New smart I-cards for foreign students

CYBERJAYA: All 66,580 foreign students registered in universities and colleges will receive their new smart I-cards over the next three months. The light green card is valid for up to five years, depending on the duration of their studies. It will replace the current student identification card and must be carried at all times in lieu of passports.

The student I-cards have 17 security features, including a ghost image on the photograph, micro-text, ultra-violet logos, embossed printing and biometric information. Incorporating new locally-developed technology, the cards don’t need to be authenticated by a smart card reader. Instead, enforcement officials need only to key in the serial number and send it via short messaging service (SMS) to a certain number for verification.

Twenty-nine foreign students from seven institutions of higher learning received their new I-Cards yesterday at a ceremony at the LimKokWing University of Creative Technology. The cards were handed out by Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad and Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamad. "Foreign students have the freedom to move about in Malaysia with this card, as long as they abide by the law," Radzi said.

The cards will be issued free for the current batch of 66,580 foreign students. They do not have to apply as data from their student passes, which must still be renewed yearly with the Immigration Department, will be automatically used to produce their new I-Cards. Radzi said the government had not decided if subsequent batches of foreign students would have to pay for the cards. However, there will be a fee to replace lost or stolen cards.

The I-cards, together with the online visa or e-pass and the one-stop processing centre for foreign students applying to study here, are meant to curb the abuse of student identification documents for work purposes. At a joint press conference with Radzi, Mustapa said the e-pass would be available from Friday and it would be processed at the one-stop centre in the Immigration Department. "At the centre, officers from Immigration and my ministry will process applications for student visas together. It will facilitate entry for legitimate foreign students and stop those who want to abuse the system." Radzi said smart cards similar to the student I-cards would be issued soon for expatriates and foreign workers.


The new Straits Time

Eight Killed In Accident At Toll Plaza

ALOR STAR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Eight people, including seven members of a family, died when a container lorry rammed into a car that was queuing up at the Hutan Kampung toll plaza on the North-South Expressway, near here today.

A police spokesman said the seven family members, including three children, were in a Proton Iswara car from Penang heading north. The eighth victim who was killed was a woman who was in a Kancil car which was rammed by the Proton Iswara following the impact of the crash.

The victim was believed to be the mother of the woman who was driving the Kancil from Lubuk Batu, Jitra. The woman driver and her daughter suffered injuries. According to the police, the incident occurred about 3.50pm as the cars were queuing up to pay toll when the container lorry rammed into the Proton Iswara.

All the victims were extricated from the vehicles by members of the Fire and Rescue team and sent to Alor Star Hospital.

-- BERNAMA

Contract: Action To Be Taken

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- The Finance Ministry will take action against contractors who fail to complete their projects on time or fail to keep to schedule if it was informed by the ministries involved with the contractors.

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said: "If we are told of the contractors who should be blacklisted we will do so," he told reporters when asked whether his ministry would blacklist contractors who failed to complete their work according to agreement. Earlier, Nor Mohamed closed a Young Leaders Forum held in conjunction with the World Islamic Economic Forum held at the Putra World Trade Centre here today.

Nor Mohamed said the contractors were not under the supervision of his ministry, adding that departments such as the Public Works Department under the Works Ministry were managing the contractors. He said if the PWD gave contracts to the contractors who later failed to follow the work schedule, the Works Ministry could take the appropriate action including informing the Finance Ministry to blacklist the contractors.

Several government buildings were found to have leaked or parts of their ceilings damaged recently. This had led to speculations that the contractors had failed to follow the proper schedule.

-- BERNAMA

Stronger ringgit due to weaker dollar and yen

KUALA LUMPUR: It is the weakening of the US dollar and the Japanese yen that is giving strength to the ringgit as well as other currencies in the region, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said yesterday.

That is why the government contends that there is no problem over a strengthening ringgit, he explained to reporters after he spoke at the conclusion of the Young Leaders Forum of the World Islamic Economic Forum here. “We also must remember that the flow is two-way, as people both buy and sell the ringgit, so this is reflected in the movement of the unit,” he said. “We also need to see the ringgit in the context of other currencies, which are also strengthening against the US dollar.

“So, the performance of the ringgit is in line with the performance of other currencies following the weakening of the US dollar and the yen.” Nor Mohamed said that in terms of the cross-rate between the ringgit and other regional currencies, the local currency has not strengthened, in fact “against some currencies we are slightly weakened.” “So, it is only the dollar and yen that have weakened, so it is not really a case of the ringgit that has become too strong. “At this point of time, we do not have any problem (with the ringgit’s valuation).”

The ringgit scaled to as high as RM3.39 against the US dollar last Monday due to aggressive buying of the local unit after Asian currencies rose in reaction to China’s decision to widen the yuan’s trading band. Last Tuesday, it continued to strengthen to a new nine-year high of RM3.38 per dollar.


— Bernama

Miss Malaysia 2007 still can’t believe it

KUALA LUMPUR: Deborah Priya Henry is set to dazzle the judges at the Miss World competition with not only her beauty but also her brains. The newly crowned Miss Malaysia/World 2007 hopes to be the belle of the pageant in Poland this October.

The full-time model, who was born in Dublin 21 years ago, has a degree in political science and economics from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. She aims to promote Malaysia’s multi-ethnicity at the international pageant. "Malaysia is my country. This is where my heart is and I hope to put Malaysia’s name on the world map," she told the New Sunday Times yesterday.

Deborah also hopes to help impoverished nations through her involvement with World Vision, the international humanitarian aid organisation which is the beneficiary of this year’s pageant. The former Sayfol International School student is still in shock over winning the Miss Malaysia/World crown on Friday. "At the moment, it is still very surreal. I can’t believe that I have won.

"But one thing is for sure, I am very excited about the future," said Deborah, who is of Indian and Irish parentage. She said it was great to be named "Miss Malaysia" and she was happy to join the ranks of previous winners. "I have many friends who are former Miss Malaysia, like Elaine Daly, and now it feels like I belong to the club. I also feel proud to be representing Malaysia."

Deborah is also no stranger to the modelling world. "I have been modelling since I was 15. I also modelled in London in 2003 for seven months, " she said. On her future plans, Deborah said she hoped to enter the field of journalism and would love to host documentaries. "But right now, all I want to do is concentrate on the pageant."


Source : The New Straits Times

Can u Retire ?

With people living longer, marrying and having children later and not saving enough, facing retirement is a challenge. While there is growing awareness about the need to plan, less than 5% are prepared for retirement and fail to take into consideration inflation rates and rising medical costs.

IN 1981, when Azman graduated, he got a job in KL which paid him RM1,800 a month. He bought an imported Mazda at RM17,000 and months later he put down money on a RM78,000 single-storey terrace house. Today, 25 years later, Azman's daughter has just finished university. Her starting pay is RM1,800, just like her father's two and a half decades ago. But unlike her father's time, imported cars cost over RM100,000 today. So Latifah has opted to buy a Proton for RM45,000 (more than double what her dad paid for his first car).

While her father could afford to buy a house early in his career, Latifah can't. Houses in KL these days cost at least RM200,000, so she has to work for a few years first before she can own one. Compared to 25 years ago, the prices of goods, food, petrol and electricity have all gone up. Understandably, it's an uphill task for Latifah to save on her RM1,800 salary, since the purchasing power of her salary is much lower than her father's back in the 1980s. It is a fact that wages have not moved in tandem with the rise of the cost of living and inflation. That trend is expected to continue.

And if people do not start planning early for their retirement, they are going to find themselves in a spot after they turn 55. Today, three meals cost you RM20 but in 20 years time – with an inflation rate of 6% a year – you will need RM64 per day for the three meals, estimates financial consultant Hazel Ong Archibald of CIMB Wealth Advisors (see Chart 1). The government puts inflation rate at 3.2% to 4.8% but Ong says in urban areas, that figure is about 6%.

So while the RM500,000 in your EPF or bank account at retirement might look good on paper, she says, if you do not invest that money to make it grow at a rate higher than the inflation rate, 20 years later, it would be worth only RM145,053 in purchasing power! While there is more awareness about retirement planning these days, particularly in the urban areas, in reality this does not often translate into preparedness.

Why? “Because it is more pleasurable to spend than to save,” opines Ong.



Source : The Star

Abdullah Launches Colours Of Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA, May 26 (Bernama) -- The 16- day Citrawarna Malaysia 2007 or Colours of Malaysia 2007, a festival celebrating the ethnic diversity of Malaysia's arts, culture and traditions, began tonight with pomp and style here.

The annual event, carrying the theme "Millions of Colours, Millions of Smiles" and scheduled to run from today to June 10, was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi with the Palace of Justice as the backdrop, and watched by some 70,000 people comprising not only Malaysians but also foreign tourists. The opening event had five parts. The first was the pre-show which began at 6.30 pm, exhibiting cultural dance groups performing along the parade route at the Putrajaya Boulevard, a fashion show celebrating Malaysian designers and a specially choreographed Bicycle Ballet by a troupe of cyclists.

