No graft
in tender
process
8 Asli
p p
community
Forrest Medical Centre
radiographer Elly Nadia Che
Afzar demonstrates how an
ultrasound examination is done
on a patient during breast cancer
screening. Selangor sponsors
1,000 breast cancer detections
per constituency per year.
• Stories on page 12 – 13
Security barriers stay for now
By Alvin Yap
PETALING JAYA: The Petaling Jaya
City Council’s (MBPJ) move to dismantle
unauthorised security barriers in neighbour-
hoods is on hold until public concerns are
addressed.
“Local authorities must know that people
are worried about their security. They are not
breaking the law because they want to. The
issue is physical safety,” said state executive
councillor Ronnie Liu in an interview on
Wednesday.
Liu, who is in charge of local government,
said the state understands that residents have
taken their own measures to safeguard security
out of fear and as such, it was unfair to penalise
them.
MBPJ’s move to strictly enforce the Street,
Drainage and Building Act which makes it an
offence to block access roads has caused uproar
Sweating
for Orang
16 – 17
among residents’
associations (RAs) and
local leaders in the city.
The city council had
initially set March 31 as
the deadline for the re-
moval of permanent
structures guarding resi-
dential streets.
While the move to
tear down the barriers is
now on hold indefinitely, Liu said that resi-
dents still needed to get approval from the
local authorities before taking matters into
their own hands.
“Local authorities must get a proposal
[from RAs] and know how [the barriers and
security measures] it will be carried out,” he
said. Proposed plans must include the
specifications of the barriers and must ensure
free movement of emergency and trash collec-
Temple
to serve
community
p 4
tion vehicles.
This MBPJ policy shift
comes in the wake of a
town hall meeting on
Sunday in SS22 Daman-
sara Jaya between some
100 irate ratepayers,
councillors and elected
leaders who lashed out at
the city council’s directive.
Former  MBPJ
councillor Michael Soon, who chaired the
meeting, had to keep reminding residents to
maintain their cool. He reiterated that the
town hall-styled meeting was an avenue for
residents to air their views, and not to point
fingers or single out parties for blame. It was
also not the venue for issued to be resolved.
However, residents had a hard time
following Soon’s plea as they took apart MBPJ
on a host of issues related to residential
February 18 — 20, 2011/ issue 12
security at the Sunday meeting.
From the start, residents ticked off the city
council for not being furnished with minutes
of the council meetings on the issue.
“This is about making the councillors
accountable. We don’t know what has been
said or done. Councillors, get this right. Don’t
waste our time,” Lim Jiran said at the meeting.
  L im, representing Damansara Utama
Residents and Owners Association (DUROA)
said he wanted to know what local councillors
were saying and doing on the issue of gated
communities.
Residents lambasted the city council for
not sending staff to attend the town hall
meeting.
“MBPJ should have sent their staff to
correctly represent the city council, to listen
to us. We are the grassroots,” said Johan Tung
Abdullah.
• Turn to page 6
2
news
February 18 — 20, 2011

Selangor WEATHER
Friday Saturday Sunday Girl, 12, molested
Morning

Afternoon
on way to school
By Alvin Yap  To place your Advert in
AMPANG JAYA: A single mother
Night whose 12-year-old daughter was molested
here while on the way to school on
Monday yesterday came out to warn other
Source: Malaysian meteorological department parents to safeguard their loved ones.
Although the culprit was caught by
Contact Timothy Loh at 019-267 4488
neighbours and handed over to police the or Ivan Looi at 014-936 6698
same day, the hawker is coming out to
raise awareness of the scourge.  
“I want to speak out now so that this
doesn’t happen to anyone else,” said the
36-year-old mother of two.
The woman, who runs a food stall, was
speaking at a press conference at the office
of Teratai assemblywoman Jenice Lee. She
said she wanted other parents to keep a
watchful eye on their children.
   On Feb 14, her daughter was on her
way to buy exercise books at a stationery
shop before going to school when she was
sexually assaulted.
Villagers showing Santiago a pothole in this road. “My daughter usually had lunch at my
stall before going to school,  but that day

Villagers see
she was almost 15 minutes late,”  she said.
The woman, suspecting something
amiss, went to look for her, only to find

red over illegal

her daughter crying as she came out of the The single mother (right) and Lee at the press conference.
alley behind the hawker area.
The girl, who recounted the incident, the woman said. also bullied by delinquents in the area,”

factories
told her mother and people having lunch Outraged neighbours finally caught she added.
in the stalls that she had been molested in the suspect after a struggle. Residents have also found evidence
the alley. Lee said there were cases of delin- of glue-sniffing in the parks and alleys
She also described her assailant as male, quents extorting schoolchildren from in the area, Lee said.
By Gan Pei Ling wearing a brown t shirt and aged about 20. the nearby secondary school. Lee has appealed to the state to
“As soon as my daughter described the “I have written a letter to the head- provide more financial assistance to
PORT KLANG: Factory owners in Telok Going are being suspect, I immediately realised that I had master of the school to inform him that fund youth civic programmes in her
urged to legalise their operations and contribute towards actually seen him 30 minutes before that,” his students have been extorted and constituency.
improving the condition of roads.
Klang Member of Parliament Charles Santiago, who visited
the area yesterday, pointed out that more than three quarters
of the factories here are illegal and contribute nothing to
improving surrounding roads.
Strays desecrating graves
“They do not contribute to the road-maintenance fund set
up by legal factory owners and villagers have been complaining The Muslim cemetery in Teluk Gong
to me about bad road conditions,”  said Santiago. which is being threatened by strays.
Roads in the industrial area are in deplorable condition and
riddled with potholes. Villagers say they are fortunate that there
has been no accident so far. 
However, they have appealed to Santiago to resolve the
long-standing problem.
Klang councillor Ismail Arsat, who was present yesterday,
also urged illegal factory owners to legalise their operations.
He said the state had extended the discount provided for
these factories to change their land status from agricultural to
industrial till year’s end.
He added that only 20 per cent of the illegal factory owners
had taken advantage of the offer.

phone (603) 5523 2288

fax (603) 5523 1188
email editor@selangortimes.com

EDITORIAL
CHIEF EDITOR KL Chan
By Alvin Yap Village chief Abdul Razak Karim said they had appealed
COMMUNITY EDITOR Neville Spykerman
to JAIS in 2005 but nothing had been done.
WRITERS Tang Hui Koon, Chong Loo Wah, Gan Pei Ling, Basil
Foo, Yasleh Hani Mat Yassin, Alvin Yap
PORT KLANG: The Klang member of Parliament is  “Sometimes even the bodies can be seen,” he told the press,
COPY EDITORS James Ang, Deborah Loh
urging authorities fence up the Muslim cemetery in Teluk adding that the villagers have been covering up the disturbed
Gong here, to prevent dogs from digging up graves. graves.
DESIGNER Jimmy C. S. Lim
“I hope the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department Abdul Razak hopes JAIS will act fast to prevent the strays
PHOTOGRAPHER Victor Chong
( JAIS) can act immediately,” said Charles Charles Santiago from entering the cemetery.
ADVERTISING Timothy Loh, Ivan Looi
yesterday. Used by six villages in Teluk Gong, villagers have caught
ADVISORS Faekah Husin, Arfa’eza Abdul Aziz During the visit, Santiago listened to grouses of the resi- around 20 stray dogs this year in order to reduce the number
dents who were concerned about the situation.   of graves disturbed.
SELANGOR TIMES ⁄ February 18 – 20, 2011 ⁄ 3
4
news
February 18 — 20, 2011

Events Finally, a place

Triple Prosperity
A Chinese New Year celebration tomorrow from 5.30pm
to 9.30pm. Attractions include 888 Riddles Challenge,
24 Seasons Chinese Drum, Chinese Classical music
ensemble, King of Masks and Classical Dances. For
more information, contact 03-3343 2255. Venue: Setia
Alam Welcome Centre.
Shanghai Night
Another Chinese New Year celebration tomorrow
from 7pm to 10pm. Features: Fortune telling and
palm reading, Chinese calligraphy demonstration,
traditional games galore, Shanghai-themed dance
show and songs, Acrobatic lion dance and fireworks.
It is exclusive for Setia Eco Park’s property purchasers.
RSVP to Rohana or Rebecca at 03-3343 2228. Venue:
Sales Gallery, Setia Eco Park.
Chap Goh Meh Celebration
Lovely Disabled Home hosting a Chap Goh Meh
celebration to raise awareness of the home tomorrow.
The Lovely Disabled Home website is at http://www.
lovelydisabledhome.com/ and is reachable by phone at
03 7873 9622. Venue: SRJK Yuk Chai, Taman Megah.
Kencana SIC Bikeathon Mass Jamboree
The Jamboree starts at 10am on Sunday with a lap
around the F1 track before taking the participants
another 38km on off-road terrain around the vicinity of
the racing complex. A criterium for the junior category
starts at 2pm and covers five laps of the F1 track.
Everybody will have a chance to win prizes as there will
be lucky draws at the end of the race. The top three
winners will win cash prizes and F1 tickets. Entry to
the jamboree and criterium is RM30 for each category.
There will be no charge for the kids’ event. For more
information, go to Facebook/SIC Bikeathon 2011 or
call Alia from Human Voyage at 03-92229786 or Nizam
of Sepang International Circuit at 03-87782230. Venue:
Sepang International Circuit, Sepang.
Amir Yussof Concert
Performing original works on Feb 21 at 8.30pm. Amir is
the 1996 winner of AIM’s Best English Album of the Year
and has been a familiar name on the local entertainment
scene for the past 23 years. Admission is RM48 for all
seats and RM38 for early birds. Dress code is smart
casual. Venue: Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Level 2,
Tower 2, Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC, Kuala Lumpur.

 married a Hindu.
National Craft Day 2010
Participated by craftsmen from all around Malaysia,
this programme aims to promote and market crafts
and products directly to domestic and international
consumers. Activities include craft sales, exhibitions,
sales missions, fashion shows, cooking demonstrations
and much more. From Feb 23 – March 7 from 10am
to 10pm daily. Admission is free. Venue: Kuala Lumpur
Craft Complex, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur.
MIA Grafine Art & Design Exhibition
Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) holding a Grafine Art
& Design Exhibition, a solo exhibition by Norlisham
Selamat, from Feb 14-Mar 5. Free admission. The
gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm.
to call home
By Alvin Yap
shah alam: A foundation stone marked
the centre of the new Sri Maha Mariamman
temple here and ends the painful relocation
from its former century-old site.
The start of the relocation from Section 19
to its new home at Section 23 last Sunday was
commemorated with a brick-laying ceremony
and closes a controversial chapter in Selangor
which contained racial undertones in 2009.
Worshippers say they now look forward to
serving the needs of the community in the area.
“I am relieved that we finally have a home for
the temple,” said Jayamanalan Suppiah, 59, a
Section 23 resident. He said that the temple,
once built, will also serve as a community centre
especially for Indian youths. “It’s a nice place for
our youth to receive spiritual guidance,” said the
retired aircraft engineer.
Even though the new site is encircled by
factories, Suppiah said the location was quiet
and peaceful enough for devotees to carry out
their religious duties and to attend temple
classes.
“I want to thank the Selangor State Develop-
ment Corporation (PKNS) for giving us the
land,” Suppiah said.
The new temple will also be able to accom-
modate a larger crowd of worshippers as there
is ample parking in the 22,500 sq ft lot.
Temple treasurer R Sugumaran said the new
temple would serve at least 10,000 worshippers
in the area. Although it is not within a residen-
tial area, the temple is less than a 10-minute drive
from surrounding housing areas.
The temple, he added, would also function
as a community hall where the Indian commu-
nity will be able to hold functions like weddings
or seminars.
Lau Peng Lee, 40, said he looked forward to
worshipping in the new Sri Maha Mariamman
temple.
“My heart is glad and peaceful now that I
know can worship here,” said the welder, who
There are also plans to run a kindergarten,
said M. Baskaran of Malaysia Hindu Sangam.
Baskaran, secretary general of the Hindu
Welfare group, said his organisation will assist
the temple committee in setting up a kindergar- lor Dr Xavier Jayakumar. Top: Temple chairman
ten. “I call on PKNS to speed up the move,” Dr R Selvakumaran
officiating at
“Temples, in our view, must be service ori- Xavier said at the brick-laying ceremony.
the brick-laying
ented, providing training and promoting volun- The former estate temple in Section 19 was ceremony for the new
teerism,” he explained. forced to relocate when housing development temple on Sunday.
Sri Maha Mariamman temple is now sprouted around it, creating a Muslim enclave. Bottom: Temple
150-years-old, and as such, will actually not be   Another site at Taman Ixora, Section 23 was committee members
demolished. Instead it will be deconstructed initially chosen but the issue became a political welcoming state
brick by brick and reassembled in its original firestorm for the State Government when a executive councillor
form in Section 23. group used a severed cow’s head to protest the Dr Xavier Jayakumar
The state will assist the committee in the relocation at the State Secretariat building at (left).
monumental effort, said state executive council- the end of Aug 2009.

