Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Kajang residents
looking through
the MRT plans
during a meeting
at the Kajang Local
Council office on
Tuesday. – Picture by
Victor Chong
• Story on page 6
No to de-gazetting
By Gan Pei Ling
Perhilitan
• From page one
that they would now have to apply for li-
cences for their clients.
“They usually release the animals back into
Study Medicine
the wild after a few hours of buying them,”
said one of the traders, who only wanted to
be known as Lee. “needs to
monitor”
She said it was impractical for the clients
to acquire licences to as they did not intend
At to keep the animals. “A receipt should be
sufficient,” she said.
Kursk State Medical However, Selangor Perhilitan senior as-
sistant director Khairi Ahmad said the clients
University,
Unversity, Russia should apply for licences as well. He ex-
plained to Selangor Times that Perhilitan
“needs to monitor” the locations and num-
bers of animals being released to ensure that
they did not disturb the ecosystem.
Chinese-medicine business owners also
expressed concern over the new species now
listed under “protected wildlife” as many
Chinese medicines include wildlife ingredi-
ents. Products involving any parts of wildlife,
Malaysian graduates of June 2010
including meat, bones, blood or venom, are
• Established in the year 1935 (75 years old)
• Recognised by JPA & MMC, GMC (UK), CANADA and 40 countries Globaly
regulated under the Wildlife Conservation
• LISTED IN DIRECTORY OF MEDICAL SCHOOL OF WHO Act. public that the procedure would be practical.
• Choice of more than 1100 Malaysian students to study in KSMU Nurul Nabiah Tan Abdullah from a Chi- He also said no action would be taken as long
• 450 have graduated since 1999 are employed in government hospitals nese medicine retailer wanted to know if her as owners and traders registered with Perh-
• Halal food and Surau for Muslim students company would need to apply for new per- ilitan for the licences by June 27.
• Course fee with Hostel fees for 6 years only RM 103,284.00 mits. She said birds’ nest, deer horns and Selangor Perhilitan is currently on a road
• Taught fully in English medium since 1994
• Two intakes in a year FEB / MARCH and September/ October
python powder were some of the common tour to alert the public on the implications
• Entry requirements : Students with STPM, A’Level, SAM, SSAM.CPU, Indian PU, UEC and wildlife ingredients used in Chinese medi- of the new wildlife act. Apart from Monday’s
other equivalent qualification can apply for direct entry to 1st year medicine cine. briefing in Shah Alam, they will be going to
• Entry requirements : SPM students with Full results and forecast can apply to join
Foundation study in Windfield International College to oin 1st year KSMU in Sept 2011
“Many manufacturers or retailers get into Hulu Langat, Sabak Bernam and Hulu Sel-
or Feb 2012 trouble because they think they don’t need a angor.
• Assistance for loans and others provided permit as long as they are using the ingredi- The public can contact Selangor Perhilitan
ents for medical purposes,” she said. at selangor@wildlife.gov.my or call 03-5519
For Further Information Contact www.ksmu.com.my
When asked by Selangor Times, she said 3915 / 03-5510 1830 for any enquiries.
MAGGARAM SDN BHD (P – 825616) Contact :
she has had no trouble dealing with Perhilitan The full list of protected wildlife can be
Sole And Exclusive Representative For KSMU In Malaysia DATO’ M.V.RAJU : 019 3520249
C-19-02, Dataran 3 Two, No .2, Jalan 19/1, Seksyen 19, MRS.RENUGA : 017 3661578 over the years. found in the Wildlife Conservation Act
46300 Petaling Jaya, selangor Darul Ehsan OFFICE : 03 79568006
EMAIL : v_magaram@hotmail.com FAX : 03 79577006
Although Perhilitan has yet to iron out 2010, which can be downloaded at www.
many licensing details, Khairi assured the wildlife.gov.my.
news
march 4 — 6, 2011 7
Know Your
ing for parents of young drug ad-
dicts, who don’t want their children
charged with a record of drug
Councillor:
abuse,” said Pastor Samuel Krishnan,
who manages the home.
He believes the service they pro-
vide is vital in saving and restoring
the youths. Often, he said, he has
found that the fault lies in parents
who are neglectful and absent. The
Cheah
home therefore acts as a bridge be-
tween parents and children to re-
store their relationship.
A 17-year-old resident said al-
Sang Soon
though the role of his parents was a Top: A party held for staff, By Yasleh Hani Mat Yassin
volunteers and residents,
major factor, it was not what led past and present.
him to drugs. SUBANG JAYA: Although he lives in
“[It] was peer pressure. I was 14 Right: Pastor Samuel Shah Alam, Cheah Sang Soon (pix) serves as
when I was pressured into trying Krishnan. a Subang Jaya Municipal (MPSJ) councillor
cigarettes. From then on, it slowly because his office is located there.
upgraded to drugs,” said the teen, Far right: Charan Jeep “I help people in two ways. One as a poli-
who is not named for his protection. Singh, 42, a graduate cymaker, making sure I help create policies
He said once he got into drugs, of the home’s drug which will benefit the residents. And on the
it was hard to stop. Nothing gave rehabilitation programme. administrative side, I act as an intermediary
him greater joy, or put an end to his between the people and the council,” said the
boredom or frustration, than the third-term councillor.
drugs, he said. In charge of Zone 18, which covers
The resident said before entering Bandar Kinrara, Taman Bukit Kinrara, Ta-
the home, he would wake up won- neighbours, under supervision. This is physically symbolised by achieved a 100% recovery rate man Puncak Kinrara and Taman Perindus-
dering how he was going to get high “We are taught how to live upgrading through four rooms through the programme. trian Bukit Kinrara, the common complaints
that day – a scary thought now that without drugs, to be at peace that represent the different traits. Charan, who is now a delivery in his area are garbage collection, unre-
he is on the road to recovery, having without them,” said Chandra Their studies are also com- person, credits his time in the paired roads and licensing issues.
completed two months of a two- Darshanan, 33. bined with a focus on faith in home for giving him a strong “For immediate problems which I can
year rehabilitation and restoration “Eventually, we become like God. foundation, and said he doesn’t handle myself, such as garbage collection, I
programme. family as we sleep, eat and play After two years, it is hoped think of or desire drugs anymore. will contact the contractor, Alam Flora Sdn
What is scarier is how quickly sports with [one another].” that each resident will be re- Six people have graduated Bhd, to deal with the matter.
drug use is becoming a trend among Chandra got into drugs be- stored to being a contributing from the programme since the “However, for problems which require a
the young, and how easy it is to get cause it was the norm back home. member of society, and to set an home was established in 2004. It bigger budget, such as road repairs or creation
hold of the more popular drugs such He has been in the programme example for all. is mainly funded by Damansara of parks, I will have to apply for the budget
as Ketamine, he added. for two months. The time spent at the centre Utama Methodist Church from MPSJ,” said Cheah.
