succeed academically. If they are facing challenges with their course work, they should reach out to their lecturers, teaching assistants or academic advisors for guidance. Building meaningful relationships with professors, classmates and mentors can enrich their university experience. These connections will not only provide academic support and guidance, but also potential career opportunities. Participating in campus activities and organisations is an excellent way to build a sense of belonging and make new friends. They should also join clubs, sports teams, cultural events, volunteering or community services to expand their social network, and develop leadership skills. Involvement in extracurricular activities can enhance their overall university experience and provide opportunities for personal growth. Active class participation is key to establishing a rapport with lecturers. Engage in class discussions, ask questions and seek clarification when needed. This will not only demonstrate a commitment to learning but also show lecturers that the student values their expertise and opinions. Furthermore, they should work on improving their written and verbal communication skills as these will be invaluable throughout their academic and professional journey. While academics are a significant aspect of university life, it is crucial to prioritise self-care. Maintaining a healthy balance between studies and well-being is essential for long-term success. They should get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly and manage stress well. University is a time for personal growth and exploration. Students should stay open to new experiences, subjects and perspectives. They should not be afraid to step outside their comfort zone as doing so can lead to personal and intellectual growth. As a new student, building a strong foundation is essential for a successful and fulfilling university experience. By setting clear goals, managing time effectively, seeking academic support when needed, getting involved on campus, honing their communication skills, prioritising self-care, building relationships and staying open to new experiences, students can pave the way for a successful and transformative journey through higher education. The writer is the deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Alumni at the Faculty of Dentistry at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. Comments: [emailprotected] Malaysia has seen a surge in the occurrence of CHD in newborns, with an estimated 5,000 infants born with this condition annually. – REUTERSPIC COMMENT by Ashraff Hussni COMMENT by Dr Ahmad Dzulfikar Samsudin “The government, healthcare authorities and insurance companies must work together to address the root causes of CHD, expand the availability of specialised care facilities and ensure financial support for affected families.
9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 THE Education Ministry remained the largest recipient of the 2024 Budget allocation at RM58.7 billion. A total of RM1.9 billion has been allocated for the upgrading and maintenance of schools. This budget allocation underscores the importance of education as a cornerstone for national development. A substantial portion of this allocation – RM930 million – has been designated for the enhancement of dilapidated school buildings and facilities. This investment will benefit 450 schools, with a primary focus on Sabah and Sarawak, two regions in dire need of infrastructure upgrades. The commitment to improving school infrastructure is crucial as it impacts the learning environment and students’ well-being. Moreover, the allocation includes RM1 billion for the maintenance of various types of schools, including national, religious, Tamil and Chinese schools, as well as special education institutions catering to autistic students. This demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to inclusivity, and ensuring that all students have access to quality education. It reflects the government’s recognition of education as a catalyst for economic growth and social progress. Additionally, the budget allocates RM2.5 billion for the construction of 26 new schools. These new schools will expand access to education and reduce overcrowding in existing institutions. Malaysia’s commitment to education through the Madani Budget is a promising development that recognises the pivotal role of education in shaping the nation’s future. However, it is important that the allocations be equitably shared among all schools – national and vernacular – on the basis of need. In the recent past, several vernacular schools have had to appeal to charitable organisations for donations to replace their broken tables and chairs. All children, irrespective of which schools they go to, must be provided with good furniture and similar facilities. The Education Ministry must reciprocate by improving teaching methods and concentrating on giving students critical thinking skills as opposed to rote learning. It has been reported that a good proportion of students who proceed to and later graduate from higher education institutions are unemployable because they lack the needed skills. While more allocations are being allocated for education, a commensurate emphasis must be given to the kind of skills being imparted to ensure that the quality of education is not strained. Access to quality education enables children to develop, flourish and eventually serve the nation better. We read many letters in the newspapers of people lamenting the lack of quality education in our schools but we do not read about the Education Ministry’s efforts to address this issue. While it is a good move to get schools to check on the condition of school toilets, as announced recently by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, it is more important for schools to enhance the minds in the classrooms. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye Kuala Lumpur THIS year, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cybersecurity Awareness, with the theme “Secure Our World”. This campaign is a collaborative effort involving the public and private sectors to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. In conjunction with this year’s theme, everyone is urged to take four key actions: 1. Use strong passwords and a password manager Compromised passwords are responsible for 81% of hacking-related breaches. Using strong passwords is one of the easiest ways to protect your accounts and keep your information safe. Here are some security best practices: 0 Create a strong password: If you are using a weak password, consider it breached. Hackers can crack easy-to-guess passwords in less than a second. Create passwords that have at least 16 characters and are complex. Avoid using sequential strings (ABCD, 1234, etc.) and easily identifiable information, such as names and birthdays. Your password should be a riddle. 0 Avoid password reuse: Think of your passwords as fingerprints – each one should be unique. Reusing passwords makes you vulnerable to cyberattacks. 0 Use a password manager: Password managers free you from the hassle of sticky notes or the guessing game of passwords. The only thing you need is one password to sign into your password manager. 2. Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) According to Microsoft, enabling MFA can make you 99% less likely to get hacked. Why? Because MFA requires a combination of two or more authenticators to verify your identity before you are granted access to your account. Even if a hacker cracks your password, they need to meet the second authentication requirement to gain access to your account. MFA asks for: 0 Something you know – a PIN or a password 0 Something you have – an authentication application or a confirmation text on your phone 0 Something you are – a fingerprint scan or facial recognition 3. Update your software It is important to understand the importance of software updates. Technology providers issue software updates to patch urgent security flaws, and failing to keep your software up-to-date can leave you unprotected. Here is what you need to keep up-to-date: 0 Operating System (OS) 0 Web browser and extensions 0 Third-party apps 0 Anti-virus To make these updates more convenient, set up automatic updates so that they are downloaded and installed as soon as they are available. Remember to only download software and apps from verified sources and official app stores. 4. Recognise and report phishing Phishing involves malicious actors sending messages pretending to be a trusted person or entity. If something seems suspicious, trust your instinct. Telltale signs of phishing include: 0 Urgent or emotionally appealing language 0 A sense of urgency to click right away 0 Requests to send personal or financial information 0 Unexpected attachments 0 Untrusted shortened URLs 0 Email addresses that do not match the sender When encountering a suspicious message, use the “report spam” feature. In cases where the message impersonates an organisation you trust, notify the organisation. Lastly, delete suspicious messages. Do not reply or click on any attachment or link, including the “unsubscribe” link. The article is contributed by Check Point Software, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions. Comments: [emailprotected] Embrace art of slow living LET us be honest, we have all been culpable of at least one of these: getting frustrated over sluggish internet speeds or delayed deliveries from Lazada or Shopee, grumbling about the dreadful traffic during rush hours, turning to instant noodles because of a busy workday, and maybe the most outrageous of all, binge-watching Netflix at double speed because we are too busy for entertainment but refuse to compromise on leisure time. These behaviours are symptoms of the “fastliving syndrome”. Many of us unknowingly suffer from “time sickness”, a term coined by physician and writer Larry Dossey, which is the pervasive belief that time is constantly slipping away and perpetually insufficient. Why do we always find ourselves in a perpetual rush? Is living at a breakneck pace the way to go? While it is undeniable that a fast-paced lifestyle can yield various advantages, such as increased efficiency, personal growth and a heightened sense of accomplishment, distressing trends are emerging. These include children as young as five grappling with stressrelated conditions, including insomnia and eating disorders, and a drastic decline in average human attention span. Additionally, one in three Malaysians suffer from mental health issues, and over half of Malaysian workers are wrestling with burnout. These trends suggest that it is time for us to re-evaluate the significance we have attributed to living life in the fast lane. How did our appetite for speed and aversion to slowness evolve? This question has ties to the party in power. In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, leisure held a place of great reverence, serving as a window for the flourishing of intellectual, cultural and philosophical pursuits. The tables turned in the era of industrial capitalism. Under the rule of the bourgeoisie, we witnessed a significant shift in power dynamics. This period strongly emphasised individualism, hard work and productivity, all to the advantage of the powerful. In contemporary society, the control and regulation that were formerly imposed by capitalist forces were internalised. As a consequence, a new form of power that operates through the mechanisms of self-control and selfoptimisation came to the fore as noted by ByungChul Han in his book Burnout Society. We now live in a world where we are both the master and slave to ourselves. The dichotomy that extols fast living and relentless productivity as virtues while stigmatising slow living and leisure as vices is deeply entrenched in our society that it has become synonymous with the truth. However, as we rush through life, striving to achieve our life, career and relationship goals by a certain age, we often spread ourselves too thin, leaving little time for friends and family. We seek quick intimacy with our partners and prefer the most time-efficient forms of entertainment. Perhaps, the most ironic of all is that we desire the fastest solution to slowing down in life, as author Carl Honore described in In Praise of Slow. “Slowness” frequently conjures negative images such as waiting in long queues, bureaucratic inefficiencies and unproductive work processes. It sometimes also carries the negative connotation of societal regression, suggesting a reluctance to embrace modern conveniences. However, slowing down in life does not mean getting the short end of the stick compared with a fast-paced lifestyle. Slowing down does not entail a return to a non-technological era marked by resistance to change. It also does not require giving up on modern conveniences such as fast food, rapid transportation or instant communication, nor does it imply turning a blind eye to career opportunities. Slow living is an intentional and conscious choice to embrace an unhurried and reflective way of life. It is in Honore’s words, having control of “the rhythms of your own life” or having the say of not only how but when to slow down in life. In doing so, we grant ourselves the time to recharge and strike a balance in the hyperaccelerated life, consequently leading to greater productivity, improved overall well-being, more prudent decision-making, higher quality of life and relationships, and even a reduced risk of heart disease. A good starting point is to become less neurotic about time, refraining from multitasking when it is appropriate, such as during meals, while spending quality time with loved ones or while resting, and having the courage to embrace moments of boredom and be comfortable with them. Persuading Malaysians on the merits of slowing down is merely the start. A transition towards a mentally healthy society that sees the beauty and values of slow living will remain a challenge until we overhaul the regulations that influence nearly every aspect of life, including governance, the economy, the workplace, education, healthcare and others. However, the movement towards a slower, more consciously paced lifestyle is gaining momentum. The Live Love Labour Festival: The Art of Bersantai, Malaysia’s first Festival of Slow Living, which was held recently is a fine example. In a world hurtling forward at a breakneck speed, it is time for us to join the movement advocating for the value of slow living and unleash our inner sloth that has long been suppressed. The writer is co-founder and managing director of the Malaysian Philosophy Society. Comments: [emailprotected] In a world hurtling forward at a breakneck speed, it is time we slow down and unleash our inner sloth that has long been suppressed. – REUTERSPIC Key steps to secure our world from cyberattacks COMMENT by Chew Zhun Yee COMMENT LETTERS [emailprotected] Ensure quality education to empower nation
10 HEALTH & WELLNESS theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 WHO says AI can transform healthcare if understood properly ARTIFICIAL intelligence has the potential to transform health treatment, but rapid rollout without fully understanding how AI performs could end up harming patients, the World Health Organisation said on Thursday. The WHO said AI held great promise for healthcare but also came with challenges, notably around privacy and the potential to entrench existing problems. The United Nations’ health agency issued a new publication detailing some of the main regulatory considerations on AI for health so that authorities can build on or adapt their guidance on using it. “With the increasing availability of health care data and the rapid progress in analytic techniques, whether machine learning, logicbased, or statistical, AI tools could transform the health sector,” the organisation said. The WHO said AI could strengthen clinical trials, improve medical diagnosis and treatment and supplement medical knowledge and skills. For example, AI could help in places with a lack of specialists by interpreting radiology images and retinal scans, it said. However, the WHO added that AI is being rapidly deployed, sometimes without a proper understanding of how such technologies perform, “which could either benefit or harm end-users”, both patients and professionals alike. When using health data, AI systems could be accessing sensitive personal information, so robust legal frameworks are needed to safeguard privacy and integrity, the WHO said. Pros and cons “Artificial intelligence holds great promise for health but also comes with serious challenges, including unethical data collection, cybersecurity threats and amplifying biases or misinformation,” said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This new guidance will support countries to regulate AI effectively WHO noted AI’s healthcare potential and challenges, including privacy and perpetuating existing issues. and harness its potential, whether in treating cancer or detecting tuberculosis, while minimising the risks,” he added. The WHO said AI systems depend on the code they are built with and the data they are trained on, and better regulation could help manage the risks of AI amplifying biases present in training data. “For example, it can be difficult for AI models to accurately represent the diversity of populations, leading to biases, inaccuracies, or even failure,” the WHO said. “To help mitigate these risks, regulations can be used to ensure that the attributes — such as gender, race and ethnicity — of the people featured in the training data are reported and datasets are intentionally made representative,” the organisation added. The WHO outlined six areas for regulating AI for health. They include externally validating data, evaluating systems before release so as not to amplify biases and errors, looking at consent requirements on data privacy, and fostering collaboration between regulators, patients, governments and healthcare professionals. - ETX STUDIO Students raise awareness on importance of mental health YOUNG adults and teenagers continue to grapple with significant mental health challenges. In observance of World Mental Health Day 2023, students from Asia Pacific University (APU) orchestrated a forum titled “Forging Resilience: Nurturing the Mind and Promoting Mental Wellbeing in Challenging Circ*mstances”. Their objective was to raise awareness about maintaining resilience in the face of adversity, dismantling stigmas and advocating for holistic well-being. Under the theme “Our minds, our rights” for 2023, APU’s forum served as a platform for students to acquire knowledge, express their opinions and engage in open dialogues with panel speakers about the daily challenges they confront. A keynote speaker and lecturer at APU’s School of Business, Cynthia Mala Paul, emphasised, “Resilience’s foundation lies within our mindset, and cultivating a growth mindset enables us to view challenges as opportunities for personal growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.” She stressed the importance of self-care, particularly during trying times when individuals tend to prioritise external responsibilities. Neglecting self-care can have enduring consequences. She underscored the need to treat selfcare as a non-negotiable priority, including practices like regular exercise, sufficient sleep, mindfulness and seeking support when necessary. Citing a report by the Ministry of Health (MOH) from December 2017, which revealed that one in three adults and 12.1% of children in Malaysia experience mental health issues, she pointed out that these alarming statistics identify poor mental health as the second most significant health concern after heart disease in Malaysia. With the additional mental pressures stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, these figures have risen, demanding further attention to the mental health issue. YTL International College of Hotel Management CEO Leong Yin Kit emphasised that young adults must identify their own coping mechanisms to safeguard their mental health. It is crucial to understand and embrace one’s unique strengths and qualities. While technology offers numerous benefits, it also brings negative aspects like cyberbullying, social comparison, and screen Students participating in a multicultural walk at Lake Gardens. - .AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN oWorld Mental Health Day celebrated █ BY DHARSHINI GANESON Students displayed their emotions through pictures in the tunnel set up for this purpose. addiction, which can lead to depression and even suicide among young adults in the long run. During the event, students had the opportunity to walk through an “emotion tunnel” where they could express their moments of sadness and happiness by posting pictures. This activity allowed them to find solace and happiness during times of homesickness and reflection. The Make It Right Movement CEO, Brian Lariche, noted that the disabled community faces unique challenges related to mental health due to discrimination and prejudice based on their disabilities, which indirectly affects their incomeearning capabilities. He stressed the importance of having mental health professionals specialising in different disabilities provide adequate support, especially as mental health cases surged during the Covid-19 pandemic. Author and golf instruction apprentice Fatin Amin shared the message that it is acceptable to fail and crucial to bounce back from failures. She highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by young adults, including peer pressure and the need to keep up with rapid changes and trends. Fatin emphasised the importance of balancing face-to-face and digital technology to maintain human connections in the digital age. To raise awareness about the importance of mental health, APU students partnered with the charity NGO Tech Outreach to fundraise for women and children facing daily challenges. They organised a multicultural walk at Lake Gardens on Nov 5 at 8am. Those interested in joining can access the event via this link: https://forms.gle/WCwQ4bajUY2YtT fYA.