The second part comprised speeches by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and Abdullah, when the prime minister officially launched the festival. Abdullah arrived a little past 8 pm, with evocative music and hundreds of puppeteers and cultural dancers greeting his entourage. In the third part, the audience was taken on a colourful and exciting journey showcasing the performances of various dance troupes exhibiting the rich arts and culture of the various communities of the country.

A drum performance by 100 percussionists from the three major ethic groups, a traditional Orang Asli masked dance, a Sabah Harvest Festival and the Sarawak Warrior Dance were also performed to mirror the many cultures and traditions of the nation. There was also a showcase of Malay, Portugese, Siamese, Chinese and Indian dance performances. The finale was the arrival of representatives carrying the flags of the 14 states and territories, supported by the brilliant colours of the hibiscus, the national flower.

The climax was a colourful performance by all 1,800 dancers to an original song, with a brilliant display of lights and pyrotechnics. The opening show ended with a five- minute fireworks display which brightened the night sky over Malaysia's administrative capital. Coinciding with the Colours of Malaysia is the Flavours of Malaysia (Citarasa Malaysia) food festival from today to June 24, showcasing the best of Malaysia's range of cuisines.

In conjunction with Malaysia's 50th anniversary of independence, the event would be celebrated on a grand scale at hotels, tourist attractions and shopping malls around the Klang Valley, combining the aspects of food, culture and craft.



-- BERNAMA

Malaysia's Success Proof Multi-cultural Nation Can Flourish, Says PM

PUTRAJAYA, May 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's success in all fields, including the economy, is proof that a multi-cultural and multi-religious nation can flourish provided the people live in peace and harmony for the good of the country, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said. He said the cultural diversity of Malaysia provided the nation with a capability and dexterity unheard of in any other country.

"We cherish in ethnicity, we cherish in multi-diversity. This gives us the diverse capability and dexterity from the various races in the country. They are prepared to provide varying contributions for the nation's good and development," he said when launching Citrawarna Malaysia 2007 or Colours of Malaysia 2007, a festival celebrating the ethnic diversity of Malaysia's arts, cultures and traditions, here. Abdullah said the various strategies drawn up by the government to draw tourists to the country would not have been successful without the people's support.

"We can draw up strategies but their success depends on the people. If the people do not participate where we want them to, surely we will not achieve the desired success," he said. Abdullah also said that Malaysians should exercise good behaviour and their readiness to help not only during certain periods such as Visit Malaysia Year, which is being held this year, but at all times for the good of the country.

"We have to show that we can live peacefully despite our cultural diversity. In this way, we have been able to prove that despite being a small nation we have achieved major successes. These successes are also due to the contributions of former generations as well as past leaders," he said.He said the exceptional success had surprised many other countries and that such success could only be sustained if the nation continued to be peaceful.

Abdullah said the government would continue to draw up good policies for the sake of national development and prosperity of the people. He said if Malaysia continued to develop in peace, it would always be a destination sought after by foreign tourists, adding that this was evident from the RM31 billion the country earned from the tourism industry in 2005 and RM36.2 billion last year. Abdullah expressed happiness in seeing that Citrawarna Malaysia 2007 had received a bigger response than in previous years.

"This is the ninth series (of Citrawarna), and every year we have seen more tourists coming to our country. This shows that people out there are impressed with how we live together in cultural diversity. We ourselves are proud of the diversity that exists in our country," he said. Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, in his speech, called on Malaysians to be sincere with tourists. "This event is witnessed by more than 7,000 tourists from 43 countries. It is being beamed to more than 40 television stations around the world. They can sample the various races of different religions living in this country," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Create a greener enviroment

KUCHING: The effort of having a green environment is not just limited to tree planting as beautiful and attractive landscaping also play a vital point in creating a healthy and vibrant city where it inhabitants can breath healthy clean air despite living in a concrete jungle.

Minister of Housing Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg said that by creating a green environment in the concrete jungle like our city it will teach the younger generation to appreciate the importants and need in sustaining the greenery and environment around them.Speaking at the tree planting programme held in conjunction with Abor Day yesterday at Tun Openg Resource Centre here at Kampung Bintangor at Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol yesterday he pointed out that since 1988 until now the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) have planted a total of 253 trees under it jurisdiction."Today the close co-operation among government agencies and the local community can be seen again in conjunction with this Abor Day with more than 500 participants comprising of 50 government agencies and the local people in making sure that the Abor Day will be a success," he said.He said that Abor Day which is into it 19th years is an important day because it is an effort to create a fresh atmosphere with serene environment with green tree around that is able to create a balance and stable eco system."Every tree which we planted today will benefit the older generation in the future because they are the one who will inherite this world," he said.

It is the government aimed to plant more than 20 million tree by 2020 hence everyone be it those in the government sector, private sector and individual, everyone have a role to play in ensuring that the environment continued to stayed green in an effort to make the planet a greener place for everyone especially the future generation.

A total of 253 tree were planted during the tree planting programme held at Kampung Bintangor in conjunction with the 19th Abor Day, 158 of the tree are off the Bunga Tanjung, 84 of the Kayu Manis and 11 Yellow Flame tree.Member of the Parliament of Petra Jaya Haji Fadillah Yusuf and Director of DBKU Haji Onn Abdullah were among those who were present at the event.

Source : Eastern Times

Sarawak Slashes Land Premium Rates By 10 To 25 Pct

MIRI, May 26 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak Government today announced reductions in land premium rates from 10 to 25 per cent with immediate effect. State Resources Planning and Management Minister Datuk Seri Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said between 25 and 40 per cent would be charged for applications to extend the land lease for 60 years. The previous rate was 50 per cent.

Applicants extending their terms of title to 99 years would be levied an additional premium of 30 per cent, he said. This is the first time the state government was allowing 99-year lease, he told a press conference after launching the State Land and Survey Department's online payment system for land premium and rent.

Awang Tengah said reductions and options to extend the terms came under the new policy on land lease that had been promised by Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. "The Government took into account many factors when reviewing the policy including the impact on the people, particularly the social needs of the lower income group," he said. Under the new premium payment scheme, the rate for the extension of town land for residential purposes had been fixed at a flat rate of 25 per cent from the previous 25 per cent to 50 per cent.

The ceiling rate for town land for commercial, industrial and recreational purposes had been reduced from 61 per cent to 40 per cent, with a minimum premium of 25 per cent, he said. For suburban land, he said the Government had decided on a premium of between 25 per cent and 35 per cent while a flat premium rate of 25 per cent was imposed for country land. Awang Tengah said the new policy also allowed applications for term extension to be made at any time before the expiration of the land lease as long as the property had been used or developed without contravening the title conditions and was not required by the Government for development purposes.

Previously, applications for extension of land lease would have to be submitted to the Land and Survey Department five years before the expiry date. Describing the new rates as "reasonable", Awang Tengah said the low-income landowners would be charged lower than the normal premium based on the merits of each application. "The Government is allowing payment of premium by annual instalments not exceeding 10 years. This policy is only practised in this state," he said.

He said the new annual land rent imposed in Sarawak was among the lowest in the country at a range of between three sen and 14 sen per sq metre compared to in Perak where the rate was between RM1.10 and RM4.30 per sq metre and Kuala Lumpur (10 sen to 72 sen per sq metre).

Awang Tengah said while he was aware that certain parties were manipulating the issue of land market value when harping on the premium rate issues, the new land rate did not take into account the value of the properties built on it. He said implementation of the new policy would reduce the state government's revenue by between RM8 million and RM10 million in premium collections.

"Being one of the major revenues, steps have been taken to ensure it will not harm the state development. "With this new policy, we've addressed the issue of security on land ownership, the land is more tangible and landowners have the choice," he added.

-- BERNAMA

RMAF Creates History Flying C-130 Into Russia

IRKUTSK (Russia), May 26 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has created history by flying into Russia a C-130 -- the first transport aircraft of its kind said to have been ever allowed into Russian air space.

The historic moment came on May 23 when the RMAF C-130 Hercules touched down at the airport in this far eastern city, bringing along several RMAF senior officers and journalists and 15 aircraft crew to attend the handing over of Sukhoi SU-30MKM multi-role fighter aircraft to the RMAF. Malaysian Chief of Air Force Datuk Seri Azizan Ariffin piloted the aircraft into Russian air space on the tailend of the flight that had covered a distance of 6,500 km over four countries -- Thailand, Vietnam, China and Mongolia.

"I asked them whether any Hercules had landed in Irkutsk before and they told me RMAF was the first to do so," Azizan today told the Malaysian journalists accompanying him. The aircraft had taken off from the RMAF base in Subang on Tuesday for the 19-hour flight to Irkutsk. It made refuelling stops in Hanoi and Beijing.

Azizan said that though Russia is very sensitive about the entry into its air space of military aircraft of any foreign country, the RMAF Hercules was granted permission without much hassle. A pilot of the RMAF Hercules, Lt Kol Norazam Hassan, said the flight over Thailand, Vietnam, China and Mongolia did not encounter problems.