The rehabilitation programme is The residents follow a very stays with those who have grad- (DUMC), and works closely Another common issue for Cheah is li-
compulsory for all residents. Other strict schedule, with no access to uated. with and receives contributions censing of illegal hawkers. As far as possible,
requirements are that the potential television or newspapers. They “Here we are at peace, a fam- from Agensi Anti-Dadah Ke- he tries to get them licensed if they fulfill the
resident has to be between the ages do their laundry by hand to build ily, protected and well loved. It is bangsaan (AADK). conditions, such as if the site they are situ-
of 17 and 45, and must not have any character and discipline, and to such a contrast to the rest of the It is hoped that the home will ated on is convenient and not in the way.
serious criminal charges such as avoid idleness which could tempt world out there,” said Charan expand to have a separate house Cheah said the most challenging aspect of
murder or robbery. them back to drugs. Jeep Singh, 42. for female residents. Currently it his job is dealing with unhappy ratepayers
Residents live a communal life, The largest part of their life in Charan got into drug addic- is only able to offer consultation, over policies or decisions the council has
helping one another with house- the home is the study and prac- tion by experimenting with “soft” due to the close quarters and made. According to him, there will always be
hold tasks such as cooking, clean- tice of virtues to adopt seven key drugs before getting into harder male population of the home. a small group who will be unhappy no matter
ing , plumbing and gardening , characteristics: forgiveness, obe- substances, which led him into a For more information on the what policy or decision is made.
which teaches them self-sufficiency. dience or respect for authority, downward spiral. He was in the Breakthrough house, call 03- “An example would be if we issued a li-
Some of them are now skilled sincerity, self control, truthful- home from 2007 to 2009, and is 7954 2027 or email Samuel.k@ cence to a kindergarten operator so they can
enough to take on small jobs for ness, patience and responsibility. an example of someone who has ces.org.my open their kindergarten in a residential area.
Some residents don’t like this, but we cannot
Klang council raids entertainment outlets do anything about it because the by-laws al-
low for kindergartens to operate in corner
lots in residential areas,” said Cheah.
Despite the grouses, he still finds it satisfy-
By Brenda Ch’ng locations for illegal drugs and prostitution massage parlour, while the men, who tested ing to serve as a councillor as he feels that he
have already been identified,” said Andry positive for drug use, were picked up at enter- is contributing to the development of the
klang: A suspected sex worker and two Aman. tainment outlets. township in the MPSJ area.
drug addicts were among those arrested dur- The Klang Municipal Council (MPK) MPK said on Tuesday the raids were car- When not busy with his own engineering
ing ongoing operations to curb vice activities enforcement director headed the joint opera- ried out to curtail vice activities among youths company, spending time with his wife and
at entertainment centres here last week. tions with officers from the National Anti- in the town. Urine tests were also carried out three children and his job as councillor,
“This raid will not be the last but the first Drug Agency. on both staff and patrons of the outlets that Cheah enjoys reading, playing badminton
of many more. In fact, several other possible The suspected sex worker was arrested in a were raided. and football, and travelling.
8
news
march 4 — 6, 2011
Expect garbage
collection glitches,
residents told
By Gan Pei Ling the system.
To ensure fairness, concerned
Subang jaya: Residents here parliamentarians like Dr Siti Ma-
have been warned to expect some riah Mahmood (Kota Raja) and
disruption during the transition Khalid Samad (Shah Alam) sug-
period when new sub-contractors gested a lottery system for MPSJ to
take over garbage collection services select shortlisted companies with
this month. the same pricing.
“Please bear with us, the transi- Rajiv expressed hope that Sub-
tion period shouldn’t take too long,” ang Jaya residents would be patient
Rajiv Rishyakaran told Selangor while the state and the council at-
Times. tempted to resolve the issue as soon
The councillor, from the Subang as possible.
Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ), MPSJ is the first local council to
said some existing contractors, un- carry out an open tender exercise
happy at not being selected via the for its waste disposal services in Restaurant owners receiving their rubbish bins.
new open tender system, had al- Selangor.
ready stopped providing services in
Zone Bersih launched in Kota Damansara
The council initiated the exercise
February. after consulting the state and solid
At the USJ 11/3 Residents As- waste management company Alam
sociation’s third anniversary celebra- Flora, as it estimated that it could
tion recently, Rajiv said residents in save them RM3.5 million a year. petaling jaya: In a bid to promote cleanliness, cleanliness.
USJ 2 and USJ 6 had complained Previously, Alam Flora appointed Kota Damansara has become the newest township to According to Roslan, selection of the clean zones is
that their rubbish had not been col- the sub-contractors at its own dis- be earmarked as Zone Bersih by the Petaling Jaya City based on several criteria issued by the Selangor state
lected for a week. cretion. MPSJ was spending RM70 Council (MBPJ). government, including cleanliness observation, infra-
He urged those facing similar million out of its RM200 million “Cleanliness must not only be enforced by the local structure maintenance, landscape maintenance, public
problems to alert MPSJ or its coun- annual budget to pay Alam Flora. authorities, but it must also garner the support and facilities maintenance, complaints management, and
cillors so they could help resolve it. Although MPSJ now selects the commitment of all the residents and restaurant owners community involvement.
Rajiv added that MPSJ is likely sub-contractors, Alam Flora will in the area,” said Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman. There are 368 units of shop lots, including 115 res-
to extend the service of existing sub- continue to manage the sub-con- The MBPJ mayor opened the programme at Data- taurants, in Dataran Sunway.
contractors until the new ones se- tractors and receive commission for ran Sunway last Saturday. “Restaurant owners must realise that cleanliness is
lected via open tender could take its services. Earlier this year, SS2 was also designated as Zone important. Opening a restaurant is not just about mak-
over. The local council received more Bersih in the city. ing profits,” he said.
The state had suspended the than 7,800 applications from 1,124 Roslan said he was proud of the initiative by prop- Kota Damansara assemblyperson Dr Nasir Hashim,
council’s open tender exercise on companies for 241 contracts, in erty developer Sunway City Berhad to keep the city Petaling Jaya city councillor Kandeah Subramaniam
Feb 17 after allegations surfaced that which 61 are for rubbish collection clean. and Sunway City Berhad (Property Development,
certain council members with links and the rest for cleaning jobs. The aim of the programme is to create awareness Malaysia) managing director Ho Hon Sang were pre-
to bidders might attempt to abuse All tenders are now closed. and educate the community on the importance of sent at the launch.
news
march 4 — 6, 2011 9
MPK eyes
parking
concession
takeover
By Alvin Yap
Wet
parking in the Klang municipal area. has the legal provision to terminate
The additional cost, she said, the contract with Suasa Efektif.
might come from having to replace He said it was unfair of the com-
faulty parking machines. pany to collect 70 sen for every
“That is why MPK president
(Datuk Mislan Tugiu) directed the
respective committees to make a
parking fee.