KLCI 1,438.12 STI 3,053.36 HANG SENG SCI 2,939.29 NIKKEI 30,999.55 259.81 TSEC 16,251.36 KOSPI 2,357.02 CLOSED S&P/ASX200 6,844.10 TUESDAY OCTOBER 24, 2023 Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [emailprotected] Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [emailprotected] 5 MOST ACTIVES October 23, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) TAWIN 96,332,100 3.5 -0.5 WIDAD 89,114,400 53.5 -2.0 SCIB 69,996,500 52.5 -0.5 HONGSENG 62,174,200 5.0 +0.5 SYSTECH 60,254,000 59.5 +1.0 EXCHANGERATES OCTOBER 23, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.8420 4.7090 4.6990 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0750 2.9540 2.9380 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.5280 3.4270 3.4190 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.5310 3.4370 3.4250 1 EURO 5.1370 4.9730 4.9530 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8340 2.7310 2.7150 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.5280 3.4270 3.4190 1 STERLING POUND 5.8980 5.7160 5.6960 1 SWISS FRANC 5.4070 5.2840 5.2690 100 UAE DIRHAM 133.4800 126.6400 126.4400 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.4790 4.1880 3.9880 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 66.6900 63.9000 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 62.5900 59.5100 59.3100 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.9200 5.5600 5.3600 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0316 0.0286 0.0236 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.2390 3.1370 3.1270 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR N/A N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.8000 1.6700 1.4700 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.6700 8.1700 7.9700 100 QATAR RIYAL 134.3300 127.5200 127.3200 100 SAUDI RIYAL 130.7100 124.0900 123.8900 100 THAI BAHT 13.8400 12.2800 11.8800 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY October 23, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,577.80 -42.63 FBMKLCI 1,438.12 -2.92 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 552.33 -2.40 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 170.25 -2.14 CONSTRUCTION 182.87 -0.98 FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,203.80 +13.49 ENERGY 867.94 -13.14 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 562.26 -8.51 HEALTH CARE 1,647.88 -17.02 TRANSPORTATION 916.05 -5.99 PROPERTY 839.84 -1.80 PLANTATION 6,873.61 -36.36 FBMSHA 10,797.10 -62.78 FBMACE 5,024.70 -104.90 TECHNOLOGY 61.32 -0.41 TURNOVER VALUE 3.377 BIL RM1.997 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS October 23, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM RAPID 308,800 26.28 +0.38 HLFG 582,600 17.46 +0.20 CARLSBG 48,000 20.12 +0.14 MPI 52,900 26.96 +0.12 GREATEC 980,800 4.28 +0.11 5 TOP LOSERS October 23, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM BKAWAN 21,600 20.50 -0.48 F&N 103,700 25.78 -0.34 HSI-CTB 1,500 0.03 -0.295 KESM 4,200 6.81 -0.29 NESTLE 23,700 127.60 -0.20 No crisis despite ringgit hitting lowest level against dollar since AFC, says BNM governor KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the ringgit’s decline to its lowest level against the strong US dollar since the Asian Financial Crisis (AFC) in 1997, Malaysia is far from being in crisis – as the country has a resilient economy, robust banking system and strong external sector, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Datuk Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said. “Although we have touched the AFC level, we are not in a crisis. It’s different from our past experience during the AFC. We look at the economy’s growth formulation. Recently, DoSM released the advanced estimate for the third quarter. We’re growing by 3.3% for the third quarter this year, which is better than the 2.9% growth in the second quarter,” he told reporters after delivering his welcome remarks at the JC3 Journey to Zero Conference 2023 yesterday. Abdul Rasheed said Malaysia has a robust banking system supported by a high level of capitalisation and healthy assets, and they are ready to fund the economy to support economic growth in Malaysia. “Our capital, our external sector is also very strong with a surplus … capital account surplus,” he added. He noted several factors that have contributed to the ringgit’s decline in value, citing the tight monetary conditions in the US and the strong economic numbers coming from the country. “Global developments, including the geopolitical developments that we’re seeing, are also affecting the financial markets’ development. When you talk about the ringgit, the depreciation in the ringgit is not unique to Malaysia alone. In fact, almost all currencies in the world have depreciated against the US dollar, especially emerging markets, including Malaysia,” said Abdul Rasheed. Abdul Rasheed delivering his welcome remarks at the JC3 Journey to Zero Conference 2023. █ BY HAYATUN RAZAK [emailprotected] Strategic Trade Act 2010 being reviewed KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) is revisiting the Strategic Trade Act 2010 (STA), with the aim to streamline regulations, to ensure that strategic goods and technology controls are tailored to specific industry segments. Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said this review will also address any aspects of the Strategic Trade Management (STM) that might inadvertently hinder growth, including in the defence industry. “The swift pace of technological oAim is to streamline regulations, ensure strategic goods and technology controls are tailored to specific segments 2.92 23.33 43.77 189.36 17.98 56.60 advancements, while promising, also presents challenges. As highlighted by the research on Emerging Technologies and Trade Controls (2020), the rapid evolution of dual-use technologies underscores the need to balance technological leadership, economic competitiveness, as well as national security. “While trade controls on these technologies can foster peace and reduce security threats, overly restrictive policies might unintentionally hamper economic growth, stifling competitiveness and innovation,” he said in his speech at the Malaysia Strategic Trade Summit (MySTS) 2023 yesterday. In the context of Malaysia’s ambitious economic vision, Tengku Zafrul said, it is important that the government lead with a robust STM framework, and this framework must be comprehensive, legally sound and supported by solid inter-agency collaboration. “While security remains paramount, we must also ensure that our position as a major transit and transhipment hub in the region is not compromised,” he said. Tengku Zafrul said legitimate trade activities should flourish without being hindered by security-related policies, and Miti’s ongoing mission has been to strike a balance between security imperatives and trade facilitation, always aligning with best global STM practices. “Our efforts have shown results. Malaysia has not only enhanced its trade capacity but has also cultivated a reputation as a neutral trading environment, backed by the strong rule of law,” he added. Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul announced the establishment of the Malaysia Strategic Trade Control Community (MYSTCC) in transitioning to a significant milestone in the journey of STM. Spearheaded by the industry, MYSTCC aims to bridge the gap between the business community, professionals and experts in the STM domain. “In its initial phase, MYSTCC will focus on educating industry stakeholders about strategic trade compliance, governance and will also offer insights into policy development in STM,” he said. – Bernama He said the central bank stands ready to maintain stability and support businesses through orderly adjustments, utilising various market measures. “We are in the market to ensure that the ringgit continues to adjust in an orderly manner, allowing businesses to facilitate business as well. We will do what is necessary, and we have a number of market measures that we can deploy,” he added. Going forward, the central bank aims to have at least 50% of new bank financing aligned with climate-supporting or transitioning activities by 2026, as outlined in the Financial Sector Blueprint. “By 2026, we expect to see at least half of new financing by banks to be aligned with climate supporting or transitioning activities … BNM will continue to provide a facilitative policy environment,” said Abdul Rasheed. He said BNM has begun undertaking a comprehensive review of regulations to integrate climate risk and ensure climate resilience. “This is to ensure that industry remains climate resilient, while being able to effectively support the economy’s transition,” he said. To manage the challenges associated with transitioning to climate-focused initiatives, BNM is developing guidance on transition plans. “BNM recognises the challenges that financial institutions may face in balancing these outcomes. Concentration risks could for example, increase from green and transition funding, and financial institutions need to properly understand and manage such risks,” he said. He added that BNM is also committed to improving climate data reporting by working with relevant ministries, agencies, and committees to enhance the availability and accessibility of climate-related data at the national level. Participation 29.6 39.3 31.1 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 579.6 817.8 599.9 1997.3 Sold RM m 604.2 751.9 641.2 1997.3 Net RM m -24.6 65.9 -41.3 0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 23/10/2023
12 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 SUNBIZ /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME PETALING JAYA: MGB Bhd, a construction and property development solutions provider and a listed subsidiary of LBS Bina Group Bhd, has signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Almqr Development Co and Alameriah Real Estate Development Company to explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Almqr was established by royal decree to serve as the investment arm of the Municipality of Medina, aiming to build urban developments and create a vibrant environment that enhances the quality of life. Alameriah, a renowned developer in Saudi Arabia, is primarily involved in general construction activities, real estate development, infrastructure, construction of nonresidential buildings, utility projects and the manufacturing of precast concrete products. Pursuant to the MoU, Almqr intends to engage Alameriah and MGB as specialists in development, design and build, manufacturing of precast concrete and project management, with the financial and technical capabilities to carry out pioneering projects. The parties aim to explore investment opportunities in the Al Madinah Al Munawwarah region of Saudi Arabia. MGB executive vice-chairman Tan Sri Lim Hock San, Almqr CEO Majed Mohammad Al Shalhoob and Alameriah chairman Bandar Mohammed Al Amre signed the MoU on behalf of their respective companies. The signing ceremony, held in Riyadh, was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in the presence of Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir and MGB executive director and CEO Datuk Richard Lim Lit Chek. Lim Hock San said, “We look forward to exploring the synergies that this collaboration will bring. MGB will leverage its extensive experience in providing end-to-end construction services, including design and build, project management, value engineering, construction, infrastructure development, and property development, to uncover potential opportunities under the MoU together with the other parties. “Our precast concrete factories in Malaysia currently have the capacity to produce up to 100,000 cubic metres annually, and the experience we have accumulated and refined over the past several years will be crucial for our success in this collaboration. “Additionally, MGB currently operates a precast concrete manufacturing factory located in Jeddah that has a capacity of 300,000 cubic metres a year.” He said MGB has much to offer the Middle East market and is proud to be recognised as a key player in the use of Industrialised Building System precast for property development. “MGB aims to secure upcoming contracts and expand its order book as we seek to diversify our presence in various markets. In Malaysia, the number of homes completed using precast concrete technology has already surpassed 8,000, and we expect to exceed the 10,000 homes threshold by the end of this year,” he added. Sirim to provide expertise to Greening Industrial Park initiative PETALING JAYA: Sirim Bhd will collaborate with ministries, government agencies and the Joint Committee for Climate Change on the Greening Industrial Park (GIP) pilot project. The GIP initiative represents a holistic approach to ushering in a new era of sustainability within industrial parks. It aspires to transform these critical hubs of economic activity into ecofriendly, environmentally responsible ecosystems. The pilot project also focuses on greening the tenant companies within the park to accelerate the adoption of low carbon and sustainable practices. Sirim will leverage its extensive expertise to implement cutting-edge technologies and innovative strategies. The focus will be on fostering the development of eco-friendly practices and energy-efficient processes. Thus, Sirim is poised to drive a paradigm shift in the industrial landscape, promoting environmental stewardship while simultaneously enhancing economic growth and competitiveness. President and Group CEO Datuk Indera Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad said the GIP initiative demonstrates a whole-of-nation effort and dedication to achieving the goal of a greener and more sustainable future for Malaysia. MGB in MoU to explore opportunities in Medina oLBS Bina’s listed subsidiary joins hands with Saudi Arabia’s Almqr Development and Alameriah Real Estate Development Plantation Ministry launches pilot projects to increase latex production KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities has launched a new model of the Latex Production Incentive pilot project (IPL) and the Malaysian Sustainable Natural Rubber pilot project (MSNR) to increase the country’s latex production. The launch was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof at the Statistics Training Centre in Sungkai, Perak. The ministry said the new model of the IPL pilot project aims to help small rubber farmers increase their income by encouraging them to switch to the production of rubber milk instead of scrap rubber. At the same time, it also helps to increase latex production to cover the supply of latex in the downstream sector of the country. “Through the new model of the IPL, participants from rubber smallholders will receive several incentives that will be evaluated based on the productivity of the latex that will be produced at a rate that has been set. “Latex processing factories that are selected in the IPL new model pilot project will obtain benefits involving special permission to collect latex with certain conditions and loan of facilities and equipment such as RRIMMeter,” Fadillah said in a statement yesterday. – Bernama SC working on next iteration of SRI Taxonomy KUALA LUMPUR: The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) is working on the next iteration of the Sustainable and Responsible Investment Taxonomy (SRI Taxonomy) that was released in December last year. Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Awang Adek Hussin said this will provide greater guidance to the industry. SRI Taxonomy provides common guiding principles on the classification of economic activities to support sustainable investments. “As sustainable investments continue to grow, a more systematic classification system is also needed to facilitate comparability and their alignment with environmental, social and sustainability goals,” he said in his speech during the Joint Committee on Climate Change “Journey to Zero” Conference 2023 yesterday. Awang Adek said as the global climate change mitigation pledges fall well short of achieving anything significant, the world needs to start turning commitments into actions to achieve an outcome. At home, he said it is encouraging to see the government adopting a whole-of-nation approach to address the impact of climate change on economic sustainability via roadmaps and master plans. The financial sector should be ready to facilitate the country’s efforts to achieve its sustainability and climate goals. “To realise the energy transition alone, we need RM1.3 trillion between now and 2050,” he said. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Bhd (CGC), in collaboration with 18 participating banks, will introduce a RM1 billion portfolio guarantee scheme for environmental, social and governance financing for small and medium enterprises. In tandem with this financial initiative, the Joint Committee on Climate Change (JC3) has unveiled four other programmes aimed at expediting the shift of businesses and farmers towards sustainable, lowcarbon practices. These programmes are: Greening Industrial Parks, Greening Value Chain Programme with Bursa Malaysia, ESG Jump-start Portal and Green AgriTech. In his speech at the JC3 “Journey to Zero” Conference here yesterday, Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the ethos of the administration’s governing frameworks, namely Malaysia Madani and Ekonomi Madani, have sustainability at their core. “Since taking office, we have set into place various measures to contribute to climate action and to transform our economy. Indeed, Budget 2024 continues to build on Ekonomi Madani with holistic measures to address climate change and complement other policies such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap, the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan,” he said. Nik Nazmi urged companies and financial institutions to participate in the voluntary carbon market (VCM), one of the government’s key initiatives in its climate change agenda. He said their participation in VCM will allow them to offset their carbon emissions and meet the voluntary climate goals. “Malaysia has commenced initiatives on developing VCM to support financing for projects and solutions to reduce, remove or avoid greenhouse gas emissions,” the minister added. Nik Nazmi noted that the Bursa Carbon Exchange launched by Bursa Malaysia last year as a VCM for buyers and suppliers to transact high-quality carbon credits at transparent prices has since seen 150,000 Verra-carbon credits purchased with around RM7.7 million in carbon credits sold. He said Malaysia, as a signatory to the Paris Agreement, is committed to reducing the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions across the economy by 45% which is based on gross domestic product in 2030 compared with the 2005 level as its Nationally Determined Contributions. Meanwhile, the JC3 has released the 2023 Climate Data Catalogue on its website. The latest catalogue is more comprehensive and has more data than the first version issued in December 2022. █ BY HAYATUN RAZAK [emailprotected] CGC, banks unveil ESG financing guarantee scheme for SMEs The Joint Committee on Climate Change has announced five key initiatives to expedite the transition of businesses and farmers towards low-carbon practices.