"There was a bit of turbulence when we approached Beijing," he said, adding that the RMAF had made preparations for the flight to Irkutsk two weeks earlier. Azizan also said that the Hercules flight heralded the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Russia this year. He said the military relations between both countries were also at their best and the Russian air force leaders thanked Malaysia for buying the Sukhoi SU-30MKM and MiG-29N fighter aircraft.

Malaysia signed an agreement with Russia to buy 18 Sukhoi SU-30MKM aircraft valued at RM3.42 billion in May 2003. On Thursday, RMAlF took delivery of two SU-30MKM aircraft while the rest will be delivered by the end of the year and mid-2008.

In early 1990s, RMAF bought 18 MiG-29N jet fighters from Russia. Azizan said the Russian air force chief telephoned him while he was attending the handing-over of the Sukhoi SU-30MKM aircraft to thank Malaysia for buying the fourth generation aircraft.


Source : The Bernama

June 13 deadline for local authorities to set up one-stop centres

KUALA LUMPUR: Local authorities which have yet to set up one-stop centres for property development projects in their respective areas of jurisdiction are advised to do so before the June 13 deadline.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said there was no excuse for the delay as they had been given two months, since April 13, to do so. Local authorities were told to set up such centres following calls by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for improved public service delivery system. “I don’t see any reason why they’re not taking the matter seriously,” he told reporters after opening the Malaysian Property Exposition (Mapex) at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre here yesterday.

Yesterday, the Public Service Department approved 533 new posts at the ministry, especially to facilitate the setting up of the one-stop centres. Ong, who was in Melaka, yesterday, said he was satisfied with the local authorities in the state for having successfully implemented the one-stop centre directive.

Source : The Borneo Post

Malaysia Appreciates Sincere Friends During Hard Times

TOKYO, May 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will remember Japan and China with gratitude for being sincere friends when Malaysia faced hardships during the 1997-98 regional financial crisis, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Thursday.

Malaysia would not be in the good shape that it is in now if not for the friendship with Japan and China, as they had offered the necessary aid and support to the affected countries, in Asean particularly, he said. "Friends with sincere relationships are vital. Friendships have to be preserved," he said in a question-and-answer session after delivering his keynote address at 13th Nikkei International Conference here on the Future of Asia.

Abdullah said Malaysia would remember Japan's efforts to assist the East Asian economies which were affected by the financial crisis via its Miyazawa initiative. He said Japan itself was struggling with its own financial problems at that time and had suffered from the Asian financial crisis albeit to a lesser extent. "Yet Japan came forward to assist its less fortunate neighbours in the region," he added.

Abdullah said at the first Asean Plus Three (Asean+3) Summit, China's president had responded positively to a call by the affected countries' leaders not to devalue its renminbi as that would help the recovery process of the affected economies. Abdullah said Malaysia had learnt a lot from the "bitter experience" of the financial crisis, and has built a resilient economy and adopted prudent management.


Source : The Bernama

Sukhoi Fighter Aircraft A Tactical And Strategic Asset

IRKUTSK (Russia), May 24 (Bernama) -- Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Chief Jen Datuk Seri Azizan Ariffin said the Sukhoi Su-30MKM multi-role fighter jet is a tactical and strategic asset to RMAF as its ability to cover long distances puts it on par with the air forces of neighbouring states.

"The Su-30MKM will act as a deterrent to parties that try to threaten the sovereignty of Malaysia," said Azizan when signing an early acceptance certificate for the delivery of two Su-30MKMs (M52-01 and M52-02) from representatives of Russian state corporation Rosoboronexport and the Irkut Aircraft Corporation here today.

The RMAF Chief arrived in this eastern Siberian city yesterday piloting a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. "Today is a historical day for the RMAF as the Su-30MKMs delivered are the most sophisticated multi-role aircraft in Southeast Asia," he told reporters at the Irkut Aircraft Corporation's runway with temperatures dipping to -10 degrees Celcius.

The two Su-30MKM jets are the first of 18 ordered by RMAF in May 2003 at a cost of RM3.42 billion (USD900 million). The Malaysian delegation comprising senior RMAF officers and the media were treated to a 10-minute aerobatics show by a squadron of Su-30MKM jets.

Azizan said the two Sukhoi planes would be delivered in June using the Antonov AN-124 transport aircraft to the RMAF base in Gong Kedak, Kelantan. The sixteen others will be delivered in stages between the end of the year and mid-2008. Azizan said the fighters will be equipped with sophisticated air-to-air RVV-AE missiles.

RVV-AE is the Russian acronym for Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile or AMRAAMski in defence circles and is said to be as good if not better than the United States-made AMRAAMs. Other than Malaysia, Singapore is believed to have equipped its F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft with AMRAAMs.

The Su-30MKMs can fly for 4.5 hours with a range of 3,000km on a normal fuel tank, but with inflight refuelling, the time and distance can be extended to 10 hours and 8,000 km. They are also equipped with high-powered radars to detect targets from afar enabling them to double up as early warning aircraft.

Meanwhile, the deputy general director of Rosoboronexport, Victor Komardin, said the RMAF's Su-30MKMs were the most versatile and modern multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) aircraft in the world. "They have the most modern engine, avionics and weapons systems," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Police confident of solving microchip heist after arrest of suspects

PENANG: Most of the 20 robbers behind the RM47mil microchip heist at the Batu Maung Second Air Cargo Complex in November have been arrested. Bukit Aman CID director Comm Datuk Christopher Wan said the suspects were picked up in various parts of the country in the past few weeks.

“We now have a number of significant leads and are in the process of identifying the mastermind of the Nov 20 heist. “We are confident of solving the case. We also hope to recover the microchips which may or may not be in the country,” he said.

Comm Wan was speaking to reporters after opening a forum on Contemporary Security Issues Related To Target Hardening at Universiti Sains Malaysia here Thursday. Malaysia Airlines Cargo Sdn Bhd senior general manager Datuk Ong Jyh Jong recently revealed that no major cases have been reported at the complex since security was beefed up. Guards on duty at the complex were now armed while CCTV cameras have been installed at strategic points

Source : The Star

LCCT airport tax at KK, KL cut by up to 50pc

Putra Jaya: Airport tax for passengers at the Low Cost Carrier Terminals (LCCTs) at the KL International Airport and the Kota Kinabalu International Airport will be reduced from RM9 to RM6 for domestic passengers and from RM51 to RM25 for international passengers.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, in making the announcement Wednesday, said the reduction, for tickets purchased on or after June 1, 2007, aimed to raise Malaysia's potentials as an operational hub for low cost carriers in Asia. "The new Passenger Service Charge (airport tax) rate includes the Security Charge, and the same rate would be applied at new LCCTs that might be built in future. "The lower airport tax for passengers is in line with the state of facilities and services provided at both the LCCTs," he said at a press conference at his office, here. He said the airport tax and Security Charge at other airports in the country were unchanged and continued to be collected separately, that is, RM9 (RM6 for airport tax and RM3 for Security Charge) for domestic passengers and RM51 (RM45 for airport tax and RM6 for Security Charge) for international passengers.

"The Government is confident that the implementation of the new airport tax at the two LCCTs will have a positive effect on increasing the number of air passengers," Chan said. The Minister said the new service charge for the two low cost carrier terminals would ensure that Malaysia had the cheapest airport tax rate in the region. He said the airport tax reduction would not result in the Government bearing any subsidisation cost. "We could reduce the service charge (airport tax) at these two airports because the facilities available are limited, for example the airports do not have aerobridges," Chan added.

if the Government would reduce landing charges at the two low cost terminals (KLIA and KK) as requested by Air Asia, the country's first low cost and no frills flight operator, he said the matter was being discussed by Air Asia and Malaysia Airports Bhd. "We have not decided on that as yet, as the two parties were still discussing the matter," he added. To another question if the Government was planning to build any more low cost carrier terminals in the country, Chan said: "No, we do not have plans as yet".


- Bernama

State Cabinet to discuss pay rise

The State government, in principle, will follow the Federal government's decision in the quantum of increment for the State’s civil servants.Chief Minister, Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, however, said the final decision would only be made after the State Cabinet had discussed the matter.

"Normally, we will follow the Federal government's quantum," he said to reporters after his winding up speech on the final day of the State Legislative Assembly Sitting, yesterday.On Wednesday, Second Minister of Finance, Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said any move to increase the salary of the State’s civil servants would incur an extra expenditure of between RM50 and RM60 million per annum.The increment, if approved, will benefit some 13,000 State’s civil servants and another 14, 000 in various government agencies and statutory bodies.

The Chief Minister was commenting on the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's announcement on Monday that civil servants in the country would receive a pay hike of between 7.5% and 35%.It is understood that the Support Group II will receive a 35% increase in their salaries, Support Group I (25%), Management and Professional Group (15%) and Premier Grade (7.5%). The increment, to take effect on July 1, will bring cheer to about one million members of the civil service.

The government, at the same time, announced that the police and armed forces would also enjoy a pay rise with the Support Group II getting 42% increase, Support Group I (30%) and Management and Professional Group (18%)


Source : The Eastern Time

Man U Cannot Play Without AFC Approval, Says Club's Website

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- English Premier League (EPL) champions Manchester United cannot play the scheduled friendly match in Malaysia on July 27 without the official approval of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), according to the club's official website.