According to an MPK official on
Wednesday, the period of agreement market
to be
study. We don’t want to waste between MPK and Suasa allows the
money if it doesn’t benefit the coun- concessionaire to collect parking fees
cil and ratepayers,” said Norfiza. for 20 years.
Work with us to keep improved Lee speaking to hawkers and traders on plans to refurbish the wet
market last Thursday.
Teohlogy
patrick teoh Do we get what
T
more.
he old saying goes that you get what you pay
for. Or there’s the other one that says when you
pay peanuts you will get monkeys, although at
today’s prices that may not altogether be true any-
jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec jan feb mar apr may jun
2009
20 10
20 11
T
urning underprivileged youths into a proficient and skilled
workforce may not sound like the best method to instill
character formation in an age where paper qualifications
are prized, but Montfort Boys Town (MBT) has been successful
A turning
point in life
in transforming them into graduates who are in high demand.
For over 50 years, the welfare home in Shah Alam has taken in
youths who might not have benefited from a more academic course
of study, or might have missed out on a chance for higher education
due to financial problems.
for youths
Started as an orphan welfare home in 1957, Montfort’s youths
come from dysfunctional families and economically challenged
households who might not be able to afford private education for
their children. The enrolment also includes youths from Orang
Asli tribes.
“They are the youths at risk,” said Montfort Boys Town director
Brother John Albert.
Receiving these youths has inadvertently given Montfort a Brother John Albert
reputation for taking in “naughty boys”. ance”. The programme, of their campus. for the workforce.
“Montfort has a stigma, that it’s a added Brother John, is Being a welfare home and skills- Through a series of on-the-job-training
naughty boys’ school,” said Brother John, The youths are referred to as “stressful.” training “academic centre”, Montfort is and appraisals, the trainees move up the
adding that he does not deny that the 16- ‘diamonds in the rough’, and while Through tasks and governed by the Ministry of Welfare and difficult path of mastering increasingly
to 18-year-olds who arrive at Montfort’s the students may have disciplinary on-the-job -training its legislation, and the Human Resource harder skills.
gate have disciplinary problems. issues, they are capable of (Montfort, after all, is a Ministry. The former is responsible for giv- This is because the instructors at
The youths are referred to as “diamonds mastering trade skills.” technical higher educa- ing food subsidies worth over RM400,000 Montfort prepare the students for prac-
in the rough”, and while the students may tion centre of learning) a year to feed 362 trainees. tical skills competency, and not paper
have disciplinary issues, they are capable being turned into a skilled, licensed and that feature heavily in the course, trainees Montfort lays claim to being one of qualifications.
of mastering trade skills. highly sought tradesperson. are constantly monitored and evaluated by the oldest accredited technical training “The trainees are not going into the real
Some have become millionaires, and To this end, youths who enrol every peers and staff. centres in Malaysia. world with a certificate that one gets to
are key players in the engineering and May receive a regimented life of rules, but They also “own the community”, as “We hold the National Vocational hang on a wall,” said Brother John.
manufacturing industries. more importantly, they have the place and Montfort is indeed a self-sufficient town- Training Council (MLVK) licence No The instructors know that their stu-
Youths are trained physically, academi- space to grow by taking on ever-increasing ship. MLVK L0002,” said Brother John. dents are not “dream students”, said
cally and – most importantly – technically responsibilities. It is not a private or even public campus The instructors are themselves techni- Brother John. The instructors, he added,
in the two-year Montfort course. Brother Upon graduation, the disadvantaged where maids or staff are on hand to serve cally proficient licence holders in addition teach and impart knowledge to students
John refers to it as “character formation”. background will be something of the past the needs of the trainees. Indeed, the 33- to holding Vocational Training Officer who have various difficulties in their stud-
The core of the Montfort Boys pro- for many graduates. They move on, said acre compound is maintained mostly by qualifications. ies due to their “emotional brokenness”, or
gramme in Malaysia is its Residential and Brother John. the youths. There is hardly a need to call Competent in theory and practical self-esteem problems.
Vocational Skills Training course, a two- The programme moulds the trainee in a a plumber, electrician and welder as the knowledge, the staff are given the impor- Currently, Montfort offers Electrical, who can carry out ship welding,” said The trainees are so highly sought that budget of RM6 million. also meant the sacrifices of its staff are
year stint that sees a fresh school-leaver holistic way and is geared towards “endur- trainees apply their skills for the upkeep tant responsibility of preparing trainees Machining, Motor Mechanics, Weld- Brother John. a few months before graduation in May, Parents who enrol their children all the more treasured.
ing, Printing, Computer Maintenance, In the same way, the Graphic Design some 70 companies will set up booths at contribute with a minimum donation Due to the nature of charitable fund-
History of Montfort
Graphic Design & Multimedia, Bakery & Multimedia department invites exter- Montfort’s lobby to interview them, he of RM150 on top of admission fees ing, the staff give up an opportunity to
The best place to and Pastry and Hospitality.
The industrial-based skills take place in
nal speakers to deliver courses on the
current industry software for computer
said. The trainees have the pick of which that cover safety gear like boots, gloves, earn yearly bonuses and overtime pay.
industry they want to enter. goggles and ear plugs. “We’re not certain how much money
Boys Town learn practical skills factory floors in fully fledged workshops. graphics manipulation. On students who drop out, he said But true to its founding figure’s vi- we will get next year and beyond,” he
Alarms bells, klaxon horns together with This is done to ensure that trainees some 10-20% opt to quit for various sion, Montfort waives both admission said. But the staff are unfazed because
the din of tools and machines underscore are marketable. reasons. fees and donations for poor students. they come to the gates to realise the
the fact that the trainees are on their way Similarly, the Motor Mechanics However, the staff strive to minimise Students must demonstrate that vision of the Brothers – that Montfort
By Yasleh Hani Mat Yassin K S ivaku mar maintenance work on the press, he said. to being tradespeople. department collaborates with Bosch the number of students who quit mostly they qualify for assistance provided by Boys Town be dedicated to the develop-
( p i x ) left Penang Sivakumar graduated in 1989, and after In the Electrical faculty, each batch of automotive engineering to provide due to academic reasons. Montfort. Trainees are not bonded but ment of youths.
The history of Montfort Boys Town begins with St Louis Marie de island in 1986 to working for four years, started his own printing trainees is allotted a makeshift cemented additional study modules. In this case, For those who cannot keep up with are made to sign commitment
Montfort, who was born in France in 1673 and died in 1716. He
founded three religious congregations of which the Brothers of
atten d Montf o r t company. room complete with fuse box, electrical Bosch operates a Diesel Fuel injection theory and academic studies, instructors letters.
Saint Gabriel is one of them. Boys Town through a The machines in his factory such as Heidelberg sockets and wiring to hone their electri- engineering course. Trainees learn to will motivate them to make up with He said financial problems
The Brothers of Saint Gabriel is a religious congregation in the recommendation by a relative who graduated a are well known in the printing world. Montfort cian’s skills. They draw and design wiring service and overhaul parts of a diesel practical skills.