13 SUNBIZ theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 CGS-CIMB maintains forecast for Malaysia’s 2023 GDP growth at 4% KUALA LUMPUR: CGS-CIMB Research is maintaining its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for Malaysia at 4% for 2023 following “encouraging” data in the third quarter (3Q 2023). The GDP rose 3.3% year on year (y-o-y) in 3Q 2023 due to an increase in tourism-related activities and construction works, according to the government’s advance estimates. CGS-CIMB said despite the normalised interest rate, spending activities have remained resilient as it believes that government intervention in “administered prices” and heavy subsidies should continue to promote consumption growth in the fourth quarter. It also believes that the worst is almost over and expects the potential massive stimulus from China, likely to take place in late 2023, to improve global demand. “Furthermore, key exports such as electrical and electronics are slowly starting to show reliable signs of improvement,” it said. CGS-CIMB said it has also maintained its consumer price index (CPI) projection at 2.8% for 2023 and 2.5% for 2024 pending further updates on the subsidy rationalisation measures. Malaysia’s CPI rose 0.1% monthon-month (m-o-m) and 1.9% y-o-y in September 2023 versus 0.2% m-o-m and 2% y-o-y in August 2023 due to lower food and transport costs. Commenting on the proposed lifting of the service tax rate from 6% to 8%, CGS-CIMB said its calculations showed that items affected by the service tax increase form 7% of total CPI weight, considering the numerous exclusions such as food services and telecommunications. “As a result, the tax hike may only boost annual CPI growth by 10 basis points,” it said. Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd noted that Malaysia’s headline inflation unexpectedly eased to 1.9% y-o-y in September from 2% y-o-y in August. “The broader impact to overall inflation continues to be contained by the government’s subsidies on fuel prices. With headline inflation on a decelerating trend and advance GDP estimate showing a modest growth of 3.3%, we maintain our view that Bank Negara Malaysia will retain the overnight policy rate at 3% in its final monitory policy committee meeting for this year on Nov 2,” it said. – Bernama Yinson, Sidec in pact to expand Selangor’s sustainable initiatives KUALA LUMPUR: Yinson Holdings Bhd has inked a strategic partnership agreement with Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) to implement and expand sustainable initiatives in Selangor. Yinson and Sidec said the collaboration will begin with the promotion of electric bikes and battery-swapping solutions offered via Yinson’s green technologies business unit Yinson GreenTech. “The agreement aims to reduce carbon emissions, promote green transportation, and improve mobility in Selangor aligning with the state’s aspiration to be a smart, liveable, and prosperous state as outlined within its First Selangor Plan,” they said in a joint statement recently. Yinson group executive chairman Lim Han Weng said the company is excited to work with Selangor, Malaysia’s primary port of entry and largest economy, to realise its transformation into Asean’s digital hub. “We believe this agreement paves the way for Yinson’s future collaborations with other local governments towards achieving the nation’s commitment to attaining net zero by 2050,” he said. Sidec CEO Yong Kai Ping said joint efforts between public and private sectors are needed to pursue the shared goal of developing a holistic, sustainable ecosystem encompassing both digital innovation and robust physical infrastructure. “Only through partnerships such as these can we advance in Malaysia’s journey towards carbon neutrality by 2050,” he said. – Bernama NCT unveils flagship smart industrial park development KUALA LUMPUR: Property developer NCT Group of Companies has unveiled its flagship development NCT Smart Industrial Park (NSIP) at the Selangor Industrial Park Expo, which was part of the just concluded Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2023. NSIP is touted to be the first managed industrial park development project approved by the Selangor government and built based on specific guidelines for industrial development. Nestled on a sprawling 732.5-acre greenfield within Integrated Development Region in South Selangor (IDRISS), NSIP offers an unparalleled location advantage with close proximity to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and major highways. This eco-friendly and digitally equipped park is designed to cater to a spectrum of businesses, ensuring they remain at the vanguard of industry advancements. NSIP, which recently celebrated its ground breaking ceremony, is geared to contribute to elevating Selangor’s industrial property sector, paving the way for robust economic growth. As a key project under IDRISS, NSIP boasts superior infrastructure, artificial intelligence, IoT technology, state-of-the-art data analytics, and a bevy of digital and automation advancements. ‘Continued tourism resurgence to benefit MAHB towards year-end’ KUALA LUMPUR: Research firms anticipate that a continued resurgence in both domestic and international tourism numbers will benefit Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) towards year-end despite recent turbulence in the aviation industry. RHB Investment Bank Bhd (RHB IB) expects a stronger recovery for Malaysia in the fourth quarter of 2023 (4Q 2023), in line with Malaysia and Turkiye’s nine-month period of 2023 passenger traffic that accounted for 65.6% and 73.5% of financial year 2023 (FY23) estimates, respectively. “We retain our view that the Malaysian segment is poised for a robust 4Q 2023 tourism recovery driven by airline service resumptions, the school holidays peak travel season, and a stronger resurgence in outbound Chinese tourism,” it said in a note yesterday. As such, RHB IB made no changes to its earnings estimates for MAHB and the target share price (TP) of RM8.70. Despite the recent turbulence in the industry, the research house believed the impact on airport operators was minimal, reaffirming its positive stance on MAHB. Meanwhile, Kenanga Research also expects the passenger traffic trajectory to rise in subsequent months, as airlines continue to reactivate more aircraft to match the increasing demand. Hence, it has maintained its earnings forecasts and TP of RM7.0 for MAHB. Taiwan firms eye partnerships with Malaysian RE players TAIPEI: Taiwanese companies are eyeing partnerships with Malaysia’s renewable energy (RE) players, driven by shared interests to develop both countries’ RE industries and to explore business opportunities. According to Taiwan External Trade Development Council (Taitra) chairman James C. F. Huang, Taiwan hopes to work closely with Malaysian companies as “there are a lot of opportunities for both countries to work with each other”. “(Key opportunities include) smart Taiwanese firms are conducting feasibility studies to see if they can expand their market to Southeast Asia due to scarcity of land in Taiwan for industrial development. - PEXELS PIX oTaipei keen to collaborate in exploring business opportunities, especially in renewable energy sector █ BY GLORIA HARRY BEATTY [emailprotected] solutions, smart (wind), energy management and energy storage. “We also have some very good (lithium) battery know-how to develop electric vehicles (EV) and Malaysia is keen on developing its EV sector,” he told SunBiz during the recent Energy Taiwan and Net-Zero Taiwan 2023 events. Taitra is a Taiwanese non-profit trade promoting organisation assisting Taiwanese enterprises to expand their global reach. In addition, United Renewable Energy Co Ltd business group vice-president Ben Pan said that there is a high possibility for the solar products manufacturer to set-up operations in Malaysia if the company is adversely impacted by high import duties imposed by the US for solar panel manufactured in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. He explained that Malaysia was not a country that was on the tariff list as there was “not a lot” of solar panel manufacturers based there. “If the tariff is significantly high, at 100%, 150% or higher; we will conduct a market study (on the feasiblity of operating in Malaysia). “But as of right now, we’re waiting until March (2024) for a preliminary announcement and (a final decision will be made) in June 2024,” said Pan. Meanwhile, a source from a solar energy company said that it was currently conducting feasibility studies “to see if we can expand our market to Southeast Asia” due to the scarcity of land in Taiwan for industrial development. Under the Taiwanese government’s policy, the source pointed out that not all land in Taiwan is able to be used or approved for solar energy development. This policy has limited the company’s expansion plans in Taiwan, driving it to explore outside the country. Furthermore, the company hoped that the Taiwanese government would repeal the existing land law, and allow more land to be used for solar energy development. In the meantime, the solar energy company will not make any public announcements on its expansion plans outside of Taiwan until it has finalised its feasibility studies, the source added.
14 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 SUNBIZ @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME Global billionaire tax could yield US$250b annually: Study PARIS: Governments should open a new front in the international clampdown on tax evasion with a global minimum tax on billionaires, which could raise US$250 billion (RM1.2 trillion) annually, the EU Tax Observatory said yesterday. If levied, the sum would be equivalent to only 2% of the nearly US$13 trillion in wealth oGrowing wealth inequality in some countries fuelling calls for richest citizens to bear more of tariff burden China September forex outflows hit US$75b, biggest since 2016 SHANGHAI: Capital outflows from China rose sharply to US$75 billion (RM357 billion) in September, the biggest monthly figure since 2016, Goldman Sachs’ preferred gauge of foreign exchange flows showed, underscoring intensifying depreciation pressure on the yuan. The trend was also evident in official Chinese data over the weekend with big outflows under banks’ forex sales and settlement business, and through cross-border payment. The yuan is one of Asia’s worst performing currencies this year, having dropped more than 5.5% against the dollar, amid a struggling Chinese economy and a widening gap between Chinese and US yields. “Chinese policymakers are cognisant of the negative impact from excessive RMB weakness, and are looking to reinforce RMB stability,” DBS strategist Chang Wei Liang said, referring to Beijing’s efforts to contain the yuan’s fall and stem capital flight. September’s outflows, nearly 80% higher than the US$42 billion seen in August, were driven by current account outflows as foreign investors’ net selling of equities and bonds slowed, Goldman Sachs said in a report. There was US$35 billion in net outflows via onshore outright spot transactions last month, as well as US$45 billion of net yuan payment from onshore to offshore, the Wall Street bank said. Despite rising yuan depreciation pressure, Goldman said it is sticking to its year-end yuan forecast of 7.30 per dollar, citing Beijing’s efforts to limit the Chinese currency’s decline. “Policymakers appear to put more weight on confidence and stability in FX management,” Goldman said. Big outflows were also captured by official data. China in September witnessed US$19.4 billion of outflows under foreign exchange sales and settlement business for customers, the largest monthly outflows since late 2016, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange data showed on Friday. Moreover, monthly cross-border receipts and payments recorded a deficit of US$53.9 billion, the biggest since February, 2016. Pan Gongsheng, governor of the People’s Bank of China, vowed over the weekend to prevent risk contagion in stock, bond and foreign exchange markets, and to ensure the stable operation of financial markets. Vincent Chan, China strategist at Aletheia Capital said a big depreciation in the yuan was unlikely in the near future as Beijing has little willingness to slash interest rates further. Chan said that given the declining contribution of exports to China’s economy, “keeping the yuan exchange rate relatively stable is in China’s best interest.” – Reuters owned by the 2,700 billionaires globally, the research group hosted at the Paris School of success in all but ending bank secrecy and reducing opportunities for multinationals to shift profits to low-tax countries. The 2018 launch of automatic sharing of account information has reduced the amount of wealth held in offshore tax havens by a factor of three, the observatory estimated. A 2021 agreement between 140 countries will limit multinationals’ scope to reduce tax by booking profits in low-tax countries by setting a global 15% floor on corporate taxation from next year. “Something that many people thought would be impossible, now we know can actually be done,” Zucman said. “The logical next step is to apply that logic to billionaires, and not only to multinational companies.” In the absence of a broad international push for a minimum tax on billionaires, Zucman said a “coalition of willing countries” could unilaterally lead the way. Although the end of banking secrecy and the corporate minimum tax have put an end to decades-long competition between countries on tax rates, numerous opportunities remain to reduce tax bills, the report said. For example, the rich increasingly park wealth in real estate instead of offshore accounts while companies can exploit loopholes in the 15% corporate tax minimum. Meanwhile, governments are increasingly competing for investment through subsidies even though that is less harmful to their tax bases than competing only on low tax rates, the Observatory said. – Reuters Source: Survival of The Richest by Oxfam Picture: Alexander Grey via unsplash Super-rich control 63% of new wealth Oxfam is calling for new taxes on the super-rich to tackle a post-Covid rise in global inequality. The richest 1% captured nearly two-thirds of all new wealth created since 2020, worth $42 trillion © GRAPHIC NEWS SHARE OF WEALTH GAINED (2020-21, percentage) $26 trillion Richest 1% $12 trillion 9% of population $4 trillion Bottom 90% $42 trillion 63% TOTAL 27% 10% World population: 8 billion INCREASE IN BILLIONAIRE WEALTH (1987-2022, $trillion) $1 trillion is $1,000,000,000,000 1988 90 92 94 96 98 2000 02 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 2012-22: Number and wealth of billionaires doubles 2020-22: Combined fortune of billionaires increases by $2.7bn per day 2020: Covid-19 pandemic starts Economics said. Currently billionaires’ effective personal tax is often far less than what other taxpayers of more modest means pay because they can park wealth in shell companies sheltering them from income tax, the group said in its 2024 Global Tax Evasion Report. “In our view, this is difficult to justify because it risks to undermine the sustainability of tax systems and the social acceptability of taxation,” the observatory’s director Gabriel Zucman told journalists. Billionaires’ personal tax in the US is estimated to be close to 0.5% and as low as zero in otherwise high-tax France, the Observatory estimated. Growing wealth inequality in some countries is fuelling calls for the richest citizens to bear more of the tax burden as public finances struggle to cope with aging populations, huge financing needs for climate transition and legacy Covid debt. US President Joe Biden’s 2024 budget included plans for a 25% minimum tax on the wealthiest 0.01%, but that proposal has since fallen by the wayside with lawmakers in Washington preoccupied with government shutdown threats and looming funding deadlines. Though a coordinated international push to tax billionaires could take years, the Observatory pointed to the example of governments’ Japan PM vows measures to cushion blow from rising inflation TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged yesterday to compensate households for the rising cost of living with subsidies and payouts, stressing his government’s resolve to pull the economy permanently out of stagnation. Inflation, fuelled by rising costs of raw materials, has kept above the central bank’s target of 2% for more than a year, weighing on consumption and clouding the outlook for an economy making a delayed recovery from the scars left by Covid-19. With the rise in wages proving too slow to offset “rapidly rising prices”, the government will cushion the blow by returning to households some of the expected increase in tax revenues generated by solid economic growth, Kishida said. “We’re seeing signs of change in an economy that had focused on cutting costs for three decades,” he told an extraordinary session of parliament. “To ensure this change takes hold, we must achieve sustained, structural wage increases and promote investment via privatepublic cooperation,” Kishida added. “I’m putting the highest priority on the economy.” While big firms have pledged pay hikes, inflation-adjusted real wages, a barometer of consumer purchasing power, fell 2.5% on the year in August for a 17th straight month of declines, as persistent price hikes outpaced salary growth. In its effort, the government will extend until next spring subsidies adopted to curb costs of gasoline and utilities, Kishida said. Such steps would be a temporary buffer to ensure Japan makes a complete exit from deflation, and will be accompanied by tax breaks for companies that boost wages and investment, Kishida said. As rising inflation hurts the economy and his approval ratings, Kishida has unveiled plans to compile an economic stimulus package that could include a possible income tax cut. – Reuters B R I E F SVW’S PROFIT MARGIN OUTLOOK CUT, SHARES SKID WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen shares fell more than 3% to their lowest since April 2020 yesterday after the German carmaker cut its profit margin outlook for the current year, disappointing some investors. Blaming negative effects from raw materials hedges, Europe’s largest automotive group on Friday indicated a return on sales of 7- 7.3%, down from 7.5-8.5% forecast previously. Volkswagen (VW) kept its outlook for deliveries and sales. Volkswagen said raw materials hedges led to a €2.5 billion (RM13 billion) non-cash loss that it will be unable to offset by the end of the year. – Reuters GOOGLE HIT BY JAPAN ANTI-TRUST PROBE TOKYO: Japan’s anti-trust watchdog said yesterday it is investigating whether Google violated rules by asking smartphone manufacturers for preferential treatment. The Japan Fair Trade Commission probe adds to the search engine giant’s other competition woes, including in the US. The Japanese agency said Google is suspected of inappropriately seeking to have its search apps be included in devices, with their icons in specific places. Google also allegedly signed contracts with Android-device makers not to include rival search apps in their products in exchange for sharing profits generated from advertisem*nt revenues driven from Google searches, the agency said. – AFP SINGAPORE SEPTEMBER CORE INFLATION EASES SINGAPORE: Singapore’s key consumer price gauge eased to 3% in September on a yearly basis, almost matching economists’ forecasts, official data showed yesterday. The core inflation rate – which excludes private road transport and accommodation costs – was in line with the 3.1% forecast by a Reuters poll of economists and compared with 3.4% in August, and a peak of 5.5% in January and February. Core inflation is projected to ease to 2.5–3% year-on-year by December, notwithstanding some monthly volatility from electricity and gas prices, said the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Trade ministry in a joint statement. – Reuters CHINESE RETAILERS OFFER DEEP IPHONE 15 DISCOUNTS BEIJING: Chinese e-commerce platforms including PDD Holdings’ Pinduoduo and Alibaba’s Taobao are offering deep discounts on Apple’s latest iPhone 15 series, with some selling models up to 900 yuan (RM586) below the retail price. Analysts say the iPhone 15 has not been selling as well in China as its predecessor. Counterpoint Research said last week that iPhone 15 sales in China were down 4.5% versus the iPhone 14 in the first 17 days after its market launch. In China, Apple will occasionally allow partner vendors to offer discounts to spur demand. – Reuters
2 4 O C T O B E R 2 0 2 3 T U E S D A Y Gen V set for season 2 on page 17 Rolling Stones comeback on page 18 Xenomorph Xenomorph is back Alien returns on page 16