A news item on the website said this was because of the agreement between the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) with the AFC to act as host for the Asian Cup.

"The club hopes that the issues can be resolved by the relevant parties to ensure that this celebration match can take place as planned," said the news item.

It said Manchester United has had a series of meetings today with the Youth and Sports Ministry, FAM and AFC, which has its office in Kuala Lumpur, on the planned friendly with a Malaysian selection in Kuala Lumpur on July 27.

Manchester United chief executive officer David Gill and EPL chairman Dave Richards had meetings separately with Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, AFC president Mohamed Hammam and FAM representatives.

However, the outcome was not as expected. FAM is still tied to the agreement to host the Asian Cup 2007 from July 7 to 29.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the Cabinet decided that Manchester United should make the trip to Kuala Lumpur as the club could provide a boost to the country's 50th anniversary of independence celebration and Visit Malaysia Year 2007 programmes.

Azalina asked the AFC to give Malaysia special exemption to allow the EPL champions to play the friendly as scheduled on July 27.

Hamman had said in a statement that he wanted the friendly match to be rescheduled.

-- BERNAMA

Blame game must stop, says Abdullah

THE prime minister said government departments must take charge of public properties, describing their constant squabbling to evade responsibility as shameful. Instead of accepting blame, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said departments and agencies bickered in public, pointing fingers when things went wrong. “This is embarrassing. They have to put a stop to it. It is not good,” he said here yesterday. He was referring to recent incidents of collapsing ceilings and leaky roofs in government buildings, where departments tried to pass the buck from one to another.

The prime minister said he had informed Works Minister Datuk Seri S, Samy Vellu that the Public Works Department was in charge of the maintenance of all government buildings. “The departments and agencies concerned must take responsibility. Whoever is responsible must know what he is responsible for and take action without being told to do so.” Acknowledging the example of Japan, where he is on a five-day visit, Abdullah said setting aside a substantial budget for maintenance was not wasteful.

“That (budget) would eventually save us money because if equipment or buildings are not maintained properly, replacing them could cost much more,” he said. On May 10, leaks were discovered in the gallery of Parliament House. Questions were then raised as to how the roof of the 44-year-old structure had been missed in the building’s RM90 million renovation in 2005. It was the latest in a series of high-profile mishaps, including burst pipes at the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development and Immigration Department in Putrajaya, to have highlighted the poor upkeep of government buildings.


Source : The News Straits Times

Sign petition if you want to save green lung

Lee, who will be representing Subang Jaya residents for the public hearing on the proposed project on July 15, said there was no point in criticising the proposed project if they do not sign the objection petition at the Subang Jaya Municipal Council’s office.

“So far, residents’ response has not been encouraging. Being vocal alone is not enough, we need them to come forward to save the green lung. Sign the petition and attend the hearing,” he said.

Lee said if residents were serious in fighting for the green lung, they should play their part.

“The park’s fate is in their hands and their support is crucial,” he said.

Lee said the hearing, at 2.30pm at Holiday Villa Subang, is between the residents, the developer and the council. Earlier, Subang Jaya Community Association’s vice-chairman Eddy Ch’ng Eng Keat said the council should not allow any development at the park as it is the only green lung left in Subang Jaya.

“We don’t see any reason for the area to be developed. This is despite the developer promising to build a water fountain and amphitheatre. That is their tactic to entice residents to agree with the proposed development,” he said. Ch’ng said many residents bought their houses there because of the park, which was in the area’s original master plan.

“We feel like we are being cheated by the developer,” he said. Ch’ng said the residents also opposed the developer’s plan to build an access tunnel under Jalan Kewajipan to link Jalan SS16/1 (Carrefour side) to the area as an additional access road to the existing Jalan SS12/1. “This is because the tunnel will eat up more open space. As it is, Jalan Kewajipan is congested. Imagine if we have more development in the area?”

Source : The Malay mail

Wipe out organised crime: CM

KUCHING: Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud wants criminals to be wiped out as they should not be allowed to “plough into our laws and disturb the peace”. The government would never allow criminals to have an upper hand in the society, he said, adding that the government was fully responsible in looking after the safety of the people. The Chief Minister warned criminals, particularly organised criminals, who thought they could reign supreme in the society better think twice. “Criminals should not be allowed to plough into our laws and disturb the peace of the people. “We need and must wipe them (criminals) out,” said Taib when delivering his keynote address at the opening of a Seminar on Organised Crime with the theme ‘Combating Organised Crime: Strategies, Legal Instruments and Effective Policing’. The two-day seminar, at Riverside Hotel, was attended by more than 300 participants from various law enforcement agencies including the police and local councils.

The speakers included those from Hong Kong and Singapore. The seminar was organised by the Chief Minister’s Department in collaboration with Sarawak Police and Centre for Modern Management. Taib told the law enforcers not to collapse under pressure from criminals, particularly organised syndicates, but to buck up and make concerted effort to fight the illegal activities. “We have adequate laws to fight criminals, including organised crime … let them (criminals) understand that we have enough power to fight them (once they tried to go against the law),” he said. The police must make full use of the Intelligence Unit to combat organised crime, he added. He assured the State government would lend a helping hand to the police to fight criminals, particularly organised crime.

The Chief Minister also said that it was important to look for new approaches to tackle the changing trend of organised crime. “New ways must continuously be looked into to fight organised crime … we must know how they operate; we need to study the nature of organised crime because only then can we plan strategies to act efficiently and effectively,” he said. Organised crime would always try to gain the upper hand, and as such required different approaches in tackling them, he said, citing illegal logging as one of the organised crimes. He said organised syndicates were also monopolising the prices of cash commodities like rubber to gain higher profit margins by forcing rural farmers to sell their crops at much lower prices. He described this as a “subtle way of robbing the rural people” to get a bigger profit margin. This indicated that organised crime had also penetrated into the rural areas where in the past never required the presence police, he pointed out.

The Chief Minister appealed for public co-operation like providing information to fight crimes more effectively. He said the police must be prepared to work with the public to prevent and minimise organised crime in the State. The public must also discard the impression that criminals were stronger than them, he said. Taib also appealed to the business community and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) here to come forward and assist the police to fight crimes. He commended the efforts of business community in Sibu and Miri, in pledging full support to the police and other law enforcement agencies, to fight crimes. Some had even pledged to buy vehicles for the police to fight crimes, he said.

Source : The Borneo Post

Foreigner blackmails secretary with nude photos

KUALA LUMPUR: A private secretary from Sentul here has became a sex slave to a foreigner who repeatedly threatens to expose her nude photographs if she refuses his demands. The woman, Chong, 30, had met the Nigerian man, John, also 30, through the Internet, MCA Public Service and Complaints Bureau head Datuk Michael Chong said at a press conference at his office, here yesterday.

The woman later became John’s girlfriend and three days after their first meeting, the couple had sex at John’s rented house in Subang Jaya. John, who claims to be pursuing a business management course in Malaysia, also took photographs of Chong in the nude. The victim said that every time they met, John would give her a drink which was suspected to have been spiked. After taking the drink, she would feel groggy and too weak to prevent John from taking her photographs in the nude, she said.

The victim claimed that John had sent the nude photographs to her via e-mail and threatened to expose her nude photographs if she were to avoid him. The victim said John had also bothered her family from April 29 when she told John that she would end the relationship. The victim had already lodged two police reports on the matter. The suspect is said to have used a different passport to enter Malaysia using the name John Smith or Afoloyan. Meanwhile, Chong said his office had received seven cases of extortion using nude photographs this year, two of which involved foreign men.

He said the foreign men involved in such cases usually had a student permit to enter the country. After taking the nude photographs of their girlfriends, they not only extorted money from the women but also forced them to become their sex slaves. Chong urged women who were being extorted in such a manner to seek assistance from their parents, employers or the MCA Public Service and Complaints Bureau.

Source : The Borne Post

Public to judge civil servants

PUTRAJAYA: It is for the public to judge whether the performance of civil servants will rise in tandem with their pay increase, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan said.

He said the public would be able to e-mail their judgment directly to him at sidek@pmo.gov.my and he promised to read them. “I may not reply to each one. I will however forward the e-mails to my officers and the related ministries and departments for follow-up action,” he said. He was speaking to reporters here a day after the Government announced huge pay increases for civil servants. Mohd Sidek said he had empowered his officers to carry out the follow-up actions.

He said the public, as the main customers of the Government’s services, should exercise their rights in demanding better work quality and more productivity from civil servants. “In fact, we have been improving all the time and implementing various measures to enhance our performance and delivery system,” he said. He said civil servants “formed a good crop of people” but there must be monitoring and enforcement across the board to ensure work was done promptly and policies were implemented.

On whether he expected a drastic change in line with the “drastic pay” increase, Mohd Sidek said he would expect civil servants to be motivated by it. “We have been making changes before the announcement and we will continue to do so,” he said, adding that Cuepacs had given the assurance that its members would work harder. He said he would not be directing civil servants who were working second jobs to make ends meet to give up their part-time work.