Catholic Church dedicated to the education and welfare of children few years before him. boasts four Heidelbergs, which are manufactured circuits in the room. engine. “The industry is ever
and youth, especially those abandoned by society. In light of this, He wanted to join the motor mechanics in the United States. They are “monstrously” huge Graduates enter the workforce at ap- Not many people know this, but willing to accept people
de Montfort founded a free school for poor boys and girls on the department but instead was streamed into printing machines and might be considered old, prenticeship level or higher. This is due Montfort receives vehicles for servicing, who can weld, operate
streets in 1711 in the town La Rochelle. printing. The mastery of the technical skills stayed but Sivakumar swears the 32-year-old machines to the exposure the trainees are given at
It was his love for the poor that moved him to inscribe the saying
giving the students a chance to hone a machine. They might
that is found in every Montfort town in the world: “Those whom with him, and in 1994, he started his own are the best out there. Montfort. their skills while under their instructors’ not read or write reports,
the world rejects must move you the most!” printing press. That’s why Sivakumar knows he can rely on For example, in the welding depart- supervision. but can get the work
“Their mission was to take care of boys and girls on the streets, Montfort, he said, is the best place to learn Montfort graduates, for apart from the right ment, trainees master their skills up to the The level of training the trainees done as skilled techni-
and for three centuries now, their work has been in education,” said practical skills. attitude, any graduate he employs is already adept technical category called Special Quality receive ensures that they are snapped cians,” said Bro John.
Montfort Boys Town director Brother John Albert. Industries using machinery, he added, will in operating a press. Welding, where professional welders from up by the industry. The major struggle
The Montfort mission came to Malaya through schools set up always need skilled workers who can operate “Any employer wants a worker who can hit the oil and gas industry will verify the “We receive calls from companies for the administrators of
in Batu Pahat, Muar and Segamat.
On Oct 1, 1959, Brothers Henry, Roberge, Evariste and Fernand
them. the ground running, that is he can start working welding quality. asking if Montfort has trainees who are Montfort Boys Town has
from The Brothers of Saint Gabriel established Montfort Boys Town A technically competent printer is not only with little or no training. That is why Montfort “Our students can actually join as weld- are ready to graduate. After all, these been finance. The centre
by buying a tract of land in an abandoned rubber estate located able to print large quantities of high-quality work, will always be the organisation many employers ers in the shipyard industry. They are not are skilled trainees,” said Montfort depends on public fund-
at Batu Tiga in Shah Alam. but should have the capability to carry out will look to when hiring new staff,” he said. your normal welders, but professionals public affairs and fundraising manager ing for almost up to 85% Acquiring practical skills in the motor
The four Brothers had a special dream of setting up a home that Jamie Loo. of its yearly operating Students in the computer class. workshop.
would take care of the welfare of boys, mostly orphans.
“It was the post-World War period, and a lot of boys were made
orphans,” said Brother John.
Of Crime, Statistics,
and Silly
People Ask Lord Bobo is a weekly column by
LoyarBurok (www.loyarburok.com)
where all your profound,
abstruse, erudite, hermetic, recondite,
sagacious, and other thesaurus-
described queries are answered!
W
hen will we be able to take a walk in our own But the public perception of the police force is very, very In the meantime, the prosecution of high-profile cases has
country without having the fear of being low. It is not unreasonable to suggest that the average man-in- consistently been unsuccessful, which inevitably leads many
robbed, mugged, etc? @kennethwpl, via Twitter the-street is only slightly less fearful and suspicious of the to conclude that — contrary to what Hollywood tells us -
If you were to believe the statistics that have been bandied police than he is of criminals. perhaps crime does pay.
about by the official channels over the past few months, you This is hardly surprising. The priorities of the police force We need to inject professionalism and integrity into the
would think the crime rate in Malaysia has gone down tremen- seem to be the following, from highest to lowest: police force and the AG’s Chambers. The key measures to be
dously. 1. To provide outrider service to an unbelievably long list of taken towards this end must be to make both institutions more
If you were to believe the statistics that have been bandied ministers, officials, and anyone with a vague semblance of accountable to the people, and not merely have them answer
about by the official channels over the past few months, you a link to these so-called “VIPs”. It is of national importance to the Government of the day.
would be very silly indeed. that these individuals do not get stuck in traffic, obviously. Two solutions come to mind — set up the Independent
It is undeniable that crime is a major problem in Malaysia. 2. To obstruct citizens from exercising their constitutional Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission, and make
Some say that crime is prevalent because the police and the right to express themselves and to freely assemble by clamp- the AG’s Chambers answerable to Parliament. Unfortunately,
prosecution are largely incompetent and corrupt. ing down on peaceful and legitimate protests against the the present Federal Government is unwilling to do either.
Any discussion about the competency or otherwise of the policies and actions of the Federal Government, the latest On the other side of the coin, the level of unemployment
police force will inevitably distill down to the underlying issues example of which is the Hindraf march on Feb 27. must be reduced. There is a direct correlation between rising
of low remuneration, poor training, and major systemic flaws 3. Dealing with crime. When we say “dealing with” we obvi- unemployment and petty crime. To reduce unemployment,
that are not the fault of the individual officers. ously mean manning the computers at police stations and the Government has to teach people how to fish, and create
jobs.
To teach, there has to be a revamp of the education system,
Speedy processing of
and abolition of the many laws that restrict thought and ex-
pression. To create jobs, there must first exist a proper environ-
ment that nurtures business and entrepreneurship.
In order to carry out both successfully, there must be
Non-Muslim places
of worship
need more help
IT is time the Selangor state government
gave more financial allocations and
assistance to non-Muslim places of
worship. Pre-sently, the annual al-
location of about RM3 million for
roughly 9,000 houses of worship is
simply not enough to go around
considering the number of applica-
tions for aid.
Selangor is the most religiously diverse state in the
country, with large numbers of Christians, Hindus, Buddhists,
Executive councillors with committee members of the USJ 16 Residents Association at the function. Sikhs, Taoists and other denominations apart from the majority
Demystifying HDTV
By Edwin Yapp
The only other
I
n my last column, we considered
what are the fundamental differ- source of HDTV
ences between plasma, LCD and is through Bluray
LED-backlight TVs. All these new discs, which are
generation TVs are able to present
brilliant images and moving pictures
currently limited and
primarily because of the pixel detail expensive (RM80-
they are able to process and display. RM160 per movie),
For the most part, most of the and must be played
programmes and video available on over a Bluray disc
terrestrial and satellite TV are con- player (RM800-
fined to what is known as standard
definition TV (SDTV). So really, RM1500).”
buying these new generation TVs
would only be meaningful if you buyers are “HD Ready” and “Full
have high definition (HDTV ) HD.” In a nutshell, the term HD
content to go along with it. Ready refers to a minimum standard
This is where there seems to be a for high definition content but is not
lot of confusion over what HDTV necessarily the top-end specification.
is, and we shall attempt to unravel A HD Ready TV has 720 lines (verti-
the mystery behind HDTV. cal), while Full HD comprises 1080
lines (vertical) per screen.