Forum on elections
and Saturday from 10am to 1pm. Venue: MIA Art
Gallery, 294-299, Jalan Bandar 11, Taman Melawati
53100 Kuala Lumpur. Closed on Sundays and public
holidays. For details, call MIA at 03-41088100 or visit
www.mia.edu.my

Kickboxing sessions
Join YMCA KL to enjoy intense kickboxing sessions.
Classes every Thursday evening and are currently open
for new intake. For more information, contact sports
coordinator Sharon at 03-22741439. Email: sharon@
ymcakl.com or visit www.ymcakl.com Venue: YMCA
of Kuala Lumpur, 95, Jalan Padang Belia, 50470 Kuala
Lumpur.
petaling jaya: Bersih 2.0, the
Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections,
is hosting a public forum with the Elec-
tion Commission (EC) on Feb 21.
The forum, entitled “Moving For-
ward with Electoral Reforms”, will dis-
cuss the amendments the EC has prom-
ised it will make with regards to the
election process to make it more trans-
parent, clean and fair.
Bersih 2.0 chairperson Datuk S Am-
biga will moderate the forum, directing
questions to the panellists and also tak-
ing questions from the floor.
On the panel will be Datuk Wira
Wan Ahmad Wan Omar, the EC depu-
ty chairperson; Dr Wong Chin Huat,
Bersih 2.0 steering committee member;
and Jasmine Ng, chairperson of Grow-
ing Emerging Leaders (GEL).
The forum will be held from 8pm to
10pm with the first half hour reserved
for arrivals, registration and introduc-
tions, and the last one hour and a half
dedicated to the question-and-answer
session.
The forum will be held at Bilik Gera-
kan, First Floor, Majlis Bandaraya Petal-
ing Jaya, Jalan Yong Shook Lin, 46675
Petaling Jaya. Selangor.

By Basil Foo
PUCHONG: A 200-meter road has
been built at the cost of RM526,000
along Persiaran Taman Tasik Prima
(PTTP) to alleviate traffic congestion
and frequent accidents.
“There used to be daily accidents at
the crossroads of Persiaran Puchong
Perdana and Persiaran Taman Tasik
Prima,” said Subang Jaya councillor Ng
Sze Han (right).
  This was caused by vehicles from
both roads merging into a single three-
lane stretch on PTTP with no divider
separating both streams of traffic.
  The absence of traffic lights at the
crossroads also contributed to the acci-
dents and congestion. The situation is
better now after the road was completed
last December.
  “ The project took four months to
complete and the cost included drain-
age, road pavement, road furniture,
electric works, and traffic lights,” said
Ng.
  The missing link was essential after
more than five years of high traffic vol-
ume coming from over 10,000 homes at
the far end of PTTP which leads to
Sepang and Dengkil.
  “Connecting the missing link on this
side leads to the LDP interchange which
the council hasn’t built as we do not have
sufficient funds for the project,” he said.
  “ The total project cost is RM20 mil-
lion and we will be collecting from the
developers of the surrounding housing
areas,” he added.
  Developers have to pay a sum to the
local councils, depending on the scale of
their housing project, for building infra-
news
February 18 — 20, 2011 5
Missing Link Found
structure like roads. This sum is called
“sumbangan infra” or infrastructure
contributions.
  As of last August, the council has
received RM8 million in contributions
from developers and is
still waiting for the sur-
rounding areas to be de-
veloped in order to receive
additional funds.
  “Instead of waiting for
the full amount for the
project, we decided to use
what resources we have to
finish the missing link to New road built to alleviate traffic
solve part of the problem,” congestion along Persiaran Taman
Ng added. Tasik Prima.
USJ residents learn about their rights as citizens
By Alvin Yapi “I am now more aware of my rights as a Sub- Wong, underscored the importance of laws and
ang Jaya resident and also as a Malaysian. It is regulations.
SUBANG JAYA: Residents from USJ were something I feel lacking in present day society, “For anyone in any country, the Constitution
educated on their constitutional rights and how especially among youth,” said Joe Gomez. is the reference point. It is the rule book,” said
the different levels of government function in The workshop at MPSJ Auditorium was Wong, who is the RA Zone 3 secretary.
Malaysia at a Bar Council workshop here last organised by Rishyakaran’s office and the Ma- Wong said the workshop was an opportu-
Sunday. laysian Bar Council’s Campaign for Constitu- nity to ask questions on governance and poli-
“Educating people on the rights granted to tional education, MyConsti. cies.
them in the Constitution is needed for making Yee Siew Meng, 42, said the workshop gave “If we can learn more about how our local
the country a better place, an essence of being him better understanding in discharging his government works, we can solve issues on the
part of a democratic country,” said Subang Jaya duties as a residents association (RA) member. ground by suggesting laws or regulations,” Wong
Municipal councillor (MPSJ) Rajiv Rishya- “I know what the different levels of govern- said, adding that the same concept of problem
karan at the launch of the workshop. ments, and how I can engage them to press them solving should also apply to national issues.
Participants from MPSJ’s Zone 3, compris- to make changes in the law,” said the RA trea- The workshop was attended by 40 partici-
ing USJ2-USJ15, said the workshop created a surer. “I can serve the community to the best of pants from USJ2-USJ15.
better understanding of their rights and duties my ability.” Subang Jaya assemblypersonw Hannah Yeoh
as citizens.  The Constitution, said accountant Elizabeth also took part.
6 ⁄ February 18 – 20,2010 ⁄ SELANGOR TIMES
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news
Housing areas
are like war zones
• From page One
“I want the state assemblypersons here
today to tell MBPJ off that they should be
here to listen to our concerns. Tell them
off,” said Tung, who is the head of All
Petaling Jaya , Selang or Residents
Association Coalition (APAC).
He also called for local councillors to
take up their cause. “If the local councillors
won’t support us, then if [we have] local
council elections, we will vote them out,”
Tung said heatedly.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Tung
told Selangor Times that housing areas had
indeed, the appearance of “war zones”.
“It looks like a warzone, but the crime
rate has dropped and we have peace of
mind,” said Tung, explaining that it was a
short-term solution until the police steps
up patrols in housing areas.
Similarly, said George Chong of Taman
Megah: “We want concentrated security
in our areas, that is static; gated and
guarded structures is the answer.”
Residents singled out the state, saying
Johan Tung
Chance for young
talent to shine
By Basil Foo
PETALING JAYA: The Sweet Obses-
sion of Stuff (SOS 2011) was an extensive
affair with 14 back-to-back performances
by local musicians, film producers, and
photographers.
“There are many young talents in Ma-
laysia who need opportunities to showcase
their abilities and this is intended to be one
of the platforms,” said SOS 2011 organiser
Sim Jia Kent.
  While a large portion of the acts were
indeed undergraduates, highlights of the
night included award-winning singer song-
writer Juwita Suwito and local artiste Reza
Salleh.
  Sim was relieved Suwito responded to
his request to perform at the show will-
ingly, as the show’s budget did not allow
for much compensation for a singer of her
calibre.
  “It is quite a low budget event as we
only charged RM2 per entry. Unfortu-
nately, Malaysians don’t like to pay large
amounts for music events,” he said.
About 150 people packed the Mosaic
the administration was not doing enough
to take their side on the issue of gated and
guarded communities.
As such, residents wanted the state to
enact laws to give local councils - and RAs
especially – the right to maintain gated and
guarded structures.
“[If ] the state can call an emergency
session to change the law to deal with the
appointment of the State Secretary, why
can’t they change the law to provide better
security?” asked Datuk Yew Cheng Hoe,
who represented Damansara Jaya Residents
and Owners Association (DJROA), to
loud applause.
“We will take the barriers down if the
state or Federal government increases po-
lice presence,” said Yew heatedly to state
assemblyperson Elizabeth Wong who was
present.
In reply, Wong, a State Exco member,
reassured residents that MBPJ will not
demolish the gates and barriers.
“There’s a stay on the demolition of
barriers, even permanent structures like
cement-filled drums,” she said.
She said Selangor would look
into local government by-laws and
state law to see if local councils can
be given the power to close roads
for security reasons.
“We are studying the Street,
Drainage and Building Act and will
bring it to Parliament for our MPs
for debate and possible amend-
ments to look into the legality of
gates and guard houses,” Wong said,
urging residents to approach their
Members of Parliament to raise the
issue in Parliament.
Another meeting with elected
officials, local councillors and the
MBPJ is slated for Feb 16. Repre-
sentatives from RAs are advised to
prepare proposed guidelines on
gated communities to be presented
to MBPJ.
Community Studio on the second floor of
Centrepoint Bandar Utama for the event
on Feb 9.
Sim also performed for the night with
his friends in a band called Lyon. The group
has been performing at various shows
around town since mid 2010.
  “Most of the invited performers were
those I met online through YouTube and
from previous shows at places like Frontera
in Jaya One,” he said.
  Performances for the night included
artistes Melinda Wong, Priscillia Xavier,
Jenn Chia, Azim Zain, Alif Azizi, and Soo
Wei Wen, film producers Sundae Produc-
tions, photographer Nicholas Chin, beat-
boxer A Beat C, and bands Decimal and
Traffic Lights.
  Sim and a few friends from Taylor’s
College took two weeks to organise
the inaugural show. He said he was inter-
ested in organising a second show next
year.
  “I will be leaving for Australia to fur-
ther my studies but maybe the next one
could be when I come back for the summer
holidays,” he added.

Mixed
reactions
to proposal
By Alvin Yap
SHAH ALAM: Selangor’s proposal for
auxiliary police to be set up improve security
got mixed reaction from rate-payers.  E m er g en c y,
Residents, on the whole, say that they want
to know more about the proposal before they
can give their opinions.  streets in Pet-
Looi Meng Wai, 55,  a church care taker,
said he welcomed the idea of an auxiliary
police force because the crime rate around his
work-place is high.
“There have been snatch theft cases in the
day time over the past year,” said Looi, whose
office is in Taman Mayang and stays in
nearby Kg Cempaka.
Motorcyclists, he said, would survey the
area looking for victims. Heightened police
presence, he said, would ensure the public’s
safety by keeping would-be criminals at bay.
However, he asked if the auxiliary police
force would have ‘full’ arrest powers of their
own, or if they still needed to be accompanied
by a regular duty police officer.
“Are they like Rela, or like Neighbourhood
Watch (RT)?” he added.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammud-
din Tun Hussein, on Feb 10, had shot down
Selangor’s proposal for the formation of an
auxiliary police force, saying that it was “dis-
respectful” of the police.
He also said that the crime index in Selan-
gor was on the decline.
College lecturer Chong Eu Choong, 40,
said the setting up of an auxiliary police
would help the police force as it had its hand
full in fighting crime.
“The auxiliary police should have proper
and adequate training, together with the right
equipment,” Chong said.
Some rate-payers said the Royal Malaysian
Police should pull more officers from other
duties and place them on patrols.  the Petaling Jaya district alone.
Rennie Martin (right), 73, said: “It is the
duty of the police to provide security. I’m sure
they can arrange their staff to assist in crime
prevention duties.”
The retired teacher, who stays in Petaling
Jaya’s Section 6, said the police should deploy
its famed General Operations Force to patrol
the streets in Selangor.
The paramilitary unit, which dealt with
Unisel gets new chief  
SHAH ALAM: Raja Tan Sri Arshad Tun
Uda is the new chancellor of Universiti In-
dustri Selangor (Unisel).
The director of Sime Darby Bhd takes over
from the  Prime Minister’s wife, Datin Seri
Rosmah Mansor.  ber of Tax Panel
Public Services Department former direc-
tor-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam was named
new pro-chancellor.
State executive councillor for education
Dr Halimah Ali (right), who announced the
appointments on Monday, said they would
take effect on Feb 21.  Communication
“The new appointments go to show that
we do not want to politicise the education
system in Selangor and are also in response
to the suggestion by Unisel students who
news
february 18 — 20, 2011 7
Commun ist
insurgents
during the
Malayan
should be
“walking the Adnan bidding farewell to his colleagues from MPSJ yesterday.
a l i n g Ja y a”,
Martin said.
He sug -
Adnan bids farewell to MPSJ
gested the po- By Basil Foo work,” he said.
lice return to In his speech before councillors and about
“walking the SUBANG JAYA: A farewell ceremony was 500 council staff, he encouraged them to be
beat”, that is conducting foot patrols in hous- held for outgoing Subang Jaya Municipal helpful. He said he managed to work well with
ing and commercial areas. Council (MPSJ) president Datuk Adnan the people.
“We feel more secure when we see police Mohd Ikhsan on Wednesday. He also congratulated the council’s Revenue
conducting foot patrols near us,” Martin said. “I hope everyone will cooperate with the Department for collecting more than 95 per
In relation to the crime rate, citizens have new president and that MPSJ will continue to cent of their targeted revenue for 2010, exceed-
also asked authorities to go to the heart of the improve,” said Adnan. ing the state’s target of 70 per cent.
problems, which are the socio-economic is- He was appointed deputy secretary general “MPSJ still has some areas to improve on
sues like lack of education and poverty. of the Federal Territory Ministry on Feb 14. like the working relationships with outside
“Firstly, we have to ask if there’s poverty or He described the appointment as a promo- agencies like the Real Estate and Housing
hardship that is causing people to resort to tion and admitted that he appreciated the Developers Association of Malaysia,” he said.
petty theft,” said social worker Lee Soo Choo. honour of getting such a job. On his relationship with the local council-
She said the authorities should look fur- “I was quite surprised at the sudden appoint- lors, he said that there were initial tensions but
ther into alleviating poverty by carrying out ment and have not finished many projects. So after having worked with them for the past two
studies on crime and poverty. She suggested I might return to MPSJ for a week to finish my years, conditions had improved.
that ‘micro-loans’ be given to poor families.
“Poverty breeds poverty and that causes a
host of problems like crime,” Lee concluded.
Some rate-payers were sceptical that crime
rate can be lowered with the formation of an
auxiliary police force.
Johan Tung Abdullah said the additional
number of officers would not  be enough to
cover Petaling Jaya, let alone Selangor.
“200 extra police for the whole of Petaling
Jaya isn’t enough; you will end up with
maybe two police officers for one Residence
Association area the size of Damansara Jaya,”
said Tung, adding that there were 52 RAs in
In relation to the issue of security and
crime prevention, some rate-payers want their
gated and guarded schemes to remain, instead
of an auxiliary police force.
“Instead of an auxilliary police, we want
concentrated security in our areas that is
static. Gated and guarded structures are the
answer to keeping crime index low,” said
George Chong of Taman Megah.
want a non-politi-
cian as chancellor,”
she said. 
Raja Arshad is
also a panel mem-
Review, chairman
of the Raja Muda
Selangor Founda-
tion, a member of
th e Ma l ay s i a n
Multimedia and
Commission and Fellow of Accredited Insti-
tute of Accountants England and Wales.
Ismail had served as secretary-general of
the Health Ministry.
8
news
february 18 — 20, 2011