16 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME From police procedural to crime drama THE version of Killers of the Flower Moon that will be shown in theatres is a marked departure from what director Martin Scorsese initially envisioned bringing to the silver screen. In the recent Sight & Sound magazine, Scorsese pointed out that the first script, cowritten with Eric Roth, would take almost five hours just to read. That version, which was over 200 pages, was a more faithful adaptation of David Di Caprio’s character marries into the Osage Nation through Lily Gladstone’s Mollie (left). – APPLE ORIGINAL FILMS oScorsese’s latest overcames two-year writing hurdle █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR Grann’s novel of the same name and it was from the perspective of the Bureau of Investigation (now called the Federal Bureau of Investigation) agents who investigated a string of murders among the Osage Nation in the 1920s, Scorsese told The New Yorker. On top of being “too long”, this version of the script also faltered as it was a standard police procedural about solving a murder. “These guys come in from Washington, and the moment they get off that train, the moment they enter that town, you look around and you see Bob De Niro, you see so-and-so —‘I know who did it,’” Scorsese told The New Yorker. “The audience is way ahead of us”. Additionally, in this first version of the film, Leonardo DiCaprio was going to play the lead FBI agent, Tom White. “Myself and Roth talked about telling the story from the point of view of the bureau agents coming in to investigate,” Scorsese told The Irish Times. “After two years of working on the script, Leo came to me and asked, ‘Where is the heart of this story?’ I had meetings and dinners with the Osage, and I thought, ‘Well, there’s the story.’ The real story, we felt, was not necessarily coming from the outside, with the bureau, but rather from the inside, from Oklahoma.” After that period of writer’s block, the script was then overhauled to focus on the story from within the Osage community and not from the white men coming into the community from the outside. Di Caprio’s role was then shifted to that of Ernest Buckhart, a World War I veteran pulled into his uncle’s plot to rob the film’s Native American tribe of its wealth. Killers of the Flower Moon is in cinemas on Oct 19. Pregnant with Timberlake’s baby IN her upcoming memoir, The Woman in Me, Britney Spears drops a bombshell, reflecting on how she had once become pregnant with Justin Timberlake’s baby two decades ago before having an abortion. The memoir, due for release tomorrow, had an excerpt published by People detailing that the Grammy-winning pop star went through the procedure due to Timberlake not wanting to be a father because he was not ready. Spears writes that the pregnancy was a surprise, and for her, it “was not a tragedy”. “I loved Justin so much. I always expected us to have a family together one day. This would just be much earlier than I’d anticipated,” she wrote. According to her, Timberlake had a different view on the situation, as he “definitely was not happy about the pregnancy”. “He said we weren’t ready to have a baby in our lives, that we were way too young”. Looking at the timeline of events, Timberlake was not wrong, as the former couple were in their late teens and early 20s when they dated from 1999 to 2002. “If it had been left up to me alone, I never would have done it. And yet Justin was so sure that he didn’t want to be a father,” she continued in the book. In the years that followed after their split, Spears would go on to welcome two sons with her exhusband Kevin Federline, while Timberlake became a father to two sons after marrying actress Jessica Biel in 2012. Spears called the experience “one of the most agonising things” in her life. – MATHEW BROWNE/UNSPLASH █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR Ridley Scott approves new Alien film SET to debut next August, Alien: Romulus is the next entry in the Alien franchise and recently, director Fede Alvarez had to “go through the incredibly tense process” of letting Ridley Scott watch the “director’s cut” of the film. A lead producer on Romulus, Scott created and directed the original Alien in 1979, along with the prequel films Prometheus and Alien: Covenant in the last decade. Speaking to Guillermo del Toro at the DGA Latino Summit 2023, Alvarez explained that he wanted Scott to see the film before anyone else. “Everyone gave me the head’s up that Ridley is really tough. He’s really tough, particularly if it has something to do with his movies. He was really tough on Blade Runner 2049, which I thought was a masterpiece, and he had issues with it because it’s really hard for him because it’s his work,” he said. Despite being terrified to meet Scott in person after he watched the rough cut of the film, Alvarez knew he had to hear the older filmmaker’s thoughts. “Scott then walked into the room and said, ‘Fede, what can I say? It’s ****ing great,’” Álvarez continued about Scott’s reaction Fede Alvarez (left) has shown directorial prowess when it comes to horror and thriller films. – SONY PICTURES █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR RRR and Rocketry win at National Film Awards PUSHPA: The Rise, RRR and Rocketry: The Nambi Effect won big at the 69th National Film Awards in New Delhi. Pushpa’s lead actor, Allu Arjun, known for his acting and style, wore white traditional attire for the event. Allu from the Telegu film industry became popular all over India after the release of Pushpa in December 2021. Allu became the first Telugu actor from Telangana to win the Best Actor National Award. He received cheers and applause from the audience as he made his way up to the stage to receive the award, while music composer Devi Sri Prasad bagged the Best Music Director award. Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt won the Best Actress award for Gangubai Kathiawadi and so did Kriti Sanon for Mimi. RRR won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, Best Music Direction, Best Male Playback, Best Choreography, Best Special Effect and Best Stunt Choreography. The best Tamil film went to Kadaisi Vivasayi (The Last Farmer), while the best Hindi film went to Sardar Udham. Rocketry bagged the Best Feature Film title. Alia Bhatt, Allu Arjun and Kriti Sanon – PIC BY KRITI’S INSTAGRAM █ BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI to the film. “My family knows it was one of the best moments of my life to have a master like him, who I admired so much, to even watch a movie I made and talk to me for an hour about what he liked about it. One of the best compliments he gave was, ‘The dialogue is great. Are you the writer?’ Yes.” Alvarez made his mark in the English film sphere after he wrote and directed 2013’s Evil Dead and then Don’t Breathe in 2016. Romulus will be the first film in the franchise after Disney acquired Fox in 2017, and is set for release on Aug 16 next year.
17 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 Heartbreaking ride I N HER CAR, a Ukrainian TV show filmed in the mid of the country’s war, aims to give audiences a view of ordinary people’s lives in the aftermath of the Russian invasion. The first episodes were screened this week at Mipcom, one of the world’s leading TV showcases, in the southern French city of Cannes. It follows a psychologist named Lydia (played by Anastasia Karpenko), who decides to offer a lift to refugees displaced by the Russian invasion of February 2022. The show combines these improvised therapy sessions with flashbacks from the passengers’ former lives. “What was very important was not to create a show about war; it’s about how war affects people’s destiny, their world views, and their prospects,” said writer The first episodes were screened this week at Mipcom, one of the world’s leading TV showcases, in the southern French city of Cannes. oUkraine TV show filmed during war Eugen Tunik, 31. “When the war started, I myself understood that all the problems I might have had before February 24 were absolutely no longer as significant,” he added. Filming began in March in undisclosed locations around Kyiv. “It was crucial for me to shoot in Ukraine, not because I’m crazy, but to show what was really going on at the beginning of the war,” said Tunik, adding that they always filmed near bomb shelters. Some French actors also flew in for one episode. In Her Car has been backed by several European broadcasters, including Gaumont, with producers hoping for a February release. Not propaganda Though Tunik himself has stopped speaking Russian, like many Ukrainians since the invasion, he wanted to keep the language in the show. Lydia’s husband, originally from Lugansk in eastern Ukraine, is one of several characters who speak Russian. “People in eastern Ukraine, especially in big cities, were speaking Russian — that’s the truth,” said Tunik. “I didn’t want to make a propaganda series,” he added. “It would have been so understandable to have a view of Russia as the bad guy and full of hatred, but at no time did Eugen fall into this trap,” said Gaumont producer Andreas Bareiss. Tunik said they discussed whether it was too soon to fictionalise the war but felt that it only serves as background to the drama and avoids referencing particularly horrific moments such as the massacre in Bucha. Others feel now is exactly the right time for a show on the war. “For me, this series is really a reminder that the war is still out there - now that the first shock is over,” said Veronika Kovacova, of one of its production companies, Beta Film. Another series based on the war has also been in the works - Those Who Stayed is billed as a comedy-drama anthology about the early days of the attack on Kyiv. It comes to Netflix on Nov 1 in Ukraine and other Eastern European countries and has TV distribution deals with several other countries, including France and Australia. - ETX STUDIO Season two greenlit BOUND for success from its very first episode, Gen V — the spinoff to The Boys — has been renewed for a second season at Amazon Prime Video. “From our first conversation with showrunners Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters, along with Eric Kripke, Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen, we knew Gen V would push the boundaries,” said Amazon MGM Studios television head Vernon Sanders. “Their unapologetic approach is exactly what audiences love, and it has helped Gen V become the number one series on Prime Video in over 130 countries”. Set at the fictional Godolkin University, Gen V is centred around young superpowered teenagers Marie, Andre, Emma, Cate and Jordan as they balance the growing pains of finding their identities as future superheroes in the cutthroat world of The Boys, where success is measured by corporate metrics of popularity and profit generation, while engaging in debauchery and excess. They also have to unravel the secret housed beneath their campus involving experimentation, illegal imprisonment, murder and torture of their peers. You know, the usual teenage stuff. Gen V stars new actors playing original characters created exclusively for the spin-off, while Jessie T Usher, Colby Minifie, Chace Crawford and Jensen Ackles reprise their roles from The Boys in small appearances. The finale of Gen V’s first season will air on Nov 3. Gen V may be the “in-between series” for The Boys’ upcoming seasons. – AMAZON PRIME VIDEO █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR THE master of the spy novel — and a man of mystery himself — John Le Carre offers an emotional account of his life in his final interview, which airs on Apple TV on Friday. Le Carre sat down with acclaimed American documentary filmmaker Errol Morris in 2019, not knowing that it would be the author’s last interview before his death the following year. “I don’t think he had any intention of dying at all,” said one of Le Carre’s sons, Simon Cornwell, who helped produce the film The Pigeon Tunnel. “His death really changed the dynamic of the film — it’s his final interview, his final legacy on camera,” he told AFP. Le Carre’s books have sold more than 60 million copies and been endlessly adapted for film and TV, from Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy to The Constant Gardener to The Night Manager, with more in the works. More than just popular page-turners, his books helped define an era of postcolonial decline in Britain and the dirty spy games of the Cold War— something he knew intimately as a former spook himself. Morris “was the ideal conversation partner”, said his son, since the writer was a huge fan of his Oscar-winning film The Fog of War, an astonishingly frank account of the Vietnam War by one of its architects, former US secretary of defence Robert McNamara. Betrayal Morris similarly draws out unexpected emotion from Le Carre, whose real name was David Cornwell, a famously reserved and private individual. The former British intelligence officer chokes up when discussing his mother abandoning him as a child. All he inherited from her was the suitcase she took when she left. “The movie captures some things about our dad that are unique and have not been seen before: his humanity and vulnerability,” said Cornwell. He also looks back on his studies at Oxford, where he spied on other students for MI5, Britain’s security service. He covers the betrayal by Kim Philby, a double agent who revealed the identities of many British spies to the KGB. Perhaps his most painful memory is when he outed his Oxford friend Stanley Mitchell as a communist.“Of course it was horrible. I betrayed Stanley,” he said in the film, but added that “someone had to do it” and that Mitchell was “on the wrong side of history”. “Are you sure you were on the right side?” Morris asked. “Of course not,” the writer replied, and then paused for several seconds, visibly moving. His son said this is the moment in the film when he was “truly uncomfortable”. The film also touches on his creative process, which the “modest” Le Carre usually felt uncomfortable discussing. But one aspect that gets little screen time is his relentless womanising, recently exposed in excruciating detail by one of his mistresses in a tell-all memoir. Though he has in the past described his affairs as “a necessary drug for my writing”, to Morris he remained tight-lipped on the topic - “I’m not here to talk about my sex life.” - ETX STUDIO British writer Le Carre in 2016. Spy writer’s final interview
18 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 Roaring action I N the breathtaking landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, a captivating story unfolds in the film Leo, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The narrative follows Parthiban, an animal rescuer and cafe owner, played by the ever-talented Vijay, alongside his family, including his wife Sathya (portrayed by Trisha) and their two children. As the plot unfolds, Parthiban finds himself entangled in a web of challenges that thrust him into the national spotlight. His journey takes a dangerous turn when ruthless criminals notice his uncanny resemblance to former gangster Leo Das, the long-presumed dead son of the notorious warlord and tobacco magnate Antony Das, portrayed by Sanjay Dutt. Vijay’s performance in Leo is nothing short of exceptional. The first scene featuring Vijay’s introduction, a hyena rescue, is intense and sets the tone for his character’s complexity. While there is no grand introduction for his first look in the film, this scene serves as a remarkable starting point. Additionally, it is a pleasure to see Vijay and Trisha sharing the screen again after many years. Their chemistry remains as strong as ever, adding depth and authenticity to their characters’ relationships. I must say that actor Sandy’s portrayal of a side villain in the film is surprisingly creepy and compelling. His facial expressions and overall performance as the antagonist leave a lasting impression. Gautam Menon’s supporting role is another standout, contributing to the film’s overall strength. One of the film’s most striking aspects is its exceptional cinematography, which beautifully captures the scenic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. The visuals add depth to the storyline and provide a stunning backdrop to the unfolding drama. The cinematography truly elevates the film, making it a visual treat for the audience. Anirudh Ravichander’s music serves as the backbone of the film, providing a powerful and immersive experience. The soundtrack delivers goosebumps-inducing moments that heighten the emotional impact of the story. A touching aspect of the film is the heartwarming relationship between Vijay’s character and his daughter. Their bond is beautifully portrayed and the daughter’s unwavering trust in her father adds emotional depth to the story. Action-packed movie Leo directed by Kanagaraj. – IMDB oVijay’s stellar performance ignites ‘Leo’ with energy █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Stones return with help from a Beatle dropped by,” Richards said. “I don’t even think he intended to play bass on a track, but once he was in there, I just said, ‘Come on, you’re in. You ain’t leaving till you play.’” While McCartney and Elton John’s contributions are somewhat hard to pick out, Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder make more of an impact on Sweet Sounds of Heaven, a blues-y ballad in the vein of classics such as You Can’t Always Get What You Want. Hackneyed duds Reviews have been mostly polite rather than gushing. The Guardian gave it four stars, saying, “If this is the end, they’re going out with a bang”, while the LA Times called it “surprisingly spry, sparked by the deathless riffs”. There has indeed been plenty of hype ahead of the release, with some saying it is their best piece of work since Some Girls in 1978. But others were deeply unimpressed by the sleek production from Andrew Watt, who is used to working with pop stars like Justin Bieber and Dua Lipa. Hackney Diamonds is old London slang for “broken glass”, but was used as a pun by Pitchfork, who called the album “a bunch of hackneyed duds, polished until the character has disappeared.” No one is pretending it comes close to the legendary run between 1968 and 1972 that saw the release of Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St in quick succession. Nor does it head in any new directions. “The group seemed to concede years ago that, with such a legendary discography, new albums and attempts at new styles are almost superfluous,” wrote Variety. “But if there’s a better way to end the Rolling Stones 60-plus-year recording career, it’s hard to imagine what it could be,” it added. - ETX STUDIO The Rolling Stones burst back to life on Friday with its first album in 18 years. Vijay and Trisha came together once more on the silver screen for ‘Leo’ after 14 years. – PINKVILLA THE Rolling Stones burst back to life on Friday with Hackney Diamonds, their first album in 18 years, featuring megastar cameos from Elton John, Lady Gaga and even their old rival, Paul McCartney. Now in their seventh decade of making music together, the legendary British band is back with their 24th studio album. McCartney joins in for the first time, playing bass on the punky Bite My Head Off. Back in their 1960s heyday, much was made of the rivalry between the Stones and the Beatles, but it was always more marketing than reality, with John Lennon singing on the Stones’ We Love You in 1967. “Paul and I have always been friends,” Stones frontman Mick Jagger, 80, told France 2 this week. McCartney’s appearance was something of an accident, Keith Richards told Guitar Player magazine. “He happened to be around and This film stands as one of Vijay’s finest works to date. – FLICKR However, the film is not without its flaws. Some viewers may find that the hype during the first half of the film does not fully pay off in Leo’s flashback. It may not be as solid as anticipated, leaving room for improvement in storytelling. Furthermore, the film could have made better use of the talents of Sanjay Dutt and Arjun as villains. Their characters, though compelling, could have been more prominently featured to add depth to the narrative. The appearance of Leo’s sister, portrayed by Madonna Sebastian, did not have a significant impact on the overall storyline or its flow, which may leave some viewers wanting more. A notable revelation in Leo is its connection to the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), with subtle references that have sparked excitement among the audience. This connection hints at a promising future for Lokesh Kanagaraj’s upcoming projects, leaving viewers eager to see what he has in store. In conclusion, Leo stands as one of Vijay’s finest films, showcasing his remarkable acting prowess and the director’s command 0 DIRECTOR: Lokesh Kanagaraj 0 CAST: Vijay, Trisha, Sanjay Dutt, Gautham Menon, Arjun Sarja E-VALUE 7 ACTING 9 PLOT 7 of action-packed storytelling. The film’s breathtaking visuals, exceptional characters, and intense action sequences make it a mustwatch for fans of the action genre. While it may have some minor drawbacks in terms of storytelling and character utilisation, Leo is an exhilarating cinematic experience that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. With the film now gracing theatres, it promises to be a thrilling addition to the world of Indian cinema.