Back to basics Also related to this is the term
To appreciate HDTV, we need 1080i or 1080p. The “i” refers to
to learn about the basics of how “interlaced” and the “p” refers to
TVs display their images. TV images “progressive.” The two terms refer to
are made up of lines that appear on how the TV draws the lines on the
a screen. Logically speaking, the screen. Interlaced scanning means
more lines that appear, the more the lines are drawn alternatively
details your eye can perceive. Con- between even and odd line num- can differentiate between the two. or a dining room, you may want to The only other source of HDTV
ventional TVs or SDTV content bers, while progressive means that consider something larger, either an is through Bluray discs, which are
have 480 lines per screen (vertically the lines are drawn line by line in Size and type of TV LCD, or plasma. currently limited and expensive
measured). This is where HDTV sequence with each other. Progres- As a general rule of thumb here Personally, I’m rather partial to (RM80-RM160 per movie), and
trumps SD as HDTV has at least sive scanning essentially gives better are the guidelines: If you’re planning plasma TVs as the ideal image I look must be played over a Bluray disc
720 lines per screen. picture quality over interlaced scan- to put your TV between five to eight for in a TV is that it must reflect player (RM800-RM1500).
The next two terms that confuse ning but in reality, not many buyers feet from you, then aim for a 40-42 real life and I find that LCD and LED T Vs today are priced
inch screen. If you LED-backlight TVs are too bright between RM4,000 and RM8,500
have the space for 10- for my taste. Of the three types of depending on sizes as compared to
12 feet, you can aim technology, plasmas have the most conventional LCD TVs which are
for 50-inch upwards. natural looking visuals. between RM3,000 and RM7,000.
So which should Plasmas can range between
you buy ? Plasma , Final words RM2,500 and RM6,000.
LCD, or LED-back- In Malaysia, HDTV is currently In the final analysis, whether you
light? If you’re plan- only available through Astro, which choose an LED-backlight TV or a
ning to buy a TV for began broadcasting through its conventional LCD TV or even a
a small room, say a new Astro Byond packages last Plasma TV depends on your budget
bedroom, an LCD March. Telekom Malaysia also has and how comfortable you feel
TV is currently the a limited number of HDTV chan- about the images you’re watching.
m o st e c o n o m i c a l nels through its recently launched Remember one person’s preference
as you can get HD Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) but is not the same as another’s, so it’s
Ready ones for less they are only available to subscrib- important to compare all technolo-
than RM2,000. If ers via specially installed fibre optics gies and take your time in making
you’re equipping a hall into your home. your decision.
Subang Jaya
Talent Quest
SUBANG JAYA: Subang Jaya is set to get Yeoh added that talented young singer
its first entertainment idol this month. Juwita Suwito will be the competition’s judge.
The Subang Jaya Talent Quest, organised The winner will win RM3,000 cash.
by Subang Jaya assemblyperson Hannah Contestants must be residents within
Yeoh’s office, will showcase creative perfor- Yeoh’s constituency and amateurs in their
mances from youth aged 17 and below. talent field.
Participants can choose to sing, dance, play The talent quest is open to individual and
a musical instrument, juggle, perform magic group performers but group performers must
tricks, impersonate a celebrity or perform any be multi-racial, with a mix of two or more
other talent they have to win the contest. races.
“Audition is on March 12 and the final Interested participants must send in their
showdown will be on March 27 at Sunway registration forms by March 10 to sjtal-
Pyramid,” announced Yeoh last Saturday entquest@gmail.com.
during USJ11/3 residents’ association For more information, please visit www.
gathering. facebook.com/sjtalentquest.
Fiction 17
March 4 — 6, 2011
E
ileen knew she shouldn’t have the window and stared out at the can do that hor,” said Ko. ship riding the waves. Far below motorcycle. Eileen closed her eyes,
listened to her brother. world. He lifted a flap next to the radio, them horns blared; people were nausea rising in her throat.
Confucius should have The cars rumbled unpeaceably. revealing a large red button. Eileen screaming. The Proton smashed She had always known there was
included a get-out clause in the Exhaust smoke clouded over the had never seen it before. another car underfoot. something crazy living inside her
Analects, she thought. Respect fragile sweetness of the morning air. Ko slammed the button with the “That was just a Kancil!” Eileen brother. This something was his
your elders – except when they are In every car each driver sat in im- butt of his palm. protested. brain.
idiots. pressive solitude, like a man keep- “That’s why I did this!” “The driver was probably an ass “Is it slowing down?” she said,
“Come, I drive you to work,” Ko ing watch in a lighthouse, or a He had to yell to be heard over anyway,” said Ko. swallowing.
had said in the morning. “I fixed the regicide on a stolen throne. the huge tearing noise that shook “What the hell did you do to our Ko looked annoyed.
Proton last weekend. Want to see “Do you realise,” Eileen said to the car. car?” said Eileen. “We’re running out of frustra-
whether it works or not.” her brother, “I know the streets The Proton juddered and rose “You know how Ma ordered tion,” he said. He frowned down at
Eileen had demurred: “No, it’s of London so much better than into the air. The heads in all the chicken feet when we went for dim the crowded road. “Only one per-
OK. I’ll take the LRT.” the streets of PJ? Even though other cars turned to look at them. sum last week?” said Ko. “She son per car, means there’s not
“Come lah,” said Ko. “No point I was born here, and I study Eyes went round. Jaws dropped. didn’t finish because she’s dieting. enough feelings in the air. People
you drive to the LRT station and then in UK three years only. But all I see “What did you do?” screamed Nobody else wanted them. I should carpool. But look,” he
have to wait for the train. Might as of this city is through this pane of Eileen. She looked out of the thought, so wasted to throw away. crowed, “we’re there already!”
well I drive you all the way.” glass. Not like the glass is very clean window and regretted it. Their Why not use them?” They had reached the toll
“But you know I hate the jam,” also.” distance from the ground was “But how–?” booths. Chicken Chicken chose a
said Eileen. Her brother was not much of a dizzying. “Jampi lah then,” said Ko. “You lane and settled down with a happy
“Don’t worry. We’ll go by high- philosopher. He said, “ You Legs extended from the bottom think this is science meh? cluck.
way,” said Ko. “I know a special way remember that show we used to of their car: yellow, scaly legs, with “It’s very green, though,” he “One more step, and we’re on
to get there. Very fast one! I tell you, watch when we were small? British sharp witch’s talons on the ends of added. “Those legs don’t run on the highway,” said Ko. “Good old
you won’t even notice the jam.” movie. There was a car that can fly, their thin curving toes. petrol, know! They’re powered by ayam – wait! Basket!”