‘No graft in waste tender’

By Alvin Yap
SUBANG JAYA: Local coun-
cillors from the Subang Jaya Mu-
nicipal Council (MPSJ) have re-
futed graft allegations in its open
tender process for waste manage-
ment.
“Since we launched the open
tender, we’ve received 7,813 bids
from 1,124 companies,” said coun-
cillor Pooi Weng Keong, at a press
conference here on Monday.
Using the statistic as an example,
Pooi said that certain parties would
be aggrieved at failing to secure the
lucrative contract worth RM25,000
a month for a duration of two years.
“The parties that failed to secure
the contracts are complaining that
they lost out because of bribes or
abuse of the tender system, but the
selection is open,” Pooi said.
Councillors going through the tender documents.
Pooi said MPSJ’s tender selection
committee will judge applicants
based on their capacity, competence,
assets, equipment and experience.
MPSJ, he explained, will vet the
sub-contractors based on their staff,
equipment and track record while
the state economic planning unit
(UPEN) will check the financial
records. “This way, we can check if
they are shell companies and also if
they have the right equipment and
vehicles to carry out sanitation
work,” explained Pooi.
Alam Flora will still manage the
sub-contractors, but MPSJ will di-
rectly select the companies.
The open tender system will save
MPSJ RM3.5 million a year in its
health and sanitation budget.
“This is based on the bidders tell-
ing us how much they are offering
to get the job done; some have said
they can do the job at a lower price
than others,” said councillor Dr Loi
Kheng Min, explaining that some
companies won the bids based on
their competitive pricing.
Dr Loi said MBPJ was looking at
ways to save costs, as health and
sanitation accounted for a third of
its yearly operating budget. There
are 61 contracts for rubbish collec-
tion and 180 contracts for sanita-
tion services in the MPSJ area.

Wet do brings
neighbours closer
By William Tan
SERI KEMBANGAN: Heavy
rain might have affected the turnout
at Seri Kembangan’s Chinese New
Year festival on Sunday but it did not
dampen the mood.
More than 400 residents turned
up to partake of the free food and
the entertainment provided by chil-
dren and residents.  tunity to see if people around the
“This is my second time I have
attended this event, me and my fam-
ily were invited by our friends,” said
Perumal Murugasau, a resident of
two decades.
The pensioner said the event was
a good way to meet his Chinese
Yeoh addressing problems faced by restaurant owners. friends and bring the community
closer.
Lai Yok Long, who is also a resi-
dent of 20 years, echoed the same
sentiments.  
The 63-year-old local leader was
seen making preparations before the
arrival of Serdang Member of Parlia-
ment Teoh Nie Ching and Seri
Kembangan assemblyman Ean Yong
Hian Wah.
“These events are a good oppor-
area are driving even bigger cars,” Lai
quipped.
“The rain really affected us but I
am not too bothered by it, that just
happens sometimes,” said Subang
Jaya councillor Loka Ng Sai Kai, 46,
who was one of the organisers.
The funds for the annual event
were allocated by Teo and Ean Yong.

Restaurateurs air grouses

By Basil Foo
Subang jaya: Thirty restaurateurs here aired
their complaints regarding longstanding cleanliness,
licensing and summons issues with local authorities at
a meeting on Feb 14.
“One of our problems is officers inspecting our
premises during peak hours like lunch time,” said Petal-
ing Jaya Coffee shop Association vice-president Danny
Lim.
Lim, who also runs the Bandar Sunway Ming Tien
restaurant, said even highly accredited hotels would
have less than pristine hygienic conditions during peak
hours.
Another point of contention was about the place-
ment of tables and chairs on sidewalks and parking lots
bordering the restaurants and coffee shops.
Lim said they were initially allowed to apply for the
placement of tables outside their premises but only a
few outlets in Subang Jaya had their applications ap-
proved.
“There is also the slow approval process for putting
promotional banners in our shops. By the time they get
approved, the promotions would have already been
over,” said Lim.
“We are requesting that the council grant a blanket
approval for all promotional banners hung up on our
premises,” he added.
Lim also related instances when enforcement offic-
ers would repeatedly insist on checking whether his
shops had renewed their licences.
Subang Jaya assemblywoman Hannah Yeoh, who
attended the meeting, said Majlis Perbandaran Subang
Jaya had formed a subcommittee to tackle these issues.
“The subcommittee will convene next week to-
gether with councillors, restaurant representatives and
enforcement officers to review unfair summonses issued
during peak hours,” said Yeoh.
She said the time of summonses issued would be
taken into account and advised restaurateurs to check
the time written by enforcement officers on the fines.
Yeoh added that there could not be a blanket ap-
proval for banners in shops as the council would still
have to check the contents of the banners to see if they
were fit for public viewing.
Addressing the placement of tables and chairs, MPSJ
councillor Pooi Weng Keong said restaurateurs could
put them along sidewalks from 6pm to 12am.
“The licence is RM30 per table monthly, or RM1 per
table daily. It is only allowed on sidewalks so long as
they do not block people, and not on carparks,” said
Pooi.
He also said licence officers were supposed to check
outlets only once a year and restaurateurs should report
to MPSJ if they were being checked repeatedly and
solicited for bribes. Perumal Murugasau at the Chinese New Year function.
 news
february 18 — 20, 2011 9

Funds for community policing

By Basil Foo
SHAH ALAM: The Petaling Jaya City
Council (MBPJ) will provide funds of up to
RM5,000 to each rukun tetangga associa-
tion and residents association for facilitating
community policing programmes.
“The allocations are for the over 200 rukun
tetangga and residents associations in Petaling
Jaya,” said Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman.
The Petaling Jaya mayor told reporters at
the launch of a disabled-friendly park on Feb
12 that the policy announcement has been
made and residents could begin to apply.
The council would then judge the applica-
tions based on the residents’ patrolling plans
before giving approval.
“They will also have to make known what
they intend to spend the money on, such as
flashlights, batons, and reflective jackets,” he
said.
Under the community policing pro-
gramme, residents will receive their training
and patrolling guidelines from the police.
“The police will then check on the residents
to ensure that the guidelines are being adhered
to,” he said.
He said the funds were initially intended
for an auxiliary police force but since the state
did not receive approval for it, the funds were
now being diverted to community policing
programmes.
The state’s requests to the Home Ministry
for granting local council officers limited
police powers to prevent crimes since July last
year was rejected by the Federal Government.

10,000
turn up
for state
CNY do
By Basil Foo

KAJANG: About 10,000 people

attended Selangor’s annual Chinese
New Year carnival in Jalan Sulaiman
last Saturday.
“This carnival has managed to show
the cooperation between government
and non-governmental bodies as part
of an effort to develop the Kajang com-
munity,” said Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.
Guests of all ages were entertained
with performances, some of which
included a Chinese orchestra, “Diab- Top: Khalid,
olo” jugglers, and Chinese drummers, state
who were from SMJK Yu Hua. executive
councillors
The Menteri Besar reminded the and event
people of Selangor to use opportuni- organisers
ties like this to work together as a extending
family for the success of the state. their wishes.
He also touched on the RM1 mil-
lion allocations to state assemblyper-
sons for repairing roads and hoped that
the funds would go to where they are
needed.
“I hope that in February, the states Right: Khalid
of Selangor, Penang , Kedah, and meeting well-
Kelantan can meet to discuss pro- wishers at the
grammes to lighten the burden of ris- celebration.
ing prices through market interven-
tion,” he added.

Hearty meal for less fortunate

By Alicia Mun
subang jaya: About 150
residents from  eight welfare
homes were treated to a grand
luncheon at Empire Hotel ball-
room last Saturday.
The event for orphans, senior
citizens and single mothers
was  organised by local elected
leaders in conjunction with the
Lunar New Year celebration.
State executive councillor Te-
resa Kok also presented dona-
tions totaling RM4,000 to the
homes.
“This year, we decided not to
host an open house in order to
save money to be donated to the
less fortunate because it is more
meaningful,” said the Kinrara
assemblywoman. The eight
homes which received RM500
each were Destiny Starting Point,
House of Joy, Malaysian Spring
Single Mother’s Society, Pertubu-
han Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak
Selangor, Pertubuhan Kebajikan
Yesuvin Mahligai, Rumah Charis,
Rumah Shalom, and The Salva-
tion Army.
Puchong MP Gobind Singh
Deo said the event was part of the
state’s efforts to ensure every one
has an opportunity to celebrate
the occasion. 
Destiny Starting Point home
co-ordinator Julian Amaarjeet
said the boys from the shelter
were very happy to attend the
luncheon. 
“We feel blessed and we truly
appreciate this donation from the
state government,” he added.
Subang Jaya assemblywoman
Hannah Yeoh and Pas Puchong
chief Sufyan Ismail were  also
present at the event. Senior citizens enjoying the delicious spread at the luncheon.
10
News
February 18 — 20, 2011
Disabled-friendly
park opened in PJ
By Basil Foo
PETALING JAYA: A park in
Section 6 here had its facilities
upgraded to become the first of-
ficial park catering for disabled
residents needs.
“The walkways were installed
with blind-friendly tac-tiles, paths
were made disabled-friendly, and
the entrance is now wheelchair-
friendly,” said Petaling Jaya coun-
cillor Anthony Sivabalan during a
simple ceremony to launch the
facilities last Saturday.
Additional features of the one-
acre-sized park include lighting at
night, barriers to stop motorcycles
from entering, and a sign to indi-
cate the wheelchair entrance.
“At one point or another every- Sivabalan: Wheelchair friendly.
one will become old and disabled,
but that doesn’t mean we should
be excluded from life,” said Anthony, who has been us- residents to take care of the park.
ing a wheelchair for 40 years.
Lim Chee Hoong, a 48-year old disabled resident izing and throwing rubbish. Elders should admonish
said, “The upgrades look very good. It should be better and teach the younger ones not to do so,” she said.
for us when we want to visit this park.”
Gurdip Kaur, who visits the park occasionally said, the local council as their officers could not be every-
“I am quite impressed with the changes made. But I’m where at once, and to call their 24-hour hotline at 03-
not happy because there is only one entrance for wheel- 79542020.
By William Tan
PETALING JAYA: A refuge for the
disabled - the Lovely Disabled Home
(LDH) – needs greater awareness and
support for their work.
Located on Jalan SS 2/5, the home is
both the residence and workplace to some
30 special individuals but space is fast
running out and there are mounting bills
to be paid.
“Sometimes I wish there was more
being done formally by the government.
At the moment we are running mainly on
the goodwill of local businesses” said
LDH committee member, Andy Chan,
41.
The home needs around RM8,000 for
its monthly expenses.
The home does manage to generate
some of its own income by having those
under its care perform simple tasks such
as recycling newspapers or card boxes, and
occasionally packing products for local
businesses.
The simple work allows participants
to exercise motor skills and socialise, and
is a precious opportunity to Tan Lay
Beng, 44.
“My 17-year old daughter is disabled,
spastic and confined to a wheelchair.
Thus, this home is a big help to me and
her, as it gives her a chance to work and
allows me to better manage her fits when
she is here,” said the homemaker.
Tan said her daughter helps to pack
newspapers into 4kg bundles which the
home sells at 40 cents per bundle.
Tan also volunteers at the home by
managing its accounts, and she wishes the
home will one day be able to afford its
own premises.
On Saturday, Petaling Jaya Utara
Know Your
Councillor: Edward
Ling Sieak Meeng
By Yasleh Hani Mat Yassin no guidelines on such situations
where houses are turned into hos-
chairs. Maybe they could up- SUBANG JAYA: At 29, Edward tels. Ling said a sub-committee was
grade both entrances.” Ling Sieak Meeng is among the recently formed, headed by the
Despite precautionary mea- youngest of councillors. But he MPSJ president, to look at regulat-
sures by the local council, doesn’t feel his age is an issue as far ing this practice.
nearby residents were called as the job is concerned. Besides this concern, Ling is also
upon to keep an eye on the “The Prime Minister himself was aiming to shorten the length of time
state of the park to prevent already a deputy minister at age 25. taken to get business license approv-
vandalism. If he can serve as a minister at that als.
“The problem used to be age than I don’t see why He is also trying to
motorcycles running their at 29 I can’t do a good get more MPSJ services
tyres on the ground and dam- job as councillor,” said online so that the public
aging the soil,” said Datuk Ling. do not need to be physi-
Mohamad Roslan Sakiman. A graduate of Monash cally present at the
The Petaling Jaya mayor said University, Australia, MPSJ headquarters to
residents from the surrounding Ling is serving his first conduct transactions.
400 homes should monitor the term with the Subang Jaya Ling finds it benefi-
park and report to the council Municipal Council cial and important to
if any vandalism or rubbish (MPSJ). attend all council meet-
dumping occurs. Currently, he is fo- ings because he feels the
Selangor executive council- cused on addressing housing issues views of the people are best heard in
lor Elizabeth Wong, who was in the Sunway area where houses are these forums. The meetings help
also present at the launch, being turned into hostels for stu- him stay up to date with issues when
handed over a certificate to dents attending Sunway University dealing with ratepayers, he said.
College and Taylor’s College. Being a councillor is anything
“Malaysians seem to have an innate gift of vandal- Residents in the area are com- but ordinary, Ling added
plaining that the makeshift hostels When not busy at his job at a
are overcrowded and the occupants information technology company
She urged the community to be the eyes and ears of noisy. Another complaint is the lack or attending to his duties as council-
of parking space as a result of the lor, Ling enjoys doing outdoor ac-
hostels. tivities like hiking and playing
Ling said that so far, MPSJ has badminton.
Lovely Disabled
Home perseveres
(From Left)
Tan, Pua
and home
director K (From Left) LDH committee members Andy
K Lum. Chan and Cecilia Chen standing in front of the
newspapers the home recycles.
Member of Parliament Tony Pua ap- mittee. 
plauded the efforts of the home during The home expects as many as 450
a visit. people who have committed to attend
“By offering work, you not only re- the event, which is higher than the
store their self-confidence and dignity original goal of 300.
but also it allows the disabled to claim However, Tan admits they are still
subsidies from the government,” said short of RM10,000 of the RM 30,000
Pua. for the event, but he has faith that they
To raise awareness, the home will will be able to collect it before the event.
host a Chap Goh Meh celebration to- “I believe people do care, and having
morrow. this event that allows us to share our
The event will be held at SRJK Yuk lives and cultures. It may well lead to
Chai, Taman Megah. It has been held more and better partnerships in the
annually for the past five years to cele- future,” he added.
brate the lives of the residents of the The home does hold numerous fun-
home.  draising events throughout the year.
“It entirely for them, we won’t even Lovely Disabled Home was first es-
collect any money on the day of the tablished in November 2005. More
event and the event itself is free, though information about the home can be
people may give them ang pow,” said Tan found at  http://www.lovelydisabled- (From Left) Tan Lay Beng and her daughter Phua
Joo Gin, chairperson of the LDH com- home.com/ or by calling 03-7873 9622. Yan Shuen at Lovely Disabled Home.