19 EDUCATION theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 KUALA LUMPUR: Success stories often originate from humble beginnings, and alumnus of Management and Science University (MSU) Abdumanapov Zeinolla exemplifies this with his achievements as Golden Grain Trade director, while also being chairman of the National Export Association KazGrain in Kazakhstan. Zeinolla’s journey into entrepreneurship began after his studies at MSU from 2014 to 2017, where he pursued a Master in Business Administration (MBA) under the guidance of Prof Dr Abdol Ali Khatibi and Assoc Prof Dr S.M. Ferdaus Azam. His academic journey not only equipped him with knowledge but also instilled in him the determination to explore the world of business. Upon completion of his MBA at MSU, Zeinolla ventured into the wheat and barley export business, targeting neighbouring countries in Central Asia, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, China and Iran. His experience working in the government sector before pursuing his MBA gave him valuable insights into the challenges and complexities of conducting business with the government. During the time he was exploring business opportunities, Zeinolla faced many challenges and further adding to the complexity were the geopolitical tensions in Central Asia, especially to the supply chain and contract negotiations with European countries. Also, the agriculture industry’s dependency on weather conditions made each harvest season volatile due to climate change. There was also inflation and unfavourable economic conditions, which all contributed to the grain industry’s instability. But Zeinolla overcame these difficulties and excelled in the grain industry, proving that his MBA had added to his knowledge and skills. He made a name for himself, being appointed National Export Association chairman. MSU ranks in the QS Top 100 among the best young universities in the world, QS Top 200 among the best universities in Asia, QS Top 30 among the best universities in Southeast Asia, QS Top 301+ for Graduate Employability Ranking and the QS Top 301+ for University Impact Rankings. MSU is also listed in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings 2022. While blending technical vocational education and training with traditional academic curricula, MSU enhances competencies with industry internship, community and creative entrepreneurship, as well as global exposure, empowering MSU graduates with the skills sought after by industries. MSU houses the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Faculty of Business Management and Professional Studies, Faculty of Information Sciences and Engineering, International Medical School, School of Pharmacy, School of Education and Social Sciences, School of Hospitality and Creative Arts, School of Graduate Studies, Graduate School of Management and the Centre for Fundamental Studies. As an applied, enterprise, holistic and international university, MSU offers foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate and flexible programmes through an entry system that facilitates admission of students from all walks of life, in which it aims to transform and enrich the lives of its students with education. For further information regarding programmes offered by MSU, contact the Engagement and Enrolment Department at 03-5521 6868 or visit www.msu.edu.my. MBA transforms student into successful entrepreneur With MSU credentials, Zeinolla achieved the position of Golden Grain Trade director and chairman of the National Export Association in Kazakhstan. oKnowledge and mindset derived from education at MSU gave alumnus edge to excel in grain export business
20 EDUCATION theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 KUALA LUMPUR: Berjaya University College (Berjaya UC) recently celebrated its exceptional achievements at Culinaire Malaysia, one of the most coveted culinary competitions in Southeast Asia, which attracted over 1,200 talented individuals and involved 100 professional judges worldwide. Its students also demonstrated their outstanding skills and unwavering dedication at Housekeeping Malaysia, the country’s firstever housekeeping competition. With participants showcasing their prowess in seven categories that included bed-making, towel artistry and vacuuming skills, the event set a new standard for excellence in housekeeping services. Both of the events were organised by Food and Hotel Malaysia and took place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Sept 19 to 22. The awards, presented over four days, highlighted the dedication, innovation and commitment of Berjaya UC culinary and hospitality talents, with its participants achieving a remarkable win of four gold, five silver, 10 bronze and a diploma award. In the Mocktail category, Angeline Toh Poh Lin in the Bachelor of Hospitality Management won gold and Nicole Sai in the Master of Business Administration won silver. For the Meat and Poultry Main Course (Western Style) section, Umar Aziz in the Diploma in Culinary Arts picked up a bronze medal. Chang Lay Seong in the Bachelor of Hospitality Management course won gold in the Malaysian Local Fruit Flambe and Fine Dining Table Setting category. For the Team Challenge in the Hi Tea Asian Tapas category, the team comprising Chang Zhihins from the Diploma in Hotel Management, Tong Zi Zhun in the Diploma in Culinary Arts, Eric Chong in the Diploma in Culinary Arts and Daneesha Choong from the Diploma in Patisserie won silver. The awards ceremony culminated in a grand award gala dinner, at which two Berjaya UC students claimed top honours. Chang was declared the Best F&B Personnel, and the Best Mixologist honour went to Toh, who earlier won gold in the Mocktail category. Chang, who also secured three gold medals, said: “My experience at Culinaire Malaysia was truly eye-opening, unlike my previous involvement in competitions at which I served as a volunteer or worked as a part-timer. Actively participating as a competitor provided a completely distinct perspective.” Toh, who achieved one gold and silver, reflected on her journey, saying: “Culinaire Malaysia was a challenging experience for me. I had just returned from a three-month internship in Slovenia under the Erasmus Exchange programme and with less than two months training, I had the wonderful opportunity to create recipes that not only highlighted my skills but also celebrated the vibrant and diverse flavours of Malaysian culture. Every drink I crafted was inspired by our culture.” Berjaya UC offers a diverse range of programmes in business, culinary arts, hospitality and tourism education, as well as liberal arts, catering to students from foundation to postgraduate levels. For more information, please visit www.berjaya.edu.my. Students and chefs shine at culinary competition The winning team from Berjaya UC at Culinaire Malaysia.
21 * SPORTS theSUN ON TUESDAY |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ffl (;3(5,(1&(5(48,5(0(176ffl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flflfl WKH6XQLVSXEOLVKHGE\6XQ0HGLD&RUSRUDWLRQ6GQ%KG /RW/HYHO-DODQ3HWDOLQJ-D\D6HODQJRU DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI SHAH ALAM (BAHAGIAN INSOLVENSI) PETISYEN PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO.: BA-28NCC-562-10/2023 Dalam perkara Instant Option Resources Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat: 200401016930 (655433-D)) Dan Dalam perkara Seksyen 465(1)(e) dan Seksyen 466(1)(a) Akta Syarikat 2016 Dan Dalam perkara Kaedah-Kaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat 1972 ANTARA ANGSANA TUNAS SDN. BHD. (No. Syarikat: 200201002060 (569723-M)) ...PEMPETISYEN DAN INSTANT OPTION RESOURCES SDN. BHD. (No. Syarikat: 200401016930 (655433-D)) ...RESPONDEN IKLAN PETISYEN NOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk penggulungan Syarikat yang dinamakan di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi telah, pada 11 Oktober 2023, dikemukakan oleh ANGSANA TUNAS SDN. BHD. DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya didengarkan dan dibicarakan di hadapan mahkamah yang bersidang di Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam pada pukul 9:00 pagi pada 18 Januari 2024. DAN mana-mana pihak pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau menentang sesuatu perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguambelanya pada masa perbicaraan. Salinan Petisyen tersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah ini kepada mana-mana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan. Alamat berdaftar Pempetisyen adalah di 10- 2B, Jalan Puteri 2/3, Bandar Puteri, Puchong, 47100 Selangor manakala alamat perniagaan Pempetisyen adalah di Lot 555, Jalan 2C, Kg Baru Subang, Shah Alam, 40150 Selangor. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe yang beralamat di A3-3-6, Solaris Dutamas, No.1, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. Chong + Kheng Hoe …………………..……… Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe Peguamcara Pempetisyen NOTA - Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan, atau menghantar dengan pos, kepada Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe yang dinamakan di atas suatu notis bertulis tentang niatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma, nama dan alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firma berkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangka masa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan di atas sebelum pukul 12:00 tengah hari pada 17 Januari 2024 (sehari sebelum tarikh yang ditetapkan untuk perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut). IKLAN PETISYEN ini diisukan oleh oleh Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe, peguamcara Pempetisyen yang dinamakan di atas yang beralamat di A3- 3-6, Solaris Dutamas, No.1 Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. [Tel: 03-6205 3928 / E-mel: [emailprotected] / Rujukan: 23101856] IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT JOHOR BAHRU (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO. JA-28NCC-95-06/2023 In the matter of Section 464, 465(1) (e) and 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act, 2016 AND In the matter of the Company (Winding Up) Rules 1972 AND In the matter of TENG YUE OVERSEAS CONSTRUCTION SDN BHD (Company No: 1088151-D) BETWEEN GREAT FORMWORK SDN BHD (Company No: 1217648-V) … PETITIONER AND TENG YUE OVERSEAS CONSTRUCTION SDN BHD (Company No: 1088151-D) … RESPONDENT ADVERTIsem*nT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the Winding-Up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court at Johor Bahru on the 26th June 2023 presented to the said Court by GREAT FORMWORK SDN BHD (No. Syarikat: 1217648-V) of No.10, Jln Anggerik Vanilla 31/94, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Johor Bahru High Court at 9.00 o’clock in the morning on the 21st November 2023; and any Creditor or Contributory of the said Company desiring to support or opposes the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel for that purpose and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any Creditor or Contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at No.10, Jln Anggerik Vanilla 31/94, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor. The Petitioner’s Solicitors is Messrs. Goh, Cheah & Chong of E-1-23A, IOI Boulevard, Jalan Kenari 5, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Puchong, Selangor. sgd ……………………… Messrs Goh, Cheah & Chong Solicitors for the Petitioner Note:- Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Solicitors GOH,CHEAH & CHONG, notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their Solicitor (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon on the 20th day of November 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition).(Ref No: CKM/L20083/PZESBMSTSB) DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI IPOH DALAM NEGERI PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN PETISYEN PERCERAIAN NO: AA-33-293-09/2023 Dalam perkara mengenai perintah bertarikh 7.9.2023 didalam Saman Pemula No: AA-24F-45-05/2023. Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Pembubaran Perkahwinan kerana keretakan Perkahwinan Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 53 Akta Membaharui Undang-Undang (Perkahwinan dan Perceraian) 1976. Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 92 Kaedah 4 Kaedah-kaedah Mahkamah 2012. ANTARA VINOD KUMAR A/L VASU (No.K/P: 890701-08-5631) PEMPETISYEN DAN MARIAMA A/P PRABHDIAL SINGH (No.K/P: 880312-05-5392) RESPONDEN Kepada:- MARIAMA A/P PRABHDIAL SINGH (No.K/P: 880312-05-5392) No. 11, Jalan Kuning 3, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor PERINTAH UNTUK PENYAMPAIAN GANTI AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Ipoh dalam Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan melalui Petisyen Perceraian No: AA-33-293-09/2023 dalam tindakan ini oleh Vinod Kumar a/l Vasu beralamat di No. 5, Laluan Chemor Maju 13, Taman Chemor Idaman, 31200 Chemor, Perak dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan supaya Petisyen Perceraian disampaikan kepada kamu melalui Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti dengan menampalkan sesalinan Petisyen Perceraian bertarikh 15- 9-2023 berserta dengan Afidavit Pempetisyen yang diikrarkan pada 15-9-2023 dan satu salinan benar Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti yang bertarikh 13-10-2023 tersebut pada Papan Notis Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Ipoh bersama dengan Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti yang diperolehi ini dan menampalkan yang sama di alamat Responden No. 11, Jalan Kuning 3, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor dan juga akhir sekali mengiklankan di Surat Khabar “The Sun”. Dan bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan sedemikian dianggap sebagai penyampaian wajar dan mencukupi akan Petisyen Perceraian ke atas kamu selepas tamat tempoh EMPAT BELAS (14) hari dari tarikh terakhir penampalan dan pengiklanan. DAN AMBIL PERHATIAN SELANJUTNYA Petisyen Perceraian tersebut akan didengar di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Ipoh pada 10.11.2023 jam 9.00 pagi yang mana kamu adalah dikehendaki hadir. Jika kamu berhasrat membantah Petisyen Perceraian tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa empat belas (14) hari dari dari tarikh penyampaian menjadi sempurna memohon memfailkan dengan pendaftar suatu Afidavit bagi maksud tersebut. Petisyen Perceraian ini boleh diperiksa oleh kamu dengan memohon kepada Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 13 Oktober 2023. …………T…T………… PENOLONG KANAN PENDAFTAR MAHKAMAH TINGGI IPOH, PERAK. Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti telah difailkan oleh TETUAN AL MURALI & CO, Peguambela dan Peguamcara yang beralamat di No. 15A, Tingkat Satu, Medan Istana 7, Bandar Ipoh Raya, 30000 Ipoh, Perak; Peguamcara bagi pihak Pempetisyen. [Ruj Kami:AMC/3329/VK/2022]sha 322 Notices PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN 02/10/2023 20:53:30 DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: PA-38-544-08/2023 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No:0799SC2014012879( bertarikh:21/04/2014) ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah-Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 ANTARA OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (No. Syarikat : 295400-W) . . . DEFENDAN DAN See Boon Lai (No. Kad Pengenalan : 780922075499) . . . PLAINTIF Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di PULAU PINANG mengenai Perintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 13/03/2019 dan 29/09/2023, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong di Kuantan AKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAM Pada Hari Rabu, 15/11/2023, Pada Jam 11:00 pagi, SECARA ELEKTRONIK DI LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASI e-LELONG, KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR NOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan agar membuat carian Hakmilik secara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanggungan, bebanan serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebut sebelum juaIan lelongan dijaIankan. Sila layari https://eIeIong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderweb BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK: No. Hakmilik : Hakmilik Strata No. Hakmilik pajakan Negeri 6555/M1 Menara B/23//534 No. Lot : Lot No. 33, Petak 534, No. Tingkat 23, No. Bangunan M1, Menara B Mukim/Daerah/Negeri : Bandar Georgetown, Seksyen 9E / Timur Laut / Pulau Pinang Pegangan : Hakmilik Pajakan No. Petak/No. Tingkat/No. : 534 / 23 Bangunan Keluasan Tanah : 700.000000000 kaki persegi : 65.0000000000 meter persegi Pemilik Berdaftar : See Boon Lai Syarat Nyata : (Disediakan atas permintaan) Sekatan Kepentingan : (Disediakan atas permintaan) LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Hartanah tersebut adalah “A renovated apartment unit together with a foyer and a car park bay as accessory parcels” yang beralamat pos di Unit No. 17-22-3, Block 17, Serina Bay, Hilir Sungai Pinang, 11600, Jelutong, Pulau Pinang HARGA RIZAB : Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM 360,000.00 dan kepada syarat-syarat jualan yang dilampirkan. Pembida yang berminat hendaklah mendepositkan 10% daripada harga rizab dalam bentuk Bank Draf di atas nama OCBC BANK (MALAYSIA) BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJA sebelum tarikh lelong awam. Baki harga belian hendaklah dibayar oleh pembida yang berjaya kepada OCBC BANK (MALAYSIA) BERHAD dalam tempoh seratus dua puluh (120) hari dari tarikh jualan. Untuk butir-butir selanjutnya, sila berhubung dengan:- Firma Guaman : ZAID IBRAHIM & CO. , PENANG No. Telefon : 04-3753100 (Ms. Alia) $'9(57,6,1* 0$5.(7,1* (;(&87,9(&/$66,),('6 ,6+,5,1* ,I\RXIHHO\RXKDYHZKDWLWWDNHVWRMRLQXVLQWKH LQWHUHVWLQJPHGLDLQGXVWU\VHQG\RXUUHVXPHWRJHWKHU ZLWKDSKRWRRI\RX YLDHPDLOWRKU#WKHVXQGDLO\FRP <RXFDQFDOOXVDWflflfl WKH6XQLVSXEOLVKHGE\6XQ0HGLD&RUSRUDWLRQ6GQ%KG /RW/HYHO-DODQ3HWDOLQJ-D\D6HODQJRU 5(48,5(0(176ffl 0LQLPXPGLSORPDLQPDUNHWLQJRURWKHU UHODWHGILHOGV )UHVKJUDGXDWHVDUHHQFRXUDJHGWRDSSO\ *RRGLQWHUSHUVRQDOSUHVHQWDWLRQSUREOHPVROYLQJ FRPPXQLFDWLRQDQGRUJDQLVDWLRQDOVNLOOV 6HOIPRWLYDWHGDEOHWRZRUNLQGHSHQGHQWO\DVZHOO DVLQDWHDP $WWUDFWLYHFRPPLVVLRQDZDLWVIRUDFKLHYHUV GD\ZRUNZHHN 322 Notices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ffl (;3(5,(1&(5(48,5(0(176ffl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flflfl WKH6XQLVSXEOLVKHGE\6XQ0HGLD&RUSRUDWLRQ6GQ%KG /RW/HYHO-DODQ3HWDOLQJ-D\D6HODQJRU DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI SHAH ALAM (BAHAGIAN INSOLVENSI) PETISYEN PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO.: BA-28NCC-562-10/2023 Dalam perkara Instant Option Resources Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat: 200401016930 (655433-D)) Dan Dalam perkara Seksyen 465(1)(e) dan Seksyen 466(1)(a) Akta Syarikat 2016 Dan Dalam perkara Kaedah-Kaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat 1972 ANTARA ANGSANA TUNAS SDN. BHD. (No. Syarikat: 200201002060 (569723-M)) ...PEMPETISYEN DAN INSTANT OPTION RESOURCES SDN. BHD. (No. Syarikat: 200401016930 (655433-D)) ...RESPONDEN IKLAN PETISYEN NOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk penggulungan Syarikat yang dinamakan di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi telah, pada 11 Oktober 2023, dikemukakan oleh ANGSANA TUNAS SDN. BHD. DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya didengarkan dan dibicarakan di hadapan mahkamah yang bersidang di Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam pada pukul 9:00 pagi pada 18 Januari 2024. DAN mana-mana pihak pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau menentang sesuatu perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguambelanya pada masa perbicaraan. Salinan Petisyen tersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah ini kepada mana-mana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan. Alamat berdaftar Pempetisyen adalah di 10- 2B, Jalan Puteri 2/3, Bandar Puteri, Puchong, 47100 Selangor manakala alamat perniagaan Pempetisyen adalah di Lot 555, Jalan 2C, Kg Baru Subang, Shah Alam, 40150 Selangor. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe yang beralamat di A3-3-6, Solaris Dutamas, No.1, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. Chong + Kheng Hoe …………………..……… Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe Peguamcara Pempetisyen NOTA - Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan, atau menghantar dengan pos, kepada Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe yang dinamakan di atas suatu notis bertulis tentang niatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma, nama dan alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firma berkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangka masa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan di atas sebelum pukul 12:00 tengah hari pada 17 Januari 2024 (sehari sebelum tarikh yang ditetapkan untuk perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut). IKLAN PETISYEN ini diisukan oleh oleh Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe, peguamcara Pempetisyen yang dinamakan di atas yang beralamat di A3- 3-6, Solaris Dutamas, No.1 Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. [Tel: 03-6205 3928 / E-mel: [emailprotected] / Rujukan: 23101856] IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT JOHOR BAHRU (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO. JA-28NCC-95-06/2023 In the matter of Section 464, 465(1) (e) and 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act, 2016 AND In the matter of the Company (Winding Up) Rules 1972 AND In the matter of TENG YUE OVERSEAS CONSTRUCTION SDN BHD (Company No: 1088151-D) BETWEEN GREAT FORMWORK SDN BHD (Company No: 1217648-V) … PETITIONER AND TENG YUE OVERSEAS CONSTRUCTION SDN BHD (Company No: 1088151-D) … RESPONDENT ADVERTIsem*nT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the Winding-Up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court at Johor Bahru on the 26th June 2023 presented to the said Court by GREAT FORMWORK SDN BHD (No. Syarikat: 1217648-V) of No.10, Jln Anggerik Vanilla 31/94, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Johor Bahru High Court at 9.00 o’clock in the morning on the 21st November 2023; and any Creditor or Contributory of the said Company desiring to support or opposes the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel for that purpose and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any Creditor or Contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at No.10, Jln Anggerik Vanilla 31/94, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor. The Petitioner’s Solicitors is Messrs. Goh, Cheah & Chong of E-1-23A, IOI Boulevard, Jalan Kenari 5, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Puchong, Selangor. sgd ……………………… Messrs Goh, Cheah & Chong Solicitors for the Petitioner Note:- Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Solicitors GOH,CHEAH & CHONG, notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their Solicitor (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon on the 20th day of November 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition).(Ref No: CKM/L20083/PZESBMSTSB) DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI IPOH DALAM NEGERI PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN PETISYEN PERCERAIAN NO: AA-33-293-09/2023 Dalam perkara mengenai perintah bertarikh 7.9.2023 didalam Saman Pemula No: AA-24F-45-05/2023. Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Pembubaran Perkahwinan kerana keretakan Perkahwinan Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 53 Akta Membaharui Undang-Undang (Perkahwinan dan Perceraian) 1976. Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 92 Kaedah 4 Kaedah-kaedah Mahkamah 2012. ANTARA VINOD KUMAR A/L VASU (No.K/P: 890701-08-5631) PEMPETISYEN DAN MARIAMA A/P PRABHDIAL SINGH (No.K/P: 880312-05-5392) RESPONDEN Kepada:- MARIAMA A/P PRABHDIAL SINGH (No.K/P: 880312-05-5392) No. 11, Jalan Kuning 3, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor PERINTAH UNTUK PENYAMPAIAN GANTI AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Ipoh dalam Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan melalui Petisyen Perceraian No: AA-33-293-09/2023 dalam tindakan ini oleh Vinod Kumar a/l Vasu beralamat di No. 5, Laluan Chemor Maju 13, Taman Chemor Idaman, 31200 Chemor, Perak dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan supaya Petisyen Perceraian disampaikan kepada kamu melalui Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti dengan menampalkan sesalinan Petisyen Perceraian bertarikh 15- 9-2023 berserta dengan Afidavit Pempetisyen yang diikrarkan pada 15-9-2023 dan satu salinan benar Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti yang bertarikh 13-10-2023 tersebut pada Papan Notis Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Ipoh bersama dengan Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti yang diperolehi ini dan menampalkan yang sama di alamat Responden No. 11, Jalan Kuning 3, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor dan juga akhir sekali mengiklankan di Surat Khabar “The Sun”. Dan bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan sedemikian dianggap sebagai penyampaian wajar dan mencukupi akan Petisyen Perceraian ke atas kamu selepas tamat tempoh EMPAT BELAS (14) hari dari tarikh terakhir penampalan dan pengiklanan. DAN AMBIL PERHATIAN SELANJUTNYA Petisyen Perceraian tersebut akan didengar di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Ipoh pada 10.11.2023 jam 9.00 pagi yang mana kamu adalah dikehendaki hadir. Jika kamu berhasrat membantah Petisyen Perceraian tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa empat belas (14) hari dari dari tarikh penyampaian menjadi sempurna memohon memfailkan dengan pendaftar suatu Afidavit bagi maksud tersebut. Petisyen Perceraian ini boleh diperiksa oleh kamu dengan memohon kepada Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 13 Oktober 2023. …………T…T………… PENOLONG KANAN PENDAFTAR MAHKAMAH TINGGI IPOH, PERAK. Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti telah difailkan oleh TETUAN AL MURALI & CO, Peguambela dan Peguamcara yang beralamat di No. 15A, Tingkat Satu, Medan Istana 7, Bandar Ipoh Raya, 30000 Ipoh, Perak; Peguamcara bagi pihak Pempetisyen. [Ruj Kami:AMC/3329/VK/2022]sha 322 Notices PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN 02/10/2023 20:53:30 DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: PA-38-544-08/2023 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No:0799SC2014012879( bertarikh:21/04/2014) ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah-Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 ANTARA OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (No. Syarikat : 295400-W) . . . DEFENDAN DAN See Boon Lai (No. Kad Pengenalan : 780922075499) . . . PLAINTIF Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di PULAU PINANG mengenai Perintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 13/03/2019 dan 29/09/2023, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong di Kuantan AKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAM Pada Hari Rabu, 15/11/2023, Pada Jam 11:00 pagi, SECARA ELEKTRONIK DI LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASI e-LELONG, KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR NOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan agar membuat carian Hakmilik secara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanggungan, bebanan serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebut sebelum juaIan lelongan dijaIankan. Sila layari https://eIeIong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderweb BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK: No. Hakmilik : Hakmilik Strata No. Hakmilik pajakan Negeri 6555/M1 Menara B/23//534 No. Lot : Lot No. 33, Petak 534, No. Tingkat 23, No. Bangunan M1, Menara B Mukim/Daerah/Negeri : Bandar Georgetown, Seksyen 9E / Timur Laut / Pulau Pinang Pegangan : Hakmilik Pajakan No. Petak/No. Tingkat/No. : 534 / 23 Bangunan Keluasan Tanah : 700.000000000 kaki persegi : 65.0000000000 meter persegi Pemilik Berdaftar : See Boon Lai Syarat Nyata : (Disediakan atas permintaan) Sekatan Kepentingan : (Disediakan atas permintaan) LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Hartanah tersebut adalah “A renovated apartment unit together with a foyer and a car park bay as accessory parcels” yang beralamat pos di Unit No. 17-22-3, Block 17, Serina Bay, Hilir Sungai Pinang, 11600, Jelutong, Pulau Pinang HARGA RIZAB : Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM 360,000.00 dan kepada syarat-syarat jualan yang dilampirkan. Pembida yang berminat hendaklah mendepositkan 10% daripada harga rizab dalam bentuk Bank Draf di atas nama OCBC BANK (MALAYSIA) BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJA sebelum tarikh lelong awam. Baki harga belian hendaklah dibayar oleh pembida yang berjaya kepada OCBC BANK (MALAYSIA) BERHAD dalam tempoh seratus dua puluh (120) hari dari tarikh jualan. Untuk butir-butir selanjutnya, sila berhubung dengan:- Firma Guaman : ZAID IBRAHIM & CO. , PENANG No. Telefon : 04-3753100 (Ms. Alia) $'9(57,6,1* 0$5.(7,1* (;(&87,9(&/$66,),('6 ,6+,5,1* ,I\RXIHHO\RXKDYHZKDWLWWDNHVWRMRLQXVLQWKH LQWHUHVWLQJPHGLDLQGXVWU\VHQG\RXUUHVXPHWRJHWKHU ZLWKDSKRWRRI\RX YLDHPDLOWRKU#WKHVXQGDLO\FRP <RXFDQFDOOXVDWflflfl WKH6XQLVSXEOLVKHGE\6XQ0HGLD&RUSRUDWLRQ6GQ%KG /RW/HYHO-DODQ3HWDOLQJ-D\D6HODQJRU 5(48,5(0(176ffl 0LQLPXPGLSORPDLQPDUNHWLQJRURWKHU UHODWHGILHOGV )UHVKJUDGXDWHVDUHHQFRXUDJHGWRDSSO\ *RRGLQWHUSHUVRQDOSUHVHQWDWLRQSUREOHPVROYLQJ FRPPXQLFDWLRQDQGRUJDQLVDWLRQDOVNLOOV 6HOIPRWLYDWHGDEOHWRZRUNLQGHSHQGHQWO\DVZHOO DVLQDWHDP $WWUDFWLYHFRPPLVVLRQDZDLWVIRUDFKLHYHUV GD\ZRUNZHHN 322 Notices Virat leads from the front Star batsman hits 95 as India down Kiwis VIRAT KOHLI (pix) hit 95 to lead India to a four-wicket victory over New Zealand and a fifth win in five matches at the World Cup yesterday although the superstar batsman just missed equalling Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 one-day international centuries. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami returned figures of 5-54 to help bowl out New Zealand for 273, a total India overhauled with 12 balls to spare in Dharamsala. The Kiwis, who rode on Daryl Mitchell’s 130 to post 273, suffered their first loss in five matches and are second behind leaders India in the 10-team table. India, who lost to New Zealand in the semifinal of the 2019 edition, ended a 20-year wait for a win against the Kiwis in an ICC event after they last beat them in the 2003 World Cup. An in-form Virat, who hit 103 not out in the previous victory over Bangladesh, put on key partnerships including a 78-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja, who hit the winning four in his unbeaten 39. “He (Virat) has done this for us so many years. He backed himself to do the job,” India captain Rohit Sharma said of his star batsman after the win. “Virat and Jadeja pulled us back when we lost a few wickets in the middle.” Virat fell to Matt Henry in an attempt for the glory shot which would have given him another century. He leads the tournament batting charts with 340 runs. Rohit (46) and Shubman Gill (26) provided a strong start in a stand of 71 before fast bowler Lockie Ferguson struck in his first two overs to remove the openers. Virat and Shreyas Iyer, who made 33, attempted to rebuild and did a good job before Trent Boult sent back Iyer. Virat and KL Rahul, who made 27, then ploughed on before Mitchell Santner had Rahul trapped lbw. Suryakumar Yadav was run out for two after a mix up with Virat and New Zealand sensed a turnaround. But Virat kept his calm and along with the left-handed Jadeja saw the team home. – AFP Shami feeds off team success FAST BOWLER Mohammed Shami yesterday said India’s success kept him motivated on the bench as he returned match-winning figures of 5-54 against New Zealand in his first outing at the World Cup. India made two changes after allrounder Hardik Pandya fell injured and Shami made the most of his return to the XI in Dharamsala with his second five-wicket haul in World Cups. “When you are not playing, it is very difficult. But if your team is performing, your boys are moving in a rhythm, then I don’t think you should feel guilty sitting outside,” Shami told reporters. “Because you are also a part of the team and a part of the World Cup. I think everyone should enjoy each other’s success.” Shami, a veteran of 95 ODIs since his debut in 2010, has been key to India’s success in the past decade but recently slipped down the pecking order for fast bowlers in the white-ball team. Mitchell proud of Kiwi bowlers NEW ZEALAND batsman Daryl Mitchell yesterday said he was proud of his team’s bowlers for putting up a fight in their World Cup loss to an India side inspired by “world class” Virat Kohli. Mitchell’s 130 guided the Kiwis to 273 all out but the total proved insufficient as India chased it down with two overs to spare in Dharamsala. “He’s a world class player and he’ll go down as one of the greats of the game for a reason,” Mitchell said. “A very good knock under pressure I thought and although he didn’t get 100, he got his team across the line.” He added: “But yeah, look for us as Kiwis, we’ll just keep throwing punches, we’ll keep trying different things and we’ll keep trying to take wickets and I’m just really proud of our bowling unit tonight.” INSIDE EDGE