Now here they were, stuck in you remember? When you pressed “I pimped my ride,” said Ko pure frustration. You know or not Eileen somehow knew what was
an unmoving car, in a sea of un- the button, suddenly got wing and exultantly. “I call it Chicken Chick- how much of the atmosphere is coming. Any girl with a brother
moving cars. They hadn’t even got propellor come out.” en Bang Bang!” made up of frustration?” knows what stupid looks like.
to the toll. “Hah! Yes,” said Eileen. “Chitty The car crushed a Mercedes “On a Monday morning on the “I forgot the Touch ‘n’ Go card,”
The toll booths wavered in the Chitty Bang Bang, right?” under its foot. way to KL?” said Eileen. said Ko.
Scuba diving in PJ
By Alicia Mun 40 and above,” she said.
She added that the project aimed at
PETALING JAYA: You do not need to go to increasing the statistics of divers in the country
the East Coast to learn how to be a diver. by reaching out to 1% of the population, or over
Over the weekend, three organisations – 280,000 citizens, to be certified divers by the
Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE), year 2013.
AsiaEvents Exsic (AEE) and the Petaling Jaya “We want to make a name for Malaysia as a
Municipal Council (MBPJ) – jointly held a diving hub since our country is blessed with so
scuba-diving clinic to raise awareness, and to many beautiful islands such as Sipadan in Sabah,
motivate and educate young Malaysians on what East Malaysia, which has been rated by many
scuba diving is all about. dive journals as one of the top dive destinations
“As part of the project, we will be having in the world.”
roadshows and scuba-diving clinics that are Members of the public are welcome to join
open to the public for free every first and third the upcoming roadshows and clinics to learn
Sunday of the month, from now until the end about the fundamentals of scuba diving.
of the year within the PJ vicinity,” said MIDE Participants will gain hands-on experience in The mobile pool for participants to gain hands-on experience.
and AEE director Ness Puvanes. the basics of diving , including breathing
The first roadshow was conducted at the techniques, how to use the apparatus, knowledge brought her son and two of his
Arena PJ sports complex last Sunday. of the underwater world, information on marine friends to the scuba-diving
“ With over 28 million in population, life, and much more, in a mobile pool under the clinic, said she has always
Malaysia currently has approximately only guidance of certified diving instructors. encouraged her son to try out
120,000 certified divers from the age of eight to Single mother Faridah Mahfodz, who new activities as she believes
that children and teenagers
should be given opportunities
to learn different skills.
This community project is
supported by Tourism Selan-
gor, Bukit Gasing assembl- Brothers Muhd Ryzam bin Abdul Azis, 10 (left),
yperson Edward Lee, the Pro- and Muhd Raflis bin Abdul Azis, 11 (right), with
fessional Association of Div- their friend, Muhammad Faiz bin Ramle, 11
ing Instructors, and Scuba (centre), listening intently to their instructor.
Schools International.
For details on the up-
coming events, log on to
www.mide.com.my.
The first
roadshow and
clinic of the
year at Arena
PJ. Excited about their first lesson underwater.
18
Features
March 4 — 6, 2011
Works of our
The history, culture and traditions
of the people in this country are
seen in their traditional handicraft.
master craftsmen
LIN ZHENYUAN gains an insight
into what is truly Malaysia at the
current National Craft Day at
Kompleks Kraf KL.
E
very year in March at Kom-
pleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur,
the National Craft Day or
Hari Kraf Kebangsaan is held. It
goes on for about 12 to 14 days.
The halls of the venue are filled
with dozens of stalls exhibiting some
of the finest works of art by some of
Malaysia’s most talented craftsmen
in a variety of fields.
Their special skills include batik
printing , musical instruments,
blade-making, cake-making, sculp-
ture, wood-carving, ceramics, bam-
boo craft, basket weaving, hand-
woven textiles, etc.
This annual affair is an extrava-
ganza of the multi-cultural influ-
ences in Malaysia over the centuries.
It provides a showcase of the differ-
ent arts and crafts which exist in a Keroncong
long heritage trail that stretches music from
traditional
from Perlis to Sabah. instruments
Malaysia is one of the luckiest fills the
nations in Southeast Asia. We have hall where
incorporated some of the best tradi- fabric
tions and crafts from almost every materials
country in the region. are sold.
The beyond-our-shores influ-
ences can be seen in the way our that were homes of offered price if your ments filled the hall with the sound
different headgears are made. The some of our ancestors. Craftsmen, artisans and smile is wider and of music from the unforgettable
agricultural tools we used have his- The theme of this masters of special trades from matches theirs. yesteryear. It made me recall the
torical roots that can be traced to year’s Craft Day is Craftsmen, artisans Malay weddings in my old neigh-
Thailand, Philippines and a few “Craft Generates the Perak, Malacca, Johor, Pahang and and masters of special bourhood which also had music and
other countries. Economy”. From across Negri Sembilan have all assembled trades from Perak, Ma- impromptu dancing.
Our batik material and patterns the South China Sea, at Kompleks Kraf to display their lacca, Johor, Pahang At Tent A where the forest-based
reveal glimpses of an ancient past from the States of Sa- products. Their dexterity and and Negri Sembilan products are on display, the artistry
that go back to Indonesia and be- bah and Sarawak come expertise in using tools have resulted have all assembled at of craftsmen is evident in the home
yond. Even our wind musical instru- some finest craftsmen in handiworks of outstanding quality.” Kompleks Kraf to dis- deco objects and the ornamental
ments carry with them the rhythmic exhibiting an amazing play their products. garden pieces.
echoes of a heritage shared by so range of skills. hand-made crafts, we come to the Their dexterity and expertise in us- On the ground floor and at Tent
many people from faraway lands. From basket-weaving to the mak- realisation that sometimes we know ing tools have resulted in handi- F, traditional weapons and souvenirs
These beautiful crafts and other ing of goloks, parangs and beads, so little about their generations-old works of outstanding quality. are exhibited and are also for sale.
cultural decorative items are pres- Sabahans and Sarawakians seem to handicraft skills. The fine art of making wau or Most men will gravitate towards
ently on display at Kompleks Kraf have few equals. Their intricate I have a particular fondness from kites is in its full splendor at the these areas because of the latent
in Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur on baskets made from tree extracts from our brothers and sisters from across venue. There is even a craft museum “warrior spirit” embodied in their
the occasion of Hari Kebangsaan the jungle are as elaborate as they are the seas. They are a gentle lot. Their for visitors who want a quick lesson ancestors.