Asked if there would be more recruitment drive now that the pay packet for management posts have become more attractive, Mohd Sidek said government appointments were carried out based on requirement. However, he said he could expect a better crop of candidates in the future.


Source : The Star

"No Frills" Hotel Launched

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- A "no frills" hotel was launched here today that allows guests to pay for what they really need from a low price of RM9.99.

Tune Hotels.Com, located at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, is the only "no frills" hotel chain in Asia to utilise demand-based pricing whereby guests are able to add on to suit their accommodation needs and save on what they do not require.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, when launching the hotel, said tourists can now stretch their money and stay longer whilst enjoying the many exciting products that Malaysia has to offer, such as shopping, sightseeing, playing golf and exploring natural wonders.

He said the no-frills concept adopted by Tune Hotels.Com played a very significant role in tourism development in the country, and he called upon other corporate bodies to follow suit.

Tengku Adnan said that though it was a no-frills hotel, Tune Hotel.Com's management must not compromise on the aspect of safety and cleanliness of the rooms, adding that in order for tourism to grow, the frontliners must always be immaculate and presentable at all times.

Meanwhile, Tune Hotels.Com Director Dennis Melka said the company planned to set up similar hotels in Penang, Sabah, Sarawak and Johor Baharu by the end of this year and the first quarter of next year.

Source : BERNAMA

Civil Servants To Get Pay Increase Of Up To 35 Pct

PUTRAJAYA, May 21 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today announced a pay increase of between 7.5 per cent and 35 per cent for the more than one million civil servants in the country, effective July 1. They will also get a 100 per cent increase in the cost of living allowance (Cola). In recognition of the heavy responsibility of police and military personnel and the challenges they face in the line of duty, Abdullah said they would get an additional 20 per cent on top of the increase.

Speaking at the Workers Day gathering for the public sector here, he said the basic salary of the Support Group II (Grades 1 to 16) would be increased by 35 per cent while those in the Support Group I (Grades 17 to 40) would get a 25 per cent increase. For the Management and Professional Group (Grades 41 to 54), the increase is 15 per cent while those in the Premier Grade (Jusa) will get a 7.5 per cent pay hike.

Abdullah said the salary increase for the 1,002,040 civil servants would cost the government RM3.4 billion this year or an additional annual expenditure of RM6.8 billion. The increase in the payment of Cola will involve an additional expenditure of RM600 million this year or RM1.2 billion annually.

Abdullah said the strong growth of the country's Gross Domestic Product over the past five years, averaging 5.6 per cent annually, was the first factor considered by the government in determining the quantum of the pay hike. This, he said, was spurred by the growth in private sector investment and the external trade volume which had surpassed the RM1 trillion mark.

"All these have allowed interest rates, inflation and unemployment to remain low. The Bursa Malaysia Composite Index also reflects the country's tremendous economic growth, reaching its highest level recently," he said. The prime minister said the second factor was the need to attract and retain qualified, highly-motivated and performance-driven human capital in the civil service. The government, he said, was also concerned about the rising cost of living due to the hike in global oil prices which had affected those in the lower income bracket. The fourth factor, Abdullah said, was the government's affordability which was aided by a marked increase in tax collection and a more prudent execution of expenditure.

"In fixing the quantum, the government is always mindful of its repercussions on the country's financial position. Any salary increase will also involve pension calculations and certain allowances. "The quantum has been decided carefully and prudently. The government was able to reduce the budget deficit from 5.3 per cent in to 3.5 per cent last year and we'll continue with this prudent fiscal management," he added.

Saying that the pay hike would lessen the burden of those in the lower income group, Abdullah said that at the same time, they should be mindful of the people's higher expectations of the civil service. "They'll expect a high-quality civil service that commensurates with the salary increase. Take this opportunity to increase productivity and the quality of service to the people," he added.

Highlighting a matter close to his heart, Abdullah said the government wanted the country's public sector to emerge as one that would achieve global distinction. "The government is counting on its employees to add value to their work. They should strive to reduce red tape, be friendly, transparent, responsive, creative -- putting the interests of customers above all else," he added. Abdullah said that civil servants should change their mindset to deliver services speedily, bearing in mind that they should play the role of facilitators and partners of the people and the private sector.


Source : Bernama

SAMY VELLU GIVES 150-YEAR WARRANTY FOR PARLIAMENT BUILDING

KUALA LUMPUR: After its refurbishment, Parliament House can stand for another 100 to 150 years. This was the assurance given by Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, who said the building’s structure was sound since the Public Works Department had supervised its construction.

"The design is complex and modern. It is the first parliament building in the world that will look new at all times," he said after attending the third Social Entrepreneurs Network’s (SeNet) Job Fair 2007. SeNet is a non-governmental organisation established for Indian professionals to spearhead community service. It organises job fairs twice a year. SeNet has so far successfully found work for some 500 job seekers.

Samy Vellu said he preferred the building to remain intact and for parliament to be situated in the city. "If not, we would have moved to a new building in Putrajaya". He said in light of the problems plaguing the Parliament House, PWD was setting up a special maintenance unit and a report would be submitted to the cabinet within a week.

"I have also directed the PWD director-general to send people from the mechanical, electrical and architectural departments to identify problems. There will be four or five experienced engineers there to supervise maintenance work." Declining to divulge the cost of refurbishment, he said the repairs included replacing the PVC pipes and waterproofing the roof. Details would be submitted to the cabinet and Finance Ministry.

On the wiring, Samy Vellu admitted that it was last done in 1964. "During the last renovation, rewiring was confined to the main chambers and the public gallery. But now we will look into the wiring in other parts of the building," he said, adding that to tear down the existing building and construct a new one would cost between RM1.5 billion to RM2 billion. The minister said the last refurbishment, to the tune of RM90 million, involved improving the interior of the building, including enlarging the chambers and re-carpeting the floors.


Source : Tne New Straits Times

Traders Who Hike Prices To Be Exposed

PUTRAJAYA, May 21 (Bernama) -- The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry warned traders against taking advantage of the salary increase for civil servants by hiking prices of their goods, or have their names and locations splashed in the newspapers.

"I will definitely name them," its minister Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal told reporters after a Workers Day gathering for the public sector at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here today. He said this in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who when announcing the salary increase for civil servants in his speech at the gathering, had called on the ministry to step up its monitoring of traders and to educate consumers of their rights.

Shafie said the ministry's enforcement division nationwide had been instructed to step up enforcement since two weeks ago to ensure traders did not increase prices of goods in anticipation of the salary increase for government employees. He said the public should also play their role by informing the ministry's enforcement offices of errant traders. "If consumers use their rights by spending wisely, I believe, we can also educate traders," he added.

Source : The Bernama

iRinggit heading towards RM3 level against the US dollar

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit is heading towards the RM3 level against the US dollar boosted by domestic and external factors, Malaysian Institute of Economic Research executive director Prof Dr Mohamed Ariff said yesterday. However, when that will happen is anybody’s guess, he added, but expected the local unit to strengthen to between RM3.30 and RM3.35 versus the greenback by year-end.

Dr Mohamed was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the launch here of the National Productivity Corporation’s productivity report 2006. In early trading yesterday, the ringgit breached the RM3.40 level against the US for a new nine-year high of RM3.39. According to a dealer at a local brokerage, local and foreign players bought the ringgit in reaction to China’s decision last Friday to lift interest rates and widen the yuan trading band. This is because China’s move may lead to the appreciation of the yuan, which could trigger a further strengthening of the ringgit.

The ringgit and yuan were depegged from the US dollar around the same time in July 2005. Dr Mohamed Ariff said the impact of the strengthening ringgit on exports should not be an issue as productivity is improving. “I think we should compete on a productivity basis,” he added. Malaysia registered an increase of 3.7 percent in productivity growth to RM27,221 per worker last year - the highest in the last six years.

Last year’s productivity growth surpassed that of some Organisation for Economic Cooperation Development (OECD) countries such as Sweden (2.8 percent), Japan (2.5 percent), Germany (2.0 percent), Denmark (1.8 percent), Britain (1.7 percent), the U.S. (1.5 percent), France (1.4 percent), Australia (1.0 percent), Canada (1.0 percent) and Ireland (0.9 percent) Malaysia was also ahead of Thailand (3.5 percent), Taiwan (2.7 percent) and Singapore (1.2 percent). –

Source : The Borneo Post

Minister concerned over continuous rise in palm oil price

Plantation Industry and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin expressed his concern that the present continuous rise in the price of palm oil could aggravate the country's economic situation. He said he would prefer to see the market value remaining stable to ensure a sustainable growth for the industry and keep a steady consumer market than the rising trend.

Speaking to reporters here Saturday, he said the recent problem faced by cooking oil refineries and packagers to supply one-kilogramme packet was one of the downsides caused by the rising palm oil prices. He added that although cooking oil price was controlled by the Government, the producers feel the higher cost of production as they get at market price palm oil as raw material for producing cooking oil. "It is not always a good sign that our palm oil price remains very high. It will cause this problem and can also cause inflation (rate to increase)," he added.