Tripping Zero 3
Sharyn Shufiyan
S
hah Alam, tainted by cringe-
worthy events such as Teoh
Beng Hock’s death and the
cow head protest, is actually a very
pretty place. It was a real joy driving
past public parks and rows of shady
trees and flower bushes that line the
roads on my way to the Sultan Alam
Shah Museum, also known as the
Selangor State Museum.
My previous visits to Shah Alam
were clouded by frustration over
notorious roundabouts and useless
signboards that marred its beauty.
Now that I’m slightly more familiar
with the roads, the capital city ap-
peared to me in a different light.
The Selangor Museum was first
established in 1899 at the site where
the current National Museum
stands in Kuala Lumpur. Before it
was bombed during World War II,
the building was a typical colonial
building, unlike the Minangkabau
structure we see today.
I was surprised to discover that
some of the artifacts saved from the
bombing were moved to Convent
Bukit Nanas - my former school,
while others were moved to the
Taiping Museum in Perak. After
independence, then Prime Minister
Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj
commissioned Ho Kok Hoe to
design a new museum with a more
local flavour.
The museum was completed in
1963 and became the National
Museum. It continued to be owned
by Selangor until Feb 1 1974, when
Kuala Lumpur was declared a Fed-
eral Territory.
The blue brother to the National
Museum, the Sultan Alam Shah
Museum, was inaugurated in 1989
by Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Abdul
Aziz Shah Al-Haj and named in
honour of the 6th Sultan of Selan-
gor, Sultan Hishamuddin Alam
Shah Al-Haj.
The museum is compartmental-
ised into five galleries; history, cul-
ture, sports, Islamic and natural
history. I thoroughly enjoyed the
section on Selangor history, refresh-
ing my memory of its past and pick-
ing up new information, such as
detailed demographic and territo-
rial histories of Selangor’s nine dis-
tricts - Gombak, Hulu Langat, Hulu
The gallery on culture.
Museum Dialogue
In 1824, the
population of
Selangor was
estimated to be
6000 and by 1891,
the population
grew to more
than 81,000, with
the migration
of Chinese and
Indian settlers due
to the booming
economy of
trade, mining
and plantations.
Situated on
the west coast
of Peninsular
Malaysia,
Selangor was
an ideal trading
ground.”
Selangor, Kuala Selangor, Kuala
Langat, Klang, Petaling, Sabak Ber-
nam and Sepang.
Selangor’s origins in record could
date back to the 15th century, when
it was ruled by the Sultanate of
Malacca and the people were Mi-
nangkabau settlers from Sumatra.
The sultanate was taken over by the
Bugis in 1740, whose lineage con-
tinues till this day.
In 1824, the population of Sel-
angor was estimated to be 6000 and
by 1891, the population grew to
more than 81,000, with the migra-
tion of Chinese and Indian settlers
due to the booming economy of
trade, mining and plantations. Situ-
ated on the west coast of Peninsula
Malaysia, Selangor was an ideal
trading ground.
I moved on to the natural history
gallery and was curious to see how
they would organise knowledge re-
garding this area. It wasn’t much of
a surprise to find that the natural
history gallery was the saddest part
of the museum.
The space was occupied by noth-
ing more than a section on PERH-
ILITAN and threatened species,
The entrance to Sultan Alam Shah Museum.
some types of birds, some preserved
animals in jars, a bunch of rocks on
display (okay, fancy mineral rocks.)
and some fruits. Yes, fruits. It was a
bit too much to expect a section on
Darwin’s evolution theory but there
was not even an attempt for taxon-
omy nor explanations on research
and development of natural history
in Malaysia and information on the
displays was appalling
(Bird one: Mynah. Bird two:
Hornbill.)
As I made my way out, I stepped
into the Islamic gallery. I was im-
pressed by the model of the Blue
Mosque - no doubt it is a magnifi-
cent architecture, but not so much
on the biographies of the Selangor
Mufti and the “Digression in Islam”
section where confiscated goods
such as a shirt adorned with the
words ‘Allah’ in Arabic and various
charms were displayed. I can appre-
ciate the focus on Islam but I ques-
tion the omitted, deliberately or not,
heritage of our Hindu past as I feel
it is equally important.
I’m bringing up this issue because
Some of the artifacts on display.
cultural and historical institutions
such as museums carry the weight of
representation and can play a more
a c t i v e r o l e i n e n c o ur a g i n g
understanding and dialogue – the
exhibitions are in themselves, a
dialogue.
It was a real shame that such in-
cidents like the cow head protest
have to happen in the first place;
because not only was it an insult to
the Hindus, it was an insult to the
Malay heritage. The Hindu roots of
the Malay culture are a blind spot
that we fail to acknowledge and re-
spect, yet throughout the displays in
the museum we see hints of it, such
as the use of kendi, a word derived
from Sanskrit Kundika to mean a
water container and was a common
attribute for Hindu deities such as
Brahma.
In relation to art museums spe-
cifically, Alain de Botton wrote,
“While exposing us to objects of
genuine importance, they neverthe-
less seem incapable of adequately
linking these objects to the needs of
our souls.”
But I wish to extend his state-
ment to include historical accounts,
artifacts and cultural traditions that
Views 11
February 18 — 20, 2011
in their own right, could potentially
guide us to being better citizens, as
we claim ownership of our past,
present and future. Drawing on
Hegel’s definition of art, de Botton
asserted that “Good art is the sensu-
ous presentation of those ideas
which matter most to the proper
functioning of our souls, and yet
which we are most inclined to for-
get.” Like the kendi, a simple artifact
reminds us of our relationship with
the Sanskrit language, the Hindu
culture that we’ve inherited and the
bond that Malaysians across eth-
nicities share. We do not exist in
isolation from each other but in rela-
tion to each other.
The way we organise our muse-
ums, state level or national, should
move away from just presenting the
past but to actively contribute to the
development of a thinking and
progressive society.
The verdict? The Sultan Alam
Shah Museum is in dire need of a
curator who is not ancient.
Sharyn Shufiyan works with an organisa-
tion working to promote environmental
and social sustainability. Sometimes you
can find her sitting in a coffee shop with
her nose plastered to a book.
12
insight
febrUARY 18 — 20, 2011

State gives free breast cancer screening

A little-know programme by the state government
is Mammogram Selangor (MammoSel) which
provides free breast cancer screening for women.
It was started in mid-2010 and has since benefited
more than 3,600 women in the state as of January
2011.
Under the programme, women above 35 years
old, either born in Selangor or who have resided in
the state for more than 10 years, can register for
the free screening at their state assemblyperson’s
under MammoSel.
At the centre, the women are given a briefing on
breast cancer. A video of how the mammogram is
done – compressing and x-raying the breasts – is
also shown to them.
“Those who had never done mammogram
before might be scared,” said S. Anjalai, a senior
nurse at the centre. She said the compression
might be a bit painful but most participants are
able to tolerate it.
referred to government hospitals.
So far, 41 patients have been referred to
government hospitals with seven confirmed to be
diagnosed with breast cancer.
Anjalai said some patients did not want to know
if they had cancer, and refused to go hospitals for
fear of what they might find out.
Despite that, the centre keeps in touch with the
patients and encourages them to follow through
with the referrals.

cancer
office.
“We picked breast cancer screening over other
screenings like pap smear (for cervical cancer)
because breast cancer is the number one cancer
among women,” said Rodziah Ismail, the state
executive councillor in charge of women’s affairs.
Although the programme is for all women
regardless of their economic status, Rodziah
expects it to benefit women from the low-income
group, in particular.
Indeed, most programme participants whom
Selangor Times spoke to admitted that they would
never have done a mammogram if they had not
signed up for MammoSel.
A mammogram would usually cost RM150 to
RM200 and women above 40, who are at higher
By Gan Pei Ling and Yasleh risk of getting breast cancer, should ideally do a
mammogram every one to two years.
Hani Mat Yassin “Awareness is insufficient if women cannot
Anjalai’s job at the centre also allows her to   Currently, the most
counsel the women and answer some of their active state constituencies under MammoSel are
varied questions.  Batu Caves, Selat Klang, Teluk Datuk, Sri Serdang
“Some have asked me how to make their and Gombak Setia, among others. Rodziah noted
breasts bigger, others have asked if they should that five out of the ten most active constituencies
wear bras with wire,” she said.  are under Barisan Nasional assemblypersons.
She has told them that plastic surgery is “We don’t discriminate,” she stressed.
definitely not an advisable method to enlarge one’s Each of the 56 constituencies in Selangor are
breasts and under-wire bras are fine as long as allocated 1,000 women participants per year, and
they are not too tight. the state aims to screen 56,000 women every year.
After the briefing, participants are called one Rodziah added that Selangor’s programme
by one, beginning with the eldest, to do a clinical is benchmarked against the National Population
breast examination by the nurse before proceeding and Family Development Board’s MammoSubsidi
with the mammogram. A movie is screened in the programme.
waiting hall for the others while they wait. Under MammoSubsidi, Malaysian women
During the examination, the nurse asks each only have to pay a minimal fee of RM50 for a
participant about their family history of breast mammogram but the state decided to go a step
cancer, whether they have breastfed before, and further and provide it for free to Selangor women
if they have taken hormone pills like birth control above 35.