22 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 SPORTS /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME Floored in Austin Hamilton, Leclerc disqualified from United States GP LEWIS HAMILTON and Charles Leclerc have been disqualified from yesterday’s United States Grand Prix after breaching the rules governing the floor of their cars in a shock end to the race weekend. Hamilton and Leclerc, who finished second and sixth respectively in the 56-lap race won by Max Verstappen, were being investigated by the stewards following a plank wear inspection in Austin. The original report from FIA technical delegate Joe Bauer stated: “A physical floor and a plank wear inspection was carried out on car No. 16 (Leclerc) and No. 44 (Hamilton). “The skids located in this area are found to be not in compliance with Article 3.5.9 e) of the 2023 Formula One Technical Regulations. I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration.” Personnel from both Mercedes and Ferrari were summoned to see the stewards and three hours after the race finished their disqualification from the race was confirmed. Hamilton therefore loses the 18 points earned from his secondplace finish, while Leclerc loses eight points. Both drivers, however, do have the right to an appeal but it is understood Mercedes will not appeal the FIA’s verdict. In a Mercedes press release, Hamilton stated he was “disappointed” with the penalty, while team boss Toto Wolff admitted “we got it wrong.” Wolff explained how Mercedes fell foul of the rules. “Turning to the race result and the disqualification, set-up choices on a sprint weekend are always a challenge with just one hour of free practice – and even more so at a bumpy circuit like COTA and running a new package,” he said. “In the end, all of that doesn’t matter; others got it right where we got it wrong and there’s no wiggle room in the rules. “We need to take it on the chin, do the learning, and come back stronger next weekend.” Hamilton said: “It is of course disappointing to be disqualified post-race but that doesn’t take away from the progress we’ve made this weekend.” The FIA note reveals that the cars of Verstappen and Lando Norris (who now moves up to second from third in the final classification) were also inspected, but passed the checks. The ruling means Williams driver Logan Sargeant earns his first F1 point in bizarre circ*mstances at his home race. Breaches of technical checks of the car often result in disqualification, with a recent example being Hamilton from qualifying in Brazil in 2021. Michael Schumacher was disqualified from the 1994 Belgian Grand Prix for an illegal floor, allowing Damon Hill to win the race. Hamilton was already in hot water with the FIA for an unrelated matter, after crossing a live track at the last race in Qatar and was spoken to again in Texas due to his status as a “role model.” Leclerc started yesterday’s race on pole but, opting for a different strategy, fell behind after Norris stole a march on the Ferrari at the start. Hamilton, meanwhile, came close to victory after reeling in Verstappen – who was booed on the podium – at the end. – The Independent Juve sink 10-man Milan and close in on Inter JUVENTUS moved to within two points of Serie A leaders Inter Milan after yesterday’s hard-fought 1-0 win at AC Milan who had to play over half the match with 10 men. Massimiliano Allegri’s side prevailed at a packed San Siro thanks to Milan youth product Manuel Locatelli’s long-range strike 62 minutes into a largely drab encounter. Juve, who like Milan were missing a clutch of first-choice players from their startings XI, stay third but are within touching distance of Inter and a point behind Milan who have lost top spot to their local rivals. Locatelli was awarded the winning goal but his shot wouldn’t have got past Milan’s third-choice goalkeeper Antonio Mirante had it not been for a massive deflection off substitute Rade Krunic, making his return from injury. Mirante, who was in goal in place of suspended Mike Maignan and the injured Marco Sportiello, hadn’t had a single save to make up to that point, even after Malick Thiaw was sent off five minutes before the break. “Once we were against 10 men, we did not start the second half well. In the final minutes, we lacked patience and kept allowing Milan counter-attacks,” Allegri said. “It is true we had an extra man, but the pace of Rafael Leao can neutralise that gap. It had been a long time since we had beaten Milan, so I can only thank my players.” In other Serie A action, Stephan El Shaarawy shot Roma to within touching distance of the Champions League places with his late winner in a 1-0 success over 10-man Monza. Mourinho was sent off in stoppage time as tensions flared between the two dugouts after El Shaarawy struck, the Portuguese making a crying motion at the Monza staff. – AFP TEENAGE debutant Marc Guiu (pix) said he will not be able to sleep after snatching champions Barcelona a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao just seconds after coming on from the bench yesterday in La Liga, taking the Catalans up to third. Xavi Hernandez’s Barca will face leaders Real Madrid this weekend in the El Clasico just one point behind their bitter rivals, and second-placed Girona, who beat Almeria 5-2 in an earlier match. For a long time it seemed like Barcelona would not find the breakthrough against their Basque visitors but striker Guiu, 17, netted under a minute after being thrown on by Xavi. The forward was slipped in by the silky Joao Felix and slotted past Unai Simon, who got a hand to his shot but could not keep it out. “Tonight I won’t sleep,” Guiu told DAZN. “I can’t believe it, I can barely breathe, I’m enjoying the moment.” Guiu became the latest on a conveyor belt of youths to make their debuts for Barca as their La Masia academy continues to produce gems. “It surprises me that they aren’t scared, I see them with a spark, they look at me with a face saying ‘Put me on, you’ll see that it will go well’,” said Xavi. “I saw that with Gavi, Balde, Lamine, Fermin, and with Marc, he doesn’t look afraid.” Xavi brought on Guiu in the 79th minute and with his very first touch he broke into the area and then with another confidently fired past Simon. “It’s the best day of his life, surely,” added Xavi. Full of energy, the striker was soon booked for an attempted slide tackle which caught the goalkeeper as he tried to stop him clearing his lines, as he was roared on by the jubilant home fans. “Today we scratched back two points on Madrid and it’s vital to win this Clasico because we’re playing at home,” added Xavi. Barcelona’s victory takes them above Atletico Madrid, fourth, while Valverde’s Athletic are sixth. “I’m annoyed because it went just past me and maybe I could have done a bit more,” Simon told DAZN. – AFP DeChambeau’s Crushers win LIV Championship BRYSON DECHAMBEAU rolled in eight birdies on his way to a 5-under 67, powering his Crushers GC to the LIV Golf Team Championship title at Trump National Doral in Miami yesterday. DeChambeau’s top teammate was Anirban Lahiri of India, who posted the round of the day with a 7-under 65 that featured an eagle, five birdies and no bogeys. Charles Howell III (even-par 72) and Englishman Paul Casey (1-over 73) rounded out the Crushers’ final score of 11-under 277. That was two better than RangeGoats GC, who finished second at 9-under 279 behind captain Bubba Watson’s 5-under 67. “We’ve been wanting to win this for a long time,” DeChambeau told the TV broadcast. “Last year really left us a sour taste in our mouth and I can’t be happier with this team of mine. They worked their butts off.” The top four seeds – 4Aces GC, Crushers GC, Torque GC and RangeGoats GC – advance to the final round. Defending champion 4Aces fell flat with a team score of even-par 288 to finish fourth. Minjee wins BMW in playoff AUSTRALIAN Minjee Lee overcame a late rally by Alison Lee and defeated the American on the first playoff hole to win the BMW Ladies Championship on Sunday in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Minjee Lee carded a 4-under 68 on Sunday and joined Alison Lee (67) at 16-under for the tournament at Seowon Hills at Seowon Valley Country Club. Minjee Lee made a birdie at the par-4 18th on the first playoff hole to record her 10th career title. “Going into the back nine, the first probably five holes, I wasn’t quite as nervous. I was probably a bit more excited than nervous to be fair,” said Minjee Lee, who pocketed US$330,000 (RM1.5m) for her firstplace finish. “These last few holes, I was quite excited to play, and you know, we always want to be putting ourselves in that position, in the contending position, week-in, week-out and I was lucky enough to do it this week. It’s just really fun to play in those type of conditions and those situations, so I think I really had fun out there this week.” Defending champion Lydia Ko carded a 69 to finish in third place at 14-under. Raducanu reveals reason for high turnover of coaches EMMA RADUCANU shot to fame when as a teenager she came through qualifying and went on to win the 2021 US Open, but since then has struggled for form, and has changed her coach numerous times. The former British No. 1 split with her fifth coach in just two years in June when Sebastian Sachs and Raducanu parted ways, and she has not confirmed a new coach yet. “I ask my coaches a lot of questions,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “On certain occasions they haven’t been able to keep up with the questions I’ve asked and maybe that’s why it ended. “It’s something I’ve always done. I keep provoking and asking questions to coaches and challenging their thinking as well. “I’m not someone that you can just tell me what do and I’ll do it, I need to understand why and then I’ll do it.” 1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 2. Lando Norris (McLaren) 3. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) 4. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) 5. George Russell (Mercedes) 6. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) 7. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) 8. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) 9. Alex Albon (Williams) 10. Logan Sargeant (Williams) FASTEST LAP: Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) STANDINGS DRIVERS TOP 5: 1. Max Verstappen 466pts, 2. Sergio Perez 238, 3. Lewis Hamilton 219, 4. Fernando Alonso 183, 5. Carlos Sainz 168. CONSTRUCTORS TOP 5: 1. Red Bull 669pts, 2. Mercedes 334, 3. Ferrari 307, 4. Aston Martin 230, 5. McLaren 224. WORLD CHAMPION SHORTS RESULTS & STANDINGS Aaron-Wooi Yik want more THE taste of winning the Denmark Open 2023, as their maiden World Tour title, is definitely sweet and it has only whetted the appetite of the top national men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik for more momentous glories. Aaron said they never stopped believing, despite having experienced numerous setbacks, including being the second best for six times, prior to stepping on the highest podium of a World Tour finals since 2017. “We are happy to win a World Tour title because we have waited for so long and did not give up. “Our long partnership has finally clinched a World Tour title. Of course, we look forward to winning more titles,” he told Bernama when contacted. The fifth seeds were crowned as the Denmark Open 2023 champion on Sunday after seeing off sixth seeds Muhammad Shohibul Fikri-Bagas Maulana of Indonesia, 21-13, 21-17, in the final held in Jyske Bank Arena. Since they started partnering six years ago, the world No. 4 pair’s notable successes were Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games bronze followed by securing Malaysia’s first ever World Championships title last year. Meanwhile, Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky was very pleased that Aaron-Wooi Yik managed to bounce back after they exited early from the Arctic Open 2023 in Vantaa, Finland, a week before Denmark Open 2023. Aaron-Wooi Yik went down to compatriots, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, 11-21, 18-21, in the opening round of the Arctic Open 2023. Rexy also believed that Sunday’s victory would surely boost his charges’ confidence to bag more titles in the near future. Aaron-Wooi Yik are scheduled to return to the court in French Open 2023 which will be held in Rennes from today until Oct 29. – Bernama Teen Guiu on cloud nine after Barca winner