He said the Government would spend RM145.41 million under a price stabilisation scheme to compensate the 11 cooking oil refineries and 193 packagers nationwide who have been suffering losses the past five months. He said the increase in price of palm oil-based cooking oil if left unchecked could lead consumers to opt for cooking oil produced from soya bean, corn or other commodities. Chin added that the price of palm oil stood at about RM415 per tonne, the highest in the past 10 years. He added that he will be "a bit uneasy" if the price continues to shoot up.

Source : The Daily Express

Minister: ‘Don’t go overboard’

KUALA LUMPUR: “It’s crazy, but these are the problems I’m facing.” So said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor during a Press conference on Thursday where he raised the case of the Indian producer detained by Rela offi cers.

“These are the problems, but when I speak about them, people get angry. So what should I do?” he asked. “Once the international media gets wind of the incident, they will ‘whack’ us and Malaysia’s image may get tarnished.” The Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur had received a complaint on the incident which has since been forwarded to the Foreign Ministry.

“Rela shouldn’t take people (off the streets) like this. This man was traumatised,” he said. “We have to correct ourselves and make sure that we are more courteous. We are all hospitable people but we seem to have forgotten the values instilled by our forefathers.” Tengku Adnan added that some Rela offi cers lacked exposure. “They have never travelled outside Malaysia but they need to be sensitive when dealing with foreigners.”

Citing another incident, Tengku Adnan said an African-American was also put in a spot by Rela offi cers despite having a valid passport and visa. “Rela is doing a good job but they shouldn’t go overboard as it can lead to problems.” Indonesian tourists should not be viewed as migrant workers, he said. “If you listen to what they have to say, I myself want to cry.”

Source : The Malay Mail

Birthday celebrants create M’sian record

Centenarian among 210 to make it to record-breaking birthday bash

MIRI: Centenarian Lee Hup was in high spirits last night as she joined 210 other people who share a common birthday — May 20 — to mark the second anniversary of this resort city, and get the event into the Malaysia Book of Records for the largest gathering of birthday celebrants. Lee, 101, who was in a wheelchair and has hearing difficulty, was brought onto a special stage at the Fan Square here and was the first to be greeted by the evening’s guest-of-honour Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan.

Dr Chan also witnessed the handing over of the Malaysia Book of Records’ record certificate by representative Zanariah Abdul Mutalib to Miri Mayor Datuk Wee Han Wen. Lee, born in 1906, is even older than the so-called Grand Old Lady, Malaysia’s first oil derrick built in 1910 atop Canada Hill here, and was the star attraction at the event.

Dr Chan joined some 15,000 people who had gathered at the square to sing the birthday song at the stroke of midnight. Miri City Council (MCC) secretary Antonio Kahti Galis told reporters that the number of birthday celebrants could have been 219 but eight of them did not attend. Dr Chan, who is also Miri City Incorporated chairman, said the city would focus on developing the right facilities and environment to promote the tourism and education sectors. He said the two sectors would be among the activities that could provide ample opportunity for the city folk to lead a meaningful and happy life.

“I don’t want to make Miri (people) the richest people in Sarawak. That is not my aim. I want to make Miri (people) the happiest people,” said Dr Chan, who is also the assemblyman for Piasau, a state constituency that takes up a major portion of the city.

Source : The Borneo Post

Malaysia to counter anti-palm oil lobby in Europe

MIRI: Malaysia will meet British and European parliamentarians to counter allegations by non-governmental organisations that the Malaysian oil palm industry was killing wildlife and destroying forests.

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui said he would explain the reality to British MPs in London and members of the European Parliament in Brussels about “our efforts to conserve the environment and biodiversity while we develop our palm oil industry.”

“The Cabinet wants to counter European anti-palm oil activists on their own home ground,” he said yesterday. Chin, the MP for Miri, will visit Britain, Belgium and Holland from June 3 to 10, accompanied by industry leaders. On another matter, Chin said the Government would compensate palm oil suppliers to ensure that they continue to pack cooking oil in small packets and keep retail prices down.

Chin said the “cooking oil stabilisation scheme” would involve compensating 11 palm oil millers and 193 packaging companies. “For the January to May period, RM145.41mil is needed to pay these millers and packagers,” he added.

Source : The Star

Astronauts to go to Texas next month for training

PUTRAJAYA: The two Malaysian astronaut candidates will be heading for the United States National Space and Aeronautical Administration (Nasa) in Texas next month for three weeks’ training. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis said this was part of a programme to familiarise them with the American section of the International Space Station.

"As the ISS consists of Russian and American portions, they need to undergo training with Nasa apart from the Russian space agency," he said at the end of the 10th MSC International Advisory Panel meeting here yesterday. Jamaludin said the government had yet to decide on the local television station that would be given the rights to telecast live the first Malaysian astronaut’s activities in space.

"Efforts are also being made for Malaysians to communicate with the astronaut via the Internet when he is in space." The two candidates — Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 34, and Capt Dr Faiz Khaleed, 26 — are undergoing training at the Yuri Gagarin Space Training Centre in Moscow.

One of them will be picked for the journey on Oct 6. Jamaludin said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was expected to be at the Baikanaur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at the launching of the spacecraft, which would also carry commander Yuri Ivanovich and Oleg Kotaty.

Abdullah is expected to meet the two candidates when he visits Russia next month. It was reported that Malaysia would send cancer cells, bacteria and protein for research in space.

Source : The News trait Times

Call to create united, happy community

KUCHING: The people of different races in the country have been reminded to be tolerance and remain united to maintain the peace and tranquility they enjoyed so far. Minister of Housing, Datuk Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday said: “We want to produce a community that knows one another, always happy and able to cooperate with each other and always practises the goodwill spirit for the benefit the State and the country.”

"The Chief Minister had stressed to Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) to always practiced the 3M policy that is ‘Mesra, Muhibbah, Muafakat’ (joyful, goodwill and cooperation) during a neighbourhood gathering recently.
“If we practise the goodwill spirit we could work together like brothers to organise various beneficial activities and programmes for the community,” he said. Johari was speaking at the official opening of the Unity Carnival for Zone 1 Neighbourhood Committees at Sukmaria ground, yesterday morning.

He said that as Petra Jaya was a developing area and had people from different communities living together in the area as one big happy family, and hopefully whole the community would continue with the spirit of neighbourliness and goodwill to maintain the peace and harmony. He also said that among the development in store for the people in the area included the upgrading the infrastructure facilities and equipping the area with a waterfront and recreational grounds.
The government had proposed to construct a waterfront near the housing area of Family Park right beside the Santubong River in the future, he added.

Also speaking at the ceremony was the Member of Parliament for Petra Jaya, Fadillah Yusof , who advised every resident in the areas to be involved in various activities organised by the Neighborhood Watch Committee to enhance unity. He disclosed that the Unity and National Integration Department had planned various programmes for the community so that the people could continue to live in a peaceful environment.

Source : The Eastern Times

Najib Wants Armed Forces Retirees To Become Productive Workers

Najib Wants Armed Forces Retirees To Become Productive Workers KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hopes that Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) personnel who have retired will continue to be productive when they embark on their second career.

"I don't like Armed Forces retirees to become security guards...go back to their hometowns and be unproductive," he said.

That was why the K-Force Programme was established to make it easier for ex-servicemen to start a second career, the deputy prime minister said at the special convocation of Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (Unitar) at the Sime Darby Convention here today.

K-Force is an initiative to enhance the academic qualifications of armed forces personnel through e-learning courses in business administration, management and information technology at degree, diploma and certificate levels.

Najib, who is also defence minister, said the ministry started programmes like the K-Force to give ATM members more chances to improve themselves academically and acquire skills and qualifications which would stand them in good stead not only while in the service but also when they retired.

He said he was proud that the programme was participated by the various ranks, from the brigadier general right down to the lance corporal.

"This means that not only age but also rank is not an obstacle," he added.

Najib said that with the military world changing, the ATM and its personnel must also face these challenges which included change in defence doctrine as well as military equipment which must be more sophisticated.

"But all this must be based on capability, boosting courage and mental capability," he said.

A total of 320 personnel from various services completed their studies with 29 receiving bachelors degrees, 278 diplomas and 13, certificates.

The graduands were those selected by the defence Ministry for this pioneer programme which is the brainchild of Najib who wants armed forces personnel to be given greater chances to improve their capability and skills through academic programmes.

Source : BERNAMA

Adapt to changes, Immigration staff told

KUCHING: The State’s Immigration Department director Datu Robert Lian has called on his officers to think, rethink and adapt to changes brought about by the changing work environment. FESTIVE GIFT: Robert (left) presents Gawai goodies to Bintulu Immigration chief Billy Valentine Jihir.

He felt concerted efforts would, to a certain extent, enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the department so as to better serve the community. “Having served this department for 10 years, I have seen some positive changes and we must continue to improve of this efficiency,” he said at a dinner held in conjunction with the department’s meeting of divisional chiefs at a leading hotel here Thursday.