A
lmost all of us know or have heard of a
friend or relative affected by breast can-
cer. One of the most common cancers
among women, it is also one of the most surviv-
able, if detected early. And thanks to modern x-
ray technology, it is now possible to detect breast
cancer even before any lumps are felt by touch.
But what happens when the cancer is discov-
ered? Not all women opt to have it removed, as
Selangor Times discovers in one the following
interviews. Women vary in their reactions and
way of coping with the disease.
Michelle (pseudonym), 47, was saved by early
detection through mammography. Her lump was
so small she probably would not have been able
to detect it through self-examination.
“It was about the size of a green bean,” said
the homemaker from Rawang who requested
anonymity because she does not want more
friends to know about her condition apart from
those who already do.
Friends told her about Selangor’s free mam-
mogram programme for women above 35.
Michelle signed up last July.
“In hindsight, I was lucky my friends told me
about the programme and asked me to join,” said
Michelle, whose mother had also been diagnosed
with breast cancer earlier.
Michelle was referred to the Sungai Buloh
Hospital and the biopsy subsequently confirmed
that the bean-size lump in her breast was cancer-
ous. She underwent surgery to remove the lump
at private hospital Gleneagles in Kuala Lumpur
as she did not want to wait for a few months at
the Sungai Buloh Hospital.
“I just wanted to get it over and done with,”
said the working-class parent, who had to borrow
money from her siblings to cover the RM10,000
Toothpaste,
facial
cleaner, hair
and body
shampoo...
Nor Fadilah
has been
using
products
with lingzhi
in the hope
of curing
her breast
cancer.
bill for surgery.
Post-surgery, she continues radiotherapy
treatment to destroy any remaining cancer cells in
her breasts and has to take medicine for the next
five years to prevent the cancer from recurring.
To save cost, Michelle did not continue her
treatment at Gleneagles but is currently going
through radiotherapy at Tung Shin Hospital in
KL and getting her medicine for free from Sungai
Buloh Hospital.
The mother of four no longer wears fitting
clothes now as she is afraid that it would reveal
her breasts which are no longer of the same size.
“There’s a special type of bra, but we can’t afford
it,” said Michelle, who had lost around 8kg after
she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Nurse S Anjalai (right) with patient Teh Khon You.
ings as often as before.”
Michelle also no longer plays badminton now.
Fortunately, her family has been very support-
The non-smoker and non-drinker is also keeping
ive and Michelle also found comfort by sharing
to a stricter diet, eating mainly vegetables and
stories with other cancer patients at the treatment
fish. “I haven’t had any chicken since the surgery.
centre. “They also have a counseling session for
Sometimes I would let myself have some pork,
but only occasionally,” she added. cancer patients every Tuesday afternoon at Sun-
gai Buloh Hospital but I have to fetch my son to
Michelle admitted that she was very scared
his tuition class so I can’t make it.
at the beginning when she was diagnosed with
breast cancer and suffered sleepless nights.“But I would really like to join a support
group, I think only a cancer patient could
“I used to cry…The first time I stepped into
truly empathise with another cancer patient
the cancer treatment centre at Tung Shin Hos-
and fully understand what she’s going through,”
pital for radiotherapy, seeing the word ‘cancer’,
said Michelle.
I couldn’t really accept it [that I was a patient],”
Compared to Michelle, Yeoh Lai Choo, 61,
recounted Michelle, who initially also found the
daily medicine repulsive. was more fortunate as she had insurance to cover
most of her treatment costs.
She also did not tell her friends about her
The homemaker from Teratai was also di-
disease until after her surgery
agnosed with early stage breast cancer last July
and became a little anti-
after a lump was found in her breast through a
social: “I didn’t want friends
mammogram. She later removed part of her right
to visit, and didn’t feel like
breast at Pantai Hospital in Bangsar.
going out to join their gather-
Yeoh said the surgery cost about
RM3,000. She continues her treat-
The doctor told ment at Hospital Universiti Ke-
me as long as I finish bangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) in-
stead of Pantai Hospital to save
the chemotherapy costs. The following six sessions of
and radiotherapy, I’ll chemotherapy cost would cost her
be able to outlive the another RM3,000 but she said the
cancer for another same would cost ten times more at
10 years. The most Pantai Hospital.
important thing is not lossLike others, she suffered from hair
after the chemotherapy sessions
to give up hope.” and usually wears a scarf now to cover
her head.
afford the screening, and early detection and pills. These questions help identify a person’s risk For now, awareness about the programme is
treatment can help save lives,” said Rodziah. of breast cancer. spread mainly through word of mouth. Hopefully,
After registering at their state assemblyperson’s Participants are also taught how to do breast as more get to know about it, MammoSel can help
office, the women would be fetched at an examinations by themselves and are urged to do it prevent breast cancer in more women.
arranged date from the office to the Forrest every month, and to teach their daughters as well.
Medical Centre, a diagnostic centre in Kepong. The mammogram results are out after about *Note: The Forrest Medical Centre does not
The centre has been operating for four years and two weeks. A follow-up breast ultrasound is done take walk-in participants. Interested women
is located next to the Kepong Carrefour. The state for patients with suspicious or abnormal findings. who are above 35 must register with their state
government pays the centre RM90 per screening Those suspected of breast cancer are further assemblyperson’s office to sign up for MammoSel.
“There’s nothing to be ashamed of,” she said.
The mother of two used to work as a babysit-
ter but stopped after being diagnosed with breast high blood pressure after using these products.
cancer. “Now I no longer have an income, I have She has heard that cancer as well as leukemia
to be thriftier lah,” said Yeoh, whose husband is patients have recovered after consuming these Mammogram participants.
a retiree. products.
The outgoing and cheerful lady remains If she could afford it, Nor Fadilah said she
hopeful that she w ill be able to recover from the would buy the lingzhi tablets, which cost RM310
disease. “The doctor told me as long as I finish the per bottle with 60 tablets. But one bottle has
chemotherapy and radiotherapy, I’ll be able to to be consumed in three days and her husband Things you should know about breast cancer
outlive the cancer for another 10 years. The most cannot afford to buy her ten bottles, amounting
Around one in 20 Malaysian women has a risk of getting breast cancer. All women above
important thing is not to give up hope,” she said. to RM3,100, every month. the age of 20 are at risk, but the risk increases with age.
While Michelle and Yeoh used Western Nor Fadilah used to sell kuih and sew clothes
medicine to treat breast cancer, Nor Fadilah to complement the family’s income but she no Other risk factors include:
Puteh from Bukit Beruntung is putting her faith longer has the energy to do so. Her husband, • Family history – Women who have family member(s) who has breast cancer are at higher
in Chinese traditional medicine using lingzhi, a an army retiree, is relying on his pension and risk
kind of mushroom. making handicrafts to sustain their family of six. • Early menstruation (before the age of 12) or late menopause (after the age of 50)
Nor Fadilah, 49, spends a few hundred ring- Their eldest daughter is already married, but the • Never having a full-term pregnancy or giving birth after the age of 30
git a month on direct sales products, including second child is still in college and another three • Not having breastfed
coffee and personal care products, made with are still in school.
• A diet high in fat and low in fibre
lingzhi extract. Nor Fadilah joined the state’s free mammo-
She consumes six packets of the coffee a day gram programme after discovering a lump in her • Obesity in post-menopausal years
which adds up to around nine boxes costing breast through self-examination. • Excessive alcohol consumptions
RM295 per month. On top of that, Nor Fadilah More than 3,600 women have been screened Despite what some people believe, tight-fitting or underwire bra does not cause breast
also uses lingzhi-based products like toothpaste,
facial cleaner, hair and body shampoo.
since the state-sponsored mammogram pro-
gramme started last June. The free screenings are
cancer, neither do the fondling of breasts.
Breast cancer is curable and there are methods of early detections. Women below 35
“I feel my lump is smaller now,” said the conducted by Forrest Medical Centre in Kepong. are advised to do a breast self-examination every month. For women above 35, breast
homemaker, who is reluctant to remove her left Of the 3,600 screened, 41 were referred to hos- examination by a doctor every year is recommended. But the best method to detect breast
cancer before any lumps can be felt is via mammogram.
breast and is confident that she can recover by pitals for suspected breast cancer and seven were When doing self-examination, women should look out for lumps, bleeding or discharge
using these products. affirmative cases while two were benign lumps. from the nipple, change in the breast’s shape or skin. Not all lumps are cancerous, but do
“The doctor from Sungai Buloh Hospital S Anjalai, coordinator of the programme at see the doctor if you notice any unusual changes in your breasts.
had called me many times since last year, asking
me when would I do the surgery to remove the
the centre, is tasked to follow-up with patients.
The senior nurse said she has been trying to
The earlier a breast cancer is detected, the higher the chances of recovery. Treatment
may usually involve a combination of surgery (partial or total removal of breast tissue),
lump…I told him I’m still considering,” she said. convince Nor Fadilah to accept modern treat- radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
She said she no longer suffers migraines and ment to no avail. For more information, visit www.breastcancer.org.my and www.makna.org.my/breastcancer.asp.
14
VIews
February 18 — 20, 2011

Flight From
Incheon
By Avie Azis

I
n the week leading up to Valentine’s Day,
LoyarBurok (www.loyarburok.com)
hosted a series of posts on love – all kinds
of love. “Flight From Incheon” by Avie Azis
ran in three parts; below is an excerpt from
the series. To read the posts in full, and to view
the rest of the posts in the #LoyarBerkasih
series, go to http://www.loyarburok.com/
tag/loyarberkasih/.
NOT long after I moved to KL, I came to
know a Burman refugee named Zaw. Well,
that wasn’t really his name, it was an alias. I Some
Ask Lord Bobo is a weekly column by refugee
never knew his real name. LoyarBurok (www.loyarburok.com) children of
Others called him Ko Zaw. I referred to where all your profound, Burma in
him as the General, after General Than Shwe, abstruse, erudite, hermetic, recondite, a crowded
the untouchable head of the ruling military sagacious, and other thesaurus- detention
government in Burma. Ko Zaw did have this described queries are answered! cell in
uncanny resemblance to the junta leader. Mae Sot,
Minus the uniform, of course. Thailand,
And I imagine the real Than along the
Shwe would never wander around Thai-Burma
in a foreign town, carrying a pink border
umbrella, like he did.
It was from the General that I
learnt of something that I refer to as
the Malaysian symptom. Too many
of my respondents among the refu- senting me with the loudly and as off-key as they could. an imaginary fiancé back home.
gees complained of a “heart condi- grand gesture, he One of the songs had the following Sometimes he’s a veterinarian, other
tion” which did not exist prior to really left. I had lyrics: times he’s an information technol-
their migration. spent the previous The place to be happy is here; ogy guy. I could never get my story
“The problem started when I got weeks convincing And the way to be happy is to straight.
here,” the General said. He didn’t him to abandon make others happy; Those who saw through my b.s.
know what exactly caused it but his plans for such a risky And to make a little heaven down offered to set me up with their
heart beats very rapidly now. journey, but in the here. brothers/uncles/etc. The match-
According to the narratives I General Than Shwe: Head of the junta end it was his Tell me, why does Malaysia refuse making reminded me of a “mencari
have collected, the displaced believe government in Burma. choice. to get heaven in this life and after? jodoh” advertisement pinned on a
that it was the kind of life they led It was a danger- Discriminating against children is tree near the Bank Negara KTM
in Malaysia that caused the condi- panorama. We let Rela conduct ous undertaking, but it was not ir- something that I completely refuse station. One of the lines in the ad
tion. “Ini bukan biasa macam raids wherever they please. (I re- rational. It logically came down to to understand. OK-lah, you don’t say, “Tak kisah apa status Anda”.
hidup.” member hiding for hours on end this. There are methods of resist- want to accept the parents, but how And I wondered if I would live
My respondents describe living with my “illegal” respondents from ance. First, you take space. When are children guilty of their parents’ to see a day when Malaysia decides
in Malaysia as, “curi-curi di rumah a Rela squad in a little Burmese shop you cannot take space, you take migration? “tak kisah” about the one particular
orang.” in Kota Raya). We put people in jail speech. When that’s not allowed, I came to know some of these status they now stamp on those
The rapid heartbeats are mostly just because they have no papers. you take flight. children in Puchong well. They without papers: “Illegal”.
associated with their constantly liv- I heard Mat Nur left via Penang. would sing ‘Negaraku‘ proudly, not
ing in fear, heartache and heartbreak “DO you like cintawan?” Penang again. How many hours yet aware that their Negara consid- The regular series “Ask Lord Bobo”
from the bad treatment they have “Eh?” Cinta means love. But I does Penang sleep a day? The pelar- ered them unworthy foreigners and resumes next week. Ask Lord Bobo is
received. wasn’t sure what he meant. In Ba- ian slip in and out of the country, put “warga negara asing” in the na- a weekly column by LoyarBurok
Exile is eating them away, and the hasa Indonesia, the suffix – wan - living their nightmares in motion. tionality column of their birth cer- where all your profound, abstruse,
first organ to go is the heart, be- refers to someone who does. So The locals slip in and out of con- tificates. If they were given birth erudite, hermetic, recondite, saga-
cause, as one young man explained, would cintawan mean someone who sciousness, unaware or don’t care. certificates at all. cious, and other thesaurus-described
“Hati hakikatnya adalah sesuatu loves? Do I like lovers? What kind They have no memories of Bur- queries are answered!
yang lembut.” of question is that? Here in Malaysia, I have come to ma. How can they be warga negara Although Lord Bobo already
I have my own documentation in “Here, cintawan,” he showed me the conclusion that love exists, but asing when they only know Malay- knows your question before you even
order. But I could still empathise. It a plastic bag full of mushrooms. is often very exclusive. No, no, no, sia? knew you had a question, as a practi-
is not hard for me to see how Ma- “Oh, cendawan,” I finally knew no, no. Love with a big L is a lan- cal display of your true desire to have
laysia can instill a certain fear in the what he meant. guage we no longer understand. We There was a memorable Roh- your query answered, His Supreme
undocumented. I myself do not dare “Yes, cintawan, I’m cooking cin- understand only loves that start with ingya girl in Klang, named Robizan. Eminenceness has graciously allowed
go anywhere without my passport, tawan for you.” the little l’s. It is the love we have for She had experienced a brutal police you to communicate your questions
even if only to the mamak stall Mat Nur then disappeared to the our lovers, parents, children, friends, raid. Not satisfied with taking her by –
across my flat. Friends think I am kitchen, turning fresh cintawan to a pets. Selfish loves that come so eas- parents, they took her to detention • emailing asklordbobo@loyar-
being extremely paranoid but Ma- pot of curry. I knew now that it was ily for us because these people are too. They shaved her head and she burok.com, stating your full name,
laysia has bitterly taught me how the mushrooms, but it still sounded to one of our own. screamed like hell. When I met her, and a pseudonym if you wish the
IC epitomises the dominant tech- me as if he was about to cook some Amitav Ghosh once said the op- her hair had not grown back to a question to be published anony-
nology of self. lovers. Lovers curry, I learnt about posite of love is not hatred but length proper for a girl. But she did mously (and a good reason for ano-
One Rohingya man I met elo- an hour later, was burningly spicy cowardice, and so we have become, not indulge in sad stories. nymity).
quently lamented, “The world we and delicious. people who do “what is technically She was more interested in my • tweeting #asklordbobo.
live in is no longer one that is The last time I saw him, Mat Nur correct, but not what is right”. own tragic situation. “Kakak dah The first 100 questions published
guided by the norms of religion. It and his wife gave me a box of choco- I don’t judge Malaysia or Malay- kawin ke?” will receive LoyarBurok’s ONLY
does have faith, but it subscribes to lates. Nothing fancy, of course, but sians, but I do deeply resent this Girls around Robizan’s age were merchandise you ever need (worth a
a faith in technology and docu- still it was special. Nobody had ever difficult world of fictional but de- always so disappointed when I re- lot for humankind) courtesy of Sel-
ments.” given me a box of chocolates before, finitive boundaries. plied negatively to the question. angor Times. Now, what the hell are
With that faith, we citizens ac- my love life being rather uneventful, There is a school for Rohingya To appease the dismay and to you waiting for?
cept appalling scenes as normal, as obviously. Little did I know it was a children in Puchong. I often came render myself a less pitiable single- Liberavi Animam Meam! I Have
if they are naturally a part of daily farewell gift. A few days after pre- just to watch the children sing as ton, I’d entertain them with tales of Freed My Spirit!
 News
February 18 — 20, 2011 15