Kraf 2011. functional. eyes shine with kindness and with in Malaysian crafts. In Tent C & D, including ground
It is an opportunity not to be Their blades with carvings on the an innate understanding of human When I was there recently, there floor, fabrics are in their splendid
missed by those Malaysians who sheaths and handles are astound- nature. was a cultural performance showcas- and colourful excellence. Batik ma-
wish to get a deeper insight into our ingly beautiful. We in the Peninsula Some of them are shy but they are ing some memorable tunes from the terials from the different states show
multi-layered culture and follow the share a common heritage with them, never unfriendly. They are given to fun-loving keroncong era. that in a small country like Malaysia,
trail that leads to different regions and yet when we see and feel their easy laughter but will lower their The traditional musical instru- the clothing materials are not only
An assortment of keris that demand a high level of skill to make. Ceramic art objects for the home or office.
Features 19 March 4 — 6, 2011
✂
Take 5 minutes to fill this form up and drop it off at
the nearest police station to have regular checks
at your house while you are away.
..............................................................................................
Butiran penduduk:
Nama: ..................................................................................
Alamat: .................................................................................
..............................................................................................
..............................................................................................
..............................................................................................
Carved wood panels that can enhance the beauty of a home.
Tarikh meninggalkan rumah: ................................................
varied, they are also breathtakingly birthday of a relative will appear tion started on Feb 23 and will end
beautiful. next on the calendar. on March 7. It is a must-see trip for Tarikh dijangka balik ke rumah: ...........................................
With strength of wallets and Visitors who are more inclined the entire family because of the
purses permitting, there are also towards traditional cakes and cook- multitude of crafts and art objects. Kenderaan yang ditinggalkan (jenis model & nombor daftar
wide selections of decorations, gifts ies can treat themselves to demon- It will take an entire day to see, kenderaan).
and takeaways that you can purchase strations of the making of these cu- feel, touch and purchase the items
for friends, office colleagues and linary items. at Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur. 1. ..........................................................................................
family members. Opening hours of the Craft Day You will regret it if you miss the
You will never know when the are from 10am to 10pm. The exhibi- once-a-year opportunity. 2. ..........................................................................................
3. ..........................................................................................
Lain-lain maklumat:
..............................................................................................
............................................... .......................................
Tandatangan Tarikh
A slice of
Italiannies
By Yasleh Hani Mat Yassin
S
tepping into Italiannies – located on the first floor of 1
Utama’s new wing – for the first time, I immediately felt as
if I had been transported to a restaurant in Italy. The
atmosphere was quintessentially Italian thanks to the decor.
Impressed at face value, I couldn’t wait to see if the food was as
Italian as the setting. However, having to rush for time, I only
managed a cursory glance at its extensive menu. Even with that
short perusal I could see that the menu really paid homage to ole
Italia.
Having placed our order, I took in my surroundings. The tables
were covered with parchment paper, which I thought was practical
for the upkeep of the restaurant. Once the patrons left the table, Pan-fried fish served with a side of warm vegetable salad and covered with creamy Bechamel sauce.
the parchment dirtied with food stains could
be removed and replaced with a fresh one, our order with the wait-
while the tablecloth remained pristine. The fish was light and er. Luckily, the main
On each table were bottles of herb-infused dishes were spectacular
olive oil, black vinegar, pepper and salt. The fluffy on the tongue, cooked and were worth the
moment we settled into our seats, the waiter at the perfect temperature, wait.
poured the olive oil and vinegar on a plate for and was a delight to eat.” The pan-fried fish
us. While waiting for our appetisers, we nib- (RM27.90, inclusive of
bled on a complimentary serving of bread. with minced tomato topped with fresh aru- the pasta soup) was
There were two types: a soft wholemeal bread gula and drizzled with olive oil. I found this to served with a side of
and a rather crunchy white dinner bread. Dip- be really refreshing as the fresh ingredients and warm vegetable salad
ping the bread in the olive oil and vinegar olive oil really invigorated the appetite. How- and covered with a
mixture made for a really tasty beginning of ever, I found the bread to be toasted to a too- creamy Bechamel sauce.
our Italiannies journey. tough consistency. The fish was light and
Not long after, our appetisers arrived. The pasta soup was disappointing for it was fluffy on the tongue,
Choosing from the regular menu instead of too watery and contained too little pasta. It cooked at the perfect
the set two-course meal menu, I ordered Br- tasted like a watered-down version of minestro- temperature, and was a
uschettona (RM17.90) while my friend had ne. I would not recommend this. delight to eat. The
the pasta soup. The main course took quite a while to arrive, warm vegetable salad
The Bruschettona is a toasted bread served so much so that I had to resort to checking on complemented the fish Shrimp linguine: Pasta with plump and juicy shrimps, mixed
beautifully, making with marinara sauce.
palatable what could
have been – thanks to the sauce – too rich a It should be noted that the serving size of the
dish. dessert meant it was made for sharing; it
The shrimp linguine (RM24.90) really would be too much for one person to finish,
highlighted the shellfish, as it was dotted with especially after a full meal.
a lot of plump and juicy shrimps, which re- Italiannies is the perfect place to go to if
ally made the dish memorable. The marinara you want to experience an authentic Italian
sauce also gave the dish a wow effect. dining experience without going all the way
Feeling the full effect of the appetisers and to Italy. However, you should be warned that
main courses, we almost regretted asking for it is on the pricier side, and the service is quite
dessert. However, the deliciously warm raisin slow. Also, be prepared to feel really stuffed
bread pudding (RM11.90) was just heavenly. after a visit there.
Bruschettona: Toasted bread with minced tomato topped with fresh arugula
drizzled with olive oil.
Media 21
March 4 — 6, 2011
Hasfahlinda
Pizza party
for orphans
Mohamed
Hassan (right),
marketing
manager of
Domino’s
Pizza, By Yasleh Hani Mat Yassin acrobatic moves. The children were
presenting also encouraged to play with the
pizzas to M
Selvarajan,
KUALA LUMPUR: Domino’s two multicolored “lions”.
warden of Pizza brought cheer to the residents M Selvarajan, warden of the
Sinthamani of Sinthamani Divine Life Ashram home, said, “It was wonderful to
Divine Life when they organised a traditional have Domino’s Pizza and the lion
Ashram, Chinese lion dance and pizza party dance troupe visit us. The kids very
together with here recently. much enjoyed both the performance
the children The children were captivated by and the delicious pizzas. For some,
and lion the lion dance performance, which it was their first time experiencing
dance troupe. took place in different areas of the both!
orphanage and featured intricate “It was great to see the smiles on
everyone’s faces as we usher in this
State executive councillor Yaakob Sapari (fifth from left) releases fish into Tasik Kota Kemuning on
Monday in preparation for the first round of Selangor’s first Fishing Grand Prix on Sunday.