Robert also thanked the various divisional chiefs who actively participated in the meeting to plan and improve things that would be done in the future He hoped that they would keep up the good work besides going all out to overcome any difficulties and shortcomings that might crop up from time to time. Robert also gave away Gawai goodies to his divisional chiefs and mementos to five retiring officers.

Source : The Borneo Post

PM: Market MSC more effectively

PUTRAJAYA (May 18, 2007): Malaysia needs to market and brand its Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) more effectively in an over-crowded global market place, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said today.

The prime minister said Malaysia needed to accelerate its transformation and begin taking MSC Malaysia's brand, companies, products and solutions to the global market. "While we are proud of our successes thus far, we recognise that the developmental years are now over. We must move forward more surely and more rapidly," he said in his opening remarks at the MSC Malaysia International Advisory Panel (IAP) Meeting in the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here.

He said this year's theme for the IAP meeting - "Taking MSCMalaysia Global: Developing Knowledge Infrastructure and Creating Talent" - was reflective of the country's intense desire to do this. IAP members, he said, could assist and support with their views as well as partnership to help develop global icons from Malaysia. Twenty-eight members and representatives of the IAP are attending the three-day meeting which began yesterday.

They include Motorola President for Asia Pacific Dr Simon Leung, NTT Communications Corporation Chief Strategist Masanobu Suzuki, Oracle Corporation Chairman and Executive Vice-President for Asia Pacific Division Derek Williams and Vice-President, Chief Researcher and Director of Science Office of Sun Microsystems Inc Dr John Gage. "We appreciate that there must be a bottomline to all our endeavours, and that bottom line is to help the ICT technopreneurs and ICT industries maximise their returns from operating here in Malaysia," Abdullah said.

He said for 30 years Malaysia had been among the largest manufacturers of computer chips in the world and the time had come for thecountry to be a key player in the global ICT market. He added that over the next three years, Malaysia was targeting to grow at least 20 local MSC Malaysia companies into becoming globally-recognised companies and create a total of 100,000 high-value jobs.

Abdullah said Malaysia planned to nurture a significant number of technopreneurs through the development of ICT-based small-and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). Malaysia, he said, would continue to develop sectors which already have a competitive advantage while developing new ones if viable, Bernama reported today. "Malaysia has already built a strong niche in Shared Services and Outsourcing (SSO) where we have consistently been ranked third most attractive SSO investment destination by A.T Kearney and by Frost and Sullivan," he said.
The prime minister said creative media was another niche area which the country hoped to develop as part of a bigger initiative to create technopreneurs and to find new talent from among its ICT professionals. Acknowledging the tremendous opportunities in the US$60 billion(US$1=RM3.40) global animation industry, he said the country would strive to compete and collaborate with Japan and South Korea, two countries in the frontline of animation. "You have to be creative.

Those active must continue to value-add themselves. In technology and ICT, there are lots of improvements and ideas. If you don't value-add yourself, then we risk being left behind," he said. MSC Malaysia, set up 10 years ago, is now home to about 1,800 companies, including home-grown companies and multinationals of which about 100 are leading global companies. As a whole, MSC Malaysia companies have generated revenues of aboutRM11 billion as at end of last year with exports totalling RM3.2 billionand created more than 48,000 high-value jobs.

They are involved in creative multimedia, SSO, software development, hardware design, Internet-based businesses and support services. Abdullah said MSC Malaysia continued to attract global ICT players due to its highly advanced infrastructure and facilities, reasonable costs and dynamic human capital. Recently, major companies like Dell and Satyam opened their global delivery centres here while Al-Jazeera picked Kuala Lumpur as one of its regional broadcast centres, he said.

Source : The Sun

Govt pay hike will not affect inflation: Minister

CYBERJAYA: The government will make sure any possible increase in the civil servant salary will not affect inflation rate, says Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop. “No, it will not be affected. We will make sure that if and when the salary increase comes, it (inflation) will not be affected,” he told reporters after visiting the MKN-Embassy Techzone here yesterday.

The Techzone is developed by MKN Embassy Development Sdn Bhd. He said the inflation rate currently was at a low of 1.5 per cent and it was expected to be not more than 2.5 percent this year.

Yesterday, the Statistics Department reported that the Consumer Price Index for April increased by 1.5 per cent to 105.0 compared with the same month last year but was unchanged when compared with March this year.

On the possible interest rate cut, Nor Mohamed said: “I don’t know … You should ask Bank Negara Malaysia.” Asked if Malaysia would refinance the maturing sukuk, he said: “No.” He stressed that the government has no plan to issue a new global Islamic bond at the moment.

Source : The Borneo Post

Bosses face fine for ignoring sex harassment complaints

PUTRAJAYA: Employers will face a RM10,000 fine if they fail to act or investigate complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace. The fine is part of a provision to compel employers to use the current Code of Practice to prevent and eradicate sexual harassment at workplaces. “This will ensure that all employers treat sexual harassment cases seriously and investigate all complaints of such nature,” Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn said.

He said the new provision would be incorporated into the Employment Act 1955 under a proposed amendment that is now with the Attorney-General’s Chambers. Dr Fong said the lukewarm response by employers in adopting the Code of Practice had prompted the Government to better protect workers, especially the more than four million women employees in the country. “Since the Code of Practice to prevent sexual harassment was introduced in 1999, only 1,225 employers adopted and used it,” he told reporters after the weekly Cabinet meeting here yesterday.

He said the amendments would also compel employers to have an in-house mechanism to hear and investigate complaints of this nature. Since 2001, women’s groups have been calling for a bill to compel employers to prevent sexual harassment at the workplace. Dr Fong said the final draft of the amendments to the Act was submitted to the AG’s Chambers three months ago for approval before tabling it in Parliament. “I hope the AG’s Chambers will approve the amendments as soon as possible for us to move forward,” he said, adding that the Government viewed sexual harassment at workplaces as a serious issue. He said this, however, would not prevent the harasser or offender from being charged in court. “What we want to ensure is that complaints of this nature is looked into,” he said. Dr Fong also said the Cabinet had agreed to the setting up of a Commission of Inquiry for the revival of a Wage Council to better protect the more than 70,000 workers in the hotel industry.

“The terms of service and wages of hotel workers are not clear,” he said, adding that the commission would carry out a six-month study. Some of the areas that will be looked into are the long working hours, overtime pay, rest and off days. Dr Fong said the commission, to be headed by an expert from the private sector, would comprise representatives of hotel operators and employees.
Source : The Star

SUHAKAM want incident probed

Kota Marudu: The Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has proposed an open investigation into the house burning case in Kampung Kaiboton 1, Beluran, soonest possible. Suhakam commissioner Datuk Siva Subramaniam said the investigation was important because burning of the villagers' houses was an inhumane and uncivilised act.
"The responsible persons should have sought peaceful means to solve their problems, especially since the house owners were poor people," he said after visiting the village involved which was said to be in the Paitan forest reserve.
He was accompanied by Suhakam Deputy Chairman Tan Sri Simon Sipaun. Siva said the burning of houses belonging to citizens had not happened in democratic countries and he regarded the case as very serious. "Even foreign migrants would be notified if their squatter homes were to be demolished.
"The residents of Kampung Kaiboton 1, Beluran, Sabah, will never forget the Oct. 3 incident last year where 20 of their houses were burned, believed to be by the staff of the Sabah Forestry Department," he added. - Bernama

Taib files libel suits

KUCHING: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has filed libel suits in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching in relation to allegations of timber ‘kickbacks’.

Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Speaker Dato Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar read out a statement on the legal actions filed in his communication before the start of the morning DUN session yesterday.

The statement said that in respect of publications by Malaysiakini, a writ of summons was filed in the High Court of Malaya at Kuala Lumpur against Mkini Dotcom Sdn Bhd, the publisher of the online news at an Internet website called Malaysiakini.

Malaysiakini’s editor-in-chief Gan Diong Keng was also named as a respondent in the suit.

In respect of publication by Utusan Malaysia, a writ of summons was filed at the same court against Utusan Melayu (Malaysia) Bhd, the proprietor, printer and publisher of Utusan Malaysia and the publisher of an Internet website called Utusan Malaysia Online.

The writ of summons was also filed against Datuk Mohd Khalid Mohd, the Group editor-in-chief of Utusan Malaysia and Utusan Malaysia Online.

The statement also mentioned that in respect of publications by distribution of leaflets - containing articles from Malaysiakini and Japan Times - in Sarawak, a writ of summons was filed in the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak here against Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) State liaison chief Wan Zainal Wan Sanusi, and PKR’s Stampin branch chief See Chee How.

On Monday, Taib refuted allegations levelled against him by Japan Times in a “Personal Statement” to the DUN, during which he told the august house that he would immediately file legal action against the media organisations, both local and foreign, which made the allegations or repeated them.

Source : The Borneo Post

The Star launches tie-up

PETALING JAYA: The Star has launched its partnership with sponsors of the Happy 50 Malaysia contest to bring Malaysians together as the country celebrates its 50th year of independence, and to reward its readers.