Concert to
aid unheard
community
By Basil Foo “I think many
people are not
KUALA LUMPUR: A concert to aid aware of the Mak
Malaysia’s transgender community was held Nya h b e caus e
by the “Justice For Sisters” ( JFS) coalition their voices go
at Solaris Dutamas last Saturday. unheard most of
“We are raising funds to pay for their legal the time,” said 24-
fees and to bring together Malaysians of all year old drummer
backgrounds to stand against the persecution Hanafi. “But they
of the transgender community,” said spokes- are people who
person Angela Kuga Thas. have feelings too,”
After a concert at Central Market marked he added.
the initiative’s launch last December, this was Tanesh, a grad-
their third concert with local musicians and uate of Segi Col-
artists in tow. leg e and band The band Corporate Youth performing at Solaris Dutamas.
“We want to tell people that they are nor- vocalist, said he
mal people. If we get to know them, they are did some research on the subject and is glad thing frustrating. Part of the hardships faced by this com-
like any other family to support the cause. The plight of the transgender community munity also stems from arrests and assaults
member or colleague,” “After I realised who the show was benefit- is described as a vicious cycle with many of by religious officers.
said Angela. ing, I decided this is a definitely a cool thing them realising they are different as early as “Section 66 in the Negeri Sembilan Is-
Members of Corpo- to do,” he added. seven years old and attempting the transition lamic Enactment, among other sections,
rate Youth, one of the Artists Buka Kolektif brought their own in their teens. criminalise them. They can be fined RM1,000
bands that performed, brand of stage performance to the show and Angela explained that most of them put off and jailed after their third arrest,” said Justice
expressed similar senti- expressed their support for the cause. the transition due to the environment they are For Sisters volunteer Thilaga Sulathireh.
ments regarding feel- An interesting performance was by Buka in. The coalition hopes to assist 15 transexuals
ing s towards the Kolektif member Sharon Chin, whose show They are then forced to leave home without from Seremban who are facing hefty fines.
Thilaga, a JFS transgender commu- involved screaming into a pillow with the finishing formal education and end up on the “We are seeking RM60,000 to help them
volunteer. nity. audience after asking them to tell her some- streets. fight the court cases,” said Thilaga.
16
Features
February 18 — 20, 2011

Sweating off for T

By Gan Pei Ling

ired of merely talking about change, a group of youths decided

to take things into their own hands and got down to the ground
to help the Orang Asli.

the Orang Asli

Since January 2010, volunteers from Klang Valley have been going
to two Orang Asli villages – Kg Jawa Kerling and Kg Hulu Tamu – in
Kuala Kubu Bharu to help construct basic amenities.
Jasmine Ng, a co-founder of Growing Emerging Leaders (GEL),
said these trips provided the youth a glimpse into the lives of the Orang
Asli.
“The young people enjoyed interacting with the Orang Asli kids,
one of them even brought balloons to play with them.
“It also shows the Orang Asli that we care about
them,” she added.
Since 2006, Ng has been mentoring a group of young
adults including undergraduates, educating them about
the application of leadership principles in real life.
“One of the issues with the education system world-
wide is that we emphasise too much on skills like
memorisation, but not enough on character develop-
ment. Part of being a leader is learning to be considerate
to others,” she explained.
“In late 2009, the youths decided that they have had
enough talks and hence it’s time to put their ideas into
action and that’s how project EPIC was born.”
EPIC or Extraordinary People Impacting Commu-
nity focuses on “improving the plight of the Orang Asli”.
The first project EPIC started was building a toilet
Kg Jawa Kerling.
During their first visit in late 2009, the urbanites were
“shocked” to discover that Kg Jawa Kerling did not even
have a proper toilet.
“So we asked them if we could build a toilet for them.
It wasn’t so much for the Orang Asli, but for their visi-
tors,” says GEL’s co-founder John-son Oei, a graduate
from Taylor’s University.
The 23-year-old said that they also noticed that most
of the houses in the village needed a paint job.
They created an event page on Facebook to gather
volunteers and over 60 people, answered their call for
assistance last January.
“I was quite sceptical at first on the number of vol-
Extraordinary People Impacting Community focuses on improving the lives of the Orang Asli. unteers we could get…but some of them even skipped

Growing Emerging Leaders aims to register two million voters.

 Features 17
February 18 — 20, 2011

Oei: Sceptical of number of volunteers initially.

work or classes to join us,” said Oei.

As for the some of the expatriate volunteers, they had
heard about the toilet-building and house-painting
project through CouchSurfing.org (an international
travel website).
Since then, EPIC have moved on to bigger projects
such as rebuilding homes for the Temuan tribe.
“We wanted to engage the community and develop
a close relationship with them,” says Oei.
Similarly, they put out a call for volunteers, who
helped to identify the needs of the villagers during the A house, designed by EPIC, which can be

Independent
first visit. built in three days.
“Many Orang Asli complained about their
roofs, floors or walls so we brought our contrac-
tors. After examining the houses, they identi-
fied 30 houses that needed to be rebuilt,” Oei
said.
Subsequently, they designed a house that can
Directors for PKA
Among the many disturbing pointment that his term was not
be built in three days and successfully secured developments and non-develop- extended.
funds from a sponsor to build the prototype. ments in the Port Klang Free Zone What message is the Ministry
Pak Cihong, an old Temuan, cried upon the (PKFZ) fiasco, TI Malaysia and conveying to the public in its com-
completion of his new house. the public are gravely concerned mitment to improve governance at
Unfortunately, he passed away due to cancer that the proposal for the reap- PKA?
this January but both Ng and Oei were glad pointment of Datuk Rajas- Currently, apart
that they had provided him a more comfortable ingam as an independent from reports filed by
house to live in during the last few months of director in the Port PKA with the MACC
his life. Klang Authorit y and Police, there are
Pak Cihong’s widow and son will inherit the (PKA) board was re- several civil suits
new house and move into it a month after his jected by the Minister of filed against some
passing according to the Temuan tradition. Transport even though parties implicated
This April, GEL wants to build the remain- the board had recom- in the PKFZ fiasco.
ing 29 houses for the villagers in Kampung mended his extension. Our greatest concerns are:
Hulu Tamu. Although under the Act, t h e (1)Whether the required num-
“A lot of people say we’re too idealistic, but minister has the power to appoint ber of independent directors will
we’re just putting our ideals to test,” says Oei. directors, the PKA Ad-Hoc Com- be appointed. These new appoin-
GEL is currently looking for sponsors to mittee on Governance had recom- tees must be people who act with-
fund their second house-building project this mended that one-third of the out fear or favour and in the public
April, interested individuals or groups can board members be independent interest.
contact them at johnsonoei@dosomethinge- Ng: Trips provide youths a glimpse into the lives of directors. This practice is crucial (2) Whether the reconstituted
pic.net. the Orang Asli. for good governance. PKA board will be as diligent to
The PKFZ fiasco exposed seri- safeguard the interests of PKA and

Empowering voters ous failures in governance, with

Besides improving the lives of
Orang Asli, non-profit organisation
Growing Emerging Leaders (GEL)
is also spearheading a voter registra-
tion campaign.
A non-partisan group, GEL’s
target in Voice Your Choice voter
registration campaign, is to register
two million eligible voters.
“We’re non-partisan. We believe
people can decide for themselves
who they want to vote for,” said
Jasmine Ng, GEL co-founder.
Currently, there are around four
million eligible voters in the country
who have yet to register to vote.
Their campaign, launched last
April, has attracted community
and faith-based groups nationwide
to join in and help register new vot-
ers.
From Perlis to Johor and Sarawak,
the campaign has united citizens
and groups that have been carrying
out the initiative on their own.
Collectively, they had success-
fully registered more than 140,000
new voters last year.
Ng, a former banking consultant,
said that the Election Commission
has been very cooperative through-
out the campaign.
In January, the commission has
officially appointed GEL as an As-
sistant Registrar. The organisation
can now register new voters directly.
Ng explained that previously,
they had to rely on assistance from
political parties such as Gerakan
and DAP when the Election Com-
mission was unavailable during their
voter registration drives.
“We had to get the voter registra-
tion forms from them and one of
their representatives had to be there
to sign off the forms,” she said.
Although the Voice Your Choice
campaign is non-partisan, many
continue to associate them with
political parties.
“Many people equate us as being
political, but it’s not the same as we
can be politically aware yet remain
independent,” John-son Oei, an-
other co-founder of GEL, pointed
out.
They will continue to champion
the campaign this year and are look-
ing for interested sponsors to sup-
port it.
Individuals or groups interested
to open a voter registration booth
can also contact them at jas-
mineng@dosomethingepic.net.
Apart from voter registration,
Oei reveals that they are currently
planning a voter education cam-
paign as well.
They are working on setting up a
website which will contain our
elected representatives’ relevant in-
formation to help citizens make
informed decisions during the elec-
tions.
“Everything they should know
about their parliamentarian or state
assemblyperson will just be a click
away,” said Oei.
serious impact on the public and
taxpayers.
The recommendation for inde-
pendent directors was made spe-
cifically: (1) to provide a check and
balance and (2) to bring in mem-
bers with the relevant competen-
cies to help with the oversight of
PKA.
From my participation (by in-
vitation) in PKA board meetings
for about six months, I have ob-
served the lively and fruitful dis-
cussions at board meetings.
Rajasingam came across to me
as someone who is highly compe-
tent and very knowledgeable in the
affairs of the PKA and the opera-
tions of the ports. Being a past
general manager of PKA, where
during his tenure, PKA had oper-
ated efficiently and had accumu-
lated a cash surplus of about
RM500 million, he had shown the
greatest passion and dedication to
make sure things are done in good
faith and in the interest of PKA.
Therefore, it is a great disap-
to ensure that the current suits are
pursued to the logical conclusion.
(3) Whether in the course of
time when more evidence surfaces,
the board will be able to act inde-
pendently to bring wrongdoers to
book.
(4) Whether the previous mem-
bers of PKA Board will be held
accountable if found to have failed
in discharging their fiduciary duty.
There are many important les-
sons to be learnt from the misman-
agement of PKFZ and we must
ensure the remedial measures put
in place to improve governance in
the public interest are not compro-
mised or reversed for political
convenience.
Removing or not reappointing
persons of good faith such as Ra-
jasingam and perhaps Datuk Lee
Hwa Beng when his chairmanship
comes up for renewal, would be
retrogressive and deplorable.
Datuk Paul Low
President, Transparency Interna-
tional (Malaysia)
 Travel
18 February 18 — 20, 2011
The quest for great
Malaysian cuisine is a
never-ending one. LIN Step on the gas for
Puchong yong tau fu
ZHENYUAN braves the
traffic to Puchong for its
famous yong tau fu.

F
rankly, Puchong isn’t much to look at unless
you are staying there. It used to be a
sprawling landscape of tin mines but time
and progress have changed everything.
There are now more housing estates than you
care to count. The toll plaza and traffic jams will
deter any outsider without a specific agenda from
visiting the place.
  But one thing is sure, the Puchong yong tau fu
is as good today as it was years ago. It rivals the
much-praised Ampang yong tau fu, which now
has branches across the Klang Valley.
  The same goes for the Puchong yong tau fu, or
so I was told. There may be various branches of
self-proclaimed “Puchong yong tau fu” elsewhere,
but the “original”, or “ori” – the slang word used
by some people – is located at Batu 14, Jalan Besar,
Kampung Baru Puchong. Look for Sekolah Ren-
dah Jenis Kebangsaan Han Ming and the yong tau
fu restaurant is directly opposite it. The school is
a landmark you don’t want to forget, otherwise
you will end up like me, walking boldly into a
eatery nearby to ask for yong tau fu and finding
none. The bewildered owner knew I wasn’t meant
to be his customer so he graciously told me the
yong tau fu restaurant is another 100 metres away.
Even though yong tau fu is a subjective food
item, quality YTF (yong tau fu) is easily recogni-
sable by the size of the crowds at an outlet.
I am not a yong tau fu fanatic but I will yield to
the majority’s choice whenever I am outvoted by
more than three people or vetoed by the chief fi-
nancier.
What’s unique about the Puchong yong tau fu The big sign that says you are at the right place.
is that it’s freshly prepared. That less steel tiffin carrier in my car boot. a party of four. But what are four red
means you pick your selection of I have used it on numerous occa- notes. Think of the amount you have
vegetables or tau fu and the fish sions and on my very first to this to pay at one of those fancy foreign
paste will be stuffed in just before Be sure of what you want from the particular yong tau fu restaurant, I restaurants at an upmarket shopping
boiling or frying. long list of yong tau fu items. Many used it. complex.
Oily stuff always tastes better, as customers, including yours truly, have On a scale of one to 10, the Pu- Don’t forget to order a pot of hot
the food connoisseurs will tell you. unintentionally gone overboard and chong yong tau fu scores an eight. Chinese tea. It helps with digestion
If you are the type who counts calo- ordered more than necessary.” The Ampang yong tau fu gets a and you won’t feel so greasy or full
ries and who is timid about how seven from me. There are some as you waddle your full belly out of
your heart reacts to food, stop read- people who say that both the Am- the restaurant and towards your car.
ing this and go and watch TV. If you do not want rice to go with the long list of yong tau fu items. pang and the Puchong yong tau fu Did I mention that there’s hardly
Anyway, yong tau fu is a fairly the yong tau fu, dry pan mee is an Many customers, including yours are over-rated. any parking space during weekends?
healthy type of food as far as Chi- option. It is sold at a separate stall. I truly, have unintentionally gone If you haven’t had the Puchong You may have to park along one of
nese cuisine is concerned. don’t think it belongs to the same overboard and ordered more than yong tau fu, you should give it a try. the tiny side lanes but that’s the price
The tables at the Puchong yong establishment. necessary. There’s nothing like an unhurried you have to pay for good yong tau
tau fu restaurant are usually full dur- A young woman who looks Thai When the dulang-sized bowl meal in the middle of nowhere and fu.
ing weekends. So if you can, go runs the pan mee stall. Her dry pan comes with the yong tau fu floating sometimes it looks as if a thunder- C’est la vie, bon appétit and have
during weekdays, otherwise you will mee actually tastes quite good and happily on the sea of soup, your storm is around the corner. a great Malaysian meal. By the way,
end up standing, scanning for an it blends in well with the yong tau gastronomical courage will make a You can easily work up a bill in the GPS co-ordinates for the Pu-
empty table and receiving pitiful fu. quick exit. excess of RM40 at the Puchong yong chong yong tau fu restaurant
glances. Be sure of what you want from That is why I always have a stain- tau fu restaurant, if you come with is  N02  59.729   E101  37.435

That’s what you come for – great yong tau fu. The dry pan mee goes down well with the yong tau fu.