23 * SPORTS theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 24, 2023 ASTON VILLA boss Unai Emery played down his side’s Champions League credentials despite thrashing West Ham. Villa are just two points off Premier League pacesetters Manchester City and Arsenal following Sunday’s 4-1 win. Douglas Luiz’s double and clinical finishes from Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey ended Villa’s Hammers hoodoo, for their first victory over West Ham since 2015. They returned to fifth spot, just a point adrift of the top four, with games against Luton, Nottingham Forest and Fulham coming up next. “There are seven teams contending. We are after seven teams; Man City, Man United, Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle,” said Emery, with fifth potentially offering a Champions League place this term. “Dream, always. My dream is to win the Champions League but now we are fifth and we are going to face each match trying to get a good performance. “It’s 38 matches and we lost at Newcastle, we lost at Liverpool. They are matches we are not going to play again. “I prefer to speak about the matches we won but I have to speak about the matches we lost. This is the balance. We have to be very demanding. “In the table West Ham were two points behind us and the level we have now, they have as well. It was very important. “The process is going in the right way, it’s going to be difficult. In the end we won 4-1.” Luiz had already tested Alphonse Areola from distance before opening the scoring after half an hour, firing in from the edge of the box after good work by Nicolo Zaniolo and Watkins. Six minutes after the break Villa were gifted a second when Lucas Paqueta sold Edson Alvarez short and he brought down Ezri Konsa for Luiz to convert from the spot. But Jarrod Bowen grabbed a lifeline for the Hammers soon after when his shot hit Pau Torres to creep into the corner. The visitors sensed a recovery but with 16 minutes left Watkins ended any ideas of a comeback. There was still time for Bailey to get in on the act in the final minute, beating Areola from six yards after giving Aguerd the slip. It was just West Ham’s third League defeat of the season, leaving manager David Moyes frustrated. “I’m not having my teams losing four goals as soft as we did today. There were things which I can say we did quite well but I didn’t think we were hard enough to play against,” said Moyes. “Today wasn’t so good. More importantly nearly every ball we played around the box was the wrong decision and it led to us hardly creating enough opportunity to score. “The lads kept on fighting and it looked like we were the team in ascendancy at 2-1 but they punished us really quickly and that took the game beyond our reach. “Villa are probably just behind the top three or four in the Premier League and today was a challenge to see what level we were at and I thought we fell below that. “It was a very close first half, we missed opportunities to score. We had opportunities to make chances to score and that was the bit bugging me at half-time.”– The Independent LAUTARO MARTINEZ (pix) and Marcus Thuram have rapidly struck up a formidable attacking partnership which will lead Inter Milan into tomorrow’s (12.45am Malaysian time) Champions League Group D clash with Salzburg. With 16 goals already scored between them so far this season, Inter’s dynamic striking duo have made fans forget former idol and Martinez’s one-time strike partner Romelu Lukaku. The pair have also made last season’s losing finalists one of the Serie A title favourites after an uncertain summer in which they were forced to let go key players in attack and defence. Both were on target in Saturday’s 3-0 stroll at Torino and took Martinez’s all-competitions tally to 12 in 11 matches. Since the departures of Edin Dzeko and Lukaku in the summer Martinez has taken on the mantle of attacking focal point for Inter who are also the highest scorers in Serie A with 24 goals. Argentina striker Martinez is already five goals ahead of Victor Osimhen, his nearest rival at the top of Italy’s scoring charts, and at his current rate of 11 strikes in nine league matches he would smash the record singleseason haul of 36 set by Gonzalo Higuain in 2016. “He’s a great player, one of the best strikers in the world. Playing with him makes everything easier,” said Thuram after last month’s 5-1 hammering of AC Milan, in which the France forward scored with a sumptuous strike. Martinez stepping up in such a decisive fashion has made Thuram’s return to the country of his birth from Borussia Moenchengladbach that much simpler. Thuram has only scored four times in all competitions in his first season as an out-and-out striker but five assists – including three for Martinez – have made him a key part of Serie A’s topscoring team. “When he first came here I thought he might need some time to get used to things, but pretty much from the first training session I could tell he was going to come along quickly,” said Simone Inzaghi. With Salzburg trailing Inter by a point and Real Sociedad at bottom side Benfica, tomorrow’s clash is a great chance to create a cushion in the group which makes another assault on the knockout stages more likely. – AFP ‘We’re after seven teams’ Emery plays down Villa’s Champions League chances Guardiola admits winning treble has taken toll on City PEP GUARDIOLA has admitted the demands of winning the treble did take a toll on his Manchester City players. City were knocked out of the Carabao Cup and suffered rare back-to-back Premier League defeats prior to the recent international break. They got back to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brighton on Saturday but Guardiola concedes there has been a natural drop in intensity after the remarkable end to last season. The City manager said: “The treble had an influence on all of us, me included. “So now we need to be there, close, month by month, to arrive in the final decision moments at the end of the season close to the opponents to try it again. “I said many times, no-one has won four (Premier Leagues) in a row, never ever. That shows how difficult it is, but now it’s important to be there, especially in the Champions League, qualify for the next round in this period and after we can just focus on the Premier League. That is the target.” City’s success has also brought increased expectations, particularly on Erling Haaland, who scored a remarkable 52 goals in an outstanding first season at the club last term. By his extraordinary standards, the Norwegian’s recent three-game run without a goal constituted a barren spell but he ended that ‘drought’ with a clinical strike against the Seagulls. “Yes the expectations are so high but he’s handled it really well,” said Guardiola. “He knows he could have scored even more goals in the nine Premier League games we have played.” – The Independent Dynamic duo lead Inter’s European charge █ NICK MAsh*tER █ ANDY HAMPSON ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Aston Villa 4 (Luiz 30, 51-pen, Watkins 74, Bailey 89) West Ham 1 (Bowen 56). P W D L F A Pts Man City 9 7 0 2 19 7 21 Arsenal 9 6 3 0 18 8 21 Liverpool 9 6 2 1 20 9 20 Tottenham 8 6 2 0 18 8 20 Aston Villa 9 6 1 2 23 13 19 Newcastle 9 5 1 3 24 9 16 Brighton 9 5 1 3 22 18 16 Man Utd 9 5 0 4 11 13 15 West Ham 9 4 2 3 16 16 14 Chelsea 9 3 3 3 13 9 12 Crystal Palace 9 3 3 3 7 11 12 Wolves 9 3 2 4 11 15 11 Fulham 8 3 2 3 8 13 11 Brentford 9 2 4 3 14 12 10 Nottm Forest 9 2 4 3 10 12 10 Everton 9 2 1 6 9 14 7 Luton 9 1 2 6 8 17 5 Burnley 9 1 1 7 7 23 4 Bournemouth 9 0 3 6 6 20 3 Sheff Utd 9 0 1 8 7 24 1 LA LIGA: Las Palmas 0 Rayo Vallecano 1 (Bebe 90+1-pen), Girona 5 (Martin 37, Dovbyk 39, 43, Savinho 71, Stuani 85) Almeria 2 (Baptistao 2, 24), Villarreal 1 (Moreno 65-pen) Alaves 1 (Omorodion 48), Barcelona 1 (Guiu 80) Athletic Bilbao 0. Top 5 P W D L F A Pts Real Madrid 10 8 1 1 21 7 25 Girona 10 8 1 1 24 13 25 Barcelona 10 7 3 0 22 10 24 Atletico 9 7 1 1 23 8 22 Real Sociedad 10 5 3 2 18 12 18 SERIE A: Atalanta 2 (Lookman 68, Ederson 90+5) Genoa 0, Bologna 2 (Ferguson 19, De Silvestri 22) Frosinone 1 (Soule 63), AC Milan 0 Juventus 1 (Locatelli 63), Roma 1 (El Shaarawy 90) Monza 0, Salernitana 2 (Dia 86, 90+5- pen) Cagliari 2 (Luvumbo 79, Viola 88). Top 5 P W D L F A Pts Inter Milan 9 7 1 1 24 5 22 AC Milan 9 7 0 2 16 9 21 Juventus 9 6 2 1 15 6 20 Fiorentina 8 5 2 1 18 11 17 Napoli 9 5 2 2 20 10 17 BUNDESLIGA: Cologne 3 Borussia Monchengladbach 1, Heidenheim 2 Augsburg 5. Top 5 P W D L F A Pts Leverkusen 8 7 1 0 25 7 22 Stuttgart 8 7 0 1 25 8 21 Bayern Munich 8 6 2 0 26 7 20 Dortmund 8 6 2 0 17 8 20 RB Leipzig 8 5 2 1 19 7 17 FRENCH LIGUE 1: Lorient 2 Rennes 1, Lille 1 Brest 0, Nantes 2 Montpellier 0, Toulouse 1 Reims 1, Monaco 2 Metz 1, Lyon 1 Clermont 2. Top 5 P W D L F A Pts Monaco 9 6 2 1 23 12 20 Nice 9 5 4 0 10 4 19 Paris SG 9 5 3 1 20 7 18 Lille 9 4 3 2 12 10 15 Brest 9 4 3 2 9 8 15 RESULTS & STANDINGS Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal against West Ham during their Premier League match. – AFPPIX
theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [emailprotected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [emailprotected] or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME TUESDAY • OCTOBER 24, 2023 Club before family United cannot afford brotherly love from Hojlund in Copenhagen reunion MANCHESTER UNITED have no time for sentimentality from Rasmus Hojlund (pix) as he faces his younger twin brothers and former club tomorrow (3am Malaysian time) when FC Copenhagen visit Old Trafford. The Red Devils desperately need a win to keep their Champions League campaign alive on what is sure to be an emotional evening in the wake of Bobby Charlton’s death. Arguably the club’s greatest ever player, Charlton passed away at the age of 86 on Saturday, with tributes planned to the man who scored 249 goals in 758 games for United. United confirmed discussions were continuing to take place with Charlton’s family and UEFA for further commemorative plans ahead of tomorrow’s match. It is expected players will wear black armbands, with wreaths to be laid on the Old Trafford pitch and a minute’s silence observed ahead of kickoff. Tributes were left at Old Trafford over the weekend, one which read: “Thank you Sir Bobby, a hero to the worldwide football family,” while a message from fan group The 1958 said: “History, dignity and integrity is what you gave to our great club. Our promise to you is to make sure it stays.” Erik ten Hag’s men need the highly-charged atmosphere to inspire them after losing their first two games of a Champions League group stage for the first time in the club’s history. Hojlund has been the one beacon of hope from defeats by Bayern Munich and Galatasaray as the Dane has scored three times in his first two Champions League appearances. A £64 million (RM371m) move to United from Atalanta in August capped a meteoric rise for the 20- year-old, who Copenhagen sold for just £1.7 million (RM9.9m) to Sturm Graz in January last year. His father criticised the lack of game time he was afforded by the Danish champions before leaving his homeland. “He wasn’t really given a chance,” Anders Hojlund, himself a former professional player, told Danish media outlet Frihedsbrevet. “He only spent six months in the first team… where he mainly had 10, 12 or 15 minutes where he was asked to run everywhere.” But there are still two members of the Hojlund family at Copenhagen as 18-year-old twins Emil and Oscar look to follow in their big brother’s footsteps. Midfielder Oscar is expected to be included in the visitors’ squad at Old Trafford having already made his bow in the Champions League against Galatasaray. Emil is more akin to his older sibling as a physical forward, but might have to wait for his opportunity to face Rasmus after featuring more regularly for the U-19s. Despite arriving in Manchester as a precocious talent with “still a lot to learn” in his own words, United are reliant on Hojlund to help turn a troubled season around. Only holding midfielder Casemiro has scored more than Hojlund’s three goals this season as the rest of Ten Hag’s forward line has misfired. Marcus Rashford has netted just once and looks a shadow of the player that scored 30 times last season, putting more pressure on his new teammate. Hojlund is also yet to score a Premier League goal, but has shown flashes of the combination of strength and speed that lured United into splashing out on him rather than target a move for Harry Kane as their new No. 9. “What I see in Rasmus is completely unique,” said Peter Moller, head of the Danish Football Federation. “He has the dynamism and carefreeness of youth, he believes in himself. “At the same time, he is humble, hard-working and a pleasant boy to be around.” Denmark have already seen his potential at international level with seven goals in eight Euro 2024 qualifiers. United need him to be just as deadly against Danish opposition if an embarrassing early exit from the Champions League is to be avoided. – AFP WHEN the final whistle blew, when Manchester United were European Cup winners at last, their captain’s initial reaction was not to celebrate. Bobby Charlton’s (pix) hands sank to his knees in exhaustion, rather than going up into the Wembley sky in jubilation. He had been a match-winner, bookending the 4-1 victory over Benfica with the first and last goals, but perhaps it was not the fatigue of 120 minutes’ work as much of the previous decade. The United legend’s tragic quest had been realised, but the dinner marking their 1968 European Cup win offered reminders of the cost. While Charlton could not make it downstairs, the parents of Duncan Edwards were there and Charlton must have thought it should have been him lifting the European Cup instead. He played with George Best and against Pele but declared Edwards was the best player he ever saw. Instead, it was Charlton who was arguably the greatest-ever English footballer. He has died at 86 after he cheated death at 20. His life and career were defined by the 1966 World Cup, the 1968 European Cup and the 1958 Munich air disaster. Twenty-three people lost their lives, including eight Manchester United players. Charlton carried the weight of history on his shoulders thereafter. The Busby Babes looked a team destined to conquer Europe, possibly even at the expense of Alfredo di Stefano’s Real Madrid. Charlton had scored the last two goals a group of youthful cavaliers mustered together, in the 3-3 draw against Red Star Belgrade, before their route back to England came via Germany. “In Munich in 1958, I learned that even miracles come at a price,” Charlton wrote decades later. “Mine, until the day I die, is the tragedy that robbed me of so many of my dearest friends, who happened to be my teammates.” It was inevitable that, when United became England’s first European champions, Charlton’s thoughts turned to “the snowy airfield and (Sir) Matt Busby and his team, our friends, down and destroyed”. His survival surprised even his rescuer. Harry Gregg, the goalkeeper and hero, found him and Dennis Viollet lying in a pool of water, initially assumed both were dead. Gregg got a shock when he turned around and saw Charlton and Violet standing, alive. He played again, 25 days after Munich, went to the first of his four World Cups that summer, albeit without playing, and scored 29 goals the next season. He carried on, brilliantly, securing not just one place in history but a multitude. The style with which he played, the cannonball of a shot that made him a specialist at the spectacular, helped cement United’s reputation for attacking football. Charlton is united at Old Trafford with Denis Law and Best, the holy trinity of European Footballers of the Year immortalised in a statue, but these entertainers were different. There was a generational divide between Best, that icon of the Swinging Sixties, and Charlton, who came of age in the more austere Fifties. Like Busby, the manager who was read the last rites, the Englishman was old before his time. He had a naturally serious look, his face only lighting up in joy when he scored, and his past explained why. Even winning the World Cup left him with unfinished business. United, their golden generation broken, took years to return to the European Cup. When they did, the 1966 semifinal defeat to Partizan Belgrade left Busby distraught. “We will never win the European Cup now,” he said. But two years later, they were back in a final. For Charlton and Busby, it was the end of something, an achievement dedicated to others, required because of their memories of those who were not around to see it. They had the potential for greatness and it was wrenched from them amid the flames of a plane crash. And, from the ashes of tragedy, Bobby Charlton turned his talents into the two trophies that mattered most and meant something more to him. – The Independent █ RICHARD JOLLY Charlton turned tragedy into triumph with unique style and perseverance Sources: UEFA, Gracenote Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS MATCHDAY 3: OCT 25 Head-to-head GROUP A GROUP B GROUP C GROUP D UEFA Champions League 2023-24 6 4 1 0 4 3 2 1 6 3 3 0 4 4 3 0 2 1 -1 -2 1 3 0 -4 2 0 0 -2 2 1 0 -3 Standings PtsGD Man Utd ENG Copenhagen DEN Galatasaray TUR Bayern GER Bayern Galatasaray Copenhagen Man Utd Lens FRA PSV NED Sevilla ESP Arsenal ENG Lens Arsenal Sevilla PSV Union Berlin GER Napoli ITA Braga POR Real Madrid ESP Real Napoli Braga Union Berlin Internazionale ITA Salzburg AUT Benfica POR Real Sociedad ESP Sociedad Inter Salzburg Benfica W D L 2 0 1 2 0 0 First meeting First meeting First meeting First meeting 1 0 1 0 1 1 Erik ten Hag* Ralf Rangnick Ole G. Solskjaer Jose Mourinho Louis van Gaal David Moyes NED GER NOR POR NED SCO 2022- 2021-22 2018-21 2016-18 2014-16 2013-14 Man Utd: Recent managerial history UNDER PRESSURE: Amid unrelenting ownership saga, coach Erik ten Hag (above) must rebuild European campaign after Man Utd lost opening two group stage matches for first time * Not including Sheffield Utd v Manchester Utd, Oct 21 47 8 18 11 9 9 92 35 41 84 31 29 54 24 25 26 10 15 SHOOTING BOOTS Rasmus Højlund (Man Utd) and Julián Álvarez (Man City) are top goalscorers with three goals each