Prize sponsors are Gamuda Land, DRB-HICOM, Ikea and Samsung while the venue sponsor is Ikano Power Centre.

Star Publications (M) Bhd executive director and group chief operating officer Datin Linda Ngiam said The Star wanted to do something special to celebrate the country’s 50th year of independence.

“We want to capture the patriotic spirit. The contest must appeal to all Malaysians,” she said during the contest launch and sponsorship presentation at Menara Star here yesterday.

Source : The Star

PM wants trained nurses to remain in the country

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has urged trained nurses to serve locally rather than opting to go abroad.

Noting that professional nurses had become a commodity in the job market, he said that about 400 nurses would leave the country annually to work overseas. Abdullah said this when launching the International Nurses Day (IND) 2007 attended by 2,500 nurses here yesterday.

The text of his speech was read out by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. The IND is celebrated on May 12 annually.

The Prime Minister hoped that the Malaysian Nurses Association and Health Ministry would ensure that the country would not face a dearth of trained nurses in the future. Malaysia currently has more than 60,000 nurses.

Abdullah stressed that human capital development should be given a priority by the nursing profession. Nurses with leadership skills and experience were being given the opportunity to become hospital directors, he said, adding that those holding the positions should serve as role models.

Source : The Sabah Times

MAXIS invest RM 50 Million in East Malaysia

KUCHING: Maxis Communications Berhad (Maxis) has announced its intention to invest RM50 million into Sarawak and Sabah with programmes that focus on cheaper rate plans for East Malaysians, beefed up network coverage by 10% by year end and sponsorship of key local events.

In conjunction with the announcement, Maxis yesterday simultaneously launched the new East Malaysia plan starter pack, the Sarawak Plan and the Sabah Plan, in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu respectively.

Customers in Sarawak and Sabah will enjoy a rate plan that offers the lowest rate for all calls, whether to mobile or fixed lines within Malaysia. The rate of 35 sen per minute offers customers a savings of more than 30% compared to past rates and to current competitor rates.

Tan Lay Han, Senior General Manager and Head of Consumer Marketing for Maxis, said, "The Sarawak and Sabah plans reinforce Maxis’ commitment to the people of East Malaysia. We are customising our products and services to offer them more value . We are also taking into account their cultural and geographical affiliations. In line with this, we are launching a new campaign in East Malaysia revolving around the theme ‘Specially for you.’

"It is with this in mind that Maxis designed the Sarawak and Sabah Plans. Whilst most products and services cost more in East Malaysia compared to West Malaysia, the new plans offer better rates. With these new plans, mobile calls are now actually cheaper in East Malaysia with Maxis, via its Hotlink brand.

There is a new look and feel to the rate plans, incorporating symbolic representations of the two States. The Sarawak Plan features the Hornbill, symbolic of Sarawak while the Sabah Plan features the majestic Mount Kinabalu.

Source : Eastern Times

Dr M admitted to Langkawi Hospital after breathing difficulties

KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was admitted to the Langkawi Hospital Intensive Care Unit (Unit) at 3.50pm on Monday.

The former Prime Minister was taken to hospital after he complained of breathing difficulties.

"His condition is stable but he is being kept for observation," said aide Sufi Yusof.

He said it was up to the doctors to determine how long Dr Mahathir would be kept in hospital.

Source : The Star

MU Match Is On

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) are ready to go ahead with the planned Manchester United match in Kuala Lumpur on July 27.

This is the wish of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi even if it means FAM could be facing serious consequences from the Asian and World football governing bodies.

FAM deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said although FAM risked being suspended for going ahead with the match against their wish, the decision was made in the country's interest, and the wishes of the public and the Prime Minister himself.

"Since the match is being organised here in conjunction with the country's 50th independence anniversary, we have to respect that cause even if means facing sanctions, including suspension by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)," said Tengku Abdullah who also issued a statement to the media after chairing an emergency FAM council meeting here today.

"However, we will continue to seek AFC's cooperation and approval in this matter to find an amicable solution that would prove a win-win situation for all. We are actually in a very difficult situation.

Source: Bernama

Money can’t buy you love

SHROPSHIRE: For nearly 25 years, Keith and Louise Gough, both 56 with a 12-year-old son, enjoyed a happy marriage despite having to scrimp and save.

So when the couple won £9 million on the National Lottery two years ago, they were quick to toast their good fortune, saying: “We never have to worry again.” But the millionaire lifestyle has brought only heartache to the once-happy pair with the news that they have split up.

Said a close friend: “It’s all very sad. You would think £9 million would sort out any problems, but they are living proof that money can’t buy you happiness.

“Keith hasn’t been seen for ages and has been treated for depression. As far as people know, he’s staying with friends.

“They had 25 years as an ordinary couple with no real money and had lasted less than two since they became millionaires. Everyone’s really upset about it.” Keith was working as a chef and Louise a legal secretary when they won the rollover jackpot prize in 2005. They described how money had been so tight that they once had to cancel a trip to Weymouth because they needed buy a new stove.

With their winnings, the couple planned to buy a motorhome and travel around the UK, while Louise spoke of owning a big shoe collection.

Since then, they had moved from their £160,000 semidetached home in Bridgnorth into a £500,000 detached unit around the corner.

Keith quit his job, and invested in racehorses and bought a £60,000 BMW. In recent months, he is thought to have suffered from depression.

Neighbours say he has not been seen at home for several weeks.

Now the couple are believed to be in the process of divorcing.

Louise, who bought the winning ticket in a local corner shop, had described how her husband dreamt their numbers would come up.

After checking the ticket, he burst into her offi ce to break the news. “I dismissed it and told him that ‘everyone has those kind of dreams’ and to forget about it,” she was to recall at the handing over of the cheque. “When Keith turned up at work, I thought something had happened. He wouldn’t stop shaking and I thought, ‘For goodness sake!’ and just wanted to slap him.

“I asked him what the matter was and he said, ‘You’ve won the jackpot. It’s £9 million’. I said: ‘It can’t be true. I don’t believe it!’” Her husband had said: “I have never had a dream come true before. Now I suppose I don’t have to have any dreams.” Today, Louise, who also has a 35-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, was alone at their home, which had a Skoda and a Peugeot convertible parked in the driveway.

She refused to comment but later said in a statement that “sadly” she and her husband had separated. She said they were still in contact and on speaking terms, but would not say what had caused the split. — DM

Source : The Malay Mail

Road to unity: A guide for all Malaysians

The National Action Plan for Unity and Integration launched by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin yesterday will be used as a guide for all government agencies in programmes to promote unity and integration. The five-year plan (2006-2010) was approved by the cabinet on May 17 last year, and was aimed at making unity and integration an important national agenda.

"This is a comprehensive plan that will be used as a guide by all agencies in programmes to promote and strengthen national unity and integration," said Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

The launching of the action plan further emphasised the call by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong during his installation on the need to remain united to make Malaysia a strong and united nation.

"Respect, tolerance, abiding by the law and willingness to help others irrespective of race and religion has united Malaysians and made the country unique.
"These values need to be further strengthened to instil a greater sense of love for the country that will turn unity into a culture among Malaysians."

Ongkili said that efforts to raise the levels of loyalty, unity and love for the nation must be further enhanced through awareness programmes.

"We have to also look at the changes in our surroundings which are becoming more challenging. We should be grateful for living in a peaceful country."

He added that Malaysians should set aside differences in ideologies, the multi-racial composition in society and multi-religious existence, and individualism.

"These are diversities but it has united us and made us unique. This is a legacy that we want to pass on to the younger generation."

The king later presented Unity Award to three people, namely Tun Dr Muhammad Ghazali Shafie, former Foreign Minister, Tan Sri Peter Lo Su Yin and Datuk Seri Tra Zehnder @ Philomena Tra Jemat. (see accompanying story).

All three were involved in the Cobbold Commission which led to the formation of Malaysia. They were also involved in the drafting of the Rukun Negara and were actively involved in social development to enhance unity and integration.

Source : The New Straits Times

Smile

THE IMPACT OF JOB CHANGE

A taxi passenger tapped the driver on the shoulder to ask him a question. The driver screamed, lost control of the car, nearly hit a bus, went up on the footpath, and stopped centimeters from a shop window. For a second everything went quiet in the cab, and then the driver said; "Look mate, don't ever do that again. You scared the daylights out of me." The passenger apologized and said, "I didn't realize that a little tap would scare you so much." The driver replied, "Sorry, it's not really your fault. Today is my first day as a cab driver - I've been driving a van carrying dead bodies for the last 25 years."

Never too old

Those with a passion for writing and who have time on their hands can always blog.

WEB logging – or blogging – may soon join line dancing, tai chi, bingo and gardening as some of the popular "old people" hobbies.

Blogs are generally considered the realm of the young and the restless, and of precocious or frustrated middle-aged citizens, who want to vent and be heard.

Recently, ABC Western Queensland featured a story about Olive Riley who, at 107, may be the world's oldest blogger. Riley writes about her life experiences in her blog, which includes her memories of witnessing the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and her experiences as a cook on a sheep station in western Queensland in 1937.

Source: The Star Daily