Family Secrets
By Fadzlishah Johanabas
E
very family has their own
secrets. Mine is no exception.
Earlier this morning Dad-
dy received a phone call that sent
him into the dining room where we
were having our breakfast. “It’s time,”
he said.
And now we’re two states away,
with Daddy parking the car beside
Uncle Jamil’s in front of his parents’
estate. From the number of cars and
motorcycles crammed in the big
yard, almost every one – if not all
– is here.
We burst out of the car before
Daddy even turns off the ignition.
Mama carries my youngest brother.
He’s too young to walk without fall-
ing, much less to know what’s going
on, but our excitement seems to have
caught on him. He’s wide awake and
jumping in Mama’s arms.
My grandparents’ house is big,
filled with antique furniture that
Mama tries so hard to prevent us
from touching or knocking over
every time we come to visit. But
Mama is a grown-up. She doesn’t
understand the grand adventures my
cousins and I have up and down the
stairs, in and out of the many rooms,
and up and around the four shady
rambutan trees in the backyard.
Even with the whole family
crowding the hall, the house is quiet.
I see Uncle Jamil’s children and I go
to them while Daddy and Mama
settle down at another corner, my
sister trailing them. I don’t see my
grandparents, but I think they must
be in the middle of the room.
“What’s happening?” I ask Cous-
in Asri.
“Nothing the past hour we’ve
been here.” My taller cousin rolls his
eyes. “It’s boring.”
“Shh,” says Uncle Jamil. His eyes
RM42k for eight NGOs
By William Tan
PETALING JAYA: A total of
RM42,500 in aid was handed out
to eight needy organisations during
Chinese New Year celebrations in
Section 17 last Saturday.
The allocations, from Petaling
Jaya councillor Tang Fuie Koh and
Bukit Gasing Assemblyperson
Edward Lee’s allocation budgets,
were given to resident associations,
charities, a temple and school.
“I’m happy that we got the funds
as quickly as we did” said  41-year-
old Lim Chee Pang.
The treasurer of SJK © Yuk
Chun Building Fund, said the RM
12,500 received will go towards
building new classrooms for the
local Chinese school.
He said the school still needed
to raise RM1million but he said the
contribution from the local leaders
was a step in the right direction.
Lim added that he was positive
that their fund raising which started
in October will reach its targets to
help the school.
are stern.
From somewhere beyond the
wall of uncles and aunts comes a
weak squawk. After a collective gasp,
I see everyone looking up. I follow
their gaze. The crystal chandelier
hanging from the high ceiling is
glowing red, except that light is not
coming out of it, but from under-
neath. A small bird is flying in a slow
circle. It looks wrong, not like the
beautiful bird I remember. The
crimson feathers have lost their
sheen, the gold beak lacks its usual
luster. I feel a lump forming in my
throat when I look at its eyes. The
bird is saying goodbye to us.
=“Fly, Garuda, your final flight,”
comes Grandfather’s voice. At first
I don’t understand what’s going on,
but looking at Daddy standing
across the room, I remember the
story he told my little sister and me
when we first saw the bird years ago.
Garuda is a special bird, a secret I
can never tell anyone, not even my
best friend Kit Wan.
It has been looking after my fam-
ily for generations, when Grandfa-
ther’s grandfather was young. I re-
member telling Daddy it’s impossi-
ble, but he said that this is Garuda’s
eighth incarnation. I still don’t un-
derstand what that means.
The bird flies toward us and hov-
ers over Uncle Jamil’s head. I see
everyone nodding, as if agreeing
with a well-chosen decision. Uncle
Jamil is smiling. It feels wrong,
somehow, to see him happy when
the bird is giving off such a sad feel-
ing. The bird sighs. I sigh with it.
With gentle flaps of red wings, it
floats down to land.
Not on Uncle Jamil, but into my
arms.
I hear everyone gasping aloud. I
see them clearing a circle around me,
but right now I don’t care. I stroke
Lee (fourth from the left), Haniza and Hee with leaders of eight
NGOs who received a total of RM42,500 during the Chinese New
Year open house in S17 last Saturday.
Reverend Sek Chan Wen of the
Yuan Lin Xiao Zhot Buddhist
Temple Fund was also thankful for
receiving the financial aid so quickly.
“The RM 3,000 will be used for
general purposes such as food,
repairs and printing,” he said.
Yap Kian Kong from the  Bandar
Lama Petaling Jaya resident
association also received RM6,000
Fiction 19
February 18 — 20, 2011
✂
Garuda’s little body. It feels light and
soft. And warm. Tears start to drop
on its belly. I’m crying and I don’t
know why.
“Put it down, Khir,” says Grand-
father, his tone gentle.
I ease the bird onto the marble
floor and sit in front of it. Garuda
squawks at me and lifts its head. It
sighs again, before going limp and
lifeless. I cry out and reach for it, but
it suddenly bursts into flames, gold
and red. It feels warm, but not scald-
ing like fire on a stove. Take 5 minutes to fill this form up and drop it off at
I hear Mama crying out, but I the nearest police station to have regular checks
reach out anyway. The fire tickles my at your house while you are away.
skin. It feels like clothing fresh out
of the dryer. I touch Garuda’s burn- Ibu pejabat Polis Daerah Subang Jaya
ing beak and gasp not in pain, but
in surprise.
Tel: 03-5637 3722 Fax: 03-5631 9815
The bird crumbles into ash, and Borang maklumat
in the middle is a gold egg slightly Memaklumkan tentang meningalkan rumah kediaman untuk
smaller than chicken egg. bercuti.
“Garuda has chosen you, Grand-
son, to be its next keeper.” I look up Kepada Kawasan Pentadbiran Balai Polis
and see Grandfather smiling at me.
Daddy too. ..............................................................................................
Mama looks worried, though.
“The egg feels warm.” Butiran penduduk:
“When it hatches, Garuda will be
reborn the ninth time. Whomever Nama: ..................................................................................
it chooses is destined for greatness.
I hope I’ll live long enough to see Alamat: .................................................................................
you achieve it.” Grandfather chuck-
les, and the whole family laughs with ..............................................................................................
him. Except for Uncle Jamil, al-
though I can’t understand why. ..............................................................................................
“Guard our secret well, and
Garuda will watch over you and Nombor telefon bimbit/kediaman: ........................................
your family, Khir.”
I cup the egg with both hands Nombor telefon yang boleh dihubungi: ................................
close to my heart. I feel a quiver, a
pulse, matching my heart. ..............................................................................................
I don’t understand much of what
Grandfather has just said, but I Tarikh meninggalkan rumah: ................................................
know this much is true: I will have
a lifelong friend, and no matter how Tarikh dijangka balik ke rumah: ...........................................
dark things can get, there will always
be light. Kenderaan yang ditinggalkan (jenis model & nombor daftar
kenderaan).
1. ..........................................................................................
2. ..........................................................................................
3. ..........................................................................................
Lain-lain maklumat:
..............................................................................................
............................................... .......................................
Tandatangan Tarikh
Have you checked
your electrical
switches before
on behalf of the association.
Yap, who is also the president of leaving home?
his resident association, said the
funds will be used to hold events Before ieaving your home for a holoday, have you
such as cultural festivals in his area. checked all your electrical switches and turned off
The event was also jointly your gas tanks?
org anise d by Taman Me dan
assemblyperson Haniza Mohamed Call the SS17 Bomba for advise at
Talha and PJ Selatan member of
Parliament Hee Loy Sian. 03-5634 9444
 Technology
20 February 18 — 20, 2011
By Edwin Yapp

T
he idiot box has come a long way since
it was invented close to a hundred years
ago. For a long time, the use of the cath-
ode ray tube (CRT) was the only way to receive
TV broadcast signals and project images of
moving pictures on a screen.
But some 15 years ago, alternate technolo-
gies besides the CRT started coming to the
fore, namely plasma TVs and more recently,
LCD TVs.

So what’s the difference?

Plasma and LCD are two competing tech-
nologies that produce images that have very
similar characteristics. Plasma screen uses a
matrix of tiny gas (Xenon and Neon) cells
charged by electrical voltages to create a plasma
which then excites phosphors to emit light and
display images.
LCD display, on the other hand, is made
of liquid crystals sandwiched between two
glass plates illuminated by a backlight. Images
are created when electrical signals are varied
through the crystals thus either blocking the
light from shining or allowing it to pass
through.
Both are bright, crystal clear and brilliant in
colour presentation. So if that’s the case, which
do you choose?
Generally speaking, LCDs are cheaper than
Plasmas if they are 36-inch and below. As the LED TV has been
size of the screen increases, Plasma TVs become much confusion
more economical. over the battle

The dawn of flat

between two
Plasmas are favoured because they have a technologies,
very high contrast ratio compared to that of
LCDs. The contrast ratio is a measure of the
blackest black against the whitest white. This
is because of the fact that in a LCD display, the

crystal cannot fully block the backlight result-
ing in some light leakages through the pixels,
while in a plasma TV, individual cells are either
lighted or blackened.
A good contrast ratio increases the amount
of detail you can see in the shadows thereby
making the picture look more three-dimen-
sional. This is where it becomes quite subjective
as some people can spot the difference, while
others cannot.
However, LCDs are brighter in presenta-
tion and can be a plus point if you are viewing
under bright lights.
Plasmas vs LCDs
Plasmas are also cited for their superior fast
moving playback capabilities. Because of its
high contrast levels, plasma produces brilliant
images from video sources such as sports and
action movies, as well as console games.
LCDs are somewhat more prone to a phe-
nomenon known as “trailing/blurring,” where
individual pixels seem to be out of step and
Plasmas have a
very high contrast
ratio compared to
that of LCDs.
screen television
“trail” from what is shown on the screen, but
of late, blurring in LCDs are not that observ-
able anymore due to better technology. Of
late, LCD TVs have caught up and higher end
models have technologies that can deal with
this blurring of fast moving images.
An oft-cited comparison between Plasmas
and LCDs is that plasmas do not last as long
as LCD TVs due to their active illumination
of individual cells while LCDs do not have
this limitation because only crystals are used
to filter light through.
This used to be true up to a few years ago
when plasmas used to lose half of their bright-
ness after more than 20,000 hours of viewing
but they have since greatly improved. Today,
some claim plasmas can work up to 60,000
hours before losing their brightness. This
equates to about 20 years of TV viewing at
8 hours per day.
Plasmas do consume more energy than
LCDs although manufacturers have made
great improvements in this area also in the
last year or so.
LCD vs LEDs?
With the introduction of LED TVs in the
last year or so, there has been much confusion
over the battle between these two technolo-
gies, but in actual fact, the two can be quite
easily distinguished once the marketing hype
and speak are stripped away.
The first thing to note about
the term LEDs is that it’s a mis-
nomer. When vendors and ad-
vertisers use the term LED TV,
it conjures images that it’s a new
kind of TV powered by a new
kind of technology, which is not
actually quite true.
To understand this clearly,
we have to go back one step to
consider how LCD TVs work.
As mentioned earlier, LCD TVs
have liquid crystals sandwiched
between two glass plates illumi-
nated by a backlight. The source
of the backlight of an LCD TV is
usually in the form of cold cath-
ode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs).
In LED TVs, the source of that
backlight is in the form of light
emitting diodes (LEDs), a new
kind of light source that uses less
power and which are very much
thinner and smaller than CCFLs.
Thus, an LED TV is nothing
more than an LCD TV pow-
LED TV is nothing
more than an LCD
TV powered by LEDs
backlight instead of
CCFLs. The underlying
technology of the
LCD TV is essentially
the same. To avoid
confusion, think of an
LED TV as an LED-
backlit LCD TV.”
ered by LEDs backlight instead of CCFLs.
The underlying technology of the LCD TV is
essentially the same. To avoid confusion, think
of an LED TV as an LED-backlit LCD TV.
That said, LED TVs do have their advan-
tages over older LCD TVs. First up, LED TVs
use less power by virtue of its more efficient
lighting. At the same time, the brightness is
not compromised, as LED TVs are much
brighter than conventional LCD TVs.
Because they are smaller than CCFLs,
LED TVs are markedly thinner than LCD
TVs, which make them more ascetically
pleasing to look at. LED TVs also have bet-
ter contrast ratios, a measure of the blackest
black against the whitest white, which make
the picture more realistic looking.
LED TVs also have better viewing angles
and this is especially true viewing from off
centre and they also last longer thanks to LED
backlight technology.
Next issue, we shall examine some other
details of the modern flat screen TV, namely
trying to understand what high definition
video is all about and finally drill down details
of what kind of flat screen TVs you should
consider.see in movies.
 Media 21 February 18 — 20, 2011