Young volunteers from Ipoh planting trees to rehabilitate degraded areas in the
Klang residents registering at a voter registering exercise organised by the Intan Raja Musa Forest Reserve in northern Selangor last Saturday. In an effort to protect
Mutiara Residents Association last Sunday. Election Commission officials were its forests, Selangor will produce a blueprint to conserve all its peat swamps and
on hand to assist the residents at the Bukit Tinggi housing estate. mangrove forests, totaling around 99,000ha.
culture 23 MARCH 4 — 6, 2011
R
www.klpac.org eadings From Readings (RM29, at decent book-
The powers that be (politicians, religious stores), a handsome volume of short fiction and
authorities, your mom) keep telling us poetry from Readings, one of the city’s oldest and
we can’t do certain things. “Don’t go most regular platforms for writers to share their work, was
for the street protest!” “Don’t have a launched on Feb 25.
date on Valentine’s Day, because it’s You need to pick it up.
haram!” and so on. This collection of
short plays — based on texts from the
The book is a solid piece of literature, with stories in both
English and Malay — sometimes in the same story. Brian
Kakiscripting Playwriting Competitions of
2007 and 2009 — promise to deal with Editor’s A Modern Woman Gomez’s a/p has shining examples of this linguistic syncre-
“cannot” culture and the coping methods
Malaysians resort to. “It’s bound to make
Pick Called Ang Tau Mui
Leow Puay Tin is one of theatre’s funnest voices.
tism, which so accurately reflects the Creole we use today:
Aishah didn’t blame Mama for being angry with [Ayah] or
you laugh, think, question.” Theatre performance Her coolest works explore randomisation and
Five Arts Centre chance, and their capacity to shape texts onstage.
for saying the things that she didn’t mean. She also hated the
Featuring Rosheen Fatima’s titular Ini Tak kencing syaitan, because it made Ayah forget her name.
Boleh Ni; Ho Sui-Jim’s Bird Flu — A Love The Annexe Gallery Take, for example, Leow’s Tikam-Tikam series,
Story; Julya Ooi’s Breakfast With The Central Market which features short vignettes whose order is Sometimes, he called her Asha. On the nights when he me-
Dogs; and Angeline Woon’s Panacea. With 10-13 March 2011 determined by the audience via a tikam-tikam mang really-really had too much to drink, he called her
a brand new piece, Shamaine Othman’s I free admission board. Anusha.
Am, You Are; and a restaging of Beautiful www.kakiseni.com But the playwright/academic is most well known On her first day of school, Aishah discovers she is not
Mine by David Lim, who also directs. for Ang Tau Mui, an earthy and incisive look at Malay: “Mana ada Melayu hitam-legam macam tu?” She
the lives, aspirations, and deaths of Chinese
really is Asha, separated from her twin Anusha by her con-
ARTs
Malaysians.
The titular Ang Tau Mui sold red bean soup at vert father — who, in a drunken flight from his first mar-
a dessert stall, got married at sixteen, washed riage, was seeing double, and thought he had already suc-
toilets, loved Hong Kong actress Lin Dai, and is cessfully abducted both his daughters.
now dying. As dramatic portrayals of a contentious social issue
“She talks to us about what makes her happy (unilateral religious conversion, in this case) go, Gomez’s
and sad, who she sees herself as, what her
favourite food is, and what her longings are. But in piece is one of the truest, most human I’ve read.
the end, does she find what she’s looking for?“ A fair number of Readings From Readings stories are
A Modern Woman Called Ang Tau Mui, part of surreal fables. The best is Cat, by prolific BM writer Uthaya
the new Kakiseni’s Women: 100 mega-festival, is Sankar SB. In it, a cat named Cat, with impressive creden-
actually a double bill. This weekend’s performance, tials, attends a job interview for a civil-servant managerial
directed by Chee Sek Thim and featuring Ho position:
Sheau Fung, is presented by Five Arts Centre;
next weekend, experimental theatre group Pentas
Anehnya keputusan temuduga menunjukkan Cat gagal.
Project presents the same text with their very Kononnya semasa Cat bercakap bahasa Itali, Jerman, Per-
own interpretation. My advice? Catch both. Free ancis, Jepun dan Hindi, bunyinya sama sahaja: miew-miew-
admission through online booking only. miew.
Bodoh betul penemuduga itu. Bukankah kucing Itali
berbunyi miew-miew-miew?
Cat soon learns. He is dipped into a can of cat (paint),
changing the colour of his fur; at the second interview he
Pekan Frinjan 18 keeps quiet. He immediately gets the job.
Street festival; Frinjan; Laman Menara Heh. We all know that’s how things work in Malaysia.
Jam, Dataran Shah Alam; It’s not just the prose that’s excellent; Readings From
5 March 2011; free admission; Readings also presents a serving of the excellent poetry
frinjan.blogspot.com Malaysian writers are turning out today: by Jerome Kugan,
Those busy bees from the Frinjan Priya K, Azwan Ismail.
collective return! This month, the Liyana Dizzy’s two-stanza Grand Parents is a heart-
Shah Alam street-fest fixture presents
a spectacular line-up of music, in
breaking portrait of her aging progenitors: if their love was
conjunction with the soft-launch of a sentence / he is the comma, she / a period, waiting for it to
Radio Demokratika, a compilation end.
record about “the fundamental rights
we are all guaranteed under the Federal FILM This anthology’s editors are veterans of the scene. Sha-
ron Bakar edited Silverfish Books’ fiction anthology, Col-
Constitution”. 12 Malay Movies lateral Damage; Bernice Chauly, a long-time writer and
Sound heavy? Have no fear. Just like, and how they reverberate with us poet, had a story in the inaugural Silverfish New Writing
check out this list of performers: pop Film screening; today.
sensation An Honest Mistake; rocking Five Arts Centre, Taman Tun Dr Ismail; Now here’s an opportunity to volume — possibly the first anthology of contemporary
shoe-gazers The Maharajah Commission; 26 & 27 February + 5 & 6 March 2011; experience (a fraction of) the Malaysian English-language fiction — back in 2000.
Thin Izzy; Lord Bobo’s Minions; and the free admission; 03-7725 4858; movies Amir saw. This weekend’s One only needs to compare the relatively juvenile entries
appropriately named Barcode, a music www.fiveartscentre.org screenings include Bayangan di in those books to the great stuff in Readings From Readings
outfit made out of lawyers. The title of Amir Muhammad’s 2010 Waktu Fajar (1963) a co-production to see how far we’ve come.
Also featuring music from Amirah book, 120 Malay Movies, doesn’t lie: with Indonesia; Kaki Kuda (1958), an
Ali, The Casual Passengers and Moi to write it, the writer sat down and entire film about horse-betting; and
Last Won; poetry and prose from writers watched 120 Malay-language films, Nora Zain Agen Wanita 001 (1967), a If you need more convincing, attend Readings From Readings @
Perewa Muda and Andenn Hassan, and all made between 1948 and 1972, fabulous James Bond clone. “This is No Black Tie, a prose and poetry reading night by writers from
much more! Accompanied by book stalls in chronological order. To what end? a very girly action movie; there’s even the book. No Black Tie, Jalan Mesui, KL; 7 March 2011;
and a fashion bazaar by Bijou Bazaar. To see what our past fantasies were a violent ambush on a beauty salon.” RM20; 03-2142 3737; thebookaholic.blogspot.com
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.