Mo receives
the mock Ajmal creates new perfume
for celebrity couple
key to her
brand new
Toyota Vios
from Lim
(middle,
with tie) at SHAH ALAM: Love was definitely in tive director and renowned perfumist
an outlet in the air for celebrity television host and Abdulla Ajmal.
Seremban personality Soo Kui Jien when he was Based on their individual personalities,
last month. invited to create a one-of-kind, exclusive Abdulla suggested a blend of ingredients
fragrance perfume for the love of his life, to make the base, middle and top notes of
celebrity Channel [V] VJ, Sarah Tan, at the perfume.
the Ajmal Perfumes Store located in the Jien selected three simple ingredients
Pavilion Shopping Centre last week. - Jasmine, Musk and Citrus Fresh - which
“They say the best gifts anyone can get was diluted with another diluting liquid
are gifts that come straight from the heart. called Floral Fresh.
I chose to create a special fragrance, which “When selecting ingredients, it’s best
perfectly captures the essence of my wife, to keep simple. It’s important to not com-
Sarah. plicate the smell. Jien shared that Sarah

Mo joy for accountant

“I could not have thought of a better and himself are simple people who like
gift than the ‘My Inspiration’ perfume that simple things.
I created at Ajmal,” said Soo, who is more He also wanted something light and
popularly known as ‘Jien’. fresh for Sarah as she was into light fra-
A great gifting idea, Ajmal’s ‘My Inspi- grances. That is why we suggested Jasmine
SEREMBAN: The Year of the Rabbit hopped our loyal customers” ration’ Perfume allows the creator to not to be one of the ingredients,” said Ab-
in to an auspicious start for 49-year-old Mo Mun A resident of Taman Bukit Galena, Seremban, only capture magical dulla.
Ying, who was chosen as the grand prize winner of Mo had a shock when she received a phone call memories in a bottle, but Introduced to reflect
Da Ma Cai’s Drive a Toyota Vios in 2011 contest. from Da Ma Cai informing her that she had won also to relive it over and Ajmal’s brand philosophy
Mo’s entry form was selected in a lucky draw the contest. over again. – Creating Memories –
out of a total of 2.2 million entries that were Mo said: “This is the first time I have ever won For the inexperienced the ‘My Inspiration’ retail
submitted nationwide during the month of De- anything and I was in such disbelief when they perfumist, the process of concept is one of Ajmal’s
cember last year. called to tell me, I had to ask them to repeat creating a fragrance from innovative concepts
The accountant received the amazing prize of themselves many times. My colleagues at work scratch can be a mind- which have been intro-
a Toyota Vios 1.5J (AT) worth RM78,000 at a have now started calling me Lucky Star for win- spinning experience; but duced to all their stores
prize-giving ceremony at the Da Ma Cai outlet in ning the grand prize.” it is definitely one that is located worldwide; in-
Jalan Nunis, Seremban, where the winning ticket During the ceremony Lim also presented well-worth the effort and cluding Malaysia.
was purchased. a cheque for RM5,000 to Lai Kim Tin, the sales time in the end. The Ajmal Perfumes
Andy Lim, general manager, NFO, Pan Ma- operator from whom Mo purchased her ticket. To help him start off store in Malaysia is the
laysian Pools Sdn Bhd presented her with the keys Additionally, as consolation prizes, 20 shop- the creation process of a 135th outlet worldwide
to her brand new car. ping vouchers worth RM500 each were awarded perfect Valentine’s gift, and the first one outside
Abdulla: Jasmine is one of
Lim said: “We are happy to be able to make to the first 20 names drawn from the pool of en- Jien sought the help of the ingredients. of Middle East and the
Chinese New Year all the more memorable for tries before the grand prize. Ajmal Perfumes execu- GCC.

DAP Selangor wishes

“Happy Birthday”
to
Sdr. Kit Siang
on the occasion of his
70th birthday
A dinner will be held to celebrate the occasion at Shah
Alam Convention Centre on 27th Feb (7.30 pm).
Those interested please contact
Mary Joseph at 016-291 3453 or email to
dapselangorlks@gmail.com.
22
Gallery
February 18 — 20, 2011
Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid
Ibrahim and state executive councillors “lou
sang” during the state’s Chinese New Year
celebrations in Kajang last Saturday.

Reverend Sek Chan Wen of the Yuan Lin Xiao Zhot

Buddhist Temple and Mohd Azwar enjoying the
festivities at Seksyen 17 Chinese New Year open
house last Saturday.

A rukun tetangga representative of Section 6 Petaling Jaya and Petaling Jaya

City Council mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman installing a park sign while MPSJ Local counciler Pooi Weng Keong checking a parking meter that shows
councillor Anthony Sivabalan (on wheelchair) and Selangor exco Elizabeth Wong “Tidak Perlu Bayar!” at Jalan USJ 8/2A on Monday.
(right) look on last Saturday.

Nurse S An-
jalai of Forrest
Medical Centre
briefing women
waiting for their
mammograms
last Friday. The
Selangor State
Government
sponsors 1,000
women a year
per constitu-
ency.

A girl performing an Indian folk

dance during the Joy of Com-
bined Festival organised by KRT
2 and KRT 6 at Subang Avernue
on Tuesday.
 culture 23
FEBRUARY 18 — 20, 2011

INTERVIEW ❚ COMPILED BY ZEDECK SIEW

Celebrate unrequited love

F
eaturing fun and heartfelt music, The Annexe Gal- world we live in. She is a bringer of joy and hope and love and With the show, we’ve asked the performers to go beyond
lery’s Torch Song Massacre concert evenings, “where fabulousness, with a size-13 heel thrown in, for good measure. themselves, and tackle songs they would never otherwise think
we kill everyone with those oh so tragic love songs”, I usually tell people that Shelah!!! is actor/director Edwin of doing. So, you know, it’s all self-confrontational.
tend towards titillation and inclusivity. Whatever gender Sumun’s altered ego. Very altered. Knowing the boys and girls who are performing, though,
or kind of love you profess, you’ll be bound to come away they can sing anything.
touched. You’ve been in most of the Torch Song Massacre gigs. Just
Its latest installment, “Battle of the Sexes”, is this weekend what, exactly, is Torch Song Massacre? Isn’t it just an What does gender mean, to you?
and will feature the talents of ROZZ, Elvira Arul, Liyana evening of musicians playing covers? Gender? Isn’t that a kind of goose?
Fizi, Reza Salleh, Aaron Khaled, with special guest appear- Yes, it’s a night of cover songs — done fantastically well. But
ances by Salamiah Hassan, Junji Delfino, Ida Mariana and first, you must understand the term “torch song” — a sentimen- Which fellow Torch Song Massacre performer are you
Nabila Nasir. I talk to Torch Song Massacre’s regular host, tal love song about unrequited love that everyone can relate to looking forward to sharing the stage with, the most?
drag queen extraordinaire Shelah!!! about what — and you’ll get the idea of what this gorgeous mini-concert is Well, seeing as this may be the last time I host it, I’m looking
the concert’s about, all about. forward most to sharing the stage with our audience. Yes, I’m
I usually what we can expect, and This edition of Massacre is a special one. We have a great very Miss World that way.
tell people that why we’re fighting the bunch of performers — including living legend Salamiah Has- It is fabulous to be on stage with all these talented perform-
Shelah!!! is gender war. san, who will be one of our cameo singers. It also marks my last ers — but, for me, it’s the people who come to watch us that
actor/director appearance as host of the series. makes me click my heels with joy.
Describe yourself.
Edwin Sumun’s Shelah!!! is everything Why “Battle of the Sexes” lah? Why so confrontational? Torch Song Massacre — Battle of the Sexes! happens 17 — 20
altered ego. Very you know that is good As a drag queen, I’m constantly battling with my sexes! It’s quite February 2011. RM45; 03-2070 1137; www.annexegallery.com.
altered.” and fabulous with this thrilling.

PLAYS

Editor’s
Pick
Arts Festival Map KL @ Publika
19 — 27 February 2011
admission variable
03-6207 9732
www.mapkl.org

LiFest
Life Sdn Bhd 6: ABUSE Terima Kasih Cinta
The week-long LiFest wants to be everything. It’s billed as a “festival
celebrating Art, Photography, Music, Culture and Fashion”; it’s got an Theatre Performance; Musical;
exhibition, talks, dances, concerts, book launches, and a “Special Circus The Actors Studio @ Lot 10; Istana Budaya;
Act”. Feeling tired, yet? 22 — 27 February 2011; RM33; Tomorrow — 6 March 2011; RM30; 03-4026 5555;
Well, all this fanfare is for a good cause — the Yayasan Orang Kurang 03-2142 2009; www.istanabudaya.gov.my
Upaya Kelantan (YOKUK): a non-profit committed to improving the quality www.theactorsstudio.com.my 2006’s Cinta, directed by Kabir Bhatia, was a Love Actually
of life of Kelantan’s disabled. Proceeds of LiFest’s art exhibition, featuring The Actors Studio’s Life series began in clone: five intertwined love stories set in contemporary
work by Alife Omar, Azli Wahid, Daud Rahim, Husin Hourmain, Najib Ahmad, 2004; it’s confessional theatre, featuring Kuala Lumpur. Now, that set-up gets a stage adaptation
Rafiee Ghani, and many others, will be donated to the foundation to help performers delivering true stories about with Terima Kasih Cinta, a musical based on the sappy
fund its efforts. Big Subjects like cancer and HIV. This movie.
Other highlights of the festival include “The Party and the Feasting”, a year, the tearjerker platform tackles an Directed by Pat Ibrahim — a veteran of the genre, having
talk by academic Eddin Khoo with accompanying Mak Yong performance; equally painful subject: “almost every previously worked on Puteri Gunung The Musical and P
“Keep it Short, Stupid”, a programme of short film curated by Amir day we read or hear about sad, gory, Ramlee The Musical — this looks to be promising. Featuring
Muhammad and Azharr Rudin; the launch of Readings from Readings, despicable stories of abuse relating the talents of Latif Ibrahim, Tony Eusoff, Norish Karman,
edited by Bernice Chauly and Sharon Bakar; and “The Secret Garden”, a mainly to humans but also to animals.” Vince Chong, and Nadia Aqilah (among others) singing over
true-blue “classy ballroom dance event”. Ouch! 20 “carefully selected hit songs”.
 Gong Xi Setia Eco Park ushers in the year of the
Rabbit with the launch of Phase 10B
Fa Cai!
a series of luxury Semi-Ds and Bungalows.
To commemorate this auspicious occasion,
all Setia Eco Park home buyers during
the month of February 2011 will enjoy
an attractive CNY angpow package
of RM100,000 furnishing cost*.

Mere minutes from the

landscaped pathway that
leads directly to the
Building-Integrated Tenby International & Private
Photovoltaic
Schools, Phase 10B is the ultimate

24
enclave for learning, for love
Gated and for laughter.
& Guarded

Solar Heating
System

Rainwater Harvesting
System

Bungalow - Helenus 2
Exclusive Residents’
Clubhouse

Premium
Fixtures

For more information, please call 03-3343 2228

Semi-D - Phoenix 2 For our location, please log on to www.spsetia.com.my/setia_eco_park
Our sales office opens daily, including public holidays, from 10 a.m to 6 p.m
Developer:

Bandar Eco-Setia Sdn Bhd (566138-A)

5A Jalan Setia Nusantara U13/17, Seksyen U13,
Setia Eco Park, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor DE, Malaysia
T. +603 3343 2228 F. +603 3343 7228
E. eco-sales@spsetia.com.my
Developer License No.: 9586-11/11-2013/1284 • Validity Period: 10/11/2010 – 09/11/2013 • Advertising & Sales Permit No.: 9586-11/2259/2011(11) • Validity Period: 18/11/2010 – 17/11/2011 • Land Tenure: Freehold • Land Encumbrances: OCBC Bank (M) Berhad • Approving Authority: Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA) • Reference No.: MBSA/BGN/BB/600-1(PB)/SEK.U13/0247-2008, MBSA/BGN/BB/600-1(PB)/SEK.U13/0330-2009,
MBSA/BGN/BB/600-1(PB)/SEK.U13/0223-2008, MBSA/BGN/BB/600-1(PB)/SEK.U13/0256-2008, MBSA/BGN/BB/600-1(PB)/SEK.U13/0222-2008 • Completion Date: Dec 2012 • Total Units: Semi-D - 78 units / Bungalow - 33 units • Min Price: Semi-D – RM2,127,000 / Bungalow – RM3,146,800 • Max Price: Semi-D – RM2,853,300 / Bungalow – RM4,725,700 • Terms and Conditions apply.